Sammie Cat and I rose to a spectacular morning yesterday, as we began our wait for Monsieur Gaston's arrival. We had a few things to do to get ready, but it was an easy morning for both of us.
Lianne called to say that they were about 30 minutes away, so around 10:30 I went out to the front of the Chatette and sat on the river wall to wait.
The horses were out and romping.
I hear a voice calling my name from somewhere. Arnaud was up there on the Chateau terrace inviting me up for a coffee. I explained that my dog was arriving and we made a date for another time since he was leaving that day at noon. It is such a treat to hear French friends say "with pleasure" in English.
Of course, I'm looking toward Cajarc and they came down through the village instead.
Lianne arrived with Gaston and her beautiful English Setter Gentil. Sam took to the upstairs bannister, while the canine's explored and made themselves at home.
I made a coffee for us, so Lianne and I could sit in the living room together and let everyone make their way as they needed.
It wasn't long and Gaston was comfortable enough with me to find his way to my lap. I think that faux leather golden arm chair might have a little doggie magic of its own. Both Dali and Mr. Twist liked to snuggle in whenever I was sitting there.
We did a little creative problem solving together: found a place to store his food; talked about how to rearrange the furniture so he could see me from HIS bed (ha-ha); took a walk; kept him out of the kitchen; learned his commands; and, completed the "Moon River Test!"
He passed with flying colors...
no howling Moon River.
In fact, he was almost ready to curl up under Monsieur Winkelmann just like Dali used to do.
Lianne and I: had lunch together; got the paperwork done; and, took the tour of the Chatette, Barn, Caves and Tunnel before she was off.
Gaston and I stood in the road to help her get out of the drive safely. My heart made a little flutter as he stood in the middle of the road and watched them all the way until they drove around the bend.
I would say off in to the sunset, but later that evening it was actually off into double rainbows. Gaston and I checked them out together. He was very patient with all my photo taking!
I don't think the day could have been any more perfect!
Hey Niels-thought it was about that time, but just wanted to double check. It is going to be nice to know that you are "closer" to us when you're traveling...kind of like enjoying that we're writing from the same time zone now! It so sounds like a wonderful trip. If I didn't have Monsieur Gaston settling in, I'd be tempted to find you at some point for a day or two. Don't we have amazing lives? Love you-Laury, Sam and Gaston
Posted by: Laury Bourgeois | May 21, 2017 at 05:27 PM
sounds good Laury, I know you live in your overalls in an overall sense, when you are in the chattette,going in a slow pace, and in about 3 months from now, on August 26, we will be on interrail, taking the train all the way down to Toulouse and start our walking for 2-3 weeks, I'm looking extremely much forward to that, feels like I'm in heaven, when I'm walking on the road and trails ! love to all 3 at the Chatette , love Bodil and Niels
Posted by: Niels | May 21, 2017 at 09:04 AM
You guys don't stop, Niels and Bodil! We are happy to be home in my OVERALLS more than not, and the 4-legged children are settling in and settling in together too. It will just take a little longer, that's all. When are you coming south? Love to you both-Laury, Sam and Gaston
Posted by: Laury Bourgeois | May 20, 2017 at 10:45 AM
Bonjour Gaston :) and Laury and Sammie Cat, congratulations, hope you are doing well all of you, wish you a wonderful weekend, I feel Laury, that you really enjoy being back in your chattette overall (s) :) love from Niels and Bodil, being very busy, not least with a crazy project, a Bronze Age music festival !
Posted by: Niels | May 20, 2017 at 10:10 AM