Welcome and Benvenuti to all my Lovely Followers around the World,
Well, how are you?
Firstly, you will be glad to know that I will not be mentioning Italian Politics, other than the fact the country remains ungoverned due to no agreement to form a government. So it looks like we can expect another General Election! Enough.
So, to much brighter things and especially to our beautiful Tuscan Garden here on the edge of Chianti, which is now full of flowering tubs. Yes, the weekend was glorious and we were able to get all the pots planted up with colourful flowers. The grass, or green weedy stuff, was mowed and we sat out in an evening temperature of around 24 degrees centigrade to admire our hard work. Now it is raining and is likely to do so all week. A little sad for the tourists that have started arriving in their droves. But hey ho, life eeez good, life eeez now! Foto J Finnigan.
Now I must mention the Star of Jerusalem, which is an herb said to be helpful to people suffering from depression, when taken in oil form. They pop up all over the ‘lawn’ and are really pretty. I have just read that these lovely plants are the bane of landscape gardeners as they spread like crazy. Well my man likes them so much, he mowed around them, bless him! What would you do? Foto J Finnigan.
Meanwhile, the legend that is Bob Dylan was in Florence on his Italian leg of ‘The Never Ending Tour’. He performed his first tracks seated at the piano, starting with ‘Things have changed’ his voice in excellent form and singing to a packed Mandela Forum. His visit to the city was very low profile and the reporters were unable to find out where he was staying or anything about his itinerary outside of the concert! Well, good for Bob, I say, privacy is everything. Did you go to the concert? Do tell me about it, as I could not get a ticket! Foto La Repubblica.
Back in our local village of Fiano and over morning coffee, I noticed in the paper a mention of World Book Day, which is apparently on 23rd April, so we must remember that. I’m not sure how one is supposed to celebrate this, other than perhaps buying or reading a book. Mine are always available of course, assuming you like romantic thrillers and adventures that take you around the world. Supporting an author is a good idea, me in particular! I will be in Wells and Exmouth in the West County of the UK the week beginning 21st May, so if you have a book group or any other club where you would like me to visit, do drop me a line. Visit My website I would love to meet you. Foto La Repubblica.
Now, I think I should mention, if you are coming to Italy and hiring a car, that the roads have never been as bad as they are now. The recent cold snap, after a few days of early spring weather, has made things considerably worse! The roads have never been particularly good here, however, we are now reading about it in the papers so things have seriously deteriorated! In the UK, the local authorities would have paid out millions to drivers for the damage to their cars over the last year, here in Tuscany it’s accepted as the norm. As we currently have no government, what can we do? So, I recommend a high wheel based car, particularly if you are visiting me. Foto La Nazione.
Well, enough of the grumbles, there is a lot to be grateful for, like good restaurants! With our local one being closed for ten days, we decided to go back to another favourite in Tavernelle, which I may have mentioned before. I’m talking about La Gramola. It is newly refurbished with big modern paintings on the wall, and has a fresher and more spacious feel to it. Thankfully the chef, Cecilia Dei, has not changed and we enjoyed a really delicious meal there on Sunday. I had Crostini di Cavolo Nero (black cabbage on toast) followed by spaghetti con verdure. (seasonal vegetables.) Just to remind you, La Gramola also specialises in gluten-free. Let me know if you are visiting and perhaps we’ll take you there. Foto J Finnigan. Visit La Gramola at Website
Well, must get on with the day job. People to see, places to go and deals to be done.
Have a really great week and do drop me a line.
Salute June x
Ps. Visit my official author site at June’s site
The Trilogy – The Continuing Adventures of Joanna Wilde.
