Sunday, November 28, 2010

Prankster.





By the time we've parked the car the sun has risen and taken the chill out of the early morning air. Down by the river bank Wilf is in his element. He scampers backwards and forwards from tree to bush, from bench to tuft, from sign to post. All are deemed worthy of leisurely examination and christening. A library of information to be recorded and stored away until it can be re-examined during his pre-lunch Sunday morning doze .

Today is a good day. He's had a few bad episodes over the last week but this morning he's back to being our carefree, fun loving, family prankster. After fifteen minutes, worried that he's going to tire himself out, I turn to go back . Wilf has different ideas. He stands, four square in the middle of the path, staring resolutely ahead and making it absolutely plain that he wants to carry on. His 'life is for living' look. We carry on.

These days are as joyous as they are unexpected. The extra weeks have given us a chance to see and enjoy the world from his perspective. Walks don't need to be hurried, ditches are always more interesting than the sidewalk, mud is to be welcomed not avoided and spaghetti bolognaise and coconut ice cream , preferably mixed together in the same bowl, make the perfect meal. The priceless luxury of knowing that there won't be much left unsaid when the final full stop appears at the end of the chapter. For the time being we rejoice in the happy,'extra day' miracles. There comes a time when bittersweet segues naturally into being just plain sweet.

On our way home we stop off for the statutory cofee, croissant, bowl of water and hair tousling.Wilf beams as he meets his extended pack. The three lady professors from Ohio are coming for lunch today so a call into the wine merchants for six bottles of the new season Beaujolais. The bright summery labels shout out ' drink me now '. Then home for Wilfs first contented doze of the day.

24 comments:

  1. Sounds like the perfect Sunday! I finally featured your delightful post about the eye surgeons and their donkeys on my blog - thanks for providing such enjoyable reading every day!

    Here's wishing Mr Wilf a wonderful pain free week ahead!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh, sweet Wilf, you DO know how to have a good time, don't you? Our ♥s soar when we think of the days of grace you have spent with your family - of the extra helpings of love you have received - and the joy you have shared with everyone you meet.

    All of us have to complete the Circle of Life - all of us - but you, my dear, are showing us how to do it in style!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Bertie is very interested in the spag bog / coconut ice cream mix idea. Me, I'd stick with the Beaujolais.

    Nice to see some blue sky, if only in your photos. Here the clouds are almost glowing with snow as Arctic east wind roars in off the North Sea.

    Cheers!
    Gail.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your post reminds me that it is not the big moments that matter in life, but the endless stream of little ones. So glad that Wilf is still pondering on.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am glad you see the great benefits of Spaghetti Bolognese And Coconut Icecream philosophy...I discovered it and worked on it a long time ago - I DO spoil my humans and my dog, because life is short, peppered with unpleasantnessess and sadness and anxiety and I always leave the house with a proper bye-bye (as if it WAS the last time I'd see them)- it has great benefits for both parties :)). Discipline and routine etc are good in moderation - I'm with Wilfee on life is for living and for enjoying little things :)))))

    and now I will go out wit Sally on a little walk, she loves snow, but as she is old, deep snow and hard bits of it are not as pleasant as they used to be. However, EATING snow every 2 steps is perfect -> it's like walking with a toddler - you move 10 metres in 20 minutes, because there are so many interesting ....hhhmmm.....lumps of snow to sniff and eat - perfect walk :)))

    ReplyDelete
  6. My favourite photo is the second one. That is one joyous dog. Such special days. Sue

    ReplyDelete
  7. thank you Angus... and Wilf. You are making me far more aware of the small pleasures of life... something I am focusing on here too.
    Have a lovely day
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  8. Enjoy your Sunday and we hope Wilf receives extra treats from your lunch guests :-)

    Molly, Taffy and Monty

    ReplyDelete
  9. Look at that happy smiling face! What a beautiful boy. I'm so happy it was such a good day for you and him.

    ReplyDelete
  10. To be able to see and enjoy the good days with your precious companion and not taking a single moment for granted is really the ultimate gift during times like this, isn't it?

    I hope the 3 college professors from Ohio had a nice time on their road-trip. I wondered how it all went with 'Merv who was just a hoot!'

    ReplyDelete
  11. such beautiful pics of Wilf...i sense a calm and acceptance in your writings...you have really lived through Wilf's eyes, enjoying the simple things in life and every moment with him....
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  12. We have to smile at Wilf's spirit - and the adventures he leads you on in these days.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Such a wonderful day! Love your photos of dear Wilfee today. He exudes such joy and his take on life should be an example for all.

    thank you again for sharing your days with him. Our paws, fingers and toes are all crossed for him each day. Our love to the him.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Encourage wine, Wilf. Forks get wobbly after a few glasses. Good for dogs, you know.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Such nice weather you're having, and here's me wearing a coat, hat and gloves inside!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Your joy shines through in this post. Sweet Wilf - "life is for living". I agree, Wilf. You are teaching all of us how to live life more joyfully. I don't know about the ditches but I agree about the rest!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wilfie: I'm sure you can get a few nibbles out of the girls from Cincinnati or at least a taste of that lovely looking wine. Here's to another week of grace!!

    Zach

    ReplyDelete
  18. I have taken the same philosophy with Lilac. Actually, I think my perspective changed back when we lost Treat in such a short span of time. Not that I had regrets about the time we spent together, but I wish I'd savored it more. You never know when those sands will stop flowing through the hourglass. Now that Lilac has become an old lady, we indulge her in those things that she wants.

    I envy your nice weather!

    ReplyDelete
  19. "Drink Me Now".
    So true, and beautifully so.

    ReplyDelete
  20. We too have several bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau lined up, just waiting for their turn. Our weather is much less challenging though, so they will be enjoyed outside with two eager pooches waiting for a taste of the accompanying snacks.

    We're looking forward to tales of the American professors and Merv -- and the show tune selection.

    xxx Joan

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love that second picture of Wilf, it looks like he's yawning.

    I'm glad you're taking the time to savor the days with Wilf. Too many people don't take the time to appreciate it and it's gone before you know it.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Wilfie-you just enjoy every moment you have left (I hope and pray they are many). Your Dad has become quite the philosopher and has learned a lot of life's lessons from your wonderful "Pon-dering" curiosity.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Our holiday wish: that all of us will live with "The priceless luxury of knowing that there won't be much left unsaid when the final full stop appears..." every day, with everyone we love, especially when the petty irritations and demands of daily life get in the way. That's the gift, and Wilf reminds us of it every day.

    Jed & Abby

    ReplyDelete