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A 91st Birthday, Lest We Forget, Depeche Mode, Hibiscus and Cobwebs in Beautiful Tuscany

October 17, 2016 by June Finnigan

Welcome and Benvenuti to all my Lovely Followers

The birthday girl and me. foto P Finnigan

The birthday girl and me.
foto P Finnigan

I have just returned from a few days in England, which I won’t bore you with as I know you only tune in to read about Tuscany.  However,  the reason I went, was to celebrate my lovely mother-in-law’s 91st birthday and I’m sure you won’t mind my giving her a mention.  Her name is Marie, Mabel, Olga, Romance and she is a real star.  So here is a picture for the world to see.   Just before this foto was taken she was singing ‘why are we waiting’.  And, in this shot she is making a deep growling sound!  On the flight home I was so tired I tipped my plastic cup of prosecco over the sleeping young man next to me.  “Oh no!” He proclaimed, “Did I knock your arm when I was asleep?” I smiled sweetly and told him not to worry.  I know that was naughty, but he was taking up a lot of room!

The Earthquake donation details. La Nazione

The Earthquake donation details.
La Nazione

On a more serious note and lest we forget, I know you won’t mind me bringing back the subject of the recent earthquake that killed three hundred people and completely destroyed whole villages.  Many of you asked where and how you could make a contribution and I now have bank details for you to make a donation.  This was printed in La Nazione newspaper.  The rebuild cost will be a horrendous 300 million euros, and around 189 million has been raised so far.  So if you feel you can donate anything, the surviving villagers will be forever grateful.  Grazie Mille!

Depeche Mode on tour in Tuscany. Black leather maketh the aging rocker! La Nazione

Depeche Mode on tour in Tuscany. Black leather maketh the aging rocker!
La Nazione

Now on to brighter things and the world of music.  The latest tour in our region is Depeche Mode, still rocking and sounding great.  Less of my cup of tea is Michael Buble, but I know he has a huge following.  Earlier this year, I wrote some lyrics for a song, which was recorded by a musician friend.  He hopes to sell the song to Michael’s agency, so maybe we can pin his manager down whilst he is in Tuscany!  Watch this space.

Meanwhile, back home in our beautiful bit of countryside on the edge of Chianti, we set out for coffee this morning in a thick mist.  So we drove higher to Fiano, which proved to be a good idea as we emerged into glorious sunshine.  At La Dispensa, our now regular choice of coffee bar, we were served at the table by the local butcher.  Yes, it’s true, but then he is also the owner of the bar/grocery shop/butchers along with his lovely wife.  It was very busy and full of shooters, whose company is not our first choice.  But we managed to grab the papers and hog them for a while, so that was OK.

Autumn Hibiscus on the terraza. Foto J Finnigan

Autumn Hibiscus on the terrazza. Foto J Finnigan

On our return home we found lots of cobwebs on our gate in the mist; it’s that time of year and in the garden the autumn colours were looking great with lots of still flowering pots including the beautiful Hibiscus.  My man and I are relishing being home together for a whole week, enjoying the bars, restaurants and Autumn garden.  We will be getting a big fire basket and fireguard  for our inglenook fireplace this week, so I’ll let you know how we get on with lighting the wood fire for the first time, in this fabulous old farmhouse.

Back to today and we are off to Ristorante Borgo Antico in Tavernelle for lunch, which I am really looking forward to.  http://www.borgoanticorestaurant.com  Ah, life eeeez good, life eeeez now!

Have a fabulous week and do drop me a line.

Salute June x

Visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

'My Father, The Assassin'. Book one in the series.

‘My Father, The Assassin’. Book one in the series.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

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Men’s and Childrens’ Fashion, Roberto Bolle, Santa Maria Novello and Spot the Difference in Beautiful Tuscany

October 11, 2016 by June Finnigan

Welcome and Benvenuto to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

Gutteridge, the beautiful new men's shop in Florence. La Repubblica

Gutteridge, the beautiful new men’s shop in Florence.
La Repubblica

So, to cheer us all up during this awful cold wet weather, I’m going to talk about that wonderful world of Italian Fashion.  However, it’s the Men’s and children’s’ fashion that has caught my eye in the papers this last week.  In Florence Gutteridge celebrated the opening of their new Menswear shop in Piazza Della Signoria. Filled with beautiful top quality Italian designs and is also available for you to visit on-line.  The model in the picture is pretty lush too!

