MY CRETAN LIFE

All Pups Now Have a Home

2012-02-09T18:23:00.001+02:00

Thanks to everyone who has helped with these pups. They have all got new homes now. One went yesterday and one tomorrow and the others will go shortly after.Cya,Judith

Look what came in the post today!!!

2012-01-31T17:59:00.001+02:00

A parcel all the way from England'

Not sure whether she likes this jumper or not. She is pulling a funny face.

Arh! this is more her going, yum yum's.The pups got a bone the same and they have been tucking into it no end. Don't think it is going to last them very long.I must say thank you to Midge for these lovely presents.She is such a lovely lady, I feel that I have known her for years, what a wonderful thing these blogs are.

Bath time

2012-01-18T12:08:00.001+02:00

Once upon a time there were 5 little puppies. They were like any other puppies getting into all sorts of mischief. Doing things on the floor that they shouldn’t, you know what I mean. Then having play fights and rolling all over the floor getting covered in all sorts of things. Result 5 yucky, smelly balls of mischief. So the only thing for it was a bath.

So everything was prepared, towels, bowls, wash-cloths and a nice warm bathroom. I had visions of squealing wriggling puppies, sure that I was intent on drowning them!

But you just take a look.

No squealing, no wriggling just well behaved little pups taking it all in their stride and the end result……………………………………………

Five clean fluffy little angels. (ha ha)

Cya,

Judith x

This Little Doggy Has a New Home.

2012-01-14T18:53:00.001+02:00

Yes he has, but he has to wait a little while till they sort him an escort out. He is going to a new life in Holland and he will be flying there.

You can check out this charity Here.

They are having a very tough time at the present with loads of dogs and cats, puppies and kittens been dumped. People just can’t afford to look after their pets anymore.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that They can find homes for the others too.

Cya,

Judith. x

Look what I made!!!!!!!!!

2012-01-12T23:14:00.001+02:00

Just thought that I would show you two gifts that I made for two of my friends for Christmas.

These are my scrappy version of log cabins. No measuring, just pick up random pieces from my scrap box. I am now making myself a couple, something similar but a bit different. You will see what I mean when I get them finished, but this is what they look like so far. These scraps where destined for the bin, what a waste that would have been.

Cya,

Judith.X

Catch-up

2012-01-07T16:53:00.001+02:00

We had our first meeting of our exclusive sewing group on Thursday past. There were only 3 of us thought. Why? you might ask. Well everyone is off gallivanting, most of them been in England.

Anyway I was sewing up a jumper that has been waiting for more months than I’d care to remember, Jude was cutting out a dress and Sylvia was cutting out fabric wool to knit a scrappy rug. Anyway I suggested that we do a Bom this year, that idea was left open for descussion . Then I suggested that we work on all our UFO’s. I know I have quite a few. So did Jude and Sylvia.

Here is my list:-

My foxglove jumper.
A waterfall cardigan.
A longline cardigan.
A knitted patchwork jumper.
A chunky jacket.
My hexagon quilt.
My string block quilt.

These are what I can remember off the top of my head.

My Hexagon quilt

My string block quilt

My longline cardigan

My foxglove jumper.

I don’t have photo’s of the others that I have mentioned but I think that’s enough to be going on with don’t you?

Think I will continue on with the foxglove jumper that I am in the middle of sewing up. So hopefully this will be the first finish of the year. Then it will be one down seven or so to go.

Cya,

Judith x

Happy New Year.

2011-12-31T17:31:00.001+02:00

I would like to wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. I hope everyone finds what they are looking for in 2012.

Cya all next year

Judith x

It Felt Like Christmas.

2011-12-01T10:45:00.001+02:00

Last week we called at our post box and inside were two parcels…………

Well, I was expecting one as I had ordered a book, but what was the other one?????????????

Excitement!!!!!

We got home and tore off the paper wrapping and this is what we found………..

A Doggy treat bonanza!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The parcel was addressed to Lucky and friends. They even got a Christmas card, our first.

The lovely Midge (Soggibottom) had sent them all the way from England. How very kind of you Midge. Lucky, Sam and Gizzy really like these sort of surprises. Yum yums come top of the list with these three. Especially Gizzy with her pups to feed.

Thank you very much.

Cya,

Judith.x

Gizzy’s little secret….. Not anymore.

2011-11-24T11:26:00.001+02:00

Gizzy came into our lives with a little secret. In the last couple of weeks her stomach has expanded at a great rate. Yes she was in the family way.

Now we know why she wanted to eat everyone else’s food. So on the 22nd November this little lot appeared on the scene.

Six puppies. Unfortunately one died the next day. So she has five little noisy puppies which brings us another headache. How are we going to get these little beauties a new home. There are three boys and two girls.

This morning when Gizzy went for a wee I quickly weighed them and they have all put on over an ounce.

From the pictures you can see that Sam is the father of the whitish ones, but the black ones? Not one the colour of Gizzy. She is been a good mother though.

Happy Days.

Judith. x

The Tale of the Waggily Tails.

2011-11-07T23:35:00.000+02:00

If you follow my blog you will know that we have a dog called Lucky as she was very lucky to find us. She was a stray who had been badly treated and was ever so nervous. We have had her for over 3 yrs now and she is a lovely dog and is so funny.. She makes us laugh so often.

Sorry about the red eye here.Anyway at the beginning of October these two dogs were wandering around outside of the monastery, we had never seen them before and we pass there often. Over the next few days we saw them in the village and down at the monestery so someone had obviously dumped them. You get a lot of stray dogs here, they don't treat animals like we do. There are a few charities around who rehouse stray cats and dogs, many going to Holland and Germany.As we were returning home from a night out there were these two dogs sitting in the middle of the road on a bend. We think they were waiting for their owner to come and pick them back up again. We drove past them slowly, if they had stopped there they would surely have been runover. We pulled over and got them into our car and took them home.They were lifting with fleas, hungry and a bit smelly. That night they had food in there bellies and slept in a cardboard box outside. The next morning they had a bath and when they were dry we treated them for their fleas. They cleaned up well.

The whitish one is a dog and the brown one with the Queen Anne legs is a bitch. We are hoping that someone will rehouse them but it will not be till after the summer season starts next year. So when or if they find a new home we are a 3 dog family. Lucky is starting to get used to them, though sometimes she is still a bit wary of them. They are a bit boisterous for her and when we raise our voices at them she thinks she is getting told off too, so she is getting extra attention and lots of cuddles.We have named them as Sam and Gizzy. Sam just seemed to fit and Gizzy cos she looks like Gizmo off of Gremlins.

There is never a dull moment. Cya, Judith. x

I am all behind!!!

2011-11-04T20:18:00.001+02:00

Ok so I am way behind with my posts, nothing new there then eh?

On the 30th September we had pipe bands and brass bands parading the streets of Ag. Nikolaos for the Crete International Tattoo that was to be held that night.There were pipe bands from Canada, New Zealand, Scottish Highland dancers, a dance troupe from Estonia, Russian and Welsh brass bands and a Italian flag throwing troupe.

We went to the tattoo at the football stadium that night also but we were to far away to get any good pictures. We had a great time as I love pipe band music. Peter Karrie also made a special appearance and sang for us.He is a West End and Broadway star. Well that is it for now my next post will not be long in coming, in another couple of days. Need to get caught up with things that have been happening here.Cya,Judith x

Someone’s having a giveaway.

2011-10-16T13:49:00.001+03:00

Do you like giveaways?

Do you use fabric in your crafts?

Then why don’t you all nip over to www.thepatchworkheart-heather.blogspot.com

_{and join in her lovely scrappy giveaway.}

_{Go on do it now!!!}

_{Cya Judith x}

World Tourism Day.

2011-10-12T22:02:00.001+03:00

September 27th was World Tourism Day and in Aghios Nikolaos they had a Cretan cultural exhibition around the lake. You could sample olive oil, cheeses, wines, nuts, pastries beer and raki. There was Greek music and traditional Greek dancing.

Inco had a tent with a small display of works done by foreign residents. Like us.

A good evening was had by all.

Quince and Cinnamon.

