No, only joking but starting to add up the cost of Christmas and its making me wince!
Spent yesterday in bed, throwing up all day which wasn't very nice; Duncan did the same the day before that, so I've him to thank! But it must've been a 24 hour thing because we're both ok now; kids seemed to bypass it, thank God!
So, today, despite Duncan's best efforts to keep the home fires burning yesterday (mmm.) the house was in a absolute tip. I hate itty bitty tidy ups, but as those of you who know me, know well, I LOVE a big session...so I cleaned and cleaned and the kids got the chance to be total lazy gits all day (spent most of it trying to decapitate each other with Swingball).
Then this evening I took them to see "Enchanted" in Neapoli at our little local cinema and I have to say it was BRILL. Yes, a kiddie film but great fun esp. the cockroaches!!
We hadn't realised it but tonight was the annual Santa Grotto night in the park opposite the cinema so we nipped in and 'saw Santa'; aka Katerina's hubby methinks. Katerina tried to tempt me onto the Happy train (a motorised train that normally runs in the summer as a tourist attraction, but it set up as Santa's train at the moment) but I'd promised the film to the kids and there was no swaying them.
To be honest, Ella is now just entering that 'extreme embarrassment' stage and she shot me such an agonised look! Oh, where have all the years gone? I remember her as a baby so vividly and now we are almost at teenage angst and she is only 8!!!
We were the only people in the cinema; just as well as Theo didn't stop talking, and I gave out quite a few big laughs. We all enjoyed it; Duncan says it 'sounded good but he is still glad he stayed at home, listening to house music!!!'
New Years Eve tomorrow; wheres everyone off to then? We're going to the village taverna as we have no babysitter so its all or nothing; Ella excited actually and Theo will just fall asleep under some coats. Dom's an angel and will go off soundo in his pram about 10.
Or at least that's the plan...........!!
xx
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
I DON'T BELIEVE IT!!!!!!!
Hi everyone...
After blogging for about an hour about our Christmas day and boxing day shenanigans, i posted some pictures i wanted to share...as some of them needed rotating, I did this on my computer, then attempted to delete the first, incorrect photos i had added
.
Guess what?! I deleted the whole blog!!!
So next time, I will just leave well alone and you can all crick your necks looking at the photos sideways!
Anyway, now the pint sized version...
Got up super early (before the kids) to go onto the M&S sale (is nothing sacred?!); got some bargains (thanks Karen!).
Kids ran downstairs about 7 and made short work of their stockings.
Dad got here about 11.30 but which time the kids were about to mutiny (no present opening until grandad gets here) but it gave me a good start on the dinner.
Which incidentally was very nice; dad had made a real effort this year, he brought lamb, which together with a lovely roast chicken and sausages, made a change from the usual dry turkey. Lots of veg and yummy roasties; bliss.
Dad also made mince pies and a lattice pie but the kids disregarded these delicacies in favour on their selection packs; some things never change!
We had a big mad present opening for about 2 hours; the big ones seemed really happy with what they got and Dom loved all the rustly paper and bright colours. Dad was nice and laid back and was happy to watch the kids and reminisce about 'when he was a lad' (will I do this I wonder?)
After dinner we just loafed around as you do. But it was a lovely day; lots of people rang to wish us including mum, who the children really missed actually; I think now they are getting older, people start to mean more to them. And I certainly missed her help with the washing up!
Boxing Day - a chance for Ella and Theo to try out their new toys; Dominic has discovered his pop-on building blocks table actually makes a brilliant walker instead. Theo has nicked his Curious George CD and claimed it as his own! Ella is alternating between Joni Mitchell episodes on her guitar and recorder (with Dominic cheerfully providing accompaniment with his xylophone) and being super sporty with her in line skates.
Duncan took them to the park to try out Theo's football goal, Ella got the hang of skating and when they got back we all had a go at Swingball in the garden, though I am sure Duncan's main objective was to knock me out.
This evening (after the traditional grotty left over meal) we played Twister (better with a carpet me thinks) and then after the boys went to bed, Ella, Duncan and I had great fun with the UNO extreme; I got my own back for the Swingball...
So, I try again now to post some photos for you all to share..hope everyone I know and love had a good Christmas.
night.xx
After blogging for about an hour about our Christmas day and boxing day shenanigans, i posted some pictures i wanted to share...as some of them needed rotating, I did this on my computer, then attempted to delete the first, incorrect photos i had added
.
