The essence of happiness , by the way, lies in the action we take to improve. Fair enough, think positive, dream of a better life - that's good - but at the same time see what you can do to get over difficulties. Real happiness depends on your actions.

There's always a solution to a problem, Christina. In the example you mention, you can start cutting down on minor expenses and look for a new job. Despite the severe crisis in Greece and Cyprus, people are still willing to hire competent staff. What I mean to say is this: while thinking positive, do something!

In British vulgar slang, "fanny" is used for a woman's genitals.

Although I don't reject the benefits of positive thinking, I strongly believe that actions speak louder than words. As a result, in times of hardship I'd rather take positive actions rather than dream about my best self or the best outcome in a difficult situation.

I like autumn although in Cyprus it's a milder version of summer! :-) With bright blue skies and sunny days ... I can't see the sadness. I would love to have a piece of your apple pie!!!

Brilliant!!! Hope you like this one: Three married couples, one Jewish, one Irish, and one Greek, all die on the same day and arrive at the gates of Heaven. St. Peter asks the Jewish man why he deserves to be in Heaven. He replies, "I've been a pious Jew all my life, I attended synagogue every Saturday, and I raised a lot of money for Jewish causes." "And what is your wife's name?" St. Peter asks. "Penny," the man replies. "Penny?!!" shouts St. Peter. "You Jews are all alike. Money, money, money. You even married a woman whose name has to do with money! Get out of my sight! You are damned to Hell!" Then St. Peter asks the Irishman why he deserves to be in Heaven. "I've been a devout Catholic throughout my life, attended church every Sunday, and always gave generously to the collection plate." "And what's your wife's name?" St. Peter asks. "Brandy," the Irishman replies. "Brandy?!! You Irish are all alike. Drink, drink, drink. You even married a woman whose name is a type of alcohol. Get out of my sight! You are damned to Hell!" With that, the Greek guy turns to his wife and says, "Fanny, I think we have a problem..."

Best wishes on your 30th anniversary. I wish you more loving, less nagging and many more happy weekends in the near future.

I am a master at preparing our traditional souvla so Sunday is souvla day for all the family. We also spend most Sundays at the cottage in the mountains which is not very far from Trimiklini in your photo. We are a big family including the dogs and often invite friends over. We eat and drink and have fun.

Your amazing photos and account of your holiday in the Dodecanese summarise nicely the unspeakable beauty of every corner in Greece. To me, there's nothing like the pure magic of the Greek islands whether these are the Dodecanese, Ionian, Cyclades, Sporades or inland Greece. This summer, I spent a week in Santorini and had to put up with the blackout from 9:00pm to 2:00 am on 2 consecutive days. It wasn't fun but positive thinking helps and we decided not to leave the island. With more than 200,000 tourists on a small island the blackout wasn't weird. The blackout gave us the chance to contemplate the sunset. In total darkness, it was an amazing sight!

I love all summer fruit but the fruit king of our summer is by far the watermelon - not only because we produce some of the best watermelons in the world (no exaggeration) but also because the watermelon is filling and refreshing especially if you eat it in the garden - like me right now - with some halloumi cheese. I don't like papoutsosika but I'll never say no to a bowl of cherries and a bowl of ripe apricots.

Well done, Anastasia! I used to smoke but then I gave it up 10 years ago. Now I smoke a cigar from time to time, especially after a good meal.

I have created a microblog on Typepad where I post occasionally. I guess if I liked writing and had more free time, I'd upgrade my blog. I agree that their pricing is quite affordable. Having followed you on Typepad for a long time now, I must tell you once more how much I enjoy reading your posts. Keep blogging!

It is true that Paphos offers the visitor places of amazing natural beauty and Coral Bay is certainly one of them. Thanks for sharing the beauty of this place through your photos. It's been a while I haven't been there.

You and your friends were lucky enough not to have invited me! :-) I could eat most - if not all of the baby goat on the spit! Glad to see you had such a great time in Thessaloniki, sugar.

I've always believed that real life begins upon retirement. I'm looking forward to mine though I still have to wait a couple of years. I couldn't agree more with you, my dear friend. After all you've been through - health-wise and work-wise - it's time to think about you and look forward to a brand new life and new beginnings.

I'm not really the kind of holiday maker who enjoys basking in the sun on a golden beach, but I must admit that Protaras has a special charm even for mountain guys like me. My favourite beach in Protaras is Konnos Bay - a rather secluded beach located in a small cove and surrounded by cliffs, trees and lots of greenery. If you don't have the fear of heights, it's worth having a coffee break after a swim in sparkling clear waters at the cafe nearby which stands at the edge of the cliff. I guess you are right, Anastasia. Protaras has a magic spell which is hard to explain. But it's there and I can feel it through your beautiful pictures.

I see that you are very busy now with the final exams but I'm sure you will soon be enjoying your summer holiday and many more beautiful sunrises and sunsets.