Italian chidren's fashion. La Repubblica

Italian chidren’s fashion. La Repubblica

The moment Italian children first see themselves in the mirror, they start getting fashion conscious.  Yes, the girlies do tend to be dressing much older than their years here, and black is a popular colour from a very young age.

But they do look great, particularly during the early evenings when they are out walking doing the ‘passeggiata’ with their friends and family.

The gorgeous body of Roberto Bolle, La Mia Danza Libera. La Repubblica

The fabulous body of the dancer Roberto Bolle, La Mia Danza Libera. La Repubblica

Now, last Thursday we were up in Fiano reading the papers over coffee in La Dispensa when I spotted this article about La Mia Danza Libera, which roughly translates to My Free Dance.  Performing at that event was and will be the incredibly gorgeous Roberto Bolle who at forty-one could knock the socks off some of his younger dancing colleagues.  so for you girlies and some of you guys, here is his amazing foto.  The event is being shown on television at Rai-uno (Rai 1).  Look out for it!

Meanwhile, back in Florence The beautiful historic church Santa Maria Novello attracted five thousand visitors on its open day last week, looking to raise funds for more restoration and upkeep.  Originally funded by Florence’s wealthy elite, it is now in need of further support.  for the best description of this amazing Dominican church, its art and museum collection go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Maria_Novella

The real one and the copy of The Boy. La Republica

The real one and the copy of The Boy.
La Republica

Now here’s a thing.  I have just read an article about a Caravaggio painting that appears to be exhibited in both London and Florence.  According to Vittorio Sgarbi, a respected expert, the one in Florence is a copy!  Oh no, we say, so the National Gallery in London, England has the real one!  Called the Ragazzo (boy) it is a painting we all know quite well, but can you tell the difference?  I think that some of these fakes are so good they should remain on show and declared as being a copy, rather than take it down.  But what do you think?

OK, I must start thinking about my trip to England this week and getting this blog off to you.  Have a really great week and do visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan, Oh and don’t forget to write!

Salute June x

'My Father, The Assassin'. Book one in the series.

‘My Father, The Assassin’. Book one in the series.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

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Silvio 80! A Moose, Gucci Shoes, Leonardo Da Vinci and Hunk of the Month in Beautiful Tuscany

October 4, 2016 by June Finnigan

Welcome and Benvenuto to all my lovely Loyal and New followers

Silvio celebrates his 80th! La Nazione

Silvio celebrates his 80th!
La Nazione

Now the big news last week was the 80th birthday celebration of the charismatic ex-politician Silvio Berlusconi.  He spent the day with his thirty-one year old partner (gosh she’s getting on a bit) Francesca Pascale and his family, in his mansion near Milan.  He was quoted as having announced that his political career is effectively over and “I will dedicate more time to the people I love and that is the way it should be: five children and ten grandchildren have turned me into a patriarch”  he said at an interview on the big day.  Ah bless his silk socks.  But if this means his retiring from the world of politics completely, then things will be far less colourful in that arena.  I read that two out of three members want him back as the leader of Forza Italia; watch this space!

The Moose in the big oak tree guarding our gate. Foto J Finnigan

The Moose in the big oak tree guarding our gate.
Foto J Finnigan

Back in our beautiful bit of Chianti countryside, we have taken to popping outside the front door with a couple of chairs for an aperitivo before lunch, because there is some shade there at that time of day.  You will remember that our current home is guarded at the front gate by a huge ancient oak tree (querceto) and last weekend I had the strangest feeling that I was being stared at.  I looked at the tree and it had suddenly taken on the face of a moose!  Yes, I know I was on the second glass of wine, but here is the proof!  If you cannot see what I can see then perhaps I should make an appointment to go and see my lovely doctor Flavio.  Please tell me you can see it’s face….

To buy or not to buy these orange Gucci shoes that match my current handbag! La Repubblica

To buy or not to buy these orange Gucci shoes that match my current handbag!
La Repubblica

Anyway, to change the subject and taking you back to La Dispensa caffee bar in Fiano, I was reading the paper over my morning coffee and saw these beautiful Gucci shoes advertised.  The orange pair in the middle exactly matches my current handbag.  What do you think?  Would it be over indulgent on my part, to buy these on-line?

