20th January

It was a glorious morning so I decided that I would go down to Polis to pick up John's parcel and then pop into The Arches to have a look around and then go across to see how Sheila is recovering from her pre-Christmas operation.  

The Arches is a lovely gift shop which I forget to go and check out when I am looking for a gift.  They have a sale on at the moment and I picked up some lovely scented candles for a really good price.  

John was going out on his bike with Pete and Rich - I am guessing they would all appreciate some fresh air in their lungs after they boys' day out.  We sent a message to Joanna to apologise for them not paying their bill - she thought it was funny and apparently this happens to her quite often but the culprits always return at some point to settle up.  We will do so this evening when we are going for an early supper and meeting up with Marianne and Jeff.

The parcel was the battery operated mini chainsaw that John had ordered from Greece - it was cash on delivery which was good except that they had sent the wrong one.  They sent a Stihl and we had ordered a Makita (so it would be compatible with all John's other tools).  I contacted them by email and literally within a minute of me sending it a man phoned from the company to apologise and to say they would send the correct one out next week and then I could return the other one.  How good is that for service?

It was a lovely run over to Goudi and back to see Sheila and Klaus.  Sheila is doing really well and hopes to have her soft collar dispensed with next weekend when she goes for a check-up.  The details of her operation were gross - they went in through her throat!  Anyway we sat down outside in glorious sunshine and watched as a pair of sparrow hawks put in an appearance.  It was lovely to see them both looking so well and they have kindly invited John and I to bring Mum over for lunch one day which we will do before their family come out in February, for which we have our fingers crossed that the weather will be something like today.

On my return John wanted to go out and recce a bike ride for the CODS - he is always looking for new loops to add to a general route around Droushia, Inea and Arodes.  I had suggested one which I have walked with Liselotte down from the Bandstand but that proved to be far too cut up to traverse by a car let alone a bike so we had to turn round and make our way back.  A shame as the scenery was absolutely outstanding.

We did find another loop - this time one which I used to walk with Rachel which allowed the boys to cycle to Arodes and then along parallel to the main road then cross into Kathikas and then along the back of the Farmyard and back to Arodes.  I think this will be one which they tackle next week.

By the time we had been out and about it was time for us to get showered and go off to Fitos.  The water was absolutely piping hot today with no need for any help from the immersion and in Fitos although it was chilly to start off with as they lit the fires and people started to come in and fill the space it became nice and warm.

We had a lovely evening with Jeff and Marianne - they are easy company and because of the dogs don't like to be away from them too long which was brilliant as John was hoping to catch the Mighty Blades playing this evening which he did and they won!