A quite remarkable start to the day. Every tree in the garden and along the lane covered in starlings. Not the hundred or so that ferret for worms in the horse field but thousands and thousands of them. All singing. A sound and sight that is so out of time that both of us stand like innocents staring skywards. After two minutes the starlings flap their wings in unison and fly away. The flap of their wings resounds like the beat of a drum. Why are they gathering like this ? Are they migrating ? How do they all know to fly off at exactly the same moment ? An unexpected experience in a village where nothing ever happens. A dog owners reward for getting up at six every morning. I try to post a video but Google doesn't download it.
After that start to the day Sophie and her master head off to look at the swans on the river. Sophie gets covered in mud which she considers to be an excellent result. Back in the car she gives me what might pass as a smile.
And so onto Christmas. The house decorated. We usually get the turkey from a woman at the market. This year due to lockdown we get one from the farmer in the valley. This morning he delivers the bird to the front gate. 'The Font' is surprised to discover that it's not been plucked. It is however dead. Angus heads to the safety of his office to avoid having to become involved in feathers and gizzards. Sophie becomes 'The Fonts' enthusiastic helper.
14 comments:
Wow, what a photo (and I am not even sure whether I am referring to the first one or to Sophie's "smile")! Reading about your still-feathered turkey reminds me why I am a vegetarian (and will be dining on chana masala tonight). And thank you for the second carol in particular. "O Holy Night" is my favorite, and I have many different renditions on my Christmas playlist, but this one definitely adds something new to the collection.
A very merry Christmas to all of you at the ROF and to everyone else in this wonderful circle of dog lovers and friends.
What a wonderful start to the day provided by the starlings. Bertie wishes he could be on hand to help with the turkey preparation. Gail felt today's version of 'O Holy Night' started off acceptable but ended up way to shouty after the alarming key change.
Snow on the street in Aberdeen this morning.
I think that was what is called a "murmuration" of starlings.
Season's greetings from South Africa to you, the Font and the delightful Sophie who, without fail, helps to maintain sanity and a smile every morning when I read your entertaining blog. Thank you.
Merry Christmas to Angus, the Font and sweet Sophie! Lovely to hear Sophie’s Christmas excitement (miracle) came in the form of an unplucked turkey. Stay safe and enjoy your holidays!
Merry Christmas to you all at ROF, and to all your followers.
Thank you for the photo of the starlings - they look like leaves drifting from the trees! Sophie looks rather pleased with herself - all that mud - what fun!
Inca is so envious that Sophie is able to "help" 'The Font' with turkey preparation, though wonders what you'll do with the feathers!
Love the large gathering of starlings. We experience the same here in New England every spring and fall with large flocks of crows during their migration. The noise can be deafening but a delight to watch.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas. And sending special good wishes and thanks to Angus, 'The Font', and Sophie for providing a worldwide circle of friends a lovely respite every day with tales from a ROF in France profonde. Joyeux Noel.
I'm not up on current musicians but that last video touched me and made me cry - beautiful!
Merry Christmas!
Hari OM
I might have been on Gail's side if I had not continued to listen to the end of O Holy Night - and ended up like SillyGirl feeling greatly moved by the passion of these young musicians... and then going on to the Noel video after. Thank you x 87, Angus, for introducing something different to our ears with every bit the Love and Heart of the choir of Kings!
Having seen my mother get a turkey drunk to ensure it was served on Christmas day, I can only say the Font needs be grateful she only has to shed the feathers... hope you enjoy the eating!!! YAM xx
God Jul and Merry Christmas to all. I especially liked the first Carol. A kids choir accompanied by an accordionist is not a combination one sees very often. Their next song on YouTube featured a HurdyGurdy accompaniment!
Angus, I always enjoy your stories,photos and the links you guide us to.
The Font will need at least one glass of her favorite alcoholic beverage after the turkey prep. Sophie will of course be sound asleep after so much supervising
Well, I cried, too. It's been a hard year. A little beauty means a lot just now. Thank you!
Merry Christmas! Thank you for a year of beautiful photographs of France, entertaining dog tales (tails?), and sometimes unusual, usually beautiful music. /Fay, CWCs Tali, James Bone, Eowyn, and SPoo Stella Rose.
I think that is a snargle. :)
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