Tuesday 16th August

Although I am not 'officially retired' and still log-in to the computer a couple of times a day to sort things for the US schools of WCL I am wondering if this is what retirement becomes? You do very similar things each day but it is the order that you do them in that changes. With the lovely weather here it is easy to get into that scenario. 24C is the early morn temp according to my very cheap weather station that I have bought rising to the 34C early afternoon.

So with routines and patterns already set its the early morning bike ride, well not too early setting off a 10 o'clock. This time is fine for me but after a few turns of the wheel Lillian was saying 'Its hot today'. Along the cycle track up to Faros lighthouse and then downhill along the coast towards Meneou. Sometimes we ride only a few meters from the water. Inland across the fields and then back to the coast to get back home in just about an hour. How many calories was that?

Back home time for my first real 'strop' of our time here. I was so angry and was typically me getting angry with things I can't control. The wretched Mesh computer has gone wrong again with the dreaded 'black screen' - its on but the screen is black. I will need to take it back to the UK. This is the third time but of course is now out of guarantee. At over £1000 I am less than pleased and it has proved to be a real bad buy. I am more miffed that as lillian will e by herself for 10 days whilst I am away she will not be able to practice her Greek using the Roseta Stone which needs to operate via CD. I think I will by another one when in the States next week and be done with it.

A shopping trip to Lidl and Carrefour in Larnaca and to get the printing done for home - guess what? The only internet cafe in Larnaca is closed between 13-1600. They like their afternoon siesta here.

Once back its unpack, swim in the pool. Yes 20 lengths again and then fill the hot tub as the guy should arrive in the morning to commission it. Lets hope he really does come and we are sitting in it under the stars tomorrow night We have found this is not always the case here, especially with Quality Group people who say they are coming and never do and as for Cyprus Luxury Furniture. Yes we will deliver by Friday, today is Wednesday and not a word. We will not be recommending them to anyone and once our order is complete I will be saying so on the various Cyprus Ex Pat forums.

A lovely day, except for the computer, finished even worse with Ipswich losing 2-5 at home, their third successive home loss in a week. Its going to be another long painful season.