Monday, April 4, 2011

Walking through tulips.





Sunday saw the village shrouded in a chill mist from the mountains. A relief after last weeks heat. Perfect weather for a polar bear look alike with a thick white fur coat and a large black nose to go exploring. At first light we amble off to the war memorial, stopping en route to sniff the fire hydrant before carefully crossing the road to christen the four yews recently planted outside the village hall. I say amble but there is no word in English to describe Wilfs leisurely - two steps forward, stop, look around, two steps forward, stop, look around - style of walking . 100 yards in twenty minutes.

Faced with the unseasonal weather the absinthe drinking patrons at the cafe had all taken refuge inside. Plenty of space for Wilf to settle down at an outside table with a bowl of water . No unsettling noises here. ' The font' tells me that Oscar Wilde once said that drinking absinthe gave him the sensation of walking , bare legged, through tulips . I'd doubt if many of the locals would describe it in quite those terms. Afterwards a trip to the bakers. While I choose a strawberry sponge Wilf sits at the front door contentedly being fed small slivers of croissant by the bakers teenage son. Home in time for an emotional Madame Bay style welcome. "Bonjour Wilfee. Mon brave ! ". As he disappears into swathes of orange chiffon he looks at me in a reluctant ' what have I done to deserve this ? I'm a boy dog ' way .

24 comments:

  1. Those desserts look wonderful but those prices always turn me into a window shopper!

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  2. Happy Monday Wilfee and Angus!

    Sorry for those two days without a word, but so much work to do.

    Your yesterday's post Angus, was so stirring, you look after Wilfee as if he is one of your son. That's a great story of love. Thank you for sharing it with us.

    Your Monday's strawberry cake seems simply too yummy ! Hope the boy will have his part of it.

    Have a beautiful day. Cuddles and lots of bisous to my beloved Wilfee and of course, amitiƩs to you Angus and the Font.

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  3. One forgets the beauty of French bakeries - thanks for the reminder.

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  4. Happily, one doesn't actually have to drink absinthe to imagine tiptoeing through the tulips.

    Dear Wilf. The love shines through your posts with every word.

    xxx Joan

    (Up early so husband can fly to Tampa on one of those newly headlined Southwest 737-300's.)

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  5. Kendra makes our five minute walks last at least 20 minutes. We think we have a picture of Wilf's gait. At least he's out enjoying himself.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

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  6. Truly precious days for Wilf and his loving family. DBH

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  7. I spoke too soon! After I commented on your heat yesterday, we got up to an unseasonable 83 degrees here yesterday. It made me think of you.

    Well, if you can't see the roses, you can at least sniff for them. Walking bare legged through tulips? There's an image!

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  8. Wilfee: Sorry we missed your 10th birthday, I was at 'camp' and had no internet access. Guess mom didn't pay enough.
    Happy late 10th birthday.
    One quick question: if Kelly were dressed in orange chiffon, would you complain ?
    I walk like you do, no sense in going quickly, where do I have to go ?
    Zach

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  9. Hmmm, "perusal" or "survey" might be more apt descriptions of Wilf's Incredibly Leisurely Foray -- two steps forward, stop, sniff around, two steps forward, stop, sniff around. Consideration was given to calling his daily sojourn a quantum snail's pace, but it turns out Wilf is still six times faster than the fastest snail.

    As for the smothering in orange chiffon, dear Wilf, just by being you have earned it!

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  10. Oh my Madame Bay on a Sunday!!!! Yikes. The pastry selection looks so good!

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  11. Wilf deserves all the love and attention he gets, plus much more! :)

    Blessings and Love,
    Janelle and Maggie Mae

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  12. It is so comforting to know that I am not the only person who talks to their dog! When you have a sick loved one you will go to any and all lengths to make sure the best care is given and that he/she has a wonderful life until the end. I agree with you, who cares what people think! These animals are members of the family and in many cases are peoples only family. Take care Wilf, we are praying for you.

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  13. We have two kinds of walks at our house--One is affectionately called the 'geriatric walk' because the seniors go so slow--That one is my favorite because it gives us time to see everything. I'll bet Wilf would enjoy it as well because it gives us time to stop and smell the roses, or tip-toe through the tulips as Oscar Wilde might do!

    I hope your day has been an enjoyable one Angus!

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  14. One look at that gorgeous face and who couldn't resist enveloping him with cuddles. Sweet boy. I just love his nose!!! I am going to try to wander thru tulips with bare legs. Once the snow melts. If that ever happens. Enjoy the day!! Keep going Wilf, handsome boy!

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

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  15. @Kim and Wilf - yes, the "geriatric" walk - that would be Betty Boop's. Her walking and step climbing is always an exercise in patience - and the times she does do a "zoomie," the other hounds back up and stare in astonishment. One of your great gifts, Wilf, is helping Angus and the Font see the world mindfully - and the rest of us as well. Happy Birthday, you dog of big black nose :).

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  16. There's nothing like an amble at a leisurely dog's pace. Back when K had a cast on her leg, we took similar ambles. We'd spend an hour in the woods but cover maybe a quarter mile. I love visualizing you and Wilf walking in a similarly companionable way.

    We've had a similar weather change. It was 72 deg on Saturday afternoon and 12 degrees this morning. Oh my... Maybe your polar bear would like it here!

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  17. You are very loved Wilf. Accept that love graciously even if it does involve yards of orange chiffon.

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  18. It sounds like the PONder of your PON has turned his “wonder about” into a leisurely “wander about” - a gentle meander through space and time savouring each moment.

    What luxury for you and Wilf to be able to live life at that pace, instead of rushing around madly like so many of us mindlessly do.

    Sending love and woofs to Wilf,
    Riley and his human

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  19. i can totally imagine the look on Wilf's face smothered in Madame Bay's skirts. it's kind of like being hugged by grandma.

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  20. Ummm cake and croissants. Pretty good outing, Wilf. I see it was your birthday. Happy Happy Wilf!

    Wyatt and Stanzie

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  21. Another day filled with simple gifts.

    Jed & Abby

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  22. Strawberry sponge and absinthe - a better way to start the day than sherry soaked raisins in one's muesli

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  23. Never had absinthe but now I kind of want one, just to see if it really is like walking barefoot through the tulips!

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