21st of June is significant for two reasons this year, it is the summer solstice, i.e. the longest day of the year, and in the UK it is Fathers' Day. The summer solstice is always June 21st but Fathers' Day in the UK and many other countries is the third Sunday in June. Here in Spain, however, it is celebrated on the day of San José, March the 19th, which is pretty damn close to the equinox of March 21st. Are celebrations of the father linked to the significant phases of the sun (son)?
As for me, I have no idea of who my father is I have never met him. I imagine he is some sort of dachshund stud who lives near the village of Beachamwell in Norfolk, the place of my birth. For dogs it is not such a big thing since fathers have very little to do with their offspring, unless it is to donate a fine profile, well distributed markings or a perfect pedigree build. For the tall ones fathers are much more important and continue to offer love, guidance and support as long as they live. Above you can see the parents of one of my tall companions - the father is the one with the beard, I am told. I recognise him, he's been out here a few times and makes himself useful enough, although I have to keep an eye on the work he does. He calls me 'Fergus the forman' but I see myself more as a freelance consultant. Last trip out he painted most of the woodwork of the house with a mixture of linseed oil and a tint called Betun de Judea. Looks pretty good, even to this day, so yes, I guess fathers are quite useful; if I knew mine perhaps I could get him to re-stuff my bed, which is desperately thin on padding these days.
Yours, from under the family tree,
Fergus
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