The weather today, albeit dry, was at its most gloomy.
Even the animals kept away. When we took a brief forest drive there was a definite dearth of donkeys and a patent paucity of ponies,
except for a few grazing alongside Furzey Lane at Beaulieu. The first grey in this group, and the lone bay both bear the scars of torn fur. Maybe that is why the smaller bay gave the gentler grey a hefty kick out of the way before continuing with the matter in hand.
On our return I finished reading Charles Dickens’s third Christmas book, namely ‘The Cricket on The Hearth – A fairy tale of home’. I am happy to report that our great Victorian novelist, in this work, has recovered the deft touch that eluded him in ‘The Chimes’. This magical mystery story is well constructed, keeps the reader wondering, and contains all the writer’s ready humour and wry description. Beginning in a fog, all is revealed in a neatly packaged ending.
My Folio Society edition is enhanced by the apt illustrations of Charles Keeping, the frontispiece featuring a foggy scene.
This evening we dined on a second sitting of Hordle Chinese Take Away’s excellent fare with which Jackie drank Hoegaarden and I drank more of the Malbec,
Thank you for my ponies.
We still haven’t been able to get to our old Chinese buffet place for a take out. I hope they’re still in business. One place I used to work, I found out 2 days ago, closed its doors for the last time in August.
Thanks a lot GP. I think we are going into National total lockdown again
I heard. It seems you have gotten that new strain of virus – Please take care.
Will do.
I would not appreciate a hefty kick from a donkey. They both look somewhat battle-scarred. 😯 Reading Charles Dickens on a gloomy day sounds like an ideal pastime.
It is a good story, Sylvia. Thank you very much.
I have not read the story, but I have enjoyed the illustrations; thank you for sharing them, Derrick.
And thank you very much, Dolly
You think correctly Derrick
Thanks a lot, Sheree.
Gosh, those poor ponies do have big battle scars.
But they seem content – and their coats nicely thick in this icy weather.
I’m afraid you were right with your prediction of a return to National Lockdown, Derrick.
Let’s hope this one sorts it, and 2021 turns out to be brighter, more social, and with no tears / tiers.
Let us hope so, Emma. Thanks very much
The poor ponies with the scars!
I’m glad Dickens did not disappoint this time. More wonderful illustrations. We watched a new movie version of David Copperfield recently with Dev Patel. It’s not a faithful adaptation of the story, but it was a lot of fun (especially Tilda Swinton and Hugh Laurie as Aunt Trotwood and Mr. Dick).
I’ve been reading things from so many other blogger friends about the lockdown there. I hope it’s not too bad.
Thanks very much, Merril. The new strain is totally to of control. I haven’t watched tonight’s news, but expect a total lockdown from midnight. We’ll see in the morning.
I suppose that when you crank out stories the way Dickens did, you are bound to have a few misses. Too gloomy for ponies and donkeys must be pretty gloomy indeed.
Thanks a lot, Laurie. I’m sure you are right
But when he got it right, he sure nailed it.
🙂
I hadn’t heard of The Cricket on the Hearth. If I remember correctly, a cricket on the hearth is considered good luck?
You do remember rightly, Liz – an apt motif for this story. Thanks very much
You’re welcome, Derrick.
I ‘ave a a feeling you absolutely adore alliteration!
‘eartily appreciated, Yvonne.
Your horse pictures were first class today.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
Great illustrations and stalwart ponies to provide a grounding reality
Thank you Derrick 🙏
Thank you, too, Val.
The photos are wonderful. Stay safe sir
Thanks a lot, Gary. We will do our best
It may be gloomy but those ponies are so beautiful ☺️
Thank you very much, Ribana
Oh, the poor ponies. I heard you all will be under lockdown until mid-February. Please be safe, Derrick.
Thanks very much, Jill. We will do our best
I’m always amazed by the number of ponies you see on an outing.
It does vary, Peggy – but, on the whole we know where to look, and sometimes they are everywhere. Thanks very much.
I noticed the missing fur on the ponies. They can do a bit of damage to each other during squabbles. Thick coats and tough hides are a blessing.
I had not heard of the third Christmas book, ‘The Cricket on The Hearth – A fairy tale of home’. Rick and I did watch that animated YouTube movie ‘The Chimes’. We enjoyed it, but agree it was missing something.
Thanks very much, Lavinia. The animators did a good job with a wonky story
When it comes to horses and ponies, I’ve always been partial to bays and duns, and shaggy grays. Variety is the spice of life. Maybe some day, they and we will learn to get along. I’m glad you enjoyed “The Cricket.”
Thanks very much, JoAnna
The alliteration is apt and hilarious! Now I will keep thinking of definite dearth of donkeys and a patent paucity of ponies all through the day! As for that ‘hefty kick’, I can assure you they can be lethal. I have once witnessed a similar delivery from a crazy pony to an unsuspecting lad who had to be rushed to a hospital where he reportedly stayed put for months.
I have loved Mr Dickens since my early days and I still keep wanting to return to his novels, although minus the fascinating artwork of the folio editions.
Thank you very much, as always, Uma. I hope the alliteration doesn’t bug you for too long, but I’m pleased you saw the humour. I never walk behind a pony 🙂
Maybe the white ponies are the white knights in their paddock kingdoms, Derrick…
Could be – they certainly stand out on the hillsides, Ivor. Thanks very much
the ponies are delightful. quite a treat to read Charles Dickens especially on a gloomy day 🙂 🙂
Thanks a lot, Lola
I remember reading that donkeys are more dangerous than horses because they can kick out sideways but a horse cannot.
I have actually seen a donkey do that when hogging a spread of carrots – quite recently. Thanks a lot, Andrew.
Love your alliterations! 😀
Brilliantly blissful blog!
Dynamic delightful donkeys! Perky pretty ponies! (Wouldn’t want to get kicked by any equines!)
HUGS!!! 🙂
Definitely best avoided, Carolyn. 🙂 Thanks very much. X
That is a superb drawing of “fog”. I would have thought that fog was impossible to draw. but no so !
It really is, John. The man was a superb illustrator. Thanks very much.
The illustrations are magnificent and I agree with John Knifton about the fog. Brilliant!
Thanks a lot, John.
You have some wonderful models.
I am lucky, indeed. Thanks a lot, Rupali
Glad to hear this story turned out better than The Chimes. I do love an author who can wrap up all the storylines in the end.
Thanks very much, Crystal. It looks to me as if the short story is not his forté
“definite dearth of donkeys and a patent paucity of ponies” Oh you crack me up.
Jolly good 🙂