Welcome and Benvenuti to all my Lovely Followers around the World,
It’s been a busy week here in our little bit of Tuscany on the edge of Chianti. It has also rained a lot, which dictated much of planning for the week. I decided not to buy more plants this weekend as it is still too damp, but just for you I have taken some pictures in our Tuscan garden. The smell of the Acaccia Blossoms and our now climbing English Rose, shortly after the rain, is intoxicating. Just standing under the dripping trees and breathing in the air is so invigorating.
Most of the time things are very quiet here, the sound of ancient squeaky tractors spraying the vineyards can be heard, but this is almost drowned out by the birdsong. We have a small number of Magpies roosting in our trees and one fat male has taken to admiring himself in the glass of our windows and doors. That’s Ok until he starts loudly banging the glass to get his reflection to respond to his posturing!
Meanwhile, back in our local village of Fiano, I was somewhat taken aback to be asked by a man I have only seen occasionally to go up to his apartment to see his ceramics! Well, you girls have no doubt heard the saying ‘would you like to come up and see my etchings? Well, let me explain. I was paying Fabio at La Dispensa for my coffee, when I noticed a new ceramic dish for the change on his counter. I said how much I liked it and as if by magic the maker of said dish, was at my elbow. Fabio introduced me to Leonardo, yes I know, whose surname is Lazzeri. With a manic wave of his arms and a big smile on his face, he invited me up to his apartment! So there I was, standing in his big parlour (having met his lovely wife) and agape at all the beautiful ceramic creations, both big and small.
Leonardo is now retired, but still does the odd piece now and then. His work is sold in San Gimignano which, if you do not already know, is the city of towers and is massively popular with tourists. Leonardo’s work is unique, in that he concentrates on an Antico (old fashioned) style with the characters having distinctive pointed noses. He has also published books containing his works over many years. Unfortunately, Leonardo is also old fashioned and does not have a web site to show you, but if you are in Fiano or San Gimignano, I know he would love to meet you! He gave me this lovely spoon holder as a parting gift, such a nice man!
Now, in addition to Easter we had Liberation Day to celebrate on 25th April. Much is written about the French Resistance during the 2nd World War, however, the heroics of the men and women of the Partisans, the Italian resistance, is an incredible story. I have met and interviewed some of these amazing people and learnt how whole villages were wiped out by many of the retreating soldiers. Memorials can be found in many villages and seeing some of these really can bring a lump into one’s throat.
On a lighter note, this morning my man and I had coffee with friends at La Dispensa. Our friend Ute was telling us about the amazing number of weddings she is overseeing at Villa il Pozzo a 3* hotel close to us. She already has ten wedding bookings this year and was meeting with two further clients this weekend in preparation for next years nuptials! I have to say, Il Pozzo is a very beautiful place, castellated and with stunning views. Take a look. Website
Ok, enough I think, must get the fotos inserted and send this blog off to you. But suddenly we’re In the middle of a thunder storm, ooooeeeer! Now the lights have gone out!! It’s eerily quiet. The lights are flickering but still nothing. My man won’t be happy as he’s down in the guest apartment putting together some IKEA furniture. Mama Mia! Now I’m being told that the saving of this draft has failed; well not surprising, theres no electricity!! Damn and blast, what to do? Now the heavy rain is starting again, and there are loads of tourists just arrived in the area wearing skimpy summer clothes, poor things! Best keep my computer open, so I can save this as soon as possible. Sound of fingers strumming on my desk, five minutes gone and still in the dark! OK best get some candles ready before it’s completely dark! Fifteen minutes now, have lit a candle, this is really annoying! But just a minute, this candlelight is rather nice. Will pour some drinks and get some nibbles. An hour has gone by, so I’ve saved the blog to word, phew, should have thought of that before!
It is the following morning and finally we have electricity! Still overcast but brighter! Here is the blog!
Have a great week and do visit my website for updates. My Site
Salute June x
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