Sunday, January 16, 2011

Liquefied raspberries.




In the distance the clouds above the Pyrenees bubble up and up in an angry cauldron of purples and reds. The heat of the Maghreb clashing with Europes winter chill. Here, on our little ridge there are blue skies, a warming sun and the barest hint of a breeze. Perfect lazing weather for Wilf. Warmer than many a summers day in Scotland.

He dozes on the grass outside the church while the mayor and I clamber up into the belfry.
For the last three months the church clock which used to chime thirteen , on the hour, every hour, twice, has been frozen at three minutes past one. Sure enough, a dead pigeon has fallen into the mechanism . A mass of feathers and bones freezing the cogs. What's left of the carcass thirty five feet above the ground . Tantalisingly out of reach. The mayor looks at me. I look at him. Neither volunteers to venture out into the void. A job for the experts.


Wilfs early morning 'pit stop' time put to good use. A start on decorating the wall behind the cooker in the downstairs kitchen . At three in the morning the first coat looks wonderful. In the harsh light of day less so. The effect akin to a blender full of liquefied raspberries blotchily spread over the wall. 'Mischief by Little Greene Colours of England' it says on the can. The choice of a younger generation. Maybe the second coat will look better.

Time to review the week. Wilfs world becoming smaller. The routines less sure. He sleeps in different places. Barks if he finds himself alone. The chateau, pond, village sign and town hall marking the four corners of his universe. Two pit stops most nights. Last night four. For the very first time no interest in breakfast. An umistakeable downshift in pace. Like one of those old clapper board hotels on a quiet finger lake in upstate New York . The season nearly over. One by one the laughing vacationers go. The lights turned off. A place of happy, gentle memories .

32 comments:

  1. i pin hope against hope that the "clapper board hotel" opens much much longer..

    Stormy..

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  2. Oh dear Angus, poor Wilf. Maybe it just because he had a bad nights sleep? Start cooking sausages and see if that gets a reaction! I love the colour of your kitchen wall, it's fab. Sue x x

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  3. every dog i've had has 'told' me when they have had enough....i'm sure beautiful wilfee will tell you when to put the closed sign up...xx

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  4. but there are still some holidaymakers left, aren't they? Wilf takes on life as it comes, as opposed to most humans who would dispair, cry, moan, see black and bleak future, if there is no pain, there are still good things in life. I think for dogs the memories of sniffs, walks, runs, croissants and coconut icecream are as good as the things themselves. I think that it's only their humans that dogs painfully miss. And Wilf has you two, so he is ok. Smaller world is still a good world!!

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  5. Sometimes, the end of that holiday season can create the best memories. You know the time is short, but you still have time to enjoy, to relax, to enjoy the quiet. Bless you.

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  6. At least time on the church clock is right twice a day....But I know that feeling when a meal is refused. On the outside and for your beloved companion, you try to keep the mood positive, but on the inside your heart is breaking. We continue to hope, as I know you do, that the warmth and good days of this season will continue for a lot longer!

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  7. With you every step of the way...

    Blessings and Love,
    Janelle and Maggie Mae

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  8. Yes, definitely try a second coat. I painted our wee kitchen (5' x 8' --typical NYC apartment kitchen) a shade called Merlot that looked decidedly "grap juice" after one coat. What began as a project that I thought would take as long as a manicure, given the size of the space, 2/3's of which was taken up with cabinets and appliances, took the better part of a 3-day weekend!

    Prayers continue to head your way...

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  9. It's heartbreaking to read about Wilf and it must be so very, very hard for all of you.I have to admit I shed the old tear here and there almost daily when I read about Wilf but then my excuse is I am not an old stoic..
    5 years ago I was in the same situation with my beloved labrador Sophie who had developed leukemia, and all I can say is, it is bitter- sweet while they are still with you as you know it will not be forever... I was grateful for every day I had with her..that is all you can do.Love them and be there for them.I am sure you are and Wilf knows this. A big hug for all of you.

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  10. I still believe Wilf will go on forever... what a lovely beautiful looking dog - this morning he seems to have the Socrates look... just the thought of my thirteen year old dog who lives in symbioses with me - almost everywhere - planes, travels, work routine - is unimaginable...Love and strength from Susanne , Daisy and Foxiie the cutest patterdale (he is my walking teddybear)

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  11. So lyrically written but I don't want the season of laughing to wind down. I'm thinking of you, hoping that Wilf's world expands again and more laughing ensues, at least for some more time.