2011-09-29T22:54:00.001+03:00

Today I made some quince and cinnamon jam. This is the biggest pan that I own and you can see that it is nearly full. There are loads of quince trees around and they are all laden with fruit, that for some reason goes unused. I picked a bag of these lovely fruit from a neighbours tree and set about making the jam. I now have 7 jars of luscious jam for our toast.

The next fruit that will be ripe are pomegranates. Pomegranate jam??????????

Watch this space.

Cya,

Judith x

Rain, rain go away!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-09-23T10:38:00.002+03:00

Oh no, we were forecast for rain and thunder and yes we got it. The thunder was miles away so that was ok especially for Lucky who is terrified of it. Then we got the rain, a few spots at first then the whole thing. Mind you we need it as everything is all dried up and shrivelled.

In no time the verges will be spouting bright green everywhere. It is supposed to brighten up tomorrow, fingers crossed.

Me with my mac.

Cya

Judith x

What A Find.

2011-09-19T17:15:00.001+03:00

A little background first. In times gone by the Greek people used to tip their rubbish over the mountainsides. Now today this is frowned upon and is very unsightly, however it is still done. You can go along a country roads and find places where things have been fly tipped. Usually this is builders rubble. Anyway we sometimes stop to see if anything of interest has been tipped. Something we could use like wood, marble, you know things like that. If your a follower of mine you will know that my cupboard above the bathroom door was made with wood found dumped..

Anyway we went to the garden today to do some watering and on the way back we stopped at a dumping ground, just to have a look. There was some wood but not of any use, then something caught my eye buried in the rubble. We racked around a bit and found all these.

We have 5 pairs and 5 odd ones. I have cleaned up 3 of these wood shoe forms. Bet you can pick them out.

I think they have cleaned up well. I am sure we will find something useful to make with them. You never know what your gonna find and that’s why we keep looking. Does anyone have any ideas?

I also have another finish that I forgot to post the other day. This is my Baktus scarf that I knit to keep me warm in the winter it is graciously modelled by Lucky.

As you can see she is a little bit camera shy. It is so soft, I know I am gonna love wearing it. Oh! and I got the wool from one of the animal charity bazaars.

Got to go as Lucky is patiently waiting for her afternoon walk. Think she deserves one.

Cya,

Judith x

Playtime and a finish Woo hoo!!!

2011-09-17T23:50:00.001+03:00

Yes, I have been sat at my sewing machine again. It has been too long since I did any sewing. Anyway I thought I would have a play around and this is what I came up with. It’s from Ricky Tims and is called convergence quilts.

Not sure what I will do with them yet, but I enjoyed playing around. Might make them into cushion covers, we will see.

Also I have finished up my denim throw/blanket. It has taken me ages to clip all the seams so that it would fray in the washing machine. Just sitting clipping caused a big pile of threads. It was about time that I got it done. When I had clipped all the seams I checked very patch to make sure it was done and I found 21 seams unclipped. It pays you to check very carefully. Oh! I have just thought I never took any photos of this part. Too late now!Then it went into the washing machine on a cold wash. Cor, you should have seen all the loose threads from the fraying process. I shook it in the courtyard and they went everywhere. Now you are supposed to dry it in the tumble dryer but, I don’t have a one, so onto the line it went. I washed it twice and then the washing machine didn’t pump out the water. Mmmmmh!!! PANIC!!!!

After I drained all the water off I removed the filter and guess what? Yes it was jammed packed solid with frayed threads. I gave it a quick clean out fitted it all back together and hey presto it worked (Thank Goodness or I would have been in trouble from the other half.) Still after two washes it is still casting. Might take the hoover to it so don’t look to close at the finished photo.

So sorry but this is a terrible photo

It is supposed to get frayed more every time you wash it. I am pleased with it too. This was very easy to make sewing wise, but the clipping took a long time and it was very messy and hard on the hands. It is also heavyish.

That’s all for now.

Cya,

Judith. x

Who likes their comfort then!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-09-07T13:05:00.000+03:00

This is Lucky's favorite way to relax. Yes it's a dogs life.

A Beautiful Pair

2011-08-19T09:17:00.001+03:00

Good Morning!!!!!!!!!!

How are you all today?

Bright eyed and bushy tailed I hope.

Yesterday this was the veiw from my front gates at about 6.00 am.

Today this was the veiw at 7.00 am.

See the clouds we have had a lot of those just lately.

Anyway now for the beauties. For the last three times that this has flowered I have missed getting a picture, but today, I got them. Yay!

They open and die in just a day.

You can just see the cactus plant at the bottom of this picture. This plant puts a tremendous amount of energy in producing these large flowers and they are so delicate.

They have a very fine perfume which attracted this wasp. Think he enjoyed his visit. He looked like he was anyway.

Yesterday I went to the beach with Jude and we had a lovely time splashing about in the sea. The beach was crowded as it was a very hot day, but there was a nice cooling breeze. Wonder how many people overdid the sunbathing?

Anyway enjoy your day whatever you are doing and catch you all again soon.

Cya,

Judith x

20 Years, Well I never.

2011-08-10T09:12:00.000+03:00

The veiw from my gate this morning

What a lovely day to be celebrating 20yrs of marraige. When we got together lots of people said it would never last so I am saying today, "Well it has."

I am sorry that I can't put a wedding photo on here but my pc won't let my printer work.
So the above will have to do for now. This was took at our leaving party in 2007 just before we moved to Crete.

Our Potato Harvest.

2011-08-06T17:53:00.001+03:00

Over the last couple of days we have been digging our potatoes and what a fine crop it is.

These should keep us going for a while. We are still picking courgettes, tomatoes, cucumber and aubergines too. When we get the ground that the potatoes were in cleared we will be planting some beans and maybe beetroot we will see.

My voice is still missing too. It’s very quiet around here!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Never mind, anyway I have managed to do some knitting this morning and also make some tomato sauce to freeze. A woman’s work is never done even with no voice.

Enjoy your weekend everyone

Cya,

Judith x

Oh, Dear I’ve Lost IT.

2011-08-05T14:40:00.001+03:00

Well I had it yesterday, but this morning I cannot find it. I’ve looked high and I’ve looked low. What ever am I going to do without it?

I am just not me without it, do you think I should offer a reward?????????????????

A passion flower doing what it does best.

All I can say is that……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

I have lost my voice. If any of you out there in blogland happen to see it please contact me. I would love to have it back.

Thanks.

Judith x

This Morning.

2011-08-04T07:01:00.001+03:00

Yesterday and today we have clouds

It is slightly cooler up here and we have a bit of wind, which is nice.

Eventually the sun came up and reveilled a mist.

A New Month.

2011-08-02T07:10:00.004+03:00

This was the veiw from my front gate this morning, just after 6.00am. Now it is quite noisy with all the morning chorus. The cicada beetles are all screaming their heads off. They make an awful din. But you get used to it. ( just as-well ).

Yesterday I spent a lovely time swimming in a warm sea with Jude. We have not had a chance to do this much this last month. I caught a bit sun and my face has been a bit red looking. After our nice beach experience we took ourselves off to do some grocery shopping and managed to spend our money.

Last night I went down to Nikos with Geoff and Jude and we had a lovely meal together just catching up with all the gossip. I had a lovely day.

Well that’s the good stuff over now for the bad!

Sunday we had a burst. We had water running down our steps outside. Upon inspection we found that the tank on our solar panel was pouring out loads and loads of water. My hubby turned off the water and had a look. He thought that it was coming from a gasket on the side, but with it been Sunday all the shops are closed so we had no hot water. I know its hot here right now but I do not relish the thought of having cold showers, cool showers yes, cold no. Anyway he got a gasket yesterday and it seems to be fixed, HURRAY!!!!!!

Now what else have I done this past month?

I made some more jam, this time plum and elderberry and it is so nice, you had better believe it, it is so yummy. I am really pleased how it turned out.

It looks rather black in the jars but it is a very deep red colour, like blackcurrant jam. This is not tart like the other one I made.

I did come across a recipe for elderberry chutney so might give it a go too. Elders are not that common here so I am keeping my source to myself.

