AUNTIE SHIELA'S SCONES

I knew I had the recipe somewhere. Books all over the floor. Screwed up bits of unwanted paper in the bin. The entire contents of cupboard emptied and systematically rifled through. Then...there it was...after almost 20 years...falling to the floor like a leaf on a still Autumn day, the flimsy piece of paper that Auntie Shiela gave me all those years ago with the recipe she used to use for the Vicarage functions in Hellifield where we used to live.

The memories came flooding back. Church, Young Wives, Teens Group, Choir: all those faces of people from my past. Where are they now? What about Auntie Shiela? Is she still making scones for the Church? Would she like to know that I am making those scones half way up a mountain in Crete? I think she might so I will make it a little mission today to try and send a little massage to her and the people of Hellifield. (I'll let you know how I do that and what reply if any I get).

Meanwhile, half way up a mountain in Crete, the May weather has not quite settled yet and it is still just a bit chilly. (For Crete that is). Dave and I went to a little birthday party last night and enjoyed some lovely pork done in the oven with potatoes. We had a good day in the bar yesterday and so sold out of a bit of stock which I'd better replenish today. It's market day in Neapolis so I am going down there to do a bit of shopping.

Adverts for the Tea Dance are ready, I'll put them around today.

David has told me that he wants the back bedroom to be finished by the end of June so we shall have to move onto the roof in the next few days. It's very pleasant up there though so I've no problem with it and anything to get the house finished. If we have enough money we shall do the bathroom too before we go to England in August.

Better get the jolly old shopping done now, so ta, taa.

TEA DANCE IN VRAHASSI

...and the idea became a word...and the word went out...and lo and behold a TEA DANCE was born.

Already I have takers for the Tea Dance which we shall hold this Sunday afternoon. Ballroom dancers get yer tucks out, little fingers at the ready, and relax mode on. This will be the first real ENGLISH event in Vrahassi. (Well they do have Greek Nights in England). I'm really looking forward to a lazy, sunny afternoon, home made cakes, scones and jam, and whatever beverage people would like, (pity I've no sherry left, have a drop of port though).

We'll go for a bit of live music (why not). The odd waltz, foxtrot, samba maybe a little tango and spend a couple of hours of fun in the sunshine. I plan to hold a TEA DANCE every other Sunday and hopefully a Cretan Music Night every other Saturday throughout the summer.

So come on, fans, lets give it a try!

(Resting foot today, but is much better - I think YODA Margaret has had something to do with it, thanks friend).

I'm at home this morning keeping out of Little Legs' way and avoiding running up and down the stairs. Might just attack the ironing pile which is taking over the upstairs bedroom. Plus, I have to clear out up there because we shall be moving back to the roof to sleep very soon as David has announced that he will continue with the downstairs renovation next week. Time to throw out another pile of clothes that won't fit.

I've got over the feeling of horror at spending a week's holiday in Bridlington in August and am now getting quite excited about it. I really do want a week with my grandchildren as I feel that we don't communicate half enough. If you are reading this Star and Jade, I want you to know that Nannie Jane has started planning...and when Nannie Jane starts planning things are serious. Just promise not to bury me up to the neck in sand. Maybe you can teach me some of that 'Line Dancing' that you are doing. Anyway, the yellow trousers are out and it won't be long before we are on our way.

We don't know where to stay in Brid but if anyone has any contacts then we nead to be near the south shore. We don't mind a caravan or a chalet but I draw the line at camping (done that, got the arthritis and don't want a blow up bed). Hotels with chair lifts don't turn me on either. Those things apart we are open to ideas.

Well, I'm off to attack the daily chores. Bye for now.

Lydia and Mark Paint the town WHITE! - Oops!

Oh no. NO. NO. NO. How could this happen? BAD. BAD. IT'S NOT HAPPENING TO ME (Lydia).

It wasn't a good day for Lyds. She was rushing here and there, there and here, cleaning, sorting out, getting things ready for guests, organising a bit of touch up work...when...THE CONTAINER ARRIVED two weeks early. (First Ooops!).

Got that sorted, sweat wiped from brow...just time for a brew before hiving off to Malia to clean house number two...when...on arrival, lifted boot of car to find whole contents of 15 litre can of white paint viscously coating all therin. (Oops is putting it mildly, very mildly).

