Early

Checking back on previous years Blips, we are about 10 days to a fortnight ahead of schedule on the first silage. Today last year we were even under 30cm of snow!

This was taken on the morning dog walk. Although quite early and still cool, Flash suffered a fit close to the end of the walk. It's a horrible sight and there isn't much one can do but lie down with him in the grass and hold him tight and stroke him until he "comes around" again, A minute or two of him then looking around trying to fathom out what is going on before getting up and continuing as though nothing had happened.

It turned out to be very warm and managed to get a bit done before I also gave up and joined Flash in the cool of the house.

In the evening returned the beehives to SebastianB who sadly wasn't at home but I left a note asking him to call. I don't have his number. As he works in our village, perhaps he can pop around briefly next week. Having said that, many may be taking Monday off as a "bridge" day - Tuesday is Mayday and a public holiday in all of Germany.

While some may be demonstrating workers rights, the Bavarians are hoping the weather stays OK for the May Day celebrations in almost every village. It's also an excuse to launch the "Maibock", another special strong beer sold in May and June. Less sweet and more "hoppy" than the Lent strong beer.

And it's the start of the hunting season again concentrating on the "Mai Bock". In this case, Bock means male deer and the May refers to it becoming two years old in May and thus of "age".

Angie did another late evening walk with the dogs and sadly Flash had another fit. Again he recovered quickly and had a very good night. Sunday is due to be even warmer with afternoon thunderstorms, not ideal conditions for him. And then a cool week, not ideal for the May Pole celebrations.