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Sophia Loren, A Rainstorm, Fungi, Trainers and an Autumn View in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 1, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all My Loyal and New Followers

My god, it’s the first day of November!  I know, because my man wished me ‘Happy New Month’ this morning when I came up with the fruit juices and climbed back into bed.  It is Sunday of course, and I like to stay in bed just a little longer to read a novel.  I have just finished a really good book called ‘The Insider’ by Ava McCarthy and left a five star review on Amazon.  It’s all about insider trading and hacking and the latter subject is currently of considerable interest to me, as I am working on a writing project all about this.  Watch this space.

The beautiful eighty-one year old Sopia Loren. Dolce Gabbana Advert.

The beautiful eighty-one year old Sophia Loren.
Dolce Gabbana Advert.

Well, my man went off to London to do a bit of business last Monday and come Tuesday I was missing him like crazy.  So I went to see Sandra, my lovely hairdresser, to cheer myself up and to brighten my hair colour.  In the glossy magazine I was reading, I found the most fantastic picture of Sophia Loren.  A long as I can remember, whenever I thought of Italy, it was Sophia who first came to mind.  Not just gorgeous, but a brilliant actress.  Did you ever see the films ‘Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’ and ‘Marriage Italian Style’.  If not you really should.  She had the perfect co-star in Marcello Mastroianni; a partnership made in heaven!  Did you know she has made over fifty films?  Yes, fifty.  Now at eighty-one she still looks fantastic and I cannot but smile when I see pictures of her.  She was recently quoted as saying “Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes.  It is not something physical.”  Mind you she has an edge on most of us girlies, that is at least from a physical point of view!  Just a random thought; the Italian spelling for Sophia is Sofia, I wonder if the former was a stage name?  Does anyone know?

Golden Fungi in our garden. Name anyone? Photo J Finnigan

Golden Fungi in our garden. Name anyone?
Photo J Finnigan

Meanwhile, the heavens opened on Tuesday and Wednesday, and everywhere was flooded.  But this had its compensations.  Yes of course the gardens and countryside needed it, but it was the fungi that immediately started to pop up everywhere.  Paolo is serving up Tartufo Bianco (white truffles) at C’era una Volta Ristorante and in the garden I spotted this gorgeous display.  Does anyone know the name of these golden coloured fungi?

Italian manstyle with trainers. La Nazione sports magazine.

Italian manstyle with trainers.
La Nazione sports magazine.

Back at the Bar Solferino in Certaldo on Thursday, I relaxed over my morning caffè latte and I could not but help notice an advertisement for Lotto Trainers in the sports magazine.  Now what is so interesting about that, you may ask?  I agree, trainers are trainers.  But for once, here was a picture of an Italian male model wearing the perfect stylish outfit that offset the trainers.  The guy himself was pretty dishy too, but that’s beside the point!  I have never gone for trainers as a fashion item, however, here in Italy they are hugely popular.  There are so many varieties; even gold wedge heeled trainers with fur trims!

The sun breaks through on the glowing autumn vineyards in the valey below. Photo J Finnigan

The sun breaks through on the glowing autumn vineyards in the valley below.
Photo J Finnigan

Later, I returned to our little hilltop villa and breathed in that lovely Autumn damp smell as I walked through the garden.  Below me the vineyards were glowing in the Autumn sunshine and I was once again reminded that ‘life eeeez good, life eeeez now’.

OK, must finish here, hope you enjoyed my ramblings.  Lots to do, places to go and people to see.  Have a really great week and we’ll talk again next weekend.

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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Two Old Broads, Olive Picking, Blondes, Via San Martino, Carabiniere and a Praying Mantis in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 26, 2015| 4 Comments »

Benvenuti to all my Loyal and New Followers

Well, I hardly know where to start, it’s been such a busy week!

The Two Old Broads, taking Italy by Storm! Jane and Nubby.

The Two Old Broads, taking Italy by Storm!
Jane and Nubby.

