Bach's Flowers

The balloons look like I felt this morning. Could easily have been me sitting on the bench. As I hadn't touched a drop the night before, came to the conclusion that the slight tummy pains were due to an evening meal mainly consisting of cheese and a very large bowl of fresh peas directly out of the garden and only put in warm water for 2 minutes. I couldn't resist despite knowing I should at least have made a soup or mushy peas.

Angie had told me (at 5:30 am) to do some shopping today. Took a good 5 hours for the message to sink in. Packed up the dogs and set off for Ottobeuren, passing this analog message board. Thought it may be the temperature (60°F=15°C) but on checking the car computer, had my optimism dashed - it was only 54°F.

Dressed as if it was a November day, set out for a brisk walk with the dogs. To the dogs dismay, I refused to throw sticks in the stream, afraid I might be reported for animal cruelty in these freezing conditions. However slowly my head and tummy cleared.

Nearly back at the car passed the pigeon house I have Bliped before and saw the owner wielding two long blocks of wood and having "decorated" the surrounding area with flags, colourful wind mills and assorted gleaming bits. A flock of pigeons were doing circles above our heads. Got in to conversation - the wood was there to start making loud noises if/when a bird of prey turned up. He has lost so many pigeons of late and is now forced to wait around to let them out for a fly. He says the pigeons are themselves so frightened that they barely go out but for the first time, he had added some anti anxiety Bach Flower drops in their water today. As we talked, he got more and more excited as they started to fly higher and further than ever. Leaving him smiling, we headed off for the warmth of the car, the supermarket & home and I made a note to google for anti-ageing Bach Flowers.

Angie planned to get home early, dropping her two Monday evening fitness sessions. She called from the train shortly before she should have been home, to say she had fallen asleep and was now in Kaufbeuren on the wrong line. She had to get the next train back to Buchloe, wait for the next train heading our way, change again at Mindelheim and got home 10 minutes before the German Railway Union started a 3 hour strike. Close call.

I had cleaned and polished Sultan so that when she got home she could have a quick ride - against her will - she did so. Claimed she should be doing things in the house.

Then the action started - Farmer "Beckenbauer" and Albert turned up with a hamper full of goodies and followed shortly afterwards by Mr&MrsB with a solar powered waving Queen Elisabeth. In the meantime the phone was constantly ringing and it was quite a while before I could sit down with the visitors. Angie was running around trying and succeeding to put together a few snacks to add to a cake she made yesterday.

There followed a few hours of tractor talk for the boys, the girls taking the opportunity of being ignored to empty a bottle or two of Pimms. The next morning I found 3 open bottles, two empty.

Was a very late night for a Monday, I hope Angie doesn't, as a result, repeat the home journey on Tuesday! Thanks to all, especially Angie, for the evening and to all those who called and sent messages.

Got through the day eventually - I don't "do" such days. I think the last time it was "celebrated" was on the terrace of a restaurant on a hilltop in Corfu in 1990 with the children and a very dear family. The year before, with the same group, was even more spectacular - a very specially cooked, outdoor curry lunch on the high seas. On both occasions the weather was considerably warmer!