tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59710798029582251932024-03-19T06:39:34.288+02:00Cariad in CreteJudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01893073372150581999noreply@blogger.comBlogger207125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971079802958225193.post-65004196468410395582015-05-19T12:29:00.000+03:002015-05-19T12:29:46.998+03:00Sometimes Life Gets In The Way<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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You know the feeling,</div>
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You want to say something, but work..stuff .. happens..</div>
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So, some photos..</div>
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Cretan musician, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psarantonis">Psarantonis</a>, What a character! We've seen him twice now...</div>
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Now is the time to come to<a href="http://www.exploringkatharo.com/rare_flowers.html"> Crete</a> if you are interested in flora and fauna</div>
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The countryside is awash with colour.</div>
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A new arrival....</div>
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Our third granddaughter Cora arrived in February..</div>
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Isn't she gorgeous?</div>
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I found a month old abandoned puppy in the olive groves,</div>
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we fostered him whilst he grew, then he was adopted by someone in Brighton, UK..</div>
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Hope he's having a good life..</div>
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I have been making....</div>
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above is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/south-bay-shawlette">Southbay Shawlette</a>, except I doubled the amount of yarn..</div>
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I used Noro Taiyo, a blend of cotton and silk, it's blocking at this very minute and I can't wait to see how it turns out...</div>
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This is my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/cariadjude/settler-shawl">Settler Shawl, </a>designed by Truly Myrtle Designs;</div>
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..</div>
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We've had the wettest and coldest winter in Crete for years....</div>
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Do like the odd crochet pebble...soothing to make and so simple.</div>
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I've still been spinning, bought some gorgeous fluff back from the UK..</div>
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But it's a slow old game..</div>
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The view from where I work... I know, hard isn't!!</div>
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I little something for Cora</div>
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Cora wearing her<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gidday-baby"> Gidday Baby</a> cardigan, designed by Georgie Hallam of Tikkiknits.</div>
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So, that's a taster, a catch up...</div>
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Now for the other news, I off again on Friday..</div>
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Granddaughter number 4!!! arrives in June..</div>
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Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01893073372150581999noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971079802958225193.post-19113986999745760722014-06-03T10:26:00.000+03:002014-06-03T10:26:08.790+03:00Birthday Celebrations In Muscat, Oman.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I felt, after taking 300 + photographs, </div>
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you may like to see just a few...</div>
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So, with very few words...this was our holiday with my daughter/son in law, son/daughter in law,</div>
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and of course, the lovely granddaughters.. </div>
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Congratulations if you managed to get to here.....</div>
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as you can see we had a wonderful time. It was lovely to spend time with my family in such diverse surroundings and to see how well Lirys and Seren have settled. </div>
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You never know...I might post some more, after all, I have loads!!!!</div>
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Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01893073372150581999noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971079802958225193.post-20316768723544133362014-03-03T17:10:00.000+02:002014-03-03T17:10:06.605+02:00A Local Heroine......<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mcL_qYmjXuE/UxRyR3FwM1I/AAAAAAAAC9w/Z1mWPLe5tQ8/s1600/P1000938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mcL_qYmjXuE/UxRyR3FwM1I/AAAAAAAAC9w/Z1mWPLe5tQ8/s1600/P1000938.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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In the near-by village of Kritsa, there are several beautiful sculptures depicting the short life of a young girl in the 19th century. Her name was Rodanthe, the daughter of the chief priest of the village.</div>
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One morning, aged 17, she was singing whilst working at her loom, the door was open.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cbc3QrdBzyc/UxRycESWkhI/AAAAAAAAC-A/rM1Xa42_XzQ/s1600/P1000936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cbc3QrdBzyc/UxRycESWkhI/AAAAAAAAC-A/rM1Xa42_XzQ/s1600/P1000936.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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The local Aga was passing through the village with his men and fell in love with the beauty of her singing.</div>
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He vowed to marry her.</div>
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That night he sent his henchmen back to the village, her mother was murdered and Rodanthe was kidnapped..<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0sWw8XKkCjM/UxRzSsBX9aI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/lydWufCvB7A/s1600/P1000954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0sWw8XKkCjM/UxRzSsBX9aI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/lydWufCvB7A/s1600/P1000954.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
She was taken to the Aga's house in Houmeriako where the wedding preparations were quickly arranged.</div>
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Later when alone in the house with him, Rodanthe tricks him into discarding his weapons and clothes and wait for her in the marital bed..</div>
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She snatches his sword and stabs him to death, then dresses in his clothes and fled to the mountains.<br /><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e2gpcOTxi6A/UxRymJT6dtI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/yGVSZZpyCDQ/s1600/P1000865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e2gpcOTxi6A/UxRymJT6dtI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/yGVSZZpyCDQ/s1600/P1000865.JPG" height="320" width="240" /><span style="color: black;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Desperate, finding herself in the tiny church in the hamlet of Zenia, Rodanthe cuts off her hair and dedicates</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">it to the Virgin Mary.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Dressed as a man, she joins the Cretan rebels, who called her (him) The Beardless Manolis.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">(He) proved to be the fiercest fighter in the group.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">January 1823, there was a 2 day battle on the outskirts of Kritsa where the Cretan fighters were trying to hold back a much larger Turkish army.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Rodanthe fought bravely, she found and killed the Turk who had slaughtered her mother. But was gravely wounded and taken to the doctor in Kritsa.</span></div>
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By coincidence, her father, had also been wounded and was being treated by the same doctor.</div>
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When the doctor came to cut away her shirt, the truth was discovered and Rodanthe managed, with her dying breath to explain to her father what had happened and that she was still 'pure'.</div>
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Both her and her father died of their wounds and were honoured by the folk of Kritsa.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ernDKjNi9ww/UxRx9KyIuWI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/8NLMzYYnaqI/s1600/P1000932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ernDKjNi9ww/UxRx9KyIuWI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/8NLMzYYnaqI/s1600/P1000932.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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There are many plaques and statues in and around Kritsa in memory of this brave girl.</div>
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Descendants of her family are planning a book and converting the family house into a museum.</div>
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The first sculpture of this post are of no paticular girl, they portray how young girls of Rodanthe's time would have spent their time.<br />
A friend of ours, <a href="http://portfolios.art-sourcing.eu/Ratcliffe-Springall/index.html">Nigel Ratcliffe</a> is the sculptor and kindly gave me permission to use these images. He also carved the engraving of the dying Rodanthe and her father,</div>
Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01893073372150581999noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971079802958225193.post-43241708757879204852013-10-21T15:37:00.000+03:002013-10-23T12:39:43.669+03:00Spinning, Plying.....FO. WIP, and, umm, Something Else....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EcmVrl_1qUQ/UmUacPheKaI/AAAAAAAAC5I/jsTNlxM8lOk/s1600/P1000851.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EcmVrl_1qUQ/UmUacPheKaI/AAAAAAAAC5I/jsTNlxM8lOk/s400/P1000851.JPG" /></a><br />
