Monday, April 25, 2011

Easter Monday.







Easter Monday. A national holiday here in France. The only activity a dozen or so blackbirds grubbing under the oak trees and an old blind dog ambling slowly across the village green. Even the quarrelsome frogs have entered into the spirit of things and fallen silent. And what silence it is. In Britain or Italy you'd always catch the sound of a petrol engine buzzing away somewhere in the far distance , but here, nothing at all to disturb the measured calm.


It won't last. Yesterday two large tour busses arrived mid-morning to disgorge a hundred or so pilgrims from Munich. They get off here, walk the eight miles to the abbey church at Auvillar, have lunch in a Michelin star restaurant and are then whisked off in air-conditioned comfort towards another unsuspecting little village . By Tuesday night they'll have made it across the Pyrenees, along the northern coast of Spain and be within an hours walk of the great pilgrimage church at Compostella. It seems that another two bus loads of red cagouled wanderers are going to arrive here this morning. Pilgrimage the modern way.



Wilf continues with his own unhurried journey. He sleeps a lot, enjoys his three times daily ventures along the lane and positively relishes meal times. Thankfully, the anti-inflamatory injection coupled to the Atropine have reduced the swelling in the eye. No need , at this stage, for surgery. Sometimes he gets frustrated with his blindness, an inability to understand why doors aren't where they're supposed to be or why his water bowl has moved. Overall though he's happy. No pain, a lot of trust. Taking each day as it comes.

15 comments:

  1. The doting owners are what gives him such quality of life. Well done! He's very adorable.

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  2. We're so glad that Wilf can just enjoy life at his pace.....a lesson for all of us.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

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  3. It's good to read that Wilf continues on his own journey, enjoying each day and moment and not worrying about what's ahead--I doubt that those who are on a pilgrimage via the buses can say the same.

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  4. I think it's good that Wilf still strives to be independent as much as he can, and still tries to figure things out. I wouldn't mind coming back in another life as Wilf! He's lived quite a life.

    I thought the point of a pilgrimage was to walk the whole thing, although I don't know a whole lot about it.

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  5. Being a pilgrim doesn't sound like very hard work these days. Air-conditioned chariots, fancy restaurants. Odd...

    I'm glad that Wilf's eyes are feeking better and that he enjoys each day despite the curves that life has thrown his way.

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  6. I was very happy to read that Wilf is enjoying life! He is fortunate to have such loving care givers. Although I am sure that if you are like me, I feel I am the fortuante one to have my dogs in my life!

    Susan

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  7. One of your compatriots, the prolific author Alexander McCall Smith, writes "good sense, kindness, and patience will always carry the day."

    Sometimes it's difficult to rally all three at the same time -- but your journey with Wilf is helping convey the lesson in life-extending measure.

    xxx Joan

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  8. Today is a statutory holiday for us as well here in the middle of Canada! For right now, we are listening to the far off train yard singing their songs as they get moved around for the day..not quite calm and quiet, but sweet in its own special way. The bottom picture of Wilf is just precious...what a happy face!! Keep going Wilf, enjoy the day!

    With love your Canadian pals,
    Dianna along with Tor, Willow and Tucker

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  9. The quiet "sounds" lovely in contrast to the ramping up of the whirlwind of the wedding festivities this week, along with the whirlwind of crazy American politics, the woes in Japan and elsewhere. Your post today was like taking in a deep breath of calm and quiet. Thank you.

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  10. I'm glad the medication is workng. Small steps still help you on your journies!

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  11. Care, consideration and love - a powerful combination between you all. The way the village responds to Wilf is heart warming, too. Enjoy warmth of the sun and silence.

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  12. Just catching up on the weeks news chez Wilf after a week of perfect cycling conditions in Picardy and Normandy.
    So pleased to read that Wilf is bearing up.
    Cheers, Gail.

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  13. Maybe it is totally irreverent just after Easter, but that bottom picture of Wilf smiling looks like he ought to be accompanying Buddy Christ. If the Lord is our Shepherd, that Wilfee must be His sheepdog!

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  14. Another day, another miracle. Looks like dear Wilf has the whole village wrapped around his paw, which enriches them as well as him.

    Jed & Abby

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  15. I have to agree with Craig that it's Wilf's doting owners who continue to give him a quality life.

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