Thursday, December 2, 2010

Quality time.





The weather forecast was quite simply abysmal with warnings of gale force winds, extreme cold and des gelees blanches . More like Iceland than France. It came as something of a surprise then to open the front door and find the sun rising into a near cloudless sky. The rest of Europe might have been brought to a halt by freezing temperatures and thick snow but the garlic growing region of South West France remains as warm and bright as a Scottish autumn day.

Down the hill with Wilf for a sun blessed walk along the valley floor. It's either a sign of the illness or a side effect of the cortisone but his back legs and hips are becoming noticeably stiffer and losing some of their suppleness and strength. Whatever the reason he refuses to complain and continues to exude his trademark affability and enthusiasm. Life is just taken at a more temperate pace. When tired our family fellow simply stops, lies down in the sun and observes his surroundings until he's ready to move on again. Wilfs motto : - Borrowed time can still be quality time.

This morning we met a wizened old farmer out for his morning constitutional . A beret wearing countryman with a gun slung over his shoulder on the look out for a rabbit for the lunchtime pot. He shook my hand, introduced himself, asked where we lived, and then bent down and greeted Wilf. We spoke about the weather, the proper way to serve foie gras, the local vets, his son in Toulouse, and the recent loss of his best hunting dog. " Dogs - they bring us joy and tears". Then he paused before carrying on " but mostly joy ".

32 comments:

  1. Dogs also bring us so many fine conversations with folk that we might not otherwise get talking to.
    Hug to Wilf.
    Gail and Bertie (who don't have to travel anywhere just now so are still enjoying the big freeze).

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  2. Joy...............absolutely!

    Big hugs to Wilf.

    Molly, Taffy and Monty

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  3. A new friend and the company of an old one--What a good day!

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  4. Enjoy the warm of sun sweet Wilf, here in Brittany, it is snow, snow and... snow, for now two days. If you were here, you will really look like a polar bear, and the only thing we can distinguish from you, will your lovely big black nose !
    Take your time sweet boy, i send you all my love, and cuddles, and bisous. What's about your piece of croissant this morning ?

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  5. Joy, tears and unconditional love as well...

    Blessings and Love,
    Janelle and Maggie Mae

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  6. I look for you every day Wilf over here in New England~cheering you on as you inspire me each morning! My Maggie sends her regards!
    ♥ Eileen

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  7. Dogs double your joy and divide your sorrow, like all good things and people do.

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  8. I can't really add to the farmer's wise words! He's exactly right! I'm glad you're still blessed with beautiful weather. Hopefully the workmen are cracking on the things that need to be repaired before the cold hits!

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  9. Morning Wilfie: No croissants? But a new friend instead. I, too, have been resting when I can. Around midnight, I decided I needed to rest in the kingdom of the leaves. Just hung out, for a while. Until mom came and got me !!!

    Zach

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  10. "...but mostly joy". So true.

    May Wilf and you keep enjoying each day together.

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  11. 100% joy and PL2 says she would sometimes rather be with dogs than people.. enjoy the sun dearest boy and the sweet love of your family.... PL2 and A+A

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  12. Another good day. No one is measuring how quickly you move or how far you go, only that you are out and meeting friends, both new and old.

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  13. Bonjour Dearest Wilfie, may you always dwell in love and joy, just as you have given others. Molly and Happy's Mom, DBH

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  14. I love reading the comments that the others are leaving. Good boy Wilf.

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  15. I love reading the comments left by others.

    Good boy Wilf!

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  16. a wise old farmer indeed!
    xoxo

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  17. Mostly joy is what matters. Sending our love and hugs to you and Wilf!

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

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  18. oh yes we can tell the farmer is very wise - loves and licks xxx

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  19. I echo kks - wise old farmer, indeed, who obviously loved his dog as you do Wilf - and vice verse.

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  20. Oh dear! I filled up reading that last paragraph, they do bring joy and tears, oh aye that they do. Wishes for Wilf to get his joints loose again so the walks are farther, the weather to keep warm and happiness in his doggie heart!

    From the bitter cold Canada,

    Dianna along with Tor, Willow and Tucker

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  21. Joy and tears. Like the rest of life, but somehow magnified to the nth in the love of their four-legged furry selves.

    xxx Joan

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  22. Jake of Florida said...
    Joy and tears. Like the rest of life, but somehow magnified to the nth in the love of their four-legged furry selves.

    xxx Joan

    ^^^So true!

    I have a bad hip so I feel for Wilf.

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  23. the farmer's got it right...lots of joy indeed!
    i'm glad to hear the weather has stayed temperate and sunny so wilf can enjoy his daily walks. :)

    the booker man and asa's mama

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  24. Wilf you are such a sweet boy! Doggies like you enrich our lives and make the world a much better place. Much love and good wishes for you!!

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  25. so happy to hear that Wilf is still among us and bringing you continued joy.

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  26. Yes, definitely mostly joy...very wise old farmer...and thank God we have them.

    Joan...Skye's mom of Moondance Huskies (stealing her comment)

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  27. How pleasant, to meet a stranger who turns out to be a kindred spirit on the important topic of the value of dogs in our lives. Kind of like all the nice people & dogs we meet in the dogblog world.

    Jed & Abby

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  28. Yes how true - mostly joy. The tears are always there for our doggies who have departed, but there is a smile through the tears as we remember when...

    Woofs
    Nadine & Neeli
    Angel doggie Apples (1994-2010)

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  29. The countryman is absolutely right.

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