I am in the same boat as the rest of us ex-pats but my cup will always be half full. I don`t live in a war zone, I am not ill, I am not homeless, I am not starving and so on.. you get the drift.
What I AM... is extremely happy, I live in a wonderful place, am blessed with wonderful Greek & British friends and am always soooo relieved to just wake up in the morning knowing I am going to have another magical day.
Can we have a "Happy Thread" please?
All together now...
" If your happy and you know it clap your hands"...
CLAP CLAP!!
Message posted by PLUT T on 10 December 2011 at 12:29pm - IP Logged
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Yes I am very happy. I have lived in Corfu for over seventeen years now and love it here. I have wonderful neighbours and friends here. It is fantastic to be able to look over the mountains every morning and think how lucky I am to have the chance to live in such a glorious place.
Despite being diagnosed recently with two serious immune conditions (I am Celiac and have Hashimoto's thyroiditis now..both linked to each other) I have a fantastic Greek endocrinologist and I am doing great on the meds and the gluten free diet I have had to go on.
I have learned to make my own gluten free goodies and fresh bread and I am looking forward to Christmas now I know I won't have to go without a few treats.
Life is good and I am very happy!
Message posted by Angie_redshoes on 10 December 2011 at 12:59pm - IP Logged
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We too are very happy having just exchanged (yesterday)on our house in the UK in a very stagnant market, and planning our move to Corfu early January (not the best time to travel) but we intend to be VERY HAPPY in Corfu. Here we come!!
Message posted by Puddies on 10 December 2011 at 1:17pm - IP Logged
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I'm pennyless, struggling to pay bills, hate the weather, dislike UK BUT.... my daughter had my 2nd grandson 7 days ago and I'm soooo happy!! (although I've put his photo in my gallery twice & he's still not in it)
Message posted by Polly-anna on 10 December 2011 at 1:30pm - IP Logged
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Hi Shelley, thanks for the PM... I don`t know how to find my old thread "All Roads Lead to Corfu" maybe someone smarter than me will be able to pull it up... it will give you a clue!! Yep we did the move in January 2008... never regretted it for a moment. Well done on getting your house sold. Another Happy Soul!
Puddies.. Many congratulations on your new Grandson... an early Christmas pressie! With you on the animals.. we have been adopted by 10 cats and 2 dogs and the occasional donkey that likes to wander up our drive.. life is never dull!
Perhaps you could give me some advice on one of my cats Colin... HE has 3 legs... but we havent told him.. oh and he is also a girl... havent told him that either... should we just leave him to it?
Message posted by Angie_redshoes on 10 December 2011 at 1:33pm - IP Logged
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My grandmother said to me when I was very young (Im 61 now) the only unhappy people in the world are the ones who are in the cemetry. They wish theyd done all the things theyd wanted to and kept saying "Oh Ill do it tomorrow" Well tomorrow may not come so be happy with all you have around you... be thankful for small mercies,I moan but Im still aware there are people suffering in this great big world, and while Im able Ill give to those charities that help the less fortunate than myself (especially the childrens ones) They are the innocents in this world adults should and could do better
Message posted by Angie_redshoes on 10 December 2011 at 1:50pm - IP Logged
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I think happiness is taken for granted, I'm mostly happy, but, boy oh boy I've known a few unhappy moments!
We don't appreciate what we have until we no longer have it!
In the words of Ken Dodd---Happiness Happiness is the greatest gift that I possess---I thank the Lord that I've been blessed with more than my share of happiness .
Message posted by Lavinia on 10 December 2011 at 2:13pm - IP Logged
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Thanks for bringing it back Angie - I have laughed till I've cried again at it.
You must have more stories regarding you house build and move or did everything go perfectly?
Alison
Message posted by Angie_redshoes on 10 December 2011 at 2:38pm - IP Logged
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Oh god no Alison... Loads more stories.. don`t forget when we moved over in Jan 2008 we drove...and funny enough the last thing to be loaded into the van was our fancy dress outfits from a couple of nights earlier.. I was cat woman.. nothing to scarey there but Marathon Man was Zorro... with a real sword.... oops!
