Although it was to brighten up in the evening, the skies were overcast when we went for a drive in the forest this afternoon.
We stopped at East Boldre to watch this chestnut pony slaking its thirst, as we thought, at one of the pools formed over waterlogged vegetation. This was taking some time. Slowly it dawned on me that the animal was in fact dining on its favourite vegetation. Occasionally coming up for air, liquid streamed from its muzzle as it chomped on the green stuff. This, it seemed, was vichyssoise for the ponies.
Opposite the corner of the East Boldre road and St Leonards Road stands what looks like a refurbished historic thatched house. In fact, Tom Whiteley Bespoke Homes has spent just a few months building this from scratch. We thought the brick extension, contemporary with the rest of the job, was a stroke of genius.
The corner opposite this house also bears an extensive covering of water. Another bay enjoyed its own helping of the soup.
Elizabeth joined us for dinner which consisted of Jackie’s delicious sausage casserole; creamy mashed potatoes; crunchy carrots and cauliflower; and tender green beans. Before that we enjoyed her vegetable soup with croutons. Elizabeth drank Beck’s Blue; Jackie drank Hoegaarden; and I drank Juicy Assemblage 2017.
Those horses look as though they are really enjoying their meal! Wonderful photos, as ever! Your meal sounds delicious – I am awaiting my evening meal, a beef casserole prepared by my kind and clever husband, and am very hungry!
Thanks very much, Clare. Enjoy your own casserole
I did, very much. Thank you, Derrick.
🙂
Your pony photos are both stunning and sweet, thanks for sharing Derrick
Thanks very much, Ivor
I love that fourth shot, Derrick! Looks like they’re getting there food and drink in one mouth full.
It does, indeed, Jill. Many thanks
Such a beautiful pony and clearly it’s meal is enjoyed as much as yours. Very clever house designing too – I like the thought that went into that.
Very many thanks, Pauline
I wonder whose dinner was more delicious, yours or the pony’s…
No contest, Dolly. Many thanks
My pleasure, Derrick
What a great post. I don’t know which I enjoyed more, the pony or the bespoke house…..yes I do, I enjoyed the pony more because there were more pictures of it.
Much appreciated, Tootlepedal. I did wonder if I had overdone it, but I wanted to show the gradual realisation of what was going on. I will look out for more of Tom Whiteley’s houses.
I note both you and the ponies had vegetable soup although I’m sure Jackie’s was much better.
I wondered if anyone would spot that, Susanne. It was. Thanks very much.
Wonderful photo essay on the ponies and their vichyssoise! 🙂
The thatched houses always surprise me. I don’t think we have anything like that here.
Thanks very much, Merril. Very much the norm in this part of England
Beautiful pics of these horses Derrick
Thanks very much, Gary
Just so beautiful photos of horses.
Thank you very much, Gary
I had to Google up vichyssoise and it certainly added soup to the time lapse like series of the pony. Beautiful house that.
Thanks very much, Uma. The house makes us want to go inside it. Tom Whiteley is a thatcher who has begun to build houses. He is buying up small plots to embellish
It must be a profitable enterprise. That he enjoys doing it should be a bonus.
Just wonderful photos; as ever. Thanks and regards.
Thanks very much, Harbans
Thanks and regards. ;))
Sorry I have been away from blogging for a bit, Derrick and Jackie. I am glad you are both well, and I always love to see the ponies. That must be some tasty pond soup the pony is eating. 🙂
Many thanks, Lavinia. I know you have lots of other interests and things to do
The light made for very good photos, though~
Thanks very much, Judy
He certainly looks very happy with his meal!
Thanks a lot, John
Lovely captures of a fine-dining pony!
I’m so glad both you and he had a healthy veggie meal! 😉
It’s cute the way the pony is side-eyeing you…but his meal is just too good to let you spoil it! One eye on you, but still enjoying his dinner! HA! 😉 😀
That thatched roof house is beautiful! I’d love to have a peek around inside.
HUGS!!! 🙂
Many thanks, Carolyn. Well observed, as always. It would be good to view that house inside. Maybe it will come up for sale
When they have Open Houses for newly built homes I like to go look. But looking in older homes is more fun to me. 🙂
I agree
Love the pony ‘action’ shots! The ponies are a lot more considerate of the photographer than my birds – they twitch, a LOT! 🙁
That is a seriously good thatch I might add. 🙂
Thanks very much, Bob
It is always so lovely to visit your blog Derrick and after a blogging break of a few days, seeing these ponies in their natural state eating what is good for them and they are obviously cared for and tagged. Is good to see..
Lovely to see thatched houses too.. another skill that is a dying art..
Take care.. 🙂
Thank you very much, Sue
Happy pointes equals a happy me, down here I don’t see too many horses, which is sad but I would hunk in this heat they’d suffer if they were roaming free like they do there. Thanks for the morning smile Derrick😊🐎
Thanks very much, Kim
Don’t know what to say, Derrick! Ponies and and a thatched cottage – who could ask for more!?!
That’ll do nicely, GP. Thanks very much
Have a nice week Derrick!!!!
Thanks a lot, Efi. You, too
💞🤗
You’ve certainly captured all aspects of the pony slaking his thirst. Beautiful photos.
Thank you very much, LL/PS
Another feast! if you hadn’t written anything, that new house would have had me fooled into thinking it was an old house. What a great job!
Thanks very much, Laurie. We must look out for some more
Heh, heh, heh … clever equines! 😀
Thanks very much, Widders
the sausage casserole sounds good – and the horse shots are beautiful
had to look up vichyssoise :
a soup made with potatoes, leeks, and cream and typically served chilled.
sounds good
Thanks very much, Yvette. I had to look it up, too 🙂
🙂