Thursday, December 15, 2011

A plural concept.



Driving rain and storm force winds. Wilf wanders out for a pit stop and returns looking like the dog who's never been groomed in his life . Sodden and blow dried at one and the same time . While the gale rages around us the old trooper opts for a lengthy doze.

Late afternoon . Four firemen in full uniform arrive at the front door. Wilf wakes from his slumbers and barks at them half heartedly. They've come to sell their Christmas calendar. I give them €25 . Best to keep on the right side of the emergency services . Why they need to come as a team is a mystery of French life .

The firefighters seem to be in no rush to leave so I ask them if they would like a Christmas drink . They most certainly would. An hour and a half later it's evident that ' Christmas drink ' in France is a plural concept. Wilf settles down in front of the fire , the centre of attention. Our governments may be at loggerheads but some , most , aspects of Franco-British relations are thriving.

14 comments:

  1. Lets hope there were no fires in the neighbourhood after the third wee tipple...
    This post reminds me of my horror on learning, when I went to work in Oklahoma, that when colleagues invited me to join them for 'a drink' after work, they meant just that!
    Cheers, Gail.

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  2. Free drinks solve a multitude of problems.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

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  3. Wilf looks lovely and relaxed.....

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  4. I stood in line at our liquor store yesterday, behind a local celebrity who while buying her evening wine, was also signing autographs for the store staff. We all waited patiently listening to piped Christmas carols, as said celeb glowed in the adoring light of her fans and fans giggled and praised copiously. No one grumbled at waiting...no one fidgeted irritably...and it occurred to me that if we could only maintain this sense of camaraderie throughout the year, this latitude of others' behaviours, we probably could have Peace On Earth. Santé to you and your firefighters...and Wilf, of course.

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  5. It's always a good idea to stay on the good side of your local fireman. Hugs for dear Wilf.

    Blessings and Love,
    Janelle, Maggie Mae and Max

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  6. Ha ha! Everybody knows they'll get a Christmas drink at your house! I'm surprised the whole fire department didn't show up to sell you the calendar.

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  7. here's hoping in all your adventures, your only contact with them will be sharing holiday cheer!
    when your morning ritual is interrupted by raging storms you just contentedly snooze by a cozy fire. wilfee the wise wee polar bear!
    love to you three in france profonde,
    tammy j

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  8. One thing I love about the French - they know "it's 5 o'clock somewhere".

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  9. We think your reputation as great hosts with champagne and other libations must be spreading through the region. Stock up!

    Scritches to Wilf!


    Joan

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  10. 'the font' will love the calendar :-)

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  11. We should, as the loyal followers to Wilf et al, show up at yours for some Christmas cheer! And perhaps a peek at the calendar?! ;)

    Wilf looks comfortable and lovely as always. Keep on going Wilf!

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

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  12. I can only imagine how these firemen dread the act of having to peddle their calendar, but you, Angus, brightened their moods and made it all worthwhile.

    Cheers!

    Jo in Minniesoda with snow, Stella and that cat.

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  13. Wilf and his bear look so comfy - cheers to the firemen.

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  14. Factor in the cost of drinks and that is one expensive calendar but you should have realised, before you asked them in, that the firemen would have been mesmerized by the sight of the flickering flames illuminating Wilf’s fine fur so it would have been very hard for them to leave before the fire and accompanying alcohol ran out!

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