Last Thursday was the absolute highlight, due to ‘Two Old Broads who were Taking Italy by Storm’ arriving for a visit.  Now these were their words not mine, but don’t you just love that description?  So who were these ladies?  I am delighted to tell you that they were my distant American cousins and this was the first time we had ever met.  Whilst both in their seventies, they were doing a driving tour from north of Venice down to Tuscany and back, and getting thoroughly lost on the way.  The hire car SatNav did not work, so it was luck rather than judgement that got them here!  We had great fun talking about our ancestors.  Theirs went over to the Americas from Plymouth back in the sixteenth or seventeenth Century, whilst mine became landed gentry in Devon.  I will miss you guys and hope you found your way back safely!

Aleesandro and his team collecting the olives next to our villa. Photo J Finnigan

Alessandro and his team collecting the olives next to our villa.
Photo J Finnigan

Meanwhile the local Olive Picking, Raccolta, is in full swing.  Brightly coloured nets are spread out under the trees and with the weather being dry and sunny at present, we expect a good quality crop.  I just love that fresh Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil drizzled on bread and over fettunta, which is old toasted bread rubbed with garlic.  Yummy…!

The lovely Laura and her new blond hair colour. Photo J Finnigan

The lovely Laura and her new blond hair colour.
Photo J Finnigan

Meanwhile, Laura’s bar/alimentary is now very busy due to the Bar Piazzetta in Fiano being closed, after a ‘visit’ by the Carabiniere.  It’s all very hush-hush, but there was definitely something fishy about the owners of that place.  Anyway, happily ensconced at Laura’s enjoying our coffee, I notice something different about her.  She had gone blond!  Then I noticed two more local ladies who had also been at the peroxide; is there some sort of conspiracy going on?

Via San Martino 26 at night. Photo P Finnigan

Via San Martino 26 at night.
Photo P Finnigan

But what about yesterday? Well, my man and I had a really good Saturday evening, returning to that fabulous ristorante I have mentioned before.  I am, of course, talking about Via San Martino 26 Ristorante in San Gimignano. http://www.ristorantesanmartino26.it

Inside Via San Martino 26 Ristorante. Photo J Finnigan

Inside Via San Martino 26 Ristorante.
Photo J Finnigan

This was our first visit for cena (supper/dinner) and to see this ancient city of towers at night is a joy to behold.  Via San Martino is a street dedicated to Artisan shops and the hand-made stuff is to die for.  I could not resist buying a hand-woven woollen scarf from Stefano Stampa at number 8.  My man paid the bill, bless him.  Stefano does not appear to have a website, however, he can be found on Facebook.

Oh yes, I must mention, that earlier and on the way to San Gimingano, we were waved down by the Carabiniere and asked for our identification papers.  The police woman was quite typical; very pretty with dark curly hair tumbling out from under her cap and one hand on her pistol.  My man could not stop grinning and she could not help but smile back.  He has a way with the girlies.  He wasn’t concentrating and he had not registered that she had asked for his driving licence.  He finally managed to get a grip and she was happy to send us on our way.  Phew, thank god for my man and a pretty face.  It’s not always that easy.

Posing Praying Mantis Phoot P Finnigan

Posing Praying Mantis
Photo P Finnigan

Back in our beautiful terraced garden my man spotted a Praying Mantis on our outside table!  Fabulous creatures that move so incredibly slow, you can barely see the movement.  But we fear that it may be towards the end of its little life as we found another one in a poor state of health, so we gently put it out-of-the-way of Farty Barty the cat.  We also have a couple of Locusts starting to nestle in on the window ledge.  They often winter in with us behind the shutters.  No, we do not get swarms, just the odd one or two paying a visit.

But enough of that.  We are now stepping up our search for a new home.  More flyers are going out in all the bars and other places we frequent.  Our landlady came yesterday and said that she would be happy to rent to us for anther one to two years, however, we are already in the mindset of moving to a larger property.  So if anyone in the Commune di Certaldo knows of a large country house (Un grande casa in Campagna) do let me know.  Send an email to june.finnigan@virgin.net.

