A first for the village

FOR the first time in our village there has been a successful Christmas Bazaar. There is always one in the main village annually, but this year three local groups came together to hold their own, and should be pleased with the results - although the weather did not co-operate. Originally they had hoped to place the tables full of Christmas around the village square, but threat of rain drove them to their back-up plan - the Church Hall.  This spacious building was more than enough for the groups who had made their arrangements to be there. Of course there was food and drink, together with a great many last minute presents for those who did not have time or the inclination to go further afield for shopping.

 

 

Housing deadline extended

IN a move designed to help home owner through the current difficult times does not appear to really be enough, but at least it shows that authorities understand the dilemma that many are facing. 

  Greece will extend by another year the moratorium on home repossessions for debts up to 200,000 euros, according to legislation submitted to Parliament on Monday.

  Until the end of 2013, banks will not be able to seize the homes of customers if they are their main property - regardless of how much is owed - or if the amount owed is less than 200,000 euros.

Non-performing loans at the end of September stood at 52 billion euros, which was 22.5 percent of all loans – a rise of 7.5 percentage points from the end of 2011. More than 15 billion euros of these loans are mortgages.

  The legislative act submitted by the government also foresees individuals and businesses renting commercial properties being able to terminate their contract by paying one month’s rent to the landlord.

Where's the good news?

CHRISTMAS always seems to have an air of gloom, despite the otherwise festive period. For Greeks the gloom is  ongoing with further news confirming that the confirming that the country still has a very long way on the road to recovery.
  Greece's unemployment rate in the 3rd quarter of 2012 was 24.8 percent compared with 23.6 percent in the previous quarter, and 17.7 percent in the corresponding quarter of 2011, official statistics showed on Thursday.
The number of employed amounted to 3,739,018 persons while the number of unemployed amounted to 1,230,918, the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) said.
   The number of employed persons decreased by 1.4 percent compared with the previous quarter, and by 8.3 percent compared with the 3rd quarter of 2011.   The number of unemployed persons increased by 5.3 percent compared with the previous quarter and by 40.2 percent compared with the 3rd quarter of 2011.

A sorry software saga!!

HOW many beans make five? That's easy of course. How many e-mails to solve a simple software problem -15 and counting!!

  Earlier this year I purchased Hallmark Card Studio 2012. It's a great programme to design and print birthday cards etc. It's from a really big company and allows me to design personal cards for anyone of family and friends and  print out unique cards. After changing my main computer I re-installed the software, but there was a small problem. I uninstalled and re-installed but the problem was still there. So an email to customer services was dispatched. Ten mails later I finally got a reply from their technical division - Uninstall it Mr Williams and then re-install!!

  I mailed again, meanwhile I also had 10 offers to buy the new 2013 programme but no answer from Hallmark, they did not recognise the order number which Hallmark themselves had generated.   Eventually came a reply which was to offer their apologies for the service (sic) asking for all the details again of the problem. Now I have a list of ten people's names at Hallmark - but no solution. Suddenly came another new name offering to solve a problem which I do not have which they think I have, Another name to add to the list.

  To  date  still  waiting  for  this to be  finalised  - watch  this space .

   *   *   *

UPDATE: A voice of commonsense has solved the situation. Sherwin in Customer Services must have read all the mails that flew back and forth. A quick chat and five minutes later I was offered Card Studio 2013 for free- good result, a situation that should have been sorted weeks ago.

 
 

Up close & personal

 A GOOD friend of ours is president of a local Anatolian Union, and annually they have a big get together with a meal, wine and entertainment. This year it  was staged in Heraklion, and along with a couple of English friends we went along for the experience. There were several people there that we knew, mainly from the village, and the meal, although late (nothing unusual in that) was first class and plenty of it. There was also wine and soft drinks always on tap so you never went dry.

   These events are always very sociable and we get new acquaintances each time but  the highlight for many was the dancer as she gyrated around the area, finishing up on the tables to allow a very up close and personal experience for many. Our parting words - "see you next year"

Best donuts - every year!!

There is always something happening with our KAPI, social group here in Hersonissos, Crete. Today it was national Loukoumades (Donuts) Day and the ladies of the group were in the offices early with their flour, yeast and honey to set about making them.
  These delicious deep fried yeast balls are crisp on the outside and simply soft in the middle. Just to make them even more acceptable they drizzle them a honey/water mixture and then dust them with roasted nuts.
  Anybody passing through the area had to chance to sample them, free of charge and there were plenty of takers for this simple but delightful offering.
  It's a simple way of making sure that the communites stay in touch and nobody can resist having a plateful - or even more given the chance. (Pictured: Ladies from the KAPI prepare more plates)