House warming

Set off in the late morning with Angie and the dogs to Ronsberg and the sheep farmer who "solved" our aggressive cock problem a few weeks ago. He was later to tell us the cock didn't taste that good but probably due to his cooking method rather than the bird itself.

Dropped off Angie and the dogs at the top of the 2km track down to the farm. In winter the farmer has to clear this himself of snow but with six tractors at his disposal, I don't think it's a problem. While they strolled down I got to the farm to find it lacking in any human presence, just lots of geese and a few chickens. But did spot some smoke coming from some building about 1km away and knew he was there. So enjoyed the sounds of the River Mindel blubbering through the farm & mill. The river springs just 100m above the mill and flows nearly 80km northwards into the Danube. Just about 50km westwards from us is the Atlantic/Black Sea watershed - so all you UK Blipers, have no fear, our sewage goes through the Bosphorus and past Gib before getting to you.

When Angie arrived we drove down to the other buildings and found lots of demolishing action going on. The buildings (incl. small living quarters) had been rented out for the last four years and had just been given notice. ^Seems that his work on plans for a marijuana plantation got in the way of keeping the small holding in one piece.

The reason for our visit was to get some Easter Egg Hen eggs as he has these hens and a cock. We now have our two hens sitting on unfertilised eggs. Well turned out he hasn't ... anymore. The fox paid a visit recently and took away 15 hens and the cock! However, we had a good chat with him, his daughter and husband who also had a young Afghan along. I think about 16 he had fled overland taking 3 months to get to Germany. He was somewhat sad as today was the end of Ramadan and while the other refugees could phone home to talk to parents and family, his parent's whereabouts are not known, they may even be dead. The daughter looks after about 10 refugee youths. Regardless of one's thoughts on this subject, the fact is they are here and particularly in the case of the youth, we do need to stretch out a helping hand.

With an offer of some geese being hurled at me (they survived the fox) we left and headed home. Only this week I had been saying to Angie we need some geese again! Will work on it.

In the evening we had an invitation to friend Corinna's housewarming & thank move helpers, BBQ. Turned out to be a very enjoyable evening, the threatened storms didn't materialise and it was very pleasantly warm without being hot & sticky. I think we stayed until nearly 2:00 am.

The do took place in the adjoining farm buildings. In the main Blip, it looks like it's a low building. The extra photo shows the wooden frame barn to be very high. We used to have a barn like this and I loved it until it came time to replace a broken roofing tile - walking on the very old weak rafters too dangerous and no normal ladder will get you to the required height!

Healthwise today seems to have been a watershed for me. Somebody has thrown over a switch. I think the pills I started with on Wednesday may be at work. I don't think we are anywhere near finding the solution but I feel it confirms the docs methodology and strengthens my "faith" in him, not an unimportant healing factor.

And by the way Brits, the commercial fisherman on Lake Constance (>Rhein>North Sea>Orford Ness oyster beds) were complaining this spring that the fish population is diminishing because the water running in to the lakes, including sewage plants, of course, is now so clean that the fish don't have enough to feed on.

If any Bliper can give me help with explaining the pronunciation of the Norfolk, UK seaside town of Happisburgh to a German, I would be ever so grateful.