In the village of Dannemarie, I am tempted off my bike by the sight of a beautiful, green farmhouse: the contrast between the sky, the dark timbering and that marvellous green will make a great a photo. I move closer, step back, and then risk a peak inside. Greeted by a cacophony of barking, I start to beat a smart retreat when the owner appears with a large smile on his face and immediately assures me that his dog is just being friendly! We end up having a long chat, the conversation punctuated by his gravelly laughter as I tell him about what I am doing and he tells me about the quality of the milk from his black and white cows, and the beauty of his village and the Sundgau region. I ask permission to take his photograph. Flattered and bashful, he adjusts his cap and straightens his trousers. He decides to stand beside his dog, which gives voice, louder than ever. I hesitate to get closer as, despite all his master’s assurances, I am intimidated by the animal’s long white fangs. Finally, we move away from Médor to take the photo. I would have preferred to include his wonderful cows in the picture, but they were in a neighbouring field contentedly chewing grass that was as green as our friendly farmer’s farmhouse! (cf. slide show)