Sophie rushes out into the courtyard , throws her head back and announces that it's time to get the day started. I tell her to be quiet but she stares back at me with a look that says ' I'm full of energy, there are blackbirds to chase, we'll soon be going to the bakers and you expect me to be quiet ? '. Angus hopes the villagers share Sophie's enthusiasm for the new day. When you have dogs there is no such thing as just another day. There is only boundless adventure.
Bob and his master set off for a long walk along the lane and down the hill.
At the field by the crossroads the pregnant cows are coming to term. As we pass, one hour old calf, unsteady on his feet, is being carefully cleaned by the proud new mother. Yesterday there were three new arrivals. This morning a total of seven. This is nature at its most hopeful. Two of the cows, clearly exhausted, are lying on their sides asleep. The others maintain a watchful eye as we pass.
In the supermarket foyer we pass this deeply unhappy little fellow. He sits waiting, trembling all over, for his mistress.
If dogs could only talk he'd be reciting the lines
" yours is the light by which my spirit's born
yours is the darkness of my soul's return
- you are my sun, my moon, and all my stars "
The dog folk amongst the shoppers stop and talk to him. There is however no substitute for his family.
This wonderful ornament makes an appearance in the supermarket garden products aisle. The French love for gnomes is alive and well.
The things you see when you travel with dogs on a Tuesday morning in deepest, deepest France profonde.