Well, must get on.  I need to make myself beautiful for lunch at C’era una Volta in Lucardo, after thirty minutes exercise as instructed by my Health and Fitness Coach Alexandra.

Have great week and do visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

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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A 90th Birthday, Coffee, Chestnuts, Australians in Shorts, a Log Fire, Jude Law and Silvio Strips in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 19, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

My lovely mother-in-law all dressed up before her birthday lunch on her 90th. Photo J Finnigan

My lovely mother-in-law all dressed up before her birthday lunch on her 90th.
Photo J Finnigan

Well, we snuck out for a brief visit to Somerset, England last week to celebrate my mother-in-law’s 90th Birthday.  I’m not sure if she fully registered what was going on but she thoroughly enjoyed herself. The following day I asked her if she had enjoyed her birthday.  She said she thought she had, but could not recall it, bless her.  What a good thing we took some great photos and videos!

My caffe latte at Strangers with Coffee. Photo J Finnigan

My caffè latte at Strangers with Coffee.
Photo J Finnigan

Whilst there, we made a point of calling into ‘Strangers with Coffee’ in Wells as it is the only place I know where you can get real coffee as the Italians make it.  We went back for lunch on the Friday.  I have already written a five-star review on Trip Advisor.  Do visit, if in Somerset.

As you can imagine, we were so glad to be back in our little bit of Chianti last Saturday.  It was twenty degrees and the sun was shining.  Farty Barty the cat was delighted to see us and has not left his cosy kitchen chair all weekend.  On Sunday we dropped down to Certaldo for coffee and discovered a huge market filling the main piazza, the main high street and all the little side streets.  I bought some smoked ricotta cheese and yet another scarf.  Scarves are my other love, like handbags and shoes.  I mostly wear black with a bit of scarfy colour around my neck and/or colourful junk jewelry.  I also have a weakness for necklaces!

Chestnuts for sale in Certaldo market. Photo J Finnigan

Chestnuts for sale in Certaldo market.
Photo J Finnigan

Oh yes, very important, this is the time of year for Castagne or chestnuts to you.  No, I wasn’t being rude, that’s the English translation!  As we drove back from Pisa airport, across country towards San Gimignano, loads of cars were parked alongside the road, their owners having disappeared into the woods on Chestnut hunts.  In the Sunday market we spotted this huge stand selling the tasty morsels that will be taken home and roasted in fireplaces and pizza ovens.

That same day, we popped up to Lucardo, near Fiano, for Sunday lunch at ‘C’era una Volta’ where a big Italian family were celebrating the Nonno’s (grandfather’s) 80th birthday.  The family had framed a big black and white picture of the eighteen year old Nonno posing on a beach back in 1953!  As is traditional, we joined in singing ‘Tanti Auguri’ as Italian restaurant goers always do when a celebration is going on.  The tourists are now thinning out, however, on that rather chilly day a family of Australians arrived in shorts and t-shirts who asked to sit out on the restaurant’s balcony.  Unfortunately, tourists still come to Tuscany without warm clothing this time of year and October can be quite cold.  They were back inside for their desserts and I felt quite sorry for them being all shivery and glum!  In fact it was so chilly that we lit the log fire for the first time that evening!

Jude Law to play the young fictional Pope X111. La Nazione

Jude Law to play the young fictional Pope Pius XIII.
La Nazione

Silvio does a mini-striptease for an admirer in Rome. Daily Telegraph.

Silvio does a mini-striptease for an admirer in Rome.
Daily Telegraph.

