Woke to find the two sweet cows from across the lane happily standing in the middle of the lawn. Overnight they'd pushed open their picket gate and sought shelter from the Pyrennean wind behind our laurel hedge. The happy, trusting , things followed me back across to their field without so much as a murmur.In the library, stumbled across an anthology of verse, 'Breathings on the Border', by a rather prim Victorian Scots poet, Elizabeth Clephane. The sort of half pastoral , half moralistic poetry that is deeply, deeply unfashionable today. One of her poems, about a shepherd and his sheep, is quite famous. In it a line that caught my eye. Substitute sheepdog for shepherd and it perfectly captures Wilfs exultant, family reunited, mood :
" And all through the mountains, thunder riv'n,
And up from the rocky steep,
There arose a glad cry to the gate of heav'n
'Rejoice!' I have found my sheep !"
From mom Beaglebratz - I don't always get the opportunity to comment depending on what computer I am using (this happens on several blogs - I am a federal government employee (US) and the security on their computers is strict. Anyway, when I do get the opportunity - if at all possible, I grab it. I have to say, I do love reading your blog - you make even the simple everyday antics of wandering cows most fun to read about. Loved reading Wilf's poem and I simply marvel at how well he is doing and I pray that he continues as well and that he will astound his vet (I know I would be already).
ReplyDeleteKim (Mom Beaglebratz)
How sweet and a bit gormless the cows look, a bit like my labrador used to- and Wilf is laughing his had off in the puitures, it makes me glad to see how well he is doing at the moment.What a lovely poem. You blog is so enjoyable to read .Have a lovely day Mongoose, Wilf , the pont and all the family!!
ReplyDeleteI shall put "Rejoice, I have found my sheep" on my repertoire of useful sayings for suitable occasions, along with the "Always be kind..." that Wilf taught me and I am now so fond of.
ReplyDeleteWe had cows in our garden once. They broke through the hedge from the field. Unfortunately my male standard poodle, Sandy, saw them at the same time as me and before I could do anything about it he chased them over the fence into next door's garden then over two more gardens until they came to a wall so they all turned left and out along the drive past the man mowing the lawn.
I have to learn of the gannet's return from Maxmom's blog??! You and the Font are rejoicing -- you've found YOUR sheep!! Oh the Family Fellow must be so glad to have his flock back. Happy Christmas to all the M'ongoose Clan.
ReplyDeleteOh Mongoose...
ReplyDeleteyou have brought tears to my eyes! The 'heights' of understanding emerge, so beautifully, from that poem...thank you!
And I do wish you a calm, peaceful and prepared Christmas day. It's a time to love, so why not do just that!
May all the magic of this special day decend on you and the wonderful spirit which Wilf carries too.
With love
MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA
PS. Miss "R" is going to go crazy for those cows...She's just spent 2 weeks doing farm practicals with them in attendance. She has her 21st soon and somehow "The Cow" has become rather symbolic...in a really GOOD way! :)
Angus, your pictures today are so fitting with this touching verse. I think Wilf knows that the best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is the presence of family!
ReplyDeleteA family reuniting is a wonderful thing!
ReplyDeleteBlessings and Love,
Janelle and Maggie Mae
That poem is beautiful and describes Wilf's joy beautifully. I'm happy that your flock is together again.
ReplyDeleteOh Angus, did they leave you any pressies...like cow-pats....Yuk!. So pleased Wilf has his 'boys' back for Christmas. Fingers crossed his good health continues. Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas & a happy new year. Sue x x
ReplyDeleteAngus; Wishing you, Wilfee, and the family a very Happy Christmas.
ReplyDeleteAh, you get sweet-faced cows in your yard, we get a 7-foot alligator in ours. Don't think we'll try to coax him back into the lagoon.
ReplyDeleteWelcome home gannets! "Rejoice I have found my sheep!" seems a perfect Christmas greeting. Many blessings on you and your family this Christmas!
Dear Wilf-family - may this season be jolly for all of you - gathered around a very special boy - I hope Santa will bring him a magnificient present - merry X-mas from Susannae Daisy and Foxiie
ReplyDeleteMom would be trying to find a way to keep those cows! She tends to make pets out of everything!
ReplyDeleteSam
merry christmas to one and all chez rickety farmhouse
ReplyDeleteI bet that was a big surprise in the morning! Glad you were able to get them back to their mom, I bet she was worried.
ReplyDeleteWags!
Mr. Nubbin'
So happy to know that Wilf got the Christmas he wanted! And richly deserved.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to all of you for a wonderful holiday! And God Bless Wilf!
I would LOVE to have a couple of gentle cows wander over to our yard! What cute cows! Merry Christmas!!!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteRejoice!! Perfect, just perfect. Enjoy the holidays Wilf et al, hopefully extra gravy and a few more scoops of coconut ice cream for you!
ReplyDeleteKeep on going Wilf!!
Blessings of the season...
With Christmas love from your Canadian pals,
Dianna along with Tor, Willow and Tucker
Just stopping by to wish you a very Merry Christmas. It is amazing and wonderful that Wilf is still going strong. He looks so joyful in the pictures.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless.
Kisses,
Emma Rose
Well, the cows probably helped keep the lawn trimmed down a bit. Although I don't know how I'd react to seeing them in my yard.
ReplyDeleteHmm, I've never heard that poem before. So much for being famous.
Merry Christmas, Wilf and family!
We all have blessings, each and every day...one of ours is blogging and visiting with you...May your Christmas be Merry and your New Year bright!
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