The Early Bird

Up quite early, as my daughter and family were setting off back South. Its been hard work, especially as I've been still recovering from the chest infection. Three energetic little boys and I shall miss them. The house is quiet now.

Yet, if I'm honest, I also like to have time to call my own and pursue my interests (the still novel pleasure of retirement). It will be a number of weeks before I see the children again, and that feels too long - but this is the pattern of modern life for so many of us.

The dawn was red this morning, and bitter cold. The birds gathered on the branches of the cherry tree, before heading straight for the bird feeders.