Happy Birthday Jane...

Today we were going out to Duomo to celebrate Jane's birthday but before that we took advantage of a glorious day to get some jobs done.

When the builders were here they had asked John to put up a wooden brace to span the area where we are having three huge panes of glass - this was a job we were going to do together (deep joy) - I say this because I am rubbish at reaching things or supporting things because I am a pathetic female fundamentally, I know John finds this frustrating because he finds that he could do with about three pairs of hands when doing this sort of job and all he has got is little old me!  Amazingly we actually managed to do this job with no arguments!

We went up on the roof to take a photograph of the metal structure so that Mum and Dad could get an idea of what has been achieved so far and it gives you some idea of the magnitude of the job particularly as nothing is square.  The span between the kitchen door and the bedroom door is wider at the kitchen end than the bedroom end and the height at the bedroom end is lower than the height at the kitchen end!  We are fascinated as to how they are going to deal with these little idiosyncrasies but as I pointed out to John when you look at some of the glass constructions that are erected on tavernas it would appear they can deal with anything that is thrown at them!

The remainder of the day was spent outside doing bits and bobs.  It was just so lovely to be outside.  My pikey side emerged once again as I nipped over the field to pinch some interesting looking stones for the front garden and to gather up the remaining vine off-cuts which burn really well.  The house and garden are coming along slowly - the garden is always going to be something of a challenge but I have plenty of time and plenty of enthusiasm!

We left late afternoon to go down to Mum and Dad's.  The pikey in Dad had also reared its head as he had spied some pallets that we could break up for kindling.

The sun was beginning to set as we arrived and was going down like a ball of flames.  It was reflected in the house opposite Mum and Dad's making it look like it was on fire.  The forecast for tomorrow wasn't that brilliant so hopefully the red sky at night will ensure that it is better than we are anticipating.  It was positively balmy down in Emba and the birdsong made it sound like an English summer evening - winter seems to be over and Dad says that it must be because their Cypriot neighbours had rolled their carpet up and put it away on the verandah - this is apparently a sure sign that it is spring!

I had been very industrious for Jane's birthday as I had got my jewellery making gear out and made her a necklace and I had also made her a birthday card using some of the stuff which Sheila had given me previously.  Sometimes things work out nicely and I was really quite chuffed with what I managed to produce with some suede ribbon and wooden beads!  In fact John thought I should keep it for myself - I shall have to see if I have enough beads to make one for myself now!  I just hope Jane will like it.  I also thought Jane and John might like some of my home-made marmalade so put some of the lemon I had made into a container for them.

Jane and John are renting an apartment down in Emba for four weeks.  They have stayed here before (as has my sister and her husband) and really like it.  Last year when they were over they had invited John down from Droushia for a meal so he had already seen it (he was over in February last year for a week doing some DIY when I was still in Yeovil working).  I wasn't sure what to expect as the entrance to the complex is a bit underwhelming but I was very impressed by the accommodation and the facilities although in February it is doubtful that anyone would be foolhardy enough to use the pool!  They pay a very reasonable price for the rental which includes all bills and the owner also offers a car for a nominal amount.  If anyone is interested I can get details - maybe I should be on commission!!

We were joined by Alan and Trish (on the left) and this time I managed to take a half decent picture of John with both eyes looking in the same direction and the hint of a smile!  Jane is wearing the necklace I made her so I guess she likes it!  Jane had put on some lovely nibbles including a rather nice walnut and apple loaf - to be honest I could have stayed there and just eaten that!  Unfortunately Trish had not been well during the day so it was good of her to come out to celebrate Jane's birthday.  She and Alan didn't go back for coffee and a nightcap which was probably sensible if she was feeling poorly.  

Happy Birthday Jane - hope it was a good one for you!