Guess what?! I deleted the whole blog!!!
So next time, I will just leave well alone and you can all crick your necks looking at the photos sideways!
Anyway, now the pint sized version...
Got up super early (before the kids) to go onto the M&S sale (is nothing sacred?!); got some bargains (thanks Karen!).
Kids ran downstairs about 7 and made short work of their stockings.
Dad got here about 11.30 but which time the kids were about to mutiny (no present opening until grandad gets here) but it gave me a good start on the dinner.
Which incidentally was very nice; dad had made a real effort this year, he brought lamb, which together with a lovely roast chicken and sausages, made a change from the usual dry turkey. Lots of veg and yummy roasties; bliss.
Dad also made mince pies and a lattice pie but the kids disregarded these delicacies in favour on their selection packs; some things never change!
We had a big mad present opening for about 2 hours; the big ones seemed really happy with what they got and Dom loved all the rustly paper and bright colours. Dad was nice and laid back and was happy to watch the kids and reminisce about 'when he was a lad' (will I do this I wonder?)
After dinner we just loafed around as you do. But it was a lovely day; lots of people rang to wish us including mum, who the children really missed actually; I think now they are getting older, people start to mean more to them. And I certainly missed her help with the washing up!
Boxing Day - a chance for Ella and Theo to try out their new toys; Dominic has discovered his pop-on building blocks table actually makes a brilliant walker instead. Theo has nicked his Curious George CD and claimed it as his own! Ella is alternating between Joni Mitchell episodes on her guitar and recorder (with Dominic cheerfully providing accompaniment with his xylophone) and being super sporty with her in line skates.
Duncan took them to the park to try out Theo's football goal, Ella got the hang of skating and when they got back we all had a go at Swingball in the garden, though I am sure Duncan's main objective was to knock me out.
This evening (after the traditional grotty left over meal) we played Twister (better with a carpet me thinks) and then after the boys went to bed, Ella, Duncan and I had great fun with the UNO extreme; I got my own back for the Swingball...
So, I try again now to post some photos for you all to share..hope everyone I know and love had a good Christmas.
night.xx
Saturday, December 22, 2007
A GOOD DAY
Hi!!!!! Have just transferred a few pictures to show you what we've been up to.....
Had my haircut last night for the first time in a year and I finally plucked up courage to have a fringe after 20 years; I really like it actually, esp. when it's up (which is always is). Duncan is bemused by it as he has, in 10 years, never seen me with one!! How sad am I? The last haircut I had, a year ago, was the Victoria Beckham POB, now I have the Keira Knightley Blunt Fringe. What a groupie!! Having it coloured on 27th as I have some really bad old colour which needs disguising until it grows out; can't wait; feel so glam!
Tonight I took the bigger kids to the cinema; first time for Theo! In Heraklion, a new place called Talos Plaza; as well as the cinema they have Haagen Daaz, Starbucks and a Peacocks!!!!!! (The gyppy shop in the UK) but here its actually nice stuff or is it that beggars can't be choosers?! There are lots of lovely clothes shops here but mostly very expensive so it was nice to see affordable UK sized clothes.
We saw "The Golden Compass"; over Theo's head but with enough action to keep him interested. Ella loved it and is already looking forward to the sequel.......
Took them to Haagen Daaz afterwards and then they insisted on going up and down the escalator and up and down in the glass lifts!! Whatever floats their boat.
Both fast asleep now. Duncan listened to house music after Dom went to sleep and drank beer so a good time was had by all...
The Christmas Food Shop tomorrow!! Why is it that we go into siege mentality and buy enough for a month? THEN the fridge is mysteriously empty on the 27th!!!!!!
xx night
Had my haircut last night for the first time in a year and I finally plucked up courage to have a fringe after 20 years; I really like it actually, esp. when it's up (which is always is). Duncan is bemused by it as he has, in 10 years, never seen me with one!! How sad am I? The last haircut I had, a year ago, was the Victoria Beckham POB, now I have the Keira Knightley Blunt Fringe. What a groupie!! Having it coloured on 27th as I have some really bad old colour which needs disguising until it grows out; can't wait; feel so glam!
Tonight I took the bigger kids to the cinema; first time for Theo! In Heraklion, a new place called Talos Plaza; as well as the cinema they have Haagen Daaz, Starbucks and a Peacocks!!!!!! (The gyppy shop in the UK) but here its actually nice stuff or is it that beggars can't be choosers?! There are lots of lovely clothes shops here but mostly very expensive so it was nice to see affordable UK sized clothes.
