Rainbow Choir in Ag Nik

A smaller than usual choir because many people were Christmas-ing in England or elsewhere, but we still gave a good performance. The microphones helped. Inga really does drag the best out of us, she's a brilliant choir mistress. I'm not sure when the next practice is but it won't be long before we are start up again. New members are always welcome.

So that was Christmas 2006

So, from all at Jane Guevara's Cafeneion, Vrahassi,

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PEACEFUL NEW YEAR

There's food in the larder, there's beer in the fridge, George and I are looking forward to seeing you all again soon.

Christmas Eve Party

This little piggy didn't go to market! Our Christmas Eve Suckling Pig Party was a great success and a great warm up for New Year's Eve!

Twas the night before Christmas...

Merry Christmas everyone. It's been a couple of weeks now and the old arm is healing very nicely. I spoke to Joanne (daughter) today and she said: "what's happening in Vrahassi, Mum, there's been no blog for ages, I'm missing all the news." So I promised her that I would write tonight. Well, it's now 2.20 p.m. and I have just got in from the bar. An old friend came to visit and what can one do but entertain. Anyway entertaining it was and a pleasure to see someone who I hadn't seen for six or seven years, the shepherd, Yannis from Lassithi who has brought his sheep down to Gouves for the winter. Well, he was in good voice and when he and George started singing it was fantastic. The only trouble was that they just didn't know when to stop and in the end I had to say, Ok it's time for beddy-byes.

Anyway, just to catch up, I'm typing with both hands although still in a bit of pain. Work has been going on on the flat above the bar all week and we have been battling with the dust, but finally most of the building seems to have been done, new windows in and the steps tiled, so Lefteris' little 'love nest' seems to be almost ready for occupation.

It is Christmas Eve tomorrow ('suppose you know that) and I have made the trifles and peeled a bucket full of potatoes. Tomorrow is going to be very busy but that is the way we want it. The pig will arrive in the morning. The barbecue (a new big one to roast the pig on a spit) is in situ and the bar is stocked with food and drink. Fairy lights adorn the square and hopefully George, by now is tucked up in bed and getting his rest before tomorrow.

We are so disappointed that the bad fog in England has stopped James and Yvonne from coming over, we were looking forward to seeing them for Christmas, always a breath of fresh air. The good news is that they hope to get over mid January and will have their party then. Meanwhile we shall do our best on the party score. Tomorrow is our Suckling Pig party, Santa Clause, pass the parcel and lots of merryment. Christmas day we shall be open for drinks and mince pies. (Christmas dinner for us). Boxing day, a roast pork dinner for all those who want it. And of course, a party on New Years' Eve.

So, sorry for the absence. A big 'thank you' to Lydia for the Christmas parcel, to our son, David and Tracy for their wonderful presents, to Joanne and Jack for a parcel from Santa and to all of you who have sent us a card and a Christmas wish. I haven't sent any cards, (nor have I washed up at home for a week) but I do promise to send everyone a card in the new year, when writing will be a bit easier. So, until then, David and I wish everyone a Happy Christmas, and a very happy and healthy New Year. May 2007 be the best year ever (and please God may I finally get a bedroom!).

The Choir is to sing in Agios Nikoloas on 29th December, in the centre of town. Our next Friends Meeting coffee morning will be on first Saturday in January, and if I don't go to bed now I won't be fit for anything. Santa Clause is coming to town tomorrow so byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee for now.

Oh the pain!

Still strapped up, so much pain and nearly two weeks now. Have had a couple of days off work, not a lot I can do but surprisingly more than you think with one hand. Greek coffee no problem. Went to carol concert at Ag Nik dowsed up with coproximol given to me by an English friend (not available from chemist). Abandoned the strapped up arm sling lent to me by another English friend) and improvised with a black scarf for vanities sake. Suffered later and soon got back to the ungainly body strap. Ah well, there you go. Getting much better at one hand typing.

Have cheered myself up be decorating the bar for Christmas. Lights, lights and yet more lights. Mince pies are somewhat of a problem and peeling apples for apple sauce but I have help just waiting in the wings. Besides my arm will be better by Christmas.

The choir will sing in the middle of Ag Nik on 29 Dec at 3ish p.m.

I am writing this and listening to Terry Wogan (how sad is that) but it's great,not only that but he's playing WALK OF LIFE (and that really is sad) good old Dire Straits.

Well looking forward to a hands free Christmas. It's strange, I'm in all this pain but I don't feel half as miserable as I did last week and the carbohydrate fest is over. Still haven't sorted out a blood test for thyroid prob, on the list. Got to get some cards off even though they will be late, AGAIN.

Thinking of all those great people I met in the summer, if you are reading this, I wish you a very merry Christmas and look forward to seeing you back in Vrahassi.

Byeeeeee for now.
Love Jane x

A CRACKING GREEK NIGHT

I have to keep this brief, writing with left hand, went ar.e over t.t in the kitchen on Sat night and now my right arm is in a sling. I'm cracking up! The good news is that it is only a little crack. I'm not blue on the inside anymore but I am a bit blue on the outside. It was a brilliant night though. I'll try to keep you all up to date. Of course David and George are rallying round. I can still give orders and it's amazing what you can do with one hand.

byeeeeeeeeee

Crash Bang Wallop!

Just when I needed the camera I didn't have it on me! Work started on the flat above the bar yesterday. Lefteris and Stella are going to live there for a while. It is being totally gutted and refurbished. First of all George rang me early to move the jeep because it was parked in front of the cafe and the wagon that was delivering bricks and sand couldn't get near enough to winch the stuff up onto the terrace. The bad news was that he had been asked to clear the cafe of people as the builder didn't know whether the weight of the building materials would be too much for the roof and it may collapse, (oh joy!). Anyway it didn't so when the truck had gone we all got back to watching the TV and drinking coffee. Then it was bang, crash, all day until late afternoon when another truck appeared to cart away all the rubble. They fixed a shoot from the balcony to the truck and dropped everything down it. The good news was that they were finished by the time people came for the Greek conversation get together.

Our little class went well, we are learning a short Christmas Carol in Greek so that we can sing along at Christmas.

So, we shall see what noise can be created today as background to all the discussion that goes on at the cafeneion. You wouldn't believe how great debates can develop out of the most trivial things. Last night David and I had a bowl of asparagus soup each (George wouldn't have any because he said soup was only for sick people), then this discussion arose about asparagus and was it wild asparagus, no, obviously not, and how long was the asparagus, and wouldn't it be better to use wild asparagus, and where wild asparagus could be found, and what did I add to the asparagus and it went on and on and on, I'm not joking, there were 4 tables of Greek men all talking about asparagus. Of course I hadn't the heart to tell them that the soup came out of a packet.

Today I am on a banana diet to try to shed a few pounds before Christmas. I bought this outfit yesterday that fits where it touches so it's an incentive.

It's the coffee morning tomorrow from eleven and then we shall be getting ready for the Greek music night. Hopefully lots of people will turn up.

Lydia, got the red cross parcel and the one from Father Christmas (hidden away). Try explaining 'stuffing' in Greek. Thanks a million.

I've got this bet with George at the moment, he says that a two litre bottle of Metaxa lasts him a week, I say it doesn't so I bought one for the customers and one for him, we are now on day three and there it certainly doesn't look as though it will last much longer.

Got to go now, a carrot cake to make and lots to do today. Hopefully I'll get a picture of the work that's going on.