There is an air of perfect calm today.
From where I’m sitting, reading, the back door–open to the terrace–frames the day.
A still life–cloudless blue sky with trees.
Young Ben…
comes in through the door, pauses, purrips a greeting, looks towards the food bowls, then strides passed them–apparently affording me preference.
His black coat is warm from the sun as I stroke him.
He continues on, jumps up on the table under the window to the courtyard–looks out briefly and exits through the grill.
Eating will keep and there are lizards to chase.
I go back to my book.
As I finish a chapter Ben appears again at the back door, pauses, sniffs the floor just inside the door, where a few pellets of dry food have fallen.
He cracks a couple with his teeth and moves off–no greeting this time.
He walks across the entrance hall into the dining room, stops suddenly, sits and throwing his right hind leg in the air starts cleaning the underside ferociously. He changes legs and licks the left one stretched out in front of him–paying special attention to the toes.
He moves off again and disappears in the direction of the garage.
Five minutes later he comes in through the front door with a loud greeting “meow” and pauses.
I get ready for a friendly approach; instead he turns away and mounts the staircase.
I write the last sentence and then hear “pad-pad-pad-pad” down the stairs and here he is again— head pointing towards the front door and out he goes–into the sunshine.
After a couple of minutes I become aware of a whirring sound–thrump, thrump–getting louder–THRUMP, THRUMP–begging investigation.
Some sort of flying machine? Helicopter? Ultra-light?
I go out through the courtyard to investigate just in time to see the rear end of a vast combine harvester disappearing down the field opposite–shattering the quiet calm of a perfect day.
No sign of Ben.
Robin Ellis 
Loved reading that,Robin
So nice and calm after my meditation. Thanks.
Oh no! I hope that means Young Ben was off chasing disturbed field mice! We have a 3 legged cat as a result of him being caught by a combine.
Don’t worry, Cathy, Ben still has all four legs!
Oh no! I hope that meant Young Ben was off chasing disturbed field mice. I have a 3 legged cat that fell foul of a combine.
Lovely story.
Watching an episode of the Swedish (original) version of Wallander – who shows up as the American husband of a murder victim? You do! Good job on the American accent. Americans often seem to be the baddies these days in Scandinavian mysteries.:(
Thanks Judith. I got some stick from the Swedish sound man for the accent, which I took on the chin!
Are those Peonies I see, do you get them this time of year out there Robin ?
The photo is a springtime shot–you got it!
Thanks, Robin! I enjoy your stories, as well as the photos. As an artist, I am inspired by many things. I realized that your photo of the door way leading to the court yard of an old, rustic latch and border of flowers would make a good subject for a painting. Linda
Beautiful photography! Enjoyed the adventure.
Did you name him partly after Ben in the Poldark novels?
He came to us as Ben.
Surfing the net I came across your blog and was absolutely amazed! Beyond the excellent actor I discovered an experienced cook and a very sensitive person. To my great pleasure tour tips give me the chance to refresh my English ( I am Italian-Tuscany) and to put into practice your healthy recipes (wonderful Mediterranean products).
Bravo! Mr Ellis (and Meredith!, of course).
P.S. In case you need a translator (Italian and Spanish) for free, I am at your disposal.
Welcome Gioia!–and thanks. We know a little of Tuscany–have friends (Italian and English) and love it. Florence our favorite city.
As a rule cats and loud noises don’t go hand in hand. Ben most probably “took” himself off until all danger to him has passed by. Cats are so clever. What a sight are those peonies… and they bring back to me such nostalgic memories… A great pity that peonies and lilies are not thriving here very well. Thank you, Robin, for a lovely story.
I live quite near Florence. Pistoia.36 Km from Florence. Not very very well known but nice and quite and full of nice thinghs!
Looking forward to seeing Ben again. Such peaceful scenery. hope all is well.
Lovely reading to start the day.