We saw "The Golden Compass"; over Theo's head but with enough action to keep him interested. Ella loved it and is already looking forward to the sequel.......
Took them to Haagen Daaz afterwards and then they insisted on going up and down the escalator and up and down in the glass lifts!! Whatever floats their boat.
Both fast asleep now. Duncan listened to house music after Dom went to sleep and drank beer so a good time was had by all...
The Christmas Food Shop tomorrow!! Why is it that we go into siege mentality and buy enough for a month? THEN the fridge is mysteriously empty on the 27th!!!!!!
xx night
Thursday, December 20, 2007
OUR HOUSE
Right then, as promised, because today was a singularly boring day (school run, greek lesson, telephone calls to Kelly, Dad etc, dinner, baths and bed, nothing on tv again) I am going to post about our house.
We had lived in Sissi for about 2 years and although we had made some friends and certainly knew our way around the area, it had quickly dawned on us that apartment living was not for us. Although the beach was just at the bottom of our road (literally) we still missed having a garden.
Also it never ceased feeling strange to me living 'upstairs'. Sissi, after the first year started filling up with fellow expats like us, and although I wished them well, I began to yearn for somewhere a little more out of the way, and 'greek'. Another important consideration was finances; we needed a bigger place and Sissi had become too expensive for us, for the type of property we wanted.
We started to look further afield and discovered our village, less than 20 mins drive from Sissi, and 5 mins drive from a largish, traditional greek town with small hospital, bank, post office etc. It also has two junior schools, a high school and good bus routes. A few bars and restaurants are open all year round.
We contacted various greek estate agents and viewed a few properties; all ruins requiring extensive work. The problem was the houses were either not going to be big enough, or had no garden at all, or were going to blow our budget, before the cost of refurbishment.
Then one of the agents suggested this house. At first I turned it down, from simply looking at the front garden; the only garden in fact and far too small.
We gave up on our village and started looking into new build around Sissi. But it became quickly obvious that it was out of our price range. Discussions went on late into the night and I found myself thinking more and more about this village house.
So one day we came back to view again; and when I stepped into the ground floor I was hooked!
I could see the amazing potential for a large family home...........
So we bought it! We had worked out we could afford it (just) and we did. Duncan's firm (he works for a building co.) did the refurb. We bought in the August and had to wait until the following January for the building licence and electricity connection!
I discovered I was pregnant with Dom in that January so began to feel panicky. We managed to sell our apartment very quickly to another English couple who luckily agreed to us continuing to live there, but now we were paying rent; an extra unwanted cost.
The house was not ready on time due to various factors involving bureaucracy and we had to move out ; we got a last minute reprieve; friends let us move into their holiday home (bless you forever J & K) and we finally moved in in June 2006.
Almost without exception, the villagers have been so welcoming (one or two are grumpy old men!) but we feel very happy and settled here. We are not locals and never will be but we are made welcome at all events and treat with friendliness and respect. This is all I have ever wanted and offered as a neighbour.
It is so quiet and safe here; I sleep easy; the children have freedom unheard of in the UK and we look out onto olive groves and the mountains beyond. There are a two or three English couples here; full time, part time; none with children but we do not feel here that we have to be part of a clique; something which seems to have happened in other expat areas. We are free to be ourselves which is great.
The children go to school up the road in the nearest town; they have made friends easily and seem to fit it; they obviously are foreign but are accepted all the same. We try to go to the village taverna every so often to show our face and I nod and wave to all; sometimes I say 'Kali mera' 50 times whilst out in the front garden!!!
I am posting some before and after photos of our lovely house.....and that's my post for tonight!!xx
We had lived in Sissi for about 2 years and although we had made some friends and certainly knew our way around the area, it had quickly dawned on us that apartment living was not for us. Although the beach was just at the bottom of our road (literally) we still missed having a garden.
Also it never ceased feeling strange to me living 'upstairs'. Sissi, after the first year started filling up with fellow expats like us, and although I wished them well, I began to yearn for somewhere a little more out of the way, and 'greek'. Another important consideration was finances; we needed a bigger place and Sissi had become too expensive for us, for the type of property we wanted.
We started to look further afield and discovered our village, less than 20 mins drive from Sissi, and 5 mins drive from a largish, traditional greek town with small hospital, bank, post office etc. It also has two junior schools, a high school and good bus routes. A few bars and restaurants are open all year round.
