On a warm and sunny morning we drove to the pharmacy at Milton on Sea, and on into the forest.
Starry sun reflecting from a window on the Isle of Wight sparkled on the Solent,
as it gently lapped against the sea wall and Hurst Castle in the distance.
The eroding cliffs, speaking of many more turbulent seas, bear more sturdy rocks, part of the never-ending human efforts to build defences.
Another photographer briefly left his vehicle to make his own photograph.
A large number of ponies kept the grass down for visitors using the Holmsley Car Park.
The more creaky of my readers will recognise the need for this pony to roll backwards and forwards,
acquiring a bed head, in order to rise to its feet.
Nearby, another, in need of a scratch, was practicing the delicate art of bum flossing, as it is known locally, when using posts of a certain height for the purpose.
This was clearly not adequate for complete relief, as further efforts were required until the animal was able to settle down to chewing grass rather than the lingering irritant.
After lunch I cut the grass.
This evening we enjoyed more of Jackie’s delicious sausages in red wine; creamy mashed potatoes; firm carrots and cauliflower; and tender runner beans, with which she drank Hoegaarden and I drank more of the Cotes du Rhone.