Well, it’s April first, yes really and the sun is shining. This morning we drove down to Certaldo for coffee as, quite rightly, La Dispensa in Fiano is taking a couple of days off for an Easter break. Jam Caffe, our favourite bar in Certaldo, was heaving with big family groups, several of which had returned home for the Pasqua (Easter) celebrations. Few Italians can bear to be away from Mama’s or Nonna’s Easter lunch and the traditional gathering of clans. In this picture, the caffe looks quiet, but behind me the bar was chocker! My man waxed lyrical over his pastry, which was freshly baked on the premises, as we met and greeted old friends. What a pleasant start to the day! Foto J Finnigan.
Looking back to Good Friday, we were invited over to our daughter’s lovely home between San Gimignano and Volterra, for a delicious lunch. The desert was my man’s absolute favourite, Strawberry Pavlova and the remaining strawberries were dipped in chocolate! Fortunately our daughter and granddaughter like to cook, so we were extremely happy to be treated. They live in untamed woodland with a view to the distant sea, such a lovely spot to live in. Grazie la Famiglia xx Foto J Finnigan.
Meanwhile, earlier in the week, we were enjoying our morning coffee in Fiano and I found some really nice fashion in La Repubblica for you to enjoy. All made in Italy, of course, and with a wonderful air of Spring about them. For the clothes visit Oltre’s 
It has been a strange time here in Tuscany, the trees are only just in bud and a number of young trees have not survived the terrible unseasonal cold we have suffered over the last couple of months. But the forecast is looking good now, so time to think about the Spring wardrobe at last! I’m going to look through my things tomorrow! For the shoes go to 
Once you have sorted out your Spring wardrobe, you may wish to pop over to Florence for a great Artisan Exhibition. There is nothing like viewing or buying products with the ‘Made in Italy’ label or sticker, so this is something you should try not to miss. This annual, traditional exhibition has been running since 1978 and is to be found in the 16th Century fortress, Fortezza da Basso, in the heart of Florence close to the railway/bus station. There is lots of parking in the area too, but I would always recommend taking a train or bus in if you can. Why not stay in Certaldo and travel from here, we could go together! You have plenty of time to plan for this, as it starts on 21st April. For lots more information go to 
Back at our lovely home, a converted monastery farmhouse, my man has been stacking the latest wood delivery. He also brought in a pile for our inglenook. “Look at this!” He said indicating the most peculiar shaped log. I stared and gasped. “It’s a dinosaur’s foot fossil!” I squealed. “Don’t be daft,” he sighed. “It’s obviously the bottom of a tree, with some of its roots still attached.” “No, no, it’s a fossil with a tree wrapped around it!” I argue. My man goes off to do more useful things. To burn or not to burn? That is the question. What do you think? Foto J Finnigan.
Back again in the coffee bar in Fiano last weekend, I read about the sad loss of a hugely popular TV celebrity, Fabrizio Frizzi. At only sixty, he has left our screens forever, having hosted numerous TV quiz shows; he was always around doing something entertaining. His funeral attracted thousands of fans and many celebrities too. Addio Fabrizio. Article by Di Piero Degli Antoni.
Meanwhile, back in the world of politics, there are certain romances going on. Potential government members are wooing each other and celebrating any agreements with hugs and kisses in The House, and in full view of the cameras. Mind you, this is Italy, the Italians don’t hide their feelings and are very touchy feely. But I quite like this, and over the years have found myself becoming more and more that way myself. However, my English man still prefers to shake hands with Italian men, which they find amusing once they have become good friends. So back to the forming of a new government; well we are still waiting. Foto La Repubblica.
On the same subject, a Roman Graffiti artist has painted a mural depicting the two potential leaders, passionately kissing. You know, a bit like the Gorbachev picture. Note that Luigi Di Maio, the vertically challenged one on the left, was nominated by the leader of the Five Star Movement for the leadership, as he himself (Grillo) has a police record and could not stand for the position of PM. So nothing new there. Matteo Salvini, the portly one on the right, who represents the Northern League and runners-up in the General Election, badly wants the leadership, so this romance may not last long! Watch this space. Foto La Repubblica
And what about Exhibitions in Florence? Now here’s one I must go and see. A fascinating historical photographic collection of ‘Women in Work’. So, if you want proof of all the hard work women have successfully completed over the years, this exhibition is for you. Here in the Chianti countryside, there is still an abundance of male farm workers, however, so many are imported and of course there are thousands of immigrants all desperate for work that again are mainly male. It is easy to spot an elderly countrywoman, as she is likely be very bent over with gnarled hands. In small holdings or allotments the elderly can still be seen growing their own fruit and veg, often under the rows of olive trees. But times have changed, even here in the Tuscan countryside. Foto La Repubblica.
