Junefinnigan's Weblog

Welcome and Benveuti to all my Lovely Followers around the World,

Have you visited Florence or should I say Firenze, which is the Italian name for this beautiful Renaisance City? For hundreds of years creative people have flocked to the city, drawn by the history and atmosphere. The beauty of the buildings, some a thousand years old, is breathtaking and despite the massive surge in tourism over the last two centuries, they remain untouched by the passing years. To shop for artisan products has always been a joy, but sadly Covid has reduced tourism to such a low that many craft and creative people have gone out of business. Even an art gallery is closing down and is selling off all it’s easels and work tables for next to nothing! So sad.

So, I was delighted to read in The Florentine about a new website for these lovely people to get support and to promote themselves on-line! This is such a good idea and will keep the traditions going and the creative people can continue to survive! The website is beautiful, put together with love and creativity. It is called ‘Creative People in Florence’ and you can visit it now! Do take a look, contact the artisans and buy something special for yourself, your home, wardrobe or garden. You may not be travelling at present, but there’s nothing to stop you having a little bit of Florence all to yourself! http://www.creativepeopleinflorence.com

Meanwhile, back in our little bit of the Chianti Hills, everything is looking very lush after days of rain. But today the sun is shining and I took a stroll around our lovely garden and realised that my man had been carefully looking after the potted plants and nothing needed doing! Autumn fruits are flourishing including the Pomegranate bushes. But, it was sad to look up at the Ash Tree, which will need cutting down soon. It gave up it’s struggle completely this year. Although there is some beauty to see in it’s bare branches and shape, perhaps we’ll keep it for a while.

We popped into Paolo’s at C’era una Volta restaurant yesterday; I just needed to relax and not cook. It is the season for Fungi and in particular Porcini. Yes, I had yet another giant porcini grilled over the open wood fire, so mouth-watering! Paolo, his sister and Gaia, his wife, will travel for two hours into secret woodland to pick all kinds of fungi. He often proudly brings out a box of their latest hoard.

And so, Autumn is here. It is cooler but the air is wonderfully fresh. The zanzari (mosquitos) did not find me this morning, so with a bit of luck they may be dying out. So I think today we will enjoy an aperitivo in the garden, the sun is warm enough and the breeze is light. We will raise a glass or two to all our friends and family around the world.

Have a great week and do stay safe.

Salute June x

PS Visit my website at http://www.junefinnigan.website