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This morning we drove to New Milton to register with the Birchfield Dental Practice, then do business at the bank and the post office. Afterwards we visited Streets Ironmongers in Brockenhurst where we exchanged our Swan’s Basket for a more suitable grate for the new fireplace, and a bag of coal. As we left the shop, the car thermometer registered 19 degrees. we’ll hardly need a fire. Someone up there is having a laugh.
The land around the Balmer Lawn section of Highland Water has dried out enough for the flooded area, bearing strong shadows from the overhead sun, to contain discrete pools reflecting the trees and the skies.
Some of the shadows criss-crossed the roots exposed by receding waters.
Clear water flowed over the glowing Highland Water bed.
The river itself sparkled in the sunlight.
As I wandered along the banks a pony seemed to move across the landscape. Actually it remained stationary. It was I who changed my position.
Cyclists were reflected beneath the bridge, over which a walker proceeded in the direction of Brockenhurst,
and under which the river streamed.
Other ponies had reclaimed their pasturage. This one set off past the car park towards the river, thought better of it, and, eyes open, went to sleep.
Perhaps it had decided to leave the watering hole to the donkeys,
who, thirst slaked, went off for a scratch
followed by a necking session.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s sublime chicken jalfrezi and mushroom rice, with onion bahji and samosa starters and a side dish of dal makhani and paneer. Jackie finished the Vernaccia di San Gimignano and I finished the carmenère.