Saturday, December 31, 2016

“ Hope has two beautiful daughters ”


A grey and cloudy start to the day. Bob thinks it's simply wonderful weather. There's been rain in the foothills and the little waterfall is springing back to life. Bobs fishing skills remain inept.

The American boys find a burger restaurant. Angus blanches at the thought of a tuna steak topped with foie gras for breakfast. I think indigestion, they think 'great'.  Another sign I've turned into my father ?



One of those '' What are we going to do now ? " days when Bob is attached to my ankles.


Sophie makes it clear that she should be allowed to climb stairs. 

Angus busies himself finding his sporran which has been put away in that 'obvious' place where it can't possibly go missing. I stumble across the pottery that we bought at the 'fayre' in August as Christmas presents.


And so 2017 nears. A year to embrace with confidence. It may be a year when courage and patience will be much valued travelling companions. Calm or turbulent we are going where we've not been before, so let's be ready for the adventure. St. Augustines words come to mind : ' Hope has two beautiful daughters. Their names are anger and courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are '. I guess that's a way of saying have faith in the future and don't let politicians lies and half truths go unchallenged.



So, a simple wish from all of us at The Rickety Old Farmhouse; May 2017 be the brightest portion of your life . ''Let the New Year bring you health. For where there’s health there’s happiness and where there’s happiness there’s wealth beyond measure ".  


This is the best version of Auld Lang Syne. 
Sung as it should be and as it will be here at midnight: 

A wonderful New Year to you all.



..................................................................................................................................................................
A random aside for bagpipe lovers.
'The Font' claims to have heard Auld Lang Syne played at a funeral in Stockholm. Angus can't remember it. 'The Font' is right and here at the 48:48 mark is the proof. Most unusual -even more so as the notes to the Order of Service say it's an '' Engelsk folk melodi ".

22 comments:

Virginia said...

Thank you Angus, and o happy New Year to you, the Font and the two gorgeous dogs. May their health improve and their zest for life be unquenched in 2017.

Liz Van Buren said...

And to you and yours also, Angus! Thank you for another year of allowing us to peak into your French life with dogs - somewhat sad this year but always a joy to read. I am believing all will be spiffy in this brand new year. Lovely song - he sings it the best of anyone. xxoo

WFT Nobby said...

Echoing the comments above, Angus it continues to be a wonderful privilege to enjoy a daily slice of life at the Rickety Old Farmhouse. Bertie and I wish you, the 'Font' and of course Bob and Sophie all the best for the New Year. May we all find the courage to meet the challenges of 2017 and to stay hopeful and optimistic about the future.
Cheers! Gail and Bertie.

Coppa's girl said...

We can only echo the sentiments of the comments above, but to add that we hope there will be sausages galore, and a complete recovery for both Bob and Sophie.
A Happy New Year to you all at the ROF

Anonymous said...

Wishing you all a very Happy Hogmanay and a wonderful, healthy 2017.
Thank you, as ever for sharing.
Teena and Merlin
x

Poppy Q said...

Happy New Year to all at the farmhouse. Thank you for sharing 2016 with us and we too are looking forward to the year ahead.

Fat Dormouse said...

I always enjoy reading about Bob & Sophie's adventures, and find your writing a delight to read. I am copying and pasting (but acknowledging the source, bien sur!) part of this post, as I think it is so beautiful. I hope you don't mind...if you do, then please let me know & I'll remove it.

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

We have 15 minutes left of 2016. Happy New Year!

10NISNE1 said...

Happy New Year to everyone at The Rickety Old Farmhouse!!!

Kathy said...

Happy New Year! Very good advice for 2017! Love the colors of your family tartan!

Unknown said...

May I add another echo to what others have expressed? And a note of deep appreciation to all who comment here? Thank you, Angus, for adding so much good to my day; my words fall short of what I feel. May God bless all in the Rickety Old Farmhouse in 2017.

dustbunny8 said...

Happy New Year and thank you for the words of courage we need them here in the USA.Grateful for your blog and all it's visitors.

Julie said...

A Very Happy New Year to you all at the ROF
Loves and licky kisses
Princess Leah xxx

Unknown said...

Happy New Year to you and the Font and tickles for Bob and Sophie.

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year from New Hampshire. I too thank you, Angus, for the beautiful photography and posts that never fail to inspire. Good health and happiness to all at the ROF and all of us who adore you!
XXXX Pam

Beau and Mom said...

A Very Happy New Year from Ohio ! !

BaileyBobSouthernDog said...

Shall we all meet here? In the New Year! To share a laugh or three. To chat with Angus and 'The Font', and hear more about Bob and Soph-i.e.!
Happy New Year Everyone ! ! !

MrsDuncanMahogany said...

A very happy and healthy 2017 to all at the Rickety Old Farmhouse!

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Anger and Courage. True daughters of hope.
I am armed with both as we say hello to a new year.
All the best to those at The Rickety Old Farmhouse.
xo

Kari said...

We hope the world feeds the lovely daughters and they grow strong and determined. It's the first time a year has been faced with real trepidation since the Vietnam era. Health and happiness to you and yours.

Jake of Florida said...

We will thnk of those two daughters often during 2017 I am sure. Health and happiness to the denizens of the ROF, human and canine, with love!!! Joan and Just Harry and our Angel Jake.

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

The end of 2016 is almost here for us, and your post and links are perfect for it.

¸¸.•*¨*•*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` ¤Happy New Year to all at the ROF!