Yep, things are a changing...and the weather is just one of them. Today we had the first rain since May, but the weather is still quite warm. Quite a novelty to use the windscreen wipers again. Kids are back at school, routine comes into being, new folk arrive in town, there's life to live again. Following what I felt was almost a summer hibernation, this is all good news! Other great things to celebrate today are:
FRESH FIGS....there is nothing quite like the taste of a soft, fresh, succulent fig. That will be one sad part about the passing of summer. That and copious quantities of ice cream.
CRYSTAL CLEAR WATER...I took a nice long Mediterranean swim this morning on my own. I arrived at the beach with hardly a soul there (a fine contrast to peak summer conditions). After last night's rain, there was a freshness in the air. All the dust had disappeared. The sun glistened on the sea, the mountains rose majestically above in the background and, woah Mama, the water beckoned. The swimming was divine; water temperature, visibility, no people, no boats. Just sunny ripples of sand beneath me, a crab all on his own, a few schools of small fish and, with every breath, a panoramic vista to take that very breath away.
FOUR HEALTHY KIDS...something to never take for granted. I am so thankful for their good health this past year. With all the many changes they have adapted so well. Although they still talk about Australia and the things they remember or miss, this has not stopped them embracing life here in Cyprus.
JESSIE (9yrs now) has two new things in her life: pierced ears and learning gymnastics. Although we could have done with a bit less 'minutiae' about the piercings, the backward walk-overs and splits have kept her busy and flexible and proud of her new-found abilities. She has also resumed the flute and has a very likeable male teacher named Jackovos (at least I think that's how I pronounce it). School is off to a flying start and she's also loving Brownies each Wednesday.
ANGUS (7 and a half) is now officially, since about July, chocolate brown. Not all over of course; his bottom seems almost fluorescent in contrast! Fearless, action man, Angus is all about extreme. Anything less than that is dead boring. Pity about the reading...unless it's about killer crocs. Over the holidays it was insane water-slides and 'Crazy Shark' rides behind speed boats, now that we're back at school he's got to settle for breakdancing, basketball, soccer, guitar and scouts. He'll be glad to return to the surf and skate ramps back in Australia one day but for now, it's all still pretty good for a 7yr old. Did anybody say the word 'over-scheduled'? Believe me, we have to keep this kid BUSY.
SAM (4yrs with only 150 days until "I'll be five!"). How to describe Sam? Just take a listen:
- "Mum, is God a GIANT?"
- "Mum, how BIG is God really? Is he as big as Daddy?"
- "When we get to heaven, will we be able to SEE God or will he be TOO BIG?"
And then there are the 2011 Eurovision songs that still live on for him. Looking forward to next year's fresh batch of songs....
For Sam, we have been fortunate to find a 14yr old piano teacher. Lessons are a blast with pictures, colouring in, stickers and chatting. No actual tinkling of the ivories as yet; she seems to be building up to it. Anna Piana we call her - just to distinguish her from our Anna.
ANNA (2yrs) can only be described as super cute and super stubborn. Fortunately, being gorgeous always wins out! Everywhere we go, particularly in the supermarket, everyone wants to squish her cheek or give her food. It's an endless source of entertainment for her, making my trolley pushing much more interesting, despite my poor Greek. The other kids take full advantage of "The Anna Factor" and love to take her into bakeries hoping they'll score some free sausage rolls.
Anna's day begins with staying at home with Monica whilst I do school drop-off and take some time for myself or get some exercise. After that, Monica goes home and Anna comes with me to playgroup or Tiny Beats singing group or grocery shopping or morning tea with some Mummy & toddler friends. Lunch and a day sleep follow, after which time it's 2pm and time for the other 3 to get off the bus. Every afternoon has a different activity schedule so Monica arrives mid-afternoon to help mind the kids and prepare dinner. I still haven't stopped appreciating the domestic help!
Other news from the Piper household includes a great visit from Heather Robinson; our very dedicated children's church worker from our church in Mona Vale.
Also, a little bit of planning & logistics to celebrate Sarah's 40th in November....Barcelona here we come! (Sarah's first trip off the island since we arrived, Ross' twentieth!!)
FRESH FIGS....there is nothing quite like the taste of a soft, fresh, succulent fig. That will be one sad part about the passing of summer. That and copious quantities of ice cream.
