Sanders Blog

29th June, 2014

A cooler day which is rather blustery. Out at 8.30 am to the café. Coffee and tea and then a quick visit to the Notary who is putting in overtime on a Sunday. Life is busy for her at the moment and she’s having her new office decorated. She is so helpful and understanding we can’t believe it!

Back home to read the Sunday papers. They make fairly grim reading for any Europhile. Twelve months ago, I wouldn’t have even considered the idea of UK leaving Europe. Now, I think it is odds on we will leave in the next three years. Cameron has played it very badly and, for short term party politics he has appeased the right wing by leaping in the dark. Now he is bound by a referendum which he looks increasingly likely to lose. We will all be the poorer.

For the first time in two weeks, we haven’t been for a swim. It was too windy to be comfortable. Mother Cat has eaten three and a half meals. Holland came back with a dubious penalty in the final minutes to beat Mexico 2-1. The Mexicans were definitely unlucky to lose.

30th June, 2014

The end of June and a warm day again with our car registering 28C/83F. Had an mid morning meeting with the Notary in her newly decorated offices and then off to the bank where were had a enjoyable chat with the newish Bank Manager. Georgia, a Cretan, is a delightful young woman who was extremely helpful.

Swimming was lovely today. The water was warm and pleasant. Our meal today was onion omelette using the eggs donated by the Elinoil petrol station and delicious they were too! The newspapers are full of cockahoop Tory MPs who are now in sight of their goal of getting us out of Europe and returning us to the Dark Ages of isolation and Little Englanders. The Daily Telegraph’s headline is: The “Junckernaut” is driving Britain to inevitable separation. The point they make is that failure to join the euro has made this inevitable.

1st July, 2014

Happy July 2014 to most of our readers. The tradition goes that the first to say white rabbit on the first day of a new month will have good luck throughout that month. I woke Pauline at 4.00 am to wish her ‘White Rabbit’ and my lucky month began by being sent out to clean the patio. Never accept tradition at face value or Greeks bearing gifts!

It seems to be ant season. There are trails everywhere outside and, particularly, on our patio. We brought a huge stock of ant boxes but, already, we are beginning to question if we have enough to get through until October. Maybe the problem will die down anyway.

It took me three hours but the tiles are looking wonderful again and I feel as if I’ve done some ‘useful’, physical work. The reward is to go out for Lunch. We are going back to Vathy. I hope to get rabbit on the third time of asking.

We did and it was wonderful. Roast saddle of rabbit with oregano. I know from experience that roasting rabbit isn’t easy. It is easy to over cook and make very dry. This was succulent, moist and full of flavour. What am I doing eating rabbit on White Rabbit Day?

2nd July, 2014

Wonderful day today. Started mundanely by cleaning the car. Received an email from Bart Simpson who I have missed for a while. He is back on Paros and with a new Blog entitled: Little greek Island. He is a pleasant and interesting man who is well worth following.

We spent the morning in discussions with out Private Bank Manager at Nat. West in UK. It is an excellent service although we pay quite a lot for it. Next I had to communicate with MoneyCorp, a FedEx Bank that is highly respected in UK.

We have agreed a suitable policy together.

3rd July, 2014

Up early this morning – well before 7.00 am.. Mother Cat dropped in to say Good Morning (in cat speak) but didn’t stay for any breakfast for the first time in three months. We had a leisurely start to the morning – Juice and Tea followed by the papers – before the serious work started when I had my hair cut. We did some tidying out of cupboards. It really is amazing how much useless stuff one accumulates over a decade but become reluctant to throw out. Moneycorp phoned to confirm our intentions and we decided to forgo our swim.

We had a wonderful swim yesterday. The water was delightful, clear and refreshing. The wind today is so strong and blustery, swimming wouldn’t be enjoyable. Anyway, we’ve got a very busy day tomorrow so this is a pleasant counterpoint.

4th July, 2014

The TV news included an item on incredibly strong winds frustrating Independence Day celebrations in the US. Here strong winds have dashed hopes of a pleasant swim and will probably do so tomorrow as well. We have been up to Apollonia for a meeting and to visit the café. We met up with Costas, the woodman who supplied our windows and doors. A bit of shopping and then things retired people do like reading the papers, resting, etc. France v Germany and Colombia v Brazil tonight.

Mother Cat has started behaving strangely. She didn’t come for breakfast yesterday and hardly touched her Dinner but drank an entire bowl of water voraciously last night. This morning she ate her breakfast but then walked straight in to the bush where she gave bith last year. We find it incredible that she should be pregnant because their has been no physical sign but she has been eating three meals a day for weeks so who knows.

I would like to say I took this photo in the garden but it wouldn’t be true. I was just struck by its quality.

5th July, 2014

What a wonderful day after a tumultuous night. I think I have quoted a famous line from our erstwhile Poet Laureate, Ted Hughes, before but it is so apposite:

Wind

22^nd June, 2014

Up at 6.30 am and, before the cat could get her stomach in gear, we went out down to the dustbin drop to get rid of a smelly bag. This hot weather makes them turn very quickly. At that time in the morning, it was 22C/70F and before the sun was up so that was probably the mean, overnight number. It certainly still feels very comfortable for sleeping.

I’ve probably written about this before so stop me if I’m boring you but sleeping is something which has always interested me. For forty years while we were working, Pauline and I would rise at 6.00 am and just after 7.00 am, after a shower and a cup of tea, drive from Yorkshire where we lived over the Pennines to Lancashire where we worked. Bedtime for me was generally midnight. Six hours sleep was enough. Now retired, our friends expect us to catch on sleep. What’s the need to be up?  I say that I never want to get like that. On the day we retired, I asked Pauline to kick me out of bed no later than 7.00 am and she has duly obliged every day for the past five years. We make the early mornings as productive as we can, getting jobs done while we are energetic. You’re a long time dead. Make the most of your waking hours!

By 8.00 am, we were on our way to Café Prago and to a meeting with our friend, the Notary’s husband after a phone call from Milos to arrange it. At the café, this little chap came over to make friends.

The temperature had climbed to 27C/81F by 10.00 am. We’ve come home to catch up on the Sunday newspapers, water some trees and bushes and then go for a swim. The water is wonderful and crystal clear. By 2.00 pm, the temperature is 30C/86F and swimming is all we want to do. Later, Pauline cooks steak &  grilled vegetables in a red wine reduction sauce. Wonderful!