It's been a bit warm to spin with my drop spindle over the last few months..but that doesn't mean I've forgotten about it.<br />
I'd just like to show you my progress.<br />
Above, is my first completed attempt...hmm....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sgQGsLXP1iU/UmUac47uOwI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/lLAZYrcnAlU/s1600/P1000853.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sgQGsLXP1iU/UmUac47uOwI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/lLAZYrcnAlU/s400/P1000853.JPG" /></a><br />
Above, is the next attempt that was completed, you can see I'm having trouble with my plying....<br />
(anybody got suggestions of where I'm going wrong?)</div>
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Above is my very latest attempt...I admit, I'm much happier with this.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eIu_jyeZJeY/UmUaeeNtUDI/AAAAAAAAC5s/pxU56GBlMmA/s1600/P1000847.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eIu_jyeZJeY/UmUaeeNtUDI/AAAAAAAAC5s/pxU56GBlMmA/s400/P1000847.JPG" /></a><br />
The latest attempts of spinning are much neater and consistant, I'll have to wait and see what it looks like when plyed etc..<br />
I've read books, watched videos and practiced and I'm hoping if anybody has any suggestions about plying please leave me a comment.<br />
How do you ply?</div>
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<br />
Right, on to some knittery<br />
below, is a completed scarf.<br />
The pattern is <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2012/3/16/lauras-loop-mens-mini-herringbone-scarf.html">here</a><br />
The stitch was easy and, I think is very effective. It produced a lovely dense, woven feel.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YwP3QTRtS5o/UmUae6xm7EI/AAAAAAAAC54/-IYWvgDJaYU/s1600/P1000846.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YwP3QTRtS5o/UmUae6xm7EI/AAAAAAAAC54/-IYWvgDJaYU/s640/P1000846.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The yarn was bought back from New Zealand by my son a couple of years ago....it has 75% Merino,15% Alpaca and 10% Possum and feels incredibly warm. The maker is <a href="http://www.theyarnqueen.co.nz/products/51adc816926f8f814e1afcb8">Karamea</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DV-6NfgQka8/UmUagHNw-SI/AAAAAAAAC6E/RukAGEX-ERE/s1600/P1000854.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DV-6NfgQka8/UmUagHNw-SI/AAAAAAAAC6E/RukAGEX-ERE/s400/P1000854.JPG" /></a><br />
Now.....<br />
my work in progress...<br />
the wonderful <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/viajante">Viajante</a>....<br />
I'm just about to start my third (and last)100gram ball of <a href="http://www.modernknitting.co.uk/PBSCProduct.asp?ItmID=12052289">Regia Lace.</a><br />
It's so long and very difficult to photograph.<br />
I'm enjoying this easy knit and am looking forward to wearing it soon (hopefully!!)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L2hYqgORU0Y/UmUagqz5w3I/AAAAAAAAC6M/hXlB8LYTYiY/s1600/P1000852.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L2hYqgORU0Y/UmUagqz5w3I/AAAAAAAAC6M/hXlB8LYTYiY/s400/P1000852.JPG" /></a><br />
And lastly....<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/brock">Brock</a><br />
my cardigan...<br />
don't ask...<br />
Hope you've enjoyed this catch-up<br />
Have you any words of wisdom about drop spindle spinning?<br />
Or plying?<br />
Have you got any projects tucked away that you can't face??<br />
Tell me, tell me!!<br />
Take care<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; font-family: fertigo-pro-1, fertigo-pro-2, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">I’m linking up with Sarah’s </span><a href="http://www.craftsfromthecwtch.co.uk/2013/10/spinning-show-tell-more-punis.html?showComment=1382469446479#c3600818410388677825" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #457901; font-family: fertigo-pro-1, fertigo-pro-2, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">Spinning Show & Tell</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; font-family: fertigo-pro-1, fertigo-pro-2, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">.</span><br />
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Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01893073372150581999noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971079802958225193.post-13599735746404747262013-08-20T13:45:00.000+03:002013-08-20T14:47:34.135+03:00Postcards.......<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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August,</div>
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a trip</div>
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to visit</div>
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my lovely son in London</div>
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and those pesky girls in Surrey<br />
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My son is relocating to York soon<br />
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so this was my last walk around the area where<br />
he and his wife have lived.<br />
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Then, on to Surrey<br />
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This summer Lirys has learnt<br />
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about the cycle of seeds to food, she has thoroughly enjoyed<br />
these lessons and it's a joy to watch her taking such pride<br />
in the garden she has made with her mummy.<br />
It was difficult getting the beans, peas and carrots<br />
into the kitchen and on the plates...they were often munched way before then.<br />
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On the morning of the day that I left,<br />
I sat in the park, discussing the meaning of life<br />
over a strawberry (the very very best!!) ice cream,<br />
while I marvelled over the green-ness and the huge trees<br />
with the most beautiful and bright little girl x<br />
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Have you sent or received any postcards recently?</div>
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Are you going on holiday soon, or where have you been?</div>
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Do you miss grandchildren??</div>
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Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01893073372150581999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971079802958225193.post-28297392300802409042013-07-27T14:08:00.000+03:002013-07-27T14:10:45.770+03:00Summer Night.....Festival Season...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If your name is<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraskevi"> Evi, Evita, Vivian, Voula, Paraskevi, Veti</a>, Congratulations!!( κρόνια πολά )</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here on Crete it was your name-day yesterday, big celebrations in your year, bigger than your birthday!!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">We have a church for the saint of Pareskevi (Παρασκεβή) in our village,<br />so last night was our festival night.<br />Normally, the village is a sleepy little place, most of the inhabitants are asleep by early evening.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Not last night...no...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">the old school playground was filled to the brim with tables and chairs, hundreds of them!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Of course things don't kick off until 21.00 to 22.00</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We all enjoyed a wonderful meal, loads of μεζέδες (starters) and </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">then 'pork from the oven,' 'chicken in wine', </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">vegetarian bean dishes....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">wine, beer, water...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A popular tipple at these occasions is a bottle of whiskey...costing 50 euros a bottle..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The music played on and the ladies got up and started </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">dancing, wonderful to watch!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Give them a while and these chaps will be strutting their stuff..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While some just prefer to 'people watch'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These girls make it look so easy but as the tempo hots up they become whirling dervish.</span>.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The band played on, typical Cretan music played on </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">a lyra</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and an 'askomandoura'.....a type of bagpipe, made from the skin of a goat or sheep..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The evening was good, enjoyed with friends.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We walked home after one o'clock, as Geoff was working this morning</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As we walked up the hill, we were passing groups of more people going down to start their festivities...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I woke at 0400 and the band was still in full flow..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and I suspect there was still dancing ............</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today (27th July) is </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pantelis</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Panteleimonas</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">name-day</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have you ever been to a Greek Night? have you tried Greek dancing?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Please, tell me what you thought about them..</span></div>
