Friday, December 25, 2015

Joyeux Noel.


Out along the ridge with Bob. Sophie stays in the kitchen with 'The Font'. There is Brandy Butter to be made.

Every morning Bob and master stand and look across the valley. Every morning, in a now standard routine, I tousle his hair, tell him this is his home and ask him what he can see. Today's routine is no different except, as if in answer to the question, an emerald green and red woodpecker flies up the hill and lands on a tree not five yards from us. We both stop and stare at this exotic burst of colour. A sheepdog owners Christmas moment. 


The air is heavy with Christmas quietness. No cars. No planes. Not even a breeze to rustle the leaves . Easy to forget just how many doctors and nurses and others are working today. This year their number swollen by all those working to keep Christmas safe. They give us the gift of not having to think about 'such' things for a little while longer. Selflessness and duty the quietest of human virtues. 


And here's a Christmas carol from as far North as you can get, sung by a Saami shepherdess to Kings and Wise Men at a royal wedding. A juxtaposition of simplicity and grandeur. A reminder of what today is all about. Strangely beautiful. A Happy Christmas to you all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgSad-3qUNs


18 comments:

WFT Nobby said...

Lovely profile shot of Bob.
One dreads to think of the consequences should Sophie get her paws on the brandy butter...
Happy Christmas to all at the ROF.
Gail and Bertie.
PS That Lapp singer's voice is stunning, and what a beautiful wedding scene.

Kittypup said...

Such a magical moment with the kingfisher - natures blessing.

Wishing everyone within the ROF a very Merry Christmas.
Hoping the delightful duo get all that they desire....in moderation xx

Molly the Airedale said...

Merry Christmas, Bob and Sophie!

Love ya lots♥
Mitch and Molly

Poppy Q said...

Merry Christmas to you all. I am on call overnight for our hospital so thanks for thinking of the workers.

Julie and poppy q

Coppa's girl said...

Brandy butter and Sophie - what a festive combination !
What a beautiful place to just stand and enjoy and dog and master moment, could anywhere be more perfect?
Hope you are having a wonderful day.

Peter Kouwenhoven said...

A beautiful tribute to those who selflessly spend the day keeping us all safe and worry free.
Merry Christmas, and thanks for a great blog.

Peter and Shelagh.

Sheila said...

Thank you for an especially inspiring post this morning, Angus. Merry Christmas to all at the ROF.

BaileyBobSouthernDog said...

A heart felt Merry Christmas to all within the ROF, and to all the 'commentors' from around the world who have come together to enjoy the antics of Bob and Sophie!

Anonymous said...

A very Happy Christmas to you all. Beautiful pictures of the valley, and of Bob.
x

Judi said...

I don't know what Brandy Butter is but it sounds heavenly. Hugs to the duo who brighten our days.

Judi said...

I don't know what Brandy Butter is but it sounds heavenly. Hugs to the duo who brighten our days.

rottrover said...

Merry Christmas to all of you! Hoping your day is peaceful and wonderful. In fact hoping it's The Best Day Ever! Thanks for a wonderful post this morning.

Kittypup said...

Oops...those cunning kingfishers disguised as woodpeckers!!

Anonymous said...

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

MrsDuncanMahogany said...

Happy Christmas to you all!

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Wishing you all the best!
Happy Christmas,
p

Unknown said...

What a very lovely post in every way.

Kari said...

Christmas is the day that holds all time together.
A. Smith
Thinking of you and remembering, with love, those who have gone before. Happy Christmas.