Saturday, November 16, 2013

Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.





The first cold day of the year. Not cold enough for frost but chilly enough for the post lady to complain about the biting wind. Bob and Sophie are completely oblivious to the change in temperature. If anything they seem even more fired up and full of life than usual. Polish Lowland Sheepdog weather.

A little before noon the Old Farmer sets off for Belarus in his motor home. I help him carry the gravestone he's had made for his fathers tomb from the back of the ancient Mercedes into the back of the equally venerable Ford Transit . We wedge it firmly between the base of the bunk bed and the cooker. '' Should be safe there " he says as if carrying tombstones in an ancient motor home is something he does every day. We stand at the gate and wave the old fellow goodbye.'' See you soon " he shouts out before disappearing in a cloud of blue diesel smoke.  First stop Strasbourg, then Berlin, then Warsaw, then the frontier.


10 comments:

VirginiaC said...

Safe travels to the Old Farmer as he sets out on his journey....what love and determination....I do admire him.
Hope all goes well and that we see him again soon.

Sheila said...

Safe travels indeed!
















Safe travels indeed! An incredible journey
in the best of vehicles in mid-summer. And to
think he's done it once before.



WFT Nobby said...

What a journey. Fingers crossed that farmer and his precious cargo make it safely to Belarus.

Jo's World said...

I wish he'd write now and then, let us know he made it OK!

Jo, who worries about old travelers

Liz Van Buren said...

Good luck, Old Farmer! Bless the fellow. Lack of fear is a wondrous thing and I salute him. I hope he finds kindness there and I believe he will. If you haven't seen this vid, Angus, go look. I think this is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzBInt4zljQ Compilation of dashboard films with gorgeous music. At simplyguys on youtube.

houndstooth said...

I bet he has a fabulous adventure!

Kari said...

How did he ever find the grave? A final settlement between father and son.

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

I really admire the spirit and the determination of the old farmer and wish him safe travels on his personal pilgrimage.

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

We are quite fond of PON weather here.
Edward is indistinguishable from a puppy.

Whispering Walls said...

Bravo m'Goose!