Wednesday, October 26, 2011

The squirrel was fine .





Lunchtime. There is a huge crash from the courtyard , followed by a drawn out whooosh , a house shaking thump and then a tinkling sound as tiles cascade onto the gravel . The tree surgeon , despite reassurances that nothing could possibly go wrong , has managed to get a huge oak branch to land on top of the barn roof . From fifty feet up a shout of " It wasn't supposed to do that ". A little squirrel , shaken but not injured , clambers out of the fallen branch and looks at us . '' The font '' laughs and says ' at least the important things are safe ' . The tree is quite rotten and will need to come down .

An evening walk with Wilf. The air warm, his fur glowing , the fields freshly tilled, farm geese cackling as we pass. He saunters, arthritically, down the lane. I try out an after dinner speech on him . Sometimes he walks ahead, sometimes behind,for the most part at my side . Plenty of time for an unhurried chat . He may be blind but he's strolling in the sunshine , uncomplaining . This wise old PON knows that half an orange tastes just as sweet as a whole one .

15 comments:

  1. Angus, a wee word here on behalf of Wilf. Don't you think the old boy has enough to put up with already, what with all the health problems, without having also to listen to an after dinner talk aimed, no doubt, at men in dark suits in some foreign capital.
    He might not have complained, but I just don't think you should do it.
    Toodle pip!
    Bertie (concerned for his friend).

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  2. I wonder what the odds are that this handsome squirrel, and its entire family, (that probably lived for generations in this oak tree) will find a new residence somewhere in your house?

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  3. Is that a flying squirrel, because it looks more like an Australian Possum, or Sugar Glider.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

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  4. Bertie - Wilf is my best audience.
    Kim - High.
    WW - Yes. But I've closed the pool today .
    Scotsmad - Apparently the Romans used to eat them as a delicacy.

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  5. I hope you are insured for that... Did you wear your tartan scarf while walking and talking to Wilf? I wonder what the country crowd REALLY thinks as long there is Champagne and Wine delivered from your cellar... - here in Southern Italy we are still unusual afte 19 years...
    Love and cuddles for Wilfie - love the quote - from Susanne, Daisy and Foxiie

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  6. This is a dormouse for sure.

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  7. How did I know something would go awry with the tree surgeon? I'm glad the squirrel was okay!

    I'm betting Wilf is tough critic to practice a speech on! ;) Glad you had a sunshine day!

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  8. Beautiful scenery!!! Wilf is a wonderful companion & listener.

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  9. so glad the font has her priorites straight!
    but that is a most unusual looking grey squirrel. and kim may have a point.. oh lordy,
    now you'll have both bats and squirrels in your belfry!
    still laughing at bouncing bertie's comment...
    but a little apprehensive for wilf since it means you'll be leaving again. wish the world's finances could just get fixed!!! don't they know it interrupts our wee polar bear's world dangerously? can't think of a better reason to get their act together!
    love and hugs and tummy rub,
    tammy j

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  10. Tree limbs and squirrels falling from the sky! Never a dull moment at your house. ;)

    Blessings and Love,
    Janelle and Maggie Mae

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  11. Well, now that is an interesting looking squirrel!! Good thing it was just a branch!! Now, isn't that painting a lovely picture telling Wilf a speech while strolling through the country side. Nice one!

    Keep on going Wilf, precious boy!

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

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  12. The tree surgeon tells me that what I thought was a squirrel is actully a glis glis or edible dormouse. They are apparently common here although completely unknown in the UK .

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  13. Oups ! When i read your post, Angus, i thought, Wilfee had eaten the squirrel !!!
    Sorry Wilfee !
    Bonne nuit sweet boy, bisous.

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  14. Yeah, I saw the little squirrel, I thought the squirrel was scared on you Woof!



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