23^rd June, 2014

A bit breezier and fresher this morning although we are expecting 28C/82F by afternoon. Apart from a swim, we are spending a quiet day at home catching up on emails, watering trees and bushes and reading the papers.

Today’s Times carries this front page and this page 5:

 

Before the fund HS2 at a potential £46bn, the Tories are proposing to build HS3 to save 25 mins travelling time between Manchester & Leeds. At the same time, cutting back the NHS which only needs £2bn. The High Speed rail lines will be absolutely inrrelevant by 2030 when they’re finished because superfast digital links will just make that sort of travel largely needless and yet the health of the nation will suffer. And proposals are being put forward to charge £10.00 for visits to the doctor. The world has gone mad!

24^th June, 2014

A lovely summer’s day – 26F/79F at 9.30 am – with a pleasant breeze. We are in our eleventh week on the island and had to go up to the Elinoil station to fill up the car for only the third time this year. It cost 90€/£72.00 but is was very empty. The owner of the petrol station and his family are quite delightful people. Father gave us the bill and then a bag of 16 fresh eggs from his own chickens which he was pleased to point out were all date-stamped. Actually, each one had the date of collection written on in biro but it was his little joke.

As we left, he said, watch NERIT (the new Government backed channel) at 1.00 pm today. Apostolos is playing his bouzouki, This is his son, a lovely lad who is about to go off to college to train as a car mechanic but plays beautifully and, until recently, had a pet grouse called ‘Famous’ which he kept in a box. We must time our swim so as not to miss it.

Actually, we decided we didn’t have time for a swim on Sifnos. Nikiforos called with his taxi just after 1.00 pm and took us down to the port. We had an interesting discussion while waiting for Speedrunner with an American diplomat from Washington DC and his Russian wife who teaches Russian geopolitics in the local university. We had booked VIP Class and it was quite delightful. The taxi from Piraeus to our hotel –  the 5* Electra Palace in Plaka – cost just 20.00€ and we were soon out to eat at one of our favourite roadside tavernas.

 

We were tired and went to bed about 11.00 am but woke up dry at around 3.30 am and we made a cup of tea. Flicking the channels on the TV, we came across Apostelos from the petrol station playing his balalaika in a repeat of the lunchtime show.

25th June, 2014

Already a warm 27C/81F and still. Swimming and little else will be the order of the day. Actually, we managed to get an hour and a half walk in after breakfast and before the thermometer showed a warm 38C/101F. Didn’t stay up for the Greek match last night but it was lovely to see it this morning re-played over and over again – particularly the last five minutes. Pleased Samaras was the scorer. He’s almost British now anyway.

Of course, we had picked the four warmest days of the year so far in Athens. It was just too hot to swim in the rooftop pool so we used the indoor, air-conditioned gym and pool. It was totally deserted apart from the Beauticians doing pedicure/manicure/massage and general pampering. We did about an hour of exercise to make up for the smoked salmon and scrambled egg breakfast.

26th June, 2014

‘Phew, what a scorcher!’ will probably be today’s headline. It is 11.00 am and already 32C/90F. We don’t have a lot planned apart from swimming. The newspapers are full of jokes about Suarez going out for an Italian and the Snickers advert which they say is tastier than an Italian. I feel sorry for Liverpool. They were denied the Championship at the last gasp and now may lose their top striker for months. The lad is mad. Why doesn’t he eat sensibly?

Pauline has been out this morning to the hairdressers – Michalis Anousakis salon- which is just across the street from our hotel. Later, we brave the heat to walk to Psiri district.

Talking about eating. We’ve gone fish mad recently. Baby fresh squid on Tuesday followed by grilled sea bass yesterday and grilled salmon today. No wonder we’re doing so much swimming. Anyway, the temperature has reached 40C/104F. There are a lot of very red faced tourists wandering aimlessly around. Fortunately, we are not in that class. While we are having Dinner, the Notary phones to confirm some news we were waiting for. We have agreed to meet with her on Saturday.

27th June, 2014

A lazy morning of breakfast, newspapers, swimming and packing. A taxi arrives to take us down to the port of Piraeus for just before 4.00 pm. We go straight on board and into air-conditioned VIP seats for a glass of wine and some peanuts. Back on Sifnos, Nikiforos is waiting for us to whisk us home. Mother Cat arrives immediately and reproachfully devours two day’s worth of Beefy chunks with a hint of salmon. She then proceeds to talk to us for half an hour as if she’s missed us. We feel terrible but there’s probably worse to come.

28th June, 2014

Mother Cat was so insecure after being left for four days that she stayed close all night.  This morning, she was sleeping on my dining chair on the patio when we got up just before 7.00 am and after two helpings of her favourite dried food – salmon flavour – she went back on to the patio wall to enjoy the early morning breeze in her fur. I photographed her through the insect net which degrades the picture rather:

Off to do the week’s shopping, get some photocopying done and meet the Notary. Later, we will have a swim. The days are so hard!

15th June, 2014

Half way through June already and we only have fifteen weeks left on the island this year. The escalator is speeding up. Must run faster to stand still!

After an aborted attempt to watch England lose – I fell asleep at Half Time – the morning has opened hot and just got hotter. By 10.00 am, it is 27C/81F and windless. Mother cat has eaten and slunk off it the shade of a bush to sleep. We have to clean the patios and read the Sunday papers. Definitely another swim is called for and then a cold lunch of protein.

16th June, 2014

Don’t get too excited but we cleaned the patio today! It was a day which didn’t start well because my internet and mobile provider, Cosmote, was off line for the first three hours. It was probably transmitter maintenance on the island but it meant I couldn’t listen to the Today programme on the BBC. I got over it by watching BBC TV News but it’s not the same.

A warmish day – about 26C/79F – which encouraged us to go for another swim and the water was warm and crystal clear. A pleasant day that ended with a disappointing Portuguese performance against Germany.

17th June, 2014

Cosmote, was off line again this morning until 10.00 am. I don’t think Greeks have really got the hang of the importance of the Today programme. I’ll be glad when they finish the transmitter work. The British news features Schumacher’s tentative ‘recovery’ or at least coming out of his coma. It chimes with such resonance for Pauline and I because it was this day, exactly 34 years ago, that we  had a terrible car accident. We had been married for a year and a half and had just taken delivery of our first, brand new car together. It was a pageant-blue, V-reg Leyland Mini.