Now, I could not resist showing you this gorgeous feminine Rock Chick look, which I found in La Repubblica newspaper, whilst enjoying my morning coffee in Fiano. As a rock singer myself, black is my signature colour, but I do love a bit of femininity thrown in too. I’ve always strongly believed that if you are naturally feminine, you know, dresses, skirts and long hair, why hide it. Fortunately, I was not a feminist in the sixties, I had no money and could not afford to burn my only bra! But this did not stop me from being successful in business later on, despite the glass ceiling! But that’s another story….. 
The other thing I read in the paper was about the dangerous state of thousands of mature trees, particularly pines and famiglia trees, here in Tuscany. They are falling over the roads and their roots are pushing up huge lumps in the tarmac! It makes me very sad to see many of these trees destined for the chop, but needs must I guess. Foto La Nazione
But never mind, lets end on a cheerful note. The sun is shining and our spring/summer resident, Signore Cock Pheasant, is back making a racket so the girlies can hear him. Last year he bedded down with a hen under our tangley pomegranate trees, safe from the hunters in the countryside that surrounds our garden. I hope he finds his amore soon. Foto J Finnigan.
If, like us, you are suffering yet more miserable weather, you will need some uplifting music to cheer you up! Now I only occasionally mention Italian singers and rarely Pop singers. So when I tell you that Italy’s own Laura Pausini has released a new album called ‘Fatti Sentiri’ and is off on a world tour, you should prick up your ears! Laura has a passionate and slightly gravelly voice, which she is this year taking around the globe at the age of forty-four. She has been around for a few years here, but now things are really taking off for her and she has my full support and best wishes for what will be an exciting if grueling few months. Foto La Repubblica. Visit 
Meanwhile, and a surprise to we locals, the town of Certaldo has been busy formulating it’s very own Wedding Package as part of its new Tourism Campaign. we do have a number of wedding planners in Tuscany and Certaldo Alto, the hill-top historical centre (centro storica), has always been hugely popular with Brits wanting to tie the knot. So it will be interesting to see what emerges. I have to say, that once you visit Certaldo Alto, you will understand why it is so popular. When I have more information I’ll let you know. Foto Official Website. For now, why not visit 
Back in the world of politics, you could hardly ignore the fact that Italy has had a General Election! The country is now considered badly split and we must wait to hear whether the Five Star Movement will merge with its nearest rival to form a government. Watch this space. Foto La Repubblica.
But anyway, I promised to post Italian fashion worn by happy models and I think this one makes that grade. A lovely relaxed outfit as long as you are 5ft 10ins or more and slim. Well I’m working on the latter, but I will need six-inch heels to make that height! Ha ha! I shall have to stand on a box at my next concert, and probably stick with black, that’s always a slimming and gives the impression of height. But for the outfit in the picture and lots of other gorgeous casual stuff, go to Amina Rubinacci’s site where, yes, you can buy on-line! 
If you don’t mind, I want to pop back to Music as I have just read in the paper that Mick Jagger’s younger brother Chris has been in Italy for four concerts. Chris Jagger, singer, musician, writer, actor and journalist, tours from time to time, with his trio Acoustic Roots. Pity, I didn’t know he was here until afterwards! You can read more about him in his interview with askanews. Visit 
Finally, a little something to make you smile and to remind all of us all that Spring will get here shortly. Apparently, according to the locals, today Wednesday is the first day of spring so I have popped in a picture of our pot of Grape Hyacinths for you to enjoy.
