Random thoughts - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Mar 28, 2005

Random thoughts

Date: Mar 28, 2005

Monique--

Your late-night missive gave me just the chuckle I needed before bedtime here in Middle Tennessee. Thank you for the interstate joie de vivre! (excuse my French spelling...my minor was in Spanish!).

Truth

Date: Mar 31, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Monique de Guerre
"A quiet evening of asparagus and contemplation at the de Guerre home. Dervish, the trained attack poodle, was alerted to a disturbance outdoors. However, it was only dear Professor Judd walking the Dogaphant (or being walked by it, it was a little hard to tell) so we calmed Dervish and waved to Stephen from the balcony. There was a brief wave in return -- they were moving quite rapidly. At least with our respective canine guardians, we both feel quite safe, and it was good to see our cher ami out of the office and enjoying the lovely weather. I was pondering several USM issues this morning. After the cafe au lait, so one was a bit more clear-headed. A friend was speaking of more professors to be leaving. Of course we are saddened each time we learn that another friend is soon to depart, and fearful for those young ones who step into the breach. One thinks of a military unit which loses its seasoned non-commissioned officers and attempts to replace them with fresh recruits, and not enough of them. How long can battle be waged in such a manner? Then too, one must ponder the remark of another dear friend, who notes that M. Thames is not quite the youngest person, and marvels that so many have bargained their own futures upon his future. Perhaps there are some who are true believers, but one must wonder at the motives of the loyal band still in the bunker. Do they think there is any reward for them? He throws them to the wolves, does he not? How long, young collaborators, how long do you think he can protect you? And then what? Not that we shall harm you, but you may be friendless and powerless. You should think upon your own path. I have depressed myself, so I shall tell the funny thing that happened. In addition to Dervish, there is also at my house an enormous gentleman cat named Dominique. He was said to be Siamese, but alas, like many gentlemen (as I have learned to my sorrow) he was not quite what he seemed. But he is the most docile and lovely of the feline persuasion. How shocking then, when he leapt onto the chaise and stole a piece of asparagus from my plate!! One is appalled at this behavior, but of course it was very funny. Perhaps there is a tiny lesson here, that we never know what daring lies in the quietest hearts. Beau soir, again. I must close and examine some pearls which need to be restrung, and also determine if it is time for the 'Vette to have its oil changed. We no longer have our chauffeur to attend to these matters -- he has earned his doctorate under the incredible system of M. Malone, and is now teaching a course in economic sleight-of-hand at that college which is named for the fiery bird."

Monique,

What has become of you? Please take pen in hand, if only to let us know that you are well. Should you happen to be entertaining Monsieur Judd, then of course no response is expected.

A bientot,

Pierre

Date: Apr 1, 2005

Thank you, Pierre, for your concern about Mlle de Guerre. I am answering on her behalf due to the early hour. Mlle does not enjoy the wee hours of the morning (those prior to eleven am. I always hate the spring-forward business. She is impossible for at least a week.)

Nevertheless, due to last evening's violent weather, all computers at chez de Guerre were unplugged, and Mlle enjoyed a quiet evening reading. She also had to comfort Dervish and Dominique, who do not care for thunder, but as far as we know, Professor Judd was at home or at work. You should not misunderstand the nature of their affectionate but proper relationship. The demands on Professor Judd's time are staggering, and Mlle does not intrude herself.

Mlle de Guerre has also asked me to comment on Dervish, due to recent postings regarding dogs. As you all know, Dervish is a highly-trained attack poodle. However, he does not go out on the street, and he only menaces those who might threaten Mlle. personally. He did refuse to have his claws painted or to wear a collar with rhinestones. For myself, I think a poodle wearing one of those spiked collars looks odd, but he seems very happy with it.

Again, thank you for your concern.

Sincerely,

Hermione Angleterre, Social Secretary to Monique de Guerre

Date: Apr 1, 2005

Hermione Angleterre, pardon me for asking a delicate question, but has Dervish been...how do you say it... "fixed". If not I have a proposal to make to Mlle de Guerre.

Date: Apr 1, 2005

Thank you for your concern, M. Boudreaux. I think I understand where you are headed. However, Mlle de Guerre believes most strongly in responsible pet ownership and made sure that both animals had their surgeries. Dervish was a "rescue" and did not have the appropriate pedigree in any case. He has a very strong personality, and sometimes I wonder if he is actually all poodle. But, we shall never know. He does adore Mlle, and has learned to like caviar as an occasional treat.

Have a lovely day.

H.A.