Monday, April 07, 2008

SIMI PUTS HER PAW DOWN

Along this street people discuss the water situation in the way that the British talk about the weather and I was having a good chat about it with one of my neighbours during our walk this morning when she suddenly changed the subject and asked [I post this a little coyly]: "Why aren't you married, signora? You're nice, you're cultured and you're pretty - it's a pity!" I replied that I didn't know either and then the lady said she'd find a nice, cultured Sicilian gentleman to share my life [she is welcome to try!] At that point, Simi, who had been listening to the conversation quietly, proved both how determined she can be and how much her Italian has improved, for she barked and then let out a long howl of disapproval. She likes men and keeps waggling her bum at them in glee, but she says she draws the line at the idea of one moving in!
Note to my students: A phrasal verb and idiom: to put your foot down = to insist.

23 comments:

Liz Hinds said...

I hope she finds a spare one!

Ellee Seymour said...

Well I think you need to find a gentlemen friend who has a little pooch for Simi so she doesn't feel neglected. You could make a very happy foursome then. ;-)

Gledwood said...

Simi is very cute. Does she do that "give me a paw" trick?...??

Crushed said...

Simi is a bastion of common sense.
Everyone should have a dog like Simi.

A bit like Tintin's Snowy, I think, is old Simi.

CherryPie said...

I think that means Simi wants to chose the man ;-)

jams o donnell said...

Haha It sounds like Simi knows her mind and knows how to express herself!

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Ciao, Liz. She has retrieved it now! What a brilliant idea, Ellee - Simi says she 'll give that one a go! Ciao, Gleds. Oh, yes, and she can dance, too! Hi, Crushed. I think the world would be a much better place if everyone had a Simi dog but, as I keep telling her, she is unique! Cherrypie, Simi says you are right! She's actually a good judge of people. Hi, jams. Oh, she knows her own mind all right! love to you and cats from Sicily xx

Gledwood said...

I've never seen a dancing dog... though I've seen people take their dogs out "dancing" but they tend to dance and the dogs to trot around them...

Ardent said...

Don't you love the way Europeans never beat around the bush. They blurt out comments which could actually offend some people.

My mother is 70 and I am still trying to instill into her mindset what is an appropriate question and what is not.

Leslie: said...

Maybe she was singing the Hallelujah Chorus! Let your friend go hunting for you - never know, she might bring home Mr. Gorgeous for you! Oh by the way, ask her if she has a tall one for me! ha ha

jmb said...

Let's hope anyone she finds meets Miss Simi's approval for you would not dare cross her.

Indigo-Daisy said...

I say good for Simi! She is looking out for you! Who says one must have a husband to enjoy life. You seem to be perfectly happy with Simi at your side.

To date a gentleman caller could be nice, but marriage is such a commitment.

I married the love of my life at the age of 20 and we kind of grew up together. But if I didn't have him, I can't imagine getting married again at my age, I am too set in my ways.

Nunyaa said...

Aw bless Simi, how very cute Welshcakes :-)

Rowena said...

I'm quite enjoying the spontaneous scenario of it all..the neighbor, the friendly chat, and finally Simi! Priceless!!

Our westie knows something's up as far as the new pup is concerned. If she had not been so busy avoiding and sidestepping the gregarious 7-week old dachshund (they are so tiny!) on our recent visit to the allevamento, I'm sure she would have barked in loud protest as papà wrote out the deposit!

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Hi, Gleds. You are right but we both assure you that Simi can dance properly! Have you seen that hamster video on youtube today? Hi, ardent. It's true that Itals and other continental Europeans sometimes blurt out questions. A few weeks ago someone here, whom I don't know well, asked me how much I earned. I was shocked as I wouldn't ask my best friend that in the UK! But they mean well. Hi, Leslie. I will tell her!! Ciao, jmb. I would not trust anyone Simi did not take to for one second! Hi, indigo-daisy. A gentleman caller [or 4!] would be nice. Getting set in your ways is a problem and I probably am , much more than I realise. But those who have someone with whom they are first just cannot imagine what it's like outside that happy circumstance. It's all right when all is going well but sometimes a little thing can seem like a disaster when you are on your own. Having said that, I tell Simi every day there's no one I'd rather spend time with than her and she gives me all the love in the world. And I'd rather be on my own than with "Mr Wrong". Hi, nunyaa. Simi sends loves and wags! Ciao and thank you, Rowena. Dogs always know when there's something up, don't they? Coming right over to read about the new pup! Auguri x

Anne in Oxfordshire said...

Must have a problem, my post has not shown up :-(..

I said, a very lovely gentleman would do you the world of good, and to Simi "He wouldn't have to move in" :-)

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Sorry, Anne. I didn't receive your earlier comment. I will tell Simi of your advice! x

James Higham said...

Well done to Simi here - the paw of reason.

Unknown said...

well said Simi! you have been reading up on abbey's furkid chelsea too much me thinks!

Dragonstar said...

Simi is a very sensible lady. But a nice tall Gentleman Caller could be useful at times.

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Simi says she fully agrees she has the "paw of reason", James. Hi, Kyles. Yes, Simi does like reading all about Chelsea! Agree on both counts, Dragonstar.

James Higham said...

Do you also teach your students "waggling her bum", Welshcakes? :)

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

If they ask, James!

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