The weather has changed again. Today was hot and sunny. This morning Jackie drove me to Sears Barbers in Milford on Sea where I had my hair cut; after lunch we took a trip out to the forest.
Ponies in traffic along Sowley Lane gave me the opportunity to focus
![](https://i2.wp.com/derrickjknight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_5731-1024x683.jpg?ssl=1)
on the verge’s prolific ragwort swarming with bees.
Convolvulus now covers all the hedgerows, like this along St Leonard’s Road,
where bees also plunder the bramble blossom which has simultaneously produced early fruit.
Oar Point Memorial faces the Solent beyond which lies the Isle of Wight, seen through haze this afternoon.
Forest Fields by Michael Renyard
was today adorned with red carnations nodding to red poppies on the little wooden crosses.
Looking down towards Bucklers Hard we noticed a new sign to the museum featured in https://derrickjknight.com/2013/01/12/the-olden-days/
With the heat comes desperate ponies trying their best to protect themselves and each other from flies. These at East End also disrupted the traffic.
One driver vainly clapped in an effort to shift them, until a cyclist dismounted and persuaded them with more success.
A yacht weather vane in Rowes Lane is possibly pea green.
The stand of kniphofia at the front of the Walhampton Arms is extended more each year.
This evening we dined on cheese-centred fishcakes; boiled new potatoes; crunchy carrots; and tender spinach and green beans, with which I finished the Appassimento
Lovely pictures. Those ponies know who is in charge
Thank you very much, Pat
I enjoy your pictures of ponies, while the kniphofias ( we call them red hot pokers here) are a nod to South Africa!
Thanks very much, Anne. We call them red hot pokers, too
I love the photo with the sailboats. It looks like a painting.
Thank you very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Wow Derrick, I love this wonderful set of photos! 😊❤️
Such a lovely day you had. 🙂 It’s cold and miserable here most days and with both of us struck down by unseasonable hay-fever and sinusitis, we both found enjoyment in your post today. Thank you for sharing.
Much appreciated, Chrissy. I hope you both get comfortable soon
The yacht weather vane in Rowes Lane was the first one of its type that I have seen Derrick … definitely a fascinating concept to have a yacht on top of the roof …
Thanks very much, Ivor
May we always remember those who served. The ponies look good in spite of the flies. I like the ragwort and bee close up.
Thank you very much, JoAnna
I found this link whilst researching the memorial – you may find it interesting. Looks like another great day in the forest. I remember seeing red hot pokers for the first time – I was about 7 and they I saw them from a bus going to Bourne in Lincolnshire. Spectacular and memorable flowers, and a long-buried memory..
Thank you very much, Quercus. I like stirring memories
It is a good thing to do. I need constant trivia to keep myself going. 🙂
The poem touches the heart and I think of all the acts of violence still going on. There is no wng to them. Your photos of ponies make me smile. Thank you. Hope you are keeping good health Derrick , and Jackie too. Lakshmi
Thank you very much, Lakshmi
A lovely selection of photos of your trip.
Thank you very much, Aletta
Your pictures are always interesting, Derrick
Thank you very much, Robbie
It sounds like a very nice day, despite the heat.
Thank you very much, Sylvie
Wonderful photos! Looks and sounds like a good day.
Heart-touching poem!
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️
Thanks very much, Carolyn XX
I can visualise a few drivers becoming frustrated with the ponies.
One of my friends has a fish weather vane on the top of her 1930’s house. She has no idea how long it’s been there.
We had a warmer day but not as warm as yours.
Thanks very much, Sue. Yes, some do get frustrated
That poem, along with the flowers, horses and museum are so significant. May the fields of green remain.
Thank you so much, GP
Love those beautiful flowers and those ponies. Poor things need some fly masks maybe.
They sure do. Thanks very much, Miriam
Ragwort!!! We had a small farm in Gippsland 60 years ago and ragwort was a real pest. It is a declared weed in Victoria and a farmer has a legal obligation to remove it and it is very difficult time consuming and expensive.
Thanks very much, John
So much history and beauty in this post, Derrick–inspiring in our current time.
I don’t know kniphofia, but they must really look like “red hot pokers” when the sun hits them.
Thanks very much, Merril
I’m impressed … by assertive ponies and your knowing convolvulus as bindweed. I’m always learning !
Thank you very much, Val
Very touching poem and beautiful photography!
Thank you very much, Donna
Heheheheh, ‘pea-green’ … took me a minute. 😀
I’m so pleased you got it, Widders. Thanks very much.
I especially love the weather vane and the reference to the Owl and the Pussycat poem! 🙂
Thanks very much, Lavinia
Looks like a interesting day.
I love the “prolific ragwort swarming with bees.” Great photo, Derrick! So glad you had such a lovely day to travel about!
Thank you very much, Jan
The first photo, with ponies trooping in front of the car, creates an illusion of a horse-driven carriage that pretends to be a car.
Well observed, Dolly. Thank you very much
I love how the ponies are in single file. What a cute weathervane and lovely poem!
Changeable weather confuses everyone
Thank you very much, Sheree
Such a beautiful poem.
Thank you very much, Lindsey