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

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.

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?

I'VE BEEN PROPER POORLY!

I am so sorry for not posting anything for a while, but I have been proper poorly with a nasty bug that I can only imagine latched on to me when I went to England. I have still got a tickly cough, but it is getting better every day. I've gone through boxes of tissues, packets of paracetamol, taken hot raki, honey and lemon, even resorted to rubbing my chest with raki. In the end I decided to banish the bug from my body, so I told it in no uncertain terms to go away.

Well, a night out in Rethymnon on Friday, seems to have done the trick. There is nothing like sea air, a brandy and hot chocolate, followed by imbibing in a bar full of young people, bouncing with loud music, for clearing your head. Unfortunately I think the wine and raki which accompanied our food managed to dizzy me up again, but that's passed through the system now, and I'm feeling right as rain.

I've been practicing Valentino most of today, as tomorrow I am getting together with the Rainbow Choir in Agios Nikolaos, to see if I can add anything (hm...) to their Xmas programme. We'll see. I might even end up singing the odd carol or two. That is good, because on Tuesday I am getting together with a few carol singers in Sissi, to discuss a bit of a sing-song there, before Xmas.

So it is all systems go. Saturday December 11th, the Agios Nikolaos Christmas Carol concert, 8.00 at the Hermes Hotel (Change of venue this year), Our end of year concert on the 12th December, with all my fellow music students, Gillian's little band. And the Rethymnon Christmas Orchestral Concert on Tuesday 21st December. In between all of that watch out for the group of singers in Sissi (date to be set).

To think, I very nearly said humbug to it all. I might even get my old Christmas tree out, and the fairy lights, why not?

I wonder if there will be any sign of Christmas in the square this year. I hope so.

Other than that, now I am in the land of the living again, I can enjoy this very warm weather that we have had throughout November.

It is also a good sign that I am better, because I have my appetite back. David and I called in at the English Butcher at Vamos and came back laden with cumberland sausage, rump steak, brisket and gammon, so tonight it is steak and chips for dinner.

I also wrote a little poem for the kids, hope you like it:

SANTA'S COMING

Shush - Hear it? - Reindeer bells,
Santa’s in the air,
He’s travelling from his magic land
The other side of where,
If you look you’ll see his sleigh-lights,
There – See – Among the stars,
His house is several days away
The other side of mars,
You’ve got to look quite carefully
Deep into the night, for
He has to travel very fast
I’d say the speed of light,
See – there – a glowing vapor-trail,
Oh he’s moving very well,
He’ll be here very, very soon,
You’ll hear his jingling bells,
Look at the bright star near the moon,
That’s where he pulls the reigns,
And takes the highway down to earth,
With all his toys and games,
Shush – hear it – reindeer bells,
He’s somewhere in the sky,
We’d best get home as fast we can,
To make him a mince pie,
It won’t be long before he’s down,
We haven’t got much time,
Make sure you leave a tot of rum
Some brandy or some wine,
Then while you sleep he’ll creep inside
Your house, all fat and red,
And leave a heap of Christmas gifts
Right there beside your bed,
So watch for Santa in the sky,
A red man on a sleigh,
He’s up there now, approaching fast,
And jingling all the way

Enjoy your run up to Christmas, it really is a magical time.
Love and Best Wishes,
Jane x

ELECTION DAY IN VRAHASSI

Meet Yanni and Alexandra Souladaki who are very prominent politicians of the PASOK party (this is equivelent to English Labour Party). I met them both yesterday and immediatedly warmed to them. They are very professional. Alexandra Souladaki is hoping for a place on the new Council of Agio Nikolaos, representing Vrahassi - I wish her well. Of course I must say I was swayed a little when I found out that Alexandra lists poetry as one of her creative pastimes.

Voting took place in the Doctor's surgery above Plateia cafeneion, for the local election, and in the Council offices for the Government election.

Vrahassi was extremely busy all day. I was told today that it was 4.30 a.m. before all the votes had been counted. As far as I can understand (and I may have got it wrong) but I think Michaelis Petselakis and George Fthanakis (Taxi Driver) were elected. There seems to be some confusion about whether or not Alexandra Souladakis has made it and there may be a re-count or a re-vote on that one. I will try to find out more later.