Leonardo Da Vinci Exhibition at San Gimignao La Repubblica

Leonardo Da Vinci Exhibition at San Gimignano
La Repubblica

Also in the paper I read that this is the last month to view Leonardo Da Vinci’s exhibition of ‘Le Macchine Militaria’ (I don’t think this needs translating) at the Museum of Torture in San Gimignano.  Apparently, it’s a ‘multi-media exhibition’ whatever that is!  Should I go and see it?  I’m not sure and I have heard that a lot of the exhibits are pretty gruesome.

By the way, we have house guests for a few days and whilst I continue to work and write it’s good to have some girlie time, with my sister-in-law who accompanied a lovely friend of mine from England.  Today we went out to lunch at Borgo Antico in Tavernelle http://www.borgoanticorestaurant.com after I tried in vain to buy a new travel case in the high street and found most of the shops closed; I had forgotten it was Monday.

October Hunk of the Month the Italian musician known as 'Fano' La Repubblica

October Hunk of the Month, the Italian musician known as ‘Fano’
La Repubblica

So I ended up buying a new bedside lamp in the electrical shop, and have no idea how I can stuff all my things into it when I go to England next week!  But you don’t want to know about that, I’m sure you would rather drool over my Hunk of the Month, an Italian musician called Fano!

Well, enough of that nonsense, must get back to the real world and get this blog off to you.

Have a great week.

Amore June x

Visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

'My Father, The Assassin'. Book one in the series.

‘My Father, The Assassin’. Book one in the series.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

 

 

 

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Fiano Vittoria nel Calambur, Olives, Rome Olympics, Fashion and Sunsets in Beautiful Tuscany

September 27, 2016 by June Finnigan

Welcome and Benvenuti to my lovely Loyal and New Followers,

Yes, I know, I’m a little late this week!  My apologies, but here we go.

'Il Fonti' the winning team. La Nazione

‘Il Fonti’ the winning team.
La Nazione

The victor's beautiful Banner on display at Fiano. Foto J Finnigan

The victor’s beautiful Banner on display at Fiano.
Foto J Finnigan

The highlight of last week was Fiano’s victory in the ‘Calambur’.  Just to explain, the Commune di Certaldo is divided into five ‘villages’ so to speak and all have their own flag.  These are really districts and every member of the commune belongs to one of them.  Fiano is the main village in ‘Le Fonti’ and the team was made up of many friends and family from Fiano, our local village.  ‘So what’s it all about?’ you ask.  Well the teams compete against each other in a complicated day of races, obstacle courses and intelligence tests, hoping to win the coveted Victory Banner.  Well, guess what, our team won and the beautiful banner has been on display in La Dispensa, our still fairly new bar and alimentare, in Fiano.  It really is a beautiful thing and I have enclosed a foto for you to see.  Wow!

The anticipated olive production. La Nazione

The anticipated olive production.
La Nazione

Well, what next?  Oh yes, the olive harvest.  The grape harvest has been going full pelt since the beginning of September and is the busiest time of year for the country folk.  Then it’s the turn of the olives and the countryside changes once again as multi-coloured nets are spread around the olive groves.  Sadly, I read in the paper that the production is estimated at 30% down on last year due to the pesky olive fly.  So the price of Extra Virgin will likely be higher in the coming months.  Whilst we love freshly cold pressed oil, we still have a huge demijohn from last year in the cantina, so we won’t go short.

The Mayor of Rome, Virginia Raggi, makes the announcement. La Repubblica.

The Mayor of Rome, Virginia Raggi, makes the announcement. La Repubblica.

Meanwhile, down in Rome, there has been a big debate about whether the City should host the 2024 Olympic games.  Now I am a great one for sport, but when I read the announcement from the Mayor of Rome, Virginia Reggi, that the city was withdrawing from the race, I was quietly pleased.  The locals all talk about the lack of money spent on long-term employment, pensioners and the country’s infrastructure.  So good for Virginia and the Romans, lets see some government reaction and some more money put into the economy!

Autumn Italian Fashion, beautiful. La Repubblica.

Autumn Italian Fashion, beautiful. La Repubblica.

Anyway, back to my world and fashion.  Yes I know, I’m a great lover of handbags, scarves, shoes and gloves and this time of year it’s all about autumn colours too.

