NEAPOLIS CARNIVAL IS CANCELLED!

It's a bit of a saucy picture, but it shows that I am back to my old self! Thanks to ace pici taker Barbara, my Carnival outfit was recorded for posterity. Title: English Woman Abroad! Hope you like it Jay Tee.

TIME WARP IN VRAHASSI!

This lovely old woman was explaining that she had a bad heart, and it was difficult living in Vrahassi because it meant that she had to travel to Neapolis for her prescription. She told me that she was 82 years old but 83 the next day. She has no electicity in her house, mains water only to a tap in the yard, and no toilet (I presume a bucket swilled down the grate just outside her front door, does the trick). Even so, she has retained her independence, is a regular churgh goer, and looks after herself. She bemoaned the fact that most of her Greek neighbours of a similar age have left the street, and that her lovely English neighbours could not speak Greek. I know they are taking lessons, but unfortunatley they may have trouble understanding the Cretan dialect of this Vrahasotis.

JANE IN COURT AGAIN!

Ha well, just as I thought life might be getting a bit boring 'SPLAM' it hit me in the face yet again!

There I was minding my own business, when Yianni from the cafeneo took the smile of my face by telling me that the police had been asking for me, something to do with, guess who, yep you got it, the nameless person who has caused me so much worry over the last few years, none other than George Stefanakis. And what is it this time? Well it's not a long story.

Way back in September 2008, when this guy, who had been my friend for years, threw a benny and tried to blackmail me, I was so flipping mad with what he was saying in the bars of Sissi, that I posted a picture of him in my office window with the word 'liar' (in Greek 'Ψευτις') on it. Well, his mates telephoned him, and before too long the police arrived (with him cowering in the background). I was taken in to Neapolis police station where I signed a statement.

I suppose it was silly of me to think that would be the end of it. Almost three years down the line I have to appear in court. The 8th of March to be precise. Honestly, if he had been my child he would have had a good spanking! I made a dreadful mistake the day I befriended this man, but hey, we all make mistakes.

When the policeman did find me, a not too dificult task, he served me with the paper, and then told me to put it in my pocket. He then bought me a drink in the cafeneo, shook his head and said words to the effect, "as if the courts haven't enough to do without something like this."
And I certainly agreed. But I suppose a complaint was made, and there has to be a follow through. If you still blogwatch my lovely friends from Tesco's, you will remember the day in question.

Of course I'll let you know what the outcome is.

By the way, I could do with selling a few more of my books 'Tears from the Sun - A Cretan Journey, to pay the costs of this heinous crime. If you haven't looked lately, take a peek at my website: http://janesharp.org/

I also heard yesterday that someone (or two) had been arrested for the spate of break-ins in Sissi. You will be glad (I hope) to hear that it was not me. Local lads though.

Other news -well, it is Neapolis Carnival on Sunday, the week after is Malia Carnival (and Rethymnon same day). Then it is Clean Monday (kites at the ready), followed by Tuesday 8th March - INTERNATIONAL WOMENS' DAY.

And now it is Friday afternoon and time for a bit of cello music. To Tracie, thank you so much for your lovely message. Have a wonderful, peaceful weekend everyone. Bye for now.
Love Jane x

A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF...

To some people, my life during the past week will seem a bit of an insignificant affair; to me it was one of the most exciting weeks ever. I'll tell you why.

For one thing my headache has disappeared, and the cloud of grey, through which I have been looking for about a month, has lifted. I feel fitter and more alert than I have for quite some time, and that in itself has made the week special. I became reunited with Valentino (cello) to find that, like riding a bicycle, I picked up where I left off, more or less in tune. And if that wasn't exciting enough in itself, I enjoyed playing my piano too.

Since my fall I find that I can appreciate so much of what is in my life: little things like being able to see the cowl of a chimney pot turn in the wind, see the grey of a winter morning, knowing that I am safe and warm in my house, wonder at the sight of a lemon tree festooned with more lemons than a Christmas tree has fairy lights; and to know that I can walk freely amongst it all without fear, without hunger, without cold.

During the week I saw some of my dear friends. We sat together, drank tea, ate buscuits and listened to each other's stories. There was a lot of love around me, something that I am very aware that some people have a lack of. To be able to share intimate moments of other peoples' lives is always, I feel, a privilege. It shows trust and openness, both things that make good relationships. One of our friends even did a bit of extra baking, and gave us a 'take away' cornish pasty. Another invited us for lunch and treated us to home made shepherds' pie. To have such good friends is without doubt a wonderful thing in life.

The book which another of my friends loaned me to read this week, and which I have just finnished, is called Angels in my Hair. It is the autobiography of an Irish lady who grew up seeing angels and spirits. She describes angels and how they work. Thousands of people say that she has changed their lives for the better. I am sure she has. If you get the chance do read this book.

