Donations Wanted to Restore the Old School in Vrahassi

Η πρόταση για το παλιό Αρρεναγωγείο στο Βραχάσι ύψους 260.000€ από τη Βελγική Σχολή

Old School in Vrahassi to be Restored by Belgium Archaeologist

Great news, the various Councils involved have given the go ahead for the renovation of the old school in Vrahassi. For a full report in Greek please see: http://vrachassi.blogspot.com
This is very good news for the village. The building will eventually become a store house for archaeological finds from the Minoan site on Anavlochos, as well as a place to exhibit photographs. The project is the brainchild of Prof Jan Driessen, the chief archaeologist for the Belgium School, who in recent years have been excavating a site in Sissi, known as the Sarpedon Project. With Mr Michaelis Petselakis at the helm, Vrahassi is going places.

It's very exciting!
Love Jane x

Yannis Souladakis - we loved you!

David and I went to church this morning. We don't usually do that, but today was the remembrance service for Yannis Souladakis, who died a year ago. At the time I was in hospital, and we couldn't go to the funeral, so we made a special effort to go to the service today. I am so pleased we did. Yannis ran the taverna, Platanos, together with his wife, Elaine, who still does. When David and I came to the village, Platanos was our first stop. We had walked up the old road from Sissi and at Selinari, just after the bridge, behind a concrete construction, is where the old cobbled donkey track converges with the main road. Unfortunately the last time I walked up this path, it was completely fenced off by shepherds, to make a pen for sheep. And I mean completely fenced off! No gate, no way around, I had to cross the hillside by the fields to get back on the main road. Anyway, in those days the path was a joyous way to walk into Vrahassi. It led us right to Platanos, where we met Yannis and Elaine. That was seventeen years ago. We saw Yannis become ill, but it never stopped him serving food and drinks, and always with a smile and a friendly word. He was very much a part of village life, and a part of our lives too. We found our first house by sitting in Platanos and asking around, and we shook hands on a property over a beer, with Yannis looking on. I'm sure that Yannis is resting peacefully, or else sitting in paradise with his mates. 

There was a good turnout in the church today, a very young priest from Xersonissos took the service because the regular priest is apparently in Africa for a month. It was a lovely service that resounded through microphones and over the hillside. After we were invited to Platanos where we sat amongst our neighbours and ate delicious cakes and biscuits, with cognac to toast a man who is missed by all.

The church in Vrahassi is extremely ornate. In this picture the painting has not been completed. Now all the walls and collumns ar covered in icons, and a red carpet covers the floor.The smell of incence and candle wax pervades the air, and makes for a very beautiful place to visit.

 And now it's back to work. David is writing on his computer; I am writing on mine. It's a lovely a Sunday and I'm full of cake - good job it's exercise day. I hope you are all having a good Sunday.

Love and best wishes,
Jane x

Plan of Vrahassi Old School - 1927

Εν Βραχασίω τη 16 Σεπτεμβρίου 1927...

Το παραπάνω έγγραφο που δημοσιεύεται μας το έστειλε κάποιος φίλος του Blog και τον ευχαριστούμε.
Μας το έστειλε για να μας επισημάνει τη δουλειά που έκανε ο τότε δάσκαλος του χωριού.Ένα σχέδιο που ουσιαστικά βάζει το Πάνω Σχολειό σε τροχιά ζωής πολλών δεκαετιών.
Μας έστειλε και σημερινές φωτογραφίες. Αλλά δεν τις δημοσιεύουμε γιατί είναι να κλαις με αυτά που βλέπεις σ΄ αυτές...
Πόσο διαφορετικά είναι σήμερα τα πράγματα... Please see the original post in the Vrachassi Blog

How different is the plan of the old school to pictures of it today - an empty ruin, full of weeds and memories. There are so many crumbling buildings in Vrahassi. The people of Vrahassi are so proud of their history, why do they allow beautiful old buildings to fall down like this? The old school could be saved. Let's hope it is!

EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS LIVING IN FREIGHT CONTAINERS SENT PROPERTY TAX DEMANDS

Property tax rules promised as protests surge

28 Nov 2011

Consumers wait in line at a branch of Public Power Corporation (DEI) to pay their combined electricity and property tax bill (Reuters) The government has promised to detail rules by Tuesday on providing relief for low-income households facing the new property tax on their electricity bills. Authorities are scrambling to keep the measure in place – and boost anaemic state revenues – amid growing protests and legal claims. The finance ministry has said no homes would be disconnected until three-member exemption committees had been set up at every Greek municipality. The committees are likely to include tax officials and social workers. At least six separate protests against the new tax are planned today in Thessaloniki, as more cases of bureaucratic blunders emerge. The latest revelation came from the northern town of Grevena, where victims of a 1995 earthquake still living in converted freight containers were sent property tax demands. (Athens News/gw As the likelihood of the euro collapse becomes more and more probable, I am watching the situation very closely. And I am seriously thinking of learning how to grow veggies. We certainly live in interesting times! Love Jane x P.S. And it's no good sending me food parcels, the post office is very unreliable. You could always buy me a pint however, just click the DONATE button opposite. I love you all, Jane x Cheers!

WALKING THE E4 IN CRETE

A few years ago David and a few of our friends took 2 weeks out to walk half of the E4 from the west of Crete to Heraklion. Next year I hope to join them when they complete the walk across the island from Fourfouras to Zakros. This is the route. So, depending on how fit we all are next September, we hope to cover a good portion of this route. Eric, how about house sitting our dogs while we hike up the mountains?

The E4-route through Crete

From Fourfouras the marked way to the refuge of EOS of Rethymno at the south slopes of Psilorotis to high 1400 m. The refuge is not always open. From Fourfouras until the refuge, the hike lasts 3,5 - 4 hours and the difference in altitude is approximately 1000 m.

From here the way leads north

From here the way leads north through a rocky land steeply to the summit of Psiloritis -Timios Stavros (2454 m), reached in 3 to 3.30'. The area is arid and treeless. From the summit, one has a splendid view of the whole island. From the summit on a well stepped and marked path, one reaches & descends to the Nida plateau in 2,5 hours. Here the two branches meet again and proceed as a uniform path up to the east coast of the island. Above the Nida plateau is the Ida grotto (or Ideon cave), where Zeus was born by goat Amalthia according to the saga. 

Course of the southern branch

Course of the southern branch of the E4GR (traveling-part) from Rodakino to Nida. From Kato Rodakino north directly to the village of Agios Konstantinos (20,5 km - 7 to 8 hours). 3 km later the route bends to the alpine part of E4GR. Here Rooms, Motels.

From Agios Konstantinos

From Agios Konstantinos east to Kaloniktis, Ano Valsamonero, Armeni (15 km - 5 hours). Rooms - Motels. Graveyard dating from minoan age in the village.

From Armeni

From Armeni to the biggest part of forest-route - and field tracks through the village Selli (at the chapel Agia Fotini, where the route bends to Rethymno), Charkia and Kamvoussion to Arkadi (29 km - 9 to 10 hours). Motels, lodging in the monastery.

From Arkadi

From Arkadi through the villages Elefterna (Rooms, Motels), Kato Tripodio (lodging), Margariti (Rooms - Motels), Orthes (Motels), Kalantare, Kalamas, Passaline, Choumeri, Dafnedes, Episkopi, Garazo (32 km - 11 to 12 hours). Motels, shops.

From Garazo

From Garazo to Anogia through Moni Diakouriou (Diakouriou monastery), Zoniana, asphalted route to Anogia (16 km - 5 hours). Motels, lodging, Rooms.

From Anogia

From Anogia to Zomithos (11 km) and afterwards to Nida plateau (11 km), altogether 6 hours. The uniform long-distance-footpath E4GR here extends from the Nida plateau till the east coast. Despite its consistency, there are two branches at the start, from the village Kamares, where a grotto is situated, to the border.
Branch 1. From the plateau to the summit (approximately 1000 m), then south-east till a fork (ca. 2 km), where one must follow the branch eastward. After more than 5,5 km, the path reaches a forest, turns south, to chapel Ag. Ioannis, through Gafari canyon to the village Zaros (19 km - 5,30' hours). Hotel, Motels.
Branch 2. From the summit Timios Stavros, after approximately 5 km there is a marked forking of the path to Kamares (altitude 1900 m). To Kamares (9 km - 3 hours) - hotel, Motels, bus to Rethymno. From Kamares further to Vorizia (3,5 km - 0.50' hours), Zaros 9 km - 2.40' hours).

