Touch and go with the i-Phone, laptop, temperamental wi-fi signal interface but here goes.
Our last full day here. The vet gives Sophie a full hour of his time. The poor wee things not surprisingly a little stressed either because of the scorching heat (42) or because of the steady stream of visitors to The Rickety Old Farmhouse. She has her pet passport stamped and a Praziquantel tablet is swallowed 'under veterinarian supervision'. The vet has been an important part of our life here. He's seen PONs come and he's seen PONs go and throughout has been a sage , kind and trusted advisor . He has a line from Beckett for every occasion. We are privileged to have met a professional like this. The vet becomes the latest local to burst into tears as we leave. Last night it was the turn of the Anger Management Man to come to the front door to say farewell. 'The Font' gave his 16 year old son a telescope which was the cue for the tears to start streaming in a remarkably unreserved way. Angus gets both a hug and a kiss - on both cheeks. This is not the reaction we expected from a man noted for his 'volcanic' temper.
The Scottish removal men worked hard all day until eight and the sun was setting. Packing in 40 degree heat was difficult but they did it. They planned to drive off straight after they finished but they were booked into the local gites for a second night and were able to relax with steak and chips, a few beers and the gites swimming pool. They set off at four thirty this morning to clear customs in Paris. They are on the first ferry across the Channel on Saturday morning. Removal men have a hard life.
Preparations are underway for the arrival of the new owner tomorrow. After introductions are made ( and Sophie fed ) we shall quietly head off to new places and new adventures. We are excited. It is for us to bow out gracefully and let him be the centre of attention.
Our long journey with PONs has shown us that despite what the media would have us believe people are generally kind and thoughtful and considerate. This has certainly been the case with the inhabitants of this quiet, deeply unfashionable, little village.
34 comments:
Thank you for many years of daily enjoyment of a graceful life in a little village in la France profonde. Safe journey home.
I shall miss your tales from deepest France profonde but look forward to reading all about Sophie's adventures from much, much further north. Safe travels!
I have a feeling that there will be a tear in your eye, as you drive away from this special little village and the caring people who inhabit it. Godspeed to you, the Font, and Sophie!
Oh Angus, this post gave me goose bumps and tears. You are much loved by your quiet village - both in France profounde and in the blogosphere. We will all miss the village, it's 67 souls and the moorhens and the sunflowers. Be safe. We'll be following along.
With gratitude.
It will take us all a while to adjust to your tales from pastures new.
As you are wending your way slowly north, will Sophie need to see another vet before you cross the Channel? She (and you) will miss your old vet - he seems to be a man of exceptional sensitivities.
Kindness reflects: as you give, so shall you receive. You, Sophie, and the Font are part of the village and villagers' rhythm of life and their tears show that. They will miss you "profondely." Enjoy your 16 hours. Safe travels.
Well now I’m crying! Hoping things go well for you. x
Hari Om
what the... Blue skies and hi-20s outside, so why is there rain in my eyes?..
Bon voyage!!! YAM xx
Amid tears, I wish you bon voyage.
x
We wish you all safe travels and are looking forward to your reports from your new village. It's obvious how dearly you are held by the inhabitants of your small village that so many of them, including Anger Management Man, are sad to see you all go.
Thank you for sharing your lives with us over the last several years from such a beautiful little corner of the world. We have loved your daily missives about the inhabitants of this charming village “where nothing much happens..” I have certainly been caught up in all its unfolding drama - most especially about Sophie and her dear departed brother, Bob.
One special chapter ends and a new one begins. I look forward to meeting the residents, both two- and four-legged of your new home in Scotland. I have a hunch they will be just as colorful as those you are saying goodby to this week.
It is so interesting you have come full circle in your selection of residence. Sophie will definitely approve of your choice.
Safe travels and send pictures soon.
So yes, it's possible to hold two conflicting thoughts at the same time. Excitement at all the new adventures and folks that await in your new home and deep sadness at losing, save for the memorable images you've painted for us, this endearing world of 67 souls in France profonde. Tears here too in South Florida as we wish you God speed along your way.