Then of course, we have the wonderful sunsets as the sun has slipped lower in the sky, or has the planet moved up a shade?  Probably the latter. I sat out on the lower terrace yesterday evening and not one mosquito!  So the imminent arrival of house guests will be pleased to hear that.  August and most of September kept us inside in the evenings to avoid getting bitten, so we’re looking forward to enjoying aperitivi outside.

OK, enough of that.  Must crack on with the day job and the thousand words a day for my third book in the Joanna Wilde trilogy, which I know you are desperate to read!

Have a great week.

Salute June x

Visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

'My Father, The Assassin'. Book one in the series.

‘My Father, The Assassin’. Book one in the series.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

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Slow Travel Fest, The Who, Zucchero, Rock Chicks and Fashion in Beautiful Tuscany

September 18, 2016 by June Finnigan

Ciao e Benvenuti to all My Friends around the World,

Well, you will no doubt have heard of the Slow Food Movement in Italy, it’s all about cooking and eating slowly and actually enjoying the experience.  This allows time for conversation and good wine whilst anticipating the delights of the food to come.  The Italians have no problem with this, they like to talk a lot about good food, as well as eat it.  You should try it….

Slow Travel Fest, La Repubblica

Slow Travel Fest, La Repubblica

I am delighted to tell you that Tuscany will also be celebrating the Slow Travel Fest between 23rd and 25th of September.  What does this mean? You ask.  Well, big crowds of people will be travelling very slowly on foot, to enjoy the Tuscan countryside and the delights therein.  The long walks starting around nine in the morning, gently visit places of cultural interest as well as vineyards in and around the Monteriggione region near Siena.  To me this is the ultimate way to see this beautiful land, which we are lucky enough to call our home.  Driving around the hills of Chianti is nice enough, but you can only see the real countryside if you get out and walk.  A piede!

'The Who' still rocking after 50 years! La Nazione

‘The Who’ still rocking after 50 years!
La Nazione

Meanwhile, over coffee with my man in Fiano, I read that The Who have just had a hugely successful concert here, whilst celebrating fifty years in rock!  Two of the original members were in the band including the all important lead singer Roger Daltry and guitar man Pete Townsend.  The guys are looking pretty good and the music was apparently spot on.  I also note that Earth, Wind & Fire are touring, as will Bob Dylan and Paul McCartney in the near future.  Great stuff!

The Italian Rock Singer known as Zucchero La Repubblica

The Italian Rock Singer known as Zucchero La Repubblica

Now an Italian friend, who is a great rock fan, asked me why I always promote rock bands from outside of Italy.  Well, I think that is obvious, however, I have not mentioned a great Italian performer before, who does deserve a mention.  He is known as ‘Zucchero’ and actually does make good music with his gravelly voice and excellent band.  There, that should make my friend happy, you know who you are!

Loredana and La Repubblica

Fiorella and Loredana.
La Repubblica

And, on the continued subject of aging rockers, I was pleased to find an article in a glossy magazine at the hairdressers announcing the start of a new series on channel 5 in the Autumn called Amiche in Arena.  It will star two great female performers Fiorella Mannoia (62) and Loredana Berte (65) both looking absolutely fabulous!  The concert will raise awareness of the violence against women, so a good cause too.  Rock on!

My Autumn handbag. Foto J Finnigan

My Autumn handbag. Foto J Finnigan

Now, I know you understand my need to talk about fashion, particularly you girlies, and hopefully some of you men too.  It’s time to change my handbag for an orange one, which will go perfectly with the autumn colours that suit me so well.  No it’s not another new one, it’s been carefully packed away in the wardrobe all summer.  And, here it is!  Send me a pic or your current handbag!

Anyway, it’s time to think about sunday lunch.  Borgo Antico and Osteria Casa Chianti are full, so we are popping back to C’era una Volta in Lucardo for some Tipica Toscana food, cooked and eaten slowly of course.

Have a great week and do drop me a line.

Salute June x

PS Visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

'My Father, The Assassin'. Book one in the series.