From Zaros

From Zaros (first branch) up to the chapel Ag. Ioannis (7 km - high 900 m), Gyristi (7,5 km - high 1700 M.), EOS refuge (3 km - high 1100 M.), Ano Asites (entire 21,5 km - 9 30' hours). Only coffee shops, bus to Iraklion.

From Ano Asites

From Ano Asites mainly on field and forest tracks, partially also on asphalted roads, hike to villages Kerassia (3,5 km), Veneraton (1,5 km), Kiparissi (7,7 km), Profitis Ilias (4 km). Motels, castle. Ano Archanes (9 km -3 hours), coffee shops, bus to Heraklion, Motels. Archaeological museum.

From Ano Archanes

From Ano Archanes to Kato Archanes (2 km), Myrtia (9,5 km), Astraki (1 km), Apostoli (11,5 km), Kastelli (4,5 km) (Motels, Bus to Heraklion), Xydas (3 km) (Motels, Bus - Archaeological area), Kastamonitsa (3,5 km), Kato Metochi (9,5 km), Psychron (3 km - hotel, Motels, grotto, archaeological museum. Metochi and Psychron lie on the plateau of Lassithi, 850 m high.

From Psychron

From Psychron through the Lassithi level to Agios Georgios (2,5 km), where there is also the refuge of the mountain climbers and skiers of Lassithi Club. The Vice president of the club is the priest of the village. Here, there is a hotel and Motels. From here the path goes south, one climbs to the saddle (1800 m) between the summits Dikti (2147 m) and Afendis Christos (2140 m). Before the saddle, the path bends east and proceeds descending to the Alm Salakano (17 km from Agios Georgios), where there is only a taverna.

From the Alm Salakano

From the Alm Salakano east to Prina (18 km-5 Stds - high 550 m), Masseleri (3,5 km), Vassiliki (15,5 km - high 100 m, deepest portion of the hike), crossing of the Ierapetra-Agios Nikolaos road to Monastiraki, again climbing the slopes of mountain Thripti to the village Thripti (high 880 m - 5 km-2 30' hours), further along the slopes of the mountain to Orino (high 650 m - 6,5 km), Ghryssopigi (6,5 km), Papagiannades (9 km), Chandras (4 km), Ziros (4 km), descending to Ano Zakros (250 m high- 11 km from Ziros), (rooms, motels) to Kato Zakros through the Valley of the Dead (5,5 km-7,50' hours). Rooms, motels. Places to visit: palace. Kato Zakros lies on the east coast of the island and is where the  the European long-distance-footpath E4GR of Crete finishes.

Well, that gives me something to get fit for!

It is Friday night, blowing a gale outside, and cold, but Dave and I are snug in our little Cretan house, the log fire burning away, the dogs asleep on the sofa, and tummies full of pork chops and chips. Tomorrow I will go to Agios Nikolaos to meet with my cello teacher and another student to celebrate the completion of 3 years music study. It does mean that I will have to miss my Greek lesson, however I have done my homework (and more) so hope I will be forgiven for not turning up.

I have dutifully done my 7 minute workout (don't laugh, it really is working) today, and looking forward to a lazy weekend.
Hope you have a good weekend too.
Love Jane x

5000 EURO REWARD FOR RECOVERY OF STOLEN GOODS

THIS MESSAGE IS IN ENGLISH BELOW. PLEASE READ. IT COMES TO ME VIA MR KOSTAS VIDALIS, WHO ASKS THAT I POST IT ON MY BLOG. IT CONCERNS THE RECOVERY OF STOLLEN GOODS FROM A VILLA NEAR MILATOS.