Message posted by suffolk-steve on 10 December 2011 at 3:05pm - IP Logged
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I'm happy and in 20 weeks be even happier, will see what my builder has completed this time. I'm lucky to have a Greek builder who does a 100% job and can trust him to get on with things knowing when I open the door, a big grin will appear on my face, after tour round we will head in Gouvia and celebrate with a few biera's
Message posted by Angie_redshoes on 10 December 2011 at 3:10pm - IP Logged
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All OK here.
Very happy and no complaints.
Christmas is around the corner and how we love Christmas.
The tree is all dressed, most presents bought and wrapped so bring it on.
We are very blessed with a terrific family, great Grandkids, seven at the last count.
Good health, a lovely villa that we can spend lots of time at and a nice house in the UK.
Since I retired, getting on for a year ago, wow how time flies, we have considerably less money but who cares?
Lets sit back and enjoy life.
Corfu in March...can't wait.
Message posted by juliepat on 10 December 2011 at 3:37pm - IP Logged
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I have a wonderful husband, 2 fantastic sons, a great family, health is good, a job I love 90% of the time. We struggle at times, who doesn't monetary wise and we love our holiday to Corfu. 2012 will be even better when I do my Greek Odyessy. So yes I can say I am happy even with the miserable weather we are having. Bev.
Message posted by S and J on 10 December 2011 at 6:48pm - IP Logged
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I'm happy too...we have our 8th grandchild being born next week. It will be my daughter's first baby after she was told she couldn't have children
Next year we are spending the whole summer on Corfu so very very happy about that
The only empty feeling I have is that I have my son and his fiancee deployed over the Christmas period as they won't be home till February...notice I said empty and not sad because I know they are doing the job they love
Stay happy folks
Sandra
Message posted by alibeth on 10 December 2011 at 8:47pm - IP Logged
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A comment made by Bernard Manning when he knew he was slowly dying... "when I wake up I push my elbows out and if they dont hit wood I know Im still alive" and be grateful
Message posted by Lindy on 10 December 2011 at 11:46pm - IP Logged
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Well, I am now separated, struggle financially, hate the cold weather, work long hours BUT
I have two sons who are my pride and joy and doing very well in their lives, I have a roof, a bed and food, loving family and friends, and I think of those in the world who are just struggling to find food and water and running from corrupt regimes and I feel the luckiest person. I wish everyone a happy and above all peaceful Christmas x
Message posted by Puddies on 11 December 2011 at 12:10am - IP Logged
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Angie redshoes - I really like that, leave him/her as she is, as long as she's well she can hop along happily with a male name! lol x
I've going to have a wonderful Christmas with all my animals including the husband. 2 grandkids & family, it will be fun! xx
Message posted by Kaffy on 11 December 2011 at 12:41am - IP Logged
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Spent part of yesterday with my great grand daughter who is now 17 months old and it really made me happy. She loved seeing all the balloons (baubles) that were around town and jiggled in her pushchair when she liked the Christmas music that was being played. She did not like seeing Father Christmas - her mother and grandmother were the same!
Message posted by Speedlampshade on 11 December 2011 at 2:39am - IP Logged
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Quote: Originally posted by maureenandbrian on 10 December 2011
A comment made by Bernard Manning when he knew he was slowly dying... "when I wake up I push my elbows out and if they dont hit wood I know Im still alive" and be grateful
AMEN to that!
Message posted by Billf on 11 December 2011 at 7:55pm - IP Logged
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I've had the weirdest year, full of peaks, troughs and changes. Emotional rollercoaster ride too (those who know me know why)
BUT... I'm not a glass half full gal... Despite everything that's happened, right at the moment my glass is full to the brim. I have my family, my health, wonderful friends, I'm solvent (just) and I have a lovely home in Corfu to come back to next summer. It would be churlish of me to be anything less
Message posted by Marisa on 12 December 2011 at 4:30am - IP Logged
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I am blessed with my first grandchild this July, a boy. My son & his wife have been married 10 years and she had three miscarriages, so he is a little miracle.
I have a lovely home in Cornwall with a kind, thoughtful man and a wonderful home in Corfu. In 2012 we will be in north west Corfu for 5 months! We are driving out with our two cats, Samos & Elli, and it will be an adventure. We have been taking them for trial runs in the car, so far they have been to Dartmoor and seen sheep and wild ponies (whilst in their travel cage) and seen the Tamar river and a large tame muscovy duck!
