The weather is now beginning to be a real pain. Day after day, grey in grey. The temperature is not spectacular at around +1° to +4°C, no night frost to speak of, an occasional sprinkle of something that could be mistaken for snow. Wouldn't be too bad for December but the air moisture must be at 200%.

When photographing our Sunday evening Glühwein tipple over at The B's, whenever the flash was used, the photo was covered in white spots as though it was snowing. Couldn't work out why. Now I am beginning to think it was air moisture particles, not visible to the naked eye nor felt, that were being reflected in the very bright flash.

So as to give the dogs a reward for yesterday's patience and let them "read" a different newspaper to that on our local paths, took off for the Schickling walk near Ottobeuren. We hadn't been here for a while and there has been some clearing up work going on along the banks of the Günz river to strengthen the banks and clear out some of the older trees. Storm Gonzalo had helped and there were spectacular signs of work by the beavers - looks like they are putting in long night shifts.

Today's Blip is of the Schickling tower in the background. Flash & Luna asked for their names to be mentioned here, just in case any Blipers had forgotten them. It has been a while since they last appeared with all the Eurorants of the last weeks. Luna is the smaller one sitting posing with her breast stuck out in good Bavarian style but actually hoping to see a deer and dash off. Flash, the English gentleman, is resting, waiting patiently to follow my every command.

Would have liked to have popped in to Ottobeuren to visit the new "drug store". I can't remember what the Brits call a Boots without the pharmacy/prescription dispensing bit. A shop selling mainly toiletries, beauty, health, nappies, fragrancies etc etc. Ottobeuren lost it's only chain drug store a few years ago when Europe's largest chain, Schlecker, a German company went belly up with some 14,000 stores and 50,000 employees, many part time women dependent on the local jobs. Schlecker was a family run business, the head a despotic, control freak and known for his less than generous approach to employees rights & benefits. The weather, my mood, filthy boots and trousers persuaded me to drive straight home.

Before doing the evening stable routine, quickly turned on the TV to see the early evening local news and catch up on the revolt of the peasants inhabitants of Immenstadt (TochterPleach home & she reported on a while ago) which is hitting the local headlines. I wonder if she appeared in the interviews. The saga goes on, a seemingly worldwide NIMBY problem.

Was just about to get up when the next programme, a series all week showing different family units , entitled "A Night at Family XYZ". Today a portrait of the Cain family - he a 57 y.o. Tobago born Massage/Body Therapy specialist/trainer in Munich with a German wife and young family living south of Munich. In age and birthplace we are almost the same and I found the 30 minute film a real treat and thoroughly enjoyed their frank and honest thoughts on the stresses and challenges of everyday family life. Given the business they are in, it would have been all too easy to present oneself as masters of one's environment. The reverse was the case - the times you could throttle the children.....etc. The film is on the web, several bits in English as he doesn't apparently speak German. The accompanying music was fabulous, even if "only" the Beatles. I think I could even recommend the film to non German speakers.

His business website, opens with a video all in English.

This evening wrote them a "thank you" note for the enjoyable event. Shame I didn't meet him 40 years ago. Might have saved me some many problems!