Probably the coldest winter that many of us can remember has arrived with a vengeance in Greece. As often happens Corfu - right over on the west - has not suffered as badly as other parts of the country, but it has still been amazingly cold.
At times like this it is so obvious why we love living in Corfu. With half an hour to spare, on our way to show land to some Russian clients, we had time for a coffee in Kouloura.
On my way to bed last night, I took a last look at the moon from our upstairs terrace. The scattered clouds obscuring the bright light created this wonderful effect. Lovely summer evenings - one of the very best parts of living in Corfu!
Coffee time in Lakones village, in the little square. A young local man has opened a really nice traditional kafenion in the heart of this touristy area. The décor is just right - old furniture, old photos on the walls, tables on the pavement.
Makrades to the right and Krini to the left, with the sea almost unrealisitically high on the horizon. Two of the prettiest villages in the north-west of Corfu.
Moving on with more articles in the British press about how busy Spain is this year, this one is accompanied by a photo which must be enough to give any traveller to Greece the absolute horrors!!
One of the prettiest, I believe, is Giannades on the north west side of the island. It has its own beach - quite a walk, and for the nimble only, but well worth the effort.
Sunshine at last, and a walk in a part of Corfu that looks more English than England. Just the car registration numbers give the location away.
We get so used to seeing an almost standard design of villas, but this article reminds us how it is possible to construct something so different and yet, in its own way, making the most of its environment.
Corfu really is becoming a centre for the establishment of local crafts and products. As well as Corfu Beer, which is becoming well known among artisan beers, there is olive oil from Corfu in specialist shops in Europe, while Corfu herbal teas and skin treatments etc. are featured in many outlets.