Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Neither online nor checking - in.




Up early for the breakfast croissants. I'm off to Munich and Zurich to share some after dinner thoughts with serious men in dark suits. The petty irritations of the Lufthansa online check-in system. This morning it's neither online nor checking in.

Thankfully, there's time enough for a walk down the hill and across the valley with Wilf. Despite the blue skies it's a fierce morning. The unsuspecting birds hurled, shrieking, through the air by the strength of the wind. Down here by the river it's sheltered and calm. Underfoot, the winter leaves smell fresh and nutty in the way of a fruitcake. A solitary, good looking , heffer rests her head on the wooden fence and watches us sidle by. Wilfs quite content. Nose down in the grass verge. A patch of white ploughing through the first of the wild gentians. The overwhelming desire to pick up the phone, cancel everything and stay here.

Another earthquake in New Zealand. 65 dead. If ever your prayers were needed think of the kind folk at www.fourpawsandwhiskers.blogspot.com .

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19 comments:

  1. Jed and Abby in MerryLandFebruary 22, 2011 at 8:18 AM

    Felicitations on the 1000th post! It's been quite a journey, one that we also hope will continue for as long as Wilf's heart is in it.

    We're just getting the news about the New Zealand quake, mostly from Al Jazeera English as we don't have cable TV. Our paws are also crossed for fourpawsandwhiskers, as well as all the people and pets and other animals on the South Island.

    Jed & Abby

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  2. WFT NobbyFebruary 22, 2011 at 9:22 AM

    Hmm. The morning walk across the valley with Wilf. Or the malfunctioning airport. Yes, I'd stay right where you are. Today, I come away from your blog with the fresh nutty aroma of winter leaves in my nostrils, rather than the usual whiff of delectable French cooking.
    Cheers, Gail.

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  3. Bella Roxy & MacduiFebruary 22, 2011 at 9:52 AM

    We are listening to the news.....poor NZ, especially Christchurch.

    Must be hard to leave Wilf to talk to dark-suited men.

    XXXOOO Daisy, kendra & Bella

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  4. booahbooFebruary 22, 2011 at 10:15 AM

    make the phone call and cancel (forgive our simple minds).
    such a beautiful day over your end.. and it should be spend with family fellows.. and not in some strange airport and stranger after dinner meets with strange men in black :)

    our love to dear Wilfee!

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  5. Whispering WallsFebruary 22, 2011 at 10:30 AM

    Bon voyage

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  6. ~Kim at Golden Pines~February 22, 2011 at 11:46 AM

    The earthquake is on the news here as well. Our prayers that everyone remains safe and there won't be too many aftershocks.

    Angus I hope you have an enjoyable trip and return safely to your life of serenity!

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  7. Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek RamblingsFebruary 22, 2011 at 11:59 AM

    A morning walk with a beloved dog trumps men in suits!!

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  8. houndstoothFebruary 22, 2011 at 2:00 PM

    Those men in dark suits don't know what life's all about or what they're missing!

    I've been following the news about New Zealand and hoping some of our favorite bloggers are okay, too.

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  9. CamilleFebruary 22, 2011 at 2:05 PM

    What Buzzy McDuff and I wouldn't give for the whiff of leaves, but they're currently beneath great mounds of snow. Happy trails to you and come back real soon.

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  10. KBFebruary 22, 2011 at 2:22 PM

    Your walk down to the river with Wilf sounded so peaceful. Have a good trip. Wilf will enjoy coconut ice cream with the font.

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  11. JeanFebruary 22, 2011 at 2:55 PM

    Ah, M'Ongoose, how tempting it is to say "oh sod it" and throw a sickie when your out with your beloved dog !! It's almost too much for a person to bear.

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  12. rottroverFebruary 22, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    Safe travels!

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  13. MrsDuncanMahoganyFebruary 22, 2011 at 7:52 PM

    Hopefully the stay in Munich won't last long and before you know it, you will be back at home base. Walking with Wilf, morning croissants and just being at home. Best feeling in the world, to be sure. Enjoy your time and keep going Wilf! Handsome boy!

    Your pals from the windy Canaidian prairies,
    Dianna along with Tor, Willow and Tucker

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  14. The Black and Tans.February 22, 2011 at 8:39 PM

    Hope your trip is successful and stress free.

    Molly, Taffy, Monty and Winnie

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  15. KariFebruary 22, 2011 at 10:21 PM

    Have a quick and uneventful trip. Wilf will be safely in our hearts and in our prayers until you return.

    We are also praying for the people of New Zealand. So upsetting. All we can say is WHY.

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  16. Maggie Mae and MaxFebruary 22, 2011 at 10:52 PM

    Our prayers are with the people of New Zealand. Your walk with Wilf sounded wonderful. Enjoy your trip as best as you can.

    Blessings and Love,
    Janelle and Maggie Mae

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  17. the many BsFebruary 23, 2011 at 4:15 AM

    i wish you could stay home with Wilf also. there is no way that serious men in dark suits can be as charming and lovable as Wilf.

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  18. sprinklesFebruary 23, 2011 at 4:15 AM

    I love your new header!

    I think it must be difficult for you to leave each time, not knowing if Wilf will pass while you're gone. The hardest will be the first time you come back and he isn't there to greet you.

    Hopefully your stay in Munich will be brief and you'll be back home in France in no time.

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  19. StellaFebruary 23, 2011 at 6:45 AM

    Here is to good safe travels for you and a quick trip! We'll miss starting our day with the handsome Wilf.

    Kisses,
    Stella

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