I have to be careful with finances now as I am a pensioner, I do voluntary work for a local charity which I enjoy. We are blessed by good health and yes very happy. As my 'motto' says 'it is always sunny above the clouds'!
Happy Chritmas and a happy and healthy new year to everyone.
Marisa
Message posted by Angie_redshoes on 12 December 2011 at 1:38pm - IP Logged
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Great thread Angie, at last a positive thread, would like to add to it with my always half full glass that may empty soon but with a never ending bottle of optimism by its side no chance of any negativity from me. My life in Corfu is never dull, I am surrounded by one of the most beautiful vistas and wildlife that Europe has to offer and It is the season of goodwill!
Happy St Spiridon day, and happy Christmas with the healthiest New Year to all...
Message posted by Tina B on 12 December 2011 at 11:11pm - IP Logged
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Ahh congratualitions Sue and Dave on the new Grandson, busy Christmas for you then! What time do you manage to eat your dinner after seeing to your animals?
I was feeling not very festive but a weekend away with friends in the beautiful Lake District and our first Christmas dinner there soon put me in the mood. My daughter is 3 now so very excited about it all. Our tree has been decorated by her and doesn't look too bad, better than the colour coordinated designer ones anyway. Seeing the enjoyment it gave her I couldn't have said no that looks silly. I admit to 'leaky' eyes as she picked out some of the old baubles from my childhood, and even a couple from her Great Grandparents. What happy memories they bring back. I managed to hear the nursery children singing Away in a Manger at the play without my eyes leaking, but it took some doing with a bit of lip chewing. At least it will be dark at the Christingle so I can blub in secret.
It all reminds me of what a magical time Christmas can be seen through the eyes of a child, so yes other things in life could be a lot better, but I am looking forward to the rest of December. Only wish is that I could share it with my Sister and her family, hopefully we can next year.
Message posted by weshamers on 13 December 2011 at 12:50am - IP Logged
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Hi All dont live in Corfu, only holiday there, but I enjoy my life sooooo much, the holiday in Corfu is the icing on the cake. We too have had a year of ups and downs, and when we found out how low some of the lows would be we made sure we had plenty of highs to balance it out. Some of these highs did not cost a penny. Taking grandkids to feed the ducks and horses, walking on lovely sunny days, just waking up pain free, and knowing my family all healthy, priceless. Positive vibes sent to all who are feeling down. lol Ann xxxx
Message posted by maureenandbrian on 13 December 2011 at 8:39am - IP Logged
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well Angie 100% (well 99-99999) happy so far so the world should be a better place to live ...
(ponders ... why are there problems then)
1. Think Ill contact the united nations ...
2. Maybe they arent happy ...
3. Maybe they need to visit Corfu regular ...
Works for me
Message posted by sooz on 13 December 2011 at 9:28am - IP Logged
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I can't stick to a diet, my arthritis isn't going to get any better, and I'm overworked and definitely underpaid...but, like Bruce, I'm thankful I wake up every morning. We've finally sold the house and bought the bungalow (subject to contract of course!) and we've our holiday in Corfu to look forward to. For once I'm looking forward to the new year!!
Sue
Message posted by paleogirl on 13 December 2011 at 10:31am - IP Logged
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paleogirl
It's not that great at the moment (same for us all) but I'm healthy, I have a job, I have great friends and in 170 days I will be touching down in Corfu.
Message posted by Angie_redshoes on 13 December 2011 at 11:18am - IP Logged
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This thread is definately making me feel all warm and fuzzy inside... well the fuzzy bit may be due to the fact that we visited rather a lot of Spiros yesterday.. oh but what fun!!
Open house wherever we went with our lovely friends Polly-anna and hubby and their 18 month old grandaughter whose mummy is in hospital having just given birth to another beautiful little girl.
We ended the evening at the last house by singing around the piano (Marathon Man played a few tunes and I warbled) while the Greek boys played guitar and sang their hearts out we had a fantastic time with all our Greek friends who even sang Jingle Bells with us!!
Well January and the ew year will soon be upon us all and all you lovely people who don`t live here will all be getting excited about your holidays... keep the happy thread going guys!!