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Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01893073372150581999noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971079802958225193.post-27250008052205546842013-07-25T16:22:00.000+03:002013-07-25T16:22:46.058+03:00The Scenic Route Home.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Hello there,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I have a choice when driving home from work.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AwjqNOOsRTc/UfEfN98-7xI/AAAAAAAACyI/-60WY3WrPA4/s1600/P1000423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AwjqNOOsRTc/UfEfN98-7xI/AAAAAAAACyI/-60WY3WrPA4/s400/P1000423.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My village is perched on the side of a mountainside.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AUKTVpeSYHM/UfEfLn1UqWI/AAAAAAAACyA/Ep0dCX-pkU0/s1600/P1000437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AUKTVpeSYHM/UfEfLn1UqWI/AAAAAAAACyA/Ep0dCX-pkU0/s400/P1000437.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQtUfJydSYY/UfEfRF3r3eI/AAAAAAAACyU/osfSeDBSZdM/s1600/P1000424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQtUfJydSYY/UfEfRF3r3eI/AAAAAAAACyU/osfSeDBSZdM/s400/P1000424.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I can take the National HighRoad or take the old road and take a leisurely drive and admire the countryside</span>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Many people don't realise how mountainous Crete is.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Guess what....???</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm going to try and get blogging again, just thought I'd test the water with a few photos..</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tell me what you think.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've just got to try and work out how I can blog about my crafts and our life here on Crete.</span></div>
Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01893073372150581999noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971079802958225193.post-85958629049655603702012-08-22T12:21:00.000+03:002012-08-22T14:55:32.897+03:00A Disappointing Free Bus Trip...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Last Friday we set off for a very rare day out together in the height of summer.<br />
As Geoff works for the <a href="http://www.safariclub.gr/index.php/en/">Safari Club Crete</a> he works most days throughout the summer months.</div>
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We went to Heraklion as our daughter-in-law-to-be <br />
Heather, had won 2 free tickets on an open topped<a href="http://www.cretecitytour.com/index.html"> Big Red Bus.</a><br />
As Heather works for a similar company in the <a href="http://www.theoriginaltour.com/">centre of London</a><br />
and we had thoroughly enjoyed that trip, we were looking forward to this trip around the city of Heraklion</div>
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The trip didn't start off too well, we were told there was a 10 minute delay due to the amount of traffic,<br />
the bus finally arrived 25 minutes later....<br />
We were all handed free, single use earphones as we got on and also could buy a sun hat..which could have been handy if you'd forgotten your own as the temperature was 36 degrees.<br />
First crackly recorded message..'On your right is the Natural History Museum'..silence..<br />
The bus then veared around a mini roundabout and into smaller streets...<br />
'On your right is 'Jesus Gate'...silence.... </div>
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Then, within 10 minutes we were turning around at Knossos...<br />
Hmm, not quite what I'd expected..<br />
The posters we'd seen around displayed times of 60 to 80 minute trips...<br />
Ours took approximately 40 minutes..<br />
The recorded 'sight seeing sound system' was virtually non-existant and very hard to hear through the crackles.<br />
The young ticket collector could have used her time better by making the area safer, picking up the piles of disgarded ear-phones from the floor and stairs.....instead of rubbing her armpits with a roll-on deodorant......</div>
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Do you think Geoff was trying to block my complaints out??<br />
Looking at the map later, we noticed that at least half of the<br />
tour had been cut out..<br />
All in all very disappointing.<br />
I certainly would not recommend paying 20 euros per adult.<br />
A family of 4 = 50 euros...</div>
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We ended the day by eating at one of our favourite fish tavernas, <a href="http://www.meetandeatguides.com/index.php/iraklion/ligo_krasi-_ligo_thalassa">Ligo Krasi, Ligo Thalassa</a>,<br />
sorry, we'd eaten most of the delicious seafood platter before I remembered to take a photo.<br />
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ps. I've just spoken to Heather and she is offering a discount on anyone booking tickets on <a href="http://www.theoriginaltour.com/">The Original London Sightseeing Tour</a><br />
(online or by phone)<br />
Just remember to use the code ' RELATIONS' when booking<br />
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<br />
and while I'm at it..<br />
I've another code to offer.....<br />
My daughter Bethan, loves<br />
<a href="http://www.welovefrugi.com/">Frugi</a> clothing.<br />
It's a Cornish company making and selling good quality organic clothing<br />
for babies, children, mums to be and breast feeding mums.<br />
To celebrate Bethan becoming a crusader for Frugi<br />
they are offering 10 per cent discount off (except sales goods) all orders<br />
if you use the code BETHAN' when ordering in the UK.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JmV30pkM0GA/UDSOx_UsXVI/AAAAAAAACwM/xb7EMmK23_A/s1600/IMG_0848.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JmV30pkM0GA/UDSOx_UsXVI/AAAAAAAACwM/xb7EMmK23_A/s400/IMG_0848.JPG" /></a><br />
Now, just feast your eyes on these little beauties<br />
my bouganvillia</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yH8xyqDxkIM/UDSOyfMSVqI/AAAAAAAACwY/R0ARFBS1aHU/s1600/IMG_0846.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yH8xyqDxkIM/UDSOyfMSVqI/AAAAAAAACwY/R0ARFBS1aHU/s400/IMG_0846.JPG" /></a><br />
my wonderfully perfumed hoya</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CdmmjbEnkp0/UDSOyzbprlI/AAAAAAAACwk/2bo9SWnko1o/s1600/IMG_0847.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CdmmjbEnkp0/UDSOyzbprlI/AAAAAAAACwk/2bo9SWnko1o/s400/IMG_0847.JPG" /></a><br />
and...the delightful stephanosis, having issued the most gorgeous perfume all night is closing it's petals....</div>
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Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01893073372150581999noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971079802958225193.post-74933699996015006022012-08-16T17:56:00.001+03:002012-08-16T18:15:27.044+03:00A Day Out, Some Crops and a WiP......<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jmp0pwmiQfA/UC0EXkksAPI/AAAAAAAACqw/CAfntiRjIUM/s1600/IMG_0817.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jmp0pwmiQfA/UC0EXkksAPI/AAAAAAAACqw/CAfntiRjIUM/s400/IMG_0817.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
I had a wonderful day out with a friend last week.<br />
We set off early to the <a href="http://www.corivavillage.com/">south coast</a>, it was hot, hot, HOT!! </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vcnquz20zZQ/UC0EYRyZeqI/AAAAAAAACq8/Z5dZ6hFHgVc/s1600/IMG_0818.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vcnquz20zZQ/UC0EYRyZeqI/AAAAAAAACq8/Z5dZ6hFHgVc/s400/IMG_0818.JPG" /></a><br />
The south coast has a different feel to where we live, the coast is basically<br />
a flat, long, beachy, stoney, narrow piece of sandy HOT land.<br />
It is on the Lybian Sea. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zwWCZBYhfA/UC0EY1Y-M1I/AAAAAAAACrI/SNPHqsQp-Ws/s1600/IMG_0816.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zwWCZBYhfA/UC0EY1Y-M1I/AAAAAAAACrI/SNPHqsQp-Ws/s400/IMG_0816.JPG" /></a><br />
We sunbathed, swam in the clear, clear, warm sea. We chatted and drank coffee<br />
and people watched.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oBhhmwI-8Sk/UC0EZfWw79I/AAAAAAAACrU/rMhYrADaS9o/s1600/IMG_0815.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oBhhmwI-8Sk/UC0EZfWw79I/AAAAAAAACrU/rMhYrADaS9o/s400/IMG_0815.JPG" /></a><br />
We went to the most wonderful little taverna serving delicious<br />
fresh, local dishes. We could also pop into the kitchen to<br />
look at the the food being prepared and cooked.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6chl2ASKJY/UC0EaP4AQTI/AAAAAAAACrg/ERPLw11UAFI/s1600/IMG_0814.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6chl2ASKJY/UC0EaP4AQTI/AAAAAAAACrg/ERPLw11UAFI/s400/IMG_0814.JPG" width="399" /></a><br />
Those tiny pebbles were rather hot...</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uAikwpoxDHs/UC0EaogiYdI/AAAAAAAACrs/tyfSUpY8Pak/s1600/IMG_0812.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uAikwpoxDHs/UC0EaogiYdI/AAAAAAAACrs/tyfSUpY8Pak/s400/IMG_0812.JPG" /></a><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qqR2fZNCvcY/UC0EbA0gzpI/AAAAAAAACr4/ULKP_b4iIQc/s1600/IMG_0807.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qqR2fZNCvcY/UC0EbA0gzpI/AAAAAAAACr4/ULKP_b4iIQc/s400/IMG_0807.JPG" /></a><br />
We are so pleased with our crop of grapes this year, we've got kilos<br />
and kilos<br />
of them</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5vyW6T0Abg/UC0Eby5OKrI/AAAAAAAACsE/YYUnzja0CVA/s1600/IMG_0827.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5vyW6T0Abg/UC0Eby5OKrI/AAAAAAAACsE/YYUnzja0CVA/s400/IMG_0827.JPG" /></a><br />
I've also been picking almonds and leaving them to dry in the sun until I can peel<br />
the outer skin from them.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZXPvKs85ho/UC0EcYL3KII/AAAAAAAACsQ/hDgPpfv1V-g/s1600/IMG_0831.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZXPvKs85ho/UC0EcYL3KII/AAAAAAAACsQ/hDgPpfv1V-g/s400/IMG_0831.JPG" /></a><br />
I dug up the onions this week, abit smaller in size than last year, but<br />
still a good crop and will last us for a month or 2...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Knft78JhTcg/UC0EdEkv9_I/AAAAAAAACsc/xKn2GVgfkak/s1600/IMG_0833.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Knft78JhTcg/UC0EdEkv9_I/AAAAAAAACsc/xKn2GVgfkak/s400/IMG_0833.JPG" /></a><br />
The potatoes are good too...</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ulqU7w3ycls/UC0EdumXnWI/AAAAAAAACso/jfQCqeELyxE/s1600/IMG_0829.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ulqU7w3ycls/UC0EdumXnWI/AAAAAAAACso/jfQCqeELyxE/s400/IMG_0829.JPG" /></a><br />
My<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stripe-study-shawl"> work in progress</a> is very slowly growing, I only knit for an<br />
hour in the evening on the balcony..but it will be ready<br />
for autumn, when I need it.</div>
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Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01893073372150581999noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971079802958225193.post-70818457441862632642012-08-07T17:40:00.000+03:002012-08-07T17:40:58.803+03:00Summertime....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
