SNOWBALLS

Kostas with the Snowman!

Such excitement we have had in the village this week. Within the village, that is, because for a couple of days, all of us were snowbound … and spellbound! Our fabulous neighbours, most of whom are upwards of 75 years had never experienced the deep snow that began to fall over the weekend. Kostas and Angeliki came out of their little kafeneon and played snowballs, Steph made a snowman outside her house and, for a while, we were deliciously marooned with stunning photoshots of the mountains, olive groves and surrounding folded foothills all covered in the white stuff. The elderly of the village said that they had never seen anything like it in all their days!!

What a difference a day makes - a thaw beginning ..

K and I had never experienced storms quite like it either because it started with a couple of days and nights of thunder and lightning which kept tripping out the power, deluges of very heavy rain which magically turned into light snow overnight and dollops of heavy and even heavier snow throughout Sunday. Local Facebook photos of everybody's gardens, swimming pools and views covered in snow abounded. This was followed by footage and snaps of blocked highways, bulldozers and steam coming out of the sea with snow on the beaches. Unusual shots of palm trees bowed down by snow, sands white instead of golden etc, etc etc! The locals were completely entranced by it and we didn't stop snapping away.

Of course, we were fortunate in being in a solid windproof house with a big log pile, but we were very anxious for those who were without a home throughout Europe while this winter freeze is on. The photographs from refugee camps are desperate and we were wondering whether tents covered in snow had any insulation qualities which would make them similar to an igloo. Bearing in mind my cold nose and ears and the need for hats, scarves and mittens inside the house in the mornings, I couldn't help but pray that there were a few angels close by to offer warmth and hot food and clothing to those who are displaced and need support.

Quite a lot of yesterday was spent on the tiled terrace which forms the roof of our kitchen. Over the terrace is a large sail which had caught tons of snow and was heavily stretched and weighed down with its burden. We are not sure it will ever be the same again, but there is nothing we can do about it at the moment. As the sun was at its highest in the middle of the day, the snowmelt was raining through the canvas and causing a deep pool on top of the tiles and, rather than leaks into the kitchen, a long period of brushing and swooshing water into the drain holes and clearing them both with a sharp stick ensued. This was good exercise! I kept at it for a goodly while and the snowmelt was still coming until the sun went down. I got soaked and had wet clothes to dry, but the kitchen has mercifully stayed leak free! All the January start up occupations of this week such as the local school, singing, shopping, Greek class and Makers are on hold for a spell. We are fortunate that our power has not been too bad and that the log burner and large supply of Christmas candles were all available - now that the roof and walls of the house are full of damp coolth, the house needs a lot more heat to keep warm. Our candle powered radiator in the bathroom has used up a sizeable number and it will not be long before our supply runs out. We hope that the shops will be able to restock our stores, if and when we escape to civilization.

As the 'girouna' has large, chunky tyres, Kimon actually managed to get the quad bike out yesterday afternoon while I was making a casserole on top of the log burning stove. The stove is worth its weight in gold this weather and wonderful with our flat bottomed casserole tin. Old and battered, this old tin cooks stove-top stews and soups very well indeed. We are finding that we need to eat much more while the weather is cold to fuel us up in the mornings, so cooking is a great way to keep warm. On Friday 6^th January, Steph and I attacked all the oranges which had been given us for a batch of marmalade. “Marmalizing” made a good, sociable morning as we stirred our saucepans, designed labels and nattered away while our mix was thickening up. It does seem to be a sticky, fiddly mess in the kitchen for four jars of marmalade each, but we enjoyed our cooking session and have little gifts on hand, should anyone need some zingy breakfast spread. There is nothing as good as freshly made marmalade on toast! As it was Epiphany, we decided to call it Magi Marmalade.

So as we haven't been anywhere or done anything much of interest, it is perhaps time to take my leave for now. New Year blessings and 'keep warm' wishes to you all!