‘My Father, The Assassin’. Book one in the series.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

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Back to School, Borgo Antico, The Vendemmia, Beppo Grillo and Olive Flies in Beautiful Tuscany

September 11, 2016 by June Finnigan

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

On the way to Certaldo for coffee, my man and I started talking about the fragile planet, I said that I hoped it would survive for at least a few more generations.  Then he said, “It’s just as likely that the world will end as we know it, after being invaded by aliens from outer space.” He said, matter of factly.  “In fact, I think they’re already here and living in Chelsea!”  My man knows a lot of things, so I asked how he knew this.  “Well, you know, all those Hooray Henrys!”  I smiled, he could be right, who am I to argue.

A school bag loaded with back problems. La Republica

A school bag loaded with back problems.
La Republica

Anyway, here we are into the second week of September and its back to school for all the children after a very long summer break and I want to tell you about something that has always concerned me.  Now we Brits  had great spacious school desks full of  books, pens, pencils geometry sets and so on.  Here in Italy the children carry the whole lot around on their backs, weighing as much as 11kg in some cases!  Yes, you heard me right.  In addition, the parents have to fork out over 200 euros at the start of each year to buy all the new books, including the heavy study ones, for the kids to carry around.  Now I am not complaining, but stating a fact and at last this dreadful arrangement is getting some attention from the press, well at least here in Tuscany.  Is it like this in other European countries?  I’d be interested to know.

Ristorante Borgo Antico, the Terrazza. Foto J Finnigan

Ristorante Borgo Antico, the Terrazza.
Foto J Finnigan

On a brighter note, I promised to let you have some pictures of restaurant Borgo Antico in Tavernelle.  Last Sunday we had lunch outside in their lovely terrazza in glorious weather. This of course is how Sundays in Tuscany should be spent, or with a big Italian family in the open air, the Mamas and Nonnas having done the cooking of course, not me.  Anyway, back at Borgo Antico,  Katia presented us with their signature Crostini, vegetarian version.  This is basically toasted bread with delicious mixed toppings with an emphasis on Mozzarella.

Vegetarian Crostini, my gluten free version! Foto J Finnigan

Vegetarian Crostini, my gluten free version!
Foto J Finnigan

Then at our next table a lovely young Italian couple arrived and introduced themselves and their black lab.  He, Stefano Dini, has an Antique Restoration warehouse in Tavernelle, so if you like Italian Antique Furniture go to http://www.portaemporum.com  Then our pasta course arrived and we had a veggie version of the Chef’s ragu sauce.  It was seriously delicious!  I can’t remember if we had a desert later, but I do remember being stuffed after the pasta.  So here is the website again and if you go tell Katia I recommended you, she’ll spoil you to death.  http://www.borgoanticorestaurant.com

The Vendemmia. This article says that 2,680 litres of Chianti was produced in Tuscany in 2015. This year the production will be higher! La Nazione.

The Vendemmia. This article says that 2,680 litres of Chianti wine was produced in Tuscany in 2015. This year the production will be higher! La Nazione.

OK, what next?  Oh yes, as you probably know, the Vendemmia (grape harvest) is in full swing.  Thank heavens for our new home as we no longer have tractors and trailers thundering past our kitchen window.  It is a very noisy time of year and tourists coming to stay in the Agritorismo centres are in for a shock if they think they are going to enjoy a quite relaxing holiday in the Chianti Hills.  But many come to actually participate in the harvest or at least to watch the crushing of the grapes and no, they are not crushed under foot anymore, it’s all mechanical but interesting nonetheless.

Beppe Grillo and Alessandro di Battista. La Republica

Beppe Grillo and Alessandro di Battista. La Republica

Back in the world of politics, one character who I haven’t talked about before is Beppe Grillo.  No, he’s not a Bistecca (steak) chef, he is the leader of the largest opposition party, Cinque Stella.  Looking like a scruffy aging rock singer, he has a huge following and could well be our next leader.  He’s been strutting his stuff on stage with support staff like Alessandro di Battista (Deputato della XVII Legislatura della Republica Italiana con Cinque Stella)  Did you get that? If not do read it again or don’t worry about it.  To be honest I’ve only brought this to your attention because Alessandro is a bit of a hunk!

Before I forget, if he had still been alive Freddie Mercury would have been seventy a couple of days ago.  What is the relevance of this you may ask?  None at all, I answer, I just thought you might like to remember him too.

