time to say au revoir

As with all good things, eventually they must come to an end.  We wake to a bright sunny morning, but this morning is different,  the Hirondelles have arrived from South Africa, they are amazing, beautiful birds spending almost all of their lives in flight.  Today they are busy building little mud nests in the eaves of Maison du Cele, they swoop low down to the edge of the river,  skimming mud from the river bank and returning to the house to add another layer to their little nests, a couple of nests have survived from last summer and already new residents have moved in.  We lie in bed watching the comings and goings of the little birds, they are supreme aerialists, we wish with all our hearts that we could stay a while longer and not take flight, tinged with sadness we start to pack our cases.

Ian walks down to the boulangerie to say goodbye to Arlett, she is surprised the time has passed so quickly and wishes us a bon voyage until we meet again.   As I wonder around the house trying to soak  up every last memory of our french home I hear happy voices down in the street, the men folk have gathered round for a morning chat, kisses are exchanged and fond hugs, until next time.

The morning is fast disappearing, friends pop in, hugs and more tears, and then it is time for us to leave.  We stand hand in hand in the courtyard looking up at our home,  Maison du Cele has again given us a dream holiday, our French life is full of love, laughter and happiness.   A promise is made that we will soon return again, we close the door, walk out into the street, and start the journey homeward to Australia to our wonderful family and friends.