Meanwhile, catching up on the news here, I read over coffee that sex symbol (not my words, but I have to agree) Jude law is going to be playing the young fictional Pope Pius XIII in a new television series!  Also that the handsome and hugely popular Valentino Rosso has once again won the motor cycling championships at the age of thirty-six!  Not much mention of the super rich Silvio Berlusconi, but word has it that he is firmly back on the political trail.  Three of his local representatives came into Bar Solferino and everyone was speaking in low voices saying “O Dio, sono Forza Italia!”   But wait, what is this?  My man has just thrust the Saturday Daily Telegraph under my nose, and there he is!  Hurrah, he’s doing a mini striptease for an admirer who said “I’m in love with your brain!”  This was bound to set our man off as he replied “Now I’ll make you fall in love with my body too!” Phew!

Well, its time to get on with another busy week.  No, contrary to popular belief, we do not spend our time swanning around, we have a business to run and books to write.  However, life eeez good, we cannot deny it!

Have a great week, do drop me a line and we’ll speak again next weekend.

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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Autumn Mists, Visiting American Artists and a Book Signing, plus Il Castello in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on October 10, 2015| 2 Comments »

Welcome to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

Farty Barty lazing around. Photo S Stobbs

Farty Barty lazing around.
Photo S Stobbs

Well, what a hectic but most enjoyable week.  My lovely sister-in-law arrived to beautify the garden pots in preparation for the arrival of a group of American water-colour artists who were coming on the Thursday.  Farty Barty the cat lazed around a lot oblivious the plans we had, and only disappeared off when the ‘invasion’ started.

Mist filled valleys last Thursday morning. Photo J Finnigan

Mist filled valleys last Thursday morning.
Photo J Finnigan

I awoke on the Thursday morning to the most beautiful sky; the sun was rising and thick mists filled the valleys below us leaving the hilltops peeking out on top.  We popped down to Certaldo for early morning coffee then returned to make a jug of Bucks Fizz.

Book signing for the Artists Photo J Stobbs

Book signing for the Artists
Photo J Stobbs

When the group arrived at ten, the sun had risen above the trees and the distant hills had taken on a mix of grey through to blue and lilac.  An artist’s dream in fact and we were so lucky with the weather.  I welcomed them and did a quick book signing before they all settled in around the garden to Paint.

Artists at work. Phoot J Stobbs

Artists at work.
Photo J Stobbs

Sonja, the art teacher, was such a lovely lady and had them all doing  washes of colour, then drying it in the sun before the next wash.  I was very impressed with the high standard as they were all amateurs.  Individually, the artists were very interesting people ranging from writers to musicians, so I felt completely in tune with them.

Our lovely visiting American artists, me and the Sister-in-law

Our lovely visiting American artists, me and the Sister-in-law

My own family has been artististic back through several generations and I was able to show Sonya some of my most treasured pictures painted by my grandmother in 1924.  I can honestly say it was the most pleasant ‘meet and greet the English Author’ session I have ever done, and they will be most welcome to return.  Thank you to Jackie at http://www.frenchescape.com for arranging things in such a professional and relaxed way.  To contact Sonya Hamilton, the art teacher who is based in Auburn, California  go to http://www.sonjahamilton.com

Lunch at Il Castello with Julia and David. Photo J Stobbs

Lunch at Il Castello with Julia and David.
Photo J Stobbs

Everyone left around twelve-thirty and the sister-in-law and I rushed off down to Certaldo Alto to meet English friends of hers who were over to buy trees in the famous market gardens at Pistoia that are just a thirty-five minute drive away.   David and Julia run a garden design company in Somerset England and import Cypress and other trees from Italy.  It was fascinating to meet them and to hear that they were first approached by the Italians for the kind of trees they were growing in Somerset.  So a bartering system got set up and now our friends have to come to Tuscany from time to time, to be wined and dined by the Italians.  But it is not that easy, they had obviously spent an exhausting time visiting all the garden centres to select their trees.  We had lunch on the balcony of Il Castello and the food was delicious.  Visit http://www.albergoilcastello.it  Thank you to David for treating us!  My turn next time.

Well, I did say that I would update you on the comings and goings of Silvio Berlusconi.  Unfortunately, I will have to postpone that as I have so much catching up to do.  I am off the England on Wednesday for my mother-in-law’s 90th birthday and to stay one night with old friends in Somerset.  It will be a nice change, however, I will be very glad to get back to my little bit of Tuscan heaven.

