On an overcast, cool, and dull, afternoon, Jackie and I took a drive into the forest.
The first three of these pictures of swans reflected in the still waters of Little Hatchet Pond with its misty horizon are mine; the rest by Jackie.
A new thatch on a house in Furzey Lane has a couple of canines confronting a pheasant.
A queue of ponies stretched in front of a house in East Boldre named Myrtle, clearly expecting their tea to be served;
one took time for a scratch.
The tree on the green at Portmore has again this year been draped with colourful baubles.
On our return home I posted
This evening we all dined on well cooked lean roast beef with horseradish, and bread sauce; crisp Yorkshire puddings; firm and tasty carrots, cauliflower, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts; tangy red cabbage; and meaty gravy with which I drank more of the pinotage.
Happy new Year!
✧˚ ༘⋆2025✧˚ ༘ ⋆
Thank you very much, Cindy. You, too
Lovely equine photos, dinner sounds delicious! I’ve never seen a home with a thatch roof.
Thank very much, John
😊😊🤙🏻🤙🏻
I’m sure the pheasant survived…getting over to NY (over is closer!)
Thank you very much, Catherine
Are the yellow flowers gorse? Your supper sure sounds good! Horseradish goes so well with roast beef.
Yes, gorse, Liz. Thanks very much
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Great pictures and meal. How long will your houseguests be staying?
Young family will leave on 2nd Jan; Becky and Ian undetermined. Thanks very much, Pat
The thatching on the roofs is so creative — I really enjoyed seeing what appears to be a dog/pheasant standoff!
Thanks very much, Linda
I enjoyed your joint Hatchet Pond gallery. My compliments to both photographers.
Thank you very much from both of us, Tootlepedal
Lovely pix!
Thank you very much, Cynthia
What lovely scenes from the forest, from reflecting swans to yellow gorse and ponies waiting for tea! Thank you, Derrick and Jackie. I do miss the Gloucester Old Spots though. 🙂 Until next pannage season.
Thank you so much from each of us, Lavinia
Great photos, Derrick. I love the swans and ponies!
Thank you very much, Dwight
You are welcome.
Lovely photos by both of you. That thatch roof is wonderful!
Thank you very much from us both, Merril
The ponies do seem to be expecting something. I’m glad your outing was rewarded by lovely sights. The figures on the thatched roof are interesting. I wonder if they’re made from the same thatch material as the roof.
Not the same, but similar. Most of the figures are made by other specialists to order of the thatcher. Thanks very much, JoAnna
Lovely pictures from you both but Jackie gets a 5 star for what sounds like a delicious meal Derrick!
Thank you very much, Diane. Well deserved
Beautiful photos, Jackie and Derrick! They are so sweet and lovely!
I love dogs, but I hope the pleasant pheasant wins by flying away! 🙂
I have waited in line for tea! Well worth it! 🙂
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️
Thank you very much from each of us, Carolyn XX
Happy New Year Derrick. And Jackie takes good shots too.
She does, Arlene. Thank you very much
The swans are great, Derrick, but you know i give the prize to Jackie for the ponies!!
Have a great day you two!!
My ponies, GP :), although Jackie did suggest we go out to find them. Thanks very much
Sorry, I thought you had only done those beautiful swans.
No problem
Beautiful photos, Derrick! I love the header photo with the pony taking time for a scratch.
Thank you very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
What tranquil scenes. I especially love the swans and the topiary animals. Guess I’m not the only one with a dog on my roof.
Thank you so much, Judy. Similarity with your dog made me smile
Love the ponies. It’s been a while since I cooked a proper English roast beef with Yorkshire pudding. Yum!
Thank you very much, Sherry
Lovely photos of swan and horses.
Thank you very much, Byung
Wonderful photography Derrick and that meal sounds delightful.
Thank you very much, Gary
The head image of the indecently scratching pony is well captured.
Just snatched as we were on the move. Thanks very much, Dolly
Perfect snatching. My pleasure, Derrick.