Tuesday, June 26, 2012

The traffic jam .





Up early . Angus stands at the open front door, large cup of coffee in hand, watching a family of magpies walk counter clockwise around the swimming pool . Round and round they go. Two adults and three young. They do this at six in the morning and again at six in the evening , every day. Natures  routines. How many of these little rituals do I miss ?

No sign of the builder, electrician or gutter repairman. There is however progress of sorts. The bamboo cover for the pergola is delivered. It was supposed to be here on Friday but the shipping company took it to a village with the same name but in a different departement. " Perhaps you could come and collect it " they suggest. Angus chuckles .

To the bakers for the breakfast croissants. On the way back a traffic jam. Fifty or sixty ancient motorcycles out for a Tuesday morning spin. Some of them heading towards us on the wrong side of the road. At the back the figure of Monsieur Bay , stalled  , trying to kick start his vintage machine into life. Swearing contentedly away he's quite oblivious to the line of cars building up behind him . The Retired Gendarmes Association on summer manoeuvres.

And so with life in France Profonde drifting gently along we head off on vacation. One final reminder to water the garden and we're off on our way to Boston.

28 comments:

  1. That is fascinating, about the magpies, and kind of sweet. Wonder if mum and dad magpie consider it exercise for the children, wearing them out before nap and bed time.

    There is a Monsieur Bay? Other half of Madame Bay? How could I have missed this!

    I am greatly looking forward to reading about your vacation. Travel safely.

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  2. No doubt when you return from your holiday, you will find a pile of notes from assorted workmen and delivery companies, all claiming to have turned up, only to go away again because no-one was around...
    Have a great time in the USA (I'm assuming it's not Boston, Lincolnshire...)
    Cheers, Gail.

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  3. Though Bertie and Gail are probably right, we optimistically thought all the work will be done....

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

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  4. I'm hopeful someone will be there to let the workmen in, because I think Bertie could be right!

    Safe travels, have a wonderful trip and welcome to my time zone!!

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  5. The daily spins of bikers and magpies... I saw 7 cygnets on the Itchen yesterday: fluffy and sweet

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  6. Wishing you happy trails and clear skies. So pleased that you're going to be in my time zone and close to my little slice of New England for a time! Have fun.

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  7. The magpie ritual is amazing! I wonder what that is all about!! Safe travels and enjoy your holiday in the US.

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  8. Bon voyage. We can't wait to see our shores through M'ongoose eyes!

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  9. Nature's Routines. yes..how many DO we miss? Out on an early am walk, a lone heron flew over our heads. I wonder if it is his normal path, and I have missed him simply because I am not consistently out at that particular moment... grateful for his flight path this morning. it gave me a smile. (I'm thinking the magpies gave you similar reflections. Have an awesome getaway. *anticipating the writer to regale us with tales of travels when he returns!

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  10. i love this post! but then i love them all.
    the sound of the vintage motor bikes was wonderful!
    safe voyage my friend. to you and your wonderful font.
    happy trails!
    love,
    tammy j

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  11. Have a relaxing and uneventful flight and lovely trip. If Boston's rain becomes tiresome, and you feel need for a little sunshine and 43C/ 111F, we welcome you with open arms.

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  12. Bon route. I wish you safe and happy travels.
    Teena and Merlin
    xx

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  13. Don't forget to hit Newbury Street, you will not be disappointed! And if its still there, may I suggest the Kashmir restaurant for dinner. Lovely curry!

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  14. Safe and happy travels to both of you....savour every moment and enjoy yourselves in the US.

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  15. I hope you have a safe trip to Boston! Having just traveled myself, I have a new appreciation for the trials and travails you face on a long trip.

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  16. I wonder why the magpies do that?

    It always makes me laugh how you refer to yourself in the third person.

    Have a wonderful vacation!

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  17. De très belles vacances à vous deux. Enjoy each day in usa.
    A bientôt !

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  18. I hope you have a wonderful time in Boston (my hometown) and enjoy Nantucket!


    Safe travels,

    Susan

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  19. Oh yeah..traveling to Baston...watch were you pak your ca (park your car). They talk funny there.
    Oh wait--it's where I grew up !! Hopefully it won't be as hot there as it's suppose to be in the Tar Heel State this weekend--over 100F .

    Myboyzach's mom

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  20. A traffic jam in your village? Hard to visualize! Have fun in Boston. I lived near there for almost a decade.

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  21. Just stopping by to see if there is a new post--I so hope you and 'the font' are enjoying your visit to the US, despite the terrible heat and storms!

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  22. Another bored internet-ter....also stopping by to see if there are any posts about the US visit--I'm sure there are hilarious as well as poignant encounters. Hope your travels are safe and lively. Looking forward to your updates. Happy Independence Day!!
    Easton, MD

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  23. We hope you are having an enjoyable time in Boston.

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  24. I was hoping you would post in between your hectic travels.....missing you. You are obviously having a GREAT time!!!

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  25. I am also checking in and missing your posts! Hoping that you are both having a lovely time.
    Teena & Merlin
    xx

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  26. Boston is one of my favorite cities, enjoy your time there. :)

    Blessings and Love,
    Janelle, Maggie Mae and Max

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