Tractor Tuesday - Only Deutz

To Ottobeuren for the dog walk in the Bannwald on this cold, thunder threatening day. Now that the Greeks are sorted out, there are calls to throw the UK out of the EU - while we on the mainland export our refugees to the UK, we get in return the appalling weather from the British Isles in return. No. In fact, Germany in UK fever today as the Queen landed in Berlin for a 5-day state visit. This is her 5th visit since 1965 and apparently, they always coincide with some crisis in Europe. The Germans very much hope the UK stays - they are huge fans both of the UK and the Royal family. While known for being "sober", pragmatic & down to earth, they do enjoy the glamour the Royal Family bring. Just take a look at the magazine shelves - full of photos of Kate et al.

After the walk (it stayed dry) which Flash loved, popped into the local Norma Supermarket (Poor man's Aldi/Lidl) for some milk. Lo & behold they had Kerrygold Cheese featured as a new line including Cheddar and Kilderry, whatever that is. Took all three different types.

Then up to Guggenberg to collect the small car trailer after it's MOT last Thursday at the Deutz specialists Frick & Aurbacher who have featured before on Blip. Took the opportunity to get a Tractor Tuesday Blip and then thought I should do a feature of them on Flickr. One of the reasons for doing this was I always think of a friend from my days in West Sussex in the 1980s when a friend was building up his tractor business including being a Deutz dealer and recounting his dealer factory trips to Cologne. I haven't had any contact with Howard for at least 25 years and before I set off quickly Googled him and sure enough up he came. His Petworth business is now part of a group which merged to become "Southern Harvesters" and now Claas dealers. Also spotted he was on Facebook so sent a friends request without any comment. I wonder if he will remember who I am! He looks very much the same but became a real rocker - Harley, longer beard than before, leather jacket and the ever-present pipe. I enjoyed his company greatly, a fun but very relaxed guy, almost always with at least a smile if not a big grin and good laugh..

It is amazing what they have in their large stores. There can hardly be a used Deutz spare part they don't have. Alone the number of bare tractor cabins. Quite an amazing place and the two owners really are tremendously helpful and nice people, just as their employees and trainees.

Have used the opportunity to update my Flickr Tractors Album but see there are lots of missing photos. Another project for another day.