So, oh yes, it will soon be olive picking time and I hear tell that the dreaded Olive flies are back.  If the harvest is ruined, the prices of Extra Virgin Olive Oil will soar again, but let’s be positive, I’m sure our locals will get it sorted.

Phew, well that’s enough for today, I’m going to twist my man’s arm and say that I don’t feel like cooking today and can we go back to Borgo Antico…  But O Dio, they are fully booked, so we are off to C’era una Volta instead.

Have a really great week and do drop me a line.  I love to hear from you.

Salute June x

Visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

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September, The Grape Harvest, Seasonal Fruit, Fungi, Borgo Antico and Fashion in Beautiful Tuscany

September 4, 2016 by June Finnigan

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

The Grape Harvest begins. La Nazione

The Grape Harvest begins.
La Nazione

Hurrah!  September is here with its cooler weather and a little rain!  After a seriously hot humid August, it was a relief when we hit the 1st September.  And, on this day the first mechanical grape picker started trundling through the vineyards below our house, collecting all those plump purple grapes that will provide us with our next supply of Chianti wines.  Also on this day, the shooters were allowed to start banging away at first light, celebrating the start of the hunting season.  I make no comment on this except that we would be happy for local wildlife to take up arms and fire back.  Oops, sorry, that was supposed to be no comment.

2016-09-03 14.31.57

Our lovely big kitchen table and fruit. Foto J Finnigan

Anyway, What else to celebrate?  Ah well, the seasonal fruit; we are gorging on lovely fresh fruit salads for breakfast every morning.  Peaches, plums, apples and some imported things like bananas and kiwi.  So I thought you might like a picture of my big kitchen table with its baskets of fruit.

Porcini Mushrooms. La Nazione

Porcini Mushrooms. La Nazione

The other things I adore at this time of year is the fungi harvest.  In particular the big porcini mushrooms that are delicious grilled whole as an anti-pasti.  Yummy!

And, still on the subject of food, last Sunday we went to ‘Ristorante Borgo Antico’ in Tavernelle and I promised to report back to you.  Firstly, the place was all closed down so we enquired at a nearby geletaria.  Apparently, they had moved to the edge of town four years ago!  How little we know….  Well, my friends, I have to tell you that we were delighted with the new place, a beautiful outside terrace, the same big welcome from Katia, as we always used to get at the old place, and food and wine to die for!  So needless to say we are booked to go back today, Sunday!  I’ll post some pictures next week.  Meanwhile, go to http://www.borgoanticorestaurant.com

Autumn fashions from Simona Barbieri. La Republica.

Autumn fashions from Simona Barbieri.
La Republica.

Now most of you will already know that I love clothes and the Italian Autumn fashions are fabulous.  In particular, the oranges and browns that really suit my colouring.  Whilst I hate to give up wearing flip-flops, stylish ones of course, I do adore window shopping for handbags and shoes.  My poor man cannot understand why I keep buying handbags, “You can only use one at a time and you keep most of them in a cupboard for months.” But that’s not the point, is it girlies?

Anyway, that’s enough for now.  Do send me your own September stories either by replying to this blog or by email to june.finnigan@virgin.net.  I love to hear from you.

Salute June x

PS I’m still on target with my latest book, rattling away at least one thousand words a day!  I’ve just got to a very scary bit!

Visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

'My Father, The Assassin'. Book one in the series.

‘My Father, The Assassin’. Book one in the series.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

Posted in Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

The Earthquake, Certaldo Onions, Lunch with La Famiglia and Eddie Lizard in Beautiful Tuscany

August 28, 2016 by June Finnigan

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

Whilst I normally try to bring you only good news and fun things, the terrible Earthquake tragedy cannot be ignored.  Thank you for all those messages from around the world and to say that yes we are fine, and lucky enough to be some way north of the terrible disaster.  The country as a whole has been, once again, in shock and yesterday was a day of mourning.  This time, we have decided to take more precautions and have put a packed survival bag just inside the front door and parked the car away from the house.  But, you know, the Italians are a resilient race and whilst an enormous amount of effort is still being put into the rescue work, everyday life continues, as continue it must.