We contacted various greek estate agents and viewed a few properties; all ruins requiring extensive work. The problem was the houses were either not going to be big enough, or had no garden at all, or were going to blow our budget, before the cost of refurbishment.
Then one of the agents suggested this house. At first I turned it down, from simply looking at the front garden; the only garden in fact and far too small.
We gave up on our village and started looking into new build around Sissi. But it became quickly obvious that it was out of our price range. Discussions went on late into the night and I found myself thinking more and more about this village house.
So one day we came back to view again; and when I stepped into the ground floor I was hooked!
I could see the amazing potential for a large family home...........
So we bought it! We had worked out we could afford it (just) and we did. Duncan's firm (he works for a building co.) did the refurb. We bought in the August and had to wait until the following January for the building licence and electricity connection!
I discovered I was pregnant with Dom in that January so began to feel panicky. We managed to sell our apartment very quickly to another English couple who luckily agreed to us continuing to live there, but now we were paying rent; an extra unwanted cost.
The house was not ready on time due to various factors involving bureaucracy and we had to move out ; we got a last minute reprieve; friends let us move into their holiday home (bless you forever J & K) and we finally moved in in June 2006.
Almost without exception, the villagers have been so welcoming (one or two are grumpy old men!) but we feel very happy and settled here. We are not locals and never will be but we are made welcome at all events and treat with friendliness and respect. This is all I have ever wanted and offered as a neighbour.
It is so quiet and safe here; I sleep easy; the children have freedom unheard of in the UK and we look out onto olive groves and the mountains beyond. There are a two or three English couples here; full time, part time; none with children but we do not feel here that we have to be part of a clique; something which seems to have happened in other expat areas. We are free to be ourselves which is great.
The children go to school up the road in the nearest town; they have made friends easily and seem to fit it; they obviously are foreign but are accepted all the same. We try to go to the village taverna every so often to show our face and I nod and wave to all; sometimes I say 'Kali mera' 50 times whilst out in the front garden!!!
I am posting some before and after photos of our lovely house.....and that's my post for tonight!!xx
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
What a waste
Duncan came home from work with some upsetting news; his colleague 'B' had a beautiful big dog, brought over from the UK, about 7 years old.
Yesterday, it somehow ingested poison whilst out on a walk near Sissi and, yes, you've guessed it, died a horrible long drawn out death.
What a waste; another well loved pet is lost.
Some of you might know the story of my Bonnie; as a tiny pup she was thrown out of a moving car. I found her huddled in a corner at my greek classes; I took her home; I couldn't not.
Although Bonnie was from day one, the wrong dog for us (we lived in an apartment with two children at the time; she was to become, very quickly, biggish and very bouncy); she went from a tiny malnourished pup with rickets to a beautiful Cretan hound.
We would walk her for miles around Sissi; she had endless energy. She drove us mad but we loved her.
One morning, shortly after she was one, Duncan left for work; he sometimes took her with him if he was working alone. Before jumping in the car, she dove into the bushes for a quick pee.
Within 15 mins, in the car, she began to shiver and shake. Duncan drove home to me.
I will NEVER forget that day. It was very cold, January. I had just discovered I was pregnant with Dom. We lay Bonnie down in the spare apartment. She began to foam at the mouth and literally turn in circles on the floor, legs kicking uncontrollably. Duncan had gone to the pharmacy for an antidote.
This was, I believe, the last time Bonnie consciously knew me. I cradled her head and talked constantly to her. I put my fingers down her throat. We called our friend 'M', a local woman with big links to the Haven animal rescue charity. She said she was on her way.
Bonnie's eyes began to glaze over. She defecated on the floor. At this point I knew in my heart we were losing her. Duncan arrived with a hypodermic of antidote which I gave her but to no avail. 'M' drove me first to the Haven, more antidote, and then to the vet in Heraklion.
All through the journey, Bonnie would lie panting, shivering then every muscle would tense and she would fit wildly. It took all my strength to hold her.
The vet sedated her and gave yet more antidote but nothing was to work. My beautiful, crazy girl died of heart failure later that day.
We discovered the next day that 6 or 7 stray dogs had also been killed. Also, a greek friend of mine, from the mini golf where I worked, had also lost his canine companion of 10 years. Many locals did not seem surprised at this 'cull' although all seemed disgusted by it and expressed sympathy.
