Here we go, eyes down for a full house… no, forget that we haven’t had a full house for a while. No parties, no functions, no visitors… Don’t believe me?

Last night we had the Spalding family around for dinner and there’s no point in tidying up before a three and a half year old comes to call is there? Last night was also the windiest we’ve had for a while (and I am not just referring to Sam). The temperature has dropped considerably almost over night and it’s noticeably colder now. Can’t complain though as we’ve had a really mild winter so far. So much so in fact that we’ve been out on a few walks – as you’ll see from the photo galleries – and the Pedi valley is green with grass. In some places it looks almost like an English country walk, except for the olive trees and Greek speaking goats maybe. But yesterday the sea was white with the wind and no boats left the island.

We’ve also fallen into a kind of routine. Terri’s Friday show on the local radio is now from 8 – 10 pm on a Friday and we use this as an opportunity to improve our English by playing Scrabble. Not as sad as it sounds and after several weeks the tournament now stands at 20 games all between Neil and I. I did try looking to see if you could get the show via the internet but didn’t have any luck – try yourselves, Star Radio Symi in a Google search was where I started, and if you find it let me know and I’ll post a link. You can e-mail dedications (not requests) to Terri at symiradio@hotmail.com where you’ll need to give at least a week’s notice of any event or birthday etc. and not be too specific with your suggestions for music – it’s the Symi Town Hall cellar studio not the BBC.

There have also been some hard fought Trivial Pursuit games played, a few dinner and Jenga parties to be had and several afternoons in the Glaros bar after work. Most of the Christmas decorations around the village and harbour are now down, a few Santa’s remain and probably will do all year and folk are already putting their minds to summer.

I’ve finally got ‘Symi 85600’ out in paperback and am pleased to report that sales have started.
You can find details here.

Many thanks to everyone who has contacted us and told us when they’re coming back. It seems Laskarina going hasn’t deterred most people and lots of folk are making their own travel and accommodation arrangements. Bravo!

Greek lessons continue in various formats and tonight we’re due at the W.I. for our first Greek dancing lesson. Thanks to Rhiannon we lost two whole days to series four of 24 in a marathon TV viewing spectacular and we’re contemplating buying all 6 series and wasting a whole month.

So if there is nothing written at the end of February you will know why.