Ms. Angie_ redshoes signing out and off in search of the paracetamol...
Happy Christmas everyone xx
Message posted by Puddies on 13 December 2011 at 11:25am - IP Logged
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Thanks Tina, yes, busy busy busy. They all come up to our house for breakfast which is late because all the animals get their breakfast first and then Christmas dinner is around 4pm. I went to see Landon's first Nativity Play last Friday as he started school in September, we all tried not to blub!! By god is he a little actor?? Really happy memories! Up until recently I've being to think Christmas is just an expensive time but when you've got grandkids the fun just rolls back and you return to being a kid yourself!!xx
Message posted by Billf on 13 December 2011 at 11:42am - IP Logged
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Quote: Originally posted by sooz on 13 December 2011
We've finally sold the house and bought the bungalow (subject to contract of course!) and we've our holiday in Corfu to look forward to. For once I'm looking forward to the new year!!
Sue
I move next week, and once Sooz get's into her bungalow we'll be 5 minutes down the road, so lots of preparing for our next Corfu visits may well be shared Another happy thought!
Message posted by Bazz on 13 December 2011 at 12:16pm - IP Logged
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I'm happy in my life at the moment. And I cherish this spell of happiness having known great sadness and despair. No matter how fleeting it may be (and long may it reign!). We have a good standard of living can afford to divulge in our Corfu "fix" once a year, have some fantastic friends over there and are working towards our shared dream of spending our summers there in our retirement. My son is healthy, happy and contented. I don't think I could ask for more.
Bazz x
Message posted by Bazz on 13 December 2011 at 12:27pm - IP Logged
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Thanks for your pm.. I have had a rotten virus.. actually I was starting to think it had moved in.. but better now, so I will fill you in on the trials and tribulations get ready for a L O N G PM!
Happy Christmas to you and yours xx
Message posted by Angie_redshoes on 13 December 2011 at 12:33pm - IP Logged
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Quote: Originally posted by maureenandbrian on 13 December 2011
well Angie 100% (well 99-99999) happy so far so the world should be a better place to live ...
(ponders ... why are there problems then)
1. Think Ill contact the united nations ...
2. Maybe they arent happy ...
3. Maybe they need to visit Corfu regular ...
Works for me
Nooooo MaureenandBrian... leave the miserable devils where they are!
Message posted by Angie_redshoes on 13 December 2011 at 12:36pm - IP Logged
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Quote: Originally posted by Billf on 13 December 2011
Quote: Originally posted by sooz on 13 December 2011
We've finally sold the house and bought the bungalow (subject to contract of course!) and we've our holiday in Corfu to look forward to. For once I'm looking forward to the new year!!
Sue
I move next week, and once Sooz get's into her bungalow we'll be 5 minutes down the road, so lots of preparing for our next Corfu visits may well be shared Another happy thought!
Ahh... that will be lovely... you guys can keep each other going with all your Corfu hols planning! Get yourselves a bottle of Ouzo and make a Greek meal to share, that will really get you in the spirit!
Message posted by weshamers on 13 December 2011 at 5:55pm - IP Logged
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Just fed the birds in the garden, a lovely little robin joined in, 3 different types of birds, when they gone fed the 2 stray cats that come for tea, now just making hubbys tea, shephards pie and loads of veg, comfort food. Happy days lol xxxx
Message posted by DAVID1 on 13 December 2011 at 6:36pm - IP Logged
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DAVID1
I'm happy Angie because you are happy!
Also I'm going to South Africa on Thursday for Christmas which I suppose may also have something to do with me being happy ... !!
David
Message posted by Lavinia on 13 December 2011 at 8:55pm - IP Logged
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Hi Weshamers.. thats one of the things I love about winter.. comfort food!
David.. fess up.. it`s nothing to do with me being happy! S.A. you lucky thing! Whereabouts are you going? My son-in-law is from Johannesburg, lives in the UK now and off to Florida for Christmas. Have a fantastic time!
