Somehow, the dogs have figured out the concept of le weekend. I don’t know how or why but for the past few Saturday mornings, they have decided that a special treat was in order and it wasn’t me. So, when it was time for their walk, they would go to Remi and bark at him pointedly until he had no choice but to take them.
Now, usually I am grateful for the break. As I have said Kipling is a true handful, especially as our little village is home to so many cats. But last week, the sun was shining, it was warm and perfect, so at the last minute I answered Remi’s offer to join him with a yes. “But I am not responsible for them, you are.”…”Absolutely,” he agreed. I ran upstairs to grab my camera and we set off. Our version of a rambling family.
As Remi is (an exceptionally talented) professional photographer, I couldn’t ask for a more patient and helpful hiking companion. He waits when I fall too far behind – Ben does too – and gives me tips on how to shoot in manual when he thinks that I might actually listen to him for once. Soon, I was down the rabbit hole of the lens and lost in the looking. The walk was the same that we had taken several times before moving here and the landscape was a part of the package deal charm. It still sells me every time.
Once we were far enough away from the village, Remi let Kipling off the leash and let him run, something that I never do and hence his preference for walks with le maître and not la maîtress. Why my hesitation? Because there is always a moment when the hunter in Kip takes over and he bounds away like a gazelle, heedless to our calls. But he will – eventually – come back to Remi. So why did I continue to holler after our wild furry friend? Remi was in control, that was the deal. And yet…“C’est plus fort que moi!” When I worry, I can’t help myself. Eh, oui. After agreeing that this is something that I need to work on, I headed back to my task at hand, looking for autumn.
Now, I got the memo on instagram. It was the week where everyone was supposed to take a photo of their feet (sporting very cool shoes equals bonus likes) pointing towards a spread of orange, red and yellow leaves (more bonus likes for all three in one shot). But this year, the weather is just not co-operating. So far, we are in the midst of autumn dressed down in green with the temperatures that will only prolong un été indien. I kept on searching with each footfall and with the rare exception – which was immediately met with a photographic pounce – in vain. Tant pis…
…and tant mieux. It was a wonderful walk. It just goes to show, sometimes a little flexibility does a person good.
Thank you so much! I know that you are just trying to cheer me up. 🙂 These photos weren't as good as I hoped but that is all part of the learning process – save for the photo of Remi, which he did for me on purpose as a surprise. Gros, gros bisous…
And to you Jackie! Hoping all is well in your corner of the world…
First Gallivanta and now you! This is freaking me out. Pleaseohplease don't let this blog get hacked…I put the word modifcation mode back on…
I too really like having all four seasons and agree with you – bring on winter! I am ready. 🙂
Besides, the food is so good in winter!
I do not know HOW you get as far as YOU do!These photos are SENSATIONAL!
I understand the leash bit too as we have a Boxer that wanders if off leash and every time the front door opens I worry he will get out!Not so with the PAPA of the house……he would NEVER leave his side!They know what they can do with whom I suppose!GREAT SHOT of REMI!!!These photos…….going back for another PEEK!
Happy Autumn photos and tails/tales as you so perfectly serve them up for us all! Enjoyed taking a stroll with you all today — happy weekend to you!
Hmmm, I think I left a comment on this post that is now gone….
I am enjoying this Wonderful Autumn too! In a couple of weeks everything will change but I am going to enjoy Winter anyway! I like a four seasons world because I never get bored. Welcome wind of change…
Have a nice weekend!
I swear that Kip jumped too just made this photo for me. I can tell you for sure that he had NO idea what was going on but did it anyway!!
I know you do Marsha. 🙂 I will keep trying to include them as much as possible!!