ΕΙΔΑΝ ΚΑΙ ΑΠΟΕΙΔΑΝ ΟΙ ΑΛΟΔΑΠΟΙ ΚΑΤΟΙΚΟΙ ΣΤΟ ΣΙΣΙ ΛΑΣΙΘΙΟΥ ΒΛΕΠΟΝΤΑΣ ΝΑ ΑΝΟΙΓΟΥΝ ΚΑΙ ΝΑ ΚΛΕΒΟΥΝ ΤΑ ΣΠΙΤΙΑ ΤΟΥΣ ΧΩΡΙΣ Η ΑΣΤYΝΟΜΙΑ ΝΑ ΚΑΝΕΙ ΤΙΠΟΤΑ....ΕΤΣΙ ΕΝΑ ΖΕΥΓΑΡΙ ΑΠΟΦΑΣHΣΕ ΝΑ ΓΕΜΙΣΗ ΟΛΟΚΛHΡΗ ΤΗΝ ΠΕΡΙΟΧΗ ΜΕ ΤΟ ΠΙΟ ΚΑΤΩ ΚΕΙΜΕΝΟ..ΜΗΠΩΣ ΚΑΙ ΒΡΟΥΝ ΤΑ ΑΝΤΙΚΗΜΕΝΑ ΤΟΥΣ!!!!!!!

ANAKOIΝΩΣΗ

... ΕΜΕΙΣ (Ο ΡΕΓΚΗΣ ΚΑΙ Η ΓΚΑΜΠΡΙΕΛΑ ) ΠΡΟΣΦΕΡΟΥΜΕ AΝΤΑΜΟΙΒΗ
5000 ΕΥΡΩ ΓΙΑ ΤΟ ΑΥΤΩΝ ΠΟΥ ΘΑ ΕΠΙΣΤΡΕΨΕΙ Ή ΠΟΥ ΘΑ ΒΟΗΘΗΣΕΙ ΝΑ ΕΠΙΣΤΡΑΦΟΥΝ ΤΑ ΠΡΑΓΜΑΤΑ ΠΟΥ ΚΛΑΠΗΚΑΝ ΤΗ ΝΥΧΤΑ ΤΗΣ 10ΗΣ ΝΟΕΜΒΡΙΟΥ (20:00 22:30)
ΑΠΟ ΤΟ ΣΠΙΤΙ ΜΑΣ ΠΟΥ ΒΡΙΣΚΕΤΕ ΣΤΟ ΣΥΓΚΡΟΤΗΜΑ ΚΑΤΟΙΚΙΩΝ ΣΤΟΝ ΔΡΟΜΟ ΓΙΑ ΜΙΛΑΤΟ ΚΑΙ ΣΥΓΚΕΚΡΙΜΕΝΑ ΣΤΗΝ ΔΙΑΣΤΑΥΡΩΣΗ ΓΙΑ ΤΟ ΞΕΝΟΔΟΧΕΙΟ MINOS IMPERIAL

- 2 ΦΟΡΗΤΟΥΣ ΥΠΟΛΟΓΙΣΤΕΣ DELL (1 ΓΚΡΙ ΚΑΙ 1 ΜΑΥΡΟ)
- 1 ΡΟΛΟΙ ΧΕΙΡΟΣ DIOR (ΑΣΗΜΙ ΜΕ ΡΟΖ) ΚΑΙ 1 ΡΟΛΟΙ SWATCH (ΑΣΗΜΙ)
- 1 ΠΕΝΑ MONTBLANC (ΜΑΥΡΗ),
2 ΣΤΥΛΟ DIPLOMAT (ΜΑΥΡΑ)
- 1 ΦΩΤΟΓΡΑΦΙΚΗ ΜΗΧΑΝΗ LUMIX (ΜΑΥΡΗ)
- 1 ΚΙΝΗΤΟ ΤΗΛΕΦΩΝΟ BLACKBERRY (ΜΑΥΡΟ),
2 ΚΙΝΗΤΑ ΤΗΛΕΦΩΝΑ NOKIA (1 ΡΟΖ ΚΑΙ 1 ΜΠΛΕ)
Η ΑΝΤΑΜΟΙΒΗ ΞΕΠΕΡΝΑ ΤΗΝ ΑΞΙΑ ΤΩΝ ΚΛΕΜΜΕΝΩΝ .
ΜΠΟΡΕΙΤΕ ΝΑ ΚΑΛΕΣΕΤΕ ΣΤΟ ...6944547002 ..

