I never tire of the views from my Bulgarian balcony. Sitting there at all hours of the day, hot mornings, balmy afternoons, cool evenings, I hardly ever seem to be able to concentrate on my reading because my eyes are always drawn to the sea, the sky, the horizon and the inland foothills where the sun sets. When I came down here on Wednesday my view was obscured as usual by a crazy monster wisteria which grows out of all proportions and completely takes over the whole balcony. Some years ago it had grown into the air conditioner and entwined the fan blades. Fortunately we noticed the mad killer plant before we turned the air conditioner on. It looks beautiful from below though - I must admit - but wow, have I had some fierce battles with it! Next summer I'm buying a saw, and I've informed the head gardener of my plans.
Before
After
It turned out it was a great idea to come to Bulgaria for a short holiday in between visits to the doctor, house sale hassles and general worries about my husband's cancer development. It is good to get away and shift our focus. The fact is he's not responding to the cortisone treatment that the doctor hoped would reduce the swelling around the tumour. Even with the largest dose there didn't seem to be any signs that his left side was regaining normal function. So the dose is lowered again, as there is no point in taking the high one, and we place our trust now in a new type of chemotherapy that he's not tried before. He asked the doctor about his prognosis if this chemo does not keep the tumour growth stable, and she replied with just one word - Christmas. I wish I had not heard. But as long as he wants to know I suppose she's obliged to answer, though I think there are other ways to convey this brutal message. It was too harsh for me, and for him too after all - when I see the way he's brooding now.
But because we're determined to make this a happy break, we do the things that he likes. Going to his favourite seafood restaurant in the nearby town of Bourgas, cooking at home the food that he enjoys, taking him to the Casino to play poker. This afternoon we went wine tasting at the
Dives winery just up the road and ended up buying the most expensive wine I've yet to come across here in Bulgaria.
The Dives estate is perched on a hilltop overlooking the Black Sea
It was excellent! The most expensive red - the Merlot Barrique Special Selection - boasts this: "Gorgeous crimson color, with black cherry and blueberry aroma complimented with chocolate, roasted coffee and tobacco. Elegant dense body with delicate palate, soft tannins and prolonged final. Good to mature." Oh yes! This wine will bring back memories of sunny Black Sea days, Bulgarian soil and sea breeze while consumed on a stormy Norwegian autumn night!
Lazy days with daughter Sophie and friend Svein, dinner invitation for delicious home made fish soup and grilled swordfish with Bulgarian friends, candlelit evenings on the balcony, an excursion to the ancient town of
Sozopol - even the fact that we were able to rent a wheelchair in Bourgas! These are the small pleasures that I'm so glad we got a chance to enjoy while my husband is still fairly mobile.
A weather change came about last night with a wild storm that sent my drying underwear whirling from the clothes line on the balcony and had me and Sophie practising the new sport of underwear fishing from neighbouring roofs and canopies. We had dinner last night outside before the storm lashed out, but this evening it's ice cold and indoor time with doors closed.
Happy Hour cocktails in Sunny Beach
Mussels sprinkled with feta cheese
Svein's terrace
A little shopping - beautiful rose hair claws
September flower buds, chili and basil - having survived five weeks without my tender care
Yes, I had time to go to the hairdresser's before I left for Bulgaria. Good therapy!
If not exactly the days of wine and roses for our little family, I think it's important to grab hold of a day of wine here and a day of roses there.
These days will be an investment in the Bank of Good Memories.
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