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At 00:00 exactly, my mobile gave out it's Text/E-mail message received, beeb. Getting up to check it would have meant a 10 yard round trip and I was too lazy. Anyway it was no doubt another invitation to visit the "Potato Europe" exhibition in Holland. How I got on such a list is beyond me.

This morning I discovered it was the B's inviting themselves around for a drink, not for a pre Sunday Lunch aperitif but a "now" session! Luckily I didn't see it and I am not going in to further details today, save to say they later made my day. It will be fully documented in word & photo tomorrow.

Felt like I had been hit with a hammer this morning, due no doubt to drinking two G&T's, eating far too much schnitzel and being constantly awakened by real or imaginary mites. Gradually rose to a vertical position and then with Angie & the dogs drove the 15 minutes to a secluded old "Katzbrui Mühle" water driven grain mill (1661) , now a hotel, restaurant, meeting venue and beer garden. What I especially like about it, is that it has a wonderfully relaxed, simple, charming, authentic atmosphere where all are welcome. Many such establishments have been superbly restored/decorated etc, but everything is perfect, a place for society weddings rather than cyclists in their peculiar clothing and a smelly, sweaty rider & horse stopping by for a refreshment (which was how Angie got to know the place - she was perspiring not sweating, I am told). No frills & thrills, a good cool beer and a tasty meal at reasonable prices. In their own words: children & dogs welcome as well as the hustle & bustle of amiable groups. To be fair to the other such establishments, I have never been in a rural establishment that sticks it's nose up - the Bavarians are very relaxed in such matters, taking their free time very seriously but casual. They say, Munich is the most northerly city in Italy!

We first took a short walk with the dogs in the woods adjoining the mill, returning for drink and food after the midday rush was over. Although it looked like it would rain, we still sat outside. The whole day stayed dry but one had to keep putting on, taking off pullovers, depending on the sun & clouds. Then set off for another walk to a nearby "Mariengrotto" (Our Lady Mary Grotto). Dogs as always enjoyed the "new" walk, lots of water (paddling), woods (sticks) and fields (darting around), even a pile of something smelly & sticky for Luna to roll in.

Have tried to show some of what we did on Flickr. The Blip is a stranger to me but Angie insisted it was time for a change from horses, dogs, cats, chickens and bees.

Back home early evening to enjoy a coffee and piece of cake before returning all the calls on the answering machine. A good day after a slow start but not suprising after 21,550 false starts. One day I will get it cracked.

Monday looms, back to the grindstone but hope you all have an acceptable one.