I might also try and make some courgette and ginger jam as we have lots of courgettes coming from the garden now. I bought root ginger yesterday. I will have to sort out a recipe. I have a few to choose from.

On the crafting front, well nothing is getting done right now. I have something brewing in my mind. It is a challenge that I saw online and thought that I might have a go. We will see. Thing is I have loads and loads of UFO’s to finish. I am naughty not finishing up things, but hey I'll get there one day.

Do you have the same problem, too many projects on the go at one time and not getting any finished off?

Plums + Sugar = Jam

2011-07-13T11:33:00.001+03:00

I went to the garden Monday and while I was there I picked a few under-ripe plums. They are quite small like big cherries really and they don’t have that plummy taste that we are used to in England. There are loads of these trees around and most of the fruit just drops off and rots on the ground.

WHAT A WASTE.

Anyway I found this nice recipe on www.cottagesmallholder.com

It comes under the title of wild plum jam and there are two recipes.

When boiling the jam took on a lovely red tone.

This is it in the jars. It looks lovely doesn’t it? If you like a slightly tart taste this is a one for you.

Sure to wake you up on your toast in the morning.

Cya,

Judith x

My new cupboard (part 2)

2011-06-11T21:50:00.001+03:00

We are a bit further on with my cupboard above the stairs.

Just need some handles fitted now. Think they might be a bit rustic. I can’t wait to fill them up.

We have decided to paint the wood work, so that will be my job. Now what colour will I paint them, Mmmmmmm. Lets see. I can see paint charts will be in order.

Last night we went out with Jude and Geoff to a Taverna in Limnes. They were having live Greek music so we thought it would make a nice change.

I don’t know if you know it but the Greeks don’t go out very early and the Band still wasn’t playing at 10.00. Anyway we had a nice meal and a few drinks.

We left at 12.00 and they were just getting going. Wonder if anyone got up to dance? When we got home we could still hear the music drifting up the mountain side.

Hope you all enjoy your weekend. I’m off to have some more strawberries. They are just lush, only thing is they are now getting to the end of the harvest. Going to plant more for next year.

Cya oxo

Judith

My New Cupboard In The Bedroom.

2011-06-05T14:58:00.000+03:00

I posted a while back about my stairs to our bedroom, well now we are getting a cupboard above the stairs as it is a wasted space.

The above two photos show the framework. The walls here are like dogs back legs so he was having a job to fit it.

We are now at the door making and fitting stage. Wonder what I can store in here?????????? Not sure how we are going to finish it. Varnish or paint???? We will see.

Last Thursday I went to the beach with Jude and we had a nice swim in the sea.

The water was, shall we say quite refreshing. We enjoyed it though.

Today, Sunday, I went along to the Gardening club and deposited with them a great pile of gardening magazines that I had. Having a bit of a sort out here. I really have far too much stuff but don't tell my hubby. Anyway guess what we had for afters today?????????

That's all for now folks, work is calling.

Cya,

Judith.x

Monday s Happenings.

2011-05-24T10:49:00.000+03:00

Breakfast with our own homegrown strawberries. Don't they look lovely. I can also tell you that they smelt delicous and tasted fantastic too. Looks like we are going to get a good crop this year. Other gardening happenings are that my potatoes are all up and so are the onions that we planted. We have also planted some tomatoes and auberginnes.

Did I tell you that I go to a Camera club? Well that happens on a Monday morning. There are just a handful of us but we like it. We just want to take better pictures and learn to tweak them a little. The above image of a windmill was my entry into this weeks competition and the rose from my last post was last weeks entry. When I came out of the Camera club I saw Jude and Chris drinking coffee. They were off on a bike ride with there new scooters

And here they are going through our village. Jude is the one in the front.

Have a lovely Tuesday all!

Cya Judith.

News roundup.

2011-05-19T20:55:00.000+03:00

Hi All,
It's been a while since I last posted so I have little snippets of this and that to report. While I was away in England my Hubby won a pool contest and recieved a Champions trophy.

The garden is all turned over and weeded and the potatoes and onion sets all planted. The potatoes are now just pushing through.

This Aurm lily was ever so lovely so I took a photo and it came out this delightful shade of pink, funny that as it was white.

I took this one at 11.30 at night. Ian held a torch behind the bloom while I took the photo. What do you think?

Walking through the olive groves with Lucky, we came across this small church. I tried the door and it opened.

Most of them are decorated like this.

We have had some lovely sunny weather these last few days, but today the clouds rolled in and turned black and along with it came the thunder and lightening. Then came the torrential rain with a good measure of hailstones thrown in. The poor tourists so far this month have not had very good weather. One day the sun will come out and stay out for the summer, wish it would hurry up.

Catch you all again soon, I promise.

Cya Judith x

Easter Weekend.

2011-05-02T15:36:00.000+03:00

Easter weekend I went down to see two of my sons and grandchildren in the London area.
The weather was BEAUTIFUL. It was nice spending some time with them for I have not seen them all for quite a while.

Two of my sons

We did shopping.
We did bingo, no we never won.
We did a car boot sale. Yes I managed to spend some money there.
We did a garden centre. Here we saw lots of animals.

The kids loved it. We also had a ride on a steam train.

All in all I had a lovely time. It made a nice change.
I then travelled back to Crete on the day of the royal wedding.
Since then the weather here has improved so we did a bit of gardening.
With there been so much rain this winter and early spring the weeds have been running riot on our small plot. Some of the grasses have been as tall as me.
We are winning I think. Yes we will soon have it whipped into shape. Got some seed potatoes and onion sets to put in.

What are you all doing now?

Cya,
Judith x

Is it that long??????????????

2011-04-12T15:03:00.000+03:00

Looks like I have slipped into non blogging again. So sorry but I do have my reasons.

This photo shows what the weather was like when I was in England for Christmas and New year. The weather was not very good to say the least.

But here we are celebrating New Year.

Now as you can see spring is here. This magnolia is flowering its little heart out.

I have been doing some knitting but not too much. Hope to show you all soon. Have a good day X

I Have Stairs.

2011-02-19T09:47:00.001+02:00

We have decided to put in stairs up to our bedroom. We used to go outside and up some outside steps to bed every night, but not anymore.

Ian set about planning and cutting out all the wood and built it all himself.

Going upstairs will never be the same again.

My new under the stairs cupboard. It hold quite a lot of stuff which is good in this house as storage has always been a problem.

Looking down from the top. We are now using the stairs but they are not finished.

The banister rail to stop us falling over the edge.

Oh! and my new wardrobes. It is actually starting to look like a bedroom. now. I am really pleased how this has turned out.

On the crafty front.

Not much has been happening. I have a jumper to sew up and a waterfall cardigan. I haven’t done any sewing. I have crocheted a bit more of my rag rug but need to cut some more strips. Not sure how big I am going to go with this though. It is quite heavy to work with so I don’t sit at it too long.

Catch you all soon.

Judith x.

The Little Bear has Settled in to His New Home

2011-01-21T20:59:00.001+02:00

I don't know about you but I have entered loads of giveaways on other peoples blogs and never won a thing. Well my luck changed in December when I won a giveaway on Soggibottoms blog.
Well he arrived here on Saturday after a long journey from England.

He had a good journey as he was nicely snuggled in a comfy box.

Getting used to his outside surroundings.

He is quite a sturdy little chap and ever so handsome. He is now living on the bookcase so he can see everything going on around him. I think Oliver has settled in just fine.

Lucky had a lovely surprise too, for also in the parcel was a small gift for her too. Lucky doesn't like her photo took so this is the best I could do.

She liked the yummy little bones, thanks Midge.

Happy New Year

2011-01-06T14:18:00.000+02:00

I know that I am a bit late but, as they say, better late than never.
"I would like to wish you all a very happy, prosperous and healthy New year."
Wonder what 2011 will hold for us.

Did any of you make any resolutions?
I didn't.
However I hope to be able to finish off a few projects that are still ongoing. Wish me luck.
I have not been keeping up with any of the blogs that I follow recently, very naughty of me I know, but I have just not got round to it. It is going to take me ages to catch up with all of them. I will read them all to see what everyone has been up to over the festive period.
I am sorry also that I can't put any photo's on here as I am not at home and forgot to bring my lead for my camera.
Sounds like I am a bit up in the air doesn't it. Hopefully normal service will resume shortly.
Ok, got to go, places to go and people to see. Catch you all soon, be good and stay safe.

