We're up at five thirty to avoid the heat. The PONs are asleep when I wander downstairs. After a quick tour of the garden they disappear back into the house. They can be found in the downstairs hall. Bob gives me his 'Don't you know what time it is ?' look. Sophie ignores me in the hope I'll go away.
We set off on our morning constitutional. The PONs sit and wait while the village teenagers are collected by the 6:20 school bus. The teenagers are too grown up and cool to say 'Bonjour' to Bob and Sophie. They do however wave.
Out past the donkey field. We head down to the stream and the waterfall. A late returning owl lands on a tree and looks at us. The PONs 'fish' for minnows.
When we return for breakfast the sun is up and the donkeys out and about.
The camera on the i-Phone is showing its age. The zoom barely shows up the new donkey. Time to buy a new phone with a better zoom lens ?
By the church Sophie stops to glare up at the pigeons nesting in the belfry. Bob is more interested in a vole that scurries quickly away from where he's started to sniff.
In the afternoon the special needs home holds a 'disco' on the village green. The staff park their cars and minivans in front of the church. The 'boom box' is set up on the village hall porch facing The Rickety Old Farmhouse. The volume dial is turned all the way to the right. Who would have thought the countryside could be so lively ?
The staff and children are surprised to see a large bus of pilgrims draw up. The pilgrims clamber down and walk over to the ' swaying Jesus'. Some of the children follow them. Good natured chaos ensues.
Is there anywhere quite like a French village ? Bob and Sophie are intrigued. Completely intrigued.
This song is played five time in a row. Then there is a break for lemonade. Then it starts over. The kids enthusiasm never flags and their carers concern never wavers - which makes me smile : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FM7MFYoylVs
And this has made its way onto the Eurostar train to Paris from London. Not bad for a word that's barely a day old : https://twitter.com/EurostarJustinp/status/869904091690020864
11 comments:
And so begins another day in Paradise, certainly as far as the PONS are concerned.
I see an elderly man at the Saturday market with his middle-aged son, who seems to have trisomy. The father would guide the son by the elbow through the crowds. It's been 15 years, and now the father, who must be in his late 70s if not older, pushes the son in a wheelchair. I feel for the father especially, who is so devoted to his son but who must be increasingly challenged to care for him.
An early start to another perfect day.
A very special form of devotion. We often think what fears for the future of their offspring such parents must have. Good health is the greatest gift any child can have but is taken so much for granted.
It seems quite an appropriate song for challenged young people to dance to - I'm not looking for someone with super powers - And really rather uplifting (though after several playings I can imagine it might get a little tedious!)
After five repeats, you and 'The Font' must know the words. I hope you sang along for a while, before stuffing cotton wool in your ears ! Good to know that Bob and Sophie can still find something new to intrigue them.
We have a neighbour who was born with some forms of mental and physical disabilities. Her parents bought her a townhouse and she lives there with 24 hour care nurses. They have the patience of saints. She is very loud and often angry and frustrated. Her parents visit her often and take her on outings and trips. I always think it must be so worrisome to know you will outlive your child and to wonder about the quality of care she will receive without your supervision. My mumsie always said "when tou have your health you have everything".
I’m always pleased to see your lovely pictures of the French countryside and clouds in the sky.
Thank you for the baby donkey picture. They appear to be a contented family.
I think 5:30 a.m. is a reasonable time...with our almost 8 month old pup he thinks anywhere between 3:30 and 4:30 a.m. is a GREAT time to wake up and play. Without going back to bed...
For a small village, there's always lots going on.
We've been having cold, frosty mornings. The local teenagers (screenagers) are too cool to wear anything but short sleeved shirts and huddle until the bus comes.
Not only a busy day around the ROF, but a happy one too. I loved all the pictures!
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