The stitches come out. Sophie only complains once - when the glue on the bandage pulls her hair. Apart from that she is the perfect patient. She even falls asleep on the table. How much easier life is when you have vets that care, can laugh and are well practised in what they do. Sophie adores the attention. In two weeks we'll take her to the hospital in Toulouse for her X-rays and decide the date for the operation on the other leg.
The two soft collars will need to be kept on for the next 48 hours. This is maximum itch and irritation time. We try taking the collars off but she's licking away at the wound within a minute. There can be no doubting that the family diva is getting mighty bored with the imposed inactivity.
Bob has no idea what's happened to his sister but he's expecting us to take care of it.
He gets six walks on Tuesday. Three from me and three from 'The Font' . Both dog and owners are glad to stretch their legs.
We keep him on his lead. There are deer everywhere. Last year we commented on how many there were. This year there seem to be even more.
4:21 pm. The church bells, which are set to chime on the hour and the half hour, peel away. A strange sound. First one bell chimes three times, then the second, then the third. Then they all peel together. I assume there is another problem with the wiring in the belfry. As Bob and Angus come along the lane we spot a crowd of villagers standing on the village green.
Madame Bay comes up to inform me that the Very Old Farmer passed away an hour ago. The church bells are being rung to say 'adieu' to his departing soul. The older villagers congregate outside the church to say farewell to one of their own. I comment that this is a very charming and very French tradition. Madame Bay informs me in a matter of fact tone that it's ' Not only French. Surely, it's what everyone does at the start of a long journey '.
And so passes another day in a village of 66 inhabitants when we learn something new about life in deepest, deepest France profonde.
33 comments:
We're so sad to hear of the Very Old Farmer's passing. If there are tractors in heaven, I'm sure he's happily riding one across a beautiful field now! We always enjoyed reading about your visits to cheer him with some conversation and "PON therapy." The villagers paying their respects by ringing the church bells for his passing is a wonderful way of noting the beginning of his next journey. May he rest in peace.
Continued prayers for healing for brave Miss Sophie and an extra dose of patience and fortitude for Angus, The Font, and the Family Diva's devoted brother Bob.
Gigi, Mark, Mitzi and Emmy in California
You drew such a vivid portrait of the Very Old Farmer that I am truly sad to hear that he passed away.
Good luck distracting Miss Sophie. How long before she can move around?
Bless the Very Old Farmer - A life well lived x
And bless little Sophie too - the model patient....who knew?!
So very sorry to learn that the Very Old Farmer has passed away, another "character" gone from the village.
Poor Sophie, nothing worse than an itch you can't lick or scratch. Perhaps she'll try to persuade Bob to do it for her? She knows he's a very obliging brother !
I shall miss the Very Old Farmer.
Glad Sophie was a good patient, hope all goes well with her recovery.
May he rest in peace. Will that necessitate the Old Farmer returning in haste?
What a darling Sophie is - who would've predicted she'd be as cooperative as she's been!
Such great and different characters!
Get well soon Sophie
What sad news this morning....so sorry to hear of the Very Old Farmer's passing. Church bells ringing to serenade him on his journey is a very touching tribute. French customs though humble are truly humane.
The village complement now at 66 but still a great place to live.
May he rest in peace although I don't think he'll be able to do so. He is probably off up to his old tricks as usual...he was surely a character....I shall miss his exploits of "sticking it to the system."
When I saw Sophie's face this morning, I said to myself that in her heart she knew that you were doing the best for her, and then I read, "Bob has no idea what's happened to his sister but he's expecting us to take care of it." Angus you have captured it beautifully.
Have a good day in deepest deepest France profonde.
That is a lovely tribute. I feel as if I knew the Very Old Farmer, with your stories of him. Your blog is one I always read; such a nice treat to learn about different parts of the world and the souls that live there.
I'm sorry to hear of the Old Farmers passing. He certainly lived a full life. So happy Sophie is doing so well. She's lucky to have such a good family around her.
Sophie has come a long way. I think she has done very well through all this and just maybe she could a extra treat. Bob has been a good and great brother, he needs extra treats also. As fur baby owners you need a treat when it is all over.
Still praying for all of you.
Sorry about the old farmer.
May the Very Old Farmer rest in peace.
May the Very Old Farmer rest in peace.
A life well lived, the very old farmer. And on his own terms too, most certainly. So few of his breed still left to us. Our prayers are with him as he crosses. I remember a note he once wrote to you. I'll miss him.
Let's hope Sophie's x-rays show she's ready for surgery #2.
My heart is sad at the passing of this gallant old soul. The pealing of the church bells to mark this moment, and the villagers gathered on the green, are quite touching.
Another big check mark made on Sophie’s list of things to do. It’s going well. The last picture of Bob is especially nice.
If only it was what everyone does at the start of a journey.
Adieu Monsieur agriculteur...pouvez-vous Voyage en paix.
Keeping Sophie in our thoughts as the itchiness begins.
Well, I got a wee bit teary upon reading about the church bells. A very touching tradition.
I'm sorry that the Very Old Farmer is no longer a part of your life in deepest France profonde, however, he is surely on another journey through space and time, in a rickety yet somewhat reliable space craft, accompanied by another adventurous soul. Bonne courage to your household and village:)
Six walks!!!
I'll add that I'm also sorry to hear of the Very Old Farmer's death. Rest in peace sir.
Thank you, Elle. You have expressed my thoughts too. I'd elaborate if I could, but why, when you've done it perfectly? And thank you, Angus, for writing all this down -- especially days like this. Mary
The Very Old Farmer did so enjoy the PON's and your visits! He will be remembered through the stories all of you tell about him and the village he loved.
We lost something when we moved away from small places to large.A good journey Old Farmer.
Thank you for your sharing of these small things that are really the big things and this special place and people you have made your home.
Good luck Sophie, get well soon.
My husband's brother passed away last evening (at 54) and I've thought today about the quote "Life, if well lived, is long enough." I'm sure that the life of the Very Old Farmer was "well lived," as was my brother-in-law's, but I don't think that lives are ever "long enough." God speed to the Very Old Farmer who I know will be missed and remembered.
We will all miss the very old farmer. Because of this beautiful blog we all feel as if we've known him. May he Rest In Peace. The tolling of the church bells seem a fitting farewell to our friend.
I do hope that somewhere in the ether of life, the VOF is reunited with his wife. He did seem to miss her very much. Will there be a wake?
Pam, keeper of Bonnie n Kenzie
Sending thoughts and prayers for your family.
I'm sorry for your loss. 54 is much too young.
It's a very long journey. Keeping them from tearing the repair is the next hurdle. But all bodes well because Sophie, her brother, and her owners have managed the first part so well. Also Sophie has serious metal which surely will help to stabilise the leg.
My thoughts go out to the Old Farmer's family and to all who knew him.
Sorry for the loss of the very old farmer. Rest in peace.
You're in our thoughts and prayers. There is some small comfort that a life well lived is a rare blessing.
As I read on, I find you hearing the bells for the Very Old Farmer and Mrs. Bay telling about his passing.
Tender moments, indeed.
Cheers to the little Diva and hoping for another uneventful surgery or maybe none at all!
Jo and Stella in Minnesota USA
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