But Lyds being Lyds, she coped with the situation, took the car to a car hire place she knows, got the entire contents power hosed out and then went for a jug of wine. Let's hope today goes a bit better for our new neighbours.

HOSPITAL VISIT

Of course we went to the hospital on a bad day because it was a bank holiday and there was only a skeleton staff. That apart I was seen very quickly and had an x-ray on my foot. Nothing broken but I didn't expect there to be. The diagnosis was a torn tendon so the doctor bound up my foot and told me to rest it. So, that is what I am doing, as much as possible anyway. Last night I slept with a pillow underneath my foot and Margaret sent me some Reiki energy. Today I am climbing the stairs as little as possible in an attempt to get my mobility back. I suppose Dancing is off tonight!

I had a visitation today from a guy who does walking trips in other parts of the island. He wants to set up a meeting so that we can discuss what help we can give each other. We will talk further next week.

Our friends return to England today after a very 'wet' holiday, let's hope that the weather is better when they come back in September.

Revolutionary Idea

I woke up this morning with this revolutionary idea of having a 'Tea Dance' in the mountains (i.e. Vrahassi). Cucumber sandwiches, Cakes, Scones and Jam and of course Tea (a pot of tea, jug of hot water just like Betty's in Harrogate). Jane at the piano naturally and a few walz and slow foxtrot numbers. How is it sounding. I may even get the sweet Aurielus and the lovely Damianus to join us. Colin and Carol can bring their ballroom expertise and for those who want alcoholic cream teas then I'm sure we can find the appropriate brew.

How does it sound folks? Shall we try it out say Sunday next (3rd June)?

I'm not sure what George will think to the idea, but last night I agreed to have a Cretan Music Night a week on Saturday and maybe every two weeks, so the 'Tea Dance' could be held every alternate Sunday.

I'd better go now I've a batch of scones to make. Also popping to the hospital to have my foot ex-rayed. Talk later - Love Jane x

Oh, almost forgot - tonight we are showing the film 'THE QUEEN' in the bar at 8 p.m. so if you would like to join us to watch it then come along.

The Yiayiades

Click on: www.verybestaudiobooks.com now.

I am trying new things with the blog and don't seem to be able to put photo's on any more (oh b....r). Oh there we go the Yiayiades. If I can edit the picture a bit I think it will make a splendid postcard.

VERYBESTAUDIOBOOKS.COM

For that essential bedtime story, sunbed listening or language learning as you travel download your favourite book now. It's easy, it's quick and the result is very relaxing. Click on: www.verybestaudiobooks.com now.

NEW LOOK FOR THE BLOG

I thought I would freshen up the blog for summer, so I hope you like the new look. It sort of goes with the sunshine don't you think.

I've been resting the leg today but if it's no better tomorrow I think I shall have to get some pain killers or something. George wants me to have it x-rayed but I can move all my toes and haven't banged or fallen over (honestly). It simply came on half way round the last walk I took and I reckon it is just a muscle strain or something. It didn't stop me dancing yesterday but I suffered for it later.

These two Yiayiades were taking the air yesterday. My comment was 'Look, the future,' and my friend, who is coming to live here in a couple of years' time cracked up laughing.

And the band played on.

George really has many talents! Drums today maybe guitar tomorrow. Got to keep the rhythm going!

Brits at Jane Guevara's

Visitors for the walk were in time to see the ceremony at the Memorial for the Annual Prayers for those who took part in the Byzantine victory in Constantinople in May 1453. The church of St Nikoloas just outside Sissi at Kartsinianos was built around this time by families of Konstantinos Palaioloyou who was a General and Emmanuel Giannadaki who was a Captain during this fight. Families of the area we live in. (If anyone has any other information about this I would be very interested to find out more).

And then it was off to the Monastery led by George with David following on.

I met them at the Monastery to check that all was well and to dish out the Raki and nibbles.

Gerald and Mark, Lydia and Pauline the Guests of Honour!

