Furthermusingsfromacyprusgarden

 Having bemoaned the pitfalls of the clocks going back, we sat in the afternoon sun with the obligatory glass of wine when we were about to go in I just had to take this photo to share. Enjoy the beauty.

 Saturday, when I hate the clocks changing.  Several reasons, it robs us of lovely afternoons sitting on the veranda having a glass of wine and feeling all is right with the world.   It makes us go into winter when we are not ready to, in spite of having booked the chimney sweep, ordering the kindling, having the log store extended and putting the middle weight duvet on the bed. So having put all that aside (note to self - don’t start a sentence with “so”) So annoying! Anyway, on with carrots.  I tried a couple of years ago to grow some carrots from seed, looked more like I was growing grass for a realistic doll’s house garden. I had really good results with carrots when we lived in England.  Raised bed on the first floor balcony over looking the sea.  I remember how thrilled I was when the first carrot made an appearance.  Fingers crossed for this year. I have also potted some hyacinth bulbs.  I had good results a couple of years ago and they give off a beautiful fragrance.  Just to s

 Yes, a new hole pinch makes all the difference to my slightly COD. We tend to keep all paperwork, as we never know what we will be asked for here in Cyprus. My trusty Woolworth red punch finally said goodbye and went off to the hole punch city in the sky. I have been feeling really mean and tight fisted recently, probably  down to being brain washed about how the world is going to end due to the British government’s inability to sort out their thingies from their wotsits. I digress.  I could not bring myself to file anything which may not be in line with other paperwork. But worry not,  in the supermarket the other day I purchased two exciting gifts for Mr. D’s kitchen.  A new multi purpose grater with six different sides, all doing something different.  And - wait for it - a jar of Branson pickle.  Oh, seventh heaven.  So I felt I deserved a little treat,  mmmm, what would make me happy?  I know, a hole punch. All is well with the world and having a test run today, it now sits in pri

 After two years in the blogger wilderness, thanks to hackers, I am now back. This first post is dedicated to my wonderful, brave and very clever daughter who has weathered all obstacles and progressed at a pace with her life.  Who would expect her to do anything else.  xx Short and sweet for the first post, but I hope you enjoy reading through the previous ones we (well, ok, my husband) resurrected from the depths of the internet. A couple of recent pics, and lots more to come with, I hope, amusing musings from my garden.

Christmas dinner!   10 am Sunday morning, 🎄 It is never too early to plan Christmas lunch.  We always push the boat out and this year Mr D said he would like to have a go at Greek Kleftiko.  We thought a trial run would be a good idea and so armed with a leg of lamb from the butcher in Polis (the butcher from Argaka disappeared) and all the suitable ingredients from a fairly straightforward recipe which we found on the Paprika app today is the day. Into marinade overnight, prep this morning and into the slow cooker for seven to eight hours with various veggies. Fingers crossed.  We are going to have enough to feed an army, so it looks like a fair amount will be for the freezer. We are also some decent decorations this year, which will be a first.  Maybe just fill the house up with poinsettias which would be VERY colourful. I was a brave girl on Friday and went for my annual flu vaccination, I now have a sore arm, ouch.  I now have to wait to get my Covid-19 booster.   Infection is sti

  Exciting news at Douglas Towers   Wednesday 6th October, and lots happening here today. Mr D made a visitor the doctor as he has been unwell again for the last few days.  Doctor reassured him and has put him back on the straight and narrow. We took delivery of loads of pallets which will be used to make a log store, which we have wanted for a couple of years.  Sometimes you just have to wait! Yesterday was Daisy’s grooming day, she always looks so great (don’t she just know it) when it has been done.  May be just one more to be fitted in this side of winter. Next week is pretty fully booked as well, but have managed to put to Paphos appointments into one day. I resurrected on of my knitting projects which has been tucked away for all of the summer, and now want to finish ready for autumn . Just completed day two of ‘stoptober’.  We were a bit late starting but better late than never,  I am hoping it will change the habit of drinking, just have to wait and see. I am going to get some

