Thursday, January 1, 2015

The best day of the year.


New Year morning. The top of the ridge glowing in the winter sunshine ; the valley frost coated and cold. Bob and Sophie opt for the fork in the road that takes us down into the mist. Hares and deer everywhere. Glorious weather for following scents. Bob walks by my side. Sophie lingers in the hedgerows. Every so often there's a furious " Wait ! How could you leave a poor maiden so ? " howling. We stop and talk to the horse in the paddock behind the church while Sophie catches up with us. The poor old thing is left out in all weathers without a coat. Sophie no longer hides behind my legs when I stroke him. Tomorrow he'll get some carrots.



Home. We're still the first up and about. The angelic duo savage each other then charge around the garden in search of  'something' . The invisible 'something' is always chased at top speed and with suitable sound effects. 


The Very Old Farmer didn't join us last night but was taken a glass of champagne and some lobster. These he devoured as if he'd never had a major stomach operation. Two more glasses were sent round. They were also devoured. No call from his son.

In the middle of breakfast Bob lets us know we have a visitor. By the time I get to the gate there's no one to be seen. In the letter box a note on a scrap of paper from the Very Old Farmer *.



After breakfast Bob is back at the front door in best Maitre D' mode. His Mr.Geniality look. ''Installez vous". This morning there are few folks around for him to welcome. This doesn't stop him living in hope that some will show up. Sophie digs.


And so a new and exciting year starts in deepest, deepest France profonde.  The PON's clearly think it's the best day of the year. They'll think the same about tomorrow and the day after. The wisdom of dogs.

* Loosely translated - "Life is a battle and to win you must always be ready to charge at the first sound of sabre rattling " . Quite apt coming from the VOF.


22 comments:

Duke and Petite-Chose at 2G said...

What beautiful photos of morning mist Angus, thank you for posting them - a wonderful start to the New Year. May all your days be the very best day of the year. Greetings and a Happy New Year to you all at ROF, from us here in sunny Spain. Look forward to enjoying your further adventures.

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

Managed to translate the first line, got lost after that. Lobster and champagne....food for invalids.

Dogs have the best outlook on life!

Duke and Petite-Chose at 2G said...

We forgot to say how pleased we were that The Very Old Farmer is till enjoying life. Lobster and champagne are just the way to start the year - how kind of you and 'The Font' .

Julie said...

Leah will experience her first manic New Year's Day with us today with our open house party (PONs welcome!) I'm sure she'll think it's the best day ever as well. Life with dogs is such a joy!

Anonymous said...

Dear ANGUS - we did translate (word by meaningful word) the Very Old Farmer's handwritten note to you. How wise the years have made him……and how poignantly he lets you know that his fight carries on. With dear and caring friends like you and the Font - to look after him and to let him know that he was not forgotten on New Years Eve - what more can one wish for. Well…….perhaps another glass or two of Champagne…….and maybe one more morsel of lobster. HAPPY NEW YEAR from the Westcoast of Canada to all four of you!

Anonymous said...

Like your translation but you could also translate it as life is a battle and to win you must be like the tip of a sabre whirling to the tune of the sabre dance. Either way the VOF's a fighter.
Happy New Year from Estabel and Conrad in Lauderdale.

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

How kind of you and 'the Font" when welcoming 2015 remembered the Very Old Farmer who could not be with you to celebrate; just as "Auld Lang Syne" reminds us to do.

·´¸.·´¨) ¸.·*¨)
(¸.·´ (¸.·´ .·´Happy New Year!!

Sheila said...

Every best wish for the New Year, Angus. Thank you for
writing your blog each day. Like so many others, I begint
my mornings reading your posts. Always starts me off
with a smile or, as was the case today, blinking back a
tear for the feisty Raymond. Hope the Belgian Lady has
a more tranquil year.....thanks to you and Bob.

Kari said...

Raymond's poignant note brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful and brave man. There are so few of his kind left to us. Wise words for a New Year's Day.
Lobster and Champagne: good for what ails!

Kari said...

I took the VOF's message in very much similar way. What a fellow! Admirable!

Anonymous said...

Raymond is so brave. His note should inspire us all. The Dougie McLean version of Auld Lang Syne is wonderful. Happy New Year to you and your family (canine and human).

Brinley Westie said...

We luvs yer wunnerful photos... and how kind of you to remember him of New Year's Eve... we had to git Angelique's Momma to help us translate... she took French in school... we did purdy good though, evfun before she helped us! Happy New Year!

HAPPY 2015!!!
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Angus said...

And a Happy New Year to you.

Angus said...

There's something to be said for the rule that when you're in your late 90's you should only eat lobster and drink champagne.

Angus said...

I'm sure she''ll love it.

Angus said...

He had a champagne carrier to welcome the New Year in with. Shame his son was too busy to be there.

Angus said...

You're right - he's a fighter.

Angus said...

We're working on the Bl;gian Lady and her 'problems'. Here's hoping !

Angus said...

Champagne and lobster . Hope I'm up to it in 35 years time !

Angus said...

Well done. It was a difficult thing to translate !

OJN said...

Profound wisdom from la France profonde

VirginiaC said...

I just adore the Very Old Farmer...his spirit of life, his verve......a very lovely person, we could all learn a lot from him.
I am wishing him a Happy New Year too!