Meanwhile will you please read my next post concerning FREE GREEK LESSONS.

Thanks, Jane x

ELECTIONS FOR THE CENTRAL COUNCIL OF AGIOS NIKOLAOS

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE IN THE LOCAL/EUROPEAN ELECTIONS?

IF YOU ARE THEN PLEASE MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH

According to the new law of Kallikratis, Vrahassi/Sissi/Milatos will belong to the new Town Hall of Agios Nikolaos as from 1st January 2011. The Mayor of this council will be Dimitris Kounenakis. Representatives for the Vrahassi area will be voted in at the elections which are to take place on November 7 2010.

The candidates for the central town council are as follows:
1. Alexandra Souladaki - Assistant architect
2. George Datseris - Doctor
3. George Neratzakis - D.E.I. staff

The candidates for the local council of Vrahassi/Sissi/Milatos are:
1. Michalis Petsalakis - Seaman/Farmer
2. George Fthenakis - Taxi driver/owner
3. Maria Lebidaki - Owner of 'Traditional House' museum
4. Daterina Androulaki - Taverna owner, Milatos

So, out with the old and in with the new. I look forward to seeing you all on voting day. I know who I shall be voting for, do you?

(I was very kindly handed this information for my blog by Michalis Petsalakis, who also included a very kind note, directed at ex-pats, which read: 'We consider you equall members of our society and we hope with your vote and assistance to win a better future for our area.')

Jane x

A GRIFFON VULTURE IN MY BACK YARD!

This short video is only part of the wonderful pictures I took today of KK8, an 18 month old vulture which was found grounded, and looked after by the Animal Welfare people of Malia, until strong enough to be released. It was duly allowed to fly away yesterday but seems to have got so used to human company, and fresh meat, that it came back for more. You will find a full report in the Animal Welfare newsletter.

KK8 flew away, but apparently did not go far. Later in the day she was found in the church yard and was picked up and transported to safety. If KK8 or any other vulture lands in your back yard, the advice is, please do not give food, and after a short while the bird should fly away. If there is any concern then telephone your nearest Animal Welfare organisation.

FIRE IN VRAHASSI!

There I was enjoying a nice cup of hot chocolate after my Saturday talk in Hersonissos, when all hell broke loose. Aspasia's car was on fire! Yiorgos Kiverniti came into the cafeneo to ask Yannis to called the fire engine, Georgia went for help. There were a couple of explosions. I was quite afraid that the church would be damaged, but before long there was a hosepipe dowsing the flames. The firebrigade arrived just as the fire was put out, but a trusty fireman hot footed it to the scene and using a hand extinquisher he sprayed all parts of the burnt out engine. The pictures I took of the car were too dark to be any good, but I can tell you the whole of the front of Aspasia's motor is a molten mess; she was next to tears but thank God nobody was hurt. Vrahassi life eh! Sweet dreams, Jane x

PLATANOS GETS A FACE LIFT!

Some streets are a bit of a mess at the moment. This weekend it is the turn of the area known as Platanos. It will look really good when its finished.

I hope all my readers can access the video pictures, if you are having trouble and would prefer stills, please leave a comment. I know that there is not much excitement in my life at the moment, but I think I had enough over the last few years to last me a while. Anyway I'm having to be a bit reclusive to do my writing, and learning to play the cello is quite demanding.

The rain seems to have passed over, better weather on the way but tonight we have lit our first fire of the winter, it's so cosy, I love it! Have a good weekend everyone. Love Jane x

SNAKES IN VRAHASSI!

I was just on my way to the shop, when I spotted this little fellow on the road. He has beautiful markings. I picked him up and put him at the side of the road, he didn't move much but when I returned he had gone. I hope he regained his strength, but I fear my neighbour may have scooped him up with her brush and put an end to him. You should see the way she slaughters her chickens with pruning shears!

LIFE IN BETWEEN THE FUN!