The temperature has been in the mid 30's for several weeks now..</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I try to get my chores done by mid morning, after that everything is hard work.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NzIGRNFjnE0/UCElpODn4NI/AAAAAAAACps/p7j_y_aQSEQ/s1600/IMG_0780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NzIGRNFjnE0/UCElpODn4NI/AAAAAAAACps/p7j_y_aQSEQ/s320/IMG_0780.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
..and I scoot off to the beach.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YBzWik2jS1g/UCEmB289sBI/AAAAAAAACp0/atjEAxu8QbQ/s1600/IMG_0794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YBzWik2jS1g/UCEmB289sBI/AAAAAAAACp0/atjEAxu8QbQ/s320/IMG_0794.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
..but it's at night when it's cooled down to a bearable 29 degrees </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when folk come out.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aqces0ulW2s/UCEmIpiVWPI/AAAAAAAACp8/sAyIdTL0M2c/s1600/IMG_0795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aqces0ulW2s/UCEmIpiVWPI/AAAAAAAACp8/sAyIdTL0M2c/s320/IMG_0795.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the season of summer evening festivals, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
weddings and eating out in the open air gardens of tavernas.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3lzy5zFZaUQ/UCEmOAtZu0I/AAAAAAAACqE/JQ5dJtF_hgs/s1600/IMG_0796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3lzy5zFZaUQ/UCEmOAtZu0I/AAAAAAAACqE/JQ5dJtF_hgs/s320/IMG_0796.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...and of course, dancing...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BNoA5di-1SQ/UCEmUpLJ0cI/AAAAAAAACqM/FygzX2zOv88/s1600/IMG_0800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BNoA5di-1SQ/UCEmUpLJ0cI/AAAAAAAACqM/FygzX2zOv88/s320/IMG_0800.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The village...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mroH2YR_84g/UCEmjvXxgaI/AAAAAAAACqU/Imox3Qi-hgU/s1600/IMG_0798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mroH2YR_84g/UCEmjvXxgaI/AAAAAAAACqU/Imox3Qi-hgU/s320/IMG_0798.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at 1.00am, walking home...in the cool....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01893073372150581999noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971079802958225193.post-89595616682169280602012-08-06T16:42:00.001+03:002012-08-06T17:36:00.779+03:00My Life in Mosaics....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mtqpPF9oj8g/UB_J5LL7CjI/AAAAAAAACnk/zHFsRUo6quo/s1600/2011%2B06%2B05.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mtqpPF9oj8g/UB_J5LL7CjI/AAAAAAAACnk/zHFsRUo6quo/s400/2011%2B06%2B05.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
As the days, weeks, months fly by, I thought it might be an idea to make some mosaics of some of the<br />
scores of photographs that are on my computer.<br />
<br />
So, let's start with the first set above<br />
It's Dewi, Jack and the late, long suffering Lily.<br />
The 3 of them got on very well and spent hours kissing and cleaning each other..<br />
Unfortuneately, Lily became ill a while ago, and we had to make the heart wrenching decision to have her put to sleep.<br />
<br />
...<br />
<br />
Next, <br />
some finished 'makes'</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J7qVmtygW-g/UB_J5ebQ-BI/AAAAAAAACns/SQABArcDMaE/s1600/2012-08-01%2BJude%2527s%2BIphone%2Bpics%2B%25281%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J7qVmtygW-g/UB_J5ebQ-BI/AAAAAAAACns/SQABArcDMaE/s400/2012-08-01%2BJude%2527s%2BIphone%2Bpics%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Hmmm, I know...<br />
Christmas things...<br />
We had a wonderful time and I really enjoyed making gifts and table decorations. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8LwGSTrp7-s/UB_J5g3x0II/AAAAAAAACn8/qLrv45IZ4UI/s1600/2011%2B12%2B261.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8LwGSTrp7-s/UB_J5g3x0II/AAAAAAAACn8/qLrv45IZ4UI/s400/2011%2B12%2B261.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This speaks for itself..<br />
yummy food</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7rt3b_srhMI/UB_J549gtGI/AAAAAAAACoI/v0HlUqTcoIs/s1600/2012-08-01%2BJude%2527s%2BIphone%2Bpics%2B%25281%25291.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7rt3b_srhMI/UB_J549gtGI/AAAAAAAACoI/v0HlUqTcoIs/s400/2012-08-01%2BJude%2527s%2BIphone%2Bpics%2B%25281%25291.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Lovely Lirys<br />
an absolute delightful little 2 year old<br />
(yes, I know, I'm biased!! She's my granddaughter!!)<br />
She' a picture of health, proving breast is best, followed by baby weaning...<br />
she feeds herself, (always has done) and is certainly not a picky eater..</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3sU8AOwSfsc/UB_J6WW_ZkI/AAAAAAAACoU/EIoNY3tgm-4/s1600/2012-08-01%2BJude%2527s%2BIphone%2Bpics%2B%25281%25292.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3sU8AOwSfsc/UB_J6WW_ZkI/AAAAAAAACoU/EIoNY3tgm-4/s400/2012-08-01%2BJude%2527s%2BIphone%2Bpics%2B%25281%25292.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And, of course.....<br />
introducing.....<br />
Seren, (star, in Welsh)<br />
Lucy. (a great, great, great grandma) <br />
She surprised us all by arriving with loads of black hair, but 8 and a half weeks later<br />
it has thinned ( a little bit)</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DH6bnGcGkpk/UB_J6sVb_LI/AAAAAAAACoc/varMQU7_wGs/s1600/2012-08-01%2BJude%2527s%2BIphone%2Bpics%2B%25281%25293.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DH6bnGcGkpk/UB_J6sVb_LI/AAAAAAAACoc/varMQU7_wGs/s400/2012-08-01%2BJude%2527s%2BIphone%2Bpics%2B%25281%25293.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So, there you have it...<br />
next blog will be up to date and hopefully, I'll be back very soon<br />
(as long as the warm sea stops calling me.. the sea temperature is 27 degrees at the moment..wonderful!!)<br />
<br />
Oh yes, as I as fiddling around with this 'new' Blogger set up, I managed to delete<br />
Blogs I Follow list...so, can you leave me a comment with your blog address if you know you were on that list...please!!<br />
<br />
and another thing...if you click on the mosaics they will enlarge...I think these photos are rather small, I'll have to search Blogger and see if I can enlarge the sets.<br />
<br /></div>
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</div>Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01893073372150581999noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971079802958225193.post-45063819952521414202012-05-07T15:22:00.000+03:002012-05-07T15:22:23.946+03:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, hello!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Is there anybody still out there..?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm not going to start apologizing, stuff happens and sometimes LIFE gets in the way of blogging...I know! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Life in Crete has had it's moment recently, as you all probably know, we are living through hard times and 'crisis', 'hardship' and 'frugal' are the buzz words.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More and more land is being ploughed up, mainly in the olive groves to grow produce so families can eek out their dwindling wages.On average, wages have gone down by 25% this year...that's alot when the average wage is 400 to 600 euros a month.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Please believe me when I tell you that all this affects and concerns me..</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but , this is my blog about my view of Crete, where we came and settled. This blog isn't about what I think should happen to this country and if you want to read about such 'stuff' you'll have to go and find a more learned person.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is about me, my camera, my family and friends and my crafts and adventures.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MncK-olJe4E/T6e6aiP1YRI/AAAAAAAACm0/03GDjcRyiIc/s1600/075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MncK-olJe4E/T6e6aiP1YRI/AAAAAAAACm0/03GDjcRyiIc/s320/075.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Vrissis</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1YkAB_s2kJI/T6e6pqj2SiI/AAAAAAAACm8/Q4KZKTl4GVY/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1YkAB_s2kJI/T6e6pqj2SiI/AAAAAAAACm8/Q4KZKTl4GVY/s320/044.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Garifalia, our neighbour, sunning herself.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Lovely time was had in Athens in February</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d5PDP1N4Pfw/T6e7CJflpII/AAAAAAAACnU/UqsL5j592Kk/s1600/214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d5PDP1N4Pfw/T6e7CJflpII/AAAAAAAACnU/UqsL5j592Kk/s320/214.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, having said all that...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'll try to show you some of the crafty bits I've been doing next time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh..another thing, I'm off to Surrey on Wednesday, grandchild number 2!! is about to arrive...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so, if you're really lucky..you'll have some photos of big sister Lirys and a teeny tiny new baby....</div>
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Take care</div>
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ps.. if anybody does read this, could you possibly leave me a message..just so I know I'm not talking to the wall..</div>
