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
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