Say Hello and Goodbye...

 
Today we were catching up with Dip and Karen having postponed their visit last week because the weather was awful.  Today was sunny but exceptionally windy - fortunately a warm wind but so windy that we weren't sure we could sit outside to eat at the Winery.  We did what we always do in those circumstances and dragged a couple of tables into a more sheltered corner so we could enjoy ourselves but it was still blustery and a bit of a challenge.

We like the winery but as everything is going up it is becoming a place where we would go for special occasions only.  It is now €13 to drink a bottle of Vasilikon or Agios Onoufrious there and a box of 12 bottles of wine has increased to €79 and previously you used to get a 13th free but no longer (although they did give John a free one today).  

Karen (and her twin Gail) recently celebrated her 60th birthday.  A big surprise party was held for them.  Karen said she had absolutely no idea about it so her face on the video clip that John's Mum sent us was one of absolute pure amazement.  She has taken over from her mum (John's Aunty Kath) as the matriarchal linchpin of her family and so has been in real need of a break.  Unfortunately the weather has not quite been as she would have wanted so she has vowed not to come out in March ever again!!!  She does not normally drink wine so was very very pleasantly surprised by the Vasilikon White which was very easy to drink.

We spent a very pleasant couple of hours eating, and chatting before returning home and then Dip and Karen went back to Universal.  Dip's brother is over with his wife in a day or so.  Dip wants to organise something nice for Kirt's 50th birthday.  Kirt spent his birthday proper at the Burj in Dubai - not sure how we are going to top that but we have given some suggestions to Dip for some 'experiences' which might be fun.

We spent the remainder of the evening watching the end of The Staircase which was fascinating.  I am still not sure whether I think Michael Peterson did it or not - he was certainly portrayed as a strange character.  I wont say too much in case anyone reading this is planning on watching it.

Finally on a very sad note we learned that Eileen passed away peacefully this evening.  She was 88 and up until about three days ago had seemed seemingly fit and healthy.  I guess if you asked this was the way she wanted to go and her wish to be reunited with her beloved late husband Eric by Easter has been granted.  An end of an era for us and Mum in particular who classed Eileen as her closest friend here on the island and was lost without her when she returned to the UK a few years ago.

Rest in Peace lovely lady. 
It was a pleasure knowing you xxx