For lunch today, we joined Mum, Elizabeth, Danni, and Ella for lunch at Woodpeckers.
Ella seemed at home in her throne while she played with Mum’s finger;
afterwards she was happy to be passed around. Danni e-mailed these images to me.
We all enjoyed tender, lean, beef casserole; creamy mashed potatoes; tender carrots and green beans, followed by pear sponge and custard. Apple juice and red and white wines were on offer. Each of us chose our preferred beverage. Mum was given her requested orange juice. Teas and coffees were to follow.
Afterwards Jackie and I continued into the forest. As we left I wondered where else one would find
ponies wandering about outside a care home carrying the outstanding rating of the top 3% in the country?
On Furzey Lane, near Beaulieu, one chestnut pony waited patiently at a gate; and a thatcher’s donkey took a rooftop view.
“Ah. A donkey derby”, exclaimed Jackie as we reached East Boldre and encountered these animals on the road, some making their way to their job of trimming grassy areas and holly hedges, turning up their noses at as yet unripe blackberries equally within their reach.
One unfortunate child, missing a shoe, had been forced to hop home from there.
At the end of Tanners Lane strong winds whipped waves ashore, attracting
both sailboarders and kite-surfers.
I was able to watch a young man and his father set up his sailboard, and, whilst enjoying a conversation with the older man and younger boy,
watch an impressive display of sailboarding. As always, enlargement of these images may be obtained with clicks which will access the galleries.
This evening we dined on piquant cheese and bacon omelettes with toast. Jackie drank Blue Moon and I didn’t.
Wonderful set of images.
Thank you very much, Rupali
What a splendid day you’ve enjoyed. Your photos are superb as always, Derrick. 🙂
Thank you very much, Sylvia
Surely that’s not a real donkey on the roof? You don’t often see honesty in advertising so good on the rest home.
Thanks very much, Pauline. The donkey is one of the thatcher’s trademark tokens
Interesting!
But for goats on a roof, go here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqlBDN-k0AA They have long grazed the roof of a shop near my cousin.
Amazing link, Lisa. So Pauline’s question is very reasonable. Thank you
Haha! Though I was pleased to see they aren’t permanently stuck on a roof .
Amazing photos as always Derrick.
Thanks very much, Sheree
Looks like everyone has a healthy appetite. It’s nice to see your mum enjoying time with Ella. Great photos, Derrick!
Thanks very much, Jill
Ella is such a doll! Wonderful to see your mother playing with her. Your mother is certainly enjoying a care facility exceptional in every way, including wild life grazing free right outside.
Your photos of the water activities are so dynamic, Derrick, that I almost felt a spray hitting my face.
Thank you very much, Dolly. Nicely descriptive
My pleasure, as always, Derrick
Brings back memories of when I sailboarded on the Solent and found the currents simply something else!
They are very deceptive, Leslie. Many thanks
Looks like a fun time. Beautiful photos
Thanks very much, More.
You’re very welcome blessings to you
Those wind surfing pictures are really fabulous. Catch the motion amazingly. Yes, Ella is a doll and it’s nice to see her and your mother enjoying each other.
Thanks very much, Lisa. 96 years between them
An excellent selection of action shots on the water.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
I like the donkey on the roof.
Thank you very much, Aliens
Great pics Derrick as always and so glad you got to spend some time with your Mom and other family members.
Thanks very much, Gary
If I see one more adorable donkey on your blog, I just might adopt one and put him in my living room!
He wouldn’t be any trouble – but they do live a long time, Luanne. Many thanks
Awww, i should have started earlier with a donkey!
Oh how little Ella, going to appreciate the photos one day with her great grandmother. I appreciate how you keep generational memories for your love ones.
Well said!
Thanks. very much, maw
My youngest granddaughter (18 months) was named Ellora but most people call her Ella.
There’s a lot of treasured memories in these photos. 🙂
Thank you very much, Chrissy. A coincidence about the name
Are the horses and donkeys wild?
They are owned by commoners who have historic grazing rights. In effect they are wild – occasionally the ponies kick or bite people who touch them.
Interesting! You don’t see horses and donkeys roaming the streets over here.
From the stillness of ponies to swiftness of sailboarders there is quiet a change in the perspective. How I loved the thatcher’s donkey!
Very many thanks, Uma
Ella is a beautiful child and that is a wonderful picture with Mum.
Thank you very much, John
A Care Home with an Outstanding award, you and Elizabeth chose well and I’m glad she has settled so well.
I am in tune with all other comments here, thank you for sharing another lovely day in your life.
Thanks very much, Sue
What a lovely reunion with everyone. The county scenes are always nice to see.
Thank you very much, Arlene
Such wonderful photos, Derrick–from the first to the last. I love the photos of Ella with your mother, you, and Jackie. And the ponies and the sailing. . .
Your mother is indeed fortunate to be in such a wonderful place. I don’t think there is anyplace like that around here–if if there is it probably would be too expensive for most people and with a years-long waiting list.
Thanks very much, Merril. This place is expensive and requires Mum’s house to be solved to pay over the Local Authority’s paltry contribution
It still don’t think there’s any place like it around here. 🙂 Unfortunately, my mom does not have a house to sell, and she’s gone through all her savings. My siblings and I have been helping with her rent and paying for her caregivers.
We are doubly lucky
She’s so cute.
Thanks very much, Tosha
You’re welcome.
Terrific pictures, as always, but this time I was particularly taken with the sailboarding shots. You really caught the energy and the beauty.
Thank you very much, Laurie. It was a good day for it
Yesterday I was surprised to find blackberries ready for picking. I went back today with a bowl to collect them.
Gosh – that is early. Thanks a lot, Andrew
I thought so too!
Excellent photos of the sail boarders and kite surfers. It’s hard to get those shots so clear with the activity and distance. When I’m in the market for a care home, I know one place I’ll stop for an interview. 😉
🙂 The home really is good, but I probably won’t be around to visit you. Many thanks, Crystal
Just wonderful clicks especially of horses and the sailboarding – the vast expanse of sea.I too remember my swimming in not so a distant past during my stay with my son in UK Regards.
Thanks very much, Harbans. Regards
Thanks and regards.
An impressive photo shoot.
Thanks very much, Roland
Wonderful photos, Derrick!
So glad you, your Mum, and all the gals got together. Especially your Mum and Ella!
Love the donkey on the roof and The Donkey Derby! Sweet!
HUGS!!! for all!!! 🙂
Thank you very much, Carolyn X
I was wondering if the blackberries would be ripe yet…
🙂 Thanks very much, Helen
Wonderful photos of sailboats and horse. The casserole sounded wonderful too my friend.
Thanks very much, Drew. Amazing cooking for a care home
A wonderful luncheon, forest drive and time on the Solent, Derrick and Jackie! Enjoyed the photos.