There have been more unusual visitors at Norton Conyers today. Giles and I were helping move furniture in preparation for the grand opening in a couple of weeks time, and this necessitated the opening of the double front doors. The house itself is a stately home, but a home nonetheless to Lord and Lady Graham who are busily attempting to display the many antiques to best advantage. However for me the charm lies best in the personal touches that illuminate the history of the occupants, like the toy train that adorns a surface next to more valuable china. Taking advantage of the unexpected invitation three swallows decided to pay us a visit and were soon swooping around the lofty ceiling as if viewing the treasures first before the official opening. As it happens the swallow that flies into your home will bring considerable good luck according to British folklore, so they foretell that the house opening will be a great success!
Luckily Shandy knows her place and will not put mucky paw prints on the floor.
Meanwhile in the garden the peaches are ripe and luscious on the trees, ready to be plucked and consumed warm and fragrant, as fresh as may be had anywhere. The peach is also an auspicious symbol according to the Chinese, it brings long life and is associated with immortality. So all the omens are looking good!
"True hope is swift and flies with swallows wings"
William Shakespeare
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