Thursday 23rd April 2015 – St. George's Day!
Larissa, Anja, Gary, Archie and I |
Larissa, Joe, Gary, Archie and I |
Four generations! |
Going home |
Nana babysitting |
Grandad time |
Archies first feed from his Grandad |
Great nana cuddles |
Even more Great nana cuddles |
First night at home. |
This afternoon I went for my haircut and then went for a Carvery for my friend Helen's grandson William's 9th birthday tea. I couldn't end the day without seeing Archie, so I called for a cuddle – just in time to feed him. He is doing so well now and gulped it all down quite quickly. He is just so adorable!
I am going to miss you so much my ickle treasure.
I was able to 'talk' to Phil tonight – he has had no Internet for 2 days, but it is sorted now with a whole new system – so fingers crossed we may stay online a bit more.
Well the end of another perfect week – although most of it was spent in the UK. I apologise to anyone who was expecting lots of Greek photos. It is not everyday you get to visit your brand new Great grandson.
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.
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.
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.
Thursday 9th April 2015
Bright and sunny this morning only 9° though. It did get up to 17° but never felt that warm because of the cold wind.
Phil and Fox – the Marvel puppy |
We went down to Sharons for a quiz. This time to raise money for Roz and Nick. Roz was diagnosed with Breast cancer a few years ago. After being given the all clear over a year ago, she is now poorly again. We are raising funds for some things she desperately needs. There were about 20 people attending, but we raised €170.
I didn't take a photo because we were all huddled round the side out of the wind. So here is one of the van.
He took us to Bavias Taverna, just outside Sidari.
Cozy fire! |
Lunch Greek Salad, chips and nice coffee |
Brouklis Taverna |
Pumpkin pie |
This is Poppy chilling after her dinner |
Thursday 2nd April 2015
We docked at 7am and made our way across the port to catch the little ferry to Corfu.
Only in Greece would this white van be allowed to board |
Easter bunny for Sophia |
When we docked we made our way North to Arillas and arrived about mid-day to a warm welcome from t'other Phil and Jen, our dear friends from Glastonbury, Kostas, Spiro and Sophia. We had a quick glass of wine and then went over to our apartment, we unpacked the van, Phil had a much needed siesta while I took Poppy for a run and also to buy some water. I drove down to the front, and had a quick welcome kiss from Dimitris at Brouklis. He is busy having a new extraction system fitted in the kitchen, also decorating ready for the opening after Easter. I saw Leon and Billy in Amourada they were laying a new floor, the whole place looked like a building site. I passed the new Beauty shop next to Theos car hire. The Malibu have also created a new cosy area, they look just about ready to open. Then on to Sharon’s, there was lots of activity going on, painting, cleaning and tidying. I saw Sharon, Gary and Poppy, Will and Danielle, Angie, Lezek and Bobby. I had a quick chat to Sharon while Poppy had a run around, it was too rough to take her on the almost non existent beach. Sharon leant me a 6 pack of water to save me going up to Berettas. We had a nice meal at the Marvel this evening with t'other Phil and Jen.
Friday 3rd April 2015
Good Friday in the UK. We have to wait for Easter until next weekend in Greece.
We had a lazy morning and then made our way down to Sharon's pool bar for a quiz..
Joined up with t'other Phil and Jen – our team name was 'The 4 Village Idiots' – we won!
I went in the pool lol. |
Sunday 5th April 2015
Monday 6th April 2015
Our lovely friend Bob brought us a fresh loaf from his local bakery today, |
Testing the new bench |
We had a quick chat to Billy, Amourada still looks like a builders site, they have installed a new ramp for prams, wheelchairs etc. We asked when they will be open and he more or less said when they see the first coachload of visitors they will rush around and open. The ATM is still covered and the notice says ' Open from April to October' hello…it is April lol. We went to the Marvel to say goodbye to Steffi and Nils who were flying back to Germany tonight.
On our way back to the apartment we picked some oranges and lemons.
24th March 2015
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Setting off from Hull to Zeebrugge on North Sea Ferries, we had a nice surprise when we boarded, as we could leave Poppy in the van and not have to put her in a kennel like we did last year. This is something they are going to introduce soon, there will also be a dog walking area. We went down to see her a few times, but she was perfectly settled in familiar surroundings.
Jean and I on the ferry – starting as we mean to go on! |
This year we had an extra passenger, my cousin Jean joined us to be dropped off at her sister Maggie's place in France. Maggie and Paul, her husband, live in Saint Sulpice Lauriere, which is not far from Limoges. They live there with their son Steve and daughter in law Sarah.
25th March 2015
We had a great journey opting to take the Toll (Peage) roads as we wanted to get to Maggie's as quickly as possible. Tolls were about €45. The traffic was very heavy on the Boulevard Peripherique around Paris. We completed the 420 miles at about 6pm. We had a wonderful, very late evening – drinking, eating and more drinking, putting the world to rights, catching up on childhood memories and lots of laughs.
26th March 2015
Breakfast today included some local honey,
3 different kinds, all different but equally delicious.
We had a lazy, relaxing day. More eating, drinking, talking and laughing. It was great to have a look round their place and meet their pets. They have a dog called Maya, a miniature goat called Fleur, some chickens, 2 geese, one called George who is quite grumpy and one called Gertie. and a hedgehog called Mille.
Millie |
George |
Fleur the miniature goat |
Maggie and Paul live in the main house, Sarah and Steve live in a one bed 'gite' next door. Steve has his business, a brewery, in the barn. There are some beautiful views over the countryside.
Another evening of eating and drinking until very late. Maggie is a fantastic cook, she seems to whiz up food, including homemade breads, soup and meals at the drop of a hat.
27th March 2015
Maggie, Paul, Sarah, Jean, me and Poppy |
Time for us to say goodbye to our great hosts and continue our journey to Greece. It was so good to spend time with our family, they made us feel very welcome, so much so, they have invited us back on our return journey in 3 months time.
Phil and Poppy snuggling down for the night. |
We set off around lunchtime and had a pleasant drive. No toll roads for now as we want to see as much of the countryside as possible. We passed through some quaint little villages on our way to a Camperstop for the night. We even saw a deer at the side of the road. We arrived at Villefranche-de-Rouergue but unfortunately the place we wanted was closed until 1st April despite the Camperstops book saying it was open all year. We spent the night in a McDonalds car park.
Millau viaduct is an impressive 336 meters, making this the highest bridge in the world. |
Poppy had a good run here |