This morning we shopped at Everton nurseries for composts, seeds, bulbs, and some potted primulas; then drove on into the forest.
Sunlit landscapes were in sharp contrast to yesterday’s murky views. These were seen from
Lower Sandy Down, one of our narrow undulating winding lanes where we would not relish meeting oncoming traffic careering down the slope.
Long shadows streaked the terrain
littered with last autumn’s fallen leaves;
snowdrops scaled steep verges,
some of which reflected sunlit trees above.
Giving me a quizzical look a be-rugged horse chomped on the contents of its hanging hay bag.
Although still mud-caked ponies were much more in evidence on the moors outside Brockenhurst;
a bay leisurely ambling across the road
permitted itself a smug grin as it hampered a group of cheery cyclists.
Settling into foraging on the other side
it sported a nice new bracken ribbon decorating its tail.
We followed a rather splendid vintage vehicle for some way on the road home
hoping it would turn off left so I could obtain a side-on view. The driver eventually obliged.
Sway Tower was also basking in the sunshine.
This afternoon, admittedly fuelled by a bottle of Doom Bar, I dozed through the Six Nations rugby match between Wales and Italy. The later contest between Scotland and Ireland held my complete attention.
For our dinner this evening Jackie produced her tasty liver and bacon casserole; creamy mashed potatoes, firm Brussels sprouts and carrots in three colours. The Culinary Queen drank Hoegaarden and I drank San Juan Argentine Malbec 2019.