When are BritsInCrete not BritsInCrete? When they are BritsInVrahassi. The walk which I promoted as a BritsInCrete Sponsored walk should really have read Jane and George's sponsored walk. There was not one taker from the BritsInCrete website except from Gerald who runs the site but I'm glad to say a good few of our supporters turned up and did we have a brilliant time. BritsInCrete members missed out on a great do which was combined with Lydia and Mark's Welcome to Vrahassi party and, due to their generosity, everyone drank as much as they liked. Thanks to my team of helpers the barbecue was a great success and the live music, which very nearly didn't turn up, arrived a bit late but was fantastic. The pictures tell it all. Our raffle prize of a bottle of Champagne was won by the lovely Christine and Tom (Hello to Germany, hope you like the photo of Mum and Dad). Now, because I have done my foot in, just a little tendon problem, I could not walk but it didn't stop me organising and it didn't stop me playing along with the band. George's singing was a huge hit with the crowd and I have to say that even the Mayor congratulated us on our efforts. We hope to make it a regular event. Watch this space.

Executive Decision

I woke up this morning thinking 'I'm not going to live without a cooker a minute longer.' I have not had an oven for over 6 months since the last one we had packed in and the door fell off. I thought I would be able to manage without one at first, it was a good excuse not to cook, but I'm missing the food that I know I can make. So I'm going to Neapolis to sort something out. I know that the shop I have bought all my electrical stuff from for the bar will let me have one at so much a month. David has pulled a long face. He wants us to wait until we have been to England in August. But a cooker for God's sake is not like asking for a diamond ring. Anyway I'll go and look at them at least.

George the Good to the rescue yesterday - Phone call. Help. It was Lydia. They had no electric. It was 4 ish and the Electricity board had downed tools for the day. DeDer! Enter George stage right, sword in hand, cape flowing, always at the ready to help a damsel in distress. Half an hour later an official electricity mendy-man drew up at the bar in an official electricity van (all but sirens sounding), picked George up and headed of to the scene of the trouble (i.e. Lydia's house).

It was all over in a flash! (Sorry just had to use that one). With a wield of a spanner and a click of a switch, DeDer! Let there be light.

Result - One happy Lydia (and that means one happy Mark). George the Good resumed his role as hairy waiter and last night we danced for our English friends in the bar. Oh yes, the summer has started.

My first blog from the office

It 4.10, Wednesday afternoon in Vrahassi. Little man is bottling up the outside fridge ready for the BritsInCrete do on Saturday. David has just had a glass of wine and has gone to the house to take a shower. We have had a few English customers, returns from last year, always a pleasure and now only Vanessa's mum remains, sitting quietly under the pergola writing her postcards.

Lydia and Mark arrived safely from England yesterday sporting brilliant T-shirts and we celebrated late last night in the bar. Gerald is here from Hong Kong to participate in the BritsInCrete day. A few other friends have come over to their holiday homes in Vrahassi and things are livening up.

I have some signs to write advertising the event on Saturday plus a sign for Coffee and Cake. I can't believe that the office is finally working. It is just fantastic. I have the music to sort for Saturday and then I'd better think about feeding the hungry men (and myself). James and Yvonne will be here tomorrow and we have some good news for them. What a good summer we are all going to have I can feel it in my bones (or may be a touch of arthritis).

Dancing classes are going well. AND... LIVE MUSIC IS BACK ON FOR SATURDAY.

There is a little sad news in the village. A guy called Dimitris died this week age 55. Some of you will know him as the guy who couldn't control his limbs. He was a nice guy, used to come into my bar last year. He just got too poorly. We shall all miss him and our condolensces go out to his family.

More House Pics

Calling all house hunters. This is the arch which we hope to reveal completely. This is the partially renovated bedroom and my grandson Jack. Floor tiles are down. The room without a door has a beautiful Cretan wooden door ready to be fitted. Glass blocks will go above to let in some light from the bathroom. The plumbing is in situe but there are no fittings yet. Electricity is in place (again no fittings). The roof is beamed.

OUR HOUSE - BUY DIRECT

This is our house before the wall was put around the roof and a wooden banister rail up the steps but it showes the courtyard. I just haven't time to find a recent photo but will do that tomorrow. Plus other pics.

