The Nightjar dozing during the day.
“So why is a Nightjar still calling out when the sun is already up? Do you think they are on shifts?” My man asks as he sips his fresh orange juice. “Well, anything is possible, why not?” I smile and open my Kindle for a ten-minute read of ‘Contract to Kill’ by Andrew Peterson. We have been sleeping with the window open and enjoying the Tuscan fresh air, whilst the Nightjar and the crickets trill their way through the nocturnal hours. I have yet to see a Nightjar, but they are very shy and their camouflage is incredible. They can settle down on a branch and sleep all day, right under your nose, and you would never know they were there! But then you bright sparks probably already know that!
The Obama’s in Tuscany. Photo La Repubblica
So, it is Sunday morning and La Dispensa, our local caffe bar/alimentare in Fiano, is full of locals, buying their Sunday joints and generally passing the time of day. We grab the newspapers, before someone else does, and take up our usual position at the long wooden table. Well, so now we have the Obamas here on vacation, it says in La Repubblica and apparently, they love Tuscany. Who wouldn’t, I say. I notice that they are staying near Siena and there is some mention of Bibbiano Wine, which is our current favourite.
Beautiful art by Olga Niescier at Certaldo Alto. Photo J Finnigan
On the subject of wine, last Friday evening we went to Certaldo Alto, the old town up on the hill. (The cover of my latest book features a silhouette of the town against the backdrop of a stunning sunset which, by the way, I took myself.) We were there to visit an exhibition of paintings and works by Olga Niescier & Andrei Reggi and to indulge in a little wine tasting. The artworks were fantastic but sadly, the event itself was rather confusing. www.vitalitart.it Nevertheless, we enjoyed ourselves and then whizzed off to C’era Una Volta in Lucardo for cena. This time of year there are a lot of events going on, particularly wine tastings. The American tourists love them. They arrive by the planeload into Roma and get bussed up to Chianti.
The view from here with two newly planted Jasmine. Photo J Finnigan
Meanwhile, back in our own little bit of Chianti, it is the time of year for the rattle of old tractors trundling up and down between the vines and the sound of strimmers clearing the ground around the olive trees. We bought a load more plants on Saturday morning and now have bright colours in the garden pots and a couple of climbing Jasmine to cover a bit of fencing. The evenings are perfect for sitting outside for aperitivi, with a nice feeling of satisfaction having done the outside work. If you are coming this way, there are a few mosquitos arriving, so be prepared. But we don’t care about that, life eeeeze good, life eeeeze now!
The Rock Chick Band – 2016
Well, doesn’t time fly! Only five weeks to our next Rock Chick Band concert and I must get on with those daily voice exercises. We’ve got a few new songs in the repertoire this year and are being joined by an English bass guitarist, which will be fun. As I always mention, if you are in Tuscany on the 24th June and would like a personal invite, drop me a line at june.finnigan@virgin.net
OK, time to organise those aperitivi and relax with the Tuscan sunset. Have a great week and do get in touch. I love to hear from you.
Salute June x PS Visit my author site at My author site
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