Autumn is a coming...

Blimey when they said the weather was going to take a downturn this week they weren't joking - this morning you couldn't see your hand in front of your face for rolling mists - the coastline is down there somewhere!!!  We reckon Droushia is crying because our neighbours return to the UK today after a long stay in their house - in fact the second long stay this year.  Now all bar a couple of bits and pieces their renovation work is done and the house is looking lovely.  We wait with great interest to see how the house next door will be completed - let's just say the rains today didn't help much.

John was doing the airport run in Lakis car and I had to go and pick something up from Peyia so he went off in one direction and me in the other.  Down in Peyia it was slightly overcast and extremely sticky - temperatures still over 30 degrees but oh so humid it is oppressive.  On my way down I followed a truck towing a trailer filled with cabinets - the trailer had no numberplate and no lights which meant I had no idea when it was braking - I kept a safe distance behind which stood me in good stead for observing the speed limit - good news as the police had their cameras out at Pickni Forest - and I have been done there before!

On my way home I noticed that the area around the funny little coffee shop on the corner near the Arodes turning has all been cleared.  Many years ago I stopped here with Hilary for a drink - it was a very basic place but we were desperate for a loo - I am not sure this was our best move in terms of vitreous enamelware but when needs must!!   Sadly a few years ago at the time of the Crash a poor man took his life here and the place has been closed up ever since.  I don't know if the recent activity means something is going to happen here - the spot commands a fabulous view across to St Georges.

There is also a real flurry of activity at the new Petrol Station - it looks like this could be open real soon but there only appears to be one set of pumps which could be interesting and if this causes queues then that stretch of road outside will become a nightmare.

We had a couple of hours peace and quiet at home before we were due out again - I had planned to do some gardening but the elements had their own agenda and we had some serious rain and thunder - so my outdoor activities were cancelled - I had done washing in the morning so that had to be rescued and my conservatory resembled a Chinese Laundry - I hate it but it is the only way to deal with damp washing to ensure it dries.  The cats didn't seemed bothered by the array of smalls - all of them were in - they no likey the rain!!

We had arranged to pick up John's mum, Stan and Jacky and take them to Kathikas Square which has an impressive collection of gins on sale.  Jacky and Janet like a little gin (or two) and John was driving so I joined them in sampling some which we had not tried before.

Tomorrow is their last full day before they go home on Wednesday - Stan is mortified - he wants us to adopt him so he can stay indefinitely.  They all seem to have enjoyed their holiday, although we know at times it has been emotional for John's mum.  We are thrilled that they have liked their accommodation - it is never easy managing people's expectation but as they have announced they want to come back next year and stay in the same place we must have done a good job!

We have been trying to decide where to go and eat on their last night and with the weather changing we have decided to err on the side of caution and chose somewhere that is nice inside and en route to the ginery we decided that The Farmyard might be a good choice as they can have anything from Chinese to traditional Cypriot food.

This evening we were eating in the village and giving Di and Rob a chance to catch up with John's Mum.  Although there were some hardy holidaymakers sitting outside we sat in - we kind of thought the village chairs outside might have been a bit damp!!!  We had also asked for a more simple meal than the usual Meze as we are all feeling just a bit stuffed after the excesses of the Summer.  Sea ream and chips and salad for Jackie and me and grilled chicken, salad and chips for the rest.  A lovely evening as always and we are glad to have been able to get in another meal before Finikas closes for a short while for some refurbishments.

We finished the evening at the Hotel bagging the sofas in the fireplace area away from the big group that has taken over the hotel for the next few days.  The hotel is closing shortly too for a major refurb which will be interesting to see when it is finished - we just hope it doesn't change too much - we like it the way it is!

We managed to get the holidaymakers a taxi home - unfortunately Tassos was busy but Harris came instead.