Have a fantastic week and do drop me a line.

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.

Read Full Post »

The Vendemia, Tennis, San Gimignano, a Clifftop Villa and a Personal Trainer in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 14, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my Lovely Loyal and New Followers

A harvestor collecting grapes below our villa. Photo J Finnigan

A harvestor collecting grapes below our villa. Photo J Finnigan

Well, it is Monday morning and no sign of any workers yet in Certaldo.  This week will see the mass return of people to the offices, shops and cafe bars after the two-week August break, which always spreads itself into mid-September.  It being a Monday, it is perfectly normal for nothing to be open, even at a normal time of the year and I recommend that if you want to go shopping in this area, do not bother on Mondays or Wednesdays.  But our faithful Caterina and Elena at Bar Solferino never let us down.  Laura’s bar/alimentare in Fiano was also open, so things are coming alive again.  However, it is a return to hot humid weather after heavy rain and the odd earthquake, so summer is not yet over.  Last week my man was complaining.  “It’s so cold I’m going to have to wear long trousers!” He sulked.  “Mind you, when I was twelve, I didn’t want to wear short trousers either….”  Don’t you just love him?  I do.

Meanwhile, the Vendemia is at full throttle.  The red grapes are now being harvested and the noisy trucks are back clattering past our kitchen window.  But this is good, we do need to keep our stock of Chianti replenished regularly, you never know who might turn up!

Italy's Tennis girls. La Nazione

Italy’s Tennis girls.
La Nazione

Back at Bar Solferino I was reading La Nazione newspaper and was delighted to read that we have two Italians in the final of the American Open Tennis tournament.  Now we may not offer the very best rugby team yet, but our female tennis players are something else!  Bravi Flavia and Roberta!

The towers of San Gimignano. Photo P Finnigan

The towers of San Gimignano.
Photo P Finnigan

Now whilst the Italians have had an extended holiday, my man and I continued to work right through August and into September.  So last friday we agreed to take a day off and go for a really nice lunch in San Gimignano, which is just half an hour from here.  But we were not prepared for the hoards of tourists; coaches were spilling out masses of grey heads.  If you are not already aware, San Gimignano is hugely popular with tourists and the guided tours of Tuscany always include this city of towers.

Ristorante San Martino 26 in San Gimignano. Photo J Finnigan

Ristorante San Martino 26 in San Gimignano.
Photo J Finnigan

Thankfully we had booked a table at ‘San Martino 26 Ristorante,’ which is down a little side street called Via San Martino.  We arrived early and found ourselves in a haven of peace away from the madding crowd.  The food and service were second to none and satisfied my longing for a bit of sophistication.  I will do a five-star review on Trip Advisor , however, in the meantime you may like to visit http://www.ristorantesanmartino26.it

The crumbly cliffs below the villa available for rent. Photo P Finnigan.

The crumbly cliffs below the villa available for rent.
Photo P Finnigan.

Ok, you may recall that we are looking for a new villa to rent as our contract here ends in February.  Tomorrow I am going to view a lovely place, which sits on its own with a stunning view and is only five minutes away.  However, my man and I went for a sneak preview and walked around the outside of the empty property.  On one side of the property there is a sheer crumbly cliff and I have no head for heights.  So the inside of the villa will have to be very special for me to deal with this!  I’ll let you know….

Finally, I just want to tell you how pleased I am to have started a three months fitness course with Alexandra Merisoiu and we are having weekly sessions via Skype.  This is brilliant for all you hard-working female executives as you will only need one hour a week with Alexandra, and then do the daily exercises in your own time!  visit http://www.alexandramerisoiu.com

Ok, time to go.  A busy working week is calling me and the deadline for my current novel ‘The Italian Connection’ is rapidly drawing nearer!

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

Salute June x

PS Don’t forget to visit my author page 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.

