No, not because I will shut up. But I’ll whisper.

Germany is known for “quiet time”, i.e. loud intentional and avoidable noises are not allowed at certain times. The exact times are determined by the local authorities but in general they are during the early afternoon every day and all of Sunday. Sunday is considered a Ruhetag, a day of rest, Ruhe implying rest and quiet.

As a consequence, lawn should not be mowed on a Sunday. This particular lawn (our lawn) will not be mowed anytime soon, though. My son wanted a particular favour from dad, offered to mow the lawn, and was forbidden to do it – because my husband likes the little yellow flowers. Hence: Silent Sunday and silent every day.

Ironically the flowers (weed?) are called “common piglet herb (gemeines Ferkelkraut) in German. In English it’s called common or hairy cat’s ear. We like the English name better!