It’s been a sad day.

The swallows appear to be considering their migration plans as they’re wheeling wildly in a large group than usual, overhead; this is worrying, as the pair of swallows nesting in the Long Barn are a long way yet from being able to leave – unless they abandon their newly-hatched chicks….

This time last year, we said another, desperately sad goodbye: our wonderful Abyssinian cat Shaui died a year ago today at the ripe old age of 21, of a mercifully short illness.  I still painfully feel her loss as of a raw, open wound; but sometimes, out of the corner of my eye, I’m sure I see her curled up on the rug in front of the Rayburn, or luxuriating on the fur throw on ‘her’ spot on the sofa…..if only.  The apple tree under which we buried her in a beautiful wooden coffin, laid on her cushion with food & toys in accordance with the ancient Egyptian burial rites for a dearly-loved cat, has not borne fruit this year.  She was a very fine cat indeed; & I do so miss her.

This song sums up the way I feel today….

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu-8wGbWMro&mode=related&search=