Message posted by Angie_redshoes on 14 December 2011 at 9:39am - IP Logged
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Same kind of day here in UK, see snow on the hills, Grandkids praying for more then they can get their sledges out, better get my thermals out, my job to take care of the youngest hes only 2, while their Dad takes the 2 eldest. My daughter due her 4th boy anytime now, so she be so pleased when he arrives, and Im going to watch him being born, cant wait. Only 2 more get ups for work now, then having my first Christmas and New year off for 12 years YIPPEE!!! Doing school dinner duties today, their Christmas lunch and carol service, go and see my 2 grandaughters concert tonight, and my other 2 grandaughters tommorrow night. Happy dayslol Ann xxx
Message posted by DAVID1 on 14 December 2011 at 10:22am - IP Logged
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DAVID1
Morning! Near Johannesburg initially and then on a safari for a few days. The major part including Christmas will be in Cape Town with a house overlooking the ocean.
Thanks Lavinia and Angie. Have a HAPPY Christmas and a HAPPY New Year (Well 'Happy' is the theme of this thread!! )
David
Message posted by Puddies on 14 December 2011 at 12:00pm - IP Logged
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I'm happy. My wife and I have jobs which should be relatively safe, and skills to use if things change. I start a new role in February- setting up a new service for kids with epilepsy which is exciting for me.
Despite pay freezes etc we became debt free a few months ago and as a consequence have a few quid to save each month for our future.
Earlier this year I didn't think my old mum would see Christmas but despite 4 amputations she is still fighting and should get to see her grandchildren and great grandchildren open their presents again.
Next June we're bringing my elderly (but fit) in-laws to Corfu for two weeks in order to show them why we love the place so much, and why we keep coming back year after year, and I can't wait.
Oh and I can smell my dinner being cooked by the wife in the kitchen as I type - prawns on ouzo with feta are coming my way.
I think this is probably "as good as it gets" for me.
Message posted by windmill on 16 December 2011 at 12:48pm - IP Logged
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Attended my grandsons'school carol service in Truro Cathedral last night. The school provides the choiristers for the cathedral so the singing was magic. Truly beautiful evening..happiness.
Message posted by Angie_redshoes on 16 December 2011 at 2:15pm - IP Logged
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Hi NicandJohn,
What a lovely post, and what a trouper your mum is!! I remember bringing both our mums out here in 2007 for a holiday which was when we found and bought our land, sadly my mum died not long after that but Marathon Mans mum still gets on a plane every year for her holidays with us at the ripe old age of 87!
I hate prawns with a passion... however... you even made that sound good!!!
Hi Windmill
So glad you had such a lovely evening and were left with that wonderful feeling of HAPPINESS!!
As for me... last month we lost our tenants of 3 years from our London house... today we got new ones!!! Yippee... The rent god has not deserted me!
Message posted by weshamers on 16 December 2011 at 3:44pm - IP Logged
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Lovely to see everyone is still happy on here. Christmas cheer galore. Could not make my last shift to work today, my house at top of an hill and car just skidded down to main road in the thick snow, abandoned it safely (hopefully) went back to house to tog up to walk, then got phone call from school not to go in it closing early. Just waiting news on my soon to be arriving grandson. Alan my hubby just got all clear from his kidney cancer op in April, they keep an eye on him, but as far as they can tell all well, so Santa bought my prezzie early. They could not wrap up the happiness I feel.love to all.xxxx
Message posted by Angie_redshoes on 23 December 2011 at 10:36am - IP Logged
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Sorry I have been so long in replying I have a "3 month old cold" A.K.A. virus.. which in reality turns out to be an allergy to Corfu winters!! Looks like I am in for some snuffly winters then because I am not leaving!!
What fantastic news for you and your family you and Alan must be thrilled. Thanks for sharing that with us, I wish your husband all good health.
Has your grandson arrived yet?
Merry Christmas to you and yours and a very HEALTHY, HAPPY New Year.
Message posted by weshamers on 23 December 2011 at 2:53pm - IP Logged
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Thanks Angie. No grandson yet, my daughter is huge and he measuring really big, her last boy was over 11lb, brings tears to my eyes thinking about it. I am hoping to be with her at the birth, so my year will end on a real high, got lots of grandchildren, but this one will be the first I will have the pleasure of seeing being born. Love and best wishes to all, the festive season is just round the corner, lets all enjoy Ann xxxx Ps stick at the winters there, its wet and miserable here too and bugs and virus galore xx
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oh but what fun!!
