Sunday, February 5, 2012

Sexy tone of voice.





It's getting colder. Temperatures falling to unheard of levels. Six at night and the water company phones . A pre-recorded womans voice tells me to " take extreme caution with your pipes ". This is said in that slightly sexy tone of voice that implies impending doom .

The Six Nations Rugby championships start. Scotland lose to England . The Scots team were so bad they might as well have stayed at home in the second half. Angus consoles himself by opening a bottle of champagne . Wilf gets a Ryvita.

On the other side of the lane " the font " is dealing with the second meeting of the Beautiful Byeways Committee. Thirty five villagers turn out despite the cold . The very old farmer with the cauliflower nose, blue beret, and permanently red face wonders if Chinese tourists might be interested in coming to the pottery fair . '' The font " , ever the diplomat after living with Angus for three decades, thinks this a wonderful idea but '' maybe just a little too late to implement this year " . The old farmer beams.

Sunday morning . Out into the cold and along the top of the ridge. Just Angus and close behind a small white polar bear . Angus occasionally talks to his snow flecked, fluffy companion . Our little village deserted. A place apart. Invisible . Its list of attractions conspicuously short . A church with an octagonal pigeon shrouded tower . A reconstructed pottery kiln . A castle . A reasonably well tended village green . Ten street lights and a bus stop. The eternally squabbling residents still asleep. Each in their own way content, if not blissfully so. Our walk takes in all these features plus the fire hydrant and the box hedge round the war memorial. These get christened.

Today the sky undecided whether it will snow heavily, or just snow . By the village sign where the sheltering trees give out, an arctic wind howls across the valley from the Pyrenees . I shiver . Wilf turns to look at me . " Great weather for a walk ! " .

17 comments:

  1. But Angus surely the main village attraction is the wee polar bear with the indominitible spirit?

    As for the rugby, from an English perspective, such a scrappy game does not produce an urge to gloat.

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  2. Glad to see Wilf is getting the weather he so soundly deserves. And glad to see his enjoyment of life is still with him...and you!

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  3. It is wonderful to see Wilf bloom in the snow and cold. Someone may as well enjoy it.

    Jed & Abby

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  4. I think Wilf would enjoy a trip to Alaska! ;)

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  5. Great weather to be outside Wilfie - we love you - Susanne, Daisy, Foxiie and Kiri-Tiger

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  6. Isn't the most important for the moment, to see Wilfee enjoying totally that cold weather ?
    Bon Dimanche au coin du feu !

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  7. Champagne is the perfect solution to any annoyance.

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  8. So glad to hear Wilf is enjoying your weather thoroughly! Bundle up! There may be more walks ahead, if only to give the one and only adorable PON a stretch and some fresh air! Keep on going Wilf, enjoy the crisp weather!

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

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  9. Well do I remember such frosty early morning walks with my beloved Cody -- fog lingering in the rolling hills below us as the sky started to turn pink, the world still asleep except for the birds, my dog, and me. What lovely memories you're making with your little Polar Bear. Thank you for sharing these moments with Wilf with all of us. Keep warm!

    Purple Magpie and Mitzi the Chiweenie in California

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  10. Perfection.
    And don't forget to leave the faucets dripping.

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  11. Wilfie with a snow-covered muzzle......how wonderful! We feel for you, though, as it is only mist swirling today in the mild west of Ireland.

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  12. christen on wilfee bear! christen on!
    these snow posts bringing big happy grins to my face.
    i loved the last line!
    you are both so loved.
    and the font is perfect for the village. beautiful madame diplomat!
    cheers to the frigid three in france profonde,
    tammy j

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  13. As one who went to Murrayfield in what were comparatively balmy temperatures, I know which one of us had the best of the afternoon. And, for the first time ever, we had to kennel our pup, since she's not capable of being left with any but a few, and none was available. :(

    Bon commencement de semaine

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  14. Snow is transforming. I once walked down the middle of 5th Avenue in NYC after a big snowstorm had shut everything down. That was magic. But I think your stroll through your village chatting companionably with your little polar bear is even more magical and I am so happy he has gotten to enjoy this rare pleasure!

    Joan

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  15. Wilf is obviously dressed for the weather.

    XXXoOO Daisy, Bella & roxy

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  16. Sunny and 75 is a great day for a walk to me. ;) Stay safe and warm. Hugs for sweet Wilf.

    Blessings and Love,
    Janelle, Maggie Mae and Max

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  17. You have a castle, too? And all we got was this stupid grain bin converted into a bank! At least we don't have a Beautiful Byways Committee!

    Enjoy the snow!

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