Still no sign of winter. The weather bright and sunny and at times warm(ish). Bob and his master set out along the ridge for their morning walk. At the storm drain cover we stop and look out across the valley. Four deer unhurriedly munch their way across the field. No sign of the donkeys. They and the horses must still be in the barn. As they rush by the farmer in his Peugeot van and the young garagiste on his motorbike wave at this strange foreigner and his shaggy companion sitting at the side of the road.
Off to the supermarket. Time for a pre-Christmas 'bulk' shop. Angus is press ganged into carrying the bags. The good news is that the supermarket has those hand held scanners that enable you to 'zap' as you go and avoid the purgatory of waiting at the checkout. Angus considers the scanners to be great fun - a touch of mid-morning Star Wars .
On our way we stop off at the motorway service station for coffee. 'The romance of life in France ' says 'The Font'.
In the supermarket Angus notices :
1) A children's book with the title 'Max and Lily are afraid of violent images'.
2) A sugary snack sporting '' unctuous cream with biscuit bits '.
3) Further along the aisles a can of 8 dozen very large snails and ...
4) ... even more obdurately French a pack of 3 dozen (empty) snail shells.
Sophie is ready to take on the world. She goes for her leg X-ray on Tuesday. After three months of not being used the muscle on the most recently operated on leg is weak. The first one to be operated on is as good as new.
On Thursday we shall be heading off to Toulouse for a meeting with Bobs surgeon, oncologist and the senior hospital vet to agree on what should, and shouldn't, be done.
Life in deepest, deepest France profonde.
Here's a seasonal tale; New York style : http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2016/12/amid-global-chaos-real-suffering-comes-to-the-upper-east-side?mbid=social_twitter
25 comments:
Sophie's leg muscles will doubtless recover rapidly now that she is getting more and more mobile again. Wishing the gifts of wisdom and good judgement on all those responsible for decisions on Bob's treatment.
Winter seems to have gone missing here in Aberdeen too. Although the mid December lack of daylight does not change...
Cheers, Gail.
Cheer up Sophie, that newly operated on leg will soon be as good as new too. You're doing well, but it just takes a little time, and a lot of patience. It's your little brother who needs our support at the moment.
"Unctuous cream"? The mind boggles ! I don't know about anyone else, but I don't think I would be terribly happy to receive three dozen empty snail shells on Christmas morning, no matter how prettily wrapped. Unless I was a homeless snail of course....
Hoping all will be well with both Pons.
Oncologist? Did I miss something? Sophie looks very peppy.
I think a crème onctueuse sounds delicious, though I wouldn't pick speculoos as a flavor. At the Hotel Athenée in Paris, the hot chocolate is billed as "onctueux," and indeed it's more to be eaten than drunk.
The empty shells as so that after you've cooked your escargots, you can stuff them with lots of garlic butter into perfect shells for better presentation.
We, as well, baffled by the words "oncologist" and "surgeon." Did we miss a post? Those of us who love BOB so much would never miss a post. Has the MRI been shelved - or re-scheduled - before any decisions made? ANGUS - forgive all of us here.......but we are right there with you - and when you feed us a word or two, we act on it with great emotion and worry. Take care, all four of you - don't allow the holiday rush and schedules hurry BOB along with something that should have great thought and attention. From the Westcoast of Canada, with all fingers crossed for BOB.
Oncologist. Oh dear, have the blood tests revealed something unwelcome? I do hope it's just a strategy meeting to consider how to solve the mystery.
So happy to hear that Sophie is bouncing back and very much hoping for the same for our Bob.
x
I must have missed something as well. Surgeon, oncologist? Was there a diagnosis made? We whole heartedly support poster Anonymous' suggestion. Also, doctors are human beings and have their own perspectives -and motives - which may not be a patient centered as we would like. We continue to pray for Bob, and all persons making decisions related to his care.
No need to panic. Our marvellous vet has seen some signs of Bobs symptoms 'progressing'. As we're down in Toulouse he thinks it wise to have a roundtable with the relevant staff so that we know what our options are in the unlikely case that the MRI comes up with anything untoward. At this stage his behavioural changes remain a mysteryand there's no need to become overly concerned.
Just a strategy meeting with a group of staff who are happy to take the time to discuss all options.
As his owners we're taking our time to get all the background advice we can to solve this perplexing mystery. Bob it must be stressed is not in the slight bit bothered and as long as he remains like that we will emulate him.
The words "Bob" and "oncologist " scared the daylights out of me. I too thought I somehow missed a post. I don't know you, but I know how much you love your animals. I think all of us who follow you do too. We are all pulling for you and Bob. It's so good to see Sophie doing so well. May you have happy news soon.
Paws remain firmly crossed for Bob.
The cassoulet in a can looks interesting. The snails perhaps not so much.
I am so glad people asked the same questions I was thinking about. Now I have answers.
These two beautiful fur babies are so loved by so many people. I loved the other two before these two. Have shed many tears over them all.
I keep all of you in my prayers each morning.
May the answers all be good.
All Bob's symptoms seem to date from when his little sister had her first leg operation. I wonder if anxiety over that is the cause of all his problems?
My thought as well. Hopefully as Sophie gets back to her Miss Diva of France Profounde status, Bob will feel better as well.
I went back and read everyone's comments as I too had a bit of heart palpitations over the oncologist mentioned. At least there is a good group of professionals who will hopefully figure out what the heck is going on! Much love to all....
I always enjoy seeing what is being offered on the shelves of French markets. The hand scanners do sound very exciting.
It seems entirely prudent to take your approach to Bob’s health care.
How much genuine affection and concern we have all come to feel for Bob and Sophie.
A service station without cardboard cups? Amazing.
The mention of oncologist sent a chill through me. Glad to read your reassuring replies to comments. Hoping for the best results with the big vet conflab.
Anxiously waiting the good news I am sure will come, for both puppers. I also have been reading (although mostly silently) since Wilf and Digby. All these dogs are firmly entrenched in my heart forever. xxoo
I am late here. but maybe I'm glad. for I too had a heart stopping moment at the word oncologist.
but after reading your replies to all of us... i feel a tiny bit better.
how much love there is for you and the font and these wonderful little guys!
oh my. will be waiting for news dearest ongoose.
my first thought was wilf. and then little digby. and ... then the next thought...
"oh no. we cannot go through it again! not so soon!" sending prayers for both your darlings.
Bob.I just love him.
I am also fond of eclairs, but prune?
I am also fond of eclairs, but prune?
May you have a safe trip to Toulouse and home. We will be thinking of you all tomorrow.
Post a Comment