  New month - Happy October and Cyprus Independence Day  We are still enjoying summer weather but no denying the fact it will come to an end eventually.  With that in mind I spent some time making a gentle start on sorting out some of raised veg bed and managed to get the last of the baby peppers and they are now ready for freezing. They will join the green lemons given to us recently by the picker in the grove behind our house.  I am sure he does not understand a word of English but must get the idea of what I am saying from the smile. I have always loved the way things are shared here. This morning Mr D came back from the dog walk with two beautiful avocados, they will go into the fruit bowl - must get some fresh bananas to aid the process of ripening them. I recently planted seeds for sweet peas, they are taking their time but are now joined by radishes - Having had what seems like an age with arms in plaster it is great to get back into things. The main thing to lift spirits was an

  Friday September 17th   Things here are fine and I have been attacking my ever growing ‘to do’ list with some success and lots of things ticked off (faster than the next thing arrives). Good news after the eye op.  I have had two check ups and the doc is pleased with the progress.  Funny thing is I will probably need glasses as well, but the difference is amazing . We knew summer was over a couple of days ago when the bee eater birds congregated on the wires to have a chat before they set off back to North Africa.  The next day the temperature had dropped slightly and we don’t have to use air con now, thank goodness. I We have found this amazing man who does all sorts of odd jobs, and bigger stuff. He sorted the kitchen island and as if by magic sourced and fitted herb racks in our kitchen.  No more going through 20 odd jars to find the right one. Garden continues to flourish, pampas grass being pampas, lavender flowering, roses blooming and we are loving it.  Have learnt a lot this

  Saturday 11th September   Today is the 20th anniversary of the attack on the twin towers and other key points in America by terrorists - for those of us who were not alive during the World War it was a day when the world froze. On a par with the assassination of Kennedy when people know where they were, I think the twin towers will burn in our minds. My thoughts go to the families of the people murdered that day.  It is not appropriate to chat about garden so will leave it till another day.

  Oh, she of little patience   Saturday 4th September  At last, we are the proud owners of a kitchen island thanks to our dog sitter recommended Mike, (not the mechanic for those of you who remember) but the maintenance man. No sooner had he made contact than the job was done and dusted complete with lockable castors! From this …… To this ….. Calling for a celebration of trying a new recipe of pork sausage and chestnut pasts. Delist. We have said we will not use the flat surface as a dumping ground for junk, I wonder how long that will last.

  Kitchen island and other things  Wednesday 1st September  Another busy,  busy week. But in a good way with a lot of things achieved. A bone scan showed that the osteoporosis is still alive and well, and we need serious consideration as to the don’t do that list.  After several weeks with plasters on it should be easier to split what I can and can’t do for safety reasons. But after taking a decision to move on and get a couple of things done there has been good progress on the kitchen island which has been waiting endlessly to be made safe and have castors fitted.  With the help of the wonderful Anne, who is a bit of a font of  knowledge , we were put in touch with someone who contacted us, arrived about four hours later, looked at what we want, quoted a price and is going to return in three/four days to carry out the job.  Now, that’s what I call moving.  And, presumably if we need anything else doing he will be our man. A couple of hours was spent working in the garden yesterday  an

  Wedding anniversary number 15!  Friday 27th August 2021 15 years ago we tied the knot.  Well, what a journey through the years, ups and downs as in all cases but still standing together. Having come through the worst of it I would like to think we could now settle into a comfortable old age, yes, no, maybe? Having had a really nice day with nothing particular on the calendar.  Couple of bits to do in Polis this morning then pick up some final bits for our meal and chill out with fillet steak, trimmings and decent red wine. As I woke up at 4.45 this morning I am feeling the pinch, won’t be long till bed time. Not thrilled with the garden at the moment so need to take things in hand, but that can wait till tomorrow or Sunday.  All that hard work seems to have gone by the wayside. Had a lovely mail from daughter today, it is always so comforting to hear from her.  We had a bit of a hick up in our relationship a few years ago, which tore me apart but we are now back on track and I am thr

  My plasters are OFF  Oh, what a joy.  My shower this morning was bliss. I am still wearing a splint on my right hand for the next week but I don’t care. Fish and chips next Wednesday. Yummy.