It was the school exams and I had huge packs of marked scripts in the boot. A man driving to work in a Ford Cortina went out of control on a sharp bend half a mile from our school and careered across the road into our car cutting it almost in two. Pauline & I both ended up in hospital and I had a severe trauma to the head which left me unconscious for about a week and semi-conscious for much longer. It took us a full year to really get over it and about five years before we got financial compensation. At least we did and have had 34 years of wonderfully fulfilling life since. It’s looking like Schumacher’s recovery is much less certain.

18th June, 2014

Cosmote made it a third day running for loss of service and again later in the day as well. We went out to Faros today. The view could not have been in more stark contrast to Heronnisos. The latter looked chic and cared for, upmarket and as if money had been spent on it. Faros looked shabby, deteriorating and distinctly down at heel as if there was no money to spend on it. There were virtually no tourists there apart from a couple of French families and, as all good Brits know, the French don’t count!

The day has turned into a hot, 30C/86F and rather muggy. We found walking rather hot and uncomfortable work and soon came home. We went down to the beach for a swim and the water was delicious. Within an hour of getting back home, there were rain spots on the windows although you wouldn’t call it a shower. Mother Cat thought it was enough to take shelter in our porch where she lay flat out and dead to the world. I settled down to watch Australia v Netherlands.

19th June, 2014

Good Morning to my ancient sister, Ruth. Hope everything is good and that Kevan is still coping with you. It is a hot and steamy morning that woke us half an hour early at 6.30 am with a thunder storm and just a smattering of rain but not enough to make a difference. the temperature has reached 31C/89 F by 12.00 pm and we have gone down to the sea to cool off.

We spent a couple of hours cleaning and clearing the edge of the road along the wall of our property to make it look more appealing or, in the jargon, give it curb appeal. We also had to clear out the storm drain in preparation for winter rains. I suppose they will come.

It was sweaty work but enjoyable and going straight down for a swim in the cool water afterwards was just the antidote. The pounds are still falling away and I am almost back to the point that I found myself in 1985 when I was overwhelmed by it and gave up fighting back. Griddled chicken breast with griddled peppers and onions was a wonderful meal today.

It is my only meal today but my stomach can’t take more.

20th June, 2014

Never take life for granted and enjoy every breath! Still in mourning for the shameful display last night until I read this morning of the death of the younger brother of Kolo & Yaya Toure from cancer yesterday at the age of 28. What a ridiculously young age to lose one’s life!

Quite a humid 27C/81F. We went for an early swim just as the tide was turning. It was producing majestic, crashing, blue waves and foamy surf which made swimming even more enjoyable. After returning home, showering and changing, we drove down to Vathy Bay for the second time in ten days to have lunch. Caper Salad, Chickpea Balls, Cucumber, Garlic & Yoghurt Dip as starters followed by roast chicken. Vathy was very busy with tourists. The tavernas were full of French diners. It really looked the chic, in-place.

Later, we were stopped in our road by our friend, the taxi-driver – περιμένετε λίγο – who loaded us up with vegetables from his garden.

We got more courgettes than we could sell at market. So kind.

21st June, 2014

Had to go down to the Port this morning to see off and wish the Boys’ Football Team and their coach, Giannis, well. They are were on their way to play a tournament on Milos. I offered myself as centre forward but Giannis declined and pointed to the recent performance of the England team in Brasil. I had to accept his decision. While we were at the Port, we met the Notary and she gave us documents to take to the Accountant’s office. Our link there came in specially to deal with our paperwork which was good of her.

En route, we called at Café Prago for coffee and gossip. They love to hear our gossip and what we think of the islanders in our lives. They can barely believe some of the things we have to tell them. Later, in the supermarket, we chat to friends who have recently retired from our Bank and we’ve known for years. They make it feel a bit like the end of an era!

Lovely swim today. The water was warm and inviting. I cooked orange glazed pork and beans for our meal. I have to say it was a great success. I must send best wishes to Ruth and Jane on their Spanish holidays. Have a lovely time. I must also say ‘hello’ to Simon Baddely who maintains the Blog, Democracy Street where he lives part time on Corfu. I have followed his Blog for years and.  I wrote to him last July and he replied today. That’s snail-mail!

8th June, 2014

A warm day which reached 27C/81F. We were up at 6.00 am and drinking fresh orange juice and tea shortly after. Even Mother Cat took twenty minutes to shake sleep off , stretch and ask for food. After eight weeks of three meals a day, her coat is glossily healthy. She is constantly cleaning it. She must be one of the most fastidious, feral cats around.

Later, we went out to Café Prago to meet an important friend and hear their news. The coffee there is excellent and the view even better. While we were there, two elderly Americans approached us and asked if we spoke English. Of course, I instantly replied, of course even better than Americans. They were intent on setting out to walk to Kastro and wanted to know the direction. They were in their 70s and we advised them that it would be a long, hot walk. They set off all the same.

Half an hour later, we were walking to our car when shuffling into sight came the two Americans. It was too hot and too far. They were going to get a bus back to Kamares. We took them in the car and we got their life stories and how they’d met only in the past three or four years when each other’s partners had died. They seemed delighted to be chauffeured home and insisted we take their email addresses and write to them.

Back home, we did the last of the garden clearing – an hour and a half did it. In that heat, it was enough. We have now completely cleared the first three levels and accompanying bankings. I’ve really enjoyed it and it has made me feel fitter and lighter.

Roast leg of pork for our meal. It was delicious but my appetite is so reduced, after a few mouthfuls, I was full.

I watched a dreadful 0-0 draw between England and Honduras and then Nadal beat Djokovic in the Final of the French Open.

9th June, 2014

An ultimately hot day which started off a little overcast and cool but soon got into it’s stride. I think it only reached 26C/79F but it felt very sticky and humid. It is a national holiday here just as Whit Monday used to be in Britain.

We did some house cleaning and tidying having finished in the grounds. We had a simple meal of cold, roast pig – which was delicious – with a Waldorf salad and avocado slices. It is wonderful to be able to buy really good celery here at last. In previous years it has always been dry and stringy. Now it’s up to Sainsbury’s standard!

