Ashley Gets Lost

Well, well, well. It seems that we have survived Felix’s birthday week. I can’t believe my little baby is already 19. After taking it pretty easy for several weeks, we were back to village karaoke last Monday. It hadn’t happened for a couple weeks, and it was time to check if our party hats still fit. Of course they did, and it was a super fun night!

Felix’s birthday was on Thursday, so we went to karaoke in Chania on Wednesday as well so he could do the time honored tradition at starting your birthday at the crack of midnight.

I informed Stathis, our karaoke DJ, of the momentous occasion, and he had everyone sing happy birthday. Needless to say, Felix drank free beers for the rest of the night. I helped him a little.

It was cold and windy and wet in Chania, so I got another chance to wear my luxurious Albanian street coat. I finally found the label, and it turns out it’s fancy?! I mean, it looks fancy, but this is legitimate fanciness. Look at me in a luxurious blend of wool and cashmere.

The next day was Felix’s actual birthday. Our friend hosts a weekly rally racing video game night at his house, and we like to walk there. Felix got to stroke many a fine puss on the way.

I also made him pose with the dogs’ birthday crown. Hahahaha

The next day I was down at the mini market buying dinner provisions when the cutest group of tiny people came in and sang us a song! And then they passed out these cute little bird crafts they made. I translated it when I got home. It turns out they were celebrating the start of spring! They were making their way around all the businesses in the village. It was adorable.

Saturday night concluded Felix’s birthday activities. We drove to Rethymno for Indian food. We’ve been hearing that there is good Indian there, and it’s true! We haven’t had Indian food since last May, and it was everything the doctor ordered.

I stopped to give Bobbi and friends a wet food snack the other day. I am in love with this cat. I have driven by on my scooter and given him a drive by pet. Saturday morning I walked by with BMO and he didn’t even care about my large dog. This cat has vibes.

Yesterday Felix and I went on a hike from Douliana to Gavalochori and back, and it was really great. We stopped at the cafe neo in Gavalochori where my friend Paulina works for a mid hike beer. She brought out this bowl of chips and said, “I made you a small surprise. This looks like chips, but underneath is peanuts!”

I let Felix drive from our house to Douliana, which was a real adventure. The deoderant I put on before we left was basically used up by the time we got there, but we made it no worse for the wear (aside from anxiety sweat).

Here’s some Glommo looking adorable for you!

Joshua and I are making plans to go buy a new washer and dryer now that we have our outdoor storage finished. I’m so grateful to have a shed with water and electricity. I’m not sure if I have mentioned it, but my laundry situation has been a process since we moved here. It involves an extension cord and a hose out to the garden spigot. No joke. It’s very luxurious to not have to go down to the garden to turn on the water every time I want to do laundry. Not to mention having a hose across the patio all the time.

I’m excited about having a few days with no big plans aside from appliance shopping. My birthday is on Thursday, and I am taking it easy until then. I will go on some walks and see what new flowers are blooming, go comb my favorite beach for treasures, and maybe write some postcards! It’s been a while!