Cya,
Judith x

Merry Christmas To All My Readers.

2010-12-25T02:39:00.000+02:00

Well it's Christmas! I hope you all have a great time so eat drink and be merry, but stay safe.

Souda Bay.

2010-11-29T17:19:00.000+02:00

At Souda Bay there is a war cemetery. It is kept beautifully and is very peaceful.
When my sister was here on holiday, we took them to see it. Walking through the headstones is a very moving experience. Many were unknown, many were very young, around 19 yrs. These men gave their lives fighting for freedom. To read more about Souda Bay War Cemetery go here.

It is not unusual to see people wiping away tears, I had them too.

There was a service here on Remembrance day. It was not good weather then for it started to rain just as the service was starting. Still they were remembered.

These men were tending the graves.

The entrance.

It is giving me a headache.

2010-11-24T16:03:00.001+02:00

This is the knitting project that I and doing at the moment. It is in 4ply and has 7 colours.

I like something to keep me occupied when I am knitting and I don’t like knitting loads and loads of stocking stitch. I get bored. So this looked like the prefect thing to knit.

First off you knit the centre front including the front welt. Then you knit the back welt by itself. Then the left centre back and then the right centre back. So far so good.

Next you knit the left front and back and sleeve all in one. I was going great guns until the pattern read knit 5 rows. OK did that. Next row was a bobble row only the bobbles would be on the wrong side. Where did I go wrong? Don’t know.

Solution:- Cast on the right side today and knit to the same part of the pattern. Then whatever I do on the left side I do on the right side and my sleeves will match. I am not having bobbles on the wrong side. Would you????

As you can see from the pictures the pattern has no repeat and looks totally random. I am not about to give up. Will let you see the finished item sooner or latter.

Cya,

Judith. x

String quilt progress report.

2010-11-23T17:51:00.001+02:00

The top so far.

The pieced back material.

This is my progress so far. Still have to put another border on as it is too small as is.

The quilt top sewed together so quickly and I am really pleased with it.

Tomorrow I will show you my knitting progress and that is another story.

Cya all,

Judith x

Fat quarters giveaway.

2010-11-18T10:56:00.002+02:00

Wow, would you like to win some fab fat quarters? 14 of them.Yes I said 14. Don't waste anytime then get yourself over to retromummy.blogspot.com It doesn't matter where you live so go on have a go. You had better hurry though it closes on the 21st Nov.

What Have I Been Up To.

2010-10-20T22:42:00.001+03:00

Yes, it’s me after a long absence again. I have been doing loads of stuff, but not finding time to blog about it.

First we had my sister, Lily and her husband Steve over for 2 weeks holidays. We even went away with them for a few days. So we had a mini holiday ourselves. We travelled to the west side of Crete and spent 3 nights away. Lucky even came with us.

The same day as they went home we had other guests. My sisters son, another Stephen and his wife Tracey, for a week. We went swimming, fishing, dining and generally had a good time.

The weather here now is quite changeable. We have had sun but Monday we had rain, thunder and lightening and sun but it was still t-shirt weather. I suppose it is past been summer now.

However it was lovely on Sunday when I went to a bazaar in Elounta. I got loads of things.

Lovely things to cut up and use in quilts and two handbags.

Some crochet lace.

Three books and a game for the winter nights.

I have been cutting up t-shirt material and making this rag rug. It’s heavy and slow going and hurts the hands a bit. So its little and often with this one.

These are the string blocks I started ages ago. I had seven and a half done, now I have twelve.

Most people have a design wall, well met my design floor. The camera is telling lies here as the sashing material is a deep pink colour.

It is looking good don’t you think? Just after I had took this photo along came a little Lucky dog and when she had finished it looked like this.

Oh and I have started knitting but I will keep that for another day. Got to go and pick up the pieces of my quilt now if I can get Lucky to move.

C’ya all soon, I promise.

Judith x

Little Lambs.

2010-09-19T10:24:00.001+03:00

These little lambs mesmerised Lucky. She could not take her eyes off them. She just stood and watched them.

We had to keep taking her to the fence to so she could see them.

Their mothers were unable to look after them for one reason or another so they are been hand reared. I know they were making a lot of noise until they got a bottle of milk!!!

Enjoy your day,

Cya, Judith.

Hello, It is me!

2010-09-10T11:08:00.001+03:00

Well it is a long time since I did a post, but I have been so busy. However, I have managed to take a few photos that I thought I would share with you.

Our onion crop.

The onions drying in the sun.

The oranges are coming along nicely.

And this lovely tree blooming away down in Neapoli.

I will be posting more often now as things are beginning to quieten down here.

I have started crafting again, I am making a scrappy crochet rug out of t-shirt material. Will take some photo’s to show you my progress.

I also have my sister and brother in law coming for a holiday next Tuesday and I am really looking forward to that as it is a year since I have seen them.

Ian is busy making another project. Yes we are getting a door on the bathroom. A proper netty door!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok will leave it there and I will catch you all again soon.

Cya. Judith

Colour around the village.

2010-06-30T09:32:00.001+03:00

Not got a lot of time to post at the moment so thought I show you a few photos of things in our little village. Hope you like them.

REVEAL

2010-06-23T16:12:00.001+03:00

I can now reveal what it was that Soggibottom won in my surprise giveaway.

2 fat quarters.

3 embroidery cottons.

! book.

and an added extra for Amie. 1 rope bone.

Thank you to those who entered. Alas there can only be one winner.

My Denim Throw

2010-06-20T22:36:00.001+03:00

I have been collecting denim jeans for quite awhile, picking the odd pair up at the bazaars that I have been going to during the winter months. I cut them up into rectangles the size of a cd box. ( I used one to cut them out. ) When I had cut them all out I sewed them all together on my sewing machine.

The seams are 1/2 inch wide and are on the right side.

Quite colourful with all the different denims.

I have sewed them all together, now I have to sit and clip all those seams every 1/2 inch so that when it is washed and dried they fray and go fluffy. Well that’s the idea anyway. There is only one snag with this for I don’t have a tumble drier. Anyway got to go I have a pair of scissors waiting for me. x

Food from our garden

2010-06-18T13:05:00.001+03:00

A while back I showed you some photos of our garden with our potatoes growing, well now this is the results.

Radish, Lemons. potatoes.

Sorry there is no picture of our lettuce but we have eaten it all. We also have a hungry tortoise who just loves lettuce.

All the shaws of the potatoes are dying back now so its time to lift them. Got to go and get some sacks to put them all in.

I remember when I was young we lived on a farm and I used to help the tattie pickers pick their tatties. Then when I got older going picking myself and getting paid. I remember picking potatoes for a month solid. At first all my muscles ached but by the end of the month I was fine. Ah! the good old days.

My New Cupboard

2010-06-16T23:52:00.001+03:00

In this house storage space is at a premium. So we had a brainwave on where to put a cupboard. Above the bathroom door would be a great place. Now we are not going to go out and buy a cupboard, no that’s to simple. We are goi9ng to make it out of reclaimed wood.

This wood!

Ok I know it looks grotty and all that but this is what we are using.

Oh and from these pictures you might just notice that our bathroom does not have a door. That is another project for later.

Painting followed.

Now we have a cupboard with some very useable storage space. Now let’s see what will I fill it with????????????

And the Winner is?

2010-06-12T21:29:00.001+03:00

I put all the names into a cup whizzed them all around and drew out one slip of paper………

The lucky winner is Midge from Soggibottom

Thank you all for entering.

Midge please email me your address and I will post you your prize.

Last chance to enter my giveaway

2010-06-12T10:15:00.000+03:00

My giveaway closes tonight. To be in with a chace leave a comment on the previous post. Have a great day.

101st post Giveaway.

2010-06-05T09:11:00.001+03:00

Giveaway is now closed.

Well this laptop is behaving its self and I have found the cable to connect my camera to it and download photos. So I think my Giveaway is a go’er.

