...to engage in delightful dialogue [or deliver a dastardly diatribe] with the mighty Red, at least for the next three weeks [sighs of relief all round, I know].
Yes, there is a carafe of wine out there with my name on it, or at least there will be when I change my name to "Aspro Krasi" and I will be forced to remain languid on a suitably shaded balcony or terrace as the sun sinks slowly in the western sky.
After today the few remaining verbal skills I have can take a break as I traditionally opt for the English speaking solution to foreign languages, namely hand movements and speaking louder and slower. No doubt the reports of stranded whales on Cretan beaches will increase threefold, and the BBC will report food shortages on Greek Islands, feel free to send a food parcel or two, address it to "Redundant - Crete", I'm sure they will also enjoy the irony.
Weep not dear friends, this is not an end but a beginning [until 5th August, then it'll not be a beginning but an end and I won't be anywhere near the smug git I am right now], there are new chapters soon to be written in the rich tapestry of life, and I for one look forward to reading them as soon as I sober up in the mornings.
Should I succumb in my absence to the Machiavellian machinations of the trolls in the Empire of the Undead [or EU for short], think kindly of me and know that even I, a humble soon to be out of work glorified number cruncher, will have played my part in restoring the cradle of democracy to our bosoms once more.
I leave you with this thought...