 

Read Full Post »

White Grapes, Welcome Baby Alessandro, Gondola Racing, Silvio and Lovely Flowers in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 7, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my Lovely Loyal and New Followers

Grapes ready for harvesting photo P Finnigan

Grapes ready for harvesting
photo P Finnigan

“The white grape harvest has definitely started.”  My man announced.  “Oh, yes?”  I reply.  I had been told by a local farmer, whilst sharing Dr Flavio’s waiting room, that he expected to start harvesting the white grapes last week.  “So how do you know this, I haven’t seen any activity these last few days?”  I asked my man.  “Well, it must have been the bloody great tractor pulling the trailer full of grapes, which went past our kitchen window just now!”  He grinned.  “Ah, that’s pretty certain then.”  I grin back.

Alessandro's cushion in the window of Laurara's Bar. Photo J Finnigan

Alessandro’s birth cushion in the window of Laura’s Bar.
Photo J Finnigan

Meanwhile, Laura’s bar/alimentare in Fiano was closed for a couple of days in the week and we guessed that Benedetta, Laura’s lovely daughter, was probably giving birth!  Yes, last Thursday evening baby Alessandro had arrived and Fiano is now celebrating this latest arrival.  Tanti Auguri to the new parents and grandparents. Now Laura’s bar is open again, so we can sit and watch the world go by in our local village once more.  At one of the tables there was a friendly argument going on about the best way to drive up to Certaldo Alto for a wedding.  For five minutes, five locals were all speaking at the same time saying “No, a sinistra!” “No, no a destra!” Our being foreigners know the best way to get up there as we have explored all the roads around the hilltop village.  But we did not intervene as it was all too entertaining to watch!  Of course most visitors take the little funiculare train from the main piazza in Certaldo, which runs every fifteen minutes.

Gondola racing in Venice. La Nazione magazine

Gondola racing in Venice.
La Nazione magazine

Back down in Certaldo, we enjoy our morning coffee at Bar Solferino and I read in the sporting magazine that there has been gondola racing in Venice.  Now we have been to Venice and its very beautiful and colourful.  Looking at the photo in the magazine I can see that it would be a great thing to go and watch.  I recall our last visit when we heard a gondolier singing Tom Jone’s song Delilah, as he paddled underneath the little bridge we were standing on.  We peered over the edge to find that he was entertaining a dozen Japanese, who were lapping it up!

Silvio Berlusconi back in the news. La Nazione

Silvio Berlusconi back in the news.

Ah, then I see in La Nazione newspaper that the Peter Pan of Politics is back in the news, after his summer break.  Well this is good news, we need something to entertain us with all the doom and gloom about the economy.   What’s our Silvio saying in the headline?  Mmmm, he is addressing someone called Salvini and seems to be saying ‘Burlesconi to Salvini – It is not for you to decide on the reforms and opening of the shipyard.‘  Now, I have often had the Italians rolling in the isles over my translations.  He may be saying ‘It is not up to you to decide whether to buy a cabbage or a horse.’  Either way, I’m sure it’s a very important subject!

More lovely Hibiscus. Photo J Finnigan

More lovely Hibiscus.
Photo J Finnigan

Succulents flowering in teh sunshine. Photo J Finnigan

Succulents flowering in the sunshine.
Photo J Finnigan

Back in our lovely terraced garden the sun is shining and the flowering plants are putting on a great show.  So I thought I would pop in some pretty pictures.

Well, it is now Sunday morning and we are off to Montespertoli and checking out an abandoned villa on the way.  Just to remind you, we are looking for a large country house/villa to rent as our contract here ends next February.  Let me know if you hear of anything within easy reach of Certaldo.  Yes, life is one big adventure!

Have a really great week.

Salute June x  ps Check out 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.

 

 

 

Read Full Post »

Miss Tuscany, Italians in the UK, Gucci, Pink Floyd and the Vendemmia starts in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 30, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my Lovely Loyal and New Followers

It is another beautiful Sunday morning in Tuscany and we could not help but notice how amazingly green the countryside is for the end of August.