PLEASE READ!!!
WE (REGIS AND GABRIELA) OFFER A REWARD OF 5000 ΕUROS TO THE PERSON WHO WILL BRING BACK OR WHO WILL HELP TO FIND THE GOODS STOLEN IN THE NIGHT OF 10 NOVEMBER (20:00 -22:30) FROM THE VILLA THAT IS SITUATED IN THE COMPLEX ON THE WAY TO MILATOS (CROSSROADS WITH THE WAY TO HOTEL MINOS IMPERIAL):
- 2 LAPTOPS DELL (1 GREY AND 1 BLACK)
- 1 WATCH DIOR (SILVER WITH PINK) AND 1 WATCH SWATCH (SILVER)
-1 PEN MONTBLANC (BLACK), 2 PENS DIPLOMAT(BLACK)
-1 PHOTOCAMERA LUMIX (BLACK)
-1 PHONE BLACKBERRY (BLACK), 2 PHONES NOKIA (1 PINK AND 1 BLUE)
THE REWARD IS HIGHER THAN THE VALUE OF THE GOODS STOLLEN.
YOU CAN CALL AT …6944547002

Please help if you can. Jane x

CHEAPER ELECTRICITY OFF PEAK!

As from today the electricity you use between 2 - 5 p.m. and between 2 - 8 a.m. will be charged at a lower tariff. How the electricity board can monitor this I have no idea, but I shall be putting my washing machine on during those hours from now on.

Halloween in Vrahassi 200

With going to England I almost forgot to pay a bill which I owe to the council. David rushed down to Vrahassi to pay it, but their computors were out of action. He has zoomed of to Agios Nikolaos to pay it there.

Meanwhile I have been at home thinking how I can celebrate Halloween tonight. I have got some spooky music and we could have a weird and wonderful, candlelit dinner. but hey! there's nothing new about that. Maybe I'll just put on the witches outfit and see what happens! It used to work!

I'M STRONGER THAN I THOUGHT!

I'm enjoying my 7 minute workout sessions. Seems I may need heavier weights. I must be stronger than I thought I was. It's probably due to heaving all those porridge pans about! My next session is on Monday (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) I hope you will join me to check my progress. Luckily my bathroom scales are out of action, but I guess that I weigh about 172 lbs. Of course it is too much! Let's see what a difference a month makes. I have a small problem of an underactive thyroid and a teeny weeny hernia in my stomach to contend with, but apart from that (oh and the torn ligament in my foot) I'm feeling fine. I am looking forward to feeling FIT.

Wait till you see me in action on the floor.

It is a bit warmer in Vrahassi today, at least I got the washing dry.
David had an 'it can only happen in Greece moment' yesterday, when he filled up with petrol. He told me that the woman who served him had a cigarette hanging out of her mouth while she poured petrol into his motor. We are going out to dinner tonight, I wonder how many people will be smoking in the restaurant?
Laws eh? Who'd have 'em? Have a good weekend everyone.
Love Jane x

SEPTEMBER IS WHIZZING BY

Hello everyone, and especially if your name is Sophia and you are celebrating your name day today, Kronia Polla.

Well, September is whizzing by for sure! I had the most fantastic August with my family and miss them so much, but I have to say that I have been so busy since they left that I have not had time to dwell on them being so far away. Best of all, since my visit to a chiropractor, the terrible pain I suffered throughout June, July and most of August, has gone, and I am so relieved to be able to work again without popping the paracetamol every 4 hours.

Vrahassi is quiet, but that is normal. The fish shop that opened a couple of weeks ago, seems to be closed, or is it just that I don't get up early enough and they have sold out by 9 a.m. and gone back to bed?

Will Yannis close the coffee shop? Some say 'yes' at the end of September. We shall have to wait and see.

The 27th of September is world tourism day, and there is to be an Arts and Craft exhibition, with stalls for handicrafts etc at Agios Nikolaos, near the lake. I am to create a little music - if all goes to plan.

There is also going to be a Doggie Day home made cakes etc to raise money for stray animals. That will be on the 1st October (I think) again in Agios Nikolaos. 'How much is that Doggie in the Window' being practiced daily. Hopefully on both occasions my friend Julie (the flute) will perform with me.

