Saturday, December 18, 2010

A bad year for melons.

Another frigid start to the day. The ground covered in thick, glistening, hoar frost. Wilf who has become quite sniffy about going out in the cold surprised us by rushing delightedly out of the door. The sort of bone chilling morning when you're hoping for a short walk and your canine companion has his heart set on a long one. And a long one it was. Across the green, past the church and down to the lake. 'The font' and yours truly in fits of laughter as Wilf tried skating on the frozen puddles. Much truffle hound snorting as long hidden scents were discovered. Pungent delights.

Eleven thirty and the mayor came past for a restorative glass of champagne. He was feeling low. Another local farmer is giving up melon growing and going over to livestock rearing. It seems that in 2007 the farmers were getting 73 cents a kilo for their cantaloupes. In 2009 this had slumped to 54 cents and this year a disastrous 45 cents. ' Une annee catastrophique '. Incomers are oblivious to the changes in the landscape but for the old timers like the mayor it's a source of sadness. An hour and a half, and three glasses of Bollinger later, he seemed to have rediscovered his equilibrium.

After the mayor it was the turn of the curtain lady to show up. She rang the bell just as I was settling down to watch the rugby on television. Five nothing in her shoes and imbued with super human energy the curtain lady is a living nightmare. She always wants to ask my opinion about pleats or borders or linings. This is a mind numbing nightmare to someone whose knowledge of curtains can be summed up in the words 'Open or closed '.

16 comments:

  1. I'm so glad that Wilf is finding the good in the cold--It certainly brings warmth, doesn't it?

    Your knowledge of curtains is like my knowledge of Rugby which is summed up in the words 'running and goal!'

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  2. Thanks to the film Invictus, I can add "scrum" to my rugby vocabulary.

    Walking with a furry companion is always a new adventure. Sometimes it's sniff every leaf; sometimes it's gambol along like a puppy. But it's always a delight -- even when a bit bone chilling, right?

    We're glad the "font" is home and hope "granny font" is well and set for Christmas! (Christmas Eve is in just one week; if that doesn't set off alarums, what will?

    xxx Joan

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  3. So funny. I find after three glasses of champagne that my equilibrium isn't quite what it should be! I'm picturing Wilf finding and snorting over hidden scents. Lovely. Good boy!

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  4. Sounds like a busy day - although I"m not sure I'd like the curtain ladies interruption!

    Sam

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  5. Hahaha, excellent.I think with this kind of cold you should probably get your curtains lined to keep the house nice and warm, preferably with something woolly!! Glad to hear Wilf is in great shape and great humour.
    Have a lovely cosy day with Wilf and hopefully the curtain lady will not wear you down with her queries.

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  6. I love your description of Wilf, ice-skating on puddles and taking you for the long walk that he wanted. I'm still smiling.

    Do truffle hounds really exist? My dogs might have a future in it...

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  7. Wilf and share the same hairstyle when I wake up in the mornings.

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  8. The curtain lady and my mother would get on like a house on fire. A house with beautifully draped windows that is...
    So glad to hear Wilfy enjoyed his morning walk.
    Cheers!
    Gail.

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  9. You have a delightful writing style. So easy to read!

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  10. I second that... Thanks for providing brilliant reading - glad Mr Wilf is doing so great!

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  11. Puddle surfing!

    XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

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  12. I didn't know you could hire a curtain person. I just go to the store and buy them when I need them. Yours are probably nicer and of better quality though.

    Ice skating on puddles...sounds like a lot of fun.

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  13. Somehow I stumbled across your blog and I am so glad I did! I am in love with your dogs! We have been talking about getting a dog for awhile and have narrowed it down to a Wheaten Terrier or a Polish Lowland Sheepdog! I have heard mixed comments about shedding. What have you experienced? I have 2 boys - 7 and 4 1/2. How are they with kids? I apologize if you have answered these questions already on your blog but I have looked it over and didn't see anything regarding children. Anyway, any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!

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  14. I'm sure Wilf's skating could rival Olympic champions'!

    We're in a very agricultural area here, too. I know that it really does upset those in the community when the farmers sell their land and move on. Our county board seems to fight progress tooth and nail!

    I hope the curtains turn out well!

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  15. Happy dog = happy day. Although livestock is better than tract homes, the lovely melon farm is certainly a loss! Hope you don't live down wind.

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  16. Thanks for getting back to me regarding my questions. It sounds like a PON would be a great fit for us. He or she wouldn't have to be alone much since I don't work. My only concern is the barking and territorial issues..not that it is really an issue but we do have guests over often and we spend a lot of time at my inlaws beachhouse with 2 Golden Retrievers. I will continue to read your blog for more insight on the breed. I don't make quick decisions on pets (or anything for that matter) so I will keep thinking about it for now. I just think PONs are the cutest dogs in the world. Thanks again!

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