2015 (Greece)

Third week

Thursday 16th April 2015

Sunny and up to 22° today was lovely sat in the garden, crocheting. Poppy had her first swim in Arillas today, she loved it.

As you can see there is a lot of seaweed and stones on the beach, we need a North wind to bring the beach back. We went to Sharons for the quiz, and teamed up with a new couple (sorry I forget their names) and Alison. We came 2nd – much better than last week. There was a good turn out again. We also got talking to George who is raising money for an animal charity.

After the quiz we popped along to see Spiros at Portofino, he was busy working, getting ready to open at the beginning of May. He was telling us he has not been too well over the winter, he has stones in his Gall Bladder and is waiting to have an operation to remove it. He has been to hospital twice the first time he went they could not do it because he had not stopped taking his blood thinning tablets and the second time his blood sugar was too high. He is expecting to have to go in during the summer sometime. We had a coffee with him and a lovely piece of home made apple pie, with sultanas and walnuts in it mmmmm.

Friday 17th April 2015

Cloudy today and much cooler than it has been 16° this morning. It warmed up later though so we relaxed in the garden again. Poppy could hardly walk today, she was very stiff, I think she overdid it yesterday. I only walked her up the lane a couple of times. The Marvel pool is looking great, Kostas and Spiros have been working very hard cleaning and painting it, now they are filling it ready for the season.

This evening we went to the Night Owl with Christine, Steve, Spiros and Alison. The food as usual was excellent, we had our usual Souvlaki, Spiros had a pork chop which almost filled his plate. As we were leaving, Jimmy from the Rainbow was there I confessed to stealing some of his oranges, he was happy I had taken them (phew) and offered me some more, I just love the Greeks. We all went back to the Marvel for a nightcap. Kostas (Coconut) was there, it was lovely to see him again. Steve is the life and soul of the party, he tells some great jokes, all of which I have forgotten. We got round to talking about the quiz some of the questions were thought provoking. As is this one of Steve's – What is it that the maker doesn't want, the buyer doesn't need and the user doesn't see? Answer at the end of this blog. We welcomed some more friends, Frank and Sue, they flew in this evening. Sue is 12 weeks post Quadruple heart bypass, and she looks as amazing, as always. Then we had to say goodbye to Alison as she is flying back to the UK on a morning flight, it has been great to spend some quality time with her. The end of another memorable night, with good friends, good food and a drink or two.

Saturday 18th April 2015

Cloudy start, but up to 20° later. The internet is really playing up today, we think it is to do with the phone lines. I did some washing and ironing, also moved the furniture around in the bedroom. Sat out in the sun for an hour before showers and hair wash ready to go and meet Steve and Christine. We went to Litharo – for Pizzas – they were as good as ever. Back to the Marvel for a nightcap – another great evening.

Sunday 19th April 2015

Quite cloudy this morning, the sun did shine later but there was a biting cold wind. I went to the airport with Kostas to meet our friend Barbara, it is her first time to Greece. I can't believe she has been all over the world but never Greece. She is staying next door to us at the Marvel. When we arrived we had drinks and a snack then I took her for a ride down to the beach, for her to see what we are always raving about. Called in and introduced her to Spiros at Portofino, Steve and Christine were helping him put new fans up. Then we drove around the village for her to get a quick glimpse of Arillas. She went to have a lie down for an hour before watching the Grand Prix with Phil and Spiro. We had Sophia's Sofrito tonight, was lovely as always. Earlyish night for Barbara as she didn't have much sleep last night. Phil and I watched Poldark.

Monday 20th April 2015

Very windy today, but it is a North wind, so hopefully the beach will come back. I had a message from Larissa this morning saying she was in hospital and in Labour. What good timing is that, she finished her last shift at McDonalds yesterday. I am very excited and booked a flight for Sunday to return home for a few days to meet my Great Grandson. We drove up to Akrotiri for lunch, Barbara loved it and was bowled over by the views.

I love this aerial photo showing both beaches on my photos.

San Stefanos

Arillas

We all went up to Mon Amour this evening and had a great meal.

As soon as we sat down I got a message from Gary that baby was born, followed by a photo of him. Meet Archie – my beautiful Great grandson, born today at 18.03 (UK time) weighing 6lb 10oz. Mother and baby are fine. I am feeling ecstatic and emotional.

Archie 5 minutes old

We sure did wet his head this evening!

Tuesday 21st April 2015

One of the first posts I read on Facebook this morning is from Joe, Larissa's partner –
'Just want you to know how proud I am of you, not once have you moaned or kicked up a fuss just got on with it all, you are a lot stronger than you realise and just from seeing you with him I know your going to be a great mum.. it's been a lot for me to take in so I know you must be exhausted by the whole experience but you still manage a smile.. I still can't believe how we've made something so perfect and no doubt there's going to be ups and downs and times were we are tested but I have no doubt in my mind that we will pull together and do the very best we can to bring our baby boy up right… So let's enjoy this journey and cherish every second… Welcome to parent hood “mummy” ' – how lovely is that!
Larissa's reply to Joe – 'Big softy joe so proud of you too I managed because I had you by my side every minute of the way and you was so brave and even though you felt like you didn't do a lot believe me you did you have no idea how happy you and our little boy have made me xxxxxx'

I am just so happy for them, a lovely little family.

Archie has his Greek hat on!

We went for a drive up to Afionas today, to show Barbara the beautiful village, we had cakes and coffee too. In the evening we drove up to Steve and Christine's house, they invited us for a meal. We all had a wonderful memorable night with them and some Greek friends too. I am amazed how there are no language barriers when you have some vino to share. Steve is so funny Barbara and I had aching jaws from laughing so much. They are wonderful hosts, the food and drinks were excellent and they insisted we stayed the night. It was a privilege to be invited, and an honour to be asked to share their home.

Wednesday 22nd April 2015

Christine cooked breakfast next morning too. We just can't thank them enough, it is a good feeling to have such lovely friends. Here are a few photos of their beautiful house and views.

This afternoon we drove over to Sidari to Sea Monkeys.

It is Andy's 50th birthday and we were invited to a BBQ to celebrate it. It was a lovely atmosphere and the BBQ was delicious. Poppy enjoyed herself too, playing with Toffee, their dog. There were lots of people willing to throw toys for them. She was shattered when she got back to Arillas. This evening we went to Armourada to watch a Winter league darts presentation. I heard this evening that Archie has had to go in an incubator as he is not feeding too well and is jaundiced. The Doctors said it may be that he has an infection and they want to keep a closer eye on him. Apparently it is common in early babies, but very worrying especially for Larissa and Joe. We hope it is better news tomorrow.

End of another eventful and unforgettable week from a very happy Great Nana.

Answer to the conundrum – Coffin.

April 23, 2015

Third week

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