Monday, November 8, 2010

Hole whirl innis hans.





As soon as it's light Wilf and I head off into town for our morning coffee and croissant. Over the last two or three days its started to get quite chilly first thing . A reminder, if one was needed, that I must test the central heating before our long drawn out autumn lurches into winters iron grip. Despite the cold the peroxide waitress happily brings out the order to our seat under the arches. This personal service is a special privilege only enjoyed by regulars accompanied by fluffy, comical companions. 'Bonjour Wilfeee' she says to the large black nose and tips of two paws that are poking out from under the table.

Bowl of water finished there's time to visit the cheese shop, the bakery, the chocolatier, and the florist. On the way back to the car Wilf stops to christen the tyres on a silver Mercedes from Paris. As he does what comes naturally I spot an amusing poster in the window of the information centre showing the latest in rooster drawn transport.

Home to find that Madame Bay has shown up bright and early. She's supposed to come on Wednesday this week but has somehow decided to grace us with her presence a little early. Probably another incomprehensible family crisis with her equally rubenesque daughter, Delfine. All the radios in the house are tuned to radio nostalgie, which we discover as we turn into the driveway, is playing gospel music. Windows open, duvets airing, the sound of Mahalia Jackson penetrating the Monday morning silence. At the top of the stairs the cheery sight of Madame Bay pushing the hoover with one hand, dragging the electrical chord with the other, all the while lustily waggling her hips and singing that old gospel classic ' ease gorra hole whirl innis hans, ease gorra hole whirl innis hans '. Time to go and check on the central heating system. Wilf quickly joins me.

24 comments:

  1. I feel as if I'm not only reading a blog but watching a movie at the same time! Delightful post as usual. I'm also reminded how rusty my own English is, even as my second language. I'm going to start reading your blog with a dictionary close by - I'm finding I want to go and look up at least one word a day now!:)

    Would love to see what Madame Bay looks like but can't imagine she'll give you permission to post an introductory photograph...

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  2. i wish u many a winter days with the warmth and joys of Wilf in your hearts..

    Stormy..

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  3. OH...that smiling face! What a dear.

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  4. Enjoy this new week sweet Wilf. Cuddles to you, beloved boy.

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  5. "Foreknowledge , a dog owners gift and burden in equal measure." from yesterday's post

    My own forknowledge, although difficult yes to live on that sharp edge of waiting, watching, anticipating each and every mood & gesture. Praying, hoping, loving every moment of every day was indeed a gift, a blessing and in my case a gift that lasted 29 days. 29 glorious days.

    Much love & joy to you & the Wilf Dog,
    Susan, Missy D & Sam

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  6. Have another wonderful day of grace, and enjoy your, um, gospel music.

    Sam

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  7. So happy to find you both still enjoying life to the fullest. The first picture of Wilf is proof of that!

    Blessings and Love,
    Janelle and Maggie Mae

    PS We missed you too

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  8. Happy 28th Day!!!
    Sending lotsaluv
    MAXMOM IN SA

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  9. Oh, to have a chance to watch Madame Bay in action! You make me envious of you in your little town, because it sounds so much more entertaining than mine!

    Blue's surgery is on Wednesday. Then we'll have all day Thursday to dote on her and cater to her whims.

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  10. Thinking of Wilf's culinary enjoyment, I will soon prepare a tomato sauce for pasta which will contain chunks of leftover pork and beef as well as lots of meatballs. I like to keep leftover meats frozen until I have enough of "this and that" to incorporate into a sauce. Being of Italian heritage, I call it Mafia Sauce, I believe Wilf would enjoy some! As I prepare the sauce I am seranaded by the wonderful voices of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. If you all lived nearby you could stop by for some pasta and wine. Hope you all have a great day!

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  11. Oh, of course she has a daughter named Delfine!
    How perfectly delicious.

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  12. Thank you to Madame Bay, Wilfeee, and you for the much needed smile this morning...
    xo J~

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  13. A happy dog, a happy day. How lovely it is.

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  14. We welcome another day of grace for Wilf! We really enjoyed your stop over at the cheese shop! Yum! And Piappies Mom sure would love to enter the chocolate store!

    The gospel song is our cue to keep our paws crossed for you, Wilf and the family.

    Love,
    Piappies Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Wai-Pai & Wai-Max

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  15. Sounds like a perfect day to us! What a lovely view of a cheese shop. Hopefully there was snacks to taste from there! Keep going Wilf!

    Love your pals from Canada,
    Dianna along with Tor, Willow and Tucker

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  16. Re : hole and hans, I'm surprised it's mot ole and ans, knowing the way the French are with "h"'s.

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  17. Why don't we have all these neat little shops here? Well this is Alaska and we're lucky to have any shops come to think of it.

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  18. Ahhhhhh Cheese! Wilf still gets outside service for you at the cafe. Sounds like a great start to the week.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

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  19. One aspect of Madame Bay reminds me of our wonderful cleaner - the random arrivals on unexpected days!

    I'm so happy that Monsieur Wilfee and vous are having these easy-going days of companionship. Dogs make the everyday routine feel special, day in and day out. I think of you and Wilf often, as I remind myself that no matter how stressful life feels right now, each of these days is one day of K's life for us to be happily together.

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  20. Madame Bay's antics never ceases to make me laugh!

    It's been too chilly here to sit outside for coffee. At least you're somewhat protected by the arches though. Hopefully they stop the wind a little bit.

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  21. We blog is very enjoyable to read
    Benny & Lily

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  22. and so the mystery over what your post's title meant is now solved. ;)

    the booker man and asa's mama

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  23. Will you switch to chocolat when it's really cold?

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