Here we are 2013, hope it's going to be a great year for us all.

We are not travelling this week, thought we could have a change for a little while.
Here is a 'Gobble, Gobble, turkey story'

When we first came to live here in Cyprus, our house was next to a farmers small house, slightly run down, where the family had lived until they had a house built in the village, where they have lived for many years. It was now used for a getaway at weekends, or when the old chap wanted some peace and quiet away from the family.
He kept chickens and turkeys etc, which he bred for a taverna he owned.
Whilst walking around our garden, I noticed on the other side of our fence a huge dead turkey.Thinking it had got out and killed by stray dogs I thought I would walk round and let him know. He is a very tall upright man, rather stern looking, and does not speak English. My Greek is a few words, so calling out to him where he was picking fruit, he comes over. Well, how do you explain a dead turkey! Yes, I mimed a turkey strutting around, making gobble, gobble sound, scratching at the ground with my feet, then showing slitting my throat and falling over. Well, the farmer looked at me as if I had just come down from some weird alien planet. Yes, these silly English ladies out in the midday sun! He walked over his land to have a look, then came back and said he would remove it. I told him no need, just wanted him to know what might have happened.We got used to the odd dead bird being thrown over the fence. They would in the end be dragged away by stray dogs or cats for food.
After this we were welcomed as neighbours, and when ever we came to his taverna were singled out for a special greeting.
When they were making the special almond sweets we were invited over to participate, and his elder daughter would honk her horn when passing, to get me to come and pick fresh vegetables with her in the field. I have not yet succumbed to the all black gear and headscarf and wellies to work in the fields!
When the wine festival was on, they had a stall serving up hot honeyed tiny doughnuts which we love. I would queue up  and his wife who was disabled would see me and bang her walking stick on the ground and shoo everyone away so I got first serving, extra large size and free. I would creep away feeling rather guilty at some of the 'Who the hell is that' getting special treatment.

Hope you enjoyed the change of blog. Picture for the week 

"Kentish Oast Houses"

                                                      
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The art side will continue as usual.

I have now put in the other eye, and an ear, Darwin is gradually coming to life here now.Doing a white dog is not that easy, especially trying to make the fur look like it should, and not just a thick blob of white.Next I will start on the nose and all his jowls!
Catch up again next week.