Our One Year Anniversary...

Today we have been living in Cyprus for a whole year - one whole year - where has the time gone???

We woke today to what was the beginnings of the Coptic Storm arriving late.  It was exceptionally hot and muggy with thunder rolling round the hills.  Even though it was our anniversary we were up with the larks (more probably bee eaters) in order to complete John's latest project - the decking.

It was really hot working today and as always my Part Four skill set was sadly lacking in John's opinion and my attention span is less than that of a gnat so when I see a weed or something that needs removing my mind wanders to that instead of the job in hand.

At one point I asked John if he was building the decking so that he could bury me underneath - but as I took the photograph on the left when the last plank was fitted and fixed I am still around and not pushing up daisies!

As always John has done a fabulous job and the decking looks (and smells) great.  We have put the Gazebo back in place and until this gives up the ghost will provide a lovely shady area to eat.  When it does meet its maker John would like to replace it with a more permanent wood and tiled structure.

This project has been the kiss of death to the weather and we feel for Sean and Sharon who are only here for 10 days' and have arrived just as the weather turned.  They must think they are jinxed - it happened last time they came over so if any of you are planning on coming to visit us just check with me first whether Sean and Sharon are hear at the same time - the weather might not be that good!!!

We were celebrating our first year here in Cyprus and were going out with Mum and Dad and Jackie and Costas to the taverna in Koloni - the same taverna that Costas didn't want to go to the time we ended up at Seven St George's and had a very very indifferent meal!  Prior to going down to Emba we put all the furniture back in to the conservatory and got out the bottle of Veuve Cliquot that had traveled with us from the UK for just this sort of occasion. We had a bit of messing around with the camera and the tripod but eventually managed to take a shot that we both agreed upon

Both of the cats have been in and given the decking their seal of approval, giving it a good 'once over'.  

Minnie is slowly turning into a weeble, when she lies on her back she is like a turtle that can't right itself.  She doesn't seem to eat that much but is spreading.  

Chivers is much leaner - probably as a result of his dicky tum and sickness the other day but he is eating well again now and drinking and coming to the end of his tablets so hopefully if we ever do managed poo watch they will have had the desired effect - we certainly hope so.

We made sure that the cats had everything they needed as we were staying over at Mum and Dad's.  Food, water, ambient lighting and the cat's playlist on the I-Pod - spoiled?  You bet your life!!

Costas' Taverna in Koloni is a very nice traditional taverna with an eclectic style in decoration.  It was lovely to catch up with Jackie and Costas and Jackie was looking stunning as always.  Last night she arrived sporting blonde hair after years of us knowing her with it dark.  She said that having reached a milestone birthday she decided to have change.

Five of us had a Meze last night - Mum opted for lamb chops.  Costas begrudgingly had to admit that the food was good and plentiful - in the end we had to ask them to stop bringing food as we just couldn't eat any more.  As the evening progressed the taverna became busier and busier and when locals come and eat you know that the food should be good.

Part way through the evening we were serenaded by these two guys.  They were probably Romanian and fair play to them they were out there trying to make a living.  John says he ordered them specially - as if!!!  When they were playing and a dish of meatballs came to the table it was a bit like the scene from the Lady and the Tramp and I half expected to push a meatball towards me with his nose!!!

I must remember not to sit next to Costas when eating again - he keeps plying me with food and slipping little bits onto my plate.  Jackie says he hates to see food wasted so works his way through everything that is put in front of him!  Our meal was finished off with some delicious pistachio ice-cream and it must have been good because I don't normally eat ice-cream and some free brandies.

Year two begins - I wonder what it will bring?