For non-Greek speakers, there is not so much on TV to grab our interest. However, the much derided NERIT replacement for NET, the national channel, buys in BBC programmes. We have been enjoying two:

Silk – a drama about life at the Bar

and The Hour which is set in the 1950s of our childhood and is a drama about a nascent news programme on that new contraption called television.

It deals with some of the big, political stories of the day along with other social comment. Silk finishes tonight. The Hour has a few more nights to run. Thank goodness for the World Cup!

10th June, 2014

Happy Birthday to Colin who is 78 today. Commiserations to Phyllis who still has to pole dance for him.

Up at 6.00 am on a hot – 27C/81F –  and sticky day. We went out to the café and then to meet with the Notary. We have finished clearing the ground outside and have set about tidying the house inside. Today we decided to reward ourselves by going out to lunch. We drove down to Vathi Bay. It is lovely and peaceful there although they had a fair few tourists in residence today. We went to our favourite tavern where the man who served us  hadn’t been born when we first went there 28 years ago. Tsikali Taverna has long been a favourite of ours.

We had a Greek Salad, a huge plate of roast cod in lemon and olive oil sauce and a half litre of white wine. The bill was just 18.00€/£14.50. Wonderful. The later day reached 28-29C/82-84F and was uncomfortable.

11th June, 2014

Hot and windless morning. We had an early meeting with the Notary after breakfast. About 10.30 am, we went to the café for a frappe and then to the supermarket for a bit of shopping. Sound a bit desultory? It is! I felt a bit lost having finished all my jobs. We were saved by a phone call from our special friend but this afternoon I just had a snooze which is unheard of these days.

The one big plus today was that my trousers didn’t fall down. Pauline bought me two, new pairs of trousers in early April just before we came away. They were fine but a little on the tight side. In the time we have been in Greece, I have lost 4″/8cm from my waist and I recently had to keep my hands in my trouser pockets to avoid an embarrassing situation developing. Today, Pauline put tucks on both sides and one on the back of the waistband. Should get me through until October now.

12th June, 2014

The temperature peaked at 29C/84F yesterday. Today it has been a couple of degrees down as the breeze is intermittently blustery. It is about six weeks since we began ground clearing and some green weeds have begun to appear in the areas where we started. I brought 5 gallons of glyphosphate with me and we have spent the morning spraying all the recalcitrant weeds.

They will be gone in just over a week and won’t be back this year. I don’t want you to get too excited, Dear Reader, but we then completely tidied out the Garage and took five bags of rubbish to the tip. Mother Cat couldn’t believe the change in her domain. She was so shocked, she needed a bumper bowl of Italian Salmon in  Beef Gravy to recover. However, she did manage it before slinking off into the undergrowth to go a-catting!

Friday, 13^th June, 2014

Hot day today which reached 29C/84F at peak. Up fairly early, downloaded and read the newspaper then went down to check for yesterday’s post. We share a box with our special friend and there was just a card for us from Margaret who worked for Pauline for about five years in school as Head of Special Needs. She has gone on to do a bigger job in a central Government initiative in the five years since we retired and is close to retirement herself. Her daughter had a baby last winter and we took presents round. Today we got a card thanking us for the thought. That was nice.

Went out to Heronissos for a trip and really enjoyed it. So peaceful and empty.

Two other tourists arrived just as we were leaving. One wonders how the local infrastructure copes with such intensity. We had a walk, thought about eating but it was too early so drove slowly home. Pauline cooked Octopus for a salad which also included cold kippers and green, sliced beans in and oil and lemon dressing. Just before we ate, our special friend phoned us from a pedicure in Athens to make sure all our arrangements were going well. That was nice.

14^th June, 2014

Mother Cat exhibited domesticated characteristics not expected of a wild (feral) cat last night. As we sat on the patio and long after she had been fed for the third time that day –she’d had octopus bits left over from the salad Pauline had cooked, Italian Salmon with Beef Gravy and dried Chicken nuggets to the point when she must have been bursting – Mother Cat came right up to us and began to chat. We were amazed because she is normally so scared. It wasn’t much of a structured chat. It sort of went: Pu-uss / Cry, Pu-uss / Cry Cry, Cry Cry / Pu-uss. I may not have recorded it verbatim but you will get the gist. She stayed until we went in and then slept on the patio chairs until morning call for Breakfast.

I watched the fantastic win by Holland over Spain last night with van Persie’s brilliant, headed first goal that started the onslaught. Of, course, I would expect nothing less of a Man. Utd player.

The temperature last night was perfect for sleep and we woke at 6.30 am very refreshed. Our old friend, Giannis the plumber, is coming to service the compressor attached to our water system. He does this every summer, pumping the water out and fresh air in to maintain a smooth water pressure. It takes minutes, he refuses money and the system works perfectly.

As the day has developed, the temperature has reached 29C/84F. We reached a momentous decision. It is time for our first swim of the season. Last year, we waited until July 1st but today feels absolutely right and so it proved. The water was warm and delicious for 45 mins vigorous exercise. Afterwards, Pauline cooked tarragon chicken with roasted vegetables (onion, mushroom, tomato and pepper). It was wonderful and eaten to the sound of rifle volleys over the valley as the marriage of Young Simos was launched and celebrated. Tonight, we will go to bed at 10.00 pm and the alarm will ring at 1.00 pm for me to watch the England match against Italy. After that result, I probably won’t need to watch any more England matches but you never know.

1st June, 2014

Welcome to the new month. Hope it brings us all good luck – well most of us!

Ruth emailed me at 11.00 pm on Saturday night from Britain to say that I had posted this too early and was wishing my days away. I am rather guilty of that but, on this occasion, she was writing at 1.oo am Sunday in Greece. How time flies!

2nd June, 2014

Beautiful start to the day – warm and sunny but not too hot (23C/73F). We were out by 9.00 am working in the garden and we were absolutely shattered by 12.00 pm. I am really enjoying the exercise. I don’t think Pauline is as enthusiastic but, when I suggests she sits in the shade with her book, she says she daren’t leave me because I push myself too hard and she needs to be able to make sure I’m still breathing. That’s real dedication.

This afternoon, the weather rather clouded over. It was still warm. We ate our miniscule meal of fish and salad outside but, as the afternoon developed, it began to look as if we might get a bit of rain. Let’s hope so!

