Changing Colours

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When I wrote about our trip to Portugal, I did say we were searching for inspiration for a recovery trip. On a whim and with a definite need to experience a little more European sunshine before winter sets in, Mister E and I headed off to Crete. Age must definitely be playing its part because this was not our usual must-explore-from-dawn-to-dusk travel adventure. We have seen the archaeological highlights of Crete previously, so we embarked on this vacation with the sole aim of resting, reading and relaxing. 

The weather smiled kindly on us and with blue sky, sea and even a matching swim towel, life was almost complete. With the addition of some coastal rambles, authentic tavernas, our own plunge pool and temperatures in the mid-twenties this was a trip that ticked the boxes set for it.

Sometimes retirement life is so busy that I forget about the need to simply stop and breathe. Part of me believes that with the absence of  the daily pressures of a working life, I should be able to unwind at home. Reality suggests otherwise, even if it took a journey to Greece to prove it. Reposing oneself into a calm or even semi-vegetative state is simply a hundred times easier when the daily distractions (not to mention To Do List) are two and a half thousand miles away. Yes it was an indulgence but how much better we feel from spending time in a get away destination where there is literally nothing to do but chill out.


When we returned home, the world had turned orange. A couple of mellow days deluded me into thinking there were several weeks to plant the thousand bulbs that I had ready to replace those decimated by the field mice last winter during our enforced exile. A little less than a fortnight later, however, everywhere is sodden and brown. Snow is forecast for overnight. Outside winter has most definitely arrived;  inside I'm still harbouring a warm glow from some late season Mediterranean sunshine!



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