Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Correct attire.

 

It's cloudy this morning but dry. We've not had rain in a month. Both Sophie and Angus find the weather on our morning walk to be  'bracing '. 


Town when we head out is completely empty.  Sophie's slowing so she can safely walk off the lead. She now likes to walk on the inside of the pavement with a wall next to her. Things accelerating. 


On the golf course eight Japanese golfers. They're the first to tee off.  Every time one of the party chips a ball into a bunker the others explode in a riot of laughter. Sophie watches their jovial antics with measured caution. 


Down by the harbour the diva has a drink from the bowl by the cafe door. There are now no less than seven establishments that fill up their water bowls last thing at night in readiness for a five am guest. That is a fact that may appear inconsequential but  says volumes about the kindness of people - or at least dog owners. Just one of those unimportant little things too important to go unrecorded.


On our way home a group of eight American golfers are standing outside the small hotel. Three are on the pavement amid the dustbins and five on the hotel steps.  The three on the pavement are talking to their minibus driver. As we pass I catch a snippet of the conversation. " We wanted to be attired correctly to play the Old Course " says a man in a blue and white cap with matching blue and white breeks . The driver, clearly a career diplomat, replies ' Ye've certainly managed that '. He repeats 'Ye've certainly managed that '. The repetition is said more forcefully with what might pass for conviction. Angus wonders when he last heard the word 'attire' used. There was a time when people fixated over correct attire. Now a pair of chinos and a button down J.Crew shirt pass for correct attire in all but the most formal of settings.


Before too long there may be a restorative trip here :https://www.marstrandskurhotell.com/en/ followed by a few days here :https://www.saltosill.se/en/ and possibly a night here :https://www.ladfabriken.eu/

This French architecture is memorable but I'm not sure I'd want to live there :https://twitter.com/culturaltutor/status/1665062046310838273



21 comments:

Charlotte said...

Good morning sweetheart Sophie. So kind of people to leave water out for you to enjoy while back out and about. I trust you had an outstanding dinner last night. Keep on moving forward step by step.
πŸ™πŸ»πŸ™πŸ»πŸΎπŸΎπŸ’•πŸ’•

Virginia said...

Good to see another day started with kindness, and interesting smells. Those golfer in Plus Fours amaze me - what percentage of St Andrew's golfers would be attired like that Angus? Not lot I'd expect>?

The Swedish places for your trip away look beautiful, and this would be the best time of the year to visit I suppose? It'd be bleak in winter, wouldn't it?

We're following each day with sympathy for your difficult journey.

Angus said...

Virginia - Not many . It's a very 1940's way of dressing. They must have got their steer from old movies. It adds interest to our morning.

Ruth said...

I understand completely the care shown for Sophie and I love that the visit to St Andrews for golf means so much to someone that they make the effort to dress for the special occasion.

Teena and Lala said...

Good Morning,

I'm walking with you dear girl.

xx

Jake of Florida said...

The alleged "merger" between the PGA folk and the Saudi-funded LIV group ending their conflict has golfers in the US all a twitter. I'm thinking St. Andrews old timers mustn't have much good to say about the grift involved. "Sports washing" is what I hear its called. How lovely all those waterbowls filled for Ms. Sophie. The folk may not know you by name but they surely know you for your kindness and care of your four-legged companion. Woof. Joan

The Life of Riley said...

I am only just catching up on your recent posts today, as on the 30th of May we said goodbye to our golden retriever Enzo. He was our late Riley's young companion and partner in crime! 12 years 5 months. A hard to make decision made with love and lots of tears, but it was Enzo's time. Please give Sophie and the Font a big hug from her biggest fans in New Zealand. May your diva's swansong be good, full of love and care. You are all in my thoughts. Love Francesca.

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
Oh my... those are some trews...

Well done for looking at 'restorative' places together, as you anticipate the need.

Thanks, too, for that architectural link; read the thread with much interest. Sending continued POTP and Love, with some hugs and wags for diva. YAM xx

Coppa's girl said...

How relieved we all are to know that Sophie is still able to take walks that she enjoys. Long may she continue.
The golfers attire made me think that they had borrowed their fashion style from Jeeves and Wooster!
I can remember staying in similar hotels on the Swedish West coast Archipelago - the tranquillity was a balm to the soul.
So very sorry to hear that Enzo has gone to the Rainbow Bridge. Sympathies from someone who has said goodbye to two much loved furry companions over the past nine months - one aged just 13 and the other 14&1/2 years.

jabblog said...

The golfing attire is tremendous - well done, those men.

Travel said...

What did Sophie think of the trousers? Did she laugh gently under her breath?

Swan said...

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Diaday said...

Kindness manifests itself in uncountable ways, bowls of water included.

Stephanie said...

The golfers' attire does bring Cary Grant to mind. Bless you, Sophie.

Lisa in France said...

It's lovely that so many people are watching out for Sophie by setting out the water bowls. So much for "dour Scots". I also loved the photo of the American golfers - good for them for trying! The photo fit well in my mind with a spirited ongoing Twitter debate led by Tom Nichols regarding the importance (or lack thereof") of "appropriate dress".

Anonymous said...

So many people care about Sophie! It is very touching. The golf attire reminded me of Payne Stewart and his golf attire.

rottrover said...

Enjoy those naps in the garden, Miss Sophie!

Anonymous said...

Sending thoughts of kindness, gentle sunsets, and peaceful mornings to you, Angus, and Miss Sophie:)

Anonymous said...

Dear Sophie’s Parents,
I follow your blog, in sickness and in health, and after reading the following article about a dog named “Mellow” and his owner Kevin Curry who live in DuPont, PA. Curry organized a “last walk” for Mellow. thought of you and your precious Diva Sophie…

https://apple.news/AVXmWNRk3R46-aQbDaJixCQ
Kindest regards,
Shari in Aberdeen,MD

Anonymous said...

The American golfers’ attire reminded me of the highly regarded film/movie, “Caddyshack.”

Gina said...

Break up, into little bites, a buttered piece of toast and pour a generous amount of warm milk over top. Sophie's tummy will feel better. So very, very sorry.