Stumped by GESY

I think Charlie must have been feeling the cold this morning as he got himself well snuggled up and squeezed in amongst the sofa cushions.  Actually all the cats are in more at the moment which is a definite sign that the weather has changed.  

Good news, we got our electricity bill today and it was all of €17 for two months and we have banked quite a bit of electric to see us over the winter.  No delay in paying this bill!!!  I also tried to do our tax returns which have changed as they now include a section for calculating our GESY (National Health) contribution which has got me somewhat bamboozled because not only do you have to do the return online you then have to go to the new Tax Portal and fill in some more forms and then try and pay.  I got so far and then left it - I have until the end of October after all.

We went into the village today to check Dad's grave and to check the post.  All was fine at the cemetery - there was a lady doing the rounds lighting candles and lamps at various graves.  Dad's flowers are still surviving so they are going to remain there for the time-being.

There must have been a parcel flight come in as I had several things waiting for me including the temperature gun that we need for taking temperatures when pickleball restarts.  We picked up a letter for Di and went down to catch up with them as we haven't seen them since we went out for Mark's birthday last week.  

We sat out in the garden having a chat - the letter Di had received was informing her that she will not be able to use it after the end of the Brexit Transition Period.  This is a big problem for many Brits living in an EU Country because apparently something has not been done or agreed so that they can continue to use their UK bank accounts and cards.  I have rung First Direct and apparently, at the moment, there is nothing to worry about.  

As we walked down Di and Rob's garden to make our way back home I spotted a chrysalis of an Oleander Hawk Moth Caterpillar which is about the size of a man's finger and it was being eaten by two hornets - these are pretty bit although not quite the size of the mammoth Asian ones which I believe are now in the UK.

This evening we went on a walk with Nicky and Mark which is all part of Mark's regime of rehabilitation after his stent operations.  We took a longer route into the village to give him a bit more exercise and to show them a different route so that they get to know their way round a bit better and to recognise some of the landmarks so that when they are asking me where something is and I say "do you know where the cheese factory is?" they will not look at me blankly!!!  As a reward we called into Stathmos for a little liquid refreshment before walking back home.  

Good news from Richard the Window Cleaner - he has had his offer accepted on 5b - bet he really is proper giddy kippers today - and it was his birthday yesterday!