Jean-Marc, laboring his 1st year vines. He is pushing a motorized plow, or motoculteur avec charrue, the idea being the plow would do most of the work. But as I snapped this photo from the upper field, I heard a lot of French cussing as my husband struggled to direct his new and unwieldy assistant….
WINETASTING – APRIL 20th
Please come to our home, this Monday, 3p.m. for the first dégustation of the season! 10 euro fee. We will try three wines and enjoy some snacks out on our balcony. We will also all lay hands on Smokey! So please come, and help cheer our littlest golden. Please send your confirmation message to me at kristin.espinasse@gmail.com
AUDIO FILE
: Listen to Jean-Marc pronounce the following French words:Download Deguster or Wav file
Come try my rosé wine this April 20th. See you soon!
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse
Smokey could use your thoughts and prayers at this moment, as he is currently in surgery for the removal of a méchant lump (a "mean" lump, as the doctor noted, on examing the bleeding, golf-ball size mass which grew rapidly over the past week).
Our wonder dog came into this world after his mother disappeared for a day in the bustling streets of Marseilles. She returned with a big surprise. Les chiots. Puppies!
We kept Smokey, the only male in a litter of girls, but almost lost him at the age of 2 months – when he was attacked by two big dogs.
Smokey was stapled back together and has learned to live with his handicap (a tongue that hangs out perpetually, making it difficult for him to eat; his astuce, or trick is to chew on his wrists after his meal. Perhaps the chewing produces extra saliva which helps to digest all the croquettes that are stuck in his throat…
Then there was The Attack of the Provencale Vineyard Monster (probably a wild boar, or sanglier, defending her babies). The unlucky run-in left Smokey with giant holes in his already lopsided face. Once again, he was stitched back together.
My dog and I even had joint accidents as in last November, while out on a walk. When a guard dog in a fenced yard burst out of the bushes, Smokey went flying, dislocating my elbow when I could not leg go of the leash.
"Whiskers"
So now one of us has a crooked arm and the other, a crooked face. And up until now, we have been thrilled to walk this crooked path together. Because isn't that the way life is: never straight ahead – always an unexpected bend in the road.
Smokey and Mama Breizh
Le tout, the most important, is to help each other along as best we can. To be gentle to each other, to find the kind word. To love, forgive, and to sacrifice. Nothing else matters. Everything else makes it difficult to practice these virtues.
Why does it always take a crisis to remember the essential? And then why do we blame ourselves for the fate of our loved ones?
Mon Smokey! You have helped yourself to heal in so many ways. Please, oh, please, use all your wonder dog powers to heal today.
Smokey. Photo taken three years ago. But he had that same uncertain look on his face this morning. Please keep our golden boy in your thoughts. Merci beaucoup!
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Kristin,
You and Smokey are in my prayers. Sending healing thoughts and love to you both.
You and Smokey are in my thoughts and prayers…bon courage!
We have a Springer Spaniel named Maggie – we love her very much – she seems to understand more than most people. I know how you must feel about Smokey. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Posted by Joyce Purdy April 14, 20l5 at 10:00 p.m.
Poor smokey has had some tough times and we are saying a little prayer that he will pull through. Needless to say, these animals are family members and we love them so much. Are thoughts are with you.
Remember, DOG is God spelled backwards and God can heal all. And, God is love and there is no greater love than that of dog. My prayers are with you and Smokey.
I remember when Braise gave birth and that little smokey came into all of Our hearts. Heck…I Remember when she ran off from you guys as if she was running away with a sailor…whom, if I’m not mistaken, was Smokeys dad?! My late mother used to love hearing me read about Braise and Smokeys adventures and misadventures, more often in the years past. I often show my husband Smokey Dokey’s picture on my I pad in bed while he is trying to get to sleep any given night, and as tired as he is, he lifts his head and squints to see that happy face of Smokeys!
It’s so hard loving a pet, and then going through something like what you all have with him before, and again now. I pray he will be healed, healthy and happy for a long, long time to come. Hugs to you all and especially Smokey!
Dear Kristen,
Of course I haven’t officially met Smokey but you have given all of us a great gift in sharing all of his adventures, and most importantly everything about his wonderful sweet heart, and brave soul. Thank you – I feel like he belongs to me! How lucky you all are to be surrounded and loved by such sweet pups – I know they feel your love right back! I’m saying prayers for one and all!
Xoom Judi
Dear Kristin,
You obviously have a survivor in Smokey . He WILL pull through I am sure . My positive thoughts are with you both .
How’s he doing? I’m sure you had a long night.
Candle still lit.
Rooting for you dear Smokey Dokey – and for your mama. Be a good strong dog for her. xx
Wonderful piece; beautifully wrriten.
Prayers for your sweet boy Smokey – I’m so sad to hear this and hope his surgery went well and that healing will be smooth and quick.
My most compassionate St. Francis look down on Smokey who needs your strength. Please hold this much loved dog in Your healing embrace. Please ease any pain he is having and restore him to wellness. Please give Smokey and Kristin the comfort and peace they need, to get through this difficult moment. Thank you.
I hope Smokey will be okay.
His cute, darling, funny photos and stories over the years always make me smile
I just love him to pieces.
Sheila
Sending Smokey a kiss on the nose from Barafu (my dog) and I, and a big hug that comes with the hopes he will be just fine xoxoxo
Being the ‘mom’ of a Golden Retriever who has seen her share of surgeries (2 in less than a year both times she ate a sock) I feel for you and Smokey. Thoughts, prayers and positive thinking or Pushes from Behind (pfbs) ….
Kristin, your words today were overwhelmingly moving. I sincerely hope your beloved Smokey overcomes this challenge. Strength to you all.
There is so much love, and healing strength being sent Smokey’s way. Unfortunately, Goldens are prone to these bumps and lumps and my daughter has been battling them for years with hers. He is a strong little fellow. With God’s help he will heal.
Would love to be at your property for the wine tasting, but, alas, I cannot. I know it will be lovely.
Dear Kristin and Smokey
Reading of your life and adventures brings me to tears for all that you’ve triumphed over. It’s true: love, forgiveness, and gentleness with each other are what keeps us going.
My prayers for you all, and looking forward to hearing Smokey the Wonderdog has done it again, against the odds
Charlotte
Christchurch, New Zealand
Oh le pauvre!!!! Du courage mon beau chien!
I am waiting for a good medical report in your next blog post. Smokey is such a strong one and will be ok. I have loved and taken care of a few sick, lumpy pups. They are amazing. Best to you all.
I am behind in my reading . . . so sorry to hear about poor Smokey! I hope the next post brings good news! Take care!
“He is pushing a motorized plow, or motoculteur avec charrue…”. Would this be what we, in Oklahoma (and probably most of the U. S.) call a tiller or roto-tiller? If so, you are correct; it does feel as though I do lmoire work keeping it on course than I would pushing one of those old hand tillers with one wheel, a plow like blade, and two handles. I keep thinking (hoping?) the roto-tiller must be doing a better job, though.