3rd June, 2014

Fascinating day. We woke up to heavy skies and 19C/66F. It had rained lightly over night exactly as the BBC had forecast. We went shopping and then came back to do some more land clearing. Just as we finished it began to rain although lightly and intermittently. Pauline cooked delicious fillet steaks in a mustard sauce with onions, mushrooms and tomatoes. Just as we finished cooking outside, it threw it down.

The ridiculous thing was that two filet steaks cost €3.80 (£3.00). Must get some more of those!

The cat wasn’t happy. She came for her meal very early in order to avoid the rain but she was on constant alert because of the thunder over head.

4th June, 2014

Wonderfully strange day. We woke up to leaden skies, thunder and dampness (no more) in the air. You would have guessed that it would rain. It didn’t.

Mother cat turned her nose up at the new dried cat food from Arades supermarket and promptly left. She returned at 11.00 am and had the same dried food mixed with her Italian salmon in beef gravy. She ate the lot and scarpered. You can’t beat real class in a cat!

I had my haircut. You’ve got to keep up appearances you know. We went out and did a couple of hours of physical labour in the garden. We should finish in the next three days and will only be a week behind the professionals last year. Pauline cooked pork chops accompanied by apple and onion compôte and cauliflower with a blue cheese and tomato topping. She is brilliant.

5th June, 2014

Woke up to cloud over the mountains.

Another busy day. The Lottery contacted us to say we had won again. We expected £10.00 in our account but got overwhelmed with £25.00. The Notary phoned to say she urgently needed to see us and then our architect told us he would call tomorrow. We can’t cope with all this attention.

I haven’t got round to posting the ferry timetables so here are last week and this week:

Later the Notary phoned again. We will probably have another meeting tomorrow in her beautiful new office where the phones never stop ringing. We’ve been out and blown our Lottery win on special food for Mother Cat. I might try it myself.

6th June, 2014

Well, it just shows that one can have predictable days in Greece just as anywhere else. Today we did two early hours slog in the garden. It will be finished by Monday. Just as I predicted and as he promised, the architect turned up around mid day. He was very helpful and reassuring. He told us that the price we are asking for the house was exactly right in today’s market. He gave us lots of tips to tell potential buyers. He also offered ‘free’ help in the selling process. He said our house was in exactly the right position and on the favoured side of Kamares now. It should attract a premium because people want property on ‘the sunny side’ now. It was a very positive half hour. He left after giving us a new topographic chart which shows we have a bit more land than we thought.

As soon as the architect had gone, the Notary phoned and we went up to meet her at her office, taking our new paperwork with us. She is a really impressive worker and has already worked wonders for us. We agreed on one or two things and then went off to Café Prago for a frappe because it had really turned quite warm – 25C/77F. We spent the afternoon tidying the house of unwanted clutter and will reward ourselves with Dinner out tonight.

7^th June, 2014

Had a lovely meal last night with Panos & Rania. Quite a warm night. We got up at 6.30 am and, after breakfast, took out five bags of rubbish. How we generate so much I don’t know. When we got back, we cleaned the car in the cool of the pre-sun morning and then settled down to fresh coffee and the newspapers for about half an hour. Out shopping at the supermarket and then back again after getting home because I forgot to pick up two big bags of oranges and onions.

Our very best friend on the island phoned to check we were ok and tell us about a play we should go and see. At 11.00am, it was 26C/79F but we ventured out into the garden. We did a couple of hours’ clearing. Two more tomorrow and it will be finished. What will I do for exercise then? Anna told me last night that I can move on to hers. It’s not going to happen but nice try. Our meal today was very frugal. Pauline made Waldorf Salad and cold pork.

Three mouthsful and I was full.

25th May, 2014

The last week in May, 2014 and the Mediterranean has arrived on Sifnos. Well, it is warm to a noticeable degree. I’ve taken to having the Living Room windows open all day to get some air through. I’m wearing short-sleeved shirts and the quilt has disappeared from the bed. A single sheet cover is enough. It happened a couple of weeks earlier last year but we are not complaining. Garden clearing was much tougher today in strong sun.

We have been here six weeks and out of Surrey for seven. Pauline cooked half a pig today. It was delicious with braised celery and onion.

26^th May, 2014

A hot 29C/84F today but feels hotter. It is actually uncomfortable. We listened to the BBC Today programme at 8.00 am (Greece) / 6.00 am (UK) to hear about the Mad Men of Europe escaping (temporarily) from the asylum. All across the Continent balmy far-right wingers and just as balmy far-left wingers have posted protest votes. Right, Left, they don’t realise that they are part of a continuous circle united and meeting in madness.  Little good will it do them ultimately but they can strut, goose step and salute their bonkers flags for now.

Because of the heat, we were out working on the land by 9.00 am and finished by 12.30 pm – exhausted and wet with sweat. We have just completed another level and, interestingly, a number of people – friends, taxi drivers, local farmers, lorry drivers all stopped to compliment us on our work. It makes no real difference but it was nice.

Cold pig for lunch. The pork had developed a wonderful flavour over night. Pauline knocked up a quick pear & onion compôte with cinnamon and ginger to go with it. How wonderful! She is so clever. We are also gorging on white-fleshed peaches at the moment.

I’m sure we’ll soon get tired of them.

27^th May, 2014

So hot out in the garden today. We could only cope with three hours work as the temperature reached 27C / 81F by 11.00 am. Still, we worked, made a difference and lost a lot of sweat. Chicken and onions with beans for our meal today.

28^th May, 2014

A hot and humid start to the day. We began garden clearing at 9.00 am and managed about 3 hrs. The two, old pensioners we employed last year managed double that every day for eight days.  We were dripping with sweat throughout. We are really making an impact and have nearly cleared two of the three first levels around the house. It is enjoyable and really impacting my weight loss. I have lost over a stone (6 kilos) since we got here six and a half weeks ago. Pauline bought clothes for my new shape when we were leaving Surrey and they are already beginning to feel big.

I’m never hungry now. I am eating so little that I’m not surprised I’m losing weight. I thought that was the cause of my blacking out spells but, when one happened today, Pauline tested my blood pressure and it was very low as was my pulse. We think that, since I’ve lost weight, I don’t need the same quantity of tablets for high blood pressure. That will be something to address when we get home in October.

