I will sit on this style and continue to smile
I live in an area where the standard quip is that we have three cows to every human. Most recognisable and the symbol of the Cantal are the Salers with their Harley Davidson horns and rich reddish brown coats. In fact the original Salers were black and you do occasionally see a raven coated throwback still. They are prized and revered and considered to be lucky. And indeed they are fortunate since you won’t find them going to slaughter in a hurry.
But this beauty is actually a Ferrondaise. There used to be far more of them but for reasons that they have so far failed to divulge to me (remember I speak like a Spanish cow not a French one) they dwindled. Now the great and good of the Auvergne are encouraging farmers to restock them. In our village we have an enchanting farmer who sings lilting songs to his Ferrondaise as he walks them between fields. The fact that he is missing several teeth does not make him self-conscious and he is happy to stop and pass the lisping time of day and share pearls of wisdom as his cattle casually amble up the main highway through the village. For my part, I don’t sing well though it doesn’t stop me from chirping, warbling and in particularly uninhibited moments positively yodelling which perhaps accounts for the look of disgust in this disgruntled beauty’s rolling eyes as we stopped to snap her. I offer her to you in response to the Daily Press prompt Eye Spy. Here are all the other fine offerings laid out for you to enjoy
PS: The title is Edward Lear. My mother-in-law lived in his house in Seymour St. London W1 for several years and he became ever more a part of the family tapestry as a result. His whimsy nonsense, delight in bending and stretching words to his pleasure and seemingly simple illustrations never fail to cheer me. This one goes thus:
There was an Old Man who said, ‘How
Shall I flee from that horrible cow?
I will sit on this stile,
And continue to smile,
Which may soften the heart of that cow.’
I did not sit on a style, nor did I try to soften her heart – I think she was a lost cause that afternoon though I don’t for a moment think she is horrible. But then I am not an Old Man ….
We are also in an area where the cattle outnumber the people by some way. As you know, we visit the Auvergne when we can and I love the Salers cattle. The Aubrac race is also lovely, hailing from that frigid plateau to the SE of the Cantal. They have lighter-coloured hides and Walt Disney eyes with thick lashes. I’d never heard of the Ferrondaise race and haven’t seen any down here – but then they are mostly Limousins. At least the calves are reared in the open under their mothers and not stuck in some dark barn and milk-fed all their short lives.
I adore the Aubrac – they are so glamourous! The Ferrondaise were a dwindling breed and I think farmers are incetivised to keep them. One of the things I love to watch is the natural way the cattle live – the bulls invariably in with their harem and the calves at least allowed to stay with mum for the duration of their short lives. Far better than the other way for a veal calf which I being a coward prefer not to think about!
that cow is really pretty! I love the story of the farmer singing along his route! I could see you following singing along lol!! What a fun place to live.
She’s a real babe isn’t she? 🙂
oh yeah!
By the way, did you see the post I did yesterday (Vendre Dit Vendredi) … I think it might make you chuckle 😉
no! I didn’t see it! I keep going to your page don’t know how I missed it.
Oh, such a glossy, shiny, softly coloured cow – love her.
She’s a beauty indeed! Thank you for taking the time to tell her 🙂
Lovely lady,isn’t she…and what an expression!
I hesitate to ask if she might be a negotiable cow…
Lovely.
Perfectly lovely.
I am warmed.
There is nothing quite like a singing farmer to warm the heart 🙂
I am fascinated by how much expression there is on that cow’s face. They are indeed far more fascinating creatures than we give them credit for. Lovely tribute!
I’m fairly convinced she has a successful career on screen if she plays her cards correctly! I love cows – though walking through a field of them clutching my small dog can be intimidating!
I love Lear, and those photos-but where is “that post” you “did yesterday?”
Am I missing something Mrses?
I have done two posts this week … the one people seem to have missed is ‘Vendre dit vendredi – part 2’ which you will find on the side bar. On Monday there will be a new installment of the renovation saga. Do take a look at Vendre dit – I think you will enjoy the characters 😉 As for Lear – he is such a tonic on a troublesome day x
Lovely post and thanks for making me smile with the Lear. Takes me right back 🙂
My pleasure, Andrew! His whimsy nonsense never dulls 🙂
I love cows and I also like your smile… 🙂
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I’m hummin’ “je n’ai besoin de personne en Harley Davidson…” – you surely know that famous song composed by Serge Gainsbour pour Brigitte Bardot – his “one time lover”… 🙂
I love that song …. I’m humming it back to you and smiling all the way! 🙂
Thank you so much for the Ping. It’s hugely appreciated 🙂
Hey! Thank you so much for the ping! It’s hugely appeciated 🙂