Saturday 18th February 2012

A lovely day with blue skies from morning to night and plenty of sunshine, although the temperature did not get above 62F due to the wind still blowing strongly.  Sitting on the patio it was at times quite warm.  If only you could keep out of the wind!

With a fairly late start to the day, giving Julia time to orientate herself and get settled we sat for a while just chatting.  Although the conversations changed from one thing to another I found myself wandering off around the garden, typing the bushes that are trying hard to withstand the bashing from the wind, pulling some Charlie, collecting leaves and cutting a couple of black underlay strips and fitting ready for stones on top.

There must be a white one here somewhere?

As morning turned into afternoon it was time to go for a drive and collect stones.  We went up to the lighthouse and along the car track by the sea, getting out to look at the view a couple of times, eventually making a stop at Umbrella beach to collect stones for the garden.  Back into the car I drove to the coastal road which goes to Zygi although turning off to to Mazatos and then via Terasafanou to Kiti where we stopped at the old church for Julia to take pictures.  The church was closed but Lillian chatted with the guy in the small gift shop and bought a calendar which has the months and days of the week in greek.  It now hangs on the fridge so that she can practice each day.  It was an enjoyable couple of hours for us all.

Back home it was decided that it was getting cold to sit outside due to the wind, whereas with the underfloor heating going and the sun shining through the glass it was too warm!  At 1630 it was time for me to stroll to the Cottage pub for the afternoon football watching.  I know quite a few people in there now so I stood with a Sheffield Utd and a Doncaster Rovers supporter as we watch Norwich lose at home (Hurrah) as the match keeping an eye on the latest scores for our respective teams.  Two very happy guys, especially me letting out my customary yelp each time it flashed up that Ipswich had scored.  It has become a bit of a joke with a number in the pub!  3-0 win and the fourth on the trot for the first time since 2006.  Happy times.

At 1900 Lillian and Julia arrived ..... as planned and from there we went to Soutsos for a meal.  The main restaurant was full of locals celebrating at a birthday party.  All dressed in their finest clothes.  Interesting to see that the men all wear suits at such functions, even the youngest.  All very smart.  With the party was local music which was good if not somewhat loud although we left before any dancing started, which we were sure would follow.  The meal was good and for Julia the first taste of gleeko, a sugared fruit.  She enjoyed this local treat especially the walnuts.

A lovely day.