Update 6

UPDATE 6 – Sunday 6 September 6, 2009

We’ve had a great week, following a fairly heavy first week after the Chemo.

The day Natasha departed John looked – to be honest – awful, so it was not an easy parting for her. But an hour later he was back to normal colouring and character and happily chatting to our neighbour Peter. It was also the day of an earthquake measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale, which sounded like an engine coming nearer and nearer til it shook and rattled the house, even to the extent of waking Ben and Lucy.

However, this Wednesday he was quite amazing, taking the wheel of the Pajero for the first time since his chemo, and driving all the way to the border. We crossed into the North near Morphou and drove to beautiful Bellapais, where we celebrated our 35^th wedding anniversary.

We went for supper at the Bellapais Gardens and enjoyed the view, the food, the ambience and each other.  A truly good day - and John didn't have one sleep so not sure how he got through the day. On arrival home, we found that amazing Ben had cooked that night's supper and it was sitting on the hob.

What other news? We’ve watched Ben leaping the waves with his kite surfer; had two torrential thunder storms bringing much needed rain; lots of visitors; and two dips in Karina’s pool for some gentle swimming as the sun either goes down or comes up (JR having to keep out of the sun during the chemo sessions).

We’re just back from lunch at the traditional old mountain hotel at Platres, Forest Park Hotel, where the dappled shade from the tall pines is a welcome change from the heat of the valleys below.

Next week we are planning a picnic at one of our other favourite mountain spots, the Venetian bridge Kelafos, where the water keeps running throughout the year.