Every cloud …..

 Friday 23rd July

can have a silver lining.

Oh, my word, (in the words of the great Jamie Oliver) day five of the plasters and verging on the suicidal, except it would be such an insult to my husband who has worked his socks off to look after my needs, even giggling like a couple of teens while he showered me!

We have now acquired some waterproof sleeves to wear in the shower.  Such freedom.

Yesterday was gardeners day and they have, once again, made a superb job of planting up the new grasses, which are apparently Pampas grass, according to senior gardener. No wonder they are growing so fast.

Wednesday 28 July

Well, I blinked and then it was Wednesday!  I must be having so much fun I didn’t notice the time.

The grasses and new climbers are going great guns.  One thing that is so lovely to watch is the water being caught by the sun.

Made it to the hairdresser yesterday and feel a lot better, as always she is worth her weight in gold.

Our landlord has pulled a fast one on us regarding our/his air con.  The unit in the bedroom broke down about  two weeks ago.  After 10 days of chasing him up he said if we wanted it replaced with a new one (which has been recommended to us by a professional) then we would have to pay half.  This is after he increased our rent by almost 10 percent a couple of months age.

The scrap of paper he refers to as our lease quotes he will maintain equipments which breaks down due to wear and tear.

Him and his wife are one and the same and always have been.

Needless to say we are not very happy. You rent a house with air-con, it breaks down so tough luck.

I have been unable to bring myself to even speak to him in a cvil manner.

But he will not rain on my parade.

End of rant.  Will be back soon with update on arms and kitchen island (at last).

Well, I wasn’t expecting that!

 

Three weeks ago today was my nasty fall in Paphos,  after various x-rays, splints,  bandages and god knows what else those magnificent doctors in the Evangalismos hospital together with Dr George of The Hippocratic Clinic had me all tied up for five weeks.  

I could have had an operation but with various factors to consider decided to go for the plaster look.

Now comes the ‘fun’ bit, Mr D will help with most things but sometimes a girl has just got to get on with it.

Wish me/us luck.

Wow ….. wot a scorcher

 Saturday 17 July

We haven’t got to the hottest month yet but here we are, about the fourth week of  about 32 degrees during the day with humidity at 74% today, 

Ouch.

And I have not been able to go in the pool to cool off with on wrist in a Velcro splint and the other in a bandages support.  BUT it could have been worse with plaster casts, so thank my blessings.

Cyprus government managed to make a bit of an effort (at last) to get things under control.  I think they may have saved their breath.  But we did see something  really interesting in the English language paper this week.

When we moved to Argaka in 2012 the coast road was pretty rustic and the beach, as we quickly learnt,was home to the Loggerhead turtle as their breading ground and where they would build their nests.

The turtles are a protected species.

Since then several of the pop up bars, local bars, taverns, ice cream kiosks have all slowly moved onto the beach not only making it look a mess but also upsetting the turtles and stopping the enjoyment of visitors and residents of what should be a bit of a Cypriot showpiece.

Well, according to the newspaper all of these constructions and seating areas which have been erected without the appropriate permission are to be removed.  But, we must not jump the gun on this, let’s wait and see.  Siga siga as they say.

I have finally given up on the housework front.  We had a very good Mrs Moo who was with us for about 15 months but, unfortunately, when the virus arrived we had to let  her go from the point that she also cleaned holiday villas and other houses, and to avoid infection we just could not risk it.

Our new lady starts this week and we are keeping our fingers crossed.  

Having been out of action for over two weeks, and the garden crew unable to come one week the garden was looking a bit shabby.  But, they arrived last Thursday and as if by magic the garden was transformed into its paradise.  Irrigation is now tweaked and everything is coming along splendidly.  I have roses which I never thought would bloom again.  Mr D got our first lot of spring onions yesterday, the herb garden is in full flow and chilli3s are to be harvested this week end.

Daisy Dog has her groomer coming on Tuesday, much to her relief, even though her dog sitter brushed her out about 10 days ago.  Poor thing.

All my bumps and bruises have healed, just the wrists to get scanned now and should be good to go.  Really not a good thing to do at my age. Must try harder.

See you all soon and thanks to those who read my musings,

Battered and bruised - Part two

 Hi folks

Here we are touching on nearly a week since my fall. Some bruises going, going some gone and new ones appearing.  Good old witch hazel.

My fall fades into insignificance after the most almighty fire on Cyprus over the weekend where people’s houses have been damaged and destroyed and the tragic loss of life of the four young men in what must have been unthinkably terrifying for them in the last moments of their lives.

