Happy Birthday to Me

 

Last year was my special birthday and John organised the most wonderful celebration and we were almost completely oblivious of what was to come in terms of Covid and our lifestyle.  Today my birthday meant that I was one step closer (in age) to getting called for my vaccination so we didn't have anything much planned except that John was walking with Liselotte and I was walking with Nicky, then later in the afternoon Di and Rob were joining our bubble and the four of us were to have a drink together before they went home and John became Chef Extraordinaire and cooked my meal.

Nicky and I were walking from the Herb Garden in Pano Akourdaleia down to Agia Paraskevi Church and then down to Kato Akourdaleia and back - it was to be a shorter but hillier walk than I normally tackle with her - her choice as she is hoping the exercise will have a positive effect on her nether region and thighs!

The descent to the church was absolutely stunning and it became a bit of a lesson in the flora of the island as we passed all different kinds of orchids.  I do love a good orchid and this year the giant ones are in abundance in all colours from white through to deep purple.  Today we also came across bee orchids and the suitably named Naked Man orchid!!!

I am not entirely sure how much descent we did but it was more than usual and as we walked it began to get warmer and warmer - I think Nicky slightly regretted her choice of sweat top!!  This path takes us down to the main road at Kato Akourdaleia - it is really hard to appreciate just how close you are to civilisation when all you can see for miles and miles are trees and fields.

We had a long hard slog back up to Pano Akourdaleia from Kato Akourdaleia but we took it slowly - we would make a decision as to how far we would go before having a breather and then we would turn round and look at the view behind us - that makes everything worthwhile and today we had several wow moments which is always very satisfying.

John had been to town today and visited the florist to get a bouquet made up for me from him and the cats including the gone but never forgotten Chivers.  On special occasions throughout our relationship he has given me the same configuration of one white rose surrounded by red ones.  The white rose is me surrounded by love and the combination signifies unity and truth and true love.  They are beautiful.

We had a very welcome hour or so with Di and Rob - it seems like a lifetime since we have been able to do anything remotely like socialising with them - we are supposed to be getting an announcement this week but the numbers are on the increase so we are not holding our breath - if we can we have invited them to come up and eat some supper with us next week.

My evening Birthday supper was superb - we had fillet steak from Mammas, skin-on paprika wedges, onion rings and coleslaw and mustard sauce and then followed that with a mango fool pudding.  It was lovely - it may not have been a 'special' birthday but it was certainly very special particularly in this mad mad world we find ourselves living in.