I am back. Two weeks with grandson Seb (short for Sebotage) left me no space in which to write. How did Charles Dickens write so prodigiously and father ten children? Mind you he did complain that he had “brought up the largest family ever known with the smallest disposition to do anything for themselves.” That is the biggest Dad Diss ever.
After the Fams’ departure this week, we had a massive clean up and were left flat on the couch nursing a stiff one (What? What? Oh for God’s sake! I meant a drink).
It was a precious two weeks though. As the Rentals – short for Parentals and the family term for Kim and me – are not allowed out in the evenings and the days were very hot, most of our time was spent on the Islamlar estate. We did break out for two wonderful days at the Xanthos Hotel in Patara run by our friend Arjan, maker of the boutique Gümüşlük wine. It is easy to pronounce. Just have a glass of it and Goomooshhhlook comes out easy as pie.
Patara was Seb’s first taste of sand and sea. He spat it out.
Other than that we made full use of pool and grounds at home. Eating, drinking, swimming, playing, chatting, watching films. And clearing up! The tsunami that a one year old generates: nappies, eating implements, clothes, toys, books, equipment. The Special talked of holding back a lava flow of stuff. Sorry I have flipped from tsunami to volcano. I am very promiscuous with metaphors!
And in ten days Harriet and Adam will arrive with their new six month old, Seth. Yes that’s right Seth and Seb. How did that happen? Can you imagine the pitfalls for declining sexagenarians (that is a person who..no! Apologies! I am learning)?
“Oh look at Seb! He is so cute”
“It is Seth Grandad! Seb was last week.”
“Oh I know! It’s just, you know, such similar names. You can understand sweetie.”
“I did….for the first ten times”
So I am going to have to keep my wits about me.
What was I saying?
Any way back to reality. The dreaded C Word continues to dominate. The play window for Over 65s (Bless you! I do not think I look it either) has now been reduced further. Back home by 5 pm and no going out until 10. So just the hottest part of the day then! Have the government not heard of siesta? Most Over 65s need a nap between 11 and 4. What is left?
Have you noticed btw the importance of the elbow in Turkish culture. The Pandemic has really brought it to prominence. The first thing I noticed was how easily Turks have very easily adapted to offering the elbow as handshake replacement. Turkish scooter riders have always worn the crash helmet on the elbow, of course. Now, Turks out and about walking often wear their mask on the elbow. Is there an equivalent to the Achilles’ Heel myth that I do not know about? Osman’s elbow? Please explain Türk arkadşlarım.
Anyway it is good to be back.
Since you are here, I have a favour to ask of you…. (Those of you who read the Guardian Online, will recognise the opening words of their pitch).
No, I am not going to ask you to pay to read my blog. I am well aware that the obligation is actually the other way around. But I cannot afford it.
With a small group of lovely people, mainly residents, I am planning to swim 5.4 km to raise money for the Kalkan School. We are going to help them replace twelve ancient, ineffective airconditioning units. Probably the single biggest boost to learning that 5 thousand pounds can buy.
In just 36 hours we have raised 27% of our total but it will get more difficult going forward. So dear reader I am appealing to you for your help. You can give on the page with a card or PayPal account or just message me with a pledge and I will collect after we swim on 3rd October.
Whatever, I appreciate being back
https://fundrazr.com/81iLXa?ref=ab_89Xzz9