  A memorial for Sue  Wednesday 18th August It has been in my mind for some while to create a small memorial in the garden for Sue (my sister) and it finally came to fruition this week. With the help of a recommendation we went to an amazing place which makes and paints a whole variety of statues, when I saw this I just knew it was perfect. Next it was off to the garden centre for the gravel.  Yesterday morning, before the sun was up we get to work and this is the result. Sue would, I think, have loved it. We don’t need material things to remind us of Sue but considering she was cremated in Scotland (not giving some of us enough time to get there),  and ashes scattered from Hastings pier I felt there should be something in Cyprus where Sue managed to have two short holidays before she left us. She ‘visits’ me often and I hope she is now at peace. With love. x

  Sue 1957 - 2018  

 Update on this post. Friday 20th January 2023 When I wrote this blog a couple of years ago I had no idea how the letter ‘T’ would really be lost in speech.  It is so unnecessary for, what seems like, every person in radio and television to have adopted this way of speaking.  Do they do it deliberately, which must be a strain on the brain?  Do they know they are doing it?  Do they think it sounds cool?  (Whatever that means.) Education should include a way to encourage pupils to bring ‘T’ back into use.  Or have the teachers and parents lost their ‘T’s as well. I really do need to get out more. Where did the letter ‘T’ go?  Sunday 15*h Augus* I became aware a few mon*hs ago *ha* *he le**er ‘T’ was missing when people were *alking. Now, there can be one of a few reasons for this in my view, laziness, unable to spell so being unaware the word contains a T, a new form of slang ( maybe not that as even radio presenters miss out this precious member of the alphabet family.) Although I was b

  Too early  Never mind about “not tonight sweetheart “,  it was a case of “not today”.  Another week to go to be on the the safe side. , See you next Thursday at 5,00.

  Today is the day!  Thursday 12 August I so hope my plasters come off today and give me a rest from the awkwardness they have created, and that the fractures have mended.  I suspect it will be either an X-ray or CT scan. The X-ray would be better and save a trip to Paphos, My list of to-do’s grows ever longer. Will let you know how I get on. See you later.

  Counting down the  Six days to go!  God it has been a struggle some days, not helped by temperature nearing 40 degrees. The first thing i am going to do is undress myself, and have a super shower, then sit down to a lovely meal which I can cut up and eat! The little things one takes so much for granted. Obviously not much has been going on, really missed my garden, and cooking.  Thank goodness for Jo’s Pies. A local lady who produces the most wonderful pies, salads and a variety of other dishes.  It has been a chance for Mr D to take a break from the kitchen. The garden crew turned up yesterday and a cloud hung over the garden apart from Gardener Junior, who always is happy to help and keep a smile on his face.  I must ask him one day if he sees himself with his own clients?  He would probably make a fortune. We are on the look out for a dining table and some comfy chairs. The one we have comes with the house and is definitely seen better days.  We also want something smaller for us

  Every cloud …..  Friday 23rd July can have a silver lining. Oh, my word, (in the words of the great Jamie Oliver) day five of the plasters and verging on the suicidal, except it would be such an insult to my husband who has worked his socks off to look after my needs, even giggling like a couple of teens while he showered me! We have now acquired some waterproof sleeves to wear in the shower.  Such freedom. Yesterday was gardeners day and they have, once again, made a superb job of planting up the new grasses, which are apparently Pampas grass, according to senior gardener. No wonder they are growing so fast. Wednesday 28 July Well, I blinked and then it was Wednesday!  I must be having so much fun I didn’t notice the time. The grasses and new climbers are going great guns.  One thing that is so lovely to watch is the water being caught by the sun. Made it to the hairdresser yesterday and feel a lot better, as always she is worth her weight in gold. Our landlord has pulled a fast one

  Well, I wasn’t expecting that!   Three weeks ago today was my nasty fall in Paphos,  after various x-rays, splints,  bandages and god knows what else those magnificent doctors in the Evangalismos hospital together with Dr George of The Hippocratic Clinic had me all tied up for five weeks.   I could have had an operation but with various factors to consider decided to go for the plaster look. Now comes the ‘fun’ bit, Mr D will help with most things but sometimes a girl has just got to get on with it. Wish me/us luck.

