Locked Down

Here’s some cow shots to cheer us up!

How are things in your part of the world? This time last year, we were struggling with the effects of the heavy snow,floods and landslides that took out roads and some houses!

Here in Austria we’re a few days into a stretch that ends on December 6th. All shops are shut except for supermarkets, banks and chemists. Hotels and restaurants are closed too, but with a takeaway service.  My library is closed, but I’ve been in doing my annual chuck out of books. People on the whole are taking things seriously, we’ve had cases in the village this time, but not lost anyone.

I’m quite happy, I’m just finishing a new book and the free time means I’ll get it out earlier than expected.

I’m tired of hearing the negative stuff about Corona, why would Governments want to destroy their economies? I see them as people trying to do their best in a no win situation.

Can’t say I’m looking forward to Christmas without family, but at least we have zoom and other things. Roll on when this is all over. I have faith that God will see us through this, we need to trust and pray.

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Frustration!

At this time of the year, the cows are taken up to the meadows or alms for their summer grazing. It has always made me chuckle at them looking over the top of the transporters. It’s like they’re saying, whooppee, holiday, after all winter in a barn. Although that barn must be warm and they are fed wonderful hay and silage!

For thirteen years I haven’t succeeded in getting a good shot of this. This morning, there were loads of trailers on the move as the alms are officially opened. I was out with Swingle and saw a brilliant one heading along the road; lots of heads hanging over the top. I had my camera with me, and just as they got to us, the local siren went off. Swingle began to howl, sat in the middle of the road, and I had to grab her in case of cars. Results attached!

We won’t be here next year, so I’ll have to keep my camera alert!

Cow time!

Another favourite time of year for me. The cows are coming down from the Alms and all around is the tinkling of the bells. Drives Dave nuts, but I love it!   Can you spot the cow that’s been to a party?

Cows in the barn!

I came across these shots which I took in the autumn as the cows were being taken in. The more modern barns have hardstanding, and I understand tethering isn’t allowed.

In the winter when I see some cows obviously shoved out in the cold and waiting to come in, I’m inclined to think no one asked the cows if they wanted to go out. Can’t be that bad, food delivered, bed cleaned, warmth(if a bit smelly) and friends to chat to.

Can’t be that bad, these ladies were enjoying the breeze on a warm afternoon!

Cow-tober

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I just love it when the cows come down from the hills at the end of September. These are some of my favourite shots from this year. Soon they will all be in the barns, stuffing their faces in the warm, and the valley will be empty of the cowbells. Shame!