A little known fact, but when my mother was pregnant with me, she read a children’s book called “Susannah of the Mounties” by Muriel Denison. This book was first published in 1936 and funnily enough, my Great Great Aunt Kate was also reading it in 1950.
Anyway, my middle name is Susannah because of this book and, of course, I have the family copy. The film was not what I imagined, though.
So, when the Shetland ponies trotted and cantered past me on my poo-picking walk this afternoon, the word that instantly came to mind was “lickety-split” – the first time I had ever heard it used was in “Susannah of the Mounties”.
I was being followed on my poo-picking rounds.
And then one by one, with Silver first, each pony went past lickety-split.
(though Newt threw in a little canter as well – he would)
Tiddles went lickety-split ….. (because he is a good boy)
And Albie…..
Then lastly Waffle.
And then Waffle and Albie had a bit of a tussle….. because they are typical little boys who cannot just trot down a corridor without pushing and shoving each other.
Anyway, it is funny where my memory can take me when I am walking around a track with rubber gloves and bucket. I never read the book sequels, though. I wonder if I should (edited to say, I just looked it up and there are three! Who knew?)
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Love picture of your babies – they are all so cute. Did you ever see the Shirley Temple Black movie of the same name? Guess it is related to your book. My favorite books when young (73 years young now), were The Misty of Chincoteague series. Loved the artwork in the books too. Read voraciously about anything to do with equines. Rode all I could & put many miles on my first mare. Horse experience helped me get a mounted police officer job in early 1970s in New Jersey – loved it! Was LEO for years. Sorry to babble. Please take care of yourself. Hugs to you & yours.
Such a lovely, warm memory.
As I grew up, my parents would say ‘Licketty split ‘ and ‘quick sticks’. Their parents grew up in England so I assume it came from there. Photos showing a good tinge of green, spring is in the air. Here, I’m onto fire on all day days. Winter is in the air.
Yes, we grew up with that expression too. And when we only had time to give the house a very cursory clean my mother used to call it, “a lick and a promise”.
Bucket and rubber gloves? I had hoped that “Skippy” was on the mend. Take care.