Latest swallow news

The swallows have flown, yesterday afternoon they launched themselves through their postcard sized door into a damp, wet, soggy dripping world. Ten days from being eggs they were swirling around the sky chasing their elegantly long tailed parents who twittered and chattered their encouragement. They retired to bed early, three in a neat line along the wall plate and two piled into the old nest but they were up at first light continuing the flying lessons. Soon they will fly south to Mediterranean sunshine leaving me a little sadder and with a swallow shaped hole in my life.