This afternoon, taking advantage of a temporary cessation of the heavy winds due to return tonight, we took a drive to the North of the forest.
We couldn’t be sure about the theme of the latest yarn decorations on the Tiptoe Post Box, but the heart on the chest might indicate the upcoming Valentine’s Day.
As we approached Rockford Sandpit we needed to avoid a bale of hay which had clearly fallen off a farmer’s load and now occupied the middle of the road. When we returned an hour or so later it had been moved onto the verge and two forest ponies, their feet on the tarmac,
were chomping away and causing chaos to passing vehicles, one of
which was driven by Debbie Riley, who, perhaps because she works with horses, brought common sense to the situation.
As I said to her, even if I had thought of what she did I could not have managed it, because I would have lost my balance and fallen over.
Aware of the possibility of being bitten, Debbie lifted the bale, no mean feat in itself, carried it across the road and through the trees to the bank of the stream. Fortunately the strap was still attached. This meant that the ponies, their numbers certain to have been increased, could have continued their consumption, being safe in the darkness of the unlighted road.
These first two watched Debbie carry away their spoils,


hoovered up scraps, and wandered off, simply accepting that their find had been removed. We had both expected them to follow, but they didn’t.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s tasty pork casserole; boiled new potatoes, moist spinach; crunchy carrots; firm Brussels sprouts; and tender green beans with which she drank Diet Coke and I drank Viña Albali Gran Reserva 2017.
No storms here, but finally after a couple of weeks very hot and dry, an overnight downfall or two. Possibly going to rain some more today.
Now if you’d been a strapping lad of yesteryear, you could have shifted the “straw”
Exactly, Catherine. Thank you very much
She’s a strong woman! I’ve carried those bails many times while living in Michigan, they are NOT light! 😂 Dinner sounds delish, I love pork. ❤️
That woman is used to heavy labor!! I’m surprised the ponies didn’t follow her.
I checked with the international list of holidays and could not help you with what the post adornment was meant for. The top half looks Aztec!!
Thank you very much for trying, GP. We were surprised, too. Debbie was very strong. It is probably 10 years since I could have done that.
I remember when I could do stuff like that–now about 20 years ago. Very impressive pictures. Love this UCO (unidentified crocheted object) I think your conclusion about Valentine’s Day is probably correct.
Thank you very much, Pat
Silly horses – a free lunch and all they had to do was cross the road!
That crocheted thingamabob is intriguing, that is for sure!
Could it have been related to Mardi Gras, maybe? If not Valentine’s, that is!
An interesting thought, Dale. Thanks very much
Thank you so much, Dale
Winds here too. We’ve never seen such wind storms since moving here.
Thank you very much, Chrissy
The mailbox topper is a strange little creature.
Thank you very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
I’m glad Debbie was able to accomplish moving the bale. I was worried when I saw the horses in the road. She looks like she knew what she was doing!
That crocheted creature is odd.
Thank you so much, Merril. We learn to expect animals in the road
You’re welcome. I’m still glad she moved the bale. 🙂
It is very good to see someone who knows what they are doing. Could she be persuaded to run the country for a while?
Thanks very much Tootlepedal
Those bales are very heavy. I’ve never been able to shift one, whereas daughter Sophie was moving them around with ease at only twelve years old!
Thanks very much, Sue. Debbie said the strap helped.
I love your forest scenes Derrick. Maybe that crochet design is for Valentines?
I think so. Thank you very much, Arlene
A wonderful story/photos, about Debbie and shifting the hay bale, Derrick
Thank you very much, Ivor
That’s a cute little valentine monster. I hope the ponies find the rest of the hay.
Thanks very much, JoAnna. I’m sure they will
This was an interesting encounter 🙂
It was. Thank you very much, Anne
Such a lovely story, and Debbie is so strong, lifting that straw bale! I had the same thought—the horses will definitely follow. 😊
I truly enjoy hearing about your vibrant and lively adventures!
Wonderful photos! What a great helper Debbie is!
I’m surprised the ponies didn’t follow the food. 🙂
I wonder if later they conversed in equine about “Wonder where that delicious hay went?” Ha!
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️
Thank you very much, Carolyn XX
Your words and photos brought alive the scene. There is always something happening around us. We have to pause and observe. Thank you Derrick.
I am huge fan of crochet figures and remember seeing variety in your posts.
Thank you very much, Rupalii
Love the yarn bomb!
Thank you very much, Sheree
New Forest featured on Countryfile this evening which was most interesting but I half expected either you or Jackie to pop up with your cameras.
We both got a laugh out of this, Sheree. Thank you very much
My pleasure Derrick
That is an interesting knitted post box decoration. Science Fiction character, maybe?
That was a good idea from Debbie, moving the bale and preventing a congregation of ponies along the road. I am sure one will find it eventually, and then there will be a pony party to follow.
Thank you very much, Lavinia
It’s good to see your crochet artist back at work 🙂
Thank you very much, Rosaliene
What a strong woman with a lovely smile.
Indeed. Thank you very much, Dolly
Bless Debbie Riley! What a strong, good-hearted woman, huh?
Yep. Thanks very much
A strange but somehow cute decoration! Those ponies found a good meal 🙂
Thank you very much, Riba
Like the others, I am grateful for people like Debbie, who choose to add common sense to daily life when they are able. The crocheted figure is certainly a conversation starter. If it wasn’t so late in January, I would have guessed it was for Tet, given the yellow colours and vaguely Asian dragon appearance. But Valentines must be the correct occasion. So fun no matter what it is.
Thank you very much, Crystal
Interesting. I would also have expected the ponies to follow the food.
Thank you very much, Robbie