Before we get started, the answer to yesterday’s ‘what novel is this quote from’ was indeed, Dracula. In this case the paperback ‘Essential’ Dracula by Leonard Wolf. I also have the hardback version, given to me by my mother on my 13th birthday, and a limited edition collector’s version (not annotated) given to me by Jenine and Ian on my 50th birthday. I won’t get started on the collectable Aurora horror kit model and the other Dracula stuff I have in the office. A bit of a fan. As might be Vicky Smith who was the first to get the answer – bravo you! When next on Symi you are entitled to buy a drink for a Neil Gosling of your choice.
Today though I thought I would share our balcony views with you. I was out there yesterday morning, taking a break and eating my natural yoghurt from the pot (as it was almost empty). I could smell the neighbours’ washing on the line on the roof next door, I could hear the school bell ring, the crane on the new jetty was clanking about and, a bit later, the Panagia Skiadeni arrived announcing itself from a distance like it was about to make a charge at the enemy.
And then I noticed a rather ‘off’ smell, which turned out to be one of those big purple things that come out at this time of year and I am not talking about over-sunned tourists. These ‘Judas’ plant things that smell like rotting don’t-ask and look wonderful. This one is on the bit of land next door, between us and the big mansion house.
There are other flowers around though. Just nearby are some of these white and yellow things and poppies, they stand there embarrassed by the smell their fellow plant is giving off, but we don’t mind really. The pollen is doing nothing for hay fever sufferers, nor for Neil’s cold which he’s had for a couple of days now. Here’s hoping he is better by Sunday for the dance show; dress rehearsal tonight. And that remind me I need to turn up my trousers and iron a shirt or two. Better get on with it.