Thanks for all the years of sharing your life in France. I hope you'll continue to entertain us from Scotland…
Have a safe and uneventful journey.
Safe travels to you all.
It’s been a slice … happy trails … from one of Sophie’s adoring fans in Texas!
The big day so for Sophie, Angus and The Font and all your village friends
May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!
oh, ami angus,madame, et sophie, vous nous quittez donc,quel dommage ,mais un petit coup d aile d avion et vous viendrez dormir ici dans les vosges;j ai de la place!amities ;
,paule caillou
I think that serendipity was impressive in the timing of its arrival - while there are tears at the thought of these farewells, I am feeling some of your excitement and am also hugely relieved that you are heading for Scotland and perhaps a greater degree of safety (drought/radiation/ war ... you know the usual things).
Safe travels and see you later on the other side of the channel.
Oh. The final post from your little corner of France. It’s been a privilege to share your lives but just now I’m feeling great sadness at your leaving. The Paris couturier is not likely to have the inclination, or time, to contribute to the village life in the way you have.
Travel safely and embrace your new adventure.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home, village and friends with us. Cheers to them all.
I hope you find an equally wonderful vet in your new home. Perhaps a Burns quoting one? My friend Kirsty's father, a magnificent man who died last year at a grand old age and played chess until his final few weeks, had been the vet on Islay for many years, and was a great opera lover.
Cheers, Gail.
PS Obviously, most of all, I hope you won't be needing the services of a vet too often.
Have so enjoyed your reports from France and look forward to the new ones from Scotland. Safe travels to you all.
Thank you for sharing your life and France with us. It has been a priviledge and a blessing each morning.
God be with you at each stop and each sea;
At each lying down and each rising up;
In the trough of the waves, on the crest of the billows, each step of the journey you take.
Safe travels, onward to the next adventure
Bon voyage Angus, the Font and lovely Sophie !
Soyez heureux dans cette nouvelle vie en Écosse, qu’elle vous apporte beaucoup de bonheur.
Nous sommes impatients de vous suivre dans cette nouvelle aventure.
A très bientôt. See you soon !
Amitiés de Bretagne,
Véronique
Tears are to be expected when you finish such a wonderful chapter in your life. Wishing you all the best as you travel to your new home.
I, too, have looked forward to, and enjoyed, your daily posts and getting to know the POBs, the Font, you, and your compatriots in the little village, where something always seems to happen. I look forward to sharing the joy of your new home.
Feeling quite emotional about your move, slightly ridiculous as we don't even know what you two look like. Have loved following your adventures in France, you will be missed in the village I'm sure. Wishing you and Sophie all the best in your move, looking forward to seeing what you get up to in Scotland x
Agree with all above. Thank you for letting us enjoy your French village. Love to all, and I hope your new car is the best you ever had! XXX
Such a lovely time of life to remember. Such reward in the little things often taken for granted. . The unexpected richness of country life! We say goodbye to your delightful village and three special furry friends resting for all time on their beautiful hill. Bon Voyage. Safe trip and hopefully no unexpected eccentricities from a certain brand of car.
Oh my, my heart goes with you.
Having followed the blog since 2012,, after several hours on Google, from Oklahoma City of all places, to locate you on the last day! As a geography major, and many visits France, a bit of closure. Years ago a New Years Eve in Edinburgh, after the wonderful train ride from Kyle of Lochalsh. All the best!
Best wishes to you all on your new adventures.
I found you just as you were moving into the farm house.
I’ve so enjoyed your pictures and stories of your slice of life. Many thanks for sharing them.
I’ve shed many a tear with your Pons.
Safe journey to you, the Font and Sophie
XXX From across the pond
I hope Sophie is settled on the journey. She'll get into the swing of things I'm sure.
I found the occasional ham sandwich would especially cheer Merlin on down to the convent journeys
Farewell to beautiful Montgaillard and the most stylish Rickety Old Farmhouse I've ever seen.
x
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