Lovely sweet red Certaldo Onions from the market. Foto P Finnigan

Lovely sweet red Certaldo Onions from the market.
Foto P Finnigan

Yesterday, we were really pleased to find that the Saturday morning market in Certaldo was fully attended by both traders and customers.  It’s nearly the end of August so things are beginning to return to normal after the long holiday.   Everyone seemed cheerful enough and I bought some lovely sweet Certaldo Onions, which are delicious finely sliced with salads, or cooked in the oven.  Then I bought some of my favourite young Pecorino cheese, delicious served with sliced sweet melon.  And, as it is the season for peaches, plums and apricots, I bought a few bagfuls for our breakfast.  Oops, I hope I’m not sounding like a food junky, but the market stalls look so tempting this time of year!

Buratta with grilled vegetables and Certaldo onions. Foto J Finnigan

Buratta with grilled vegetables and Certaldo onions.
Foto J Finnigan

Last Friday, we met our beautiful family for lunch at ‘C’era Una Volta’ in Lucardo.  The grandchildren love the deep-fried polenta there.  My daughter and I enjoyed that great favourite Buratta cheese again with grilled vegetables and of course sliced Certaldo Onions.  Today my man and I are going to revisit a restaurant in Tavernelle.  We haven’t been there for years but bumped into the owner a few days ago, so I booked a table.  Fingers crossed, I’ll let you know.

Eddie Lizard on our kitchen wall. Foto P Finnigan

Eddie Lizard on our kitchen wall.
Foto P Finnigan

Back in our lovely home we had a visitor in the kitchen.  A very plump Gekko Lizard was keeping very still on the wall while we had our supper.  Then my man crept over and got a couple of fotos.  Don’t you just love those feet?  We’ve decided to call him Eddie, get it?  You remember the comedian and actor Eddie Izzard don’t you, that’s right him, so we have our own Eddie Lizard.  Well I think it’s funny.  If you have not been to Italy, you may not know that lizards are everywhere and often provide great entertainment whilst we are enjoying an aperitivo in the garden.

Well, enough of that.  Must get back to ‘The Italian Connection’ as my heroine Joanna Wilde is currently in Rome and waiting for me to write the next chapter.

Have a really good week and do drop me a line.

Salute June x

PS  Visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

'My Father, The Assassin'. Book one in the series.

‘My Father, The Assassin’. Book one in the series.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

 

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Ferragosta, Ristorante Quinoa, U2 and a Surprise Hibiscus in Beautiful Tuscany

August 21, 2016 by June Finnigan

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

Grand Tour Ferragosto La Terrana

Grand Tour Ferragosto
La Terrana

Well, the streets were almost empty of traffic last Monday as the 15th was Ferragosta, the holiday that has all Italians that can, racing off to the motorways, well dual carriageways I should say, as we don’t have many three lane roads in Tuscany.  The motorways came to a grinding halt yet again and one old lady went through a gap in the central barrier, took to the opposite side and started driving against the oncoming traffic! It’s a miracle nobody was killed.  But whilst this madness was going on, we had the country roads to ourselves.  Over coffee in Il Solferino in Certaldo, I read an article about ‘The Grand Tour Ferragosto’ and it was fascinating to see where the most of the Italian tourists and many others besides were heading, should they be on the cultural trail!  Most popular for visitors was the Excavations of Pompei, followed by the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.  See the foto for the full list.

Ristorante Quinoa, a gluten free paradise? La Republica

Ristorante Quinoa, a gluten free paradise?
La Republica

Then the next day I read about a really interesting looking restaurant called Ristorante Quinoa in Florence.  This is definitely one for me and other diners who are intolerant to gluten.  We will try it out in the next couple of weeks.  If you happen to get there before me, do let me know!  Despite our living in a fabulous area, the restaurants that we really like are few and far between.  A good Italian ristorante needs three things, friendly and efficient service, very good food and sensible prices.  Now we don’t mind paying a higher price occasionally, particularly if we fancy a little bit of sophistication.  All the restaurants within a half hour drive provide ‘Tipica Toscana’ typical Tuscan food, but the quality of that food varies a lot.  Also, the house wines are not always the best choice.  So it’s worth asking for a little taste first and if you don’t like it order a bottle from ‘La Lista.’  Anyway, our local favourites are currently heaving with tourists so we may just wait until things return to normal in September.

The new U2 box set in Italian. Mag ad.

The new U2 box set in Italian. Mag ad.