So what am I giving away??????????????

I have been thinking long and hard about this.

Fat quarters maybe?

A book?

Some wool?

Well I couldn’t decide so I think it will be a mystery giveaway.

Everyone likes surprises so it is going to remain a surprise for you all. It will have some of this and some of that and maybe, just maybe a bit of this. Now that will be nice won’t it. You won’t be disappointed and don’t forget to tell all your friends too.

So here is what you have to do to be in with a chance of winning this surprise.

Leave a comment here for one chance, only on this post.
Blogging about my giveaway on your blog will get you another chance. You will have to let me know if you have done this by commenting here also..

Make sure I have a way to contact you.

Giveaway ends on 12/06/2010 at 21.00 Athens time. Good luck to you all.

100th post and my Computer has Kna……………….

2010-05-20T10:38:00.001+03:00

Well this is my 100th post and my pc has decided to give up the ghost. So much for me having a giveaway. I am using my Hubby’s laptop which is an alcoholic, and sometimes its too drunk to work properly. It has no card reader so no photos, unless I can get the camera software to load onto here. Keep your fingers crossed. So there will be a slight postponement for my giveaway until I can sort something out. Wish me luck.

What Is Happening In My Little World Today Then!

2010-05-15T12:24:00.001+03:00

Everything in the garden is growing.

Courgettes doing their stuff.

Radishes coming along nicely.

Lemon flowering.

Rhubarb putting on a spurt in the sun.

Lettuce looking yummy.

Tomatoes swelling.

Seedlings reaching up toward the sun.

A bean emerging from the soil.

A pepper stretching out.

Strawberries for tea maybe?

A very large wasp of some sort enjoying the sun. He was well over an inch long!!! Think I will stay well clear of him.

Lastly a very tomato faced tortoise causing havoc again. Think we should have called him RAMBO and not Sandy.

In answer to Mary’s Comment.

2010-05-14T09:06:00.001+03:00

When I first started this quilt my children were very young and it was going to be a cot quilt. however as it took me so long to do my children grew so it progresses to a single quilt. Then it went onto become a double quilt and then it was put away for a lot of years.

We then packed up home and left for Crete. Me taking along my quilt, however now we have a king-sized bed, so it had to grow accordingly. If you look at the photos you can see the various stages.

This is the centre and the cot size

The blue band takes it to single bed size

The flowers take it to double bed size

And finally the double blue takes it to king –size.

This is what I sat doing last night.

Taking out loads of tacking and papers. Some of these papers have been in the quilt for donkey years.

Cya

Judith

Yes! YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-05-12T18:08:00.001+03:00

I’m skipping and dancing and clapping. Can you guess what for????????????????????????????????

Yes, after 35 long years I have finished my hexagon quilt top. Just need the wadding and backing attached and its all done. How long do you think that is going to take? Are we taking bets on this?

Lucky has claimed her place on the quilt as she always does.

I have quite a few hexagons left over and I can’t let these go to waste so I have an idea. Will tell you all about that at a later date when I have my quilt all done and dusted so to speak.

Anyway must go and admire my lovely hexie quilt now. You know cuddle it and stroke it and run my eyes over it.

Cya

Judith.

When we went visiting.

2010-05-05T14:46:00.004+03:00

We called into see John today to return his drill that we borrowed. Here are John and Ian relaxing in the shade as it is so hot just now. John’s relaxed so much he has his eyes shut. He told Jenny he was coming over to work on some jobs in and around their house.

There are loads of geraniums growing alongside of the path coming from Jenny's house

A lovely arched entrance

Kind of a steep path but it’s ok going down. However it’s good exercise going up. It really does make you fit……………………… to drop.

and rampant grape vines.

A nice colourful entrance.
This is the same village that Jude lives in. It’s much bigger than ours.

What a Lovely Sky

2010-04-28T23:23:00.001+03:00

The other evening when we were watering the garden we had this lovely sight

Nothing beats a glorious sunset unless its a fantastic sunrise.

The Sun is Shining and the Garden is Growing.

2010-04-24T09:53:00.001+03:00

Well, in the middle of March we set about getting our newly acquired garden ready for planting. I took before and after pictures as it was rotorvated and planted, but alas when I got home I found that I had forgotten to put in the card so no pictures. (SILLY ME)

Anyway here it is now

We have potatoes, tomatoes, courgette, onions, okra, peas, beans, aubergines, cucumber and beans.

At home in our little garden above the house we have lettuce, a few tomatoes, peppers, a couple of courgette and yesterday I planted some spring onions, radish and some carrot. The carrots I have planted have small round roots not long tapering ones as the garden is very stony and they would just fork.

I also have some lettuce seeds growing in pots. I only take a pinch of seed and only get about 6 or seven plants at a time, then a few weeks later I do the same again so we don’t get gluts all at once.

Oh! and I have some strawberries in pots and they are flowering away to themselves. So it will be strawberries and cream soon folks.

Well it looks like another shorts and strappy top day today. Must go and enjoy the sun with a nice cool drink.

Cya.

Volcanic Ash Cloud.

2010-04-19T21:19:00.001+03:00

We went to a talk last week on the subject of Santorin's earthquake. It was very interesting and we where told about all the volcanic ash and pumice that was spewed out into the atmosphere, and here we are now with a cloud of volcanic ash crippling Europe.

We have my niece and partner here on holiday and they where supposed to fly back home on Friday 16th April. They both should have started work again today after the Easter holidays. No such luck!

So there are a lot of holiday makers stranded here. Now they are talking about shipping them home as the airports remain closed.

This is a terrible start to the holiday season here as last year was bad also. We need the tourists for our jobs to be safe. No tourists, no jobs, no money.

never mind we are still having a good time going out eating drinking and been merry.

Iraklion

2010-04-14T18:54:00.001+03:00

I have family here for a weeks holiday and we have been going here and there for the last few days.

On Tuesday we went to Iraklion for the day and believe me when I say we walked our feet off. As you can see it was a lovely sunny day.

We walked the streets and inspected loads of shops.

Saw some nice architecture.

And some not so well preserved.

All in all we had a good day. Bought a few goodies and returned home a little bit weary but happy.

Our Easter Sunday

2010-04-06T16:42:00.002+03:00

After Lucky’s ordeal with the loud bangs from all the fireworks Saturday night. She was shaking like a leaf literally. We decided to go out on Sunday for the afternoon and take a picnic.

We went to Driros just across the mountains from us. This is an archaeology site. See here.
We had a wander around and found someone had been digging a pit.

It was very quiet. Just what the doctor ordered.

There has been some activity there. Don’t know what they where looking for.

Some very structural plants. Rather smelly ones too.
We spent a few pleasant hours there and Lucky enjoyed it too.

Walking with Lucky.

2010-04-01T09:38:00.001+03:00

Still plenty of oranges around. I am quite surprised that there are so many what with the winds we had the yesterday.

There are loads of flowers starting to bloom.

The spring in our village. People come and fill their water bottles from here.

A big big cactus. It’s a prickly pear.

The olive trees have been pruned and this will be next years firewood.

These last 2 photos are down in Neapoli. This wisteria is just massive. it is so pretty sprawling through the trees and running riot and I mean riot in the whole garden.

More Modes Of Transport

2010-03-30T18:24:00.002+03:00

This one is regularly parked in the supermarket car park.

And this dog has got the front seat, while his mates are in the back.

These vehicles are used almost everyday for getting around. Wish we had one.

The last 3 days.

2010-03-23T10:11:00.002+02:00

Saturday

There was a bazaar on Saturday, rather unusual as they always seem to be on Sundays.
I was rather please with my purchases.

4 nice coffee mugs. ( for back up. )

6 shirts all the same material. These were brand new, still had the cardboard tucked in the collars.

Some pretty floral dresses.
I met Sandy there too from our little sewing group and we had a rummage together.
I came home and washed them all ready for using.

Sunday

Well lo and behold, another bazaar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This time I got a small oblong tray to stand my toaster on, to stop the crumbs going all over the place. Spot on it is too.