OK, let’s get it over with. I know that many of you have seen enough snow to last a lifetime and have been dreaming about soaking up the Tuscan Sun. Unfortunately, here in our little bit of Chianti we were not to escape the same deluge of awful weather and it is hard to believe that our view from here just over a week ago looked and felt like Siberia! Now it is much warmer and raining, spring flowers are bursting through and when the first tourists start arriving at the beginning of April, they will find it difficult to imagine how cold and bleak it was in early March. Foto J Finnigan
Anyway, onwards and upwards and to remember just how lucky we are to have the Italian lifestyle of morning coffee and pastries and of course, beautiful handbags. ‘What has handbags got to do with lifestyle?’ I hear you ask. Well, everything actually. Without a beautiful Italian handbag over one’s arm or shoulder, a person would be improperly dressed, even in the local caffè bar!
OK, and so to Italian Fashion. In my last blog I promised to only post Italian fashion worn by happy models. So here for your delight, and mine too, is a beautiful outfit in my perfect colours. The great thing about the internet is that most of the designers can be accessed and purchased on-line these days. As much as I like to go to gorgeous Italian designer shops, time is of the essence. So for this beautiful outfit visit Dixie (pronounced Dixieh) at 
Dio, what to say, what to do about Italian Rugby? Our great team here in Italy has managed to lose six consecutive matches in the Six Nations. Sadly, the only newspaper foto was squeezed into the bottom right of La Nazione sporting pages and hardly noticeable. I do wonder if the lack of investment into the sport here makes a difference. Italy is so orientated towards Football (Calcio) and the children are encouraged to join local teams at an early age. Another interesting fact is that the schools here do not have their own sports fields; Children have to go to outside clubs in the evenings or at the weekend. Siena has a great rugby club where our grandson is playing with the under 18’s. However, the facilities are pretty dire and, for strength reasons, they have recently merged with Arrezzo, which has not proved too successful. But the players remain ever enthusiastic!
Don’t worry, I have not forgotten my hunk of the month. However, having decided to choose the great Sicilian detective, Montalbano, I was devastated to read that he actually gets married in his most recent series! No, I know that should not preclude him as Hunk of the Month, I was just a little bit shaken, that’s all. In fact, even my own heroine, Joanna Wilde, gets married in my latest book ‘The Italian Connection,’ which will not preclude her from continuing to have exciting new adventures!
OK, what to say about the Rugby? I am almost speechless after watching England’s terrible performance, losing to Scotland yesterday. However, we do want to congratulate the Scots on a game well played. On Saturday we watched a much more exciting match between Wales and Ireland, which followed a disappointing meeting between Italy and France. Italy did put up a good show in the early stages, but they still have so much to do to improve their game. So for us, being English and living in Italy it was a poor weekend of rugby! But never mind, life eeez good, life eeez now! Foto SkySport
Meanwhile, there was a snow warning in place for the region of Florence, so we have dashed to the local village and stocked up for a few days. La Dispensa shop and caffe bar is such a godsend for us and the local people in the Fiano area. Back in our cosy converted Monastery Farmhouse, it’s good to be in the warm and to watch the heavy snowflakes from inside my studio. Despite this, daffodils and snowdrops are popping up; roll on spring! Foto La Nazione.
Now, I know I go on about fashion and I know that last week I groaned about the miserable looking models on the catwalks, but I have to inform you that I am now campaigning for happy models that look as if they are enjoying the clothes they are wearing! If you look at the pictures in the paper, no don’t, of the shows in Milan this last week, you would have cringed. So each or every other week I will share with you a fashion shot that will make you smile. Only beautiful things Made in Italy of course. Foto La Repubblica.
A question; are you nervous about carrying a clutch bag? I am, as I’m always afraid it will be snatched or I will put it down and forget it. Well here is the answer to both those dilemmas, a clutch with a wrap around strap, brilliant and I love this one too! Do send me a picture of your own favourite bag! foto La Repubblica.
