Dismal Weather But Still Cause To Celebrate

Dismal weather – overhead there’s a perpetual cloud-dense canopy, an awful awning that breeds despondency. Constant dampness has seeped into our upstairs extension, covering walls with mould. Our politico-economic situation is similarly dispiriting: meetings, high-level talks, like our winds, blow cold around us and offer no comfort in terms of direction or development: measures appear to have been agreed on but we remain in the dark. This long-term sense of stress and insecurity inevitably affects people’s well-being, physically and psychologically. Cases of stress-related ill-health and marriage break-ups are all too much in evidence, unfortunately even in our close circle of friends and family. The national suicide rate remains unnaturally high. 

 

                                                     

But it’s not all doom and gloom, though we do greatly miss our sunshine. H enjoyed a reunion with former fellow-students at the Paedagogic Academy. This meet-up was in nearby Halkida; but next year’s celebration will be a big one in Alexandroupolis to celebrate their graduation there forty years ago! 

 

                                                

 H blamed our protracted winter season – not middle-age spread! -  for his trouser waist-band being rather snug.   So, all change for we were going out to eat, drink and dance merrily to celebrate his big, fat 60^th birthday with family and friends and roomy garb was imperative.     Here he is with sister, Voula.         

             

 

                                  

Koufovouno cousin, Chryssa with husband, Nikos, are joined by the ever-ready-to-party Konstantina. Cousins, Dimos and Eleni, travelled from Giannitsa to celebrate with us.

                                            

 

When the live band strikes up Thracian music, it’s time to hit the floor. Konstantina supported a natty type of head-gear: here she is trying to impose a ‘birthday-cake’ Alice-band on to her uncle’s head !                     

                                    

 

And even when they’re out and about, our neighbours can’t forget our furry friends. Anna has plastic bag at the ready to collect left-overs for them. Our Leon was very happy to sample some the following day, while the cats particularly enjoyed the squid and mussels – dishes for those on the Lenten fast.

   

                           

 

 You can see how the cats have gravitated to the pump-house roof to escape the dampness afoot.   Spring flowers bloom and fade in water-logged soil, without us having a chance to enjoy their presence.

 To celebrate March 25^th, and Greece gaining her independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1821, we raised the national standard - which has remained resolutely inert and sodden , flopping from the flag-staff.                          

                

                                                    

                                                   WHERE HAS OUR SUN GONE?