And I mean that literally.

This week we broke ground on our land at Agia Irini on Paros. This is land dad bought and left to my brother and I, to one day build homes on Paros. Something he never got around to himself.

Its been a long time coming, this dream of building for ourselves. We applied for a building permit about 18 months ago, and we finally got it this month. Things in Greece tend to move lightning fast… like molasses in a snowstorm.

To be honest, I’d never really liked this land so much, its in a valley, with no view of the sea and pretty close to a small beach. I always dreamed of a house on a hillside with expansive views of surrounding islands and no neighbours…

Well, having dog-sat and groomed in places high up on hillsides, I’ve changed my mind. Being on level ground is so much easier than having to drive up steep hills on narrow (and often really bad) roads. And being close to the beach is ok, I guess (beaches tend to sprout loud beach bars and traffic, ugh.). Its not a particularly nice beach though, so here’s hoping…

But our land is only slightly inclined and, with about 4 acres, our neighbours are at a comfortable distance – which isn’t something I can say for my little apartment…

Here are some pics, though for now all there is to see is a lot of dirt, a shallow hole – and a LOT of rocks:

The rocks will come in really handy for rock gardens and pathways, and the soil is really good so I’ll be able to have a lovely garden again. Dad bought the land off one of mom’s cousins who used to grow hay for his animals. Don’t ask me how he plowed such rocky ground…

Since I moved to Paros I’ve really missed my garden in Tasmania, and my plant collection is getting a bit too big for my tiny place. I’ve been collecting plants for Agia Irini since I got here! Some bought, most from cuttings or from seeds. In pots and planters all over my small terrace and patio.

Since we don’t have the view, I can’t wait to create a garden paradise for us. It won’t be the same as the lush english garden jumble of plants I had in Tasmania, we don’t get enough rain here, but it will be pretty for sure! More succulents and herbs, plus at least a couple of gum trees (eucalyptus to you non-aussies!). And perhaps a few fruit trees. I already have 2 small fig trees waiting to go in the ground.

And just when I thought I had nothing more to share on my blog, here is something new! Lately I’ve been so busy with work and life in general that I haven’t been creating much to share. Or feeling like sharing my boring life…

Now I have something to be excited about. In fact, I have had a lot of trouble sleeping lately as my mind has been whirring and grinding with thoughts, decisions, stress, choices, worry, ideas, etc. However, I think I have finally started to sort things out.

Sort of.

Kinda.

Its not at all sorted really. I mean, I still have a ton on my plate and a long way to go, but I’ve made my first step.

Next to work out the rest… like how to afford to build more than a concrete frame… but thats something to worry about tomorrow.

For now I made one decision that I’m very pleased with. I’d agonised over this for a long time, but I finally made the leap. I bought a container.

Its an ex-refrigerated container with lined walls inside and a side door as well as the back doors. And a big hole where the refrigerator unit used to be – ie a window! (sort of. up high.)

Still, its a container and its mine. And once the spot is levelled, it will be delivered and plonked there.

Its going to be storage for the time being and later it will be my grooming room! I’m so excited. I won’t have to wash dogs in my poor destroyed bathtub any more and groom them under an umbrella in the back patio.

It will take a lot of work, but I’m looking forward to fixing it up and making it work. I am so looking forward to putting a garden around it and create an outdoor shady area.

I’ve had a dream of having a studio, grooming room and workshop for so long, and this is the first step in that direction. Now I’m putting it out there to make the money to make it all happen.

z