CRYSTAL CLEAR WATER...I took a nice long Mediterranean swim this morning on my own. I arrived at the beach with hardly a soul there (a fine contrast to peak summer conditions). After last night's rain, there was a freshness in the air. All the dust had disappeared. The sun glistened on the sea, the mountains rose majestically above in the background and, woah Mama, the water beckoned. The swimming was divine; water temperature, visibility, no people, no boats. Just sunny ripples of sand beneath me, a crab all on his own, a few schools of small fish and, with every breath, a panoramic vista to take that very breath away.
FOUR HEALTHY KIDS...something to never take for granted. I am so thankful for their good health this past year. With all the many changes they have adapted so well. Although they still talk about Australia and the things they remember or miss, this has not stopped them embracing life here in Cyprus.
JESSIE (9yrs now) has two new things in her life: pierced ears and learning gymnastics. Although we could have done with a bit less 'minutiae' about the piercings, the backward walk-overs and splits have kept her busy and flexible and proud of her new-found abilities. She has also resumed the flute and has a very likeable male teacher named Jackovos (at least I think that's how I pronounce it). School is off to a flying start and she's also loving Brownies each Wednesday.
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| The day finally arrived! Jessie's 9th B'day present. |
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| The boys at St Hilarion Castle |
SAM (4yrs with only 150 days until "I'll be five!"). How to describe Sam? Just take a listen:
- "Mum, is God a GIANT?"
- "Mum, how BIG is God really? Is he as big as Daddy?"
- "When we get to heaven, will we be able to SEE God or will he be TOO BIG?"
Oh, and how can I forget the toilet scene?
- "Mum" (whilst pushing very hard to get his No. 2 out, red faced & all) "is Spiderman real?"
- "Mum" (still pushing hard) "is Superman real?"
- "Mum" (now exasperated, looking desperate on both fronts) "what IS real?"
And then there are the 2011 Eurovision songs that still live on for him. Looking forward to next year's fresh batch of songs....
For Sam, we have been fortunate to find a 14yr old piano teacher. Lessons are a blast with pictures, colouring in, stickers and chatting. No actual tinkling of the ivories as yet; she seems to be building up to it. Anna Piana we call her - just to distinguish her from our Anna.
ANNA (2yrs) can only be described as super cute and super stubborn. Fortunately, being gorgeous always wins out! Everywhere we go, particularly in the supermarket, everyone wants to squish her cheek or give her food. It's an endless source of entertainment for her, making my trolley pushing much more interesting, despite my poor Greek. The other kids take full advantage of "The Anna Factor" and love to take her into bakeries hoping they'll score some free sausage rolls.
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| Anna in a medieval castle with her best friend "Gubby" |
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| Friday night Desert night: chocolate pudding. |
Anna's day begins with staying at home with Monica whilst I do school drop-off and take some time for myself or get some exercise. After that, Monica goes home and Anna comes with me to playgroup or Tiny Beats singing group or grocery shopping or morning tea with some Mummy & toddler friends. Lunch and a day sleep follow, after which time it's 2pm and time for the other 3 to get off the bus. Every afternoon has a different activity schedule so Monica arrives mid-afternoon to help mind the kids and prepare dinner. I still haven't stopped appreciating the domestic help!
Other news from the Piper household includes a great visit from Heather Robinson; our very dedicated children's church worker from our church in Mona Vale.
Also, a little bit of planning & logistics to celebrate Sarah's 40th in November....Barcelona here we come! (Sarah's first trip off the island since we arrived, Ross' twentieth!!)
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| View of Kyrenia from St Hilarion Castle |
Lovely update thank you Sarah much love Maika and Pop xxxxx
ReplyDeleteGlad you'll be getting to have a go at the jetsetting life Sar! Enjoy your 40th - it's really not that bad!! I've put some colour in my hair, joined the gym and really want to quit my job...is this normal!!?? But really...life is good, God is good. I'm glad you're enjoying the blessings! Love Fi
ReplyDeleteWhat is REAL? Great question Sam
ReplyDelete(happy to report that this was read and enjoyed by both of us)
Gui and Weed
enjoy reading the letters from cyprus. i am glad that everything is going well for you all. lovely pictures.
ReplyDelete