And now, today, I realise it goes on.
We now have a very small fluffy dog called Rollie; unashamedly a 'house' dog; I will never again have a big dog which needs long 'off lead' walks; I could not put myself through the pain again.
x Cretemum
Yesterday, it somehow ingested poison whilst out on a walk near Sissi and, yes, you've guessed it, died a horrible long drawn out death.
What a waste; another well loved pet is lost.
Some of you might know the story of my Bonnie; as a tiny pup she was thrown out of a moving car. I found her huddled in a corner at my greek classes; I took her home; I couldn't not.
Although Bonnie was from day one, the wrong dog for us (we lived in an apartment with two children at the time; she was to become, very quickly, biggish and very bouncy); she went from a tiny malnourished pup with rickets to a beautiful Cretan hound.
We would walk her for miles around Sissi; she had endless energy. She drove us mad but we loved her.
One morning, shortly after she was one, Duncan left for work; he sometimes took her with him if he was working alone. Before jumping in the car, she dove into the bushes for a quick pee.
Within 15 mins, in the car, she began to shiver and shake. Duncan drove home to me.
I will NEVER forget that day. It was very cold, January. I had just discovered I was pregnant with Dom. We lay Bonnie down in the spare apartment. She began to foam at the mouth and literally turn in circles on the floor, legs kicking uncontrollably. Duncan had gone to the pharmacy for an antidote.
This was, I believe, the last time Bonnie consciously knew me. I cradled her head and talked constantly to her. I put my fingers down her throat. We called our friend 'M', a local woman with big links to the Haven animal rescue charity. She said she was on her way.
Bonnie's eyes began to glaze over. She defecated on the floor. At this point I knew in my heart we were losing her. Duncan arrived with a hypodermic of antidote which I gave her but to no avail. 'M' drove me first to the Haven, more antidote, and then to the vet in Heraklion.
All through the journey, Bonnie would lie panting, shivering then every muscle would tense and she would fit wildly. It took all my strength to hold her.
The vet sedated her and gave yet more antidote but nothing was to work. My beautiful, crazy girl died of heart failure later that day.
We discovered the next day that 6 or 7 stray dogs had also been killed. Also, a greek friend of mine, from the mini golf where I worked, had also lost his canine companion of 10 years. Many locals did not seem surprised at this 'cull' although all seemed disgusted by it and expressed sympathy.
And now, today, I realise it goes on.
We now have a very small fluffy dog called Rollie; unashamedly a 'house' dog; I will never again have a big dog which needs long 'off lead' walks; I could not put myself through the pain again.
x Cretemum
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Last of the presents bought!
Saw mum off today; sniff! Ella abit down so took her into Agios Nikolaos to do last few bits of present buying.
Why is it when you are out you can see loads of things you, yourself would like, but nothing you think the person you are looking for would??!
Ended up with a couple of books for dad, a candlestick for my mate and a really lovely cake stand for myself (!)
So just Duncan to buy for, but he hasn't found anything for me yet so don't feel so bad; thing is, what do you buy for each other? We don't have loads of money, like most parents of young children, so to spend money on things we don't really need seems mad.
Think to be honest we might skip pressies and just go out for a meal in the new year; much more fun! :)
Anyway, shock horror, no photos tonight! Nothing more to report either; oh, yes! Theo gave his greek teacher, Maria, her 2008 calendar; one of these you can decorate yourself; he has carefully drawn and coloured a themed picture for every month; she was really thrilled and Theo could see that she really loved it; his little face was so proud; what a nice lesson in life for him; you make an effort and it will be appreciated. (Well sometimes anyway!!!)
nightxx
Why is it when you are out you can see loads of things you, yourself would like, but nothing you think the person you are looking for would??!
Ended up with a couple of books for dad, a candlestick for my mate and a really lovely cake stand for myself (!)
So just Duncan to buy for, but he hasn't found anything for me yet so don't feel so bad; thing is, what do you buy for each other? We don't have loads of money, like most parents of young children, so to spend money on things we don't really need seems mad.
Think to be honest we might skip pressies and just go out for a meal in the new year; much more fun! :)
Anyway, shock horror, no photos tonight! Nothing more to report either; oh, yes! Theo gave his greek teacher, Maria, her 2008 calendar; one of these you can decorate yourself; he has carefully drawn and coloured a themed picture for every month; she was really thrilled and Theo could see that she really loved it; his little face was so proud; what a nice lesson in life for him; you make an effort and it will be appreciated. (Well sometimes anyway!!!)
nightxx
Monday, December 17, 2007
MY CLEVER DAUGHTER
So happy today; went up to the school to collect Ella's grades. She is in 'triti' - 3rd year of junior school and this is the first year that is graded. Each year there are 3 grade 'times'; today was the first, then spring, then before she breaks up for summer next year.
