Cosy Nights in Followed by Stunning Walks out...

We did give Nicky and Mark prior warning that they would find the temperature up in Droushia considerably different to that in Emba.  We were not wrong as we had a bright but windy day - a cold wind though and whereas the day before had reached 28 degrees we were lucky if it managed 18 degrees yesterday - we had spoken to Dad during the afternoon who was complaining what a boiling hot day it had been in Emba!!  GREAT - fortunately they came prepared thank goodness but John had left nothing to chance so all curtains were drawn, all candles lit and the fire was pumped up to the max!!!  The throws are to stop the cats wrecking the leather sofas but we reckon they make it look and feel warmer anyway!

How cosy does our house look???  We had the house all warmed up and dinner on the go when Nicky and Mark arrived.  We know they both work hard so we dont worry if we dont see them regularly and it's not like John and I have anything better to do!!!  My cooking was in competition with Poppadums (Nicky and Mark's favourite Indian restaurant) so the pressure was on!!! 

I did poppadums and dips (mango chutney, lime pickle and mango pickle) with home made raita made with fresh mint from the garden and a home made tomato, onion and coriander chutney.  We had flatbreads instead of chapatis (because I dont know if you can get them here) spicy rice, chicken tikka masala and singapore noodles in a fragrant thai prawn curry - and even though I say so myself I thought it was a first class meal.

We had a little bit to drink (no shit Sherlock!!) and some of Nicky's scrummy trifle before retiring to the lounge to slob out.  Nicky has almost completed 63 weddings this year as photographer and is feeling the pressure - another week or so and she will be finished but it takes its toll being as enthusiastic with the last bride as you were with the first.  Still she loves her job and is doing a good one so she doesn't knock it.

Mark has just returned from back to back visits to the UK for his firm Currency Solutions.  He has a pretty high powered and pressurised job with the chance to take it further which will mean more travel back and forwards to the UK - success brings its own challenges but we can at least provide him with a bolt-hole and some downtime. 

If any of you reading this need to transfer money to or from the UK then check out Currency Solutions - we used them and they did a good job for us - mention Mark's name - it wont do any harm!!!

We didnt manage a very late night - all good intentions but failed miserably!!  Bedrooms were inviting with fluffy duvets at the ready and a good night's sleep was had by all.  Chivers and Minnie spent their first night together and didnt kill one another so that was a big bonus!!

We all had a hearty breakfast and said goodbye (we will be together again in a week or so when we go to Nicosia races) and John and I set off for our walk in Fyti.  En route we had a frantic call from Mum to say that she had been a complete duffer and changed the clocks a day early so Dad was running late.  If you know my Dad then you will know that he just doesnt do late EVER!!!  Mum is going to be sooooo in the s.h.1.t !!!!

We waited for Dad in the pre-arranged spot on the road to Polemi and we were to follow because we werent entirely sure where we were meeting - follow???  blimey we struggled to keep up with him as he was on a mission to make up the time he had lost!!  He was a mere blur in the distance!!!  Anyway we arrived at Fyti which is a really really pretty village and herded all the various walkers together - the ages ranged from 2 years to 92 years which must be some sort of record surely??? 

I think Trish called this the Sound of Music Walk and I can see why because we walked steadily downhill through the most beautiful fir tree forests.  For so late in October you just cannot believe the weather - it was beautiful and we had a really lovely time followed by an excellent meze at Maria's taverna. Standby the Hazzells & Pamments when your next out, its one for the itinerary!!

We returned home to find all was well - two cats still alive!!  Irene called in to worm and deflea Minnie - she has an appointment at the vets on Tuesday.  Chivers also needed flea treatment but he took one look at Irene and shot under the shed - he had to be coaxed out by John!

John is watching footie - the Arsenal game and then the Man City game - the Mighty Blades have had a shocker as normal - drawing to Exeter - what the hell is that all about???

Minnie has been very quiet this afternoon - we dont know if it is the after-effects of the worming tablet - it knocked Chivers for six when he had his the other week.  She is definitely not firing on all cylinders this evening so it will be good when the Vet has given her a check-up.

Our big night in and our walk has taken its toll and I am struggling to keep my eyes open - we will have to rely on ITV Player tomorrow to catch up on X Factor.