  Wow ….. wot a scorcher  Saturday 17 July We haven’t got to the hottest month yet but here we are, about the fourth week of  about 32 degrees during the day with humidity at 74% today,  Ouch. And I have not been able to go in the pool to cool off with on wrist in a Velcro splint and the other in a bandages support.  BUT it could have been worse with plaster casts, so thank my blessings. Cyprus government managed to make a bit of an effort (at last) to get things under control.  I think they may have saved their breath.  But we did see something  really interesting in the English language paper this week. When we moved to Argaka in 2012 the coast road was pretty rustic and the beach, as we quickly learnt,was home to the Loggerhead turtle as their breading ground and where they would build their nests. The turtles are a protected species. Since then several of the pop up bars, local bars, taverns, ice cream kiosks have all slowly moved onto the beach not only making it look a mess but a

  Battered and bruised - Part two  Hi folks Here we are touching on nearly a week since my fall. Some bruises going, going some gone and new ones appearing.  Good old witch hazel. My fall fades into insignificance after the most almighty fire on Cyprus over the weekend where people’s houses have been damaged and destroyed and the tragic loss of life of the four young men in what must have been unthinkably terrifying for them in the last moments of their lives. Communities have donated an outstanding amount of everything for people and this is now being sorted and, I believe, distributed.  Having lost belongings in a fire some years ago you can never replace those things, but I found that by taking a deep breath I could carry on.  I so hope these people will find the strength from some where. I try not to be controversial on my blog but under the circumstances it would be good for everyone if a moment was taken before that firework was let off, that lit cigarette was thrown out of a mov

  Potential hazard   Wednesday 30 June Sometimes things just don’t turn out the way you expect! That is what is happening to us a lot lately .  Last week I had to have a blood test for the cardiologist to look at.  Due to circumstances brought about, once again, by the language barrier we some times come up against it was all to late. Never mind, I will phone the cardiologist and explain and see if I could change my appointment to save a wasted journey to Paphos. No problem, got my new date.  What I didn’t realise was it was a day before Mr D had his appointment, again in Paphos.  Ok, why don’t you ring him and see if we can change it to the same day. No reply on the phone so an email was duly sent.  No reply received so we carried on with plan B, which included taking one of our garden parasols back for a a replacement and, once again, plan a trip to the butcher. On the day of my appointment Mr D received a reply agreeing to changing his appointment  to 5.30 on the same date as my app

  Shopping trip and other things  Sunday 27th June Summer solstice has been and gone in a flash with the usual hooha over entry to Stonehenge.  I don’t really understand what it is about but would imagine it is similar to being locked out of church at Easter in Cyprus. Summer arrived in our garden this week which called for me to take a dip (or two) in our pool.  Absolutely wonderful.  Got myself a new noodle and fit to go. Speaking of new things I did get my long promised trip to a clothes shop in the village along the coast to us.  Latchi (Latsi) has a small harbour where men leave their toys, variety of small to quite substantial.  Also pleasure boats run tours but without holiday makers must have been hit hard . Anyway, back to my shopping.  Kiki s has everything.  After a pleasant half an hour or so I came away with four outfits, a new purse and a super new leather belt for Mr D, who had been looking for one for ages. This is the same shop where I bought my walking stick a couple

  And the next project will be ……  Hi everyone,  it has been a little over a month since I blogged since May was fairly full on and jumps and downs,  but we are out of the woods now and staying positive about everything. The garden now has a working irrigation system which has made a terrific difference and just in time for the hot weather.  The plants are already looking better but the cats can’t work out why they keep getting wet! Well, I started this blog a few days ago when I was interrupted by runty cat - Jaz - who came hobling home crying and a front leg about twice its normal size!  Poor Jaz,  we got our rather old cat carrier but she did not want to get in it.  Finally wrapped her in a towel and got her secure, much to her loud complaining .  We got to the vet who said it was a fairly bad snake bite (the third one she has had).  After a couple of injections and armed with some antibiotics we made the journey home. We decided we had to get a new carrier that we could be sure was

  Hi everyone,  it has been a while but for good reason!  Eye op, all went well.  And, 70th birthday.  Not so brilliant as Mr D was very unwell.  But on the upside my daughter is going to try and make it and has promised me a 70th take two when she gets here. In the meanwhile here are some pics to show off how far the garden is coming.   Irrigation should be next! Our fab upcycled garden table, mosaic by a very clever lady…. Overloaded raised bed… brimming with all sorts. Beetroots, spring onion, carrots, red peppers… Garden peas and runner beans.  A bit battered by the wind but coming along… More squashes and tomatoes.  I have found some interesting recipes for the squashes… Oh, and a pre-birthday drink. Cheers. Some of the herbs. A work in progress. Norman the Gnome keeping watch. Over spill, maybe another raised bed next year! Jaz being coy… Daisy, who had her claws clipped this morning, next will be shampoo and groom.. Lastly, chilliest… not my favourite but a must have… See you al