Sunday, November 13, 2016

Quiet.


Sophie is awake at six. She starts licking her paws while singing loudly to herself. A contented mixture of modulating whines and whistles. Enough to rouse the deepest sleeper. Soon after an early rising foreigner and a very fluffy small dog in a harness can be seen ambling slowly along the lane in the half light. This morning Sophie does 40 yards out and 40 yards back almost unaided. There is a moment of excitement when a cat is seen. Were it not for the fact that Angus manages to grab the handle on her harness she would be off at high speed after it. There is much frustrated whimpering. Sophie is not an easy patient.


By the time we return from our saunter Bob is ready to head off on a long walk. He has a joy overload as we head out of the front door. This morning we turn right, pass the chateau ( christening the fire hydrant as we go ) and head across the fields to the old pigeonnier on the brow of the hill.


Male dog and owner stop for a while and look towards the mountains. Today the peaks are shrouded in cloud. Strings of white mist cling to the valley floors. Up here on top of the ridge its clear and calm. The way a Sunday morning should be.  While we sit and put the world to rights ( Bob is an excellent listener ) the overnight flights from the East Coast to Rome and Athens come barreling towards us - contrails streaming out behind them.


The family fellow finds a large pile of horse manure. He has three mouthfuls. He would demolish it entirely were it not for the fact that he's actively ' encouraged ' in the direction of home. 


Sophie is waiting for us at The Rickety Old Farmhouse. She smells her brothers breath. The diva is not at all happy that her brother has enjoyed such a wonderful culinary gift . She lets out a rather impolite growl. Bob, sensibly, ignores her. 


Sunday morning. A record of those little things that mark out our life with dogs.

This will be visible in the sky tomorrow :






10 comments:

BaileyBobSouthernDog said...

Your pictures are beautiful. Such a special way to begin your day. Yay Sophie! You are getting stronger every day! Bob, I am happy about your morning adventures. It is your choice of things you put in your mouth I question.

Coppa's girl said...

You've surely found a corner of Paradise in which to spend your days. Wonderful photos, Angus.
So pleased to hear that Sophie has finally breached the confines of her prison - a whole 40 yards - that's progress. Bob, that's not what a well brought up young PON should even consider tasting....

WFT Nobby said...

Enjoying the peace of the early morning with a favourite companion, as the sun rises over the mist filled valleys - what better way to start the day?

Kari said...
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rottrover said...

Horse d'oeuvres...A favorite around here.

10NISNE1 said...

Love the photos!

Unknown said...

Of all the beautiful pictures that you have posted, the top one of Sophie has to be one of the prettiest. And singing (not so quietly) to herself. She knows the morning is not to be wasted. Who could resist her?

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

A lovely start to the day - Sophie looks great! I know that like Max, she's enjoying whatever distance you're willing to take her.

MrsDuncanMahogany said...

What is is with dogs and horse manure? Ours are the same.

Heda said...

Beautiful pictures of a beautiful corner of the world. Sophie is clearly progressing nicely. Hope her owners are doing the same.