Communities have donated an outstanding amount of everything for people and this is now being sorted and, I believe, distributed.  Having lost belongings in a fire some years ago you can never replace those things, but I found that by taking a deep breath I could carry on.  I so hope these people will find the strength from some where.

I try not to be controversial on my blog but under the circumstances it would be good for everyone if a moment was taken before that firework was let off, that lit cigarette was thrown out of a moving car window, great care was taken with the must have BBQ to name but a few.

We were disappointed by the announcement from the government at the beginning of the weekend that after what they said they were going to do in our eyes it really amounted to not a lot and we still feel very vulnerable regarding being infected by COVID, even though we have both been vaccinated.  What is the point?

On a more positive note I found out with the help of some local residents about a new(ish) shop in Polis, which is a rather smart home furnishing shop.  Having looked at their website I think I would need to save my pennies before visiting, but have seen a super wall clock which I have been keeping my eyes open for years.  Wedding anniversary in a couple of months, maybe we could treat ourselves.

Here’s hoping.

x

Potential hazard

 Wednesday 30 June

Sometimes things just don’t turn out the way you expect!

That is what is happening to us a lot lately .  Last week I had to have a blood test for the cardiologist to look at.  Due to circumstances brought about, once again, by the language barrier we some times come up against it was all to late.

Never mind, I will phone the cardiologist and explain and see if I could change my appointment to save a wasted journey to Paphos.

No problem, got my new date.  What I didn’t realise was it was a day before Mr D had his appointment, again in Paphos.  Ok, why don’t you ring him and see if we can change it to the same day.

No reply on the phone so an email was duly sent.  No reply received so we carried on with plan B, which included taking one of our garden parasols back for a a replacement and, once again, plan a trip to the butcher.

On the day of my appointment Mr D received a reply agreeing to changing his appointment  to 5.30 on the same date as my appointment. A bit inconvenient but we would work it out.

At the  12th hour I contacted our dog sitter to see if by chance she was free.  No, I’m not surprised.  She is a gem and has to run a tight ship.

Ok, Daisy dog was duly walked and with fresh water and food in her house was quite comfy.

We set off for my appointment and arrived in plenty of time.  All good news from the doctor and at the same time she was able to issue a new repeat prescription for me for another matter.  I am in the middle of changing one of my doctors and can’t get to see the new one until December 1st.

This is all going very well, I thought.

We came out of the clinic and had loads of time before the next appointment, even with our trip to parasols shop and butchers, so we decided to get some lunch and a cold drink at a cafe we know near the immigration office.

We drove off and I was dropped off around the corner to the coffee shop and Mr D went off to park the car.

This is when the day got really bad.  I realised I had left my mask in the car and started to walk along to see if I could find where it was parked.  Mr D had said did I want to take my walking stick and I said no - big mistake.

I caught my toe on a cracked pavement and went FLYING flat on my face.  What a mess, having screamed for Martin a young man jumped out of his car to help and another man appeared from a house.  Martin thought I had been hit by the car.

Blood, lost a tooth (which had been loose for ages) could not get up, even with help, the mans wife arrived with water and kitchen roll to mop up.  I managed to turn to a sitting position and burnt my bum in the pavement.  Eventually they managed to get me to a standing position.  

The lady wanted to phone an ambulance but Mr D said it was ok he would drive me to the hospital.  We walked/staggering back to the car.  Thank god we decided not to go to Paphos hospital, which is on a par to a butchers shop, but phoned our doctor and they said go there and they would sort me out.

Also there was the sorting out of the other appointment which was done in a flash.  Sometimes I bless the health system here.

We got to our doctors clinic where the nurse cleaned and patched me up.  Not a pretty site. Above  right eye, under chin where my chain had stabbed me, lip where tooth had stuck in, two wrists which I hoped to god I had not broken them since I have osteoporosis , nose, check, big toe.  I think that about covers it.

The nurse was not happy about the chin in case it needed stitches so said she wanted us to return later to see the doctors.  We went backabout 8.30 and the doctor look. Four X rays later he decided knees were ok but i did have a hairline fracture on the left wrist.

I was bandaged up and sent home with instructions on dos and don’t s.

I woke up this morning having had a fairly good nights sleep, but a bit wobbly and sore.

Mr D had been awake much of the night so is having a well earned snooze.

Everything is on hold for the moment and look forward to feeling more like myself.

