Late this morning Jackie drove us to Fairweather’s Garden Centre in Beaulieu where we met Danni, Andy, Ella, and Elizabeth for lunch in Steff’s Kitchen.
The various trees in pools on the road from Brockenhurst were thoroughly irrigated.
Beaulieu Lake was also very full, to the satisfaction of the numerous swans.
Ella enjoyed playing games with her Dad, in particular practising her pointing,
which she also did with me.
We exchanged Christmas presents which, had we been well enough, was planned to have taken place on New Year’s Day. Later, Danni e-mailed photographs of our great niece playing with the one we had given her. I will publish those tomorrow.
Even when Ella had pinched a chip from Andy she worked hard to place it in her bowl before eating it.
Elizabeth and I both chose roast beef dinners; Jackie selected soup and a sandwich; Andy chose something and chips;
Danni enjoyed a potato tortilla.
Ginormous cakes, carrot for Danni,
and Victoria sponge for Jackie, needed to be shared out a bit.
Danni gave Elizabeth a taste of hers,
some of which found its way to Ella’s cheeks.
I was treated to more of this, and to half of Jackie’s.
After a tour round the well stocked shop we all drove to Elizabeth’s for another hour or so of enjoyable conversation.
As we drove along Lyndhurst Road out of Beaulieu,
a bright sun was making determined efforts to climb above scudding clouds.
There are a considerable number of Shetland ponies about at the moment. I counted eighteen along Pilley Street grazing n the green.
As I wandered among them, they took to the road
in order to sample fresh fodder further along.
It was close to sunset when we arrived home, so we drove on to
Barton on Sea to witness it.
This evening we dined on sandwiches and salad. Mine was ham and Jackie’s was peanut butter.
Stunning sunset photos sir. Looks like you had a wonderful time.
Thank you very much, Gary. It was pretty good 🙂
You closed with beautiful sunset photos today Derrick – but it was also a treat to see all those little ponies who are so very cute, who cares if they smell a bit and hold up traffic….. And Ella of course who is the most beautiful of all <3
Thank you very much, Pauline X
The outline of the clouds in the sunset photos is amazing. And so is Ella!
Thank you very much, Lisa
What a great day. That Ella is a little beauty.
Thank you very much, Leslie
Love that green sweater so much
Well spotted, Yvette. hanks very much.
Yes ! I thought that was a stunner.
What an amazing sunset! Ella is simply adorable.
Thanks you very much, Jill. A possible puzzle 🙂
I just love all these photos, Derrick. The tree ones and the beach at sunset are my favorites – or maybe the ponies, which I am partial to. Ella is so adorable. Loved seeing her try all that good food.
Thank you very much, Lisa.
I enjoyed the progression of photos taking us through your day, ending with the most beautiful of sunsets.
Thank you very much, Liz.
That baby and those ponies! Who could ask for anything more? Except, perhaps, a peanut butter sandwich? One of my favorites! 😉
Jackie was pleased you liked peanut butter sandwiches. I don’t like their texture. Many thanks, Laurie.
Never heard anyone object to the texture of peanut butter sandwiches, but if they don’t appeal to you, there is certainly no reason why you should eat them.
🙂
A full day with charming a small person and many charming small animals.
Thank you very much, Tootlepedal
Lovely time spent together! ? and beautiful pictures as always!
Thank you very much, Ribana
Ella is adorable. So interesting to see babies demonstrate their logic..i.e. the chip in the bowl. Those sunset silhouettes are beautiful..particularly the one with the netting.
Thank you very much, Judy
Adorable baby, and beautiful sunset photo
Thank you very much, More.
You’re welcome
Such gorgeous photos, of Ella, the ponies and a beautiful sunset.
x
Thank you very much, Melanie X
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Ella seems to have been the star of the moment. Those are top notch shots at dusk.
Thank you very much, Uma.
While all of these pictures have been interesting, I particularly enjoy the third last one where the configuration of the clouds echoes an earlier one of silhouetted people walking.
I pleased you saw that, Anne. Thanks very much.
Really cute Shetland ponies”!
Thanks very much, John
Wonderful winter trees and a glorious sunset – that looked a lovely family day out.
Thanks very much, Peggy. So pleased you are back regularly. How are you and your family?
You’re welcome, Derrick. I’m pleased to be back in the WordPress world and it’s lovely catching up with everyone again. We are all well, thank you – the boys are heading off to university now to become computer scientists. I will miss them being right on hand to help me with any computer issues! But we live in a very connected world these days, so I’m sure help won’t be far away ?
Get them to take over your screen from wherever they are – if you dare 🙂
Ah yes, they are both very reliable, I am glad to say.
Another fabulous set of photos, particularly the cute ponies and sunset.
Thank you very much, Sheree
What a perfect day to share with us, a day that culminated in fabulous photos of that glorious sunset.
Very many thanks, Sue
What a lovely day from sunrise to sunset!
And Ella is THE most beautiful of everything, and everyone, you photographed! She deserves to be the center of attention!
HUGS!!! 🙂
Love the pics, especially the one’s of your little one at the restaurant. So precious.
Thanks very much, Gary
The adorable child is growing!
And how!
So many beautiful and endearing photos from your day! Ella is adorable, as are those ponies. The sunset scenes are spectacular!
Thank you very much, Lavinia
Watching Ella/reading about her antics brought back memories of when my own daughter was little. Priceless!
Thank you very much. Me, too, Helen.
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Ella is totally engaged with everything and everyone around her. A contented child is a beauty to behold.
Thank you very much, Rosaliene
Thank you for sharing your beautiful family, sunsets, and oh that magical tree!
Thank you very much, JoAnna. There are quite a few trees in similar dips
It looks like a wonderful lunch and a wonderful day, well documented in your photos. All those ponies!!
Thank you very much, Merril
Amazing outdoor photos, Derrick. Loved the ponies and the sunset and the blue skies and clouds with the trees reaching their arms to the sky.
And always a treat to see Ella and her beautiful family.
Thank you very much, Jodie.
: )
What a nice gathering, and Ella points nicely. Those ponies looked particularly attractive to me this time, maybe because they dried out a little, ha ha! Gorgeous sunset. I’m glad you got to the sea in time to watch it.
Thank you very much, Crystal