Some fabric off cuts and other bits and pieces.
These too have all been washed and stored ready for use. Thing is my hexagon quilt is still not finished and I am plodding along with that. I have decided to put another round of blue hexagons around the edge to make a wider border and it all takes time, but the end is in sight. Think I’ll put out the flags when it is finished.

Sunday afternoon

In the afternoon we decided to take Lucky for a walk along by the sea in between Malia and Sissi. It was a lovely day. The birds were singing, the insects were doing what insects do and this is what we saw.

Sweet miniature iris’s

Gorse ready for dying your eggs for Easter. Rather prickly like.

A beach side property. Made of wood and palm branches. Think someone was living there as there was a motor bike parked at the top of the path.
Lucky was really tired out and sat down and refused to move. Poor little thing she only has short legs, so she got a carry for a little while. Needless to say she hardly ventured off the settee all night.

Monday

Monday’s are Camera Club days.
A small group of us get together to learn a bit more about our cameras and taking photo’s.
This was the subject this week.

Photographing boats in the lake at Agios Nikalouas.
Hope you all had a good few days over the weekend.

A tale of oranges and lemons 2

2010-03-19T10:28:00.001+02:00

Lynn expressed a desire for me to give the recipes for my cooking so here they are.

Lemon Curd (very easy).

3 untreated lemons, washed and scrubbed.
3 oz\75 g unsalted butter.
8 oz\225 g sugar.
3 large eggs, beaten.

Grate the rind and juice the 3 lemons. Put into a large microwaveable bowl with the butter. ( I only used the rind of 1 lemon.)

MICROWAVE ON HIGH FOR 3 MINUTES until the butter is melted. Stir in the sugar. MICROWAVE ON HIGH FOR 2 MINUTES.

Stir until the sugar is dissolved and then add the strained beaten eggs stirring all the time.

MICROWAVE ON LOW FOR 12 TO 14 MINUTES. Stir occasionally until the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of the spoon.

Spoon into dry sterilized jars and cover. Store in a the fridge and consume within a month.

Very very yummy!!!!!!!!!!

Orange preserve.

2 large oranges
1 lemon
1/2 pt/ 300ml water
1lb/500g sugar

Cut the washed oranges and lemon in half and place in a large microwavable bowl with the water. Cover loosely with microwave film and MICROWAVE ON HIGH FOR 10 MINUTES.

Remove the fruit from the water and leave to stand for 5 minutes

Discarding the pips shred the oranges and squeeze the juice from the lemon. Return to the bowl and add the sugar and leave for 10 minutes till the sugar is dissolved.

MICROWAVE ON HIGH FOR 20 TO 25 MINUTES stirring occasionally , until a spoonful wrinkles when dropped onto a cold plate. pour into hot sterilized jars and seal.

Orange peel in syrup.

8 untreated oranges ( approx 1 kg)
1 kg/ 2ld 4 ozs sugar
juice of 1 lemon.

Wash the oranges in hot water and dry. Cut each fruit into 6 wedges and carefully remove the peel, placing it into a bowl of cold water.

Thread the peel in curls onto kitchen string. about 10 per string and not the ends. Soak the threaded peel for 24 hours. Change the water 3 or 4 times over this period.

Drain the peel and bring to the boil in 3lts/ 5pts water. Simmer for 15 minutes. Drain the peel.

Repeat last step again but only simmer for 10 mins. The peel should be soft, not mushy. Allow to drain for 1 hour.

Put the lemon juice and sugar into the pan with 150 mls/ 1/4 pt water. Bring to the boil, stirring all the time to dissolve the sugar. Boil till a syrupy consistency. Remove peel from the strings and simmer for 5 mins. Let the peel stand in the syrup over night.

Heat up the syrup and peel mixture and cook to thicken for 4 minutes. Leave to cool, then fill into jars rinsed in hot water. The peel will keep for about 10 months stored in a cool dry place.

Serve as a dessert with greek yoghurt.

Gale force winds.

2010-03-17T23:41:00.001+02:00

The other week we had very strong winds all through the night.

Lucky didn’t like it.

Ian couldn’t sleep.

So both of them kept waking me up.

Then the following day we were all bleary eyed.

The garden next door had an almond tree blow down.

Branches were blown off.

and this pergola was also a victim.

It was a bit scary.

A Tale of Oranges and Lemons

2010-03-12T17:12:00.001+02:00

We get loads and loads of oranges and lemons given to us. So Wednesday I started out making Lemon curd. The recipe I used was one for the microwave and it was really very easy and quick.

Then having made that I turned to oranges and found a marmalade recipe for the microwave also. This was also very easy to make and it tasted lovely too.

I then tried making Orange peel in syrup.

You cut the peel into wedges and are supposed to thread them onto string, but not having string I used cocktail sticks.

You soak them in cold water for 24 hours

Then you boil them in sugar to get a syrup

And you end up with of candied curled peel which you use as a sweet with yogurt.

The oranges that I have left will be juiced I think.

Hexagon Quilt Update.

2010-03-06T12:48:00.001+02:00

My quilt is not finished, but it is nearly! Honest.

I have had 3 migraines this last 8 days so not had a very good time. Only 1 put me to bed for 3 hours. We have been busy doing jobs in the house too. Some things that didn’t get finished off properly.

The first and second photo show Lucky just testing it out for snuggling under. She’s a funny dog for that. She hides herself away under cushions and things. It must give her a sense of security.

We went to Sylvia’s house for our Thursday sewing and it was a glorious day so we sat outside. On the way home I stopped the car and jumped out to take the next photo.

I just love poppies.

Have a great week-end whatever you are doing.

Bye.

My Knitted Afghan Finished! Now What Am I Going To Do??????????

2010-02-25T18:16:00.001+02:00

I am really pleased with the way this has made up. It is so bright and colourful. Our dog Lucky has given it her seal of approval too.

Lucky testing out my afghan.

I started knitting this afghan at the beginning of January. You can see my progress here, here and here. Well now it is finished apart from sewing all the ends in.

My finished afghan.

And this is the finished article. It has a crochet border and tassels.

I am surprised at how quick I have completed this. I found the pattern on Ravelry if you fancy having a go.

My Hexagon Quilt.

My almost finished hexagon quilt.

Then, there is my hexagon quilt. This is nearly finished also. Hopefully only about another weeks work, I reckon. Then what am I going to do?

My Next Project.

Well, maybe socks or some thread painting, or a denim quilt, but there again I might finish my string quilt that I started in October last year

Another bright quilt

These are the choices that are swirling around in my head at the moment. What will I choose????

Frogs and Toads

2010-02-19T17:05:00.001+02:00

This is a big fat toad( well I think it’s a toad) that I nearly stood on today. He was very shy and this is the best photo that I could get of him.

He does have warty bumps

This one looked like a leaf.

I was not sure what this was when I first saw it, but upon closer inspection it turned out to be a small green frog about 4cms. This little frog never moved when I took his photo, very obliging he was.

Olive trees in flower.

The weather was beautiful again today but, I think we are forecast for rain sometime over the next couple of days.

Hope you all have a lovely weekend where ever you are.

Newsflash 1

2010-02-17T17:25:00.001+02:00

Sandy has made it through another hibernation. I am always worried about him when he goes to sleep for the winter. He went to sleep about the end of October and as the weather has been really warm it has roused him from his sleep. He still hasn’t ventured out yet so he will probably doze for a few more weeks yet.

Newsflash 2

I now have a permanent step into the courtyard now.

It’s so much better than the wooden thing I used to have.

Out Walking.

2010-02-16T11:21:00.001+02:00

Walking is Lucky’s favourite thing. She dances and twirls when we are going to take her out. She is so excited. Yesterday I remembered to take my camera and this is what we saw.

Oranges still hanging on the trees. There are more oranges here than people know what to do with. Loads and loads just fall to the ground and rot.

Beautiful blossoming trees.

Almond trees are all around.

Fantastic old olive trees

Big prickly pear cactus

I’m sorry but these are not quite focused right, never the less they are very striking.

The weather is warm and everything is growing like mad.

Sewing at Sandy’s

2010-02-12T08:51:00.001+02:00

Every week we have a sewing get together with a few like minded friends. This week we went to Sandy’s house. If you would like to see what we have been up to, pop over to Jude's blog. We always have a good time.