Then there is to be a gathering of writers. On Friday the 7th October Lou Duro, editor of the Chronicles newspaper, and yours truly, invite all those interested in forming a Writers' Circle, to meet at 8 p.m. in the Dali Bar in Anopolis. Do ring me for directions, or if you would like a lift, I have room for 3 people. If the location is a big problem, then ring me to discuss an alternative venue. We plan to meet once a month to discuss each other's work etc. It will be a very informal meeting of poets, and if you are a poet you will know what that means!

Well, now I am going to bed to relax and read Jane Holland's new poetry book, Boudicca & Co, which I have just downloaded onto my Kindle at a price of about one pound something. That's why I love Kindle, it is instant, you hear of a book one day; you have it in your bed the next!

I did hob nob a bit during the summer (see photo) - but I'm not entering politics just yet!

• Enjoy the weekend readers, and I promise to get back into the swing of blogging now that I am feeling soooooooooooo much better.

Love Jane x

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

ANOTHER WONDERFUL PARTY!

Is there no end to the fun! It appears not. It is New Year's Eve and the bubbly is on ice.

Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing today, I want you to celebrate all the good things of 2010 and welcome in the new year with loving thoughts of peace to all mankind. Let a wave of love start with that first new year's kiss, let it surge out to your family, your friends, your neighbours, the politicians who work towards keeping a safe and healthy environment for you to live in, the workers of the world, who with their energy create beauty and maintain order, and to the spiritual leaders who keep the light of God blazing. And, let a great sunami of love warm the hearts of the sick, the poor, the bereaved, the hungry and the homeless. How does the song go? "It started with a kiss..." And remember to love yourself, nobody ever said you shouldn't do that. Let 2011 be full of love.

That's my new year's message, be happy, and have a wonderful New Year's Eve.

With love from Jane x

THE NEAPOLIS CHOIR SING IN SISSI

This was a lovely event, organized by the Cultural Committe of Sissi. An evening of live music, food, drink and Christmas magic. And, if you look at the pictures carefully, you may see Father Christmas being serenaded by his little helpers, Gillian, Julie, and yours truly. (Thanks to Dr Zacharias Fthenakis for supplying the photographs). I hope this will become an annual event, with gift stalls, home made produce maybe, and something for the children. All good Christmas fun!

HELP I CAN'T GET THE CAR UP TO MY HOUSE!

The winter has brought another house down in Vrahassi. This time it has blocked the road up to my house. Hm... good job I bought some new wellies. If I have to spend the rest of the winter walking up and down the hill to my car, then I know I am going to need them. Is this God's way of making me exercise?

PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS AT FOURNI

I have been going to Fourni for the past couple of Fridays, to play piano for a lovely flautist. What a surprise I had the first time I entered the village. Just on the very edge of Fourni is a field full of these panels which generate electricity from the sun. I was shocked at first, but then got to thinking how much better this was than the ugly power plant on the coast just outside Heraklion. If we are to embrace alternative technology to help sustain our need for electricity, then we have to accept new landscapes. I have to say, I do prefere the roof top variety, but then again, I have seen much uglier buildings than these panels. I wonder how long it will be before Vrahassi has a couple of fields full of the same.


MUSIC ALL THE WAY TO CHRISTMAS!

Don't miss the Rainbow Choir's annual Christmas Carol Concert, to be held at the Hermes Hotel in Agios Nikolaos, on Saturday 11th December, at 8.00 p.m. There will be lots of mulled wine and food, and a raffle with fantastic prizes, like a trip to Santorini.

I will be playing the cello with fellow students, on the 12th December, at a private gathering of friends, and the week after going to the Christmas concert of the philharmonic at Rethymnon. In between all of that, I hope to take to the streets with Valentino and play carols. Anyone who would like to join me, listen out for a meeting in Sissi, to arrange a date.

Jingle Bells and Deck the Hall, Christmas is coming!

KEEP SMILING!

The circumstance made me laugh, but it is no laughing matter for village life. Is the cafeneo dying? Are village people happier in the comfort of their own homes, watching their own TV, warming themselves on their own fire, being able to go to their own loo (which I am sure has a toilet seat), being able to smoke if they so wish, and, saving money into the bargain.

Personally I miss the hub-bub of the cafeneo, cretan music playing and a film showing on TV at the same time, political arguements, tasty mezes, the priest always at a table, a haze of smoke, a working man's refuge, the odd tart encouraging a good twizzle of the cumboloy. How times change!