Meanwhile, U2 has been honoured by the Italians who have launched a special Italian box set of all the band’s music!  Now this will sell well as the packaging is all in Italian and will no doubt become a collector’s item here.  Of course, in reality, one does not need the glamorous packaging, it’s still the same music inside!  Mind you, great band and the Italians love them.  Rock on!

A surprise Hibiscus in our garden. Foto P Finnigan

A surprise Hibiscus in our garden.
Foto P Finnigan

Now, thinking back to when we moved, we brought with us all our terracotta pots.  One of those pots had a sad-looking plant in it and back in April we cut it down low in the hope that it might recover.  Quite honestly, neither of us could remember what it was, so we watched and waited.  Then to our absolute delight it perked up as the weather got hot and this week we have been rewarded with a beautiful reminder that it was in fact a gorgeous Hibiscus.  So here is a lovely foto for you.

Finally and to update you, I know that many of you are awaiting book three of the ‘Adventures of Joanna Wilde’.  Well, I am currently rattling away with at least a thousand words a day of ‘The Italian Connection’ and can confidently expect to have the first draft finished by the end of October.  Whilst writing, I would like to say a big thank you for the big increase in book sales during June and July resulting in the largest royalty payment ever!  Now don’t get too excited, I won’t be retiring in luxury yet!  But it was very gratifying, Grazie Mille. xx

OK, time to think about lunch.  I think cheesy tomato & vegetable rice bake and green beans today.  Yes, Sunday lunch at home for a change!  Buon appetito!

Have a great week.

Salute June x

PS Do visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

'My Father, The Assassin'. Book one in the series.

‘My Father, The Assassin’. Book one in the series.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

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Village People, Olympic Successes, Celebrity Weddings and Prosecco in Beautiful Tuscany

August 14, 2016 by June Finnigan

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

The Village People in Lucca surround the concert presenter. La Nazione

The Village People in Lucca surround the concert presenter. La Nazione

Now if you regularly visit my blog you will know that I like to follow the music scene here in Tuscany, and in particular the aging rockers that are visiting or touring in our lovely region.  Yes, the Italians seem to love the oldies and the latest visitors are that great band ‘Village People’.  Now you must remember them, you know, the American guys who dressed up like red indians and construction workers hammering out songs like ‘In the Navy’ and ‘Go West’ back in the 80’s.  They have been performing in Lucca, that fabulous town with its ancient walls all wrapped around gorgeous curving alleys and great piazzas for concerts.  Love it!

Diana and Chiara with gold and silver medals. La Nazione.

Diana and Chiara with gold and silver medals. La Nazione.

Meanwhile, a number of our athletes have been having great successes at the Olympics in Rio.  Whilst I don’t follow this event in-depth, the newspapers are full of it, which is very useful for me to keep track.  It was gold for the lovely Diana Racosi beating her fellow Italian Chiara Cainero who won silver, in the shooting event.  Many more successes, too numerous to mention have come Italy’s way!  I used to be a runner, don’t laugh, but not at this level.  That was a long time ago, but I still dream about it.  Do you dream at night that you can still do all the things you could do in your teens and twenties?  I do.

Celebrity Wedding. Chi magazine.

Celebrity Wedding. Chi magazine.

Back here in Tuscany, which is one of the most beautiful places in the world to tie the knot, we also attract the beautiful and famous for their weddings.  Waiting for my hair dye to set in the Sandra’s hairdressers, I was reading the popular gossip magazine called Chi, which is a bit like Hello but in Italian, and there were pictures of the very beautiful model Minttu Virtanen who had snared the Ferrari racing driver Kimi Raikkonen.  Stunning people, stunning backdrop, stunning hole in someone’s bank account!  But lovely to see.

Aperitivo con Prosecco. Salute! Foto P Finnigan

Aperitivo con Prosecco. Salute!
Foto P Finnigan

Meanwhile, back in our beautiful hillside garden, the weather has been gorgeous.  The humidity has gone and whilst still warm it has been perfect for enjoying a Prosecco in the early evening.  This is when we reflect on how very lucky we are to live here, and whilst we still work hard, I cannot imagine a better setting to end the day in.  So to you, my lovely readers, Salute!

Have a great week and do drop me a line or visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

Amore June x

'My Father, The Assassin'. Book one in the series.

‘My Father, The Assassin’. Book one in the series.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

 

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