Yesterday having been Bill’s 90th Birthday, Helen hosted open house today, so, carrying gifts, Jackie and I visited for a short time in the afternoon where we also met John, Stephanie, Billy, Max, and Rory; David and Jenny; and, briefly, Rachel. Helen provided plentiful snacks and a variety of beverages.
We retuned home through the forest via Hale, where cattle were in the
process of leaving the green and following walkers down the rocky sward of the hill.
Further on along the Purlieu ponies on the march rustled and thudded
in the woodland, or, with frisky foals, clopped along the tarmac flanked by mossy roots on raised banks and sculptural piles of similarly greened logs.
On the approach to Godshill we encountered another mare and foal. Note the wooden posts intended to deter drivers from parking on the verges.
We arrived home in time to see the last set of the Wimbledon Men’s tennis final between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokavic.
Then we all dined on Jackie’s lemon chicken and savoury rice with which she drank Hoegaarden and I drank Passamano Frappato Syrah 2021.
I just missed the men’s finals. Tuned in when the amazing 20-yr-old winner was raising his trophy to the crowd. I was glad the broadcasters reviewed some of the best footage! Your photo of the mare with foal at the roadside is amazing! What a beautiful set of scenes you shared! Thank you, {{{Derrick}}}
Much appreciated, Jan
Only the last set? You missed a cracker.
We did. I had to tear myself away from the TV to go to the open day. Thanks very much, Sheree
Sounds like a lovely day. I love vicariously through your forest drives. Ours aren’t bad in rural Virginia but all of your animals are special. In another month or two, my favorite pretty porkers will be foraging for acorns.
Thanks very much, Pat. So you have pannage, too
Lovely captures.
Thank you very much, Rupali
I always look forward to your forest shots Derrick. Those ponies and cattles photos are simplyvamazing????
Thank you so much, Arlene
My favorite is the header photo with the blurred, mossy tree trunk in the foreground.
Thank you very much, Liz. I’m pleased, because I thought the tree gave it context and emphasised they were on the move
You’re welcome, Derrick. 🙂
I hope Bill enjoyed his special day. Ninety is a wonderful age, I hope he still enjoys good health.
He does – although last year they told him he had terminal cancer until they discovered it was a mistake.
What? Oh, that is dreadful!
You and I both know what an awful impact that has on loved ones. I’m so glad it was a mistake.
Indeed
Lemon chicken and rice – perfect! There is a small town in Michigan, my home state that is named Hale. We used to use the town as a base for our dirt bike riding years ago.
Thanks very much, John
You’re welcome!
Fabulously dynamic header photo – lovely.
Thank you so much, Dolly
The mare and foal pictures are very good.
Thank you very much, Tootlepedal
The jumping foal made me smile Derrick …
“Jumping For Joy” (a Haiku)
Young exuberance
Prancing about joyfully
Knowingly, I smile
That is lovely, Ivor. Thank you very much. I nearly made that the header
It’ll be the header for my Haiku later on Derrick … I hope you don’t mind if I crop it a bit ????????
Not at all – it will need a crop for that purpose.
Thanks Derrick
I love the mare and foal photos, especially the frisky foals.
Thank you very much, JoAnna
Beautiful ponies.
Thank you very much, Chrissy
Your last three photographs show very well the almost extraordinary length of a foal’s legs.Mum must be very difficult to keep up with!
Thanks very much, John
Happy Birthday to Bill! 90! YAY! I wish him good health and continued joy in life!
Lovely photos of the cattle and ponies! Bovine and Equine! Divine!
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much, Carolyn X
It sounds like a lovely day–happy birthday to Bill! Your galleries of ponies are splendid. That jumping foal makes me feel happy.
Thank you very much, Merril
Happy Birthday to Bill! 90 is nothing to sneeze at!!
That mother and foal are beautiful!!
Thanks v very much, GP
What a stunning header! Happy birthday to Bill and hope he has many more.
Thank you very much, Eugi
Most welcome, Derrick.
Lemony chicken sounds perfect for tomorrow’s supper accompanied by many of the fresh vegetables from our farm share. Thanks for the idea.
Much appreciated, Elizabeth
Beautiful
https://youtu.be/QhwwCWkmYoc
Thanks very much, Willow
????????????
That sounds like lovely day – setting the Wimbledon aside. Any time I watch, the person I am rooting for loses.
Thanks very much, Susan
Wishing Bill a Happy 90th birthday!
I love seeing the ponies, especially those growing foals with their long legs! Lemon chicken and savory rice sounds like a nice finish to the day. Best to you and Jackie, Derrick.
Thank you so much from us both, Lavinia 🙂