(But mainly in.) A couple of photos today, taken when I was last wandering the lanes and road enjoying a fresh, almost October like day. The other was taken right opposite where I am sitting as I wrote this, at the kitchen table. Harry hasn’t quite finished his Lexus, but I have finished my project. So, rather than do nothing, I’m sitting wittering to you while he’s doing things with paint and plastic. On which note…

If anyone has a remedy for fingerprints, can you let me know? I’ve asked at my modelling pages on Facebook and tried various things, but nothing works. It’s a white car with a couple of black smudges, you see, and they are acrylic paint on shiny plastic. You can’t scratch it off without damaging what’s beneath, white spirit doesn’t work, and nor does any of the household cleaners we have here, nor water. I had some success with window cleaner, which worked on my test subject, part of the plastic frame called a sprue, btw. That took the same paint off, but it didn’t work on the body piece which must be a different plastic. Anyway, I have yet to try Dettol as recommended by a kit builder, but any other ideas, fire away.

As for being out and about, the weather is getting back on an even keel, and there’s still some greenery about. Maybe not as much as a few weeks ago, but still a pleasant sight to see. Having said that, this photo was a while ago.

This one, though, was taken on Friday, I think it was.

I did my mile route, which is up through the village to the museum, out onto the main road there, and back down. The 1.5-mile route starts the same, but I go right to the top and down the road. One takes me 20 minutes, the other about 30, and half the distance is uphill. Now and then, I head further up the road, but I’ve yet to make it to the bridge so far this year. That takes longer and I am always keen to get back to work, especially at the moment because I’ve finished a first draft and am editing.

It’s a bright and sunny morning this morning, but yesterday afternoon was a bit of a damp squib. It didn’t rain for long, and it wasn’t hard, but it did make a nice change. There’s something very pleasant about sitting inside with the windows open on a warm day listening to the rain, and later, something about the fresh smell that follows. Of course, it depends where you are, and if you have an umbrella or a hat. If not, fear not, your local bar owner is always willing to help you out.

A cloudy and slightly damp day didn’t put visitors off coming for the day, nosing around and going away again, nor did it stop stayers enjoying their stay, or me writing my words. I finished another first draft yesterday, so I can now start on the really fun part – writing it all again. I can start that as soon as I stop this, and then I can look forward to a music lesson and model-building session, and after that, some more pointless TV, but, by the looks of it, no more rain.

Today’s challenge was to find 10 photos of plants and post them. So, here they are. I thought I’d end the week on a colourful note with these photos, most of which were taken in the last couple of months. Things are still looking pretty green out there, though the long grasses are dying back. There’s a slight breeze today, and the thermometer has started off at 20, so it feels a little chilly, but at least the dust has gone.

As usual, my weekend will consist of writing and not much else, though I aim to get out for a wander. Have a good weekend.

Some points of interest arising from a walk the other morning. Lots of things are blooming, an aloe vera and an olive tree can be neighbours, and the old souvlaki shop has been tied up with string. Why? Who knows. (I suspect to stop parkage, so someone can get to the woodwork and paint it. Just a guess.)

It’ll make sense when you see the photos. Which are about all I have for you today.

I wonder what they talk about as they stand there, staring down to Pedi, in all weathers. The conversation obviously starts with, ‘’Ello, Vera!’ and the olive tree then says, ‘Oh, ’ello Olive! Didn’t see you there. What you doing today then?’ ‘Staring.’ Pause. ‘Oh.’

As for the string attached to a bedside locker, I can still only think it’s to stop people from parking there. Either that or it’s a rather ineffectual crowd-control measure.

No, not a case of it depends on whether we watch Netflix or not. Nor is it a case of standing outside viewing passing clouds. The question is, which channel do you use to check on the Symi weather? I’ve been here a few years now, and during that time I’ve used various weather sites and seen various programs, including Petroula on the news. “Ooh, lovely Thessaloniki, my baby…” bounce, bounce, heaving breasts and perky-provocative bottom.

My favourite is the Poseidon System.

https://poseidon.hcmr.gr/

I mention that because we were talking about weather forecasts yesterday afternoon at the bar, and today, I thought others might like to know my tip on using Poseidon. It covers rain, wind, cloudiness, and other atmospheric things, including dust, as in this Saraha dust we’ve been living under for a while now. According to Poseidon, that should be gone by Thursday morning.

Here’s a random question for you. Why does the word channel have two Ns, yet rhymes with panel which only has one? That’s not the start of a joke, it just popped into my head, and I’m quite pleased about that, because I doubt much else will be popping in there today.