</div>Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01893073372150581999noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971079802958225193.post-2120341376340585492011-06-28T11:45:00.001+03:002011-06-28T11:58:42.228+03:00What Have You Been Up To???<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rySsydhY-C4/TgmVSxxzOJI/AAAAAAAAClQ/hL0K-PrO6AY/s1600/P1010781.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 474px; HEIGHT: 390px" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rySsydhY-C4/TgmVSxxzOJI/AAAAAAAAClQ/hL0K-PrO6AY/s400/P1010781.JPG" width="455" height="341" /></a> </div>I see this gorgeous bush each time I go to my <a href="http://zumba.com">Zumba</a> class<br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a2aDTU46pBo/TgmVTOaPJuI/AAAAAAAAClY/TSi3V--eaLE/s1600/P1010959.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 343px; HEIGHT: 485px" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a2aDTU46pBo/TgmVTOaPJuI/AAAAAAAAClY/TSi3V--eaLE/s400/P1010959.JPG" width="322" height="429" /></a> </div>Lily likes to find a cool place to see<br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WzdHd2N_PvY/TgmVTWCsupI/AAAAAAAAClg/wuRC56tuoB0/s1600/P1010944.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WzdHd2N_PvY/TgmVTWCsupI/AAAAAAAAClg/wuRC56tuoB0/s400/P1010944.JPG" /></a> </div>Geoff spent some time dusting the vines with sulphur (the traditional way, of course..by filling a pop-sock with the sulphur dust, tying said sock to the end of a stick and dust!)<br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H4BbsEEJDOI/TgmVTkhy-nI/AAAAAAAAClo/TDV4YhI-wro/s1600/P1010923.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H4BbsEEJDOI/TgmVTkhy-nI/AAAAAAAAClo/TDV4YhI-wro/s400/P1010923.JPG" /></a> </div>I've loved perusing my new books and practising making flowers.<br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jOxY1g-N1SE/TgmVUP52CRI/AAAAAAAAClw/p_Ez-dO87aI/s1600/P1010888.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 448px; HEIGHT: 359px" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jOxY1g-N1SE/TgmVUP52CRI/AAAAAAAAClw/p_Ez-dO87aI/s400/P1010888.JPG" width="421" height="331" /></a> </div>Here's my completed<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/evas-shawl"> shawl</a><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LVBgxvbqrII/TgmVUj4GjlI/AAAAAAAACl4/6GL9RclHEqQ/s1600/P1020026.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LVBgxvbqrII/TgmVUj4GjlI/AAAAAAAACl4/6GL9RclHEqQ/s400/P1020026.JPG" /></a> </div>I've used these steps often<br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a2a1K1oSe0o/TgmVU7FEW4I/AAAAAAAACmA/MhXNsP0dsWY/s1600/P1020009.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a2a1K1oSe0o/TgmVU7FEW4I/AAAAAAAACmA/MhXNsP0dsWY/s400/P1020009.JPG" /></a> </div>oh, and this is Jack, isn't he gorgeous? He's joined our little family<br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CG2jqLa-FeY/TgmVVFy3hDI/AAAAAAAACmI/xxlEii2cFas/s1600/P1010994.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CG2jqLa-FeY/TgmVVFy3hDI/AAAAAAAACmI/xxlEii2cFas/s400/P1010994.JPG" /></a> </div>I visited a green fair in Heraklion with a friend...just look at these huge chuncks of soap<br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQQVCpT5UZQ/TgmVVl6Ly3I/AAAAAAAACmQ/_9YeirvEL5E/s1600/P1010993.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQQVCpT5UZQ/TgmVVl6Ly3I/AAAAAAAACmQ/_9YeirvEL5E/s400/P1010993.JPG" /></a> </div>and these interesting fruits<br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8smpQlIhF54/TgmVV8pO_fI/AAAAAAAACmY/iJGw-R4VnZA/s1600/P1020036.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8smpQlIhF54/TgmVV8pO_fI/AAAAAAAACmY/iJGw-R4VnZA/s400/P1020036.JPG" /></a> </div>oh, and I squeezed in lunch and a lovely walk around a village near here called Forni<br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Na-RhZvX3g/TgmVWTplSEI/AAAAAAAACmg/mm2_WPmCauQ/s1600/P1020033.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Na-RhZvX3g/TgmVWTplSEI/AAAAAAAACmg/mm2_WPmCauQ/s400/P1020033.JPG" /></a> </div>I'd love to have a courtyard which was covered like this...so cool<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPOYAuViS5o/TgmVWwIu0WI/AAAAAAAACmo/nQBZrKCyXDE/s1600/P1020042.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPOYAuViS5o/TgmVWwIu0WI/AAAAAAAACmo/nQBZrKCyXDE/s400/P1020042.JPG" /></a> </div>We're are still having odd weather, it rained a couple of days ago and we've had incredible wind for about a week now causing huge waves at one of my favourite beaches.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-za-Czls0TfI/TgmVXc7sSYI/AAAAAAAACmw/ZG3BploT2d4/s1600/P1020019.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-za-Czls0TfI/TgmVXc7sSYI/AAAAAAAACmw/ZG3BploT2d4/s400/P1020019.JPG" /></a> </div>Lastly, we are still enjoying our get togethers, which consist of a little sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting and.....eating cake!<br />What have you been up to??<div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01893073372150581999noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971079802958225193.post-34203305055068465172011-05-20T15:00:00.001+03:002011-05-20T15:03:59.955+03:00A Day with Donkeys...<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vB7GFckV4IU/TdZYnHLUWfI/AAAAAAAACjc/Un9_26BjHjw/s1600/Visit%2Bto%2BWalk%2Bwith%2BDonkeys%2BSanctuary%2B%2B%2BMay%2B2011.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vB7GFckV4IU/TdZYnHLUWfI/AAAAAAAACjc/Un9_26BjHjw/s400/Visit%2Bto%2BWalk%2Bwith%2BDonkeys%2BSanctuary%2B%2B%2BMay%2B2011.jpg" /></a> </div>A couple of days ago, Chris and I went off for the day to visit Suzanne and Alistair, they are friends who run 'Walk With Donkeys', a sanctuary for injured, unwanted, old or neglected donkeys. I have blogged about the once before. This time we were delivering some cuddly hand-made donkeys...<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--12plQ0SqnA/TdZYncqF3KI/AAAAAAAACjk/GiY-B9U0wcs/s1600/P1010830.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--12plQ0SqnA/TdZYncqF3KI/AAAAAAAACjk/GiY-B9U0wcs/s400/P1010830.JPG" /></a> </div>..which Chris, Sylvia and Joyce had made for the shop.<br />Over the last 6 months I am responsible for Suzanne and Alistair aquiring their last 2 donkeys..<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--keZ100ovac/TdZYoABmWYI/AAAAAAAACjs/ijxiechNwCw/s1600/P1010833.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--keZ100ovac/TdZYoABmWYI/AAAAAAAACjs/ijxiechNwCw/s400/P1010833.JPG" /></a> </div>Bobby<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M3fqoXq8QpI/TdZYoUuqFaI/AAAAAAAACj0/0_a0v_l1640/s1600/P1010834.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M3fqoXq8QpI/TdZYoUuqFaI/AAAAAAAACj0/0_a0v_l1640/s400/P1010834.JPG" /></a> </div>and,last week..Joy............<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_60pFkG-r8/TdZYoy87r_I/AAAAAAAACj8/wEJcdVxGmgI/s1600/P1010842.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_60pFkG-r8/TdZYoy87r_I/AAAAAAAACj8/wEJcdVxGmgI/s400/P1010842.JPG" /></a><br />The sanctuary nestles in the rugged mountain crops above Ierapetra on the south coast, it a very special place.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EfrXXUqC7bo/TdZYpcvynkI/AAAAAAAACkE/6vtztE3Pj-E/s1600/P1010848.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EfrXXUqC7bo/TdZYpcvynkI/AAAAAAAACkE/6vtztE3Pj-E/s400/P1010848.JPG" /></a> </div>We spent a wonderful few hours with these fabulous animals, each one has a completely different identity, some quiet, some wanting attention and some, just doing their own thing<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BX6K_4piSE4/TdZYpiqxtjI/AAAAAAAACkM/7rKT6Ktl73Y/s1600/P1010851.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BX6K_4piSE4/TdZYpiqxtjI/AAAAAAAACkM/7rKT6Ktl73Y/s400/P1010851.JPG" /></a> </div>Chris found a friend in Loukas, he realised she had carrots so followed her everywhere!<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QdQGARXF1VE/TdZYp-NkxkI/AAAAAAAACkU/PNnKQJPxiyk/s1600/P1010854.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QdQGARXF1VE/TdZYp-NkxkI/AAAAAAAACkU/PNnKQJPxiyk/s400/P1010854.JPG" /></a> </div>We were made very welcome and it seemed donkeys were coming out of bushes to say hello.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fi-lvnsfY8I/TdZYqIw_ZoI/AAAAAAAACkc/GtwXAjmBFSA/s1600/P1010864.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fi-lvnsfY8I/TdZYqIw_ZoI/AAAAAAAACkc/GtwXAjmBFSA/s400/P1010864.JPG" /></a> </div>Suzanne had us working, brushing several of the donkeys but we enjoyed it as much as the donks obviously did!<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5PGSkAarUh0/TdZYqhc2VFI/AAAAAAAACkk/idycBq3OzGA/s1600/P1010868.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5PGSkAarUh0/TdZYqhc2VFI/AAAAAAAACkk/idycBq3OzGA/s400/P1010868.JPG" /></a> </div>It's so nice to see these old animals living in such a happy home after all they've been through.<br />Some have been mistreated or tied up for many years...some have been left because their owners have grown too old to look after them.<br />When I moved into our village, there was 3 donkeys living and working around the olive groves, but in 3 years it has dwindled to just 1. The older residents of the community are dying and the younger folk don't have the time to care for these creatures.<br />The sad thing is though that many of the donkeys are sold to the meat wagons that drive around and buy old donkeys, they then go to be fed to circus animals... but I've also been told that some end up in Italy being made into salami, perish the thought!!! Gross!!!<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XgisH2A3smk/TdZYqxMpMlI/AAAAAAAACks/RXSkv8e-SEs/s1600/P1010873.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XgisH2A3smk/TdZYqxMpMlI/AAAAAAAACks/RXSkv8e-SEs/s400/P1010873.JPG" /></a> </div>Isn't it much better that they end up in places like this, with loving, patient, people like Alistair and Suzanne?<br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">?<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BqwcFoi-pLQ/TdZYrEtsllI/AAAAAAAACk0/J9vJYjrbcOk/s1600/P1010874.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BqwcFoi-pLQ/TdZYrEtsllI/AAAAAAAACk0/J9vJYjrbcOk/s400/P1010874.JPG" /></a> </div>They can be visited by families who enjoy stroking and chatting to them.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dXqkWJNNGvQ/TdZYrcMIxTI/AAAAAAAACk8/Mhqiltqwmm8/s1600/P1010881.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dXqkWJNNGvQ/TdZYrcMIxTI/AAAAAAAACk8/Mhqiltqwmm8/s400/P1010881.JPG" /></a> </div>We ended our day, in the shade, drinking tea, chatting to 2 lovely people who work 7 days a week caring for donkeys other folk don't care about ..thanks Suzanne and Alistair, we thoroughly enjoyed our day and will be back very soon.<br />Please 'like' and follow Walk with Donkeys Crete on Facebook.<br />or follow <a href="http://donkeycarecrete.wordpress.com/">Donkeycarecrete's Blog<br /></a><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01893073372150581999noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971079802958225193.post-24656616644745849282011-05-08T09:43:00.008+03:002011-05-08T10:32:27.294+03:00Sunday Catch-up<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gb2MTxpfwlM/TcZCrg3w4dI/AAAAAAAACjU/IqOLm1fP_ws/s1600/2011%2B05%2B08_0067.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gb2MTxpfwlM/TcZCrg3w4dI/AAAAAAAACjU/IqOLm1fP_ws/s400/2011%2B05%2B08_0067.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604240101634793938" /></a>Good Morning<div>Things are looking better today, my cold seems to be finally coming to an end and my head doesn't feel like it's full of cotton wool anymore.</div><div>And the sun is out ....and the wind has stopped...fingers crossed!! I feel sorry for the tourists that are arriving, we've not had sunshine holiday weather!!