Polis

We were up mega early this morning - and I mean mega early as we were down and shopping in Paps at 9.00am - it was very pleasant too - not many people around except for some real dumb-arsed Brits who have no idea about mask wearing and social distancing.  Strange really as they would appear to have been in the age bracket which would render them more vulnerable than others - they clearly have not been exposed to anyone who has lost a loved one during this pandemic.  As I said before the current world we find ourselves living in is sadly bringing out the worst in people.

We went for a little wander in Polis - we rarely do that and we were just thinking how lovely the weather is and how much John's mum would have enjoyed being here (save for the numpties like those in Paps who feel the restrictions just do not apply to them).  I would say that this corner of the island has probably fared better in terms of tourists and business during these difficult times although this morning it was very quiet save for half a dozen elderly men waiting for their haircut at the ancient barbers in the square.

There are some fabulous buildings in Polis - quite often we wander past without really taking in what is around us.  When I was living in Yeovil the local historian Jack Sweet once gave a talk and encouraged us to look up at buildings beyond the shop fronts that they house at ground level and by doing so you would often discover a grandeur you had hitherto missed.

A few weeks ago I remarked upon the PO Boxes that are in the village - I wondered how many people actually used one because at that time Philippos was training a gourd plant over the top of them.  Today those boxes are barely visible as the plant has taken hold good and proper.

Work continues on the cobbles - it is very slow progress and I would say there is little hope of it all being completed by the end of this month as it is supposed to be.

John had wanted to get to Les's to complete the removal of the old vine which was in his front garden but failed miserably as everything was in chaos and he could park nowhere near.  

I know poor Les is feeling very cut off from the village and from people so we decided to ask if he wanted to come for something to eat this evening as we were having Mexican and had enough to share.  He sounded so grateful that it made me feel very sorry for him.

With nothing much planned for this afternoon and no access to Les's John decided to watch the Formula One qualifying rounds whilst I got the last bit of our supper sorted.

This week's challenge is Butterflies, Dragonflies and Ladybirds - I had thought there would be plenty of those around in the UK for people to paint or photograph but apparently the weather has been so awful over there that there are very few about.  

I am struggling to decide upon what to put forward for next week.  It is quite hard to chose something that is suitable for both artists and photographers.  

I had some time to spare this afternoon so did a bit of painting like I normally do to boost the number of entries - but was glad to see a flurry this afternoon with some stunners coming in.

Mum went out this afternoon for a cuppa with her friend Dot and I was pleased when she returned and said that she and Dot are going to do this once a fortnight.  I know that Mum finds Saturdays difficult so this will ease that situation and was pleased that this week Mum has had quite a bit to entertain her and tomorrow we are planning a little trip out after lunch to the garden centre at Agia Marina just for a change.  They have a sale on - not that I need anything but I do like to go and have a look!

Les came.  He was so pleased for the company and the food.  He says he is feeling very cut off at the moment - not helped by the fact that Clare is in Hong Kong and it looks like she will remain there until June next year.  We were more than happy to share our meal with him - I had made too much anyway!!  We had soft Tacos instead of the crispy ones - probably not a bad idea as Les was wearing a white t-shirt!  It wasn't a late night as he likes to go to bed quite early and to be honest I was shattered and more than a little concerned about Boo's poorly paw which we thought had healed but is looking rather dodgy.  We will keep an eye on it but think he may need a trip to the vets.