A sign for a fun fair has appeared on the lamp post outside the house gate. It was put up at five thirty in the morning by a man in a white Ford Escort. We know this because the PONs heard it going up. They invited the rest of their household to get up and see what was happening.
Hot. The PONs walk with me down through the recently harvested wheat fields to the waterfall. Both PONs follow the flattened tracks made by the combine. After a long drink from the stream Sophie watches the Kingfishers. Bob tries to catch the small minnows that dart around just below the surface of the water. In this he is comically unsuccessful.
Home for a long nap. Lunch. Then a long nap before a walk to the Holy Well, then a nap, then dinner.
Sophie takes over Bobs mat in the downstairs kitchen. Her brother is forced into sitting in her bed.
She adamantly refuses to move. He makes it abundantly clear to anyone that will listen that he is hard done by.
A retired English headmistress from a village some miles away, rings the bell at the gate. '' Are you the Scottish gentleman ? " . She lives alone and is worried about what the referendum result means for her. A prudent woman but concerned that she might be thrown out of her home. The anger of the television commentators alarms her. She'd heard that I might know what to do. Reassurance is provided. Her biggest worry would be the value of her UK pension if the pound falls further. She seems relieved by this. It's suggested she applies for a residency permit. This gives her the right to stay five years and then be renewed for a further ten years later. After a glass of champagne she departs with a sense of purpose. The orange cardiganed lady at the Prefecture will soon be having another visitor.
The lies of politicians have an impact on peoples lives far and wide.
The PONs liked her.
13 comments:
How kind of you Angus, to reassure the retired headmistresss as best you could. She sounds nice. So many valued colleagues here are concerned about their long term future in the UK. All so sad.
The last but one photo of the PONs is so funny. Sophie looking so smug, with that "So what? It's mine now - he'll just have to lump it" look on her face, and Bob saying "Do you see what she's done? That's MY mat - Dad, Dad, make her get out" !
So glad you were able to help the retired headmistress - your fame (and champagne) have spread far beyond your own little village.
Ah dogs are excellent judges of character. I wonder what the Pons would make of the politicians? So sad. Just got to wait now for the ripples to settle.
Please tell Sophie to stop antagonizing her dear brother Bob....poor chap.
So nice of you to offer kind words of advice to the retired headmistress....your fame is spreading in deepest France profonde....soon all kinds of folks will be beating a path to your door at the ROF for truthful advice and reassurance.
Do you think a second mat and a second bed might be in order?
I can relate to the head mistress. My heart goes out to her. When you are alone on a pension even the smallest decisions carry enormous weight. I'm glad she has you to offer sound and sensible advice.
The pensioner is going to have a rough time if her money buys a lot less.
The lies of politicians, indeed.
The retired headmistress reminds me of the retired English military couple I met years ago in Mallorca, living in Spain because their small pensions went much farther. And always a bit worried. But lovely, warm-hearted people.
Well done for the lovely guidance. Sad that lies have to be told. Really sad.
I'm not sure who was doing all that napping - Angus or Bob and Sophie?
Can relate to the early morning wake-up call of strange happenings in the neighbourhood.
The next to last picture could have many captions, but does not even need one! I'm sure the nice lady felt much better after her visit to all of you. I also think she liked the PON's too!
Love the photos today! I think that it says a lot about you, Angus, that people know they can count on and ask you to give reassuring advice. The world needs more reassurance, instead of the political chaotic rhetoric that seems to all we hear.
This post sounds like old times...a walk to the waterfall with both PONS and even a little canine spat. Sophie's leg looks encouragingly white and fluffy.
As for politician's lies, I think we've been hearing some whoppers over here in the US. Only time will tell.
Post a Comment