Cow Bells

Off to Ottobeuren this morning with the dogs as Kathi was over doing Angie's hair. I needed some passport size photos so popped in to the local photographer. Had never been in the shop - seems to be mainly based on taking photographs with little equipment for sale. Owner was charming and we had a very interesting chat with a pleasant background of 60's & 70's music - he's of a similar age.. He has an exhibition starting next week in the town and asked if I wanted to come to the opening as his two sons are in a jazz band & will be performing.

Then on to the Bannwald for our usual walk. Were greeted at the car park by about 60 school children who were doing a field trip. Luna went wild - she loves children (love to Alina & Matteo). I tried keeping her in the car until they left but had to give up and she was immediatly surrounded by a horde. Flash casually joined them and also got his fair share of strokes.

On our walk, heard the distant sound of cow bells and thought I would try to Blip them before the pasture season finishes. Actually wanted to go to a traditional "Viehscheid" this weekend, the last one this year. It's the driving of the cows down from the alps to the valley and celebrated by decorating the cows with large bells, crowns of flowers and the drivers of course in their Lederhosen. Followed as normal by lots of beer.

The young cows with their small bells were very lively, scaring Luna who kept her distance. Got to talk to the farmer as he had a large bee house next to the field and happened to pass by. Have dealt with that more fully on the bee journal. We probably won't get to the event tomorrow as it is a little too early, the horses, dogs & chickens have to be dealt with first.

Have a great weekend.

Saturday a.m. PS: Its a "Braunvieh" cow started in Switzerland in 15thC. They say many children think cows should be purple due to the "Milka" chocolate ads. Not sure if that means anything in the UK.