A Good Boy

In the 70s, my grandparents owned a small vineyard which had a stream flowing through it. It's sides were steep and narrow, so they only had a flat bridge with no sides on it which wide enough for a tractor or harvester to cross it.

They also had a Labrador, Horace, who was a beautiful short-haired russet brown. Because we are a sheep-farming country, farmers can shoot dogs that are worrying their sheep on sight. So, Horace was trained to leave sheep alone.

One day, when grandad arrived at the vineyard he found about ten young sheep in the smaller front half of the property. Being a small number and close to the road, he thought he could quickly round them up and pop them back in the fields next door. To stop them going into the larger back area, he put Horace in the centre of the bridge and said, 'Sit! Stay!' Hoping Horace would put them off going that way, he began to move the sheep.

All was going well. Grandad had got them out from under the vines and they were heading towards the gate when suddenly the leader broke free and headed towards the bridge and Horace. All the others followed. As they stampeded past, some of them jumped him, before streaming into the vines beyond. Poor Horace crouched down, shivering in abject misery as they flowed by.

Grandad swore, then walked up to Horace. 'Good boy,' he told him and ruffled him behind the ears.

Where's the Applause?

   One day, my grandfather was in a small row boat on the river just in front of the house. He saw grandma on the balcony and waved to her. She waved back and carried on watering the plants. Grandad wanted to move to the front of the boat and stood up to move forward. However, he wasn't as careful as he usually was and he fell into the water! When he came back up, he put both arms up, looked at the balcony and went 'Ta da!' But no one was there!
   He was so disappointed. He said later, 'If you're going to make a fool of yourself, it's more fun if there's someone to watch!"

Describing someone special

My father is a very funny man. He's always telling jokes and making us laugh. He always seems to be happy. Not only is he outgoing, he's also easy-going and kind. We can always go and talk to him about our problems. He's got a lovely smile and I cheer up when I see him.
He's medium-height, about 176cm, and is in his early fifties. He hasn't got any hair. In fact, he's completely bald, just like his father before him. His eyes are big and dark brown. I miss him very much. I can't wait to go back home to see him.

Describing someone special

Zhiwa is my daughter. She's a very beautiful little woman in her early teens. She's usually active and busy all day. She's clever and studies very hard too. She's about 150cm tall and slim. Her eyes are black, just like her father's. She's got beautiful dark curly hair.
When I come home she always gives me a hug and helps me with dinner. She's a very thoughtful young girl.

Describing someone special

Reza is my brother. He is the oldest child in my family. He isn't married yet, but he is engaged. He's a bit short, about 170cm tall, but he's athletic and strong and usually looks happy. He's got short, dark hair and big black eyes, just like mine.
He will be 27 next birthday. He's great fun and handsome. Some people say that I am like him. I hope so.

Describing someone special

Maison is my husband and he lives with his family.  He is a kind man. He is definitely very organised, sociable and responsible. He is tall and slim. He has dark grey hair, tanned skin and green eyes, with a manly appearance. He is fifty-two years old. He is a wonderful man and I love him very much.