A Chill Wind ...

It rained here for a few days after I returned from England, which is a pity as I expected to come back to full sun and blue skies. However I was glad enough to get back without losing anything and safe and sound. Traipsing to Athens to visit the UK begins to pall after the first 64 journeys. I like to fly Aegean Airlines though, as you don’t have to worry about how many bags you’ve got, they give you the full 20kg luggage allowance and you can ask for wine with your meal. I only know this as a woman in the row in front asked for sparking wine and had to settle for white as they didn’t have sparking and then she got red by mistake so I told the air hostess I would have it! Well, it was the start of my holiday.

Flowers on the terrace

I had a good time with my family and got loads of granny practice. Jessica has grown up so much since I saw her nine long months ago. We spent loads of time playing and not much time doing anything else. I did manage some shopping of my own and made full use of my baggage allowance to bring back a hoard of small things that you just can’t get here, including a £1 soft toy for Kelly. Any heavy or large things have to wait for the full Hymer motorhome trip of course.

Peach tree

Anyway, the weather has now taken a turn for the better and the garden is in full swing. I took a walk around today and found lots of fresh blossoms. Unfortunately the weeds and grass are also growing at a pace so my work is cut out for the foreseeable future.

Rock rose

Prunus

Not snow but Chamomile

Although it is over 20C during the day there is still a chill wind which makes it just a bit cool for lunch on the patio without a fleece but it won’t be long now before it is full ‘meals al fresco’.

All around us is frenzied activity by the Greeks busy building and preparing the villas for the new season. Traditionally it’s all smiles for the tourist and keep up the myths, and I expect it will be the same this year. No-one will want to explore the background bad news on their holiday; they probably have enough of that at home. It will be eat, drink and be merry at the tavernas as usual, and who can blame them? A veneer of sunshine will help to gloss over the shaky foundations, but we feel the chill wind and shiver.

Freesia

Chionodoxa

Iris

We also took Kelly to the vet in Lefkada for the last of her three injections for this year against Leishmaniasis. She now doesn’t like going into the vet, she plants her four feet firmly on the pavement outside so we have to push and pull her in the door, very undignified! The cat will soon be going back to his summer residence when his owners arrive next week. I’ll kind of miss his bulk on the sofa night and day!

Kelly and new friend

We took a nocturnal stroll outside last night to a high point to look north east for Mars. No joy, but we did enjoy a breathtaking view of the heavens, so clear and sparkling. In the distance the lit-up ferries passing the bay looked like diamonds speeding across the darkness. Time for reflection and to enjoy the peace and tranquility.