Swallows passing through?

Have we acquired lodgers? These two swallows spent the afternoon flying in and out of the patio, twittering loudly and checking out the facilities. They seem to like the perch above the home-made bamboo wind chime and by dusk had settled in for the night.

The cats were mesmerised, both sitting side by side, looking up, not moving. When I grabbed my camera, they abandoned their vigil.

Now the thing is - are we to have lodgers for the summer, and babies, or are they just passing through, enjoying a rest before continuing their journey. Watch this space, as they say.

Andalucian March

I know I've done a lot of moaning about the weather - and it's still raining, thundering and lightening - when I looked around there was a lot flowering in these warm and wet conditions.

This year, the Bird of Paradise has excelled itself. Starting out with one blossom in year one, three in year two, there were at least a dozen this year.

The lilies went in in the Autumn, as did the hollyhocks grown from seed that are behind them. I wonder if they'll flower this year.

It is too wet to turn the soil in the veg patch, so nothing is in yet....a source of great frustration to Gonzalo next door. By now, his rows and rows of potatoes would be well advanced.