Here in Greece, if you do not get good grades you must retake the year!
Well I have to be honest, when we moved here, one of my greatest fears was that I would be compromising my childrens education by leaving the UK. I am happy to say that I have never felt this; the education here is, I feel comparable to the UK and I do not think that there are the same peer pressures and bullying that seems rife in many areas in England.
Anyway.........
She got 7 A's (excellent) and 2 B's (very good). The B's were in Geography and Religious Education. The A's were in Maths, Reading/Writing, History, Art,Music, English (!!) and Literature.
I am SO proud of her!!!!
Here is a picture of her just after receiving her grades; if she doesnt look too happy, I think its because she is embarassed about her mum whipping out the camera at school!!
Good day; then slightly marred by having to put together the most complicated Fantastic Four Lego set in the world!!
Oh well...can't win them all.
Found out my friends 12 year old dog died last night; She was very old but what a gap there must be in their lives now. Poor them :(
Night.x
Sunday, December 16, 2007
CHRISTMAS DINNER MARK ONE
Evening All!
As mum is going back to the UK for xmas, we invited her and dad over this afternoon for a faux christmas dinner. We all had a great time; had roast chicken rather than Turkey; and the kids opened their pressies from grandma; Uno Extreme for Ella and Lego for Theo. Dom got pop ons; a sticklebrick type affair.
The nicest part of the evening was a general quiz (thanks Womans weekly!). Dad and I versus mum and Dunc. We won by one point!!!!! (Only discovered when Dunc did a recount).
All cleared up now and ready for bed but will post a couple of photos of the evening.
Duncans mum, Ann called which finished off the evening nicely; havent heard from her for a while as she has been busy caring for Duncs uncle who has terminal cancer. Do you know what, when I hear how bad cancer gets, and how much the person has to suffer, I cannot help but think the worlds all wrong...
xxxx night.
As mum is going back to the UK for xmas, we invited her and dad over this afternoon for a faux christmas dinner. We all had a great time; had roast chicken rather than Turkey; and the kids opened their pressies from grandma; Uno Extreme for Ella and Lego for Theo. Dom got pop ons; a sticklebrick type affair.
The nicest part of the evening was a general quiz (thanks Womans weekly!). Dad and I versus mum and Dunc. We won by one point!!!!! (Only discovered when Dunc did a recount).
All cleared up now and ready for bed but will post a couple of photos of the evening.
Duncans mum, Ann called which finished off the evening nicely; havent heard from her for a while as she has been busy caring for Duncs uncle who has terminal cancer. Do you know what, when I hear how bad cancer gets, and how much the person has to suffer, I cannot help but think the worlds all wrong...
xxxx night.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Good Evening all!
Apologies for the Christmas tree being sideways but am too tired to faddle about trying to turn it!
HOWEVER! It is the first ever picture taken with our new digital camera this evening; I am very proud of myself for having sorted it all out and loaded the programme on etc etc!
No doubt lots of other photos will follow...!
Other news of interest....I took Theo (and Dom) to the Crete Aquarium today. It was great; very big and well laid out. My favourite was the Jellyfish; white, ghostly see through; very pretty actually. Theo loved the turtle (found injured on a beach here and being nursed back to health, before release into the wild).
He was very nervous about approaching the shark tank at first but soon became brave enough to come close! He also enjoyed the cafe and the gift shop; although he ended up choosing a moose and a bear figurine (work that one out!).
We then went to Macdonalds; not many people have to drive over an hour to one of those! It was HORRIBLE. To be honest, I was glad when Dom refused to touch it and even Theo didnt finish it. Last time for me I think. The food in tavernas here is so tasty and fresh; even the children have worked it out!
Then to cap off Theo's special day out, I took him to a pet shop; hey, bit different here than in the UK. They had; yorkshire terriers, a Jack russell, a rotteweiler and a boxer puppy. Other species included a white owl, a ferret and a chameleon (which was my fave; cute little ball eyes swivelling suspiciously in all directions and a tail like a licorice wheel).
