Sorry everyone, back to life

Sorry for the huge gap in then diary! A poor excuse, but since we last posted we have been too busy, and adding this entry to the diary will mean that our telephone line has at last been connected. Now we can get online whenever we need to update the web site and read and answer email.

Shortly after the last diary entry we had to start shuffling around in the apartments in Stoupa where we were staying. These were now being prepared for tourists who were about to arrive, so a lot of painting, tiling of bathrooms and sprucing up of kitchen areas was needed. Then finally, on 25th May, to make way for the tourists’ arrival we had to move to the house itself.

As you can guess the house was not complete (and still not at this time – more later), but we had to move regardless. We were very glad to be in at last, but little did we know how many ‘problems’ we would encounter. Every day seemed like a battle trying to keep the rooms we were using clean from all the dust and cement. If we weren’t working on the house we were rushing into Kalamata trying to find fittings and the necessary furniture. The list of things we needed seemed endless, but with a little help from a friend we finally found all the essential items just in the nick of time. Now we plan taking our time to choose the remaining bits and pieces needed over the coming months.

Lainies granddaughter Rhiana, her son Simon and his girlfriend Jak were coming to see us and stay with us just two weeks after we moved in. For the first few days we had no electricity, but we did have water. The solar panels did not arrive for a few days, so it was cold showers every day. When the solar panel did arrive the plumber took another 4 days to connect them, it then took a few hours for us to realise that the water was not actually getting hot. On the day before the family was due we finally got hot water and some internal doors were fitted, at least the ‘crucial’ ones for the bathroom and a bedroom. The beds we ordered did not turn up in time, but thankfully the sofas did two days before. At least our decision to have sofa beds turned out to be a good one. There were many other difficulties leading up to their visit but most are now forgotten thank goodness!

The week they were here we just relaxed and simply enjoyed having them; it was good to see them and good for us to have the break. We spent most days relaxing on Kalogria beach and Rhiana enjoying hours swimming and floating around on the calm water on her lilo. It also gave us a chance to eat out and sample a few more of the local tavernas, which we enjoyed. Sadly the week went very quickly, Lainie was dreading them leaving and before we knew it we were back at the airport saying our goodbyes. Yes, just as expected, there were floods of tears, but with the promise of more visits to come she almost managed a smile.

We have to mention briefly, as it very sad, that unfortunately we were unable to find anyone willing to take Sebastian and therefore the decision was taken to have him put to sleep. At least he is no longer suffering.