After a morning of more reminiscing with Becky and Flo, Jackie and I took a forest drive early this afternoon. On this sun-bright-cool day we followed the easterly route via Lymington, Undershore, Pilley, Norley Wood and East End.
A woman walked her dog along the lane approaching Portmore, where a chirpy chaffinch contributed to the trill of flitting songbirds, and still shaggy donkeys foraged on the verges.
Basking cattle chewed the cud while ponies chomped the grass on Bull Hill.
At Norley Wood Ponies cast shadows across greens, while trees cast theirs across somnolent cattle,
and a pair of donkeys soaked up the sun at Norleywood Road junction.
This evening we all dined on more of Jackie’s spicy arrabbiata followed by gooseberry and apple crumble and custard according to choice. Becky and I finished the Monastrell; Ian drank Hoegarden; Flo drank Elderflower cordial; and The Culinary Queen drank Carlsberg.
Your header immediately brought to mind the old wives tale that when cows are lying down, it’s going to rain. I believed it when I was a kid, but turns about it was a post hoc fallacy. My favorite out of this group is the pony framed by gorse.
Thanks very much, Liz. Yes – a fallacy which all us townies accepted.
You’re welcome, Derrick.
That one stood out for me, too–but I do love that little donkey at the end.
Gooseberry and apple crumble? Mmmm
Yesterday we had blueberry crumble (made with almond flour and coconut flour – stevia and fa fresh eggs and lots of blueberries)
Enjoyed your photos form the chill sun!
Thanks a lot, Yvette
As a former cattleman, I have to say that that is a good looking herd resting on the low hill. And having taken a closer look. I’d say spring calves are soon to be on the scene.
I’ll try to post some, Maj. Thank you very much
Oh, I do love your sandy brown basking cow, with the large ears and prominently placed tags –
when looking at the photo ‘biggified’, his face is so full of character – or perhaps it’s a ‘her’, chewing the cud whilst contemplating the arrival of spring calves, who I’m sure would be equally pretty..!
Yes – a her, Emma. Thank you very much.
Lovely to see the cows out in the sunshine and with no sign of winter coats I’m guessing they’ve wintered indoors just as ours have.
I guess so, Sue. Thanks very much
It’s as though the animals are all posing for you, Derrick. Such beautiful portraits of them, though it looks like the cow had a few choice words for you.
Dinner sounds delicious.
Thanks very much, Merril 🙂
Two sunny afternoons in a row. It must be summer already!
I think the animals look forward to your visits, Derrick. Fantastic photos today!
Thanks very much, Jill
So many cute critters in this set, beautiful. ❤️🇬🇧😊
Thanks a lot, John
Your donkey photos are superbly sublime, and match my leisurely mood this morning Derrick
I’m pleased, Ivor. Cheers
Gooseberry and apple crumble at this time of year? Wonderful.
Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal. Tinned
Shaggy ponies need a hair cut. In the cooler months it would be great for them. Do they shed their coat in the Spring/Summer?
They do, Chrissy. Thanks very much
Beautiful pictures from your drive.
Thank you very much, Mrs W
Thanks
Lovely, bucolic and peaceful Derrick. Sweet donkey photos.
Thank you very much, Cindy
You live in an animal lover’s paradise. It’s so nice to see the cows, donkeys and ponies roaming the countryside.
Thank you so much, JoAnna
Sounds as though you are having a wonderful time talking and reminiscing. The shaggy donkey is so cute!
Quite right, Laurie. Thank you very much
I get an overriding impression of peace … marvellous.
Thank you so much, Anne
Obviously everyone was out enjoying the fine English weather
Thank you very much, Sheree
Lovely journal.
Thank you very much, Rupali
I am impressed that the animals appear to be living free of barbed wire, unlike their American cousins that are kept penned up as if in prison.
Thank you very much, Doug
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You know, I think you should put the images in a picture book with your poetic descriptions – my working title would be ‘The English Countryside and its Residents.’
That is a good idea, GP. After A Knight’s Tale perhaps. Thanks very much
Yes, you certainly had an interesting life!
Gorgeous photos! Are all so beautiful! Those donkeys are really cute!
Thank you very much, Ribana
Oh, such wonderful photos of the animals! I love the header with the cows.
Thank you very much, Eugi
It looks like you had a beautiful, sunny and relatively warm day for a forest drive, Derrick and Jackie. The cud chewing cows look like they are attempting to smile for the camera. 🙂
The woman walking the dog doesn’t appear to be wearing a coat. How cold was it?
10 degrees C
Thank you very much from us both, Lavinia
That fuzzy, furry, shaggy gray donkey has always been one of my favorites. It often comes out to greet you, I think. Enjoy your bright and sunny days, Derrick. We finaly have blue skies here today, too.
Thank you so much, Jan
The subjects of your photographic expeditions appear to be blessed with idyllic tranquility. They leave an extremely pleasant and peaceful effect on the readers.
That is so satisfying, Uma. Thank you very much
This post is full of all kinds of animals basking in the sun after a long cold winter. Quite cheerful.
Thank you very much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.
These are all lovely pictures, Derrick. I love arrabbiata.
Thank you very much, Robbie