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In order to use the services of the Post Office whilst Jackie was visiting the Birchfield Dental Practice, this morning I parcelled up some items the Australian branch of the family had left behind; wrote a cheque for the water bill in Sigoules; and packed up the various documents required for my tax return. I then posted everything.
Afterwards, Jackie took us on a drive through the forest.
The unfortunate ponies struggled to find relief from the overhead sun, and clustered where they could under trees offering inadequate cover.
Tormented by flies, one of this group scratched against the tree trunks;
the others just bore their discomfort in silence. The beastly insects crawled over these wretched creatures’ eyes, noses, and mouths.
We could at least benefit from the car’s air conditioning, and choose to venture into shady lanes, three of which are featured for Jill’s benefit.
The domesticated horses enjoyed better shade,
even when grazing.
Outside the shop at Pilley one string of ponies queued for the phone box
While others kept down the grass in front of the houses. This smaller animal, despite its leopard skin coat, was bullied by one of the larger ones when it ventured away from the gate.
Foals are becoming big enough for their mothers to leave them to their own devices. One white mare attempted to escape the attentions of her little one, who was having none of it, and, on spindly legs, quickly trotted after her.
The little ones are still learning to tolerate flies, and twitch about in vain.
The lonely male just went to sleep.
Sadly, juvenile tails are no use as fly whisks,
so our little limpet clung to Mum,
keeping within the sweep of hers.
We visited Tanners Lane on our way home. Despite the low tide, the appearance of water, against the backcloth of the Isle of Wight, gave the illusion of coolness.
Two women and children searching among the shallows, skirted
a rowing boat
chained to the stony shore.
This is the last house on the lane.
We had seen dog roses in the hedgerows at Boldre;
Those on Tanners Lane mingled with blackberry blossom among which Small Heath butterflies flitted. There are two in this picture.
Our evening meal consisted of cold meats, hard-boiled egg, salad, and cheeses.
Now we are going to drink beer on the patio.