It was my granddaughter Jade's birthday on Sunday, how wonderful it was to speak with her on the telephone, what a joy she is. It was also my sister's birthday on Saturday, another wonderful family chat. Jack has gone up into the 'Juniors', quite a little man, and I did a little cello practice. I also gave my talk at the Belvadere Hotel in Hersonissoss. All the energy I used this week was renewed when I got to hug the big plane tree at Krasi. All in all it has been a most wonderful summer, and now it's back to work. Hm... I feel a book coming on! Don't forget the full moon on Wednesday, a very inspirational time. I have a feeling that the weather may change, time to think about buying a pair of jeans.

SOUNDS OF CRETE AT EPANO SISSI

David and Jane met David and Jayne for a bite to eat at Epano Sissi during the annual church festival. Lots of our Vrahassi neighbours were there. On the way there we noticed that the new road which leads around the back of Anavlohos, has been closed off. I would think that further work is being carried out. There will be a lovely scenic route to Vrahassi when it is finished. A new pipe line is also being put in along the road, all ready to service new developement between Vrahassi, Sissi, and Milatos. It really is an up and coming area.

AGIOS FANOURIOS - 27 AUGUST

Just a little note to say that yesterday was also the Church Feast of Agios Fanourios. Not much is known about this Saint, but apparently an icon with the grizzly details of his death, was found in an old church, way back. The pictures were so graphic that the church assumed that the man, named Fanourios, died a martre's death. He was therefore made into a Saint and is known as the Saint of lost things.

It is tradition, on this day, to make a special cake to put inside the church. The cake should have 9 ingredients: 1 glass orange juice, 1 glass sugar, 1 glass oil, pinch salt, cinnamon, ground cloves, walnuts, sultanas and flour.

If you have lost something, then you must make a cake and take it into the church where you will ask Agios Fanourios to help you find it. I wrote a little poem when one of my neighbours lost her ring, she made a cake, took it to the church, said a prayer and that night, even though she had turned the house upside down, gone through all the rubish and was about to lift the floorboards, she opened the bread bin to take out some bread for supper, and there was the ring. She said she had washed the bread bin out whilst looking for her ring, and that Agios Fanourios had answered her prayer.

Agios Fanourios if you please
Return to me my ring
And if you do, I promise you
That to the church I'll bring
A cake with nine ingredients
Especially for you
So please Agios Fanourios
Make my wish come true

Ooh! Makes yer wonder doesn't it?

JACK, EMMA AND MARIA IN VRAHASSI

ITS NOT ALL MEATBALLS AND STUFFED VINE LEAVES!

David and I had a real treat in Ag Nik today. We ate the best grilled octopus that we've ever had, smoked duck and pear salad, and mushrooms with balsamic dressing. Then the fantastic puddings that you see. Yes, it was expensive, but it was our treat for all the hard work we have done over the past year. Of course, it is back to stuffed vine leaves tomorrow. Hey ho, probably much more healthy!

Two other things to mention: first my book is now on sale in the small bookshop in Sissi, and sencond, I received a telephone call from a member of the Sissi Cultural Committee, asking me to play cello at their musical event to be held in Sissi on 7th August (or 6th... or maybe 8th). Anyway the date will be decided soon. It promises to be a jolly evening with about twenty local musicians joining together to make a varied programme. Another little adventure for me and Valentino.

AND... Joanne and Jack and John arrive on Monday! Five sleeps to go. Cossies at the ready!

HORSEMAN OF VRAHASSI

Great galloping shepherds! And it's the dog barking, not hiccups. There we were minding our own (and we were on our own) business over a bottle of retsina, when David said, "Is that a horse I can hear." Don't be silly I told him, but as you can see, to my surprise it was.

KNICKERS!

Vrahassi drying day. I just couldn't resist the shot!

MESSAGE TO THE COUNCIL - THE PARTY IS OVER!

Sign next to the main road in Vrahassi.

Someone is obviously upset! (click on image to take a closer look).

A quick translation: Only those streets where council members live are being repaved. Kalokratis, the new law is welcome. Bon Voyage George, the party is over!

I am just reporting what I see.

FOOTBALL IN THE CAFENEO

It wasn't a big screen, there wasn't a big crowd, but we did sing God Save the Queen. Unfortunately England lost to German but well done Germany for winning. We did have a very pleasant evening.