The bottom line at the final of Miss Toscana. La Nazione.

The bottom line at the final of Miss Toscana.  La Nazione.

The New Miss Toscana, Francesca

The New Miss Toscana, Francesca Bandini. La Nazione.

Over coffee in Bar Solferino in Certaldo, I see in La Nazione newspaper that Miss Tuscany (Toscana) has been crowned.  My man, being very experienced at watching the female form and noticing a pretty face, commented that ‘she was pretty, but would probably not get to the final of Miss Italy (Italia)’.  For sure, the Italian judges do seem to have a thing for bottoms and perhaps their eye was taken away by the amazing exposure of the candidates’ cheeky rear views.  Anyway, we should wish our girlie, Francesca Bandini, good luck in the next round.

Yesterday I read an article about Italians in the UK.  It is curious that while we northern Europeans wax lyrical about Italy, the Italians have been flocking to the UK.  And we are not talking about tourists, these are emigrants and the UK now has the third largest Italian residency in the world.  Yes, we love living in Italy, however, we are not reliant on earning a living here.  If we were, we might have to leave too!  Now its rare for me to write negative things about Tuscany, however, all around us we are saddened by the neglect of the infrastructure, the closed shops and abandoned industrial buildings and sites.  Our little local village of Fiano has huge weeds growing out of the pavements.  Granted this last two weeks has been the annual holiday here, but we have been watching the slow deterioration over quite a long time.  The people of Fiano are a lovely lot, but I fear that they have even lost any incentive to keep their village tidy.  Last week, an eighty plus Signora was struggling to pull out some strong weeds in the pavement outside her house.   Next to her was the bus shelter, weeds growing up the walls and litter dumped all around the seat underneath.  But the responsibility really lies with the local authorities.  Very sad.

Fur trimmed Gucci shoes and no socks. La Nazione

Fur trimmed Gucci shoes and no socks.
La Nazione

Stuart Gilmore of Pink Floyd, now and then. La nazione

Stuart Gilmore of Pink Floyd, now and then.
La Nazione

But on a much lighter note, one has to cringe at the new shoes from Gucci.  Fur trimmed shoes for men.  Now this is not for warmth as the style would not work if the wearer had socks on.  Only in Italy!

Meanwhile the Rock festival in Empoli has gone down really well.  There is an article about Pink Floyd in the paper, a band that is hugely popular here, and I see that a film has been made immortalizing the band called ‘Live in Pompei’.  I must check this out.

There has been little news of Silvio Berlusconi of late, so I will dig a bit deeper and update you next weekend.  So finally, here is a lovely bunch of grapes in our garden.  The Vendemmia (grape harvest) is beginning and will really get busy over the next couple of weeks.  The Agriturismo hotels are filling up with tourists who want to  witness and/or take part in the harvest.  We are told it should be a good year for Chianti! Yes, we all shout and raise our glasses.

Juishy grapes in our garden Photo P Finnigan

Juicy grapes in our garden
Photo P Finnigan

Have a really good week.

Salute June x

PS Don’t forget to visit my author site at http://www.amazon.co/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.

Read Full Post »

Yummy Fruit and Veg, Open Air Cinema and more Handbags in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 24, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

Last week I told you about that hidden structure across the valley and that I was determined to find a path or track down from the road.  Well my man and I have agreed to disagree where we need to stop on the main road that runs above it.  There are a maze of tracks that run down beside the vineyards  and also possible pathways at the back of farmhouses and little hamlets.  “Here stop here! Dammit, you’ve overshot it” I groan.  “No I haven’t, it’s just around this bend” he insists.  “Blast I’ve overshot it…”  We drive on a bit further.  “Haven’t we gone too far now?”  I say.  “There may be an access path behind these buildings, lets slow down… Oh no, you’ve overshot that one now!”  “Oh, hell, I’m not turning around again, lets drop down for coffee in Certaldo.”  He says commandingly.

