This afternoon we took a drive out to Pilley, first to book a table at Fleur de Lys, then to have another look at the new foal. The pub was no longer serving meals and would close again in two weeks until new management took over; there was no pony in sight in the village. So we were doubly disappointed yet counted our blessings for having seen the new foal yesterday.
We turned to the Red Lion to make our evening booking.
We drove on to Holmsley, where we felt sure we would see some wild life. This was not to be, and confirmed our growing feeling that ponies at least enjoy a siesta on either side of our lunchtime.
Although some could be seen on distant moorland through the trees alongside Bisterne Close, trilling birdsong was the only sign of life in the woodland.
I wandered among shade-patterned and nibbled trunks with mossy roots;
fallen tree remnants with peeling bark;
decaying branches contributing to the ecology;
and a teepee erected as a shelter for small creatures of all kinds.
The seasonal pond now sports flowing kingcups and iris shoots.
By the time we returned home via Holmsley Passage the previously empty gorse landscapes were populated by grazing ponies, others of
which foraged among grasses on the lower slopes.
The postbox outside the cottage on Wootton Road is ready for the weekend’s Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
This evening we all dined on excellent fare with friendly service at the aforementioned Red Lion at Pilley where Flo and I enjoyed battered haddock, chips, and peas; Jackie, Cajun chicken burger, chips, and salad; and Dillon steak and ale pie; we all shared onion rings. Jackie and Dillon drank Peroni; Flo, Apple juice; and I, Ringwoods forty-niner. We then returned home for Flo’s delicious banana cake and clotted cream.
Glad the ponies showed up so the day was not a total bust. Loved the crocheted monarchs. Your dinner sounds delicious.
Thank you very much, Pat
Great title for this post. Oh, those grazing ponies. So relaxed and so far away from the coronation hype (the dolls on the mailbox are darn funny). I’m sooo ready for dinner now, but sadly, no fish and chips on the menu. Sounds good. I’m slow cooking spaghetti and meatballs. Cheers!
Thank you very much, Pamela
Mother Nature usually has something interesting to offer photographers…Liked the ‘im and ‘er characters on the letter-box!
Thanks very much, Joy
Oh my gosh, the puppet of Camilla is too funny. I actually reckognized her. Seems like the UK is now at peace with her. They surely are brave to take on such a burden in such a high age.
Thank you very much, Bridget. I imagine they must be at least ambivalent.
I particulary enjoyed the ponies grazing amongst the gorse.
Thank you very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Beautiful photos. Interesting post box art.
Thanks very much, Andy
You’re welcome.
I am glad that equines finally appeared. The post box decoration leaves me speechless.
Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal
Dinner sounds delicious, guys! I’m glad that you did see some ponies during your journey. I am excited about the Coronation! A must watch on TV I hope, if we have it here. ????????❤️????????
I’ll be surprised f you don’t have it there, John. Thank you so much
You’re welcome!
I hope so! ????????????????❤️❤️
Your site added the question marks, sorry.
No problem
You found, and photographed, some of nature’s most beautiful artwork! What masterpieces!
Love your title…and so glad some equine were ready to pose for you!
The appearance of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on the postbox gave me a grin! How wonderful to see them honored! I wish them the best in their continued journey.
(((HUGS))) 🙂 ❤️
PS…I wonder if an equine siesta is l-o-n-g or short…I could use one…or maybe a feline siesta. HA!
Thank you very much, Carolyn X
Adore the knitted dolls of King Charles III and Queen Camilla 😀
Thank you very much, Rosaliene
I like the ponies among the gorse and the one with the long mane and tail foraging among grasses. Of course, you know I like the mossy roots. I hope the trees don’t mind the moss.
I’m sure they enjoy it, JoAnna. Thank you very much
After feeding in the morning to replenish the previous night, bird usually go quiet around lunchtime, to rest presumably, before trying to feed up for an hour or two and then fly off to roost. At roost, they are frequently thought to exchange information about good food sources in the local area.
Thank you very much, John
Lovely information re ‘a day in the life of a bird’ Thankyou.
I’m glad you eventually found a few ponies.
Sheep seem to have resting periods en masse too, but not necessarily asleep, well, apart from the lambs!
I’m pleased you found somewhere for supper after the first disappointment.
Thank you very much, Sue
Despite the early disappointment, it sounds like a lovely, peaceful day. I love the ponies against the gorse.
Banana cake with clotted cream sounds delicious, but I’m imagining you all unable to move after the meal followed by it. 🙂
Thanks very much, Merril. I only had a sliver of cake 🙂
🙂
It’s always a good day when we see our ponies!
Thank you very much GP
Great photos!
I loved all of them very much ????????????
Have a lovely day!
Thank you very much, Luisa
I just noticed that series of question marks that I didn’t mean to add.
I can’t understand how this can happen
It is emojis that don’t seem to work for some people. You are not alone
In Italy we have a saying that roughly translates as: “a trouble shared is a trouble halved”????
🙂
Haha, so they take siesta too just like us.
I am glad you were able to see the foal and take a photo earlier.
I love the golden expanses of gorse! They must be buzzing with bees in good weather?
What a terrific gallery, Derrick! Love the knitted (crocheted) royal couple!
Thanks very much, Dale
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They do need a siesta too 🙂 What a lovely dinner 🙂
Thank you very much, Ribana
Looking up these place names on the map, I gather you live in the New Forest Derrick? That must be an excellent place for wildlife, although I have never been there. I’ve added your post to the Nature Photo Challenge contributors, as not only the gorse but the kingcups qualify! Love those mini-Royals, even though I am not an ardent Royalist.
Thank you very much, Denzil
Fabulous addition to the Post Box
Thank you very much, Sheree
Lovely photos – and the yarn bombing brought a smile at the end.
Thank you very much, Margaret