Suzanne

This afternoon took off with the dogs to the Memmingen Animal Rescue Centre Open day. Lots of visitors and the sun was shining. Watched the local branch of the Red Cross Dog Rescue Team. Didn't interest Luna a tiny bit and she was clearly not impressed by their obedience work. Walked around the various stalls and pens and met up with friend Michael who works there.

Naturally it gets to one to see the homeless animals but it was not as bad as expected - perhaps it's due credit to the staff for maintaining them so well. Left the event with less money than we had arrived with but also with a "good" feeling.

Angie had recently seen the webpage of a horse stable near Ottobeuren which looked interesting so took a drive over. Were quite disappointed and left fairly quickly. Will have to find out more from our vet who has connections with the stables. Then did a quick tour in the area, something we never seem to do. With the alps in the background and masses of white, English-like, scudding clouds and sunshine they looked very inviting and we said we must try to spend a day walking in the alps this autumn - a national past-time in Bavaria.

The Swedish looking house (paint was much redder than it appears on photo) was unusual for the area. The very black clouds in the north have been with us all weekend but for the most part have stayed in the north and indeed caused some serious flooding. However the rain arrived here this evening and together with the sinking thermometer, thought the horses would enjoy a night in their straw bedded boxes. Unlike all those poor animals locked away behind bars, ours know they will be let out tomorrow.

Oh by the way - the Title of the Blip. This evening I came in to the living room and caught the end of the main TV night news with a clip of Leonard Cohen singing. At first thought it could only be to report his death but was overjoyed to then hear it is his 80th Birthday today - A very Happy (not a word he used much) Birthday. I have always been a fan of his, the opening track of his debut item having a very sad memory for me. God bless Suzanne.