Gorgeous evocative writing
Today, along with some more lovely photos from Neil and his wandering phone, a little local news and another ‘plug’ for a book. (Check yesterday’s post for the link to your Symi Dream Calendar 2027.) By the way, ‘news’ from me isn’t ‘news’ from anything official; I am far too parochial for that.
My news today is that the lane is looking lovely after a few days with some local army recruits coming along and clearing the detritus from the slopes, clearing the dead wood and leaves, thrown rubbish, random rocks and stones, and probably a few less desirable things too. The dustbin collectors do a fine job on a daily basis, including clearing the road near the bins where the cats forage and the chickens spend their days pulling everything apart and scattering it across the path. Our chaps are usually there at least twice a day, and I have no idea how many other bin stations they attend to in a day. The army have been along to do the area further afield, though I am not sure why. Maybe it’s a fire prevention thing, because fires are still possible even though it’s cooler, or it may be a general exercise to keep them occupied. Either way, it’s a great job, and I’ve not got a photo of it, so you’ll have to make do with this one.
In more ‘Symi-style’ news, I was awarded a loyalty discount at the dentist’s yesterday for being such a regular customer. No, honestly. 🙂
Meanwhile, the road surfacing continues, or might have stopped by now. I don’t really know as I’ve not been to Pedi for over a year. On a more personal note, if you are around the Rainbow Bar area, inside or out at one of the tables, please keep an eye out for Neil’s wedding ring, which was on when he went to work the other day, but off when he served a customer beer and crisps. On realising, he dived through the recently presented bowl of snacks, much to the customer’s surprise, and then he and all his customers searched the bar and steps, but to no avail. Yiannis did the same when he came back, and I had a look the following day. It’s in or around there somewhere, but no-one has yet been able to find it. (It’s gold/silver/gold in three bands, and has my name and our date engraved inside.) It’s possible it dropped off outside when he was serving, and got unknowingly kicked a way down the Kali Strata, so it could be headed that way.
If you’re wondering how it came to slip off, it’s to do with the weather being colder (same happened when we were away in winter), and because of losing weight over the summer. He’s lost more than me because he’s more out and about, whereas I only jog to and from work, a distance of twenty feet – but I do do it every day!
Anyway, that’s my local news. And now, a reminder of a book purchase that would help rebuild the coffers necessary to purchase a replacement if the wedding ring can’t be found.
This is my latest story and has nothing to do with Symi or even the current or last century, but after a week on the virtual shelves, has garnered at least one wonderful review so far. Here you go: Christmas present idea, holiday or travel reading, or simply because you want to know more about Kent village life in 1895:
Spring 1895. As London is gripped by the scandalous trials of Oscar Wilde, a blacksmith’s apprentice in a parochial Kent village is fighting a much quieter, lonelier battle.
Review: 5 out of 5 stars. Gorgeous evocative writing. Reviewed in the United States on 13 October 2026. Verified Purchase
Almost cinematic in its imagery. Having spent time in England this past winter, I know the descriptive language to be accurate. If you haven’t been, he takes you there.
The storyline is fascinating and believable. The humanity and inhumanity REAL.
And, after non-stop reading, tears were running down my face as the characters had become known and dear to me.