Back in the world of good Italian food, I just read this great article about 3D Printed Pasta! I’m also quite keen on an artistic presentation in the right surroundings, and these creations hit the spot. Produced by BluRhapsody in Emilia (Foto La Reppublica), you can take a look at their amazing 
And last but not least, Julia Baird, John Lennon’s sister, has written a book dedicated to their mother, called Imagine This. It is the true story of John Lennon’s childhood. She is currently in Italy on a book promotion tour. Foto La Nazione. If you are a fan of JL you may want to buy a book at 
Well, I’m starting off today with the music scene, here in our lovely bit of Italy. I could write the whole blog and never leave this particular subject, as so much is going on musically. But worry ye not, there is much more to read about below. But I am sure you would want to know that the aging Bob Dylan will be gracing us with his presence on 7th April, appearing at The Nelson Mandela Forum in Florence. I was interested to read that last year he was made Poet Laureate for his song lyrics, unusual choice, but open to discussion. Foto Tour promotions. For details of all his Italian concert dates go to 
Also touring during February and March is the hugely popular gravelly Italian singer, Zucchero. Zucchero translates to sugar, and a very sweet man he is too. His real name is Adelmo Fornaciari and is described as a blues artist who has sold more than sixty million records in his lifetime! At sixty-three he’s still going strong. Foto La Reppublica. Buy tickets at 
Anyway, on a brighter note, I found this gorgeous Sodini handbag in La Reppublica’s weekend magazine. I think it is truly beautiful and it’s so nice to have a relaxed happy model in the picture. Oh, dear, I have just discovered that the brand can be bought in Certaldo, at Magnolia in Via Giugno. What to do? My man will kill me if I buy another handbag! I’ll have to find an excuse somehow! Visit 
Just lately, I have been getting really put off the fashion shows as so many designers use these awful miserable looking models that don’t even seem to be enjoying the clothes they are wearing! Sorry, I just don’t understand it. They may as well just use remote-controlled robots, that would at least be more interesting.
This is also Silvio Berlusconi’s party, which is currently holding third place in the opinion poles. Posters are now appearing on the big metal boards erected a couple of weeks ago. Although we are residents here, we don’t appear to have voting rights. Mind you, I would not have a clue as to who to vote for, but then I felt the same way when we lived in England in the distant past! I’ll keep you posted. Foto La Nazione.
OK, I have warned you about Italian Romeos in the past and this week girlies of all ages should take extra care. Anyway, from now up until the fourteenth, beware of Italian men offering you red roses. One rose is supposed to be very romantic, however, it might also indicate the size of his wallet! Ask immediately if he lives with his mother. If yes, then he’s probably after a bit of slap and tickle. If he gives you a sob story about his aging or ailing mother, he may be looking for a replacement! Either way, if he’s good-looking and invites you to dinner in a decent ristorante, why not! Enjoy! Foto La Nazione.
Meanwhile, the papers continue to be full of the forthcoming elections. Villages and towns have had the big metal boards erected ready for the posters that go up shortly. Matteo Renzi, the former Prime Minister, seems to be talking himself into a big political hole, rather like David Cameron did in the UK. Both he and Silvio Berlusconi are now paying heed to the female political advisors, I’m glad to say, however, no sign of a likely candidate from their ranks for PM yet. Foto La Repubblica.
Guest appearances at the Festival included Sting. The music man is fully entrenched into Tuscan life having a villa and land just a few valleys away from us, and the Italians love him. His music is regularly played on the radio and he holds the occasional private concert party in his garden. He has obviously taken a lead from me and my Garden Rock Concerts in June each year. More news on that soon! Foto La Repubblica
Well, back here in our beautiful bit of Chianti, it is cold and raining. Contrary to popular belief outside of Italy, February can be chilly and wet. Despite that Crocuses are beginning to show their heads, the Mimosa and some Cherry trees are in full blossom and life is good. Local towns and villages are finally getting over the Carnivale Period and things are finally a little quieter; until the elections of course! Foto La Nazione.