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dlJLVy3r-cI/TcZB-KHXLtI/AAAAAAAACjM/iDwHa_u4vMU/s1600/2011%2B05%2B08_0064_edited-1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 336px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dlJLVy3r-cI/TcZB-KHXLtI/AAAAAAAACjM/iDwHa_u4vMU/s400/2011%2B05%2B08_0064_edited-1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604239322432089810" /></a> The huge amount of rain has been good for these roses, they are glorious<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Psa0fol7s0/TcZBM2J27XI/AAAAAAAACjE/I7_MySxIcjo/s1600/2011%2B05%2B08_0065_edited-1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 297px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Psa0fol7s0/TcZBM2J27XI/AAAAAAAACjE/I7_MySxIcjo/s400/2011%2B05%2B08_0065_edited-1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604238475260259698" /></a> ....the perfume, divine...just like Turkish..oops..nooo!...Greek Delight!!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oM4rwBlX1-Q/TcZA6ecIfBI/AAAAAAAACi8/gqGLOybK70Y/s1600/2011%2B05%2B08_0057_edited-1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 326px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oM4rwBlX1-Q/TcZA6ecIfBI/AAAAAAAACi8/gqGLOybK70Y/s400/2011%2B05%2B08_0057_edited-1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604238159656811538" /></a> Can you believe it, this is the only bloom on my lilac bush...very sad state of affairs..<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GddRba8ol1w/TcZAm5zayaI/AAAAAAAACi0/4OBtanRekSY/s1600/2011%2B05%2B08_0058_edited-1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GddRba8ol1w/TcZAm5zayaI/AAAAAAAACi0/4OBtanRekSY/s400/2011%2B05%2B08_0058_edited-1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604237823404853666" /></a> So, we are far behind with the seedlings too, many have not germinated<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--cdl2mY9tNc/TcZAB1ZXPlI/AAAAAAAACis/mtTcw9vhbbM/s1600/2011%2B05%2B08_0059_edited-1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 390px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--cdl2mY9tNc/TcZAB1ZXPlI/AAAAAAAACis/mtTcw9vhbbM/s400/2011%2B05%2B08_0059_edited-1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604237186566667858" /></a>but some have done really well and will be soon moving from their little toilet roll and egg box homes to the kypos.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wfd9nz6M900/TcY_kEnNbYI/AAAAAAAACik/PlKKG5TyoEM/s1600/2011%2B05%2B08_0054_edited-1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wfd9nz6M900/TcY_kEnNbYI/AAAAAAAACik/PlKKG5TyoEM/s400/2011%2B05%2B08_0054_edited-1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604236675255201154" /></a> Oh, yes, more about the first photograph next time I think,</div><div> Take care</div>Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01893073372150581999noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971079802958225193.post-70922668510386210832011-05-04T21:10:00.001+03:002011-05-04T21:22:26.377+03:00Dragon Arum...again!!<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EPy0yV6MnUc/TcGXfF68_4I/AAAAAAAACg8/Axgp8ieiLQc/s1600/P1010720.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 512px; HEIGHT: 318px" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EPy0yV6MnUc/TcGXfF68_4I/AAAAAAAACg8/Axgp8ieiLQc/s400/P1010720.JPG" width="559" height="300" /></a> </div>You may know already, if you've been following my blog for a while,<br />how much I love these plants...<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HJVz3wyuzYE/TcGXfpz21PI/AAAAAAAAChE/suWGWPFx8F4/s1600/P1010713.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HJVz3wyuzYE/TcGXfpz21PI/AAAAAAAAChE/suWGWPFx8F4/s400/P1010713.JPG" /></a> </div>and this year, maybe because of the rain we've had, they are in profusion admidst the olive groves.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YAEpodSGws8/TcGXfwO9BfI/AAAAAAAAChM/u0obniOQoYE/s1600/P1010709.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YAEpodSGws8/TcGXfwO9BfI/AAAAAAAAChM/u0obniOQoYE/s400/P1010709.JPG" width="380" height="400" /></a> </div>so, I thought they deserved a whole post to themselves.....<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRD5usr-Cy8/TcGXgnzX_7I/AAAAAAAAChU/mYdxIoPoZvk/s1600/P1010705.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRD5usr-Cy8/TcGXgnzX_7I/AAAAAAAAChU/mYdxIoPoZvk/s400/P1010705.JPG" /></a> </div>Yes, I know they are rather phallic<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_xxWlziXfQ0/TcGXhBzKP7I/AAAAAAAAChc/FN6Z5LLeE2Q/s1600/P1010703.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_xxWlziXfQ0/TcGXhBzKP7I/AAAAAAAAChc/FN6Z5LLeE2Q/s400/P1010703.JPG" /></a> </div>but it's the wonderful, deep, velvety colour, so fabric .<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zm3s9xrh-yM/TcGXhTJJ2XI/AAAAAAAAChk/Hoj81p_6sqA/s1600/P1010700.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zm3s9xrh-yM/TcGXhTJJ2XI/AAAAAAAAChk/Hoj81p_6sqA/s400/P1010700.JPG" width="327" height="459" /></a> </div>The latin name is <a href="http://http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracunculus_vulgaris">Dracunculus Vulgaris</a><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OfRCHnoGmKI/TcGXhoZ6GBI/AAAAAAAAChs/7hYxmpvn8jU/s1600/P1010701.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OfRCHnoGmKI/TcGXhoZ6GBI/AAAAAAAAChs/7hYxmpvn8jU/s400/P1010701.JPG" width="373" height="456" /></a> </div>So velvety, and the colour is stunning<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GF-z8un12Go/TcGXh35kjrI/AAAAAAAACh0/qPhscGDUbsk/s1600/P1010712.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GF-z8un12Go/TcGXh35kjrI/AAAAAAAACh0/qPhscGDUbsk/s400/P1010712.JPG" /></a> </div>and<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lw_FYMBwvNk/TcGXiM4xbxI/AAAAAAAACh8/egDgFMv0_pY/s1600/P1010715.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lw_FYMBwvNk/TcGXiM4xbxI/AAAAAAAACh8/egDgFMv0_pY/s400/P1010715.JPG" /></a> </div>so<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IGTr39kyZ1Y/TcGXidMlNbI/AAAAAAAACiE/oIJx93p-MX4/s1600/P1010721.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 388px; HEIGHT: 516px" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IGTr39kyZ1Y/TcGXidMlNbI/AAAAAAAACiE/oIJx93p-MX4/s400/P1010721.JPG" width="345" height="451" /></a> </div>SO.......<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U2Fkwu02nmE/TcGXisjicoI/AAAAAAAACiM/DzL4O4nrWw4/s1600/P1010725.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U2Fkwu02nmE/TcGXisjicoI/AAAAAAAACiM/DzL4O4nrWw4/s400/P1010725.JPG" width="415" height="400" /></a> </div>smelly!!<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NAjwUjQHjk0/TcGXjCrk2mI/AAAAAAAACiU/e0vWue3gt9I/s1600/P1010717.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NAjwUjQHjk0/TcGXjCrk2mI/AAAAAAAACiU/e0vWue3gt9I/s400/P1010717.JPG" /></a> </div>(like rotting flesh!!!)<br />so much for perfection!!<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DkDb90tmxI0/TcGXjTxXlaI/AAAAAAAACic/scVPpHJS2Xs/s1600/P1010716.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DkDb90tmxI0/TcGXjTxXlaI/AAAAAAAACic/scVPpHJS2Xs/s400/P1010716.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01893073372150581999noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971079802958225193.post-41035097540857925832011-04-23T14:44:00.000+03:002011-04-23T14:45:45.086+03:00Lime Wash (Asvesti)<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6uNN7cn1LlA/TbK7486of2I/AAAAAAAACgM/cnF4Q8SdxHo/s1600/P1010673.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6uNN7cn1LlA/TbK7486of2I/AAAAAAAACgM/cnF4Q8SdxHo/s400/P1010673.JPG" /></a> </div>I'm often asked why are Greek trees painted with white paint,<br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0lirs-A0OrE/TbK75FppEvI/AAAAAAAACgU/sjlYT36CP54/s1600/P1010676.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0lirs-A0OrE/TbK75FppEvI/AAAAAAAACgU/sjlYT36CP54/s400/P1010676.JPG" /></a> </div>It's lime wash and the villages are being tidied up for this special weekend.<br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2pTWpkktA6k/TbK75Zj7yLI/AAAAAAAACgc/QQdXRRyhNYI/s1600/P1010678.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2pTWpkktA6k/TbK75Zj7yLI/AAAAAAAACgc/QQdXRRyhNYI/s400/P1010678.JPG" /></a> </div>I caught this chap painting the church yard walls this morning, he'd already done the trees above.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yiw7BBueHmE/TbK75Wqd43I/AAAAAAAACgk/76RaN7XMKDM/s1600/P1010685.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yiw7BBueHmE/TbK75Wqd43I/AAAAAAAACgk/76RaN7XMKDM/s400/P1010685.JPG" /></a> Lime wash is used to freshen everything up , it's also an insecticide, it's cheaper than paint.<br />You buy it in powder form, ready mixed or still in large pieces which you soak in water.<br />A man comes around the village in a van and informs everyone through a loudspeaker that he has asvesti for sale.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hXB6IuRGPqk/TbK75vpY3gI/AAAAAAAACgs/FxP_nl95q2I/s1600/P1010686.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hXB6IuRGPqk/TbK75vpY3gI/AAAAAAAACgs/FxP_nl95q2I/s400/P1010686.JPG" /></a> </div>The villagers generally take charge of their part of the village, weeding and tidying outside their homes and then slapping some of the milky substance around.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k_NqImRE8_A/TbK75tEdK4I/AAAAAAAACg0/pWR-3m0AKgk/s1600/P1010518.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k_NqImRE8_A/TbK75tEdK4I/AAAAAAAACg0/pWR-3m0AKgk/s400/P1010518.JPG" /></a> </div>Our house is painted with it too....<br />it lets old houses breath and I believe is getting more popular elsewhere.<br />You can add a stain if you prefer. Each layer hardens into a solid waterproof covering<br />and it's much kinder to the environment.<div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01893073372150581999noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971079802958225193.post-47071852144890743582011-04-08T12:42:00.004+03:002011-04-08T13:10:56.868+03:00Snail Mail....<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DMkxHZVE_Ck/TZ7bFg8oa7I/AAAAAAAACgE/HQqcEUlH3eI/s1600/P1010516.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DMkxHZVE_Ck/TZ7bFg8oa7I/AAAAAAAACgE/HQqcEUlH3eI/s400/P1010516.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593148675030805426" /></a>I joined Emily from <a href="http://www.mousybrownshouse.typepad.com/">Mousy Brown's House</a> in her Snail Mail Swap last year.<div>My month was February, which, when I joined was 'next year' and a long time away..</div><div>Emily, being much more organised, was true to her word, so look what came winging it's way to me at the end of February..</div><div>It's a beautiful Valentine inspired paper cut picture..which Emily is so clever at making.</div><div>It will be framed and hung on a wall here so I can admire such a lovely work of art, made specially for me..</div><div>Thank you Em, hoping you get my package very soon..</div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aHFNRXL1eI4/TZ7bFRUgBnI/AAAAAAAACf8/LSMs-aWRmhA/s1600/P1010514.