I have no idea what to write about this month so it's going to be random thought time - whatever comes out comes out.

It's been a month of sleepless nights. Due mainly to the rise in temperature and having to adjust to the sound of the fan going all night - no air conditioning here! It's also that time of year when the cold water comes out hot from the tap – the cold water pipes go across the flat roof so they heat up pretty quickly. At least I don't have to use the hot water so much. You take a shower and by the time you're dry again you're wet again from sweating. Lovely. The temperature has been in the high 30's I'd say.

Why do the cockerels on Symi crow constantly? And why does Lefteris from Syllogos make the same noise when people are trying to eat?

Football fever grips the village with Rainbow acting as the Stand or the Terraces or whatever it's called.

We had a friend visiting in June and so I took a proper day off complete with Laskarina day out. A visit to Stavros tou Polemou (the cross of the war) church up the mountain (read Jason and the Sargonauts), then some time at Panormitis and the boat back. Lots of lazing in the sun drinking too much Retsina, I was in danger of becoming amusing. A day off really takes it out of you - I was knackered the next day.

Which was when our neighbour opposite started revamping part of his house. We now have a small building site on the waste land in front of our place and dust flying about when the wind blows. The pneumatic drill starts dead on eight every morning followed by sledge-hammering sound effects that last all day. So could be a few sleepless siesta hours as well as nights for a couple of weeks.

Election time is looming and the Mayor has asked for ideas from the non-Greeks as to what a new administration (or the existing one) can do for us. I am going to suggest a few things like: instructions in English as to how to get IKA and tax requirements sorted out; can the town hall put pressure on the ministry of culture to open the Sala (the restored mansion house at the museum); and a few other things I've not thought of yet.

That’s enough randomness for one day. I’ll try and think of something more interesting for next month, honest.