Kosmas Manos from Ikaria 8

Kosmas Manos from Ikaria 8

Halfway down the new zig zag path stood an ancient Bay laurel tree. Kosmas had always just picked the bay leaves off the ground under the tree. He dusted off the dirt and placed them in a carry bag to the house. The tree was overgrown and too high. He decided it needed a bit of pruning and shaping. He carried up a ladder and some tools to the tree. Leto saw him and came down to help.

”I'm going to prune this tree heavily in the center and shape it so the newest branches bend down. It should be easier for us to gather the bay leaves off the tree instead of the ground.”

Leto told him that was a great idea. She also thought a rough bench made from the wood might be a nice resting place under the tree.

Kosmas agreed and continued pruning and shaping the tree while Leto took her little hoe down the zig zag path. She was looking for areas where herbs had grown.

At one point she found a small patch of dill. It was crammed by some larger rocks so she delicately removed the rocks off the dill, Disturbing the dirt so the dill would have more earth to grow she placed the rocks back in a circle adding a few more.

Spearmint was all over the place in the path. That was good because it was great for erosion and smelled good when one walked on it.

Jocasta ,Adelpha followed by Moraitis came down the hill to see what was going on with zig zag.

Moraitis stayed with Kosmas collecting branches.

Jocasta and Adelpha went on down to see what Leto was doing.

Adelpha was thrilled that she had found Oregano and Tarragon saying she did not have any at her old place. 

Jocasta said she would have it at her new place. That place needs to have the yard cleaned. We need to get in the yard before the hired men pull out or chop down all the precious herbs. I remember seeing an overgrown Rosemary shrub that have gorgeous blue flowers blooming all over the place.

“Look here's some Fennel. It's a big plant. Yummy enough for all of us to share.” said Jocasta.

“Fennel Fritters! I wish my kitchen was all set up. I'd make us all some tonight” cried Adelpha.

Jocasta told her sister she would run up and get a shovel to dig some fennel and the two of them would make fritters.

Meanwhile Kosmas passed by saying he was going to go to his house to pick up a jug of lemon water and some cups.

Moraitis caught up with Jocasta and the two of them holding hands went up to his shed for the shovel.

“Look at those two. Just like a couple of elder teens with raging hormones. I'm happy to see my sister has a beau.” said Adelpha.

“Yes, and she makes my Pa Pa feel young again. I love your sister very much.” said Leto.

While the three were gone Leto and Adelpha found patches of Marjoram, sage and Savory. They were busy placing rocks around these herbs when Kosmas showed up with the lemon water.

“I did not realize this hill was so bountiful in herbs. Down near the Lemon grove I found Arugula.  The Ancient Romans used the seeds to flavor olive oil, and it's said that arugula seed combinations have been used in aphrodisiacs dating back to the first century. I'm going to pick some and make a fresh green salad the next time Leto comes alone to visit.” said Kosmas. The three of them laughed robustly.

Adelpha said she hoped she could find a nice gentleman friend up in her neighborhood someday. Kosmas told her she would. There are lots of nice gentlemen in your neighborhood. Just pick wisely or your sister will come right out and let you know all his faults.

“ Pa Pa, Kosmas and I will let you know also if you do not listen to Jocasta. We are family here in Ikaria and are so happy to move near us.” said Leto.

Adelpha recited:

To be a part of a family like mine 

is so divine 

where love is shown 

hurt is shared 

our love for each other is never impaired 

we talk 

we laugh 

we cry 

but we are a family 

and we do it all together 

for as a family 

we do it all as one 

you hurt one 

you hurt all 

and as a family unit 

we will all stand tall 

for we are family 

a family full of strength 

a family full of love 

a family no one can touch 

that's why I love my family so much.

  Poem by Mahfooz Ali

“Pa Pa! Tuck in your shirt and zip up those trousers now.” said Leto as everyone laughed.

©Julia A Knaake