Chinese at Vasia Beach Hotel

We went out with our friends from England last night. They are staying at the Vasia Beach Hotel in Sisi on as all inclusive package which entitles them to one meal in the Chinese restaurant. Our meals had to be paid for of course. The food was delicious and the decor very RED, and the company was excellent. Unfortunately 'restaurant' was a bit of a loose term as it was all self service. All drinks came from vending machines, wine on tap, beer on tap, there was a sole waiter whose job it was to collect empty plates and nothing more. I suppose this is the only way inclusive people can get a good deal but we were charged 30euro a head. I have to say we could have eaten and drunk just as much as we liked, but a restaurant experience is more than just food isn't it? Anyway, like I say, we did enjoy ourselves but I do have a message to people who are on those all inclusive deals, do try and get out a bit to the local restaurants, you will be served and entertained and good food too.

Re House Buying

And don't worry about how to buy direct. Both David and I have had 'Power of Attorney' for various people so that we could do all the paperwork on their behalf while they are in England. We know the process. David is on his number 14 house renovation. I have also acted as 'interpreter' for contracts made. I'm writing this just to let you know that we are not novices at the house buying game. We know a good Lawyer who speaks English and a good Contract Maker (like a Notary in France). Any other info. don't hesitate to ask.

And now I'm off to Ag Nik again with the computer to get it put into English. Have to visit the Electric Board for David to get plans passed for a house he is renovating and then it's back to the office to put some signs out for my INTERNET CAFE. YEAH!

And the sun is shining!

HOUSE SALES DIRECT

This is a special 'Good Morning' to all you people out there who are thinking of living in Crete. Since I opened the office I have been approached by several people in the village asking me to advertise their old houses 'for sale'. I do not want to be an Estate Agent but I will willingly match buyer to seller (for a small fee). So should you be interested here is one of those houses: Two bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, livingroom with open fireplace, storeroom, balcony, wonderful views, almost detatched. Price around 125,000 euros. I have houses from 35,000 Euros to 200,000 euros so do contact me if you are in Vrahassi. If you would like to look around with me then I will charge a per hour rate.

IT'S RAINING!

I am sure that Yvonne and James are packing their suitcase because it is raining. I have always said 'never cast a clout till May's out' and even here it is true. The weather never settles down until the end of May. But it isn't really cold and it is probably warmer on the coast, just a bit grey and a bit damp. The rain is good for the trees and flowers though. I'm sure the sun will come out tomorrow.

My walk went extremely well yesterday and we all enjoyed some good food and drink when we came back. Because of the rain everything looked really lushy-green and the wild flowers were certainly enjoying a freshen up. It's amazing that every time I go to the Monastery there are different flowers along the edge of the track.

By the time I had taxied my clients back to Ag Nik and done my shopping I was quite tired but after a hot bath and half an hour of 'horizontal' I was OK for the night. Vanessa brought her DVD of the wedding to the bar which we (several ladies) enjoyed very much. Then we all watched the film 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' which is very funny and so true to character of the Greek people. George said it wasn't a bit representative of Greek people and abandoned it half way through to go to the other cafeneion for a Metaxa. (I think there were too many women in the room for him).

There are so many people that I want to contact just to say 'hello', if you feel I haven't spoken to you for some time then, a) I'm sorry and b)Hello family and friends everywhere. (And that includes Fans of the Blog because I know there are people out there following my every move who I have no knowledge of whatsoever) So, to all my Fans 'Hello, it is always good to hear from you. The wonderful world of Jane Guevara continues to be full of fun and excitement.

TONIGHT IS MUSIC NIGHT AT THE BAR.

Oh, just to let you know, Simon is ON LINE and I have had one or two people using my Internet Service in the Office so that's good.

And when she got there the courtroom was bare!

Just to let you know what happened when I went with all my documents for the motor in order to get off the fine that I copped for a couple of months' ago. Well, there I was, Neapolis Court, 9 a.m. prompt, papers in hand, me and about ten more people and no-one else. I mean nobody. The coffee bar lady was there so I suppose that was something but the notice on the door of the courtroom said words to the effect 'No Court Today - On Strike'. Fine, wonderful, ye hah! Finally the chief of police arrived along with a lady magistrate who very politely explained that due to the strike we would be notified as to when to attend again, possibly October. There you go.

Simon is not on line yet so still working from my office. I went round a few hotels with my brochures yesterday so out most of the day.

