Blood...

The temperatures have ramped up again and it is due to get even hotter over the weekend.  We have Nicky and Mark coming tomorrow and staying over so today was mainly spent tidying the house and collapsing in the pool to cool down.

Unfortunately we could not avoid a trip down to Polis and Paps supermarket as I needed to get some bits and pieces in.  John is unconvinced about my choice for a light lunch - I am going to try a recipe I have found for a Thai chicken noodle salad which should be light, colourful and full of flavour but I haven't actually ever used rice noodles before so it will be a bit of an experiment.

I was surprised to find Paps considerably quieter than I had anticipated and so it wasn't too much of a chore to nip round and pick up a few bits.  Our reward was to purchase a couple of bottles of Finca Ramos wine that was on offer which we hoped would be the same as the one which the Bobster had served the night before at the barbeque - it had been deliciously smooth.  I also spotted some Cypriot beer which we hadn't seen before and although a little on the pricey side John chose a wheat Ale and I chose a ginger Ale to try - the ginger Ale was exactly what it said an Ale flavoured with ginger which I thought was rather nice - I would certainly have it again.

We spent a very quiet afternoon at home.  We retreated indoors into the cool of the lounge and sat under the fans watching some completely un-taxing tv programmes.  I was pleased that Mum was fully occupied today - Friday is her hair day then she was off for coffee and then Angela and Richard were taking her somewhere for lunch.  I always feel happier knowing she has something to look forward to.

The blood bank was at the village today so I went off to do my bit - having O negative means that anyone can receive my blood no matter what their blood group so it is always in demand (not mine particularly but the group!).

This is clearly a very macho thing to do in Cyprus - not only was I the only non-Cypriot in evidence but I was the only woman apart from Marianna!  I am sure this changed as the session went on but when I arrived there was so much testosterone flowing and posturing and looks of complete disgust when a couple were turned away for having bad blood pressure.  I am pleased to report that the doctor told me my blood pressure was perfect as was my haemoglobin count which is particularly good news as there is a family history of blood pressure issues and as a child I was severely anaemic. I gave my blood although the girl struggled to find a vein and opted for my left arm - it is a bit bruised but actually I never felt the needle going in and my blood flowed pretty quickly.  I was given a cup of lemon square and some tachinopitta for my troubles - there were plates of pastries both savoury and sweet but I didn't really fancy any of it - actually I could do with fasting for a while as we seem to do nothing but eat at the moment!!!

So with that in mind we had opted for a simple Greek salad with pittas, dips and olives for supper this evening and it was delicious - as was the wine which we confirmed with Bobster was the same and he is shooting off down to Paps tomorrow to get some more whilst it is on offer and will get us some at the same time.  The light supper hit the spot!