For Rent, Cheep

Day 169: In today's paper: "For Rent, Cheep. Cozy, recently refurbished single-family dwelling with attached mother-in-law cottage with separate entry. Location can't be beat, close to woodland and fine dining. Shaded from summer heat, this cedar-built unit would be the perfect spot to raise a family. What are you waiting for? Come and see it today!"

The official date of the swallows' historic return to Capistrano is March 21. My Tree Swallows keep a somewhat more relaxed schedule and may arrive a week earlier or later, but this year, they are unseasonably late. I blame our recent low-elevation snow and continuing cool temperatures. The swallow houses stand empty, available for immediate occupancy, and I won't even ask for a credit check.