This morning we shopped at Everton nurseries for composts, seeds, bulbs, and some potted primulas; then drove on into the forest.
Sunlit landscapes were in sharp contrast to yesterday’s murky views. These were seen from
Lower Sandy Down, one of our narrow undulating winding lanes where we would not relish meeting oncoming traffic careering down the slope.
Long shadows streaked the terrain
littered with last autumn’s fallen leaves;
snowdrops scaled steep verges,
some of which reflected sunlit trees above.
Giving me a quizzical look a be-rugged horse chomped on the contents of its hanging hay bag.
Although still mud-caked ponies were much more in evidence on the moors outside Brockenhurst;
a bay leisurely ambling across the road
permitted itself a smug grin as it hampered a group of cheery cyclists.
Settling into foraging on the other side
it sported a nice new bracken ribbon decorating its tail.
We followed a rather splendid vintage vehicle for some way on the road home
hoping it would turn off left so I could obtain a side-on view. The driver eventually obliged.
Sway Tower was also basking in the sunshine.
This afternoon, admittedly fuelled by a bottle of Doom Bar, I dozed through the Six Nations rugby match between Wales and Italy. The later contest between Scotland and Ireland held my complete attention.
For our dinner this evening Jackie produced her tasty liver and bacon casserole; creamy mashed potatoes, firm Brussels sprouts and carrots in three colours. The Culinary Queen drank Hoegaarden and I drank San Juan Argentine Malbec 2019.
The Scotland Ireland game was full of action, I agree. If we could just stop making terrible mistakes, we might win a game every now and again as we have a lot of good players.
Next week will be interesting, Tootlepedal. Many thanks
Wasn’t it a much better day, weather-wise, today? My favourite photo today was the leaves on the ground, my little son votes for the bracken ribbon ?
I liked the leaves, too – with the sun shining through.
Thanks very much, Tiny. I do really like that you show your children the pics.
They love them! I also think the older children get a better look at the world by reading/looking at people’s blogs than they do reading the news, which tends to only have a few sensational stories. WP is so varied and the community is very kind.
Quite so. As I’ve said before I will now think of the children. I haven’t read a newspaper since I’ve been blogging.
Same here – I stopped watching the news in favour of a buying the paper, but now I do not even do that 🙂
LOVE that tree reflection in the middle of the ground and the grass – what lines! Also loved the leaves with the sun shining through.
It’s so exciting that you are buying spring things already. Your early spring always helps me through the winter.
Thank you very much, Jodie. I hope you warm up soon.
Your wish worked! It’s supposed to be 65 here today!
🙂
Beautiful photos sir. Just the first signs of spring.
Yes, Gary. Even the birdsong was different. Thanks very much.
I could definitely picture you and Jackie tooling around in a vintage vehicle. I love that first photo!
Thank you very much, Jill.
Like Jill I too could envisage you two pottering about in a splendid vintage vehicle.
Wouldn’t that be a great way to take photographs of the slow passing vista …….
It would, indeed, Pauline. Thanks very much.
I can visualise you in the vintage car too, but maybe when the weather warms a little!
My favourite are the ponies and the domesticated horse with its hay net.
Thanks very much, Sue.
A beautiful sunny day in the forest! The ponies look nice and woolly, though muddy. It’s been cold and rainy all day here.
Perhaps you will have the sun today, Lavinia. Thank you very much.
We did have some!
🙂
Finally, you are getting some sun. I love the vintage car.
Thanks very much, Dolly. Back to normal today 🙂
You are very welcome, Derrick.
The gray ponies are especially pretty with the long, flowing tail and shaggy hair ready to be shed.
Thank you very much, JoAnna.
Everything looks so much better when the sun shines. Loved the snowdrops!
Thank you very much, Sheree.
We are both enjoying the sunshine today Derrick….. although It’s probably a bit warmer here at 23’C
Just the temperature in my greenhouse today!
Well that’s the spot to stay Jackie ???
You are definitely warmer. Apart from the heated greenhouse our top temperature was 10 C, so I kept my clothes on :). Thanks very much, Ivor.
You have an artistic eye.
Thank you very much, Anne.
Are all the horses you capture domesticated or do you have wild horses around?
The ponies roam free in the forest, although they are all owned by commoners who have pasturage rights – an ancient tradition. Thanks very much Mrs W.
Your welcome
OH, what a valued va-va-voom vintage vehicle!
Love the decorated tail! Stunning! 🙂 And the ponies seem to be enjoying the sun! So glad it shone on everyone, and everything! 🙂
HUGS!!! 🙂
Thanks very much, Carolyn. 🙂 You have outdone my alliteration. X
You get my alliteration “gene” functioning! 😛
🙂
A wonderful sunny forest drive. I love how the sun lights up last year’s oak leaf and the tree reflections are marvelous. The vintage car reminded me of Toad’s Adventures in Wind in the Willows 😀
Parp, parp, Peggy. Thanks very much.
I should think that you’ll be seeing a few butterflies soon. Brimstone should be the first, traditionally.
I’ll look out for them, John. Generally they are in the forest. Thanks a lot.
Ah-ha, my ponies are in a better mood it appears – good to see.
We were on the same track as far as food. Yesterday I had liver/bacon/onions. Been a long time since I had that and after eating, I wondered why it took me so long to make it!!
The smell alone – both bacon and onions – is well worth it, GP. Thanks very much.
Agreed!!
Like others, I can imagine you and Jackie touring about in that vintage car. I’m sure it was good to see some sunshine today. Thanks for taking us along on your rambles. 🙂
Thank you very much, Merril
Wonderful shots Derrick. The refection one is fantastic.
Thank you very much, Rupali.
It’s so fun to see an old car still operational. And with a dog in the back out for a ride, too. Those first few pictures of the broader landscape gave me a nice feeling of space and beauty. Something new or different every day.
Thank you very much, Lisa. Well done for noticing the dog
Great, Derrick
Thanks very much, More
You’re quite welcome
It looks like you Guys skipped the Winter this year and came right to the Spring. I do not know what to say is it good or not really. Anyway, Derrick enjoy the weather and the beautiful Nature!
Thanks very much, Alexander. We have the same uncertainty – but for the moment, we are enjoying it.
I like all of these photos, but the first and the last are my favorites with that blue, rust, green color palette that I love in your landscape. Do you see antique autos frequently on your roads? When we see them, they’re usually on their way to a car show.
We do see them quite often. The National Motor museum is nearby in Beaulieu. Thanks very much, Liz
Ah, that makes sense.
Love the bracken “ribbon.”
Thanks very much, Cheryl
That quizzical look ? is awesome ? ?
Thank you very much, Ribana