Oh, and the next Mr D says do you want to take your stick, the correct answer is YES!

Shopping trip and other things

 Sunday 27th June

Summer solstice has been and gone in a flash with the usual hooha over entry to Stonehenge.  I don’t really understand what it is about but would imagine it is similar to being locked out of church at Easter in Cyprus.

Summer arrived in our garden this week which called for me to take a dip (or two) in our pool.  Absolutely wonderful.  Got myself a new noodle and fit to go.

Speaking of new things I did get my long promised trip to a clothes shop in the village along the coast to us.  Latchi (Latsi) has a small harbour where men leave their toys, variety of small to quite substantial.  Also pleasure boats run tours but without holiday makers must have been hit hard .

Anyway, back to my shopping.  Kiki s has everything.  After a pleasant half an hour or so I came away with four outfits, a new purse and a super new leather belt for Mr D, who had been looking for one for ages.

This is the same shop where I bought my walking stick a couple of years ago, so it just goes to show I don’t have to rush down to Paphos for anything.

The dresses/outfits are just up my street. Cool, loose fitting, long line.  I am thrilled.

We had the opportunity of stopping off twice this week for the “cheeky  pint” in old haunts.  One place had moved premises and we were impressed with the ambiance of the new place.  Lots of space and a sea view.  Our waitress was friendly, happy to serve us and obviously enjoyed her job.  They also sell real ale, which Mr D is particularly partial to.  I can see another visit soon, but I don’t think either of us  want to go back to how we were prior to lock down with going out five days out of seven.  We actually enjoy being at home!

I managed to get Daisy dog booked in with her groomer, but she has to wait until July 20th!  Meanwhile we will have to keep going at home.  She is shedding her coat and will be much cooler after a proper groom.

Things are going well on the health front which makes life so much easier.

I continue to get odds and ends for the garden with grasses being the latest addition.  I have decided they need larger pots and will collect them in the next day or so.

Not quite sure what is happening with our local butcher, who was a big hit when he first opened.  Now there seems to be very little stock, no deli counter or any of the goodies he had before.  Even the mince beef does not look as dark and rich as before.  As a result we are going to revert to Kolios in Paphos for a really good range and the stay with the local supermarket for chicken and sausages.  

Meanwhile, the bakery next door to the butcher is expanding their business and virtually rebuilding the shop.  All very strange.  Time will tell.

I am very pleased with last month’s/this months viewing figures, which led me to thinking where do viewers come from and what do they think.  There is an option to leave a comment by going to the end of the blog and click on the no comment button. That will open up the space for you to leave your thoughts, or maybe just the town where you live.  All just for fun. 

And the next project will be ……

 Hi everyone,  it has been a little over a month since I blogged since May was fairly full on and jumps and downs,  but we are out of the woods now and staying positive about everything.

The garden now has a working irrigation system which has made a terrific difference and just in time for the hot weather.  The plants are already looking better but the cats can’t work out why they keep getting wet!

Well, I started this blog a few days ago when I was interrupted by runty cat - Jaz - who came hobling home crying and a front leg about twice its normal size!  Poor Jaz,  we got our rather old cat carrier but she did not want to get in it.  Finally wrapped her in a towel and got her secure, much to her loud complaining .  We got to the vet who said it was a fairly bad snake bite (the third one she has had).  After a couple of injections and armed with some antibiotics we made the journey home.

We decided we had to get a new carrier that we could be sure was secure.  

After a long, long sleep she was quite perky the next morning so no need for a return to vet.

So what with Daisy the dog having grass up her nose and ear infection, Mr D being poorly and recently being in hospital I think we have had our fair share of excitement.  Thank goodness Honey cat is ok and I just carry on as if it is all in a days work.

Plans for the next project in the garden are under way, which will be a small water feature as a memorial to my sister who passed away in 2018.

Irrigation now in place and working great, just adding and tweaking bits and bobs and sit back to enjoy.

The weather has been quite blowing the last week and it has delayed my first dip this year but Mr D has enjoyed several swims, much to the pets amusement.

My daughter recently moved into a larger flat and seems very happy with life, which is all any mum can ask for.  So hope she will be able to get out this year, if Johnson and his cronies can get their act together.

We ventured out for a fabulous lunch last week, first time in getting on for 18 months.  We went to a place called The Farmyard at Kathikas, where we were looked after by the lovely Valentina. So relaxing, good service, brilliant food.  Yummy.

Just going to get some fresh photos and hope you enjoyed the blog