Spring Has Sprung.

2010-02-10T16:26:00.001+02:00

Well there was no bazaar this last weekend. Instead we went to the Gardening Club monthly meeting. There are a lot of people who go to this event and you can even stay for lunch aswell.

Next month we are having a plant sale. Must get some plants potted up. All the money raised comes back to us in the form of a Christmas party.

There is however a bazaar on this coming Sunday in Malia. I am sure to be going to that.

Now what else is happening around here. Oh, yes spring has sprung.

Everything here is bursting into life.

There are even little flower buds on the olive trees. (Sorry I have no picture)

I am going to have to make sure that I take out my camera when I take Lucky for her walk again. Don’t want to miss anything. No, that will never do.

Sunday Bazaar 2

2010-02-02T15:48:00.001+02:00

Another bazaar, another load of bargains.

I found this sweet canvas bag with flowers and butterflies. Ideal for carrying my knitting or sewing. A super little tin complete with handle handy for some bits and bobs, and a child’s handicrafts kit. It includes some printed designs for embroidery and the cotton . It even has the embroidery ring. A dolly knitter and a much larger one. Some wool, a crochet hook and a pompom maker.

Some nice cotton shirts to cut up for some project

Some cotton dresses again for recycling.

Most of the things in this picture are new. You just can’t go wrong ,can you.

And here is an update on my knitted blanket. These still have to be sewn down the middle but I am really pleased with the way it is turning out.

You can also see a pair of slipper socks with fur lining, these too are brand new.

Do you think that I had a good time, well you had better believe it, I can’t wait for the next one.

Sunday Bazaar

2010-01-27T20:07:00.002+02:00

I just love going to the bazaars here, they are the nearest thing to Charity shops. It’s more like a jumble sale really. I purchased these three books. The knitting one has some lovely patterns. I sure will be knitting some of them. I also like doing Sudoku too, got to keep the green matter exercised, hasn’t one. Not a single puzzle had been done. I also enjoy looking at butterflies, there has got to be some inspiration inside this little book. All these for 1.50 euro.

The find of the day was a brand new pair of Doc Martins, very flash don’t you think. They are just my size and cost only 3euro.
As you can see I have started sewing my squares together, they are looking quite good don’t you think. I have only sewn two big blocks together and I am pleased with the results so far. So my needles are still clicking away merrily.
I am looking forward to next Sunday too, as there is another bazaar. Wonder what I will find this time!!!

Wedding and Birthday

2010-01-20T13:36:00.001+02:00

I know it’s a while since I went to England for my nieces wedding and my sisters birthday, but I thought I might share these pic’s with you.

The Wedding

My sister with her son and daughter-in-law.

The happy couple. Louise and Stephen.

Me.

I know it was September 26th but it was a beautiful day and no coat was needed.

Now the Birthday

This is a family group of my mothers side of the family.

The one in the middle is my Aunty Sylvia, she is the only one left out of 5 sisters.

Friends

And did we all have a good time?

YES!!!

On both days everyone had a great time. Well you do when you have all your family and friends around you don’t you.

This is what I have been doing lately.

2010-01-13T12:03:00.001+02:00

Making squares for an afghan.

I found this pattern on Ravelery. It is called Psychedelic Squares Afghan. Up to now I have made 20 squares using up my odd ball stash of DK.

So when I’m sat watching telly, I’m knitting away too. I don’t know how big I am going to make it. Let’s see how far I get with the wool I already have.

Maybe I should block these ones so I don’t get overwhelmed by them all when I come to sew them together.

That makes sense knit a few block a few

It takes 4 squares to make a complete big square, so I may sew a few squares together also.

Ok, got to dash I have some wool waiting for me.

This is January!!!!!!

2010-01-03T23:04:00.001+02:00

I stopped to take a photo of this bush today. We have had such lovely weather these last few weeks. The temperature was over 26 degrees the other day. I think this bush is a bit confused, sure it thinks it is spring.

Our Christmas

2009-12-26T21:54:00.001+02:00

Just about to sit down at the table.

We really ate too much yesterday. I think we nearly always do. I phoned family and friends to wish them a Happy Christmas and we sat in front of our roaring fire and watched TV.

But today we worked it off.

Yes we were olive picking. It was such a lovely day, really sunny and hot.

Nice juicy olives

A working donkey

I found these lovely little flowers blooming away to themselves.

The olives all picked and loaded onto the pick-up.

What did you do on Boxing day?

Music Night.

2009-12-18T16:28:00.001+02:00

Last Monday we when to a Music Night as I was celebrating my birthday. There where a few people getting up to entertain us, but we also had instruments too. Tambourines, maracas, and loads more.

We all had a good time.

A very enjoyable night.

Merry Christmas everyone

2009-12-13T09:26:00.001+02:00

I hope all my readers have a great time over the Christmas season.

Will you be making any resolutions for the New Year?

Cooking the Greek way

2009-12-08T23:48:00.002+02:00

This is a traditional oven here on the Island of Crete. It is a dome shape inside and they light a fire with wood in there. When the oven is red hot they let the fire die down and they then put in the food for cooking.

To cook bread they clean out all the ashes but for meat they put the pans onto the hot ash. They then put on the door to keep the heat in and the food cooks.

And this is the finished product. Potatoes, meat, tomatoes, olive oil, tomatoe paste, oregano, salt, lemon juice and water. Eaten outside in the olive groves. Beautiful!!!

This is a 70 yr old Cretan lady testing the meal. She gave it the seal of approval.

What a Whopper.

2009-12-07T14:59:00.001+02:00

When we were out shopping this morning we came across these pomegranates. I have never seen such large fruits. The top right-hand one weighed in at 1.03kg. Wow!!!

Olive Picking

2009-12-06T19:07:00.001+02:00

Well its olive picking time again. Ian was helping some Greek friends to pick their olives last week. It is quite hard work, even with the machines.

This is a typical site in the olive groves right now. The nets are placed on the ground to catch all the olives as they are knocked off the branches. This picture shows them having a break to drink a little Raki.

When they were all working I took myself a little walk and left them to it.

These are two ruined windmills

This one has had a little bit of renovation.

A view over the olive groves.

The weather has been a bit changeable this week, the sun comes out and it’s quite hot, then it clouds over and the rain comes and when it rains it rains very heavy. Your drenched in no time. I know this very well, as the last two days when taking Lucky on her morning walk I have been caught about half way around and got absolutely soaked.

How is the weather treating you in your neck of the woods?

Last Weeks Walk.

2009-12-04T14:56:00.001+02:00

Last week we took a lovely walk along the cliffs at Malia.

The weather was hot. To be quite honest we have had really good weather this November.

We found this rock sticking out of the ground with all these sea shells embedded in it.

I wonder how many thousands of years ago that this happened? This is quite high up from the sea level now, so what was going on all that time ago?

The weather changed here on Wednesday 2nd December. We had lashings of rain, the water running down the streets like rivers, and the wind!!!

We get really freaky type winds up here. Like mini hurricanes and things get tossed all about. Not too much damage though this time.

Then on Thursday out came the sun again. I am hoping we have some good weather at Christmas to, as my middle son is coming over for the festivities. Really looking forward to that.

What are you doing over the Christmas period?

Where have all the tourists gone?

2009-11-21T11:18:00.001+02:00

All the tourists have gone home and here we are sitting in the lovely sunshine having a bite to eat.

All very peaceful.

We had the entire place to ourselves. Gyros for two, super yummy

England here I come.

2009-09-17T09:06:00.002+03:00

Well it’s off to England on the 23rd September for a fortnight.

There are so many things to do when I get there. I have a wedding to attend and a rather special 7oth birthday party.

This is a photo of our wedding in 1991. The girl standing next to my hubby is Louise, whose wedding I am going to. She is my nephew’s daughter. My other two bridesmaids are my friends daughters, Emma and Vicky.

The birthday party is for my only sister, Lily. She will be 70 on 30th September.

I love her to bits.

Our mother died when I was only 8yrs old and Lily been nearly 13yrs older than me more or less brought me up.

