arete's courtyard

Here are some of the things we see:
Yarn that Arete has spun by hand to be knitted into warm socks for winter. The large blue barrel that will collect precious rainwater (tap water is far to salty to drink or water plants and spring water must be carried infrom the central spring). Pots of basil scent the air and are used for seasoning. The ancient looking ceramic pot on the wall was one found by Arete's son Yiorgo, a fisherman and free diver. It isn't as old as it looks. He has found many interesting things deep in the Aegean. The wisteria bloom heavily in late spring and continue blooming all summer long. Beautiful, but Arete cpmplains about the flowers that drop and the large "boubounia", the bumblebees that buzz around the flowers. The geraniums do not usually die in the winter, despite the cold weather and occasional snow.
The white wall is back of the outdoor bathroom, the only one in the house, which means that in the dark of night or in winter she must go down the steps from house to courtyard and to "the place". It is becoming more difficult for her to manage.
And here is Arete:


Arete lives in Taki's family house. It was built at the beginning of the twentieth century and looks much the same as it must have in those days. In fact, a Greek television station filmed a commercial in it, because it was so perfectly representative of a particular era in the island's history. Arete and her daughter Melpo are weavers. They have their looms in the lower part of the house that opens onto the narrow alley. Arete does not weave anymore, but Melpo continues to produce gorgeous handwoven rugs.
Every morning Taki and I have coffee with Arete.