I have waxed lyrical over my gorgeous 1959 Leica M3; but is it just a pretty face? A film or three later, I am happy to report that it knocks out some lovely photos, subject to the usual compositional cock-ups by yours truly. Here are a few examples:

Accompanied she who must be obeyed on a trip to Bangkok last weekend as she continues her studies into the arcane (and totally contrived) world of Chinese horoscopes. Went out with my camera and decided to go a little further afield on Sunday morning, which to me meant ten minutes in a taxi to Wat Suthat.

For a weary traveller on his way home after a few days in London, Paddington station has some appealing features. Firstly, there is a left-luggage office where, as the name suggests, you can leave your luggage pending your trip to the airport. Then there is the massively over-priced but exceedingly convenient Heathrow Express rail service which, for the price of a small car, will whisk you to the airport in fifteen minutes in air-conditioned comfort. Lastly, and by no means least, the station offers the opportunity for a shower. How convenient (theoretically).

The Barton 1972 strap on my E-M1 is by far the best camera strap I have ever used. The braided design makes for a gentle, springy load on your shoulder; and the leather is soft and supple. I have a green leather half-case on the way from Chile (although, having left Chile some weeks ago, it is showing no interest in arriving in Thailand); so I decided that an olive green braided strap is just what I need for the Leica M3. Ordered on Monday, arrived today; perfect.

Retirement is all very well; but occasionally I do consider re-joining the rat race (not really). However, upon checking the Ministry of Labour regulations, I discovered that many of my skills would not qualify for a work permit. I could not do the curl of beauty, the paper hand job or the sale of every page. And working a silver otter is specifically excluded. Bugger it, will just have to remain idle.