29^th May, 2014

According to newspaper reports today of a study published in the Lancet, British girls have become the fattest in Europe – mind you, they are only followed marginally behind by Greek girls. How could they let themselves go like this? It is such a crime to be obese! According to the survey, 29.2% of girls under 19 are obese compared with 29.1% in Greece.

The difference is that the UK NHS is going to be given funding to address the issue by sending the overweight on slimming courses at the Nation’s expense. I bet that doesn’t happen in Greece. I’m pleased to say that I have lost a stone since I got back to Greece and it has been largely by forcing myself to do physical labour. It’s wonderful to be holier than thou!

The weather has changed in the blink of an eye and gale force winds with fairly heavy rain has hit us although it is still 23C/71F. It is quite exciting to see the ground we’ve cleared turn dark with moisture. Good job we brought gallons of heavy duty weed killer with us because there are going to be a lot of weed seedlings in the next couple of weeks after this.

30^th May, 2014

Well, it was some evening/night. The rain was stronger and more prolonged than anticipated and some of the gusts of wind were very forceful, leading to us moving furniture off the patio. Our job today was to move a haystack of cleared vegetation down to the lower level. Instead, the wind had done it for us and we were clearing the gate. At least we weren’t feeling as fed up as this owl also caught in a violent storm in North Yorkshire yesterday and featured in The Times.

Coffee at the café and a meeting with the Notary this morning then back to read the paper and clear the patio of last night’s debris. There’s nothing like living life in the fast lane …. and this is nothing like it either.

Interesting late afternoon second meeting with the Notary has left us with decisions to make over the weekend. We know what to do! Opened a bottle of wine and Pauline cooked sweet & our prawn balls. Wonderful!

31^st May, 2014

Well, say goodbye to May 2014 for ever. You will never see it again. Actually, it has turned out to be a lovely, lovely day today with warm sunshine – only 24C/75F – with a light breeze. After shopping and filling up with petrol, we did a three hour stint in the garden which felt good. Actually, we have been on the island for seven weeks and this is only our second tank of petrol. It cost €90.00 to fill up. We always go to the Elinoil garage which currently has a sticker on its pumps advertising the longevity of the company’s establishment. 1954 – 2014 it trumpets.

The garage owner was keen to point out he was of the same vintage. Bet I know who is richer!

 

18th May, 2014

Did absolutely no work today at all. It felt great. Downloaded the Sunday papers. Pauline cooked a wonderful leg of lamb that she had marinated in (our garden’s) lemon and rosemary for 24 hrs. It was absolutely gorgeous just like her. Because Greek television was dominated by local elections until the early hours, I broke the tradition of a lifetime and watched a film. I hate films but I quite enjoyed this one. It was Julia Roberts, Clive Owen and Jude Law in Closer. It demanded a bit of brainwork to keep up. Of course, I was watching it a decade late but that felt so much better!

19th May, 2014

Back to work today – well, garden clearing. If only Phyllis was here. She could be helping! Perfect day for it – cool and overcast. Actually, large spots of rain began to appear around 12.00 pm and turned into consistent rain by 12.30 pm. Now 3.00 pm and still raining. We can hear it draining from the roof into our Sterna. The only person not happy about it is Mother Cat who arrived bedraggled and complaining loudly. We pacified her with cold lamb which she appeared to love.

Nikos was the first to spot the deliberate mistake. He is awarded the honour of five more years under the Troika Government for his vigilance.

20th May, 2014

Later yesterday after a reasonable amount of rain for mid-May, we found the cat curled up and sleeping on MY outdoor dining chair. If there could be any doubt, the evidence exhibited below was photographed this morning.

Mother Cat is GUILTY!

Did another hard morning of garden clearing and retired at around 1.00 pm for a well deserved rest. Meant to keep the ferry schedule up to date so here are the last two:

It’s not to bad at the moment.

21st May, 2014

You will not be surprised to learn that we adopted a cat with taste. Her favourite food is Italian salmon and today she totally rejected a huge bowl of lamb bits – probably because the garlic flavour was too strong.

Another productive day land clearing only interrupted by a call from Athens from our architect who has been asked to do a job for us. We will meet him soon.

22nd May, 2014

Another good day. Windy but quite warm at 24C. We just did a bit of early shopping and then back to the garden clearing. We are really beginning to see a difference which is spurring us on. The additional benefit is the expenditure of energy aka calories. I hit a new milestone today – a weight that I haven’t seen since 1990. It spurs me on.

23rd May, 2014

Will you still love me when I’m 65? You are and I still do. Happy Birthday, Ruth.

It always feels good that you are so much older than me. Have a lovely day. It is a little blustery here but getting hotter.

We went up to the National Bank of Greece to take an official document from our architect, had coffee at Prago Coffee Shop and then come home to do a hard morning’s garden clearing. We live so frugally these days. We hardly ever spend any money. We buy petrol once a month, fresh fruit and vegetables once a week and at least two of our meals out of seven consist of salad and tinned oily fish – kippers or mackerel – which we brought from UK. Apart from fresh orange juice for Breakfast followed by Yorkshire tea and fresh Italian coffee, I only eat one meal around 3.00 pm. Any wine we drink, I brought from France and Italy. Our biggest outlay is on cat food. Mother Cat is insatiable but I can deny her nothing.

24th May, 2014
Lovely end to the week – warm (26F/79F) and calm. We went out to do the weekly shop and have our regular banter with Flora and Mario. We also went to the butchers and bought half a pig. Well, it felt like it as I carried it to the car. Actually, 3.5 kilos or nearly 8lb of pork leg along with 5 pork chops for which we paid €35.00 or £28.00. We  decided to not do any work in the garden today but laze around reading the papers and listening to the radio discussions about local and European elections in Britain. This is heaven for me.

Our meal was a tin of kippers and tomato & cucumber salad with anchovies and blue cheese. This is also heaven for me. I haven’t allowed myself cheese for months and I love it! Looking forward to the Madrid v Madrid final tonight. Unfortunately, it kicks off at 9.45pm Greek time which is late for a little lad like me.

11^th May, 2014

Doesn’t time fly when one’s enjoying oneself? I may be finding garden clearing hardwork but it is certainly doing me good and making me feel better – when I stop. My only problem is that I have a constantly recurring propensity to black out briefly when I am working hard. Everything goes black in my sight and gongy in my ears. I feel like I am going to pass out and fall over. Pauline panics, understandably. It happens so often now that I’ve learned to cope with it.

