Falling masonry? The fireplace fell through the floor into the foundations one metre below the floor, and the stone chimney breast fell down without warning; all two tons of it!
Car repairs? New clutch, new locks, new steering and new wing mirror; the previous mirror had been ripped off by a marauding cow!
Not to mention, the unexpected arrival of MiMi and Bella who took up residence at Meerkat Manor. Bella? A five-day-day old cute puppy who Stavros rescued from the rubbish bins. It weighed just 300 grams (10 ozs) and sat in the palm of his hand on the day he found it. As of November 2013, she has grown into a giant 42 kilos (92 lbs.) Greek Sheepdog!
Also, read about how Stavros came to be nicknamed ‘Goldfinger’ !
Stuart and Valerie have recognised life could have been easier living in Agios Nikolaos. Mind you, as Stuart says,
“Without the problems and frustrations, we may not have experienced so much fun. Not to mention the pain and the frustration and extra unbudgeted expense!”
However as they both say,
“You have to be brave!”
“…. And so much more!”
WARNING! Please be aware that some pieces from ‘Watching The Olives Grow’ and ‘It Started With An Ouzo’ are repeated in this book; Specifically, the Prologue and the chapters about the naming of Meerkat Manor and description of Agios Nikolaos. They are included as they contain the original ‘background and positioning’ information for any reader who has not previously read about the ‘adventures’ of Stavros Allanopolis, and how he moved from the United Kingdom and went to live permanently in Greece
Enjoy your reading.
Yammus! (“Cheers!” … as in with a drink in your hand.)
and
Yassas! (“Cheers!” … as in Cheerio and see you again soon.)
Photo: The Author Stavros Allanopolis.
Watching the Olives Grow Page 21