Thursday, March 10, 2011

Tongues in trees, sermons in stones.



The hottest place in France. Again. 22 degrees here on top of the ridge, cloudless skies and the gentlest of breezes. As we go for our afternoon walk Wilf briefly comes face to face with Kelly. She is about to head off in the back of the old widows Renault to the Wednesday bingo session at the senior citizens club. " At the rescue centre they told me she was eight " says the widow looking at Kelly the hover dog whirring and whirling around Wilf in a typhoon of energy. ' Years or months ? ' I inquire.

Five months to the day since Wilf was diagnosed with the tumour. Ten to the day since Digby left us. Even now one brother without the other seems a little like half a comedy act. Laurel without Hardy. Beauty without the beast. Their way of saying goodbye as different as their characters. One fast and turbulent. The other slow and gentle. Both paths marked with laughter. Part of turning a house into a home.

Down to the stream with Wilf. Quail chicks scatter before him as he ploughs, rhinoceros like, through the grass. PON's one would have to say are not noted for their stealthiness. He drinks from the stream , paddles cautiously and then settles down to rest. He's soon on his back, completely carefree in the warmth. One of the most beautiful lines in the English language seems tailor made - " And this is our life, exempt from public haunt, finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything " .
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26 comments:

  1. JacksDadMarch 10, 2011 at 8:13 AM

    What a wonderful saying! I'm glad Wilf got to see Kelly again.

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  2. Bella Roxy & MacduiMarch 10, 2011 at 9:12 AM

    We're with JackDaddy. Five months.....WOW!

    XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

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  3. rottroverMarch 10, 2011 at 9:13 AM

    One of your best, M'Ongoose. Really beautiful.

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  4. JeanMarch 10, 2011 at 9:16 AM

    Your post sent a tingle down my spine this morning. I do hope Wilf is with us for many months yet.

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  5. WFT NobbyMarch 10, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    We're fondly remembering Digby, as well as thinking dear Wilf, carefreee on his back in the early season warmth.
    Does Kelly play bingo too?

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  6. Concrete JungleMarch 10, 2011 at 9:48 AM

    Loving it all so sorry it's the wind up of it all but it still is so lovely in it's bitter - sweetness!

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  7. Uji, Angel Izzy, Ziggy, Angel Bean, Angel Hiro and Momma TeaMarch 10, 2011 at 11:00 AM

    Yet again you have bought tears to my eyes, Please give darlin Wilf cuddles from all of us here

    Much Love
    Momma Tea
    xxx x xxx

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  8. MaxmomMarch 10, 2011 at 12:18 PM

    Beautifully written. We love you.
    MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA

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  9. UnknownMarch 10, 2011 at 1:44 PM

    So happy Wilf got his brief date with Kelly. How did he react? Did he join in the wriggling excitement or stand still as a statue, as Petey does when first confronted by his excited lady love, and just submit to having his face covered in fervent kisses?

    A perfectly lovely post.

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  10. KBMarch 10, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    What wonderful words to awaken to. A perfect description of Wilf's path.

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  11. houndstoothMarch 10, 2011 at 2:21 PM

    That's a beautiful quote! Shakespeare? I think you do Wilf proud every day! :)

    Perhaps Kelly is one of those dogs who's always on the go until she just stops one day. She doesn't sound like she's eight years old, though!

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  12. Ina in AlaskaMarch 10, 2011 at 2:53 PM

    .... good in everything.... truth.

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  13. Maggie Mae and MaxMarch 10, 2011 at 2:53 PM

    KB and MAXXMOM have said it well, nothing to add but thank you. :)

    Blessings and Love,
    Janelle and Maggie Mae

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  14. JoannaMarch 10, 2011 at 3:41 PM

    Kelly sounds a bit flighty to me, I think she'd give dear old Wilf the run around!

    x (for Wilf)

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  15. UnknownMarch 10, 2011 at 4:35 PM

    Good morning darling Wilf! From the discription of the day and with the possible exception of Miss Kelly leaving, the day was as you like it.

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  16. AnonymousMarch 10, 2011 at 5:09 PM

    Thank-you Angus.Keeping Wilfie in our prayers & remembering Digby with fondness.Hugs From Redding CA Fay & her cairns

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  17. AnonymousMarch 10, 2011 at 5:29 PM

    Wilf you did have a good day I am sure! You look super on the fotos - what love can do!!!! Keep on keeping on forever - love from Southern Italy Susanne, Daisy and Foxiietrott

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  18. bbes tribeMarch 10, 2011 at 5:48 PM

    Ditto what KB wrote and we3 love the quote too.
    Keeping Wilf in our thoughts and paws crossed.
    wags
    ernie,sasha,chica,lucas

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  19. MrsDuncanMahoganyMarch 10, 2011 at 7:46 PM

    Well, I lost my post, so if this comes up twice, my apologies....

    What a lovely reunion today Wilf! And might I add that you look dashing in your snaps of today. Happy thoughts to you and keep going Wilf!

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

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  20. KayMarch 10, 2011 at 10:56 PM

    dogs..they break your hearts....i started following you and your gang when digby was ill and have called in every day since...you make me laugh and cry...sweet wilfee hang on in there...xx

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  21. Susan McShannon-MonteithMarch 10, 2011 at 11:08 PM

    When the world is in turmoil and it seems that we have lost all hope in reviving it, it is here I come to visit a blog about a dog that touches our very soul.
    Sometimes with laughter, silliness and sadness it allows us to realize that the only things in life that truly matter is the relationships we forge with other humans but mostly with our beloved pets.
    Thank you Wilf.
    Susan x

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  22. Karen RathjeMarch 11, 2011 at 12:40 AM

    Hello Dear Wilf-have not stopped by to say hello lately. I am glad you were able to catch a "sniff" of your princess today! We love the funky hairdo, and hope Kelly appreciates what a dashing gentleman you are. Hugs to all!

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  23. AnonymousMarch 11, 2011 at 2:28 AM

    Rest in peace Digby. 30 March 2001 - 10 May 2010.

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  24. the many BsMarch 11, 2011 at 5:53 AM

    we're happy that Wilf got to see Kelly. we can't help but remember when Wilf got his grave diagnosis and the vet said he had "3 days". he's a trooper. we're glad for that.

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  25. Modern Country LadyMarch 11, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    Such an achievenement.may there be many more happy days.

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  26. StellaMarch 11, 2011 at 9:57 PM

    Aw, what a touching line you ended with. Cheers to Wilf, good luck with Kelly and on go the days.

    Kisses,
    Stella

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