What's Up

-  3 Xmas boats

K is checking out the little boats which we deck out with lights each Christmas.  He's looking at the lights and checking them twice.  3 years ago we had one fishing boat, or  kaïki, hanging from the wall.  Now we have 4 little boats.  Just about time to light up.  I don't mind these being on show now because they're a greek tradition and I like seeing their friendly lights around the house.  Of course we will have a  Christmas tree too.  K will be trying to shorten that and downsize. Space is limited. 

The original

The Greek one

A trireme

- Carpet day

At the beginning of the week we put down our big carpet which covers the tiles in the sitting area and I put down smaller rugs in the bedrooms.  We needed them.  The weather suddenly changed and it got damp and rather cold, for us.  17-18oC.  Not cold enough for a fire yet.

- Marathon

For Niki Mas, our niece and marathon runner

The yearly re-run of the original marathon took place on Sunday.  The marathon is a 26.385 mile (42.195 kms) race from the village of Marathon to the big stadium in central Athens.  

The first marathon was run by Pheidippides in 490BC who ran from the battle of Marathon to Athens to announce the Athenian victory against the Persians.  Whereupon he promptly collapsed and died.  So the legend goes.

This year 21,000 athletes, or thereabouts, from all over the world took part.  The Authentic Marathon, as it is called, is not the only race.  There is also a 10km, 5km and a 1.2km children's run.

Niki is long distance runner  and one day we'll be cheering her as she finishes the authentic marathon in Greece.

Angela just reminded me you're named after Nike, the Goddess of Victory. Go Niki. She's smiling down on you

- Xmas knitting

Most years I do a bit of xmas knitting to give away,  things like socks or cowls (neck warmer), scarf or hat, fingerless gloves,  Xmas stockings or even bags and little purses, odd looking g-nomes, sometimes in red and green, sometimes in whatever colours I have leftover.  This year I'm at a loss what to knit or crochet.  There are all sorts of silly ideas out there like water bottle holders, mug warmers, hotwater bottle covers, tissue box covers.  Useless clutter.

I was thinking of knitting or crocheting a Xmas vest (sleeveless top) for myself in red and green. Crochet is faster.  Would I ever wear it? Perhaps on Xmas day. And that's only 40 days away.

The 40 day Orthodox fast for Xmas begins today. We won't be fasting.

- Rain

Yes, it rained.  For 2 days.  Slowly and steadily.  Ideal rainfall for the garden and the olive trees.  There will be photos of the greening of my garden in the next week.  The 4 leafed clover should appear and start taking over very quickly.  And nasturtiums!  My favourites

We also had a leak which we are not so happy about.  This leak has been 'fixed' 3 times in years gone by.  There was a broken roof tile. The water drips down behind the fridge and over a wall plug.  K has been busy sorting that out.

- Flu Jab

I'm having a flu jab this year.  K is not so sure.  We can  get them done at the chemist for free.  I shall go down tomorrow.  I think the prescription is just for the flu and not a covid shot as well.  I don't want another one of those.