Charlie...

Charlie is such a character, he is our child with ADHD.  Everyone loves him but he is extremely hard work at times.  Today Nicky and Mark were on a video call with Mark's mum and dad and Charlie wanted a piece of the action and they loved him - why wouldn't they?  When Nicky and Mark have their front window open he just pops on in to see how they are doing whether they want him or not.  We try not to encourage him to go into other people's houses but he just doesn't learn.  He goes visit everyone who will have him and often in search of food because he eats constantly.  Charlie has found a new way of getting our attention for food - he goes to my Netsuke display cabinet and raps on the glass which rattles in the frame.  Honestly I don't know whether to laugh or cry but today when he did it so hard that the cabinet fell forwards I didn't find it funny.  Fortunately the cabinet and the contents appear to be ok but he managed to break the metal handle which opens it up.  Boris was watching what Charlie was doing and when the cabinet fell over it scared the shit out of him!!!  Charlie was unconcerned - he simply moved up a shelf and started to do the same with our lovely photograph taken on the day John and I went to the Royal Garden Party at Buck House.  I tell you now if he breaks that one I will kill him.

On a different subject - if you look closely at the photograph of Charlie you will see two of my candlesticks with two candles which have suffered from the exceptional heat we have been having of late!

We were out for lunch today.  We had been asked to join Sheila and Klaus with Mum and I was looking forward to it because Klaus is a great cook.

Mum travelled up and went to the Cemetery before we all piled into the Pug and set off for Goudi.

I am so happy for Sheila and Klaus that after all this time they managed to sell their house in Droushia and find a fabulous place to rent where they seem to be so very happy and relaxed.  Even little Benji who has well outlived his brother Charlie is looking well even though he is a little stiff in the hips these days.  It is great to hear that Klaus and Benji go for a walk around the village and are being embraced by the locals who shower them with fruit and veg.

Poor Sheila was a little below par - she has been a bit poorly of late with a suspected kidney stone.  

Klaus cooked a lovely meal and I got a doggie bag to take home!!!!  We had chicken schnitzel with potatoes, carrots and cauliflower cheese and then some sort of chicken bonbons on a bed of fried rice noodles which were absolutely delicious and what I got to take home - thank you Klaus they were fabulous as was the apple cake and ice-cream for pud.

Between them Klaus and Sheila are embracing new crafts.  Their pebble art gives them a reason to go out and walk the beaches.  I particularly liked the one above with the jolly ladybirds and I have asked Sheila to make me a couple for the garden.  I love these two people, I am sad they are no longer just down the road but so very very happy for them that they have finally found the peace and quiet they deserve.  Next time we get together we plan to go out to eat so that none of us have to cook.  Can't thank them enough for their company, food and friendship.