The central heating engineer arrives. 'The Font' has arranged for him to sweep the boiler flue. Something that French law requires be done every year. A simple task but you try finding someone to do it. Bob displays inordinate interest in the engineers collection of brushes and tools. He is firmly encouraged inside.
The mayor comes to the front gate, borrows the step ladders and removes the tricolores from the war memorial. The Old Farmer and the Belgian Lady head off in the venerable motor home to see the Pont de Millau. The German billionaires latest wife celebrates her birthday. A fleet of large black Mercedes arrive at the chateau bearing men in suits and women in fur hats and long coats. 'The Font' observes that they don't seem to be a laugh a minute crowd. Shortly afterwards a group of workmen arrive and collect up all the leaves from under the lime tree on the village green. They whistle as they work.
After the engineer finally goes ( those unsettling words " Sorry it took so long. Everything's all right now " ) Bob takes up guard duty on the stump seat by the front gate. Between one and four, with the exception of the activity at the chateau, the village is as deserted as the Marie Celeste . Later, two cars pass along the lane. One of these is driven by the new post man who is still getting the 'hang' of his round. You wouldn't think it could take a month to work out where 66 inhabitants live.
Bob follows me round the house. He is exuding his '' I want you to know I'm happy " persona.
Humans can fall into two categories. Glass half empty types and half glass full types. PONs are of the glass full to the rim type. They also exude the hope that there might just be enough room left in their glass for another tickle, another sausage and another cat to chase .
13 comments:
as you enter your Wednesday am - is this before or after you have had walk #1 with Bob? it is 10:20 pm tuesday - mere shank of the evening - ready for another glass of port (or for me, Campari) - but as a long time lurker, I just want you to know that sanity and normalcy in deepest france profonde is a balm for the fact that my like minded sort in the US could not be bothered to vote, and so life in crazy town seeks refuge in mid last century politesse. Your reality is a fantasy for the western US
I think the laugh a minute folk gravitate towards the Rickety Old Farmhouse.
Dogs are like eternal toddlers. Their joie de vivre is what motivates people to have kids.
Bertie is right !
How wonderful - a glass full to the rim - we could all do with the PON's philosophy towards life. A glass three quarters full would be a great improvement on the uncertain future so many are facing at the moment.
Merlin in full agreement but would add that there should be sufficient room for cheese.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have the same philosophy on life as PONs, a reminder to us all!
Wouldn't you love to do a Vulcan Mind Probe on Bib or Sophie?! What are they really thinking? :)
Sorry BOB!
Sophie is living proof of the overflowing glass that most of us will never experience.
That last picture! He is looking right into the lens! Clever, clever beasts aren't they?
I'm sure you've mentioned it, but I can't remember what kind of trees are along the lane. Very beautiful.
I mustn't forget to say how much the face of a happy dog can raise spirits. Dear Bob.
And dogs know the glass is refillable!
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