Saturday, July 9, 2016

The enormous paella pan.


Another 100 degree day. We're out before six so that the PONs can enjoy an hours walk in the cool morning air. They get a second quicker trip around the village green at ten. Then after that it's time for lazing in the shade of the orchard or sleeping on the cool stone floors indoors.

Something opaque about the air today that says a sand bearing storm is heading our way from the Sahara.


Down by the river it's already hot. We turn and saunter back home. Loic, the heavily bifocaled gardener is there. He enthusiastically strims the peonies. My fault for letting him use the battery operated strimmer. It gives him such great pleasure. They'll grow again. Probably. 

Loic is in his fifties, still lives with his aged mother and is one of Gods happy people, completely trusting. He's as kind and gentle as the day is long. His mother has fallen and broken her ribs. He says she's at home but in pain. 


Angus works in the downstairs library. The temperature down here borderline chill. The PONs nudge me with their noses every half an hour or so. A reminder that there are more important things to do than work.


Sophie goes through life in the expectation that I might, just might, have some cooked sausages close at hand. In this she is disappointed.



Much activity on the other side of the village. The Salle de Fetes is being prepared for Saturday nights football final between France and Portugal. Red, white and blue bunting is hung from the rafters. The local cabinet makers widescreen home entertainment system is installed on the stage. Barrels of Pelforth are delivered. Late in the afternoon Wally, the depressive accordionist, arrives in his white flat bed truck with his enormous paella pan on the back.






14 comments:

Anonymous said...

I hope a good time is had by all this evening, regardless of the result.
The river looks inviting; were Sophie and Bob tempted to paddle?
Kind souls, such as Loic are precious.
Have a lovely day.
x

Coppa's girl said...

But Angus, surely you know that it's a pre-requisite of every dog owner to have at least half a dozen cooked sausages stowed away in a pocket? Shame on you !!
Agree with Tina - Loic is a treasure. His care of his mother is worth a few butchered peonies, and fun with the battery operated strimmer !

WFT Nobby said...

Will Wally cheer up if France win tonight?

BaileyBobSouthernDog said...

Did you get to see the Tour de France on the 7th?

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

Paella for a football game, that's different.

Unknown said...

They must have been preparing for something else - the final's on Sunday....

Kari said...

I hope Loic left enough of the plant so it can regain it's energy. Aren't peonies marvellous. Old fashioned with graceful elegance.
I'm glad you house is cool for Bob and Sophie. Will you shorten their hair or does their coat help keep them cool? My Persian cat gets a lion cut. She seems to love it.

Angus said...

You're absolutely right. Village events are two day affairs.

Angus said...

At the moment they're getting bi-weekly trims. PON hair growth seems to accelerate in the summer.

Angus said...

We set off but were deterred by the traffic jams.

Angus said...

Slightly.

Angus said...

I'm rather concerned about what happens to Loic when his mother dies . A home ?

Angus said...

You can be sure a good time will be had by all.

Angus said...

In this part of the world Paella is less exotic than a pizza or a hot dog .