Furthermusingsfromacyprusgarden

 Two weeks and two days ago they looked like this…. Now they look like this….. And this … I think they are beautiful.  I am so pleased.

  Cats sleep, anywhere,   Any table, any chair  Top of piano, window-ledge,  In the middle, on the edge,  Open drawer, empty shoe,  Anybody's lap will do,  Fitted in a cardboard box,  In the cupboard, with your frocks-  Anywhere! They don't care!  Cats sleep anywhere.

 I am sending a big hello to everyone who has read and carries on reading my blog. It started as another thing to do during lockdown and has grown from there. I enjoy my ramblings and occasionally the smallest of rants,  and my garden. So, hello to readers in Cyprus, the UK, Switzerland, America and as far away as Ginea-Bissau.  I hope you keep reading. Thanks for your support. Ann

 I am not well known for being a joker but once or twice during my marriage to my long suffering husband I have pulled off a blinder straight from the top off my head. Mr D, like many men I suspect, does not like shopping.  Like, really does not like it.  Many years ago, when we were both working silly hours, we had not organised our shopping for Christmas lunch.  The solution to this was for us to go late night shopping at a well known supermarket.  All was going well until  I went for the squirty cream.    Mmmm, Mr D put on his grumpy face and said “and what do you want that for?”   I should explain that ever since my daughter was young it became traditional to have fruit salad with sqirty cream as part of breakfast on Christmas morning.  I carried on the tradition into my otherwise very happy marriage. My reply to this question was “I am going to cover you in it and lick it off very slowly “.   A lady who was near to us, unnoticed by me, smiled and said “I hope you enjoy it”. I laug

 Today was the day. I collected my Amaryllis bulbs from MarinosMarianna’s nursery.  Oh, and basil, mint, thyme and pansies. Also lovely coffees and bite to eat.  Marianna, Emily and the young man make a fabulous team, pity we don’t get such service and welcome at other places in our area. Meanwhile, Marinos is so helpful and knowledgeable.  You just have to purchase, whether it is 50 cents or a mega order. In the ten years we have been going there we have seen the business grow and grow. I wish them all the happiness they give to their customers.

Very moreish chicken and leek pie.  Hi everyone.  Winter has arrived with a bang.  Thus, spent this afternoon cooking a chicken and leek pie, but unfortunately the Poy lentil soup has to wait another day. The next day…….. Poy lentil soup done.  Yummy. All set for freezing. Next on list will be Cottage Pie à la carte Jamie Oliver.  Have made this loads of times but is a great standby when we just can’t be bothered or are too tired to cook. Having recently discovered zip lock bags, (yes, I know they have beer around for ages) I am finding it much easier to to organise freezer.  See previous post about chaos. When we came to Cyprus we did not bring storage canisters for the kitchen.  We built up a collection of, yes, plastic ones. They lasted us well but one day I spotted kilner jars in the supermarket.  Well, what’s not to like about them. Over the nest weeks we built up a good selection and really enjoy using them.  The plastic ones went to the charity shop. We are lucky to be cosy in t

 Today I came across a group called “Cyprus Gardens”.   What a lovely group and such a warm welcoming place. I am really looking forward to exploring more and , hopefully, getting some great ideas. I recently lost my gardener, who returned to his home land with his lovely wife who also helped with housework and even cooked us a traditional meal from their country.  Such a lovely couple and so sad to see them go. We are going to press on and try to manage ourselves until we find a couple to replace them. Not really been lucky with gardeners or cleaners but will probably leave it until the spring before we find it all too much. Onwards and upwards.  Today is 12th night and I think time for taking down Christmas decorations.  But, by popular demand from Jazz and Honey the cats and Daisy the dog, Quinton the bear, and not forgetting himself, we delayed until tomorrow so we could enjoy one more evening with the lovely warm glow. One of my hobbies is colouring.  You may think a bit strange b

 Happy new year to all my lovely people who take the time to read my blog.  I hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy conversing with you. We have had an excellent time over the last few days, as they say “it just keeps on giving “. We had to make some last minute adjustments to our plans due to me standing on a dog biscuit and suspecting I cracked a bone in my foot, which limited my mobility.  After spending last Christmas with a leg in plaster I was determined not to have an X-ray as it would probably have to go to Paphos Hospital and be plastered again! I don’t know how many of you have had the misfortune of the place but In my most opinion it is worst place to end up. The joys of Osteoporosis are endless. Anyway, our planned Christmas lunch out were cancelled and it was a quick shopping run for goodies.  First class leg of lamb and descent size chicken from Pambos the butcher and his very pleasant team, fresh veggies including the much loved brussels from Katies in Prodromi.  Sat