Here’s a fact: On this day in 1983, Ben Gold became the first video-game world champion, winning the North American Video Game Olympics in Ottumwa, Iowa, USA. I just thought I would mention it in passing, no reason.

Actually the mind is a bit befuddled today, I think it’s my turn to look after the little cold bug that’s been going around these parts recently. Spent a lot of time dozing off yesterday, feeling drained and generally lethargic with a slight headache and no energy. Still feel like it today, but am pressing on – no ‘man flu’ for me.

Actually I’m putting my mind to another little project. Since putting up our Symi videos on YouTube and on here, a few people have asked about the music I sometimes use for the soundtrack. To avoid copyright issues I use my own music, because I can. And some of this comes from the ‘Symi Dreams’ CD that we used to have in the shop. I’d actually sold out of those CDs and so I am looking at getting some more made. I can now do these via Lulu.com and, once I get the files converted, the artwork done, everything loaded and a trial CD sent and tested, I will make them available for sale – as long as the quality is ok. I’ve not done a Lulu music CD before so we shall see. Symi Dream, is licensed to sell CDs so I will get some in the shop for next season. And I may even write some more and make a second music CD for anyone who liked the first one. I’d have to think of a title – all suggestions welcome.

I’ve also been hearing about the ongoing bad weather further north, and it really does sound pretty nasty. That’s why I’ve raided the archives again to find more general pics of Symi. Just some images to brighten up a cold day I hope.

Looking out from the terrace last night I could see that many of the bright Christmas lights have now been taken down from houses, there are still some up but they were not turned on. In fact there are quite a few decorations left up all year round, though not switched on. It’s a little game you can play when you next come to Symi; hunt the Christmas trees and Santas and elves. There’s one in the village square that’s now quite famous, there is also usually an elf looking over the main path through the village. I’ll see if I can find more next time I am out and about. Which should be this afternoon if I can drag myself out of the warm house and into the breezy, cloudy, ‘feels like rain’ day that’s going on out there. 

We have friends visiting tomorrow for a Sunday roast and some card games, so we’re looking forward to that, even though I will have to re-vamp the front room, warm it up and set out the dining table; which means moving the clarinets and swapping tables, getting the heater going and tidying up… but it can all be done tomorrow. That’s kind of becoming my mantra at the moment, ‘do it tomorrow’ though it’s not like me at all. Must be the cold-bug. So, I’m off to sniff and grumble elsewhere. Stay warm and safe if you are snowbound; there are a couple of summer Symi videos on our YouTube page that may help lift the gloom.