Living the Dream 107. A new season

On Thursday, March 31st, I was playing golf. I arrived at the course at 7am.

“I feel cold, just looking at you.” Not the usual greeting I get, but I will concede that the early morning sun didn’t seem to warrant my shorts and t-shirt.

An hour or so later, I was hailed as a prophet.

Cyprus does that. Spring weather can be a bit hit and miss. For a country famed for its sunshine and warmth, the cold nights of winter do seem to hang about a bit. Early last week, it dropped to -3 degrees centigrade (26.6 Fahrenheit) in our village. On Saturday, it hit 29 (84.2) on the golf course. It’s as though someone flicks a switch. Instant summer.

Everyone has weather-shock. The dogs look at me, disappointed. As far as they’re concerned, all power emanates from me. I make food appear, provide water at will and take them for the best walks. (Any walk is the best walk for these two.) I’m having to put up with a canine gaze that says “Are you going to turn the weather down or what?”

People are scrambling to find their windshield covers. If you leave the car in the sun, then your steering wheel is too hot to touch when you come back. On the whole, everyone is happy. Another winter has been endured. Now, we can all get on with being hot for 8 months. The Brits, of course, will now whine and whinge. Too hot. Too dusty. Too humid. Too sunny. Too bright. Too many mosquitos. Too many tourists. Too…. Oh you get the picture.

I’m switching into summer mode. My day runs from 0500 to 1400. 1400-1900 is pretty quiet. A swim, a snooze or some reading (sometimes even with my eyes open). Then a light supper and maybe some TV out on the terrace. Yes - I am a lucky git.

Before settling into summer, we’re off to Blighty for a week. Maybe. I write maybe, as the Current Mrs L has cold feet. She has a point. Covid infection numbers are the highest the’ve ever been in both the UK and Cyprus. However, people are able to fly without testing, and take their masks off if they fancy a drink. Most of the people we are to visit are in vulnerable groups. The thought of them being infected by us, having successfully shielded themselves for two years is scary. On the other hand - the virus is with us for keeps, and one hopes that the vaccination and booster protect us from the worst. We’re watching the numbers, and considering our options. To go - or to postpone.

Like everyone else, I watch with horror the despicable, unwarranted war waged upon Ukraine, by Russia. Putin’s regime is turning up its disinformation campaign, so I think it’s important that we all keep a keen eye on the truth. Russia invaded Ukraine, and is visiting war crimes upon its populace. These are absolute truths - not opinions.