Today I'm off to sort out papers at the electricity board for the house David is working on and to get some Insurance for another house. Then it's back to base for the Greek Class. I should manage a sit for coffee in between. (Or chocolate, I don't drink coffee).

I'm doing the Monastery Walk tomorrow with tourists from Ag Nik. and I'm looking forward to a week Saturday, 26th when we have our Brits in Crete do. I met up with the lovely Damian and friends last night to make music at his shop cum museum in Malia and with a bit of luck he and his friends will come and play for us to dance after the barbie. They are such good company, he seems to gather around him all these like-minded people, artists, musicians, spiritual people, all ages, very bohemian.

Must go...........
Byeeeeeeeeeee!

Nearly but not Quite! ADSL?

YES. Lo and behold the sweet engineer from Heraklion has tweeked the system and I have Internet in the Office. That's the good (the very good news). It is working but it is a bit slow, maybe better today I haven't got that far yet.

The bad news is (but good for me) that Simon, down the road has had his Internet line cut off whilst on holiday in England. So what all that is about is anyone's guess. He is going to OTE to battle it out today. More on that later. Meanwhile, another person who had been disconnected has had a word in the right ear and has been re-connected. Why is that good for me? Well, Simon, who cannot work without his line is installed in my office and is working from there.

ADS-HELL!

There was no sign of the Computer man who said he would come Sunday to look at the damm thing. I had to take the car in to Heraklion for its MOT (the new testing centre in Neapolis is not yet open) yesterday, and by the time I had got back he had been.

The story so far - After battling with OTE (telephone company) to put me an ADSL line in I finally have my line. Then the computer would not connect. The line seemed to be there. Computer went back to shop for re-install after which I was assured it worked. It didn't. Computer man out again.

NOW it appears, the OTE line is on but not strong enough to enable the computer to connect. An engineer from OTE Heraklion has been informed and MAY do something today.

Meanwhile, I am losing business and trying to keep my cool.

Two more people came to look at our house Sunday, we told them that if they wanted it the price would only be 75,000 euro for another two months after which David will start work again to palacialise it further. No answer yet.

I'm going to Neapolis this morning to present the court with my MOT documents as a few weeks' ago I was stopped by the police and given a fine of 160 euro. I don't have to pay the fine now because I have legalised the motor, but I do have to attend the court with all my documents. What a bind, but my fault for not sorting the MOT out earlier.

Greek Class at 3 p.m.

Have left a couple of messages on Star's blog but she must not have seen them yet.

There's this noise in the street. Investigation finds the old lady from a few doors away dragging two big pieces of wood from a house that is being renovated closeby. A lifetime of dragging wood about I suppose. Old habbits and all that!

Have to go, Byeeeeeeeeeee.

It's Sunday.

It's Sunday morning and I am having a morning at home with Dave. Of course just catching up on all those little jobs that didn't get done during the week. I will get down to the office for 11.30 ish because I am expecting the COMPUTER MAN. No it isn't connected yet! I know I've lost business this week because of it and I'm trying to keep calm - played 'The Secret' while I was painting stones yesterday. "See it happening" "Feel it happening" "know that it has already happened". So, today is the day. I know it, I feel it. Tonight I shall be writing my blog from my office computer. I WILL, I WILL, I WILL.

One more week and NO COMPUTER

This is getting very annoying and I'm trying not to get annoyed. The computer man had the computer from Monday to Friday, said it was working last night, we went to collect from Ag Nik, got back to office and not connecting to Internet. I have just rung him and he says to go to the office and he will talk me through what may be wrong.

Keith and Linda arrived for a week of house hunting and took us out for dinner on Thursday night, we went to La Strada in Ag Nik and had a very good fillet steak, very enjoyable and good to be out in Ag Nik in the evening, it is a very agreeable pace to be. We relaxed and watched the world go by, holidaymakers looking in the jewelery shops, new clothes, books, Agios Nikoloas has become quite up-market with lovely cafebars and restaurants along the harbour side.

Anyway it's back to 'windy' Vrahassi this morning, the washer is on and I'm 'off' to the office. More later.