For sometime Theo has been angling for a 'first' pet....So what did we get? Shall I leave you hanging on ala Dallas 'to be continued"!!?? No, too mean. We purchased with great ceremony, a.................GOLDFISH.
His name is Shadow and he has a red plastic strawberry cup for a house (Theo's choice; the minds of a five year old; unfathomable!
Friday, December 14, 2007
Oh, go on then, just a quick one!
Picture of Kelly (Summer 06?) Picture of Big Bro, Marc ; Somewhere in UK?Quick blog that is! have just finished quite a good book; The Righteous Men; I think the subject;
Hassidic Jewish Religion and way of life is quite an interesting topic.
Then I was going to bed but I thought I'd post a few lines.
Woke to find a text, Maria from Sissi had her baby last night. Congrats Maria! A little boy, 3.5kg. Sure she'll be a great mum. Would've liked to pop up the hospital to see her but a) I don't like Agios Nikolaos hospital; too many bad memories/vibes and b) didn't want to take my snuffly little Dominic there.
Still not got a date for Dom's operation but already looking ahead and trying to keep him healthy; they won't do op if he has a cold etc.
Duncan spent tonight wrapping presents. Ella stayed up late watching the 'film of the moment'' Titanic, then went to bed to listen to Celine Dion. Duncan reckons I am poisoning his children with my musical taste. Theo was singing '9 to 5' the other day. But I say, abit of Dolly never hurt anyone.
Kids quite whingy this afternoon. I was glad when Dunc got home then I got all grumpy. Stomped off to the dentist; yippee! I've been going since March, but now finally finished. Paid up too!!
Considering he is private, he is pretty cheap and good too; very methodical. I shudder to think what he would have cost in the UK. And he gives us all check ups free too so I take the kids every few months.
Poor old Kelly, Yanni, her son is in hospital too with a mystery bug. He seems fine now she says but we all know what the hospitals are like here; uber careful and keep you in forever. In the UK, they send you home to die! Ha Ha; where's the happy medium??
Ella's going out with grandma tomorrow in Heraklion shopping and hopefully to do some skating on the artificial ice rink they had up last year for Christmas. fingers crossed its open this year.
I might take Theo to the aquarium here as Ella has already been with the school.
(As I am reading the above, it paints a really 'English' picture of Crete; ice skating and aquariums. As if!! These are BIG Christmas treats. To put things in perspective; the entry fee for the aquarium is a days wage for us.)
But Duncan and I are doing our usual; when we have money we spend it and when we don't, we promise that when we do, we'll save.
We finally (applied in March) got the 3 child benefit money from one of the Greek govt. agencies. I think it is kept pretty quiet. Luckily a Greek friend put me onto it. I went in March to the Greek equiv. of CAB (KEP). They are about as helpful as a poke in the eye, here in Neapoli.
The woman informed me that I was not eligible; massively anti foreigner. I thought, yes, but I AM eligible to pay tax, aren't I?? Anyway, this is not a big 'chip on shoulder' rant; I CAN see both sides but to cut a long story short, I applied and on Thursday, the postie came round with a wad of cash (can you see that in the UK???) and counted it out; 4558 euros!!
Theo was home from school and when he saw all that cash he piped up ' mum, now we're rich can we go to Disneyland'. Yeah right Theo; sadly it all went the next day to pay the IKA (tax) bill, long overdue on our restoration of our house.
I will also get further amounts every 2 months until Dom is 6 which can't be bad. I am not however, tempted to have child no. 4; even though you do then qualify for a new car and 10 litres of olive oil a month (apparently).
Anyway I'll try now and post a picture or two from my 'back files'. When I get this long awaited camera, I will inundate you all with some up to date pics.
p.s. Good on my bro, who started his own blog tonight. I'll pick his brains on how to link blogs so you can compare sibling styles; the Brontes have a lot to learn!!
x night.
P.s c
Thursday, December 13, 2007
STILL WITH ME????
Dunc has just walked by and said, I hope your'e not putting any pictures of me on. Ha Ha. I have decided that if I'm going to do this, its got to be honest and real. I'm not wasting my time writing a load of lies. Whatever I write might be rubbish but it will at least have the ring of truth!
But I have to say, this blogging it harder that it looks. I am so 'anal' that I feel I have to have a beginning, middle and end. So to jump in like this is tough. But anyway. Ohh! Coffee and a cake. Made a batch of 24 cupcakes about 7pm and theres about 10 left. I fool myself into how economical home made cakes are, and then trough the lot in one evening.