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aHFNRXL1eI4/TZ7bFRUgBnI/AAAAAAAACf8/LSMs-aWRmhA/s400/P1010514.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593148670835951218" /></a><br /><br /></div></div>Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01893073372150581999noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971079802958225193.post-88014384378927426762011-03-19T15:01:00.000+02:002011-03-19T15:21:16.838+02:00"Do You Ever Finish Anything?"<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mi1r7tHWwnE/TYStw2IZMBI/AAAAAAAACe0/gsdZViU4BjI/s1600/P1010323.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mi1r7tHWwnE/TYStw2IZMBI/AAAAAAAACe0/gsdZViU4BjI/s400/P1010323.JPG" width="488" height="331" /></a></div> A few weeks back I was asked this question and it made me think about other crafters habits...<br /> I'm sure I'm not the only one who has several projects and test pieces on the go at the same time??<br /> <br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WF1dcm7Mzyc/TYStw7QbveI/AAAAAAAACe8/-NFd5Lb334o/s1600/P1010319.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 505px; HEIGHT: 300px" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WF1dcm7Mzyc/TYStw7QbveI/AAAAAAAACe8/-NFd5Lb334o/s400/P1010319.JPG" width="458" height="300" /></a> </div> I enjoy dabbling in different projects,<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TheinRlDfWk/TYStxHABKrI/AAAAAAAACfE/s7TUVQXFIAg/s1600/P1010326.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TheinRlDfWk/TYStxHABKrI/AAAAAAAACfE/s7TUVQXFIAg/s400/P1010326.JPG" width="408" height="400" /></a> </div> testing out ideas,<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v7adXWan2Kw/TYStxZBeS3I/AAAAAAAACfM/8EHy8du_Lzw/s1600/P1010321.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v7adXWan2Kw/TYStxZBeS3I/AAAAAAAACfM/8EHy8du_Lzw/s400/P1010321.JPG" width="527" height="300" /></a> </div> and making sure that there are no mistakes before I proceed onto <br /> an important piece. Anybody notice what's wrong with the<br /> blackwork below??<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4bg9pEcV29M/TYStxWorp9I/AAAAAAAACfU/-KBmWWM6n5E/s1600/P1010320.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4bg9pEcV29M/TYStxWorp9I/AAAAAAAACfU/-KBmWWM6n5E/s400/P1010320.JPG" /></a> </div> Anyhow!! the answer is yes...yes!! I do!!<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PXTJIO_IPNU/TYStyGVXsoI/AAAAAAAACfc/uz7aTn81dW0/s1600/P1010317.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 502px; HEIGHT: 358px" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PXTJIO_IPNU/TYStyGVXsoI/AAAAAAAACfc/uz7aTn81dW0/s400/P1010317.JPG" width="498" height="300" /></a> </div> I so enjoyed knitting this lovely little wraparound top, in the beautiful Sirdar Baby Crofters yarn<br /> I'm knitting a different style cardi in the same yarn..<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FFd924p1kzM/TYStyIby1OI/AAAAAAAACfk/6k4DlAVWOnc/s1600/P1010324.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FFd924p1kzM/TYStyIby1OI/AAAAAAAACfk/6k4DlAVWOnc/s400/P1010324.JPG" /></a> </div> I admit that sometimes my experiments lead me to a dead end and I suspect these<br /> little devils might be lying at the bottom of my knitting basket for a while..<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jeOoZq7jH3A/TYSty9m1xXI/AAAAAAAACfs/Z5s6WJFe9O8/s1600/P1010318.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jeOoZq7jH3A/TYSty9m1xXI/AAAAAAAACfs/Z5s6WJFe9O8/s400/P1010318.JPG" width="416" height="326" /></a> </div> but this has a home already....<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nsJGZnJB1qY/TYStzOVRxGI/AAAAAAAACf0/9gIgjv05QhM/s1600/P1010316.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nsJGZnJB1qY/TYStzOVRxGI/AAAAAAAACf0/9gIgjv05QhM/s400/P1010316.JPG" width="443" height="358" /></a> </div> So, what do you do??<br /> Work at one piece until it's complete?<br /> Or, do you, like me, enjoy having several pieces on the go at the same time??<br /> I'd love to hear from you.<div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01893073372150581999noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971079802958225193.post-72706028054097594052011-03-14T12:26:00.001+02:002011-03-14T12:27:20.450+02:00Blossoming....<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IB_xXfiRiBQ/TX3tg4NNSPI/AAAAAAAACeM/xp_2qhL-CXQ/s1600/2011-03-14.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IB_xXfiRiBQ/TX3tg4NNSPI/AAAAAAAACeM/xp_2qhL-CXQ/s400/2011-03-14.jpg" /></a> </div> Pheew!! after a rather wet and cold few weeks...the weather went from worse to WORSE last week<br /> we had several days of sleet and snow<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-INPrJO-GMPo/TX3thKnwifI/AAAAAAAACeU/r2PtByYYsmE/s1600/P1010279.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-INPrJO-GMPo/TX3thKnwifI/AAAAAAAACeU/r2PtByYYsmE/s400/P1010279.JPG" /></a> </div> but...we are now back on course and the sun is out and we have a beautiful blue blue sky<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xHmiyCAxmWQ/TX3thKtfApI/AAAAAAAACec/E0FOMXEIPE8/s1600/P1010276.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xHmiyCAxmWQ/TX3thKtfApI/AAAAAAAACec/E0FOMXEIPE8/s400/P1010276.JPG" /></a> </div> The colours are stunning and I shall be off on my scooter to see what's about now<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PM7t5Shw5SY/TX3thiU-nKI/AAAAAAAACek/-RMoXUqscZk/s1600/P1010183.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PM7t5Shw5SY/TX3thiU-nKI/AAAAAAAACek/-RMoXUqscZk/s400/P1010183.JPG" /></a> </div> in the countryside.<br />Thanks for everyone who got in contact regarding my 'lost' blog list. As you can see, the majority of you are back where you belong, thank heavens!! Some of you will be joining when I can sort out why I still get a message saying..wrong!<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fyz5ldDfZRo/TX3thzO-jkI/AAAAAAAACes/zkTwWOOMsys/s1600/P1010180.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fyz5ldDfZRo/TX3thzO-jkI/AAAAAAAACes/zkTwWOOMsys/s400/P1010180.JPG" /></a> </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01893073372150581999noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971079802958225193.post-86338443151782440062011-03-11T17:48:00.003+02:002011-03-11T23:49:42.277+02:00Bit of a Muddle..<div style="text-align: center;">Last weekend I decided it was time to do a wee bit of</div><div style="text-align: center;">tidying on my blog</div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sBNoR2vnli4/TXpGcLy3ANI/AAAAAAAACeE/LO_DK18VI1s/s400/P1010247.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 364px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582852138095542482" /><div style="text-align: center;">Sadly, I went a little too far....</div><div style="text-align: center;">and deleted ALL my blog list</div><div style="text-align: center;">ALL those scrummy little reads I look forward to every day</div><div style="text-align: center;">ALL those snippets</div><div style="text-align: center;">of information</div><div style="text-align: center;">of recipes</div><div style="text-align: center;">of hookery</div><div style="text-align: center;">of knitting</div><div style="text-align: center;">of quilting</div><div style="text-align: center;">of photographs....</div><div style="text-align: center;">ALL my bloggy friends</div><div style="text-align: center;">disappeared into the depths of ??? </div><div style="text-align: center;">I was mortified...</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, it's taken a 5 days of me muttering and scribbling</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have some more addresses but I keep getting messages saying no, can't !! when I try to enter them.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anybody out there, who knows I commented on your blog, please, leave me a comment</div><div style="text-align: center;">and I'll happily add you on to my daily read again.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">P.S. the photo is of the centre of a wirlygig osteospernam..lovely, isn't it?</div>Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01893073372150581999noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971079802958225193.post-7009675575148152162011-03-06T08:52:00.007+02:002011-03-06T10:48:37.982+02:00A Walk to Milatos Cave....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tpxalWaVunc/TXMxva-AceI/AAAAAAAACd0/4sooMjQb1G0/s1600/P1010193.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tpxalWaVunc/TXMxva-AceI/AAAAAAAACd0/4sooMjQb1G0/s400/P1010193.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580859054005187042" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We drove to Milatos Cave for our walk yesterday.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's perched high above the hamlet of Milatos, which is on the north coast.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhfsarcHcPc/TXMxvf986xI/AAAAAAAACds/bKGYpD1qaCY/s1600/P1010194.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhfsarcHcPc/TXMxvf986xI/AAAAAAAACds/bKGYpD1qaCY/s400/P1010194.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580859055347133202" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The caves are approximately 200 metres along an old footpath which winds </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FPYpNZZ_inc/TXMxvGclTiI/AAAAAAAACdk/vFC4dPEtjoQ/s1600/P1010199.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FPYpNZZ_inc/TXMxvGclTiI/AAAAAAAACdk/vFC4dPEtjoQ/s400/P1010199.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580859048496287266" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">around the side of a steep ravine.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gfdR8DdCeZU/TXMxu4sGnoI/AAAAAAAACdc/5qQEOzH2pQc/s1600/P1010202.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gfdR8DdCeZU/TXMxu4sGnoI/AAAAAAAACdc/5qQEOzH2pQc/s400/P1010202.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580859044803288706" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"> The sound from the grazing goats and assorted birds is truly magical, echoing through the ravine.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0uiF3-sJhwI/TXMxuoITCCI/AAAAAAAACdU/YmptzrrwHOE/s1600/P1010206.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0uiF3-sJhwI/TXMxuoITCCI/AAAAAAAACdU/YmptzrrwHOE/s400/P1010206.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580859040358139938" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is delicate white bryony, a poisonous climber. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The hillsides are covered in carob, sage, myrtle and euphorbia.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pWsBIJQVR1w/TXMxV8lzWjI/AAAAAAAACdM/VupI28CT0Pc/s1600/P1010207.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pWsBIJQVR1w/TXMxV8lzWjI/AAAAAAAACdM/VupI28CT0Pc/s400/P1010207.