Yesterday, I took the Volvo in for its annual service. The Old Farmer was alarmed. '' You won't forget our trip to the hospital tomorrow ?. I explain that there's nothing to worry about. The garage has already downloaded the diagnostics from the on board computer and the work is scheduled to last for an hour and a half. The thought that the mechanic might know what needs to be done before the car even gets on the ramp amazes him. I suggest he comes with me. He feigns disinterest but is already heading off to get his coat.
Visitors passing the ultra modern and very Svelte Volvo dealership in Toulouse would be surprised to find an aged gentleman in a green check fur trappers hat and cut off brown dressing gown watching as four technicians work on the car. One shows him the computer print out another the replacement parts. The receptionist makes him a cup of coffee. '' It's fresh " he tells her. ' I know. I made it ' she replies. They both laugh. The Old Farmer tells her - in detail - about his operation. She listens patiently. Human kindness blooms in the strangest of places.
When we get home our neighbour cuts his lawn for the second time . At four I'll pick him up. He is hiding his nervousness well.
This is a very Canadian story : http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/lifetime-ban-from-empress-for-pepperoni-seagull-fiasco-has-been-lifted-1.23247203
We have always wanted to do this but the Foreign Office travel warnings have put us off. Time to change our minds ? : https://www.vogue.com/article/three-days-in-lalibela-ethiopia
14 comments:
The tune-up must have taken a bit longer what with all the explanations.
Wishing the Old Farmer a successful operation and a speedy recovery!
hari OM
Small acts of kindness and hidden masterpiece structures sandwiching the "WT...?" Just another fine visit to the blog of two PONs and their bloke. &*<> Morning all. YAM xx
That's amazing - I almost sent you the pepperoni/seagull story yesterday, but then I thought perhaps things would get entirely out of hand if we start sending YOU links! It is a wonderful story.
Between the ROF and the Volvo lady, the OF is being well taken care of.
Lalibela sounds like a most interesting trip. As for Foreign Office, I went to Machu Picchu at a time when Sendero Luminoso was causing all manner of fussing at the State Department, traveled with a group, and all was well. Adding Lalibela to the bucket list.
Very best wishes to the Old Farmer for a successful operation. Maybe he will soon be wanting to join you in a trip to Ethiopia? A new adventure for the venerable motor home!
Cheers, Gail.
Fingers crossed for a very successful operation. Hopefully the correct parts this time.
My sister and her husband went to Ethiopia in November last year, in a small group tour. They were taken to a church service (maybe Lalibela) and just mingled with the crowd outside. Prayers and a service appeared to be conducted outdoors and people stood or sat wherever there was a space, very ad hoc seeming. They were introduced to a priest, who was quite a comedian apparently, and allowed to look at old holy texts.
The cherry blossoms say spring, but warmer weather will have to wait for now, we have to get through a snow forecast for the weekend first.
Continued best wishes for the Old Farmer.
The pepperoni story has a connection to this blog reader. The Pepperoni offender is from our city and the Brothers brand is our household favourite. I can well imagine the smell of the heavy garlic and seagulls. What a combo. Funny to read that the story made it to your feed. Best wishes for a speedy recovery for the Old Farmer.
What a thrill it must have been for the Old Farmer to accompany you to have your Volvo serviced. And, how extraordinary for the technicians to explain what and how they would go about their procedures. The hot cup of coffee from the receptionist, and her attention while he explained his surgery was just a fairytale ending to his visit. I can not think of any place you could have taken him, that he would have enjoyed more. This excursion will be what he thinks about during the quiet moments of his hip recovery. Thank you for sharing this special occasion with us, who have much love and concern for the Old Farmer.
Sending good thoughts to the Old Farmer for an easy recovery.
The Old Farmer is a gem. May all go very well for him. Stephanie in a once again very wet Northern California
Definitely time to change your mind about Ethiopia.
And all best wishes to the Old Farmer. xx
The pepperoni/seagull/guano story made it to NPR as part of a quiz on a Saturday show called Wait Wait Dont Tell Me!
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