Maybe I should do what my mum did when I was kid; she bought Garibaldi biscuits, and that way no one ever ate them.
Same with choc tree decorations; I bought two packs of 12 from Carrefour in Heraklion on Tues night. Put one pack on the tree and the other 'artistically' arranged on a christmas plate. Well the christmas plate is now empty and the tree has lots of empty strings with little bits of shiny foil attached. There might just be one lurking at the back if your'e lucky.
The tree itself is nice though this year. Although it is on a coffee table, which in turn, is nailed (I kid you not) to another coffee table. So the tree is practically touching the ceiling.
But what to do when you have little cruising Dom, with his grabby little hands?
Scary thought but it won't be long now; in the last week he has taken quite a few independent steps; earlier this evening, he crossed the sitting room alone (about 8 steps)!
He has his pead. check at hospital early Jan 08 and it will be great to have him walk in there!
Right, just had a brilliant idea; I'm going to create a list of things that one day, one by one, I'll get round to blogging about. That way, when I have had a totally boring day, with nothing to write about, I'll choose a topic instead. Great idea eh?!
But I have to say, this blogging it harder that it looks. I am so 'anal' that I feel I have to have a beginning, middle and end. So to jump in like this is tough. But anyway. Ohh! Coffee and a cake. Made a batch of 24 cupcakes about 7pm and theres about 10 left. I fool myself into how economical home made cakes are, and then trough the lot in one evening.
Maybe I should do what my mum did when I was kid; she bought Garibaldi biscuits, and that way no one ever ate them.
Same with choc tree decorations; I bought two packs of 12 from Carrefour in Heraklion on Tues night. Put one pack on the tree and the other 'artistically' arranged on a christmas plate. Well the christmas plate is now empty and the tree has lots of empty strings with little bits of shiny foil attached. There might just be one lurking at the back if your'e lucky.
The tree itself is nice though this year. Although it is on a coffee table, which in turn, is nailed (I kid you not) to another coffee table. So the tree is practically touching the ceiling.
But what to do when you have little cruising Dom, with his grabby little hands?
Scary thought but it won't be long now; in the last week he has taken quite a few independent steps; earlier this evening, he crossed the sitting room alone (about 8 steps)!
He has his pead. check at hospital early Jan 08 and it will be great to have him walk in there!
Right, just had a brilliant idea; I'm going to create a list of things that one day, one by one, I'll get round to blogging about. That way, when I have had a totally boring day, with nothing to write about, I'll choose a topic instead. Great idea eh?!
Will now attempt to add some photos so bear with me....
Ohhh! It worked.
The first two are of Dominic, our 'baby' of the bunch. 16 months old and what a busy life he's had already....And here is my two older children, Ella and Theo. This WAS over a year ago; on Theos first day at school (here in Crete thats when they are four).
Believe it or not, we do not possess a digital camera although thats set to change as good old mum has given us the cash to buy one as a joint xmas present.
So, hopefully I will be posting some more up to date photos soon.
RIGHT, NOW I KNOW ITS QUITE SIMPLE I WILL CONTINUE...
Now, just in case anyone I don't know ever reads this, I will attempt to give a running commentary; a sort of 'story so far' .
But as I cannot risk alienating my core audience (Duncan; my husband) you, the unknown reader will have to fill in the blanks as best you can.
In my 'about me' section you can get the potted history. Not sure how others start their blogs but I'm jumping right in at the here and now......
But as I cannot risk alienating my core audience (Duncan; my husband) you, the unknown reader will have to fill in the blanks as best you can.
In my 'about me' section you can get the potted history. Not sure how others start their blogs but I'm jumping right in at the here and now......
FIRST EVER POST!!!!!!!!!!
Right then, I have taken the plunge! I have toyed with this blogging idea for months but a) we were on dial up until recently and b) the 'reserved english' part of me can't help thinking it is all abit like those dreams you have where you have no clothes on and your'e walking round the supermarket.
You know, abit....public.
But then I thought hey! You live in the middle of nowhere, its December, there is nothing on t.v. and the electric blanket is no where near warm enough yet so....I'll start a blog!
Now I will attempt to post this as a test run...
You know, abit....public.
But then I thought hey! You live in the middle of nowhere, its December, there is nothing on t.v. and the electric blanket is no where near warm enough yet so....I'll start a blog!
Now I will attempt to post this as a test run...
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