On another dull day Aaron, of A.P. Maintenance, completed his installation of a gate beside the house that he had begun last Sunday.
So hard was our house wall that he had difficulty drilling into it.
He then erected a frame on the opposite side,
attached hinges and a latch, and fitted the structure into place.
After lunch we took a brief drive into the forest, where
ditches, like this one on the corner of Woodcock Lane and Silver Street are beginning to flow over the roads.
Our familiar gimlet eyed pony, fresh from a mud bath,
awkwardly, as they all do, roused itself,
wandered over to see if I would offer anything to eat,
and settled for what was in the field, after wishing me good health with the phrase
“here’s mud in your eye”.
As, bound for home, I began to climb back into the Modus a pony and trap came
clopping towards us. I sat on the car’s bonnet instead,
exchanged greeting’s with the riders,
and waved them on their way.
Back home I watched the Six Nations rugby match between England and France.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s succulent sausage casserole; creamy mashed potato; varicoloured carrots; and tender cabbage, with which she drank Hoegaarden and I drank more of the Malbec.
It is always fun to see something unexpected on an outing.
Yes – we always hope to do so. Thanks very much, Anne.
Aaron sure does good work!!
Those riders look like they’re in a Trotter’s carriage. Looks like fun!
That pony sure looked forlorn, he would have perked up if you had brought him an apple!!
Thanks very much, GP.
Carrying on from yesterday, this is another vehicle you two could look the stylish part in – it’s just that ponies I guess are not as easy to house as vintage cars…….. and they go slower and are probably hungrier – so on second thoughts maybe not.
I wondered what you would do with this, Pauline. As usual, you didn’t disappoint. 🙂 Thanks very much.
I was thinking the same thing Pauline was–a vintage car and now a pony trap! What roads you have!
I love that pony, Derrick, with its black and brown coloring. Tonight we will be dining on hot wings, celery, mozzeralla sticks, shrimp, nachos, chips and dip and bagel dogs while we watch the Super Bowl. 😉
Thanks very much, Barbara. I hope you enjoyed those foods with the game.
They were great – not the healthiest fare, but fun to eat while watching football!
The pony getting up has an uncanny look of a pantomime horse. For once, I can confirm our evening repast was similar to your own – mother’s mock duck (sausage/mash/sage casserole), carrots, peas and a glass of red wine.
Thanks very much, Susan. Nice culinary synchronicity.
Same here. The ditches are merging with the roads again. He’s done a good job on the gate.
He certainly has. Thanks very much, Gary.
You’re a great advertiser for Aaron. He’s a hard worker! So that’s called a “trap?” I didn’t know that. Looks like fun!
It is and it was fun. Thanks very much, Jill
Well, here’s to mud in my eye….a cool wet day here in Geelong today… showers and only 15’C…
Improving. Thanks very much, Ivor
Muddy, but still a beautiful horse.
Thank you very much, Rabirius
Indeed, Rabirius. Thank you very much.
Your weather and ours look much the same.but at least you got out and took some interesting photographs.
We have been struck by how similar our weathers are. Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
Some beautiful work from Aaron on that new gate! The pony with the watch eye (blue) eye is an friendly, interesting fellow. It is always a pleasure to see these ponies. 🙂
Thank you very much, Lavinia
If only Aaron was near to me to sort out my garden gate! Good job, anyway.
Thanks very much, Helen. I wish I could send him to you.
Thank you, Derrick 😊
A very fine garden gate!
Isn’t it!? Thanks very much, Andrew
The horse and cart gets everyone’s vote today, except my baby daughter who couldn’t stop giggling at the sight of a pony seeming to sit up like a dog 🙂 🌿
Great. Very much appreciated, Tiny.
I love the two photos of the pony wishing you mud in your eye!
🙂 Thanks very much, Liz
Poor muddy pony. How wet it is in your area. At least you don’t have to worry about a lack of moisture.
We are lucky, Laurie. Thank you very much
I agree with others that Aaron does great work. I laughed at your pony commentary.
How wonderful the sights are in your area of the world!
Thank you very much, Merril
A relaxing outing, and of course I crave seeing ponies on my outings, but never do. They are all tucked away from view, I guess.
Thank you very much, Luanne. I’ll keep them coming then
Yes, please.
I had not heard ‘gimlet-eyed’ before, and had to look it up. So I do feel rather smart now. Clever turn of phrase there, Derrick, wishing a toast of here’s mud in yer eye to a gimlet eyed pony, delightful!~ When we spent time in the past with my husband’s Italian side, they would say ‘salute’, which I believe means to your health. To your good health, Derrick and Jackie–
Very many thanks, Pleasant.
Even though the pony raised a toast to you, Derrick, you had to wait for your Malbec at home. Cheers!
🙂 Thanks very much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.
That looks like a mighty sturdy (as well as a beautiful, sturdy) gate. Good job! I read your text on e-mail and then clicked in to it on-line to see it on your site. It didn’t surprise me that you put that muddy pony on top. He is a sight for sore eyes! Have a great week, Derrick. <3
Thanks very much, Jan 🙂
What a great gate, I could do with a new one as one of ours has suffered gale damage.
I had an urge to give the pony a warm bath and brush up and fit it with a cosy New Zealand (similar to a wax jacket.
There’s nothing like the sight of a pony and trap on a country lane.
Thanks very much, Sue. I’m sure the pony would have appreciated it.
The gate looks nice and the pony’s comment was surely relevant!
Thank you very much, Lynn
Most welcome
I love your new gate – what a great job he did! And that pony is the sweetest thing. She’s familiar to you, I take it?
We think so. We know nothing about her, but those eyes are unmissable. Thanks a lot, Jodie.
You are good people. I love animal lovers.
🙂 Thanks again.
The vehicle was driven by our local blacksmith and his wife – quite a character he is too.
Thank you so much for this lovely bit of further information, Annie.