Yes! Rugby Six Nations has started and whilst I don’t intend bombarding you with unnecessary results of the first weekend, I do want to mention yesterday’s match between England and Italy in Roma. Now, whenever I watch these two teams play I am torn between them; who am I supporting I ask myself? My man has no such problems, he is English and an ex-serviceman, so Queen and country naturally makes him a supporter of England. I am also English, but after nearly fourteen years in Tuscany, I am cheering both sides on and delighted with every try, conversion and drop kick. And Italy put up a really good performance, they even scored the first try, only to lose in the end to the stronger team!
Anyway, back in the world of politics, and whilst enjoying my morning coffee at La Dispensa in Fiano, I read in La Republica that eighty-seven year old politician Lilian Segre, has been nominated ‘Senatrice a Vita’ by the Presidente della Republica Sergio Mattarella. Now, this either means she has been given a life sentence or made a Senator for Life. In the picture she appears to be in a state of shock, poor old thing, so take your pick!
But let’s turn our thoughts to the world of music, which is close to my heart as you all know. We are in the run-up to the Sanremo Music Festival. This is a hotly contested song contest which, over five days will find a winner selected by a celebrity panel. Of course this makes for very popular TV watching, however, if you do attend the Ariston Theatre in Sanremo, or watch it on the box, you will have to sit and listen to some pretty awful music. The Italians are crazy for it! A guest appearance will be made by Ornella Vanoni. Who? Ah, well she was a hugely popular singer donkeys years ago and this will be her first appearance in nineteen years. Good for her, I say. If you would like to learn more, or even buy tickets you should go to 
Meanwhile, at number two in the album charts, you will find the lovely EMMA, with Essere Qui, which means ‘Being here’. Born in Florence, she is currently a bit of a Blondie lookalike, but her voice is very different. Husky and very much a singer of the modern age, she became popular after winning Sanremo in 2012. She also plays acoustic and classical guitar; impressive! Hear her sing here 
When we first moved into our lovely new home in April 2015, one of the first things we did was to plant three young Mimosa trees. All are doing really well and already in full blossom. Once again this is a little too early in the year, as the blossoms are normally presented to the women in one’s life, on La Festa Delle Donne in March, that are deserving for reasons of kindness, love or simply being a nice person who might have made a difference over the previous year. So let’s hope that there will still be a few flowering trees around on the day. A couple of days ago, my man also spotted the first daffodils as we whizzed back from a trip to Certaldo; lovely.
Meanwhile it is the season for that delicious dark green cabbage, Cavolo Nero, full of iron and vitamins. Cooked in various ways, however, I just like to steam the leaves then toss in a little Extra Virgin Olive Oil and sea salt. For some really great recipes visit the website of my friend and neighbour, the Celebrity Cook Judy Witts Francini. 
Also in season are the lovely Italian New Potatoes. Now I’m a great fan of potatoes and we Brits cook them in so many different ways. Whilst I love them just boiled and tossed in butter (lessato), the Italians mainly cook them chopped into small pieces and roasted with oil, Rosemary and garlic (Potate Arrosto). You will also find a recipe for this in Judy’s book.
And how about our local town of Certaldo and other nearby towns? Well, I’m going to have to research this as, whilst all the locals seem to know whats going on, probably by word of mouth or they are actively involved anyway. So I’ll be back shortly! Ok, I’m back and the very best site to go to is Discover Tuscany, where you will find all the exciting events including wine tastings, galleries, exhibitions, dance festivals, food festas; the list is endless. So if you are going to be in Tuscany in February you will be kept very busy! You can start your tour at Certaldo Station, the rail and bus links are brilliant! Foto P Finnigan. Go to Discover Tuscany 
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