David has looked after me so wonderfully well during the past few weeks - not that he hasn't done for the whole of our 43 years together. Just to spend time together doing the necessary things, like shopping, making meals, cleaning the house, has been such a bonus. To sit for a while and discuss each other's work, to vision the future together, is such a great thing to do.

Another joyous event of my week, was to have a conversation with my grandaughter, Star. She is a busy 15 year old, and for her to make even a minute to think of me, fills me with such happiness.

It is Sunday today, our three little puppies are 4 weeks old and little cuties. The black one is going to a good home in the village, but we can enjoy him for a couple of weeks longer. That leaves two blondies, a boy and a girl. I don't want to get too attached but on the other hand...

This is life in the slow lane! I did spend a few hours doing my Greek homework, and our lesson yesterday was very helpful. And I did spend a few hours writing a sestina, for those of you who do not know what this is, it is a poem with a very interesting form. (click the word to find out how to write a sestina). It will go in my next collection of poems. Oh, and the full moon just highlighted the excitement of the week.

Next week I am going to make myself useful and try to get the council to clear the overgrown streets of Vrahassi.

Oh, and I forgot to mention, that this week I heard about the Greek dancing classes that have been organized by Dimitri Kiriakakis, for the children of Vrahassi. I was so happy to hear about this opportunity for the kids. The ones I spoke with were very enthusiastic, especially as they told me that when they were good enough, they would get a costume and dance for funtions in the village. I know I have nothing to do with this but I would like to thank Dimitri for his efforts towards keeping village traditions alive.

So, it is time for us to take the dogs for a walk. I wish you all a very happy Sunday and a most exciting week ahead.

Love Jane x

MY VALENTINE'S DAY

I had planned a special dinner for two, you know the sort of thing, best crystal, a glowing log fire, my man's favourite fodder, sirloin with pepper sauce. Ah well, it wasn't to be. The steak is still a block of ice, the fire strangely flickering and the crystal, still packed away after Christmas, was just not handy enough to be found.

But did it stop us celebrating Valentin's Day? Not a bit of it. We popped a cork, ate a healthy salad and tucked into the cherry cheesecake which was a meal in itself.

And the best of it is, we've got steak to look forward to tomorrow - yippee! It just goes to show, what you don't have today, is still there for the taking (or in this case, the eating).

Now there is Forrest Gump on the TV. Will the joy never end! Happy Valentine's Day!

Love Jane x

JANE'S HOSPITAL EXPERIENCE - THE RESULT!

By the sixth day I had bonded with my companions on the ward, and their relatives. The old village woman, who had nearly been battered to death on her first night, had a serious heart problem and was failing. She no longer called for help; her niece was quietly attentive, and her bed had been placed by the door. The lady next to me had been relieved of her pain, and was sitting up in bed, and my balance had returned. An optician had been brought to my bedside to give me a full examination of my eyes. He found nothing wrong. All that was left was for me to have an M.R.I. scan.

There being no M.R.I. facility at the hospital, I was told that I would have to visit a private clinic in Heraklion, where I would have to pay for the test. Well, when you think you may have something wrong with your brain money doesn’t come in to it, but I did secretly hope that we would not have to sell the car to pay for it. So, I was discharged from the hospital with a piece of paper to take to the clinic where an appointment had been made for 10.30 a.m. that day. After three weeks I could finally walk in a straight line and stand up with my eyes closed. I had the scan, it cost 235 euro. I should add, it was a painless experience which took about ten minutes (for anyone worried about having this test, don’t, but do expect loud banging noises, strange whirring sounds and a little head shake while in the machine. And best to keep your eyes closed to avoid any feelings of claustrophobia). I returned to Heraklion four days later for the results. Yes, I do have a brain, and no, there is nothing seriously wrong with it.

I am very grateful for the professional care I received at Agios Nikolaos Hospital. I know that lots of people sent good wishes and energy which helped speed my recovery, and the people who came to see me brightened my days and kept my taste buds on track with chocolate, fruit, and apple pie and custard, which without doubt was a life saver. David, of course, was the best nurse of all, never failing to be there for me.

I have to say that I have been left with a little phobia of vacuum cleaners, but I dare say I will get over it. I have lost a month of active life, no cello practice, no writing, and no Greek homework, but at least I’m here to tell the tale. Let the party continue!

Love to all, Jane x
To read about my hospital experience from the beginning please see previous blog entries.

PROTEST AT AGIOS NIKOLAOS HOSPITAL, CRETE

This protest against people having to pay 5 euro every time they see a doctor, did not hinder my quest to have a blood test. It did make my wait in reception quite colourful!