This morning Jackie and I transported three blag bags of plastic plant pots to the Otter Nurseries recycling point, after which we continued on a forest drive.
Daffodils like these on a bank outside a fence on Church Lane are piercing the soil,
while pendulously arched snowdrops ascend another bank outside a garden at Pilley, alongside which
string of determined Shetland ponies make their way to their favourite foraging spot. We had not seen these four here before, which is why, when we reached Bull Hill, Jackie observed that they were a breakaway group from
the more usual occupants of the moorlands at the top.
This afternoon I watched the Six Nations rugby matches between France and Ireland, and between Scotland and Wales.
For dinner this evening Jackie provided moist cheese centred fish cakes; creamy mashed potatoes; a tasty melange of tomatoes, leeks, onions, and garlic; firm broccoli, carrots, and peas; with a piquant cheese sauce. The Culinary Queen drank Hoegaarden, and I drank more of the Frappato-Syrah.
There’s something rather sad about this group of ponies — or is it just that thiir legs are so short, which I had not noticed before?!
I also noticed that the ponies’ legs look particularly stubby in these photos.
And the big belly on the first one makes them look even shorter.
You may have picked something up, Janet. They were all rather isolated from each other. Thanks very much
I love those Shetland Ponies, so cute! Your desription of Jackie’s cooking makes me think of boarding a flight to the UK just to sample her cooking! (invites self over haha!) 😂🇬🇧☺️
The piquant cheese sauce caught my eye in particular.
🙂 Thank you so much, John
I can see why you call her the Culinary Queen. Also seems like Spring is gaining some toe holds
Thank you very much, Pat
You and Jackie have your own 5 star restaurant, right at home! Those sweet Shetland ponies have also made my day.
❤️
Thank you very much from us both, Lavinia
Oh, I love the ponies – and how you guys recognize them and where they belong! Dinner sounds incredible. xo
Thank you so much, Jodie X
xo Rooting for the Eagles today. They’re my team!
Adore the Shetland pony photos, Derrick …
Cheers, Ivor
The food always sounds so wonderful. They might have short legs, but I bet they can shift when they want to.
Thanks a lot, Gary
Love the sweet ponies!
Thanks very much, Jill
Hi Derrick – we’ve hardly had winter here this year and today I noticed some crocuses popping up! I’ve seen some daffodils at the library too. Hope you are doing well. 🙂
We are well, thanks, Barbara. And the new site seems to be working now
I’m glad on both counts!
Those rebel Shetlands! 🙂 Spring is on the way!
Thanks very much, JoAnna
Those cheerful little flowers (snowdrops, I think they’re called) are always the first flower to pop up in the spring. Looks like spring has come to your part of the world!
Thanks very much, Diane
AW!!!! The Shetland ponies are always a joy to see! Such cuties! 🙂
OH!!!! The flowers are so beautiful…popping up to cheer us! 🙂
(((HUGS))) 🙂 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thanks very much, Carolyn X
If I understandf things correctly, the five bar gate reveals the size of the Shetland ponies. They are tiny!
They are – but very tough and surprisingly heavy. Thanks very much, John
You had some fun with alliteration at the start of the day. 🙂 The Shetland ponies do look very sturdy. I looked them up–they were bred to be workhorses in the Shetland Isles going back to prehistoric times.
It is definitely looking like spring in your part of the world. We have lots of crocuses, which I thought was early for February.
I see I’m not the only one that adores these ponies. Looks like a few have eaten a bit too much or already pregnant?
I am yet to find anywhere nearby that will recycle plastic plant pots.
Andrew I put my plastic gradening pots in a separate clear bag next to the recycling bin, they always take them.
But where to Sue. Landfill? Local Council here says they cannot be recycled.
This is a very large garden centre, Andrew. Thanks very much
Do they recycle or reuse?
That I don’t know
So lovely to see the snowdrops appearing, mine are appearing first next to the bins.
I wonder if one or two of the shetlands are pregnant.
Supper sounds delicious.
I think you are right about the ponies, Sue. Thanks very much
Lovely captures. Our grounds are still covered with snow but looking forward to snowdrops, daffodils and crocuses.
Thanks very much, Rupali
The sturdy ponies, of course, caught my attention, but I also noticed how you were able to recycle plastic pots. Alas, we cannot do that here, and I am very envious.
Most garden centres won’t take them, Laurie. Thanks very much
Sigh.
Such tiny ponies 🙂
Thanks very much, Sherry
Sounds like a good day, Derrick.
Thanks very much, Jo
Spring is coming to you as well! Your Shetland Ponies are a really hairy bunch. They would keep nice and warm in the cold months of the year.
They are tough little creatures, Dwight. Thanks a lot.
I think the Ireland v France was one of the best games I’ve seen though, of course, the result didn’t go our way
Agreed. Thanks a lot, Sheree
Yay! The first signs of spring ☺️
Indeed. Thank you very much Ribana, for all your reading and commenting
Are all Shetland ponies so short and chunky or are these few exceptions?
They are pretty much, Dolly. Thank you for reading and asking
You are very welcome, Derrick, and thank you for educating me.
Oh my! Your daffodil are peeking out. Ours are buried in three feet of snow still!! Enjoy!!
Thanks very much, Jan