Looking almost homely – we have painted walls, curtains and a 3 piece suite. Just need shirtings, flooring, architrave, light fittings, heating……….

Poor chucks got a shock this morning after all the mild weather

Our swallows are about to leave on their travels I think. Quite cute to see them all sat in a line trying to pluck up the courage to fly…

Our latest eggs started to hatch…….hoping to get enough so we can pass some on to neighbours to try and return favours……

The cats seem to have taken a fancy to Bex bedroom…..

Sue took some pics of the chickens so thought I should post them………

The chickens seem to be settling in well after their move to the cottage. The swallows are also giving the impression they may be leaving soon – they are driving me crazy – every time I get to the house I have to rescue about three and they are constantly screaming at me when I move around the cottage. They seem to be getting back later and later as if they are out training for the trip to Africa….

Edit: apparently a Sparrow Hawk…(I thought it was a Kestrel)…….

Had a bit of a shock when I went into the cottage – found a baby sparrowhawk in the kitchen.

Later found 2 trapped swallows upstairs – one was dead?á – think it flew into a window, and downstairs the remains of a swallow – feathers only so I assume he followed his dinner into the house. (and a few days later I found another chewed up swallow in the loft – nice)

Josh has been busy, ably assisted by Becky(but not for long because he gets too bad tempered) building a chicken house out of the crates and pallets we have from slate and plasterboard deliveries.