Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Sun bathing.






Off bright and early with Wilf for a leisurely early morning walk. Today, we headed down the hill, across the stream and turned right, instead of left at the crossroads. New territory for both of us. For a while we followed the stretch of old roman road that runs along the valley floor, stopping so that Wilf could christen the weathered mile markers. Madame Bay had said that an American woman and her Dutch husband have bought a house on the river bend and are 'doing it up' in contemporary style. Contemporary in deepest Tarn-et-Garonne? This was something I had to see.

Despite my curiosity we didn't make it quite that far. After twenty minutes of carefree exploration Wilf had completely tired himself out. He sauntered slowly off the road and found himself a sun drenched spot on the river bank. There he sensibly settled down, head resting on paws, to watch the wild pheasants and plump, quarrelsome partridge scurrying through the long grass. From time to time he'd rouse himself to sniff the scent of the wild boar or deer in the forest. At one point a woman in a large Renault with Toulouse number plates raced, too quickly, along the narrow lane. The only car we saw all morning.

I wanted to get back but why hurry ? What in life could be as important as an extra half an hour on a sunny river bank with a faithful old companion ? Maybe we'll make it to the contemporary house tomorrow. Some journeys simply shouldn't be hurried.

26 comments:

  1. "Some journeys simply shouldn't be hurried." How true for you and Wilf now as well as most of us throughout our life. Enjoy the journey....the sun looks wonderful after a full day of rain here.

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  2. Sounds like a sound idea!

    Perhaps it's best you didn't get a puppy. It would have interfered with all you and Wilf are learning....and us, too.

    XXXOOO Daisy, kendra & Bella

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  3. Hopefully the 'contemporary' part will remain inside!! Remember to take the camera along tomorrow morning...

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  4. We concur; we sure don't want Wilf's journey hurried. A blessing the weather is staying so nice for his jaunts.

    Jed & Abby

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  5. What a lovely area where you live. The great thing about dogs (one of them!) is that they encourage you to explore every inch of territory and get to know your immediate surroundings so intimately. When Hamish was young and energetic we concentrated on the longer walks and as he become slower we went investigating places - small woods, short riverside tracks, little parks in the town, that we hadn't bothered with before. And now with Bertie the process is happening in reverse, with some subtle variations as he had a different build and has different interests!
    Cheers, Gail.
    (That said, as the car is still stuck in the snow, so we're a bit limited just now: it's Duthie Park, the old railway line and the path by the Dee in rotation)

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  6. Angus, if there is a next life..i know what i wanna be..a PON! with an owner like u..

    Stormy..

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  7. Your post is so touching Angus. You're right, take your time with Wilf, and enjoy each moment of serenity. The contemporary house won't move... so may be tomorrow.
    Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos of Wilfee, nose in the wind.
    Cuddles and lots of bisous to you Wilfee.

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  8. I so agree, "Some journeys shouldn't be hurried."

    xxx Joan

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  9. Some moments are meant to be savored.

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  10. Angus, what lovely pictures again this morning. There is so much joy in your journey and it's such a blessing to be able to slow down and enjoy those moments and have those memories. I hope your day has continued to be an enjoyable one! Thank-you for the kind thoughts for Hamlet.

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  11. "Some journeys shouldn't be hurried."
    Such wonderful advice, especially during this time of year....

    Blessings and Love,
    Janelle and Maggie Mae

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  12. Life is good when you are a carefree elderly dog in sunny Southern France. Glad to hear Wilf can still enjoy the finer things life has to offer.

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  13. Okay, now I'm curious, too! I hope that when you and Wilf finally get to that house that you get a picture or two for us to see.

    But when there's a sun drenched spot to enjoy, the journey definitely shouldn't be hurried!

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  14. From here in Siberia, your title made me very jealous. And, how true your words are: "What in life could be as important as an extra half an hour on a sunny river bank with a faithful old companion ?"... A man with the right perspective.

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  15. Wonderful sunny scenery seen by chilly and snowbound Alaskan eyes (oh it is cold here!). Thanks for sharing your walks and thoughts. Our dog pals do indeed teach us how to see and enjoy our surroundings.

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  16. You summed it all up in your last sentence - "some journeys shouldn't be hurried".

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  17. Great to see Wilf enjoying the sunshine. We look forward to your next walk to see the house. We are in no hurry, we love to hear more of your adventures together.

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

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  18. Thinking of you on this stormy day as I make a big pot of Cullen Skink in honour of St. Andrew and his feast. Can you hear a few bars of "What Can We Do With A Drunken Sailor" in the background? Edward is enjoying the smells of the soup immensely!

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  19. Right you are! No reason to hurry along, just enjoy every sniff, every marker to be christened and take it as easy as it comes. Just enjoy and keep on going Wilf!!

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

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  20. Sounds like beautiful morning walk. Wilf tell that lady she needs to stop and smell the roses
    Benny & Lily

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  21. Just remember to bring your sun soap and sun shampoo with you when you go sun bathing! :)

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  22. Great advice - couldn't agree more!

    - Clive & Co

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  23. I love this piece of writing, Angus - so honest, tender and wise. It feels like I was there with you guys. Thank you!

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  24. All of us need to slow down more and cherish times with good friends more and realize that life should be savored and not gulped!

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  25. I wish I could relax in the sun for a bit. Sadly, I'd be relaxing in the snow instead.

    I'm glad you're taking the time to enjoy Wilf. Lots of people wouldn't take this time and would hurry him along. And later, they probably regret it.

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