At least I am showing positive results in my weight loss challenge. Since I started sixteen months ago, I have lost 9 stones or 57 kilos. This is rather more than my wife weighs in her entirety. No wonder I’m passing out!

Liverpool couldn’t do it, could they? Even my friend, Giannis, who is an ardent Liverpool fan, doesn’t believe it any more but no one I know wants City to do it. We’ll see this afternoon.

12^th May, 2014

Lots of garden clearing today. We are very tired and aching after it. Received a phone call from London from our underfloor heating company, Warmup. They want to know if we would like to upgrade our installation in Greece.

13^th May, 2014

I’m sorry the Blog is even more boring than usual. We have hardly left our grounds for days. We are still working on clearing weeds and will be for quite some days yet. At least this year our lemon trees have fruited well. We are picking them as and when we need them. Unlike apples and pears, they seem to hold perfectly on the trees for a long time.

I will try to do something more interesting than photograph lemons in the next few days so as not to bore my readers any more!

14^th May, 2014

I was wrong about boring. Our house was inundated with visitors in the afternoon. I will tell you more if and when I can. It was tiring and stressful. For four weeks we live a quiet life and then the world turns up. I don’t know about you but I find that tiring and stressful.

We decided to go out to eat and went to Absinthe Restaurant.

It majors on Greek Smyrneian cuisine and makes a welcome change from traditional island fare.

Today, we still felt full from eating too much. We worked in the garden and then started sorting things out inside the house. It’s nice to get rid of some old stuff at times. It’s also nice to reminisce through papers of the past.

15^th May,2014

A chilly start to the morning on a calm and, eventually, reasonably warm (23C) day. We haven’t been out. Garden clearing was the morning’s focus. There is something reassuring about the small world relationships of a tiny, Greek island. We were clearing down near our boundary wall along the roadside. While we were working, Moshka’s husband, Apostolis, came down from the farm on his motorbike and stopped to say ‘Yassas’ and ask if we were ‘Kala?. His son, Nikos, came by on his bike and gave a cheery wave. Papa Boulis brought his brother down in the Hotel van, driving the flock of sheep before them. They stopped to admire our land clearance and to ask how we were. The farmer who we call ‘Smiler’ for obvious reasons, tooted and waved and our friend, the taxi driver, tooted twice as he went up and again as he went down the hill. These are superficial but life-informing contacts.

I tested my INR this morning and recorded a near perfect 2.6. It really is great to be in charge of my own destiny by testing and self-prescribing and it’s all free on the wonderful NHS!

16^th May,2014

How can we have got past the half way mark in may already? Feeling the strain of daily garden activity. My arms and fingers ache, my legs are cramping. I’m finding it hard to hold the mattock straight today. Press on!

Only managed a couple of hours work today although the weather was ideal – a cool 23C/71F. Resorted to reading the newspaper and snoozing. It’s one of those things you can do when you’re retired. Lovely story in The Times of a sign outside a Health Club:

Fat and Ugly? Join our Gym and just be ugly.

This was counteracted by the shocking but predictable report of:

Research which heaped doubt on the rate of global warming was deliberately suppressed by scientists because it was “less than helpful” to their cause..

It’s standard stuff from the Climate Religion these days.

17^th May,2014

It is a delightful, warm (23C) summer’s day. Out of the sun and, when the breeze is there,  there can be a slightly chilly cutting edge. We ache from days of garden clearing and have decided to rest. We did our shopping in Apolonia and came home for coffee and the papers.

We have been so busy in the five weeks since we got here that we haven’t seen much of the island at all. We drove down to Platys Gialos. It was very enjoyable. The resort has been much smartened up since we were last there. Took these photographs en route:

We came back and prepared meal of cold, smoked fish and salad – delicious and very healthy. The only downside today is that Greek TV has not bought the FA Cup Final from ITV/BT Sport. Pity!

4th May, 2014

We couldn’t sleep so got up around 6.30 am. We even went out to the Café early – 8.30 am – to download The Sunday Times and gossip over coffee. Back home, we got the pressure washer out for the first time this year and cleaned the car. We must have English suburbia ingrained. Sunday Morning/Clean the car.

Didn’t eat much today. We weren’t hungry. We had tomato & cucumber salad with kipper fillets. Watched a couple of poor football matches this afternoon which confirmed that Chelsea are out of the race. Early night. We must get some physical work done tomorrow.

Just going to bed at 10.30 pm and Mother Cat turns up at the back door looking sweet and starving. Pauline opened a new tin of her favourite Italian Salmon. Well, it looks and smells vaguely like salmon but also contains beef and lamb. She loves it and came back for seconds tonight. I can deny her nothing!

5th May, 2014

Wonderful day – warm but not too hot. Spent the morning gardening and the afternoon sorting through clothes. This house is stuffed full of HUGE t-shirts, trousers, shorts, swimming trunks that I will no longer wear or need. We have filled three, enormous bin bags with them ready for them to go to the charity shop (or similar). Our special friend has told us of a church organisation who will receive them and redistribute – if they can find desperate, very large men who want to look ‘cool’ (not!).

Mother Cat was waiting at 7.00 am and was fed. She was back at 4.00 pm and was fed. She came back for another helping but we had run out. Of to the Notary’s office tomorrow along with shopping so she might get some more in the evening.

We have booked the hotel for our break in Athens. Interestingly, it was cheaper through Booking.com than by doing it direct with the hotel. Strange!

6th May, 2014

Went to bed late last night after watching Liverpool go 3-0 up with half an hour to go. Couldn’t believe it this morning when the BBC reported that they had drawn the match. It looks like it was all a step to far for this season. Pity. Busy day so up early and out. Another meeting with the Notary amongst other things and disposal of five/ heavy bin bags of clothes which we sorted out yesterday. The amount of money that has been piled into these things is embarrassing.

Posted Ruth’s Birthday card today. It must be difficult to be so old. Being so much younger, we went out for Lunch at Captain Andreas’ Taverna. Later in the evening, I watched the Manchester United team’s swansong as they beat Hull 3-1.

7th May, 2014

A blustery and chilly (19C) morning. We are spending the day gardening which should generate some heat.

