A Spectral Steed

Jackie has a penchant for before and after photographs.

When I visited Sears Barbers in Milford on Sea for my first haircut since they reopened after the coronavirus lockdown it was inevitable that she would record

before,

during,

and after Peter’s administration.

On our way home at lunchtime we had noticed windsurfers over Barton on Sea, and returned later in the afternoon to watch them. They had gone, so we made do with

socially distanced walkers on the clifftop against the background of clouds over distant hills and the Isle of Wight.

We continued with a brief foray into the forest where, at the Pilley end of Bull Hill, the Little and Large of the equine world grazed in a field.

The much smaller pony left off its feeding and trotted over to visit me. It was able to ignore the fly crawling towards its eye.

Perhaps the larger companion, giving every impression of posing as a spectral steed, was more vulnerable to the insect pests, as it sported full PPE in the form of masks designed to prevent entry to eyes and ears with the addition of a summer rug, light enough in colour to reflect the sun’s rays.

As always any clicked image gives access to its gallery – each picture can be viewed full size by clicking the box beneath it, and further enlarged with additional clicks.

This evening we dined on Jackie’s sautéed potato topped shepherd’s pie; crunchy carrots, cauliflower, broccoli; tender green beans, and tasty, meaty, gravy, with which she drank Hoegaarden and I drank more of the Rioja.

90 comments

  1. I like the idea of sautéed potatoes to top a shepherd’s pie – something to try.
    A little imagination could insert wind surfers into your excellent photo, Derrick.

          1. Oh 😀 I haven’t seen it, but someone else messaged me about it – D has been taking us both out for a walk – well, Siddy has a run and I have a hobble – as often as she can. I believe it is a handsome pic of the boy. I must email you with an update.

  2. Love the photos — before & after: I am now in the before stage for the second time, having had to cancel an appointment 4 days after the shutdown began in March, and again this week! It really felt good to be rid of that pound of hair in between! The sea photos are reminiscent of our ocean during May Gray and June Gloom — we’re now into the summer, and there are fewer clouds and a bit more color! And the poor horse — looks well protected from Covid-19, if a little warm!

  3. Oh that horse looks very strange indeed but I’m sure it’s covered for good reason. At least, unlike humans, it won’t be bothered by how it looks! Talking of looks – very dapper after the haircut, Derrick!

  4. YAY! You finally got to go see Peter! He did a wonderful job with your hair! Looks great! 🙂
    Just glad you never got into Man Buns/Topknots. 😉 😀

    Your sea photos are beautiful! Good to see people out and about safely.

    I feel sorry for the animals who are bothered by pesky flies and other insects. 🙁
    (((HUGS))) and no bugs! 😉

  5. Nice hair on man and horse. 🙂 Many years ago, I had a horse about that color. Her muzzle would get sunburned. Maybe I should’ve gotten her a mask. But I don’t think she would have liked to wear it.

  6. That was a happy rendezvous with your stylist. You are quite the rock star, with or without your long locks and all the stages in between! The photos on the cliff top are excellent to the core.

  7. The haircut looks good, Derrick!

    The little pony is a sweet looking fellow. His companion has the most extensive bug suit I have ever seen!

  8. Poor horse. But lucky you! Nice haircut. I was so pleased a couple weeks ago to get mine. It was long enough to put up and as it is now in the mid 90’s and tropically humid (which I like) the shorter hair is easier to wash and dry. As usual, your dinner sounds marvelous.

      1. I use so much less lotion and skin creme in the summer and it’s because of the humidity. Every time I visit a friend out west, I feel like I’m going to turn into a raisin.

  9. I think your barber could have gone shorter, to be honest 😉 Love that Jackie recorded it all for us and of course I love the horse photos, but wonder what was up with the poor horse that she needed that much covering.

    1. You are right about the hair, Lisa. I’ll be back soon. Possibly excessive vulnerability to heat and/or flies. The horse does seem to have freckles. Thanks very much.

  10. Looks like the barber wore the plastic visor but no mask.
    Victoria said her hairstylist did the same, but she said she would have preferred her to have worn an additional mask.
    My son’s stylist simply wore a mask.

    I am in no hurry to join them at the salons but am almost desperate enough to have a go myself. I’m working on the principle that as my hair is curly (unless I straighten it) the mistakes won’t show!

    Loved the ponies, poor things – the flies are such pests at this time of year.

  11. delightful before and after photo! first time to see a horse covered up like that! i’m thinking about ppe and mask 😂 great find, Derrick! 🙂

  12. I looked at the top photo and thought the silvery horse was a statue, only discovering the truth as I read down the page.

    Having that much hair is just showing off. I’m debating whether to use my trimmers again or just shave my head. I may not have the luxuriant locks of a Knight, but bald men don’t have to pay for haircuts. Swings and roundabouts. 🙂

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