Happy Birthday to Star

It was my Granddaughter's birthday yesterday, Star. We had decided to send her an automated, all singing, all dancing card 'cos we know that she's a computer whiz but unfortunately the payment system would not accept our credit card because we have an address in Greece. So, Nannie Jane failed on the card scene. If you are reading this, Star, sorry about that but the intention was there. Grandad and I hope you had a lovely birthday, remember the one you had here in Crete around the pool, that was the year you learned how to swim. I'm sorry that Joanne has left you with the impression that it is very stressful to visit us, maybe it is. Travelling half way across the world to visit parents who are out at work every day and yet trying to entertain at the same time is not that easy. That is why when we do come to see you we would like us all to be on holiday. So, get saving up and we shall all go to the sea-side together for a chill-out week. Grandad and I both agree though, a bit of luxury would be a nice thing, so we'll work towards that.

I like the blog Star, give us a mention sometime.

I'm off to work now, I took my computers, lock stock and modem to the guy in Ag Nik who is going to strip the whole thing down and try to get me on line. What a carry on! Should be a few days he said, meantime I'll do a bit of brochure giving out. We're going to be busy from now on with English people on holiday who we know will be coming to visit. Better banish the stress element once and for all. Actually I'm well on the way to doing that by listening to 'The Secret'. It has really helped me to get myself together, if you don't believe me ask George, he can't understand how calm I've become. Life's too short, eh? It's Greek Class today 3 p.m. and dancing class this evening, great. And I'm loosing weight again.

By for now...

The Blessing

Bless This House oh Lord We Pray, Keep it safe by Night and Day...

It's not that I'm overly Churchy but I have my own belief and it's not a million miles away from the Orthodox ritual. George, of course was brought up with the Orthodox Church and to have the shop blessed was very natural for him. We didn't go for the big splash that some have but we all enjoyed wine and cake afterwards. You can't beat a table of good friends.

Can somebody PLEASE fix my Internet!

The story continues...

Went to Ag Nik with box that came from OTE cos my computer man said he'd sort it. Sorted by 2 p.m. Came home, full of joy. Set all wires into position and VOILA! Nothing.

Spent 1 hour on phone with computer man trying all sorts of things after which time he said he would come out either today or tomorrow. Oh RUMPLESTILTSKIN!

I bought a big plant pot Friday which some stupid person backed into with his 4 x 4 and squashed. When I saw it I immediately took it and placed it on the bonnet of his bl...y motor. George took it off saying, 'no... can't do that.' But it must have worked cos the guy came across and apologised. I doubt he'll buy me another pot though.

Meanwhile it is Staturday and our Swap Shop afternoon from 4 p.m. The best thing about yesterday was that I bought 3 wacking big pork chops which I cooked last night with wine, garlick, mushrooms and tomatoes and they were dee-licious. Three little bears well fed and happy.

Today - Mummy bear will paint some more stones, Daddy bear fixing a few houses and Baby bear busy planting 'grow your own tomatoes' on the banking by the bar.

ADSL - YES! LET'S HAVE A BLESSING!

I have ten minutes to write this blog before getting myself showered and out and on my way to Ag Nik with the bits and pieces of computer for my lovely guy from Future PC to get me 'on line'. It all happened yesterday. First the electricity board appeared to fix the electric into the house that David is renovating. Then the telephone engineer came to sort out my ADSL and at the same time Crete Property sent two people to look at our house. Dave and I left them all too it because we had to get to Heraklion where the printer had ready 1000 brochures for Anavlohos Walks. We recieved a phone call as we were on the way back to say that the phone man had fixed our line and the office now has ADSL ready for the computer. I immediately asked George to get in touch with Papa Yorgos and ask him to come and bless the Cafeneon and Office. Cum 2 p.m. David and I arrived back, members of the Thursday Greek class were waiting and soon after Papa Yorgos arrived. That's my ten minutes so will put pictures on later. It was a wonderful day yesterday and I'm sure today will be just as good. Byeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

May Day

Happy May Day, Xronia Polla, and all that!

Ben thanks for message, unfortunately just as I want to kick arse it's May Day and a holiday so the engineer isn't working today. I guess I'll just have to go out and pick daisies like everyone else.

I'm up late today, had a terrible cold and think that it finally got the better of me. Anyway it's off to work we go now so toodal oo or words to that effect.

More news later.