Yesterday was the day my Dad flew back from Barcelona, after an 11-day cruise and a 4-day visit there. We drove in to pick him up at 4. It was also a 5th Sunday, one that neither Ray nor I had to be at the Fellowship, so we didn't go. This should have given me tons of time to do all kinds of things, but somehow I didn't do much.

Pancakes for breakfast, some time outside in the garden, picking off potato bugs for one thing. Radishes are coming up where I planted a few of them with carrots. I harvested and shelled a decent amount of peas and asparagus, which we ate for lunch with the last of the soup and chicken that were left over. A very satisfactory lunch that cleaned out all the leftovers in the fridge.

I ate all my white bean soup before remembering to take a photo

Ray went to feed the pigs around 2 and then took a shower. Before we headed out to the airport, I checked on line. His plane was expected at 3:22, 30 minutes early! This meant we were a little stressed, because if anything slowed us down, he would be wondering where we were--and he didn't have his cell phone. As it happened, we managed to park and get to the head of the escalator in time to see him arrive, in his wheelchair. He asked for a couple dollars to give the attendant, having spent every bit of his American money, although he still has a few Euros.

Captain's hair growing back; his appetizer: croque monsieur with salmon

He talked a blue streak in the car and all through dinner and on the way home. We didn't have much to say; nothing interesting has happened in Athens, except the garden is doing well, especially since the rain Friday night.

We had another lovely meal at Bistro Niko. I broke down and ordered gougeres, even though I planned not to. I had a sidecar, a delicious drink. I had the white bean soup, which is wonderful, except that it is too filling. My Dad had a salmon croque monsieur and Ray had a small salad. I hated to choose between soup and salad, they are both so good. Maybe I should have had both and no entree. As it was, I couldn't eat much of my delicious haddock, over greens, with baby potatoes and an exquisite sauce. Ray had steak frites and the steak was very flavorful, even overcooked (the way Ray asked for it). The Captain had coq au vin and he couldn't eat it all either. Plus we had a lovely bottle of Vieille Ferme, which I might try to buy the next time I want a case of wine. Then I had creme brulee and Ray ordered the profiteroles, 3 puffs with ice cream and chocolate sauce, one of the few desserts the Captain will eat, so Ray gave him one. And then my Dad paid, because of course that is the deal. If we drive in and get him, he doesn't have to take the shuttle.

It was an early dinner, so we were home just about dark. I worried some about my Dad driving back to his place, since he was exhausted, having been up for about 20 hours. I sent him with bread and eggs, so he had something for breakfast. I am waiting to hear how he liked the cleaning job. I wonder if he was too tired to notice last night, but he will surely see it this morning.

PS Amelia and Kevin bought a house!