If I have been posting less of late, it is for a very simple reason–it is too hot. My brain is in a state of suspended animation. For those of you from far away, please be patient with your French bloggers who are all in the midst of a canicule or heat-wave, one that has put several regions on high alert. I had already sweated my way through the last in 2003 when an estimated 15,000 people died. We now know to plan, to conserve our energy and to take special care of our furry friend, Ben. But there are still places to go and people to see, visitors to tend to.
On our way home from a recent outing, we took a small country road that we had never travelled before–as we are wont to do–and came screeching to a halt at the sight of a gift from the heavens. A source or spring burbled in a shallow pool that had been created with old stones and lined with a paved gravel by some kind soul for the benefit of all. The water was icy cold, from deep within the earth.
“Do you think Ben can go in?” I asked. He had rolled in the dirt earlier in a desperate attempt to keep cool. A bath would do him good in more ways than one. “I don’t see why not,” Remi replied. Ben couldn’t seem to believe his good luck. He pranced about, lifting one paw then the next…
…and then sank down with a sigh. His eyes glazed over and he became very still.
I cast off my sneakers and sank in my toes. Remi joined me.
We sat like that for some minutes, utterly content. The chill slowly worked its way up from our feet all the way to our brains until we felt completely restored.
Isn’t it lovely that such a small moment is one of my very favorites from this Summer?
Have a wonderful week everyone…
Ben looks so happy in the water I'm so happy for him because I know how much Dylan dog loves it too. Stay hydrated and if your newly discovered pool isn't to far go back often for Ben's sake. I can't get over how much your boy looks like mine.
Love how blue your eyes are they're gorgeous!
XX
Debra~
With all this heat, the olives on our trees in Menton have shrunk to the size of blueberries, the water meter is whipping around like a windmill and even our cactus look parched. Ben has the right idea. Have someone drive you to a cool mountain stream, jump in, and stay there!
Ah David,
It just goes to show how deceitful the internet can be. I am a country girl through and through. Though now that I think about it that "skinny dip," which took place about 30 years ago may have been my last one …. for now at least!
There has to be one somewhere! I swear it is a better solution than sticking your head in a puddle of rosé–which is what we have been doing. I am so over this heat!!!
I think it is safe to say that he is! 🙂 But wow will he feel better once the heat has broken…
I don't know Contessa, you might want to add a few more dishes–just in case! 🙂 It sounds divine, as always…
Something tells me that the Clintons and the Gores did not have nearly such a groovy vibe on Figure 8 Island…But then again, maybe they did…
I have been thinking about you Loree. We all have to hang in there for a few more weeks and then things will get better.
And my Mom's last Golden, Emma would jump into any pond–even if it was icy!
Holy schnikeys it is hot! I can't set foot outside my door without sweating and then when I get back inside I just sit on the couch and puddle. It's gross and no fun. I need to find myself a nice cool brook to stick my feet into 🙂
This is completely hilarious!?!
Has anyone googled 8 island and seen what he/she saw?
I am going there! I will report findings!!
Yikes!
This is a "classic"! And a "saver" typos and all! There is admiration, enthusiasm, and passion here! Yikes!!