While the last of the pomegranates are splitting on branches now covered in bright yellow leaves, the oranges are ripening.
It’s olive picking time.
Soon the newly processed oil will be on our tables, and what better way to appreciate its aromatic flavor than as a dip for fresh, crusty bread. Bread and oil, with maybe an onion added – the poor (Greek) man’s caviar!
The cyclamen have been replaced by pale blue crocuses and tiny green orchids, as well as the first anemones, fooled into flower by the unseasonably warm weather.
We took advantage of this to visit the Haris Estate where, amongst other cute creatures like bantam hens and miniature ponies, they keep alpacas – yes, alpacas in Attica! They hang about, looking woolly and making a high-pitched ‘mmmmmmmm’ sound – really too adorable! I want some!
We also went to a dog show where a friend was exhibiting her champion ridgebacks. There was the usual hilarious array of enthusiasts with their pooches, from a huge white Pyrenean mountain dog to the tiniest, fluffiest, pristine Pomeranian. The dogs were all beautiful (otherwise they wouldn’t be there, I guess), there were lots of kids milling around, music, souvlaki at the canteen. Everyone was enjoying themselves.
It’s still been warm enough to have lunch by the sea – outdoors! Note the kid in a t-shirt. As we ate, someone on a paddle board went by. No wind, so no windsurfers today – but quite a few swimmers. The sea is still warm, warmer than it will be in early June.
As we head into winter, it’s good to make the most of this beautiful weather.
Speaking of poor man’s caviar and looking at the photograph of food, I wanted to mention the guest post, called Postcard from Greece, which my friend Nadya invited me to write for her blog, The Exceptional. I re-blogged it without managing to write a few words – this is the first time I’ve done a re-blog, and I must have hit the wrong button! I wanted to thank Nadya for asking me, and to urge everyone to wander over and take a look at her blog about her life as a PhD student and mom.
This is a lovely post. I hope many readers see it as they will enjoy it……Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Franklin. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLike
Lovely photographs. I’m very envious, as I’m looking out of the window at dark grey clouds and cold December rain. I’ll have to buy some olives tonight and pretend I’m in Greece.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. As I said, there have to be some benefits to living here!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have to admit to a soft spot for alpacas, their big soft eyes and that sound they make. They are calling out to be hugged… at which point they would undoubtedly run a mile. Or spit.
The light in your photographs is wonderful.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I took them on my iPhone, I’m a pretty pathetic photographer. Attica light, you can’t go wrong…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Seems like you’re having such a wonderful day! Olive picking, puppies, alpacas, and lunch by the sea, I am so happy for you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOVE these pictures! I have a funny story about a llama (or maybe it was an alpaca, not sure). I went to a petting zoo in Florida of all places where they had some. (It seems cruel to keep them in Florida.) At any rate, I started petting the llama/alpaca and he began making these very strange Star Wars like sounds. The zookeeper came up and told me I had better leave off because the llama/alpaca didn’t like it. I decided he must not have liked me because he sensed how much I was coveting his coat.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just as well he didn’t spit on you! But they do have a very soft coat
LikeLike