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580858616353872434" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BM9YVVI9T3c/TXMxVsFItgI/AAAAAAAACdE/4qEFVdp-J0o/s1600/P1010208.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BM9YVVI9T3c/TXMxVsFItgI/AAAAAAAACdE/4qEFVdp-J0o/s400/P1010208.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580858611921892866" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">As we approach the cave entrance it seems unimpressive.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xZU1ORyIo28/TXMxVTCcLqI/AAAAAAAACc8/XUW6vdxI7Kw/s1600/P1010213.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xZU1ORyIo28/TXMxVTCcLqI/AAAAAAAACc8/XUW6vdxI7Kw/s400/P1010213.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580858605199699618" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Inside though, it spreads out into a series of caves covering 2100 sq. metres.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FKxM2AEF_RU/TXMxVZuk_3I/AAAAAAAACc0/fns_kXJj48M/s1600/P1010215.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FKxM2AEF_RU/TXMxVZuk_3I/AAAAAAAACc0/fns_kXJj48M/s400/P1010215.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580858606995439474" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">In February, 1823, 2700 local inhabitants took refuge here, hiding from </div><div style="text-align: center;">the Turkish troops of Hassan Pasha. They were plundering and pillaging the area.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MfXfYDBZoC0/TXMxVHQZUBI/AAAAAAAACcs/ZW_ldwwvhsc/s1600/P1010217.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MfXfYDBZoC0/TXMxVHQZUBI/AAAAAAAACcs/ZW_ldwwvhsc/s400/P1010217.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580858602037006354" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">For 13 days. approximately 150 Cretan rebels fought off the Turks until, starving and desperate the beseiged tried to break out. </div><div style="text-align: center;">They were cut down and massacred by the Turks.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The children were sold into slavery in Egypt and 18 priests were burnt to death.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-evegrP0aINQ/TXMwhB3gYZI/AAAAAAAACck/T4j-OPFx2b0/s1600/P1010218.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-evegrP0aINQ/TXMwhB3gYZI/AAAAAAAACck/T4j-OPFx2b0/s400/P1010218.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580857707237237138" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This church is inside the caves and was built to commemorate this event.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9GeuFOo5ehY/TXMwhKjU1iI/AAAAAAAACcc/rVcAyzPjj6s/s1600/P1010221.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9GeuFOo5ehY/TXMwhKjU1iI/AAAAAAAACcc/rVcAyzPjj6s/s400/P1010221.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580857709568513570" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Bones from some of the dead can be seen in this glass-fronted ossuary.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WM0exkO4ijM/TXMwgwOlJmI/AAAAAAAACcU/jlbVD2lrQTE/s1600/P1010227.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WM0exkO4ijM/TXMwgwOlJmI/AAAAAAAACcU/jlbVD2lrQTE/s400/P1010227.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580857702502180450" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">One of the icons in the church.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HYnrqjQnFks/TXMwg0JycKI/AAAAAAAACcM/Z-wWgQIc270/s1600/P1010228.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HYnrqjQnFks/TXMwg0JycKI/AAAAAAAACcM/Z-wWgQIc270/s400/P1010228.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580857703555821730" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">When I was a member of <a href="http://www.cretegazette.com/2006-08/milatos-cave.php">The Rainbow Choir,</a> we sang here at the commemoration that is held every May.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ixphOT0cKzs/TXMwghQ32KI/AAAAAAAACcE/tVNLkFElBmA/s1600/P1010239.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ixphOT0cKzs/TXMwghQ32KI/AAAAAAAACcE/tVNLkFElBmA/s400/P1010239.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580857698485262498" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">As we meandered back to the car, we reflected on how such a tragedy could have taken place in such a peaceful spot.</div>Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01893073372150581999noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971079802958225193.post-65846194774728984302011-03-01T19:03:00.000+02:002011-03-01T19:03:58.891+02:00St. David's Day Walk<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9FDo78Wab2w/TW0m-nq_pgI/AAAAAAAACZs/d-l5fAS6MNg/s1600/P1010162.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9FDo78Wab2w/TW0m-nq_pgI/AAAAAAAACZs/d-l5fAS6MNg/s400/P1010162.JPG" /></a> </div> We went for a walk this afternoon...on Almyros Beach.<br /> Althought the weather has been pretty dismal for weeks now...rain, rain, rain...it stayed dry today!<br /> I noticed these tiny flowers on the tamarisk trees, so delicate!<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7DgQYbxoDxs/TW0m-0_DIaI/AAAAAAAACZ0/iF-6xnAiV0k/s1600/P1010161.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7DgQYbxoDxs/TW0m-0_DIaI/AAAAAAAACZ0/iF-6xnAiV0k/s400/P1010161.JPG" /></a> </div> ......and sea holly popping up, with fresh new shoots.<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UTrpipy97Ik/TW0m_PxxKKI/AAAAAAAACZ8/yytyWL8L_mQ/s1600/P1010150.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UTrpipy97Ik/TW0m_PxxKKI/AAAAAAAACZ8/yytyWL8L_mQ/s400/P1010150.JPG" /></a> </div> The sea washes up and leaves tiny shells and slivers of angels' tears, though we don't have tide in the Med. there is a gentle mark.<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jJYTUsEVjjM/TW0m_v32j6I/AAAAAAAACaE/o6A20Y0BSyQ/s1600/P1010152.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jJYTUsEVjjM/TW0m_v32j6I/AAAAAAAACaE/o6A20Y0BSyQ/s400/P1010152.JPG" /></a> </div>I also came across a giant sea-monster emerging from the waves!! Happy Birthday Dewi....we've loved having you with us this last 2 years...unbelievable how time flies!!<br /><br /><br /><br />The island of Crete is inundated with 15,000 Chinese refugees this week..the Greek government sent the ferries, that normally sail between the Greek islands, to Libya. There were also Brits and other nationalities with them. They will be repatriated within a few days and leave...I'm proud this was accomplished without any pomp and palaver.<br />Take care<div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01893073372150581999noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971079802958225193.post-86296584160403548412011-02-19T19:46:00.002+02:002011-02-19T20:16:42.684+02:00Short...and Annoying!!<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I can't believe what's happened..</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XJseG5cgErk/TWACIA2NmXI/AAAAAAAACZc/Nonia8wFh0E/s1600/P1010065.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XJseG5cgErk/TWACIA2NmXI/AAAAAAAACZc/Nonia8wFh0E/s400/P1010065.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I've tried all day to download some photos onto this blog,</div><div style="text-align: center;">you know the usual..beautiful orchids, poppies..and some breath taking scenery, though a tad wet scenery, covered in mizzle scenery...</div><div style="text-align: center;">but no such luck, I tried 4 times...then I tried with Picasa...success!! but then...I deleted 3 of the photos by accident!! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Silly me, I'll try again tomorrow..</div><div style="text-align: center;">Take care</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ByP5Eprr1BE/TWACIeXGgvI/AAAAAAAACZk/nADC04GYDYU/s1600/P1010066.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ByP5Eprr1BE/TWACIeXGgvI/AAAAAAAACZk/nADC04GYDYU/s400/P1010066.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01893073372150581999noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971079802958225193.post-21058282761760897472011-02-09T14:13:00.006+02:002011-02-09T16:22:40.011+02:00Handmade Gifts..<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OdDTkK7GVOA/TVKG8VL0abI/AAAAAAAACZE/Thzx_889fwM/s1600/P1000936.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OdDTkK7GVOA/TVKG8VL0abI/AAAAAAAACZE/Thzx_889fwM/s400/P1000936.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571664060047714738" /></a>I love making gifts...and last Christmas was chockablock with homemade goodies...<div>first up, these leggings for Lirys...</div><div> and the crocheted wrist warmers for Bethan, pattern from <a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/">Lucy</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OdDTkK7GVOA/TVKGicibbXI/AAAAAAAACY8/8kxvxmf77m8/s1600/P1000933.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OdDTkK7GVOA/TVKGicibbXI/AAAAAAAACY8/8kxvxmf77m8/s400/P1000933.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571663615344995698" /></a>Always difficult to take a photo of a 6 month old...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OdDTkK7GVOA/TVKGNOHQbBI/AAAAAAAACY0/RqBIJjzXQ8o/s1600/P1000929.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OdDTkK7GVOA/TVKGNOHQbBI/AAAAAAAACY0/RqBIJjzXQ8o/s400/P1000929.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571663250695678994" /></a>This little dress...it will fit just right in the summer...I used the pattern from <a href="http://http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/book/9780007360574/Homemade">here</a></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OdDTkK7GVOA/TVKFuBN1kNI/AAAAAAAACYs/_6gkaRbvl8E/s1600/P1000928.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OdDTkK7GVOA/TVKFuBN1kNI/AAAAAAAACYs/_6gkaRbvl8E/s400/P1000928.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571662714657673426" /></a>Oh dear...guess who forgot to iron it before taking the photo..?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OdDTkK7GVOA/TVKFR16fjNI/AAAAAAAACYk/UpAoThpDQ48/s1600/P1000926.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OdDTkK7GVOA/TVKFR16fjNI/AAAAAAAACYk/UpAoThpDQ48/s400/P1000926.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571662230587411666" /></a>and this...I enjoyed making this...the pattern is<a href="http://http://marmaladerose.blogspot.com/2010/04/crochet-hanger.html"> here</a> at Marmalade Rose.</div><div>I made more goodies, decorations for the tree, crochet snowflakes, paper snowflakes, engraved pebbles and used them as place settings.....such fun....but we were all so ill over the holiday, I just didn't take many photos...never mind...!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01893073372150581999noreply@blogger.com10