As Time Goes By

This day and age we're living in
Gives cause for apprehension
With speed and new invention
And things like fourth dimension.
Yet we get a trifle weary
With Mr. Einstein's theory.
So we must get down to earth at times
Relax relieve the tension
And no matter what the progress
Or what may yet be proved
The simple facts of life are such
They cannot be removed

Herman Hupfeld 1931

This really is the original first verse of the song. I guess Rick had very clearly told Sam not to sing this part. The text wouldn't really fit a scene with Ingrid Bergman.

I had given up on Tractor Tuesday. Not a single tractor was seen on our morning walk on the Schickling route - nowhere. Returned to the supermarket to get the cases of wine for the children ... no not the children, the grandchildren's parents, uncle and girlfriend. Two bottles of Ribena for the grandchildren and an XXL tin of Ovaltine for me.

Dashed back home to escape the really incredibly humid heat. Up until now, it has been very dry - change is in the air.

As I drove into our gate passed the only tractor of the day, standing in a field while the farmer hand-sprayed weeds. However way in the distance, I had caught a glimpse of something different and so waited in the entrance and sure enough, it was different.

What a capture. I have no idea who the farmer is but he gave the most wonderful smile and wave in brilliant Allgäu style: a reserved, knowing, "I'm not really enjoying myself" smile and a wave probably more like Bogart & Bergman gave at the 1944 Oscars ceremony than the modern day hectic waving of our stars.

Of course, Casablanca dealt with the rise of Nazi Germany which was about to take place when the song was written. I suspect the driver was either just about to be born or was a baby when the song was written. Certainly, his tractor did not appear until after the war. I'm not sure what model it is but guess it's an Eicher ED of which there were many in the late 40s and 50s - air-cooled 1 cylinder, 4 stroke, with 13 to 20hp. Wish he had pulled in for a chat but he was probably on contract haulage work as he was towing a modern trailer. Of note, the tractor doesn't need licence plates as it's limited to a maximum of 6km/h (3.728 mph).

This Blip has really cheered me up and now I can get on with trying to get the house looking fit for a few dogs, cats, mice and spiders - no chance of getting it fit for humans but luckily the children understand and just like Sam....play along .......

By the way, he seems to always stand rather than sit ..... see the Extra Photo and, the Audi having to hit the Sports mode button to get past...