Babes on the Homestead.

 We have new members of the family – our new arrivals are French hens – they differ in shape from ordinary ones and make their own strange sound. Maybe they have the sense of being newcomers as they move together in their little clutch and never go separately.

                                           

This precious gift was given me by the landlord - the first batch from what I call the market garden field as it has such a great variety of crops. I always remember mum talk about our uncle digging up a ‘feed’ of new potatoes. These I par-boiled, then bashed a little to crack them open, before mixing them with oil, lemon juice, mustard, mint leaves and salt crystals which  crisp them up beautifully in a hot oven.                                          

This tree is known in Greece as the flamouria – the lime or linden tree. Local ladies prize its scented blossom from which they brew a therapeutic tea, known to have relaxant and anti-depressant qualities.

                                                 
We have apple and pear trees in the garden; apples not doing too great and many are wormed but the pears appear to be thriving.  Last year very few pears matured in Macedonia so this is good news.                                         

The baby figs are taking on their distinctive shape but still need sunshine and time to ripen.

Last year I slowly stewed some whole in their skins and juices and they go wonderfully with strong cheese – especially blue cheese- and ouzo. 😊

                                         

The quince are gradually taking on their golden hue. Their flesh being so hard, it’s a chore to clean and cut them, but put in a baking tray with some sugar, water and coca cola, they produce a wonderful rich syrup which pairs splendidly with Greek yoghurt or vanilla ice-cream.

                                         

Z’s tomatoes are doing well. The small cherry tomatoes need only to be washed and halved in a bowl with a little salt, oil and torn basil leaves – a tasty summer staple. 😊                                                

Moving on to another vine- the grapevine. In front of the house there are glorious baby grapes festooning the vines. Last year many growers produced no grapes whatsoever due to a local blight. This year, fingers crossed, there should be a fine harvest from both Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon types. The former is more to my taste, producing a wine that is softer, less acidic, with fewer tannins and a fruitier profile. The Cabernet, in contrast, is said to be bolder, richer and robust in flavour. Minas tends to produce a blend: the merlot contributing its silky, fruity character while the Cabernet gives more tannins, more ‘aristocracy’ :o and greater longevity.  

                                            

Now I find myself in a quandary: would apple or pear sauce go better with roast French hen?

And should we wash it down with a silky Merlot or a robust Merlot/Cabernet blend? 😊

Greek European Elections

Recently we held our European elections where I voted for the first time as a fully-fledged, post-Brexit voter. The current cap on the number of European MPs is 705. For each member state the seats - max. 96, min. 6 – are distributed in relation to the population size.

                                   

Greece has had a delegation in the EU since 1981. Originally she had 25 members representing her. However, as the number of members countries increased, so the allocation of seats decreased to her present 21.                                     

Greek voters had the option to vote electronically or postally so the large diaspora of Greek nationals abroad could engage in the elections.                           

The actual process of voting sounds simple enough. You can access information about your voting area beforehand and outside the polling station notices with surnames listed alphabetically indicate where your group votes. 

Having submitted your ID, you are given the ballot papers. You have the right to cast up to four preference votes but, unfortunately, your selection can only be made from one ballot sheet- ie must be of the same party.  This is irritating for those of us who are not umbilically tied to a particular party and want to make a selection from a wider range of candidates. 

                                        

So far, so straightforward. BUT, despite the participation fees of 20,000 euros, there were 31 parties/coalitions in all. That means you had to leaf through 31 ballot slips to find your party of choice. Then, given that each group can present up to 42 candidates, - and there were 1168 all together- choosing your preferences took some time!

 Two take-away feelings: 

a sense of awkwardness that you’re working as hard as you can behind the little curtained booth to make your selection, knowing full well a queue is forming of others waiting their turn. 

Regret that you had to stuff so many unused ballot sheets into the bin – what a waste!

 Things need to be much more streamlined. For the GB general elections – which I am allowed to vote in for the first time in 34 years! – the constituency I’m registered in has six candidates from different parties and I may choose one.  Simple and organized.  😊 

                                         

The election results, described by the ruling New Democracy paty as a Pyrrhic victory, has brought about a minor reshuffle with 11 cabinet members, including 4 minister, being left out of the new cabinet. There is also disarray among the left and central-left parties. Thankfully the consequences are nothing like the extreme ones seen in France and Germany.   :o