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  12. We check in every day. Sending a message of admiration to the wonderful Wilf and to Angus. A smaller world is fine..it's all about who inhabits that world and Wilf is surrounded by the best.

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  13. Dearest Wilf,
    A large bon jour, a big hello, sweet kisses, big hugs and loads + loads of love from Miss D and me
    xoxo Susan

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  14. But slowly, slowly.
    He is in my thoughts and prayers.
    As are you.

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  15. We all know the day will come when we let our furry friends go. That does not make the passing any easier. It seems to me you and Wilf are very like-minded which trnaslates beautifully into the written word. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and your sweet Wilf with us over the past months and years. Prayers for Wilf being sent to both of you on soft gentle winds. You are both very wise and I love reading about that wisdom.

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  16. I rather like the raspberry color! I'd say give it a second coat and let it dry before deciding for sure.

    You know, when our first Greyhound, Treat, developed a spinal tumor, we had about five weeks of grace from when it first presented to when she let me know she was tired of fighting and ready to go. I realize now what a gift that time was, and sometimes wonder if she fought on simply to bring me to a point where I could bear to let her go. I'd promised myself that I wouldn't keep her here just to make myself feel better, and when she was ready, well, I still wasn't ready, but I was able to be at peace with it. I can look back at that time now and see all the funny, heartwarming things that we shared at the end, well, all of her life really, but I was so much more conscious of it after I knew her time was finite. I am happy for you that you have had this extra time with Wilf, way beyond what the naysayers had to say.

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  17. we're so glad that you have had this extra time with Wilf - for you and for Wilf. we will come here to visit him and you for as long as you are here. you are both very brave and it's a bittersweet journey. our best thoughts are with you and Wilf.

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  18. Sending lots of love and gentle hugs to Wilf, and thinking of you all.

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  19. Have been watching your blog religiously since I heard about Wilfee on Pamela Terry's blog. Have cried many times, especially when reading about Digby and the covering stones, but today's metaphor has truly broken my heart. My love to you and Wilfee.

    Liz in Oregon

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  20. Damn it, Angus. I've got to go and have a cry. Its too soon to be left with only memories.

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  21. Wilf
    Youw dweams awe getting longew and the adventoowes showtew, but youw heawt still is stwong and loving and you still give youw all..Mommi is no good wif endings, she aweady has too many memowies cwowding hew mind..while bootiful, they make hew sad
    smoochie kisses
    ASTA

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  22. Wilf you are a very clever boy, I am sure you will adjust to your smaller world with the tender love of your flock by your side to guide you.
    Angus my thoughts are with you today, I can feel your pain, it's a time of adjustment for you also. Keep strong, I wish for more good days to come!
    Sending Hugs and kisses to you sweet Wilf,
    Bev and Roo xx

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  23. I know it's selfish of me but I want Wilf to continue on until the end of time.

    I like that paint color! It does look a little splotchy but another coat would probably make it just perfect!

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  24. We're always happy and sad when we read about Wilf. Good luck with the paint. I've just painted the lounge room three times because I couldn't live with the colours I chose.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

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  25. Once again, he touches our hearts.

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  26. Thank you for always sharing such wonderful words. Wilf is in our hearts & prayers. The memories are sweet & will live forever in your hearts.

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  27. Angus & Wilf,
    I read your blog daily and have been sharing this bittersweet journey with you. You have been truly blessed with the gift of extra time--time to "stop & smell the roses". The memories you are making are truly precious. Wilf will let you know when the time has come. Mine have always told me. Doesn't sound like he is ready to go anywhere just yet, so cherish every moment. A small loving world is a beautiful place to be. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we hope you continue to beat the odds and enjoy more special time & delights. The love you share is truly beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
    Hugs and kisses,
    Skye, the Moondance Huskies,Kitties and mom Joan

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  28. Oh Wilfie...

    Asta said it better than I ever could. We are holding all of you close to our hearts.

    As for the walls...that lovely shade of red will take at least four coats.

    Kisses to all!

    Lacie Girlie and her brothers!

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  29. Our thoughts are with you.. be it at 3am or anytime of the day. Hopefully the hotel opens up a little longer.. the vacationers have not all left yet. Our love to Wilfee.

    Dommy and Anny

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  30. Don't get ahead of yourself, Angus.

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  31. Looks very cheery and ready to be toated with champagne framboise

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  32. Love the "pop" of the color in the kitchen. And the floor looks nice too. I sighed at the end of this post. Mr. O asked me why. The end of the season is upon us I said. Hugs. From both of us.

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