Monday, May 30, 2011

The early morning flying lesson .









Sunday afternoon . The enthusiastic curtain woman arrives , unannounced , to deliver two cushions for the benches in the hallway . " I was just passing " her opening line . What should take two minutes , max , turns into half an hour of trilling and arm waving . Wilf and yours truly go for a walk to escape this soft furnishing lunacy .

A beautiful Monday morning .Why is it nature is always at its best when you have to go travelling ? The lavender beds covered in scores of fluttering Purple Emperors and Cabbage Whites . Half a dozen exotically plumed hoopoes wandering , haeds down , across the lawn looking for insects . Beside us in the lime trees a chattering Piccadillly Circus of redshanks, orioles , and a blue and yellow bird with a name name I don't know but which looks gloriously foreign to Scottish eyes. Best of all three baby wrens. Tiny things . Exhausted after an early morning flying lesson, they perch on the side of the breakfast table. The sight of the croissant overriding their mothers noisome fear .Wilf holds close . Somehow , he knows I'm off . There's just enough time for a serious mano a mano on the lawn with an old family fellow who can't believe anyone would want to leave him .
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18 comments:

  1. JacksDadMay 30, 2011 at 7:42 AM

    They always know when you're leaving. Sometimes before you do!

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  2. Jed and Abby in MerryLandMay 30, 2011 at 8:46 AM

    Bon voyage! The bench cushions are decidedly not French. We thought Americans were the only ones who used the national flag as upholstery. Still, another delicate compliment to the Scottish Resident.

    Jed & Abby

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  3. Susan TMay 30, 2011 at 10:12 AM

    My paternal grandmother was Scot, so I have a hefty slug of the love of all things Scottish, approve of the bench decoration, very chic.

    Poor Wilf without his best friend for a while - how will he cope.

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  4. Bella Roxy & MacduiMay 30, 2011 at 10:44 AM

    Sounds like sometimes is bliss not being the most proficient in French.

    Make it a short trip. You'll be missed.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

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  5. AnonymousMay 30, 2011 at 11:13 AM

    Wilfee Somehow I think you will be spending a lot of time in the kitchen . How time will fly when you are enjoying yourself . Sausages maybe

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  6. ~Kim at Golden Pines~May 30, 2011 at 12:55 PM

    It is hard to leave when the setting is so tranquil and picturesque and you have a pup like Wilf tugging at your heart.

    We wish you a safe trip Angus!

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  7. MLouMay 30, 2011 at 1:38 PM

    I can understand Wilf's bewilderment. Why would anyone want to leave that smiling face.

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  8. HomerMay 30, 2011 at 2:13 PM

    Woof Wilf,

    How are you?

    Do you think you can get your humans to take some photos of the baby wrens next time? We don't get to see booti-ful garden birds in Singapore, only spuggies and crows!

    Love,
    Homer

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  9. AnonymousMay 30, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    Wilf you poor thing. You look as though you're about to burst into tears in that last photo. Cheer up it won't be long and in the meantime ' the font of all knowledge ' will perhaps make you sausages and give you coconut icecream . Bisous darling boy . Madeleine and Turpin.

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  10. houndstoothMay 30, 2011 at 4:22 PM

    Aww, Wilf! At least they always come back!

    That walk sounds idyllic! I wish there were pictures of that, but perhaps it's better imagined. I hope your travels don't keep you away from home for long!

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  11. Ina in AlaskaMay 30, 2011 at 4:48 PM

    Beautifully written post, I clearly envision all the flora and birds. I know what you mean about travelling on a perfectly gorgeous day and leaving a perfectly wonderful companion. Safe travels.

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  12. Pamela Terry and EdwardMay 30, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    Back home soon, I hope.
    Perfect cushion choice, by the way!!

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  13. KariMay 30, 2011 at 6:27 PM

    We know the font will comfort Wilf and make his time without you as delightful as possible. Isn't it amazing how they know that we are leaving even before they see the cases? Calm skies to you and a respectful seat-mate,( no snoring, no flatulence) as well. By the way, is that St. Andrew's Cross we see?

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  14. WFT NobbyMay 30, 2011 at 7:24 PM

    That nature stuff if all well and good Angus. But I like the bench cushion the best!
    Toodle pip!
    Bertie.

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  15. rottroverMay 30, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    safe travels, M'Ongoose..

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  16. sprinklesMay 30, 2011 at 11:56 PM

    One good thing about having pets is that you always have an excuse to leave. "Wilf needs a walk, we'll be back in a little bit." bol

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  17. Mark CampbellMay 31, 2011 at 4:16 AM

    M'Ongoose, they may be too polite to tell you upon your arrival at your destination, but you have left your nose behind in France Profonde...

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  18. booahbooMay 31, 2011 at 8:31 AM

    I guess you will go with the heaviest heart... but to know that he is safe with Missy font... and all the good food he will be getting, he should be fine.

    Be home soon Angus... the fluffy one awaits :)

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