Christmas Eve was not quite as planned because yesterday it was a year since Elena had passed away and we were told that there was to be a memorial service for her at the local Church at 8.30am and then afterwards at Bassam's.  Things had got a little lost in translation because apparently the memorial isn't normally held beyond the year so the Church had done it last Sunday but Elena's mum had not then arrived so she was to be mentioned today again.  John and I felt we should go because it being so close to Christmas and with such short notice we weren't sure how many people would make it.

The local church is beautiful and faith is extremely important to Cypriots so it is busy although people just seem to pop in and out during the service at will - there were people there of all ages from babes in arms to elderly.  Di joined us and we snuck in the back to sit through what was an extended service as it is Christmas Day tomorrow - everything seems to be sung but three or four elderly men from the village (I think) - the priest doesn't seem to do much singing. We were periodically given candles which were then lit, blown out and returned which we think were in remembrance of various people.  Kelly was there and helped to explain some of the proceedings thank goodness.  I wished I had understood more, I admire people and their faith and the atmosphere in the church and we were glad we had made the effort to go for Elena and her family.

We quickly called in on Bassam, taking one of the older ladies Chrysoula up with us so she didn't have to walk.  She is the sister of Nicos the actor/director who sadly died earlier this year and is the most lovely lady.  She gave me a book all about Nicos apologising that it was only in Greek - it really should be me apologising that I don't understand the language better.

John had bought some Christmas masks when we were in Jumbos so everyone had to get into the spirit and have their photographs taken before we sat down for some mulled wine or a drinkie and a chat before eating.

The starter was home-made carrot and coriander soup with croutons.  This was followed by Italian Lemon Chicken with potato and onion casserole and carrots and leeks cooked in cumin and petit pois.

Pudding people had a choice, home-made sticky toffee pudding, home-made yoghurt cake with citrus fruits or home made mincemeat tart.

We followed this with cheese and biscuits and port then coffee and mints.  Everyone seemed to enjoy their meal and I was relaxed because I had managed to prepare so much in advance so I could actually sit down and enjoy it with them.

Mum and Dad and Di and Rob exchanged gifts.  We passed around the Christmas jokes from the gift bags and asked the Christmas themed questions that were inside.  Dad had a snooze whilst we continued our conversations and we had to keep opening the doors and windows as the temperature in the house got warmer and warmer!!!

Eventually when the light was beginning to fade we said goodbye to Mum and Dad who will return tomorrow.  Save for one hail storm in Kathikas they got home safely and avoided the mega storms with thunder and lightning that then arrived in Droushia.

Di and Rob stayed to sit the winds, rain and hail out and it was cosy and warm inside and we all felt we had had a good start to the Festive Season.  The boys tackled the majority of the washing up and with the Bobster in charge of a tea towel my glasses will never have been so clean and sparkly although I said to Di I reckon he will complain about the quality of my towels!

Eventually it was just John and me and the cats.  They were all sleepy and we managed to catch Charlie when he was sound asleep and put one of the masks on his head.

My neighbour reckons he looks like Garfield and she is right - he really is a lump of a cat although he has a right old turn of speed when he wants to!

Charlie was not so thrilled about his second photograph adopting his grumpy face!!!

All cleared up we eventually retired to bed - more of the same tomorrow when Mum and Dad return, I cook, we eat, we drink we sleep and we count our blessings.

AIN'T WE LUCKY