It's when they look innocent you know mischief has occurred .

Up and out at 5.30 this morning to be greeted by the glorious sight of a family of hares with their long ears bounding through the wheat fields . The two boyz considered giving chase but after a few barks and a half hearted attempt at running down the track after them they decided that it was simply too hot to be expending all that energy. Last night as we were sitting out on the terrace enjoying a midnight glass of wine a large herd of deer wandered through the olive trees in search of forage - naturally our two highly alert sheepdogs managed to blisfully sleep through the entire spectacle.

In the UK the government continues to be beset by troubles - another cabinet minister has resigned. Whatever the merits, or demerits, of the Prime Minister there comes a time when authority starts to seep away and calls for change become irresistible. In Italy the Prime Minister goes from strength to strength despite ever more lurid allegations about his behaviour and his panoply of youthful 'lady friends'.There are even calls for him to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. You couldn't make it up!

The two troubadors have returned from their morning expedition and have now joined us in the courtyard. Digby is looking angelic which is a pretty sure sign that something demonic has taken place - we shall doubtless find out what it is during the course of the morning.