Here today, gone tomorrow?

There was a big gathering of the clans this morning, around 8 o'clock.  Swallows and house martins were lining up along the telegraph wires, around two hundred in number I reckon.  I think that today may have been the day they have chosen to head south for the winter.  I can hardly bear to see them go.  In fact, I can't bear to see them go.  Their swooping, soaring, chattering, skimming across water and teasing of Ted has given breathtaking joy and pleasure this summer.  I will definitely be counting the weeks until they come back again.  Brave little souls, psyching themselves up for that long perilous journey.  

Little miracles. Travel safely.