As we set out on a still warm, but generally overcast, morning for a
forest drive I noticed a feather hanging above a myrtle bloom.
A pigeon was in no hurry to move out of our way along Lower Pennington Lane, alongside which, from a five barred gate
Jackie photographed moorland, and, on the way back,
I photographed walkers pushing a small baby in a buggy.
Before then, we had watched distant geese approaching, then flying over a walking family. The birds travel every day each way between Christchurch and Lymington, presumably finding regular sustenance. (Enlargement by access to the gallery may make them more visible).
Along St Leonard’s Road Jackie photographed me approaching and leaning on a tree in order to
picture a field horse and foal.
Blackberries are ripening along all the hedgerows.
Jackie also photographed this five-barred gate and its view.
Outside the ancient barn ponies cropped the grass on the verge;the animal in the first picture of this gallery hopefully wet-nosed me as I disembarked; finding I had no treats on offer she
stuck her nose through the open passenger window.
This is what it looked like to Jackie inside, while I wandered off.
Joggers along these narrow lanes take their lives in their hands. Those in the first picture were in Lower Pennington Lane. The woman decided to wait until the two cars had gone by; the one in the second was about to be passed by a large tractor towing a long container vehicle.
When, after an hour and a half, we returned home, the feather, despite the stiff breeze had not detached itself from the almost invisible, sticky, thread that held it. Such is the power of the web.
After lunch I posted
This evening the Culinary Queen served up a meal both colourful and flavoursome consisting of lemon chicken on a bed of rice packed with peas, fava beans, red and yellow peppers, onions, and mushrooms, with which I drank Bajoz Tempranillo 2022.
Derrick, I have been a fan of British family sagas since I was in high school. They spanned from the late Victorian era through at least WWII. Your descriptions of the countryside sound like those historical novels I love to read. Kudos to you and Jackie for the pictures and you for the lush descriptions and the dinner I will be over for ASAP.
Thank you very much from both of us, Pat
Always lovely to accompany you on your drives.
Thank you very much, Dale
Ah, the power of the web….and the power of hoped-for treats. Beautiful photographs!
Thank you so much, Donna
You must never get tired of these drives Derrick. There is always something different and fun things to see. That feather is a great picture, I kept looking at it and it looks like it is floating!
Thank you so much, Diane
Wonderful to see you enjoying the beauty of your surroundings Derrick… Excellent photos from both of you xx <3
Thank you very much from both of us, Sue XX
You are most welcome xx
😂 Jackie made a new 🐎 hooved friend!!
I wouldn’t like the horse popping it’s head into my car! 😂
You look kind of guilty the way you walked up to the tree and the way you leaned against it. Great photos. Please, tell Jackie I said “Hello”.
Will do. Thanks very much, Bridget
Nice play on words! Never seen that pattern of gate before. Is it as local thing or a very wide gate?
The diamonds are certainly common round here. We have a metal one at the Back Drive but I doesn’t have that embellishment. I’m pleased you got the title
I have to read carefully to make sure I miss nothing in your posts. 🙂
What a delightful day! In spite of the gray skies, you brought such joy to your surroundings by your observant eye. You and Jackie are such accomplished photographers, you brought me right back there with you! Thank you!!
Much appreciated, Jan.
I certainly wouldn’t like to run along that road. I liked Jackie’s picture of the curious horse.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal. That truck also passed a cyclist but my photo was too out of focus
I love those overcast skies and of course, the horses.
Thank you very much, VJ
Welcome Derrick
Cloudy days are still beautiful, and I enjoyed your forest drive full of foals and curious ponies, Derrick and Jackie.
I went berry picking in late morning today myself. We have lots of wild blackberry around here.
Thank you very much from us both, Lavinia
It seems as if you had a delightful day. It is good to to have something to lean on such as that convenient tree.
Thanks very much, John
Haha … I’m sure the pony is saying to Jackie, “make sure you bring some treats next time!”
Thanks very much, Ivor
I love how you capture the magic of seemingly simple things. Those webs really are strong!
Thank you so much, JoAnna
You have chosen an excellent title for this piece, Derrick. Lovely pictures as always.
Such wonderful subjects…so many posing just for you two! Jackie and Derrick…your photos are such a joy to look at! You both have such good eyes for what to “shoot”!
I love the Nose-y Horse! Ha! “Nosy!” 🙂
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️
PS…your title and your photos today made me think of a fave quote: “We are tender and fierce. We are soft and strong. We are fragile and courageous. Sometimes all in one day.” – Unknown.
I love the title, very clever. My favourite images today have to be the ones of the mare with her head poking through the open car window! Just wonderful! 🙂
Thank you so much Sue – especially for appreciating the title
Great photos from both of you. But haven’t I told you, Derrick to carry an apple or carrot around for the ponies? lol 🍎🥕
Pigeons are so stupid, I am amazed that there are so many of them.
Thank you very much, Andrew
Lovely. Your account if the country side reminds me of all the novels I read during my student days.
Thank you very much, Geeta
Beautiful photos and clever title. I love the moody clouds, the feather, and I laughed out loud at the pony’s head in the car window (after remembering your passenger side is the opposite of ours).
Thank you so much, Merril I’m pleased the title wasn’t wasted
Never, Derrick. 😉
🙂
What a nosey horse. 🙂
They will all do that if we don’t shut the window quick enough. Thanks very much, Sherry
Lovely head photo with the feather taking center stage and a delightful photo of the close encounter with Jackie’s equine friend.
Thank you very much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.
I recognize that use of the tree as a fellow photographer! They are so handy to keep shots steady – especially when I use my full zoom.
Indeed. Thanks very much, Crystal
A good round of photos.
Thank you very much, Andy
You’re welcome.
What a lovely day and cute and curious pony 🙂
Thank you very much, Riba
The feather shot is fab!
Thank you very much, Resa
Pleasure!
Love the photo of the horse nosing inside the car looking for treats
Thanks very much, Sheree
Those pictures with the horse looking into the car are priceless 🙂
Thank you very much, Geetha
Now, that’s a brazen pony. Talk about entitlement!
Indeed. Thank you very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.