Summer is Here..

My Heart Rejoices….

Once again, Mother Nature has warmed my heart. Each year, and this one in particular, I awaited the sounds and sights that announce that winter is truly past and the future is bright.

This year, for some unknown reason, the cold wintry days and especially the nights, have dragged on and on right through into April. We had a few false spring days in February but March was dismal and wet. April was little better with the ground waterlogged for most of the month. When May arrived, we had a hint of good weather.

Last week it was as if spring had never been – it was as if we jumped straight from winter to summer. Yes, I did say summer, for literally within the past week, everything has come alive with the trees, shrubs and hawthorn blossom breaking out into a magical landscape.

To cap it all, on Monday last, I heard the first Cuckoo on the golf course. I gave some answering calls and lo and behold, he (or maybe it was a she) came swooping down out of the distant trees and circled high above my head. There is no mistaking the flight of the bird as it sweeps around in ever increasing circles looking for a mate. I was elated.

To day, I returned home at lunchtime where my youngest grandson was being babysat by his grandmother. He was being unusually good and we had some great fun with the electric power tools, fishing tackle and homemade tin-can telephones. He is only three and a half but he knocks years off me.

As we messed about in the garden, I suddenly saw them sweep down out of the sun. It was the first swallows of summer. I have tried to explain in previous blogs how the sight of them raises my spirits. It is a magical moment that brings back wonderful memories of my mother pointing their arrival out to me when I was no more that three or four years old myself.

To day was something special, as I did exactly the same with Pietro, my grandson. I pointed out the pair of swallows to him and he must have been infected by my enthusiasm as he immediately began to trace their swooping paths across the sky.

I have little doubt that he will remember this for the rest of his life for we sat and watched for a good half-hour at the birds’ antics. It was something beautiful that I too shall remember for a long, long time.

The weather is settled with high pressure to the east of the UK. The forecasters give it at least a week but as there is a new moon tonight, I give it similar weather for at least a fortnight. It is in the middle 70’s and if it does hold, it could be a sign of a truly beautiful summer.

Goodbye winter blues, you outstayed your welcome this year………..

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