The Notary has asked us to meet her again tomorrow morning. I am watching the City v Villa match tonight. City only need a point to be virtually sure of the Championship. It may not take long tonight. Walked round outside this evening. The air is distinctly nippy. Inside the house is wonderfully warm. The assessor said we have one of the most energy efficient houses on the island.

8^th May, 2014

It is incredible that we left our Surrey home almost five weeks ago and have been living in our Greek home for a month. We have almost forgotten what it is like to go out to a supermarket and find, not only what we want but so much more to tempt us. It might cost more but it is there to tempt us. We have been in Greece for a month and I haven’t seen one Health Club. How strange the world is!

As the Geek from Hell, I catalogue everything. I know exactly how much I have in my Greek Bank account, my UK Bank Account, my Investment Bank Account, my ISA accounts. I know how much electricity, water, etc. that I use each week in my Greek house and my UK house. I record my INR, my blood pressure, my blood sugar, my cholesterol. I know how much I paid for my washing machine in 1982 and my coffee machine in 2014. It amuses, amazes and sometimes horrifies people. However, when the Notary wants some information, she is confident she will get the answer with paperwork to back it up. So it was today when we went up to meet her in her delightful office garden.

In line with my geekery, I capture and record the ferry timetable for our island – for future reference. At least it will inform my book. In the month since we arrived, these are the timetables in place:

9^th May, 2014

Haven’t been out today. We’ve been garden clearing and really enjoying it. The day has only been interrupted by phone calls from our special friend and from the Notary. Otherwise, we have worked with a will.

Mother Cat is, at best, feral. She is a wild cat but, within two weeks of our return, has settled in to a twice daily feeding pattern. She is waiting at 7.00 am when we get up and is fed dried food and a bowl of water. At 6.00 pm, she calls for her Supper and has a bowl of fish mixed with dried food.

We usually have a chat before she eats but, when she’s finished, she leaves fairly swiftly and silently.

10^th May, 2014

I don’t think I’m cut out for gardening. I just don’t have the stamina. Last year, The Pensioners worked six hours per day clearing our land with barely a rest. This year, these pensioners need all the rest they can get and don’t manage more than three hours per day. It’s not very impressive but what is these days?

Spent yesterday dealing with matters back in Surrey, writing letters, emails, etc.. I think I’m more built for the academic life.

 

27th April, 2014

Mum died six years ago today. I find it almost impossible to believe. It has gone so fast. So much has happened in the time. And yet the pain is still there. I weep for her.

My natural instinct to phone her and discuss the day’s events has, naturally, lessened over the years but is still there regularly. I know I will carry it until the day I die.

Went to the Cafe this morning and were warmly greeted by Christos and his Mother and Father. Had coffee and a chat to the practical joker – Makis – who keeps asking us to go for coffee. We must do it soon.

28th April, 2014

Out to the Accountant first thing this morning. Call in for coffee at Prago and post the Blog. I am expecting Giannis to call in the next few days to give me a mobile internet dongle. We have a number of things To do at the Accountant’s including requesting an E9 Form for the Notary. Don’t ask!

The day will be dominated by gardening. Fortunately, it is a cool 17C this morning which is conducive to physical work. Yet another football match tonight although I was saddened to watch Liverpool lose to Chelsea last night and for Gerrard’s mistake to be the cause of it. Maybe they can still do it.

29th April, 2014

My friend, Giannis, called this afternoon to tell me he had my internet connection ready. It is a new Cosmote wi-fi hub which will allow us to connect our two laptops, the Desktop and iPad.

What a wonderful man! He ordered it from his friend who runs Germanos on Leros. He was down in Kamares because the football team he coaches is playing here tonight. Internet in the Study. Life can start again.

30th April, 2014

Well, the last day of April has opened cold (15C) and wet. Now we have a wi-fi hub, Breakfast was improved with the radio – BBC Today programme with John Humphreys – which made my fresh orange juice even better.

Off to Apollonia this morning. Coffee at Prago but spied some very interesting people at another coffee shop. Mario’s Supermarket have offered me a job packing customers’ bags. I have yet to decide. I don’t know if I’m cut out for it.

1st May, 2014

May already. Happy new month to you all.

It’s a beautiful day here on Sifnos – just right for gardening. For the first time in this house I’ve downloaded my newspaper through wi-fi thanks to Cosmote Leros and Giannis. It will make life much more enjoyable. Happy May.

Pauline is booking a three night break in Athens to have her hair cut and generally swan about the shops to take advantage of Greek deflation. Electra Palace Hotel will be our choice.

All day cats have been howling in the olive grove. Occasionally, we would catch sight of a face in the long grasses. Tonight, to make our day, Mother Cat returned for the fourth consecutive year and brought two, huge children with her. They are much bigger than her so, wherever they’ve been during the Winter, they haven’t been starving. Pauline had saved two tins of Mother’s favourite Salmon and put one out in three separate bowls which were quickly cleaned. Children eh! Who’d have them?

More pictures to follow when I can catch them.

2nd May, 2014

Nice, quiet day gardening and reading the newspaper. We haven’t been out at all. Pauline cooked a meal of chicken, peppers and onions. Hold the Front Page!

Actually, one remarkable occurrence today involved our on-line Banking. You may find this strange but we have so many different things going on that I check our Bank accounts each morning normally and provide updates to Pauline who transfers them to her computerised accounts. She has been keeping them since shortly after we got married. With the re-introduction of our internet connection here, my normal routine has been resumed. Until today.

Today I was locked out of our accounts at 8.00 a.m.. I phoned the bank in UK and was told we were suspiciously attempting to access data. What was suspicious? We are in Greece! This is the first time in years they have found it necessary to question our actions. Apparently, it is a sign of heightened security because of increasing fraud from abroad. We don’t complain. Indeed, we have to  be thankful they are protecting our assets so assiduously.

3rd May, 2014

A lovely day although only 19C. We drove up to Apolonia where it was like a different climate – three degrees cooler, cloudy and threatening rain. Tried to blow it down to Kamares to help with the gardening but without luck.

Pauline booked her hair apartment with Michalis Anousakis at his salon across the road from our hotel. She has been using him for quite a number of years now and, despite being a city centre salon, the charges are a quarter of her Vidal Sassoon stylist.