Lily and her husband Steve are coming back over here with me when I return. They are staying for a fortnights holiday. It will be the second time they have used the bookcase bed.( see previous post)

A Bookcase With A Secret.

2009-09-11T20:36:00.002+03:00

Ian made me this lovely bookcase as I have loads of books needing a home. The thing is it is not only a bookcase.

We only have one bedroom here and we needed to have somewhere for our visitors to sleep. Somewhere with a bit of privacy. Where could we put them? The stable? No, only joking, really. Anyway Ian came up with a wonderful plan. Hence the bookcase.

The bookcase is at the front but behind is a secret hiding place. My hubby is not a carpenter and came across a few problems during the construction but it turned out just as we wanted it.

In the back of the bookcase we have stored the double bed frame and mattress. Its a perfect storage place for it when it’s not in use.

When we get company the bookcase opens out and becomes a room divider. The back then become a wardrobe for the guests clothes.How ingenious is that?

It halves the size of our living room when we do have guests but we spend a lot of time outside in the courtyard anyway, so it is not too much of an inconvenience.

I know that I am very pleased with it, all it needs now is for it to be stained or varnished.

Siamese Twins???????????

2009-09-01T00:23:00.001+03:00

This I found very interesting and have not seen anything like it before. I prepare lettuce everyday at work. All just like this one, but then I found this one was different. The outer leaves formed one lettuce as you can see, but underneath those leaves

It had two heads but only one stalk.

Have you seen anything like this?

What could have caused it?

Could it have been the fertilizer or pesticides or just a fluke of nature? It certainly makes you wonder.

Well that's it.

2009-08-31T10:29:00.001+03:00

Yesterday was my last day at work. The season has been very short. I have not earned as much as I was hoping to so we will just have to tighten our belts a little this winter. Ian still has a few more shifts then he will be finished too.

In a way I am a bit sad but also pleased that I will have more time for me and us. We will be able to make plans, go out when we want and just do as we please. No more working around a rota.

With us both working things have slipped a bit here so first thing is to get the house back up together again and looking tidy. Then after a bit of leisure time start again with the continuing renovation work. There is still a lot to do, so I think we will have to write out a priority list, getting the most essential work done first. Like a staircase up to the bedroom. At the moment we go out of the house, lock the door, go up the outside steps onto the roof and enter the bedroom through the door that the lovely Geoff made for us.

This also means more time for my crafty pursuits and more blogging!!!!!!!!!

Cheers everyone!

Fruity

2009-08-26T08:40:00.001+03:00

Not that long ago all the flowers were out, blooming away merrily. Now look what's happened.

We have pomegranates on the trees.

Luscious figs. They are ripening fast and bursting open. No one seems to pick them and they just drop off and get squashed on the ground.

The olives are coming along just fine. They have a long way to go yet though, harvesting doesn't start till around January.

The grapes are getting there too. Yum yum.

It won't be long before I'm picking my walnuts.

Wonder when it's time to pick them, how do you tell when they are ripe?

I know a man who will tell me, just got to find the time to go and see him.

Along Came A Spider.

2009-08-23T19:50:00.002+03:00

I am no spider lover and it took a lot of nerve to take this close up of a spider I saw when taking Lucky for a walk.

It looks like it has only four legs but take a closer look and you can see its holding two legs together. It never moved when I took its photo. Its body is about half and inch round.

No wonder little Miss Muffet ran away, think I would too.

July

2009-07-01T18:21:00.003+03:00

Well today is the 1st of July and this is what my view looked like this morning when I got out of bed.

A bit misty but nice and warm. Shame I have to go to work.

Todays Harvest

2009-06-29T20:45:00.006+03:00

We are now getting a stead supply of courgettes, patty pans and purple podded beans.
You can't beat the taste of home grown produce. Soon we will have green peppers and aubergines. The strawberries seem to have finished fruiting for the moment but I see there are some more flowers coming. Oh goody goody.

I have been working a 7 day week for the last 5 to 6 weeks and today I had a day off. I planned to do loads of things, but my get up and go seems to have got up and gone. I have caught up on some sleep though. Think I needed the rest.

I will be having some more days off too as my sister and her husband are coming over to see us on the 9th July. I am really looking forward to it aswell. The last time I saw them was October last year.

Catch you all soon.

Out and about in Vrisses.

2009-06-24T18:38:00.001+03:00

I know its been a while since I posted but now that I am back to work things are a bit hectic. So this post is not going to have many words.

These photos are from the village that we live in.

Will try to post some more very soon.

Garden news

2009-06-13T08:01:00.000+03:00

Well its been a while since I mentioned my garden. Things have been growing well. I have beans, courgettes, tomatoes, aubergines and peppers.

This is my aubergine. I didn't grow it from seed, bought it from a plant shop in Neapoli.

I also bought these tomato plants. They are growing funny, only one tomato seems to be growing on a truss. Not quite sure why that is.

Some very yummy strawberries.

Some lovely beans growing up some branches. Didn't have any canes, but they are not bothered. they will use anything.

Some bell peppers

These are summer squash.

A patty pan squash. I grew the yellow one last year and used it like courgettes. Below are my courgette plants. Two different varieties.

Got to mention these again.

The walnuts are still growing strong. Think we will have a good harvest.

So all in all everything is growing well and I am looking forward to eating our own veggies again. There is something about home-grown food. It tastes better and you know what went into it. No pesticides to worry about.

Not one but TWO beautiful little girls

2009-06-12T18:38:00.002+03:00

Today I had my first ever hold of twins.

This is me with Zephie and Aura. Just 4 weeks old. They are so cute.

This is Zephie, she didn't want to wake up.

And this is Aura saying no photos please.

They belong to my boss, Marco and Carissa.

Will definitely be going back for another cuddle.

June flowers

2009-06-11T07:42:00.001+03:00

The flowers are still blooming away here in Crete, even though it's very hot and dry. The plant below grew very quickly from nothing to quite a large plant in about three weeks. It has small thorns on the stem too.

The next three photos are of a lovely flowering shrub that you see all along the side of the roads.

The last photo is a pelargonium that belongs to my next door neighbour. It has such a rich colour it looks like velvet, beautiful.

Must dash now got to go to work. Catch you all later.

Flaming June

2009-06-06T10:26:00.001+03:00

Well it's June and the weather is heating up somewhat. But, where are all the tourists? Looks like the recession has taken hold here too.

These photo's where taken about 18.00 on Thursday. However Thursday is a change over day.

The photos are of a side street, the main street is busier, but there again not as busy as it normally is. Looks like its going to be a bad year.

Panic Stations.

2009-06-04T00:30:00.001+03:00

Yesterday while at work my hubby rang to say that when he was taking Lucky for a walk she got frightened by a pick-up and had run away in panic. That was two hours ago and she was still not home.

My hubby is working nights and needed to go to bed for some sleep but he was worried sick about her.

There was nothing I could do but worry about her until my shift was finished. I got back home about 21.30 and she still was not home. Ian had not slept at all. He took the car and went down to Limnes, where we used to live to see if she had found her way there.

I stood outside the gate praying for her return. All sorts of things were going through my head. The dogs down the road kept barking, they normally only bark when someone goes by. If Lucky was about she would hear them and know which way was home.

Ian came back from Limnes. Nothing. He stood outside the gate and whistled on her and called here name. The neighbours dogs where still barking, then in the distance we heard a small bark. It was coming from the olive groves above us. We took the torches and went along the top road calling her name, we could hear her barking up amongst the trees.

Ian had to climb up the steep slope in amongst the olive trees. She was barking more now which helped him locate her. There she was trapped by a fence. Ian found an opening and coaxed her to come to the gap, which see eventually did and he got hold of her and carried her down to the road where I was waiting.

Was she pleased to see us. When we got her home she drank loads of water and was ravenous. She had been missing for about five hours. The other dogs must have known she was up there and kept barking. They stopped soon after we got home.

If you read my blog you will know that she was a stray that we took in and she was named Lucky because, she was lucky to find us. She has changed from a terrified thing into a lovely pet. We would not know what to do without her now. She is so funny and has become a big part of our lives. We are so relieved to have her back home safe and sound.