Friday, October 21, 2022

Yon liar.


The weather is demonstrating its Scots pedigree. Co-joined drizzle and wind.  Sophie has never been happier.


In the the twenty years we've been away Scotland has been through a culinary revolution. Every other village seems to have a small farm store selling local produce. We have half a dozen of them within a ten minute drive. Many have branched out and have polytunnels supplying exotics like strawberries and peppers out of season. 'She's gone then ' says the taciturn farmer from behind the cash till in reference to the political shenanigans down south.  He pauses and then adds ' Let's hope yon liar no comes back'. There is not much to be usefully added to this political exegesis so I pay for my Brussels sprouts and leave.


Sophie and Angus walk in the morning sunshine. This is a drink from every puddle morning. We're joined by the retired GP from Glasgow who lives in a house on the hill. His Labrador also likes to drink from puddles and refuses to touch the fresh water in the bowl at home. Of 80 odd souls in our wee village a good quarter are GP's, retired GP's or surgeons at the big hospital twenty miles away. This must be some sort of record.

Yesterday both the builder and the decorator phoned to say they would be able to start work before Christmas.  Just two weeks ago they said they were booked solid until Easter. This can be counted as the first sign of a slowdown in the economy.


23 comments:

Liz Hamblyn said...

Having followed the events of the last 48 hours of the political shenanigans down south, from the other side of the world, I assume that the comment "Let's hope yon liar no comes back" refers to her predecessor? As one who has been trying to engage the services a tiler since March of this year, I desperately look forward to the first signs of a slowdown in the building economy in New Zealand.

Lisa in Tokyo said...

Sophie really does seem to have a new spring in her step in Scotland. I'm not sure Cherry would have shared her enthusiasm, as she hated wind. The fruits and vegetables at the farm store look great. I imagine I am not the only reader who has been missing these displays since you departed France. The article about judgy female dogs was interesting, although I'm not sure I agree with the part about dogs not liking people more if they get treats. Both Cherry and Charlie have been somewhat aloof with strangers, but we've learned that treats can work wonders and sometimes a single treat can make a friend for life.

Angus said...

Liz - Yes . The Scots view on Johnson is that first time round was tragedy, second time round farce.

Lisa in T - Jaffa Cake carrying window cleaners are scientific proof that life long canine adoration can be bought.

Anonymous said...

Angus - when buying your brussels sprouts you were only three minutes away from the Elie Deli. Have you looked at their website with the photo of the shop saying CROISSANTS over the door?!! They might be worth a try next time although a bit chilly to sit outside! We are loving all your new adventures with Sophie and the Font in this beautiful area. Angela


Poppy Q said...

Handy to be surrounded by medics, you never know when they might come in handy. Puddle water must come with added extras.

Coppa's girl said...

Those veg. look good.
Farm shops are something I miss here - we had a wonderful selection when we lived in the UK. These days most things here come from the supermarket, neatly wrapped in plastic.
Love the last photo of Sophie drinking from the puddle.
Later today the vet will be helping Inca on to the Rainbow Bridge. For the first time in over 35 years, I shall be without a furry companion. At the moment she's lying sleeping by my side, so I'll treasure these last hours together.

WFT Nobby said...

So that's where all the GPs have gone...

Angus said...

Coppa G - I'm so , so sorry to hear about Inca. It seems to have happened quickly. You'll be in our thoughts and prayers this afternoon. Take comfort in the dog owners certainty that love and trust are resolute and eternal. Your friend isn't saying goodbye but racing ahead into the long soft grass and new adventures. Stay strong.

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
I have managed to not listen or read anything beyond blogs this morning - exhausted with all the 'input' yesterday. Sigh... Every second village in Fife may have such produce outlets but no such thing over this way, so I yet again have vegenvy!!!

Coppa's Girl - you are in our thoughts as you say farewell to Inca. YAM xx

Bailey Bob Southern Dog said...

Copra’s girl my heart is with you.

Janice said...

Coppa’s Girl- Think of you and Inca today.

Janice said...

Coppa’s Girl- Thinking of you and Inca today.

Anonymous said...

Coppa's girl, my thoughts and prayers are with you today. Rest assured you have given Inca a wonderful life full of love and amazing days. Please smile through the tears, and remember all the joy she shared with you.
Abby and Mom

Maudie said...

'She's gone then ' says the taciturn farmer from behind the cash till in reference to the political shenanigans down south. He pauses and then adds ' Let's hope yon liar no comes back'. - brought the first smile of the day.

Coppa's Girl - Many heavy hearts are with you today.

Coppa's girl said...

Thank you all so much for your very kind thoughts. The "deed" is done now, but I was able to hold her and tell her what a wonderful girl she'd been.

Jake of Florida said...

Coppa's girl. Holding you close in my thoughts during this sad time.

Travel said...

One report was that a new record has been set, for the shortest term as PM. Maybe it is time for new ideas, new voices. Sophie would do great, and you could stay at Number 10 while the house is being redone.

Kipper said...

There was an informative French (subtitled) show on TVMonde last night. Subject was economy.. Apparently inflation is worse in U.K.than France right now. People were interviewed in the Shetlands re food prices, wind power, economy etc. Beautiful scenery and it was hysterical when the French interviewer asked questions in English of a Shetlander and had difficulty comprehending what was said. Entailed English subtitles and French!

Jake of Florida said...

Yon liar...why we have one of those hoping to be back too.

rottrover said...

Copper's Girl ~ Sending virtual hugs and slobbery Rottweiler kisses to you today.

Lisa (in Los Angeles), Otto and Osa

Megan said...


Coppa's Girl...many many of our thoughts and sympathies are with you. We lost our dog,Stan the Man, on Saturday afternoon.He had an active morning in my daughter's house playing with her dog's toys then just lay down in the afternoon and gently died in front of us.He was 15 but we weren't prepared for it and going out with a dog and coming home without one was painful.Only consolation is he didn't suffer. I am glad you had a chance to say goodbye properly,that must be a comfort.I know you will be going through what we are and will be thinking of you but can only say to you what I am telling myself now...it will get better. X Megan in Wales.

BAILEY BOB SOUTHERN DOG said...

Megan, how very sorry I am for your loss of Stan the Man. What a cherished day you spent together, before the terrible shock. Please know I am sending you healing thoughts from Georgia, US.

Paule Caillou said...

transmettez toute ma compassion a la copine de coppa pour la perte d inca!