Curled up on the couch this morning, sipping coffee and cuddling canines, I watched the first leaves fall from the trees as the sun pushed the rising mist away. It occurred to me that this time last year, I would have looked out of the window and seen grey rain clouds instead of the promise of another sunny day. Although last week ended in confinement here and me turning 54, the warm weather has helped lift my mood. I spent most of yesterday building a 3 bay compost bin out of an old chicken house (I really am turning into a ‘Barbara Goode’ these days) and was ridiculously pleased with my creation. Considering how much of the compost was eaten by the dogs in the process, it’s a wonder none of them threw up last night.
Once again we are all entering lockdown although being in a village of around 300 people, it does feel very unlike South London. The difference here is that you have to fill in an ‘attestation’ every time you leave the house, even if it’s just to walk to the epicerie a minute’s walk away. Basically it’s a form you print off the French government website to say who you are, where you live, where you are going and when. Needless to say, Mumo and I have a number of them ready and waiting which seems like an awful waste of paper to me but that’s the way it is. I’m not sure how many officials will be jumping out of the vines whilst Arry, Alice and I are doing our twice weekly runs but I’ve stuffed one into my hoodie just in case. If my tiny contribution means at least some of the family can visit for Christmas, I’m all for it.
I finally ordered the annual Christmas cards this week and I even managed to successfully get the mandatory ‘all dogs posing together sort of’ photo. Getting 9 dogs to sit still is a task unto itself but trying to get them together in one place (namely the sofa) and all face the camera at the same time requires the patience of a saint. Neo hates the camera and Simi hates being told where to place her bottom. Mo and Coco think the stay command means move and at least two of the others will turn the opposite way when I say ‘cheese’. Still, I achieved the near impossible even if Arry’s ears take up most of the frame.
To finish, I would just like to say a huge thank you to all of you who donated to Pancreatic Cancer UK as a birthday ‘present’. I was incredibly touched by the generosity of your donations especially in a time of such uncertainty. I love you all.
“Everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn” (Elizabeth Lawrence)
Widow plus woofs 