I decided Ito extend my ‘24 retrospective to highlight what brought us joy and what we look forward to - to construct a time-bridge, if you will, spanning the outgoing and incoming years.
Nature continued to contribute memorable pictures – here is a bouquet of spring blossom to warm any heart.
The image below expresses how I feel about learning the piano and about my patient, caring and quirky teacher. I had no idea it would be so challenging and without her special attributes I don’t think I would have lasted the course, so to speak. Looking back, despite ongoing frustrations about things -i.e. me! - going slowly, I’m amazed at what I’ve learned in the past year. Seems incredible but, make no mistake, I am a Beginner and will remain at that stage for a wee while to come. Yet, this hobby really enriches my day. Neuroplasticity is a thing!
A great local event in November was
the long-awaited opening of our new metro system. Still limited in route
but work to extend the distance it covers is happening. What is impressive is
the juxtaposition of its ultra-modern technology with exhibitions or posters
displaying the wealth of archaeological artefacts found during the excavation
process.
Friends provide us with sweet memories:
Angeliki literally provided those with her annual dispatch of the delicious
seasonal melomakarona, a sweet made of flour and semolina, fragrant with
cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, orange zest, a good slug of cognac, soaked in honey.
And look what I found: my favourite type of halva from Farsala in central Greece. Made with sugar and cornflour, this jelly dessert is a little like Greek delight, not the gelatinous, chocolate-covered mess that is marketed as Turkish delight. It’s often topped with almonds – mmm!
A homestead fellow resident sadly
became a dear departed. Not even three years old, the delightful Fidel
passed on unexpectedly but, thankfully, without protracted illness. At night, as he assumed his sentry duties, he
would saunter down to our kitchen window and peer in, to get his pats and
cuddles. A wonderfully affectionate, loving spirit – we miss him greatly. ☹
And where would we be without our little kitties? Here you can see Prunella still wearing her cute harness, worn for a few months as we took them out on leads. This was to protect them from unwelcoming local felines and prevent them from homing back to our previous abode.
In spring, the sun and its warmth beckoned them. Mr Mao was first to shed the straps and venture out without us. They’ve claimed the territory as their own. We’re so proud of them!
We recently became members of the local KAPI- the Centre for Open Care for Senior Citizens. Z long resisted but has been persuaded. They organize medical screening, a snack bar/ouzeri, outings and trips which are very cheap – partly funded by the local council. So recently we attended the annual cutting of the New Year pie. This, of course, had to be blessed by the priest, after a little speechifying from local politicians. However, sitting behind them are the boys in the band. Formalities over, they led us into lots of jigging. The event was held at one of our favourite local restaurants and for 15 euros a head, we ate well and drank freely.
We spent a very enjoyable midday in fine company and a great atmosphere.
Something tells me we’ll be attending more of their events in 2025 – even Z! 😊
