Wednesday, December 25, 2013

This happy morning.





Bob and Sophie, despite a late night, are awake at seven. Somehow they sense a day of great adventures ahead. 

A neon sign of sun just rising as we follow the ox track down the hill to the stream. Two carefree sheepdogs chase trout, ineptly, in the frigid water while a herd of deer and an inquisitive hare look on. Absolute silence bar the sound of water tumbling over the small waterfall, a busy woodpecker  and Sophie's squeals of joy. High up in the shelter of the walnut trees a large, amiable, eagle owl; a gravity defying mass of feathers. The French,so much better at bird names than the English, call these feathered aristocrats Grand-Ducs. Local farmers say they live for 60 years.

As we turn to retrace our steps home a Christmas morning rainbow, brilliant against the clouds. Dogs and owner stop, heads trained skywards. Natures reminder to keep hold of what is important. When we get back the house is still quiet . It remains quiet until Bob and Sophie notice two scruffy dogs in the mirror on the stairway. They greet the interlopers enthusiastically.

A very happy Christmas to you all from everyone here in deepest , deepest France profonde.




25 comments:

rottrover said...

Merry Christmas to all of you!

Angels have Red Hair said...

Merry Christmas to you and yours too

lyon de clarasvals said...

Merry Christmas to all of you.

WFT Nobby said...

Perfect words and pictures. The mirror photo is outstanding.
Happy Christmas to all at the ROF.
Gail and Bertie.

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

What a glorious sunrise. We've had much needed rain today. A wet, soggy Christmas that couldn't be more perfect....especially as the rain started after the 5:30 a.m. walk.

XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

Happy Christmas!

Narrative jewelry said...

Joyeux Noël to you Angus, the Font and your lovely family. Sweet cuddles to the puppies.
Gorgeous photos of our french morning sky.
Hugs from Brittany,
Veronique

Whispering Walls said...

Merry Christmas to you, the Font, Bob 'n Sophie!

Molly the Airedale said...

Merry Christmas, Bob and Sophie!

Love ya lots♥
Mitch and Molly

Anonymous said...

Beautiful, beautiful pictures and what a treat to see a Grand-Duc! A perfect way to start Christmas Day.
I hope you all have a wonderful day.
Teena and Merlin
xxx

Julie said...

A very Merry Christmas to you all

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

A perfect start to your day! ·´¸.·´¨) ¸.·*¨)
(¸.·´ (¸.·´ .·´ Merry, Merry Christmas to you Angus, 'the Font', Bob and Sophie.

Katherine said...

Merry Christmas, Angus, to you and yours! Thank you for the beautiful scene.

Anonymous said...

'Natures reminder to keep hold of what is important '. So right. So right . Beartice and Louis. xxxx

MrsDuncanMahogany said...

A Happy Christmas to you and yours Angus. May 2014 find you all healthy, happy and filled with energy as you tramp around with the PONs. Lovely rainbow indeed!

Anonymous said...

And a very Merry Christmas to you as well. Knowing I can get up each morning and view the antics of Bob and Sophie makes each day very special indeed. Wishing you all a happy healthy new year and the spirit to continue your daily exploits via the web.

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas from Iowa. The photo of the "kids" reflected in the mirror should be your Christmas card next year, absolutely beautiful. Thanks you so much for sharing Sophie and Bob with us they are the greatest gift for dog lovers.
Karen & Kelly Rathje
Iowa USA

Anonymous said...

God jul!

VirginiaC said...

Angus, such a lovely description of a beautiful and special day.
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas day.
Loved the last photo .....adorable. The ruckus of two PON's barking at another two PON's much have been funny.

Selina said...

Merry Christmas from Australia! I read your blog every morning and as much as I love the photos, it's the reflection & humour in the writing that make it special. Many thanks for your blog & have a good Hogmany.

The Life of Riley said...

I love the last photo, especially as my older dogs would not stay still for a photo like that!

Merry Christmas to all at the Rickety Old Farmhouse.

Kari said...

The Rose tinged rainbow is magnificent ! What a rare treat.
Happy Christmas Angus and The Font. Kisses to Bob and Sophie, love to all.

Jo's World said...

Thank you for the dazzling photos, not a quality we get to see here! We wish you Happy Holidaying and a very healthy, happy 2014. We will continue to make your blog a daily habit and love your pups like our own.

Jo, Stella and Zkhat in Cold Minniesnowda!

Heda said...

Thank you and a very merry Christmas to all at the rickety old farmhouse including the noisy pheasant.

Anonymous said...

Seasons Greetings !
From Bev Molly & Rupiec

Fi from Four Paws and Whiskers said...

Hope you had a great Xmas Angus :)