Yummy veg in Certaldo's Saturday morning market. Phot J Finnigan

Yummy veg in Certaldo’s Saturday morning market.
Photo J Finnigan

It being Saturday morning, we cruise into the main piazza and park.  The fruit and veg market is half its normal size due to the mass exodus a week ago to Il Mare (the seaside).  But its better than the previous Saturday when there was no market at all.  I buy some lovely fresh insalate (green salad) from a local producer and am happy with that.  Our cheese family are not there and obviously up to their necks in the Mediterranean Sea.

Empoli's Open air Cinema from 21 to 31 August. Photo La Nazione

Empoli’s Open air Cinema from 21 to 31 August.
Photo La Nazione

Over coffee I read that a nearby town, Empoli, is holding open air cinema showing some of the great films in one of their main Piazzas.  Now I cannot describe how fabulous it is to be in a beautiful piazza surrounded by gorgeous old buildings to watch open air theatre or concerts.  The cinema epic will have a huge screen on the side of a building and everyone will go to watch their favourites, sitting on the ground with picnics.  The ultimate favourite actor amongst Italians, George Clooney, is heavily featured and he is also a part-time resident in Italy of course.

Handbags galore! La Nazione

Handbags galore!
La Nazione

Then I turn the page and, Oh heaven, there is a two page article on handbags!  But my man is getting irritated because I’m taking so long to read the paper.  “Haven’t you finished yet, I’ve had my pastry and coffee and nothing to read!” He groans.  I smile sweetly and whisper ‘amore,’ but he is not impressed.  So I hand over La Nazione, as I have also snapped a couple of fotos I knew you would like, and it really is his turn.

Back in my studio, I manage to write a chapter and a half of ‘The Italian Connection’ and I am very pleased with that.  I read my emails and our landlady has confirmed that she would like our little rented villa back at the end of the four-year contract, which is February next year.  This is OK with us as we really would like to find a bigger place as we are a little cramped here.  So if anyone in Tuscany knows of an old large independent villa with garden in the area, do let me know.  We don’t mind if it’s a little worse for wear.  write to june.finnigan@virgin.net

Well, must get back to the day job until the weekend, when I will update you with our continuing adventures.

Do drop me a line.

Salute June x

PS Don’t forget to visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan or join me on Facebook, twitter or Pin it.

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.

 

Read Full Post »

Ferragosta, A Hidden Structure, Sunflowers and an Artist’s Dream Light in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 16, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

The man's vintage binoculars at the ready. Photo J Finnigan

The man’s vintage binoculars at the ready.
Photo J Finnigan

It is early evening, Ferragosta and the rain is managing to hold off for all those revellers who want to go out and celebrate the start of the annual two-week holiday.  The silence is deafening and my man and I grip our aperitivi feeling somewhat stunned by the lack of activity in the fields around us.  This happens every year of course, but the countryside, villages and towns have a strange eerie feel about them, as if aliens have sucked ninety percent of the population off the surface of the earth.  Car parks are empty, shops are shut and the only company we have are a sprinkling of tourists wandering around like zombies.  Then my man says, “Hey look at this, you’ll need to come this side of the tree!”  He hands me his vintage binoculars that weigh a ton and points towards the wooden structure that has been slowly built over the last few weeks, carefully hidden from view at the top of a vineyard and out of sight of the road, to avoid the planning permission I expect.  There must be at least fifty people there in brightly coloured clothes, but all standing around not knowing what to do.  “There will be a great view through the valley from there.” I say.  “perhaps there’s a band arriving and we’ll have some music wafting across in a minute.”  But no, within ten minutes they all troop back up the hill towards the road and disappear.  Now this is the kind of thing that has us analysing the reason why.  Perhaps it was part of a tourist trip and they had been walked there to look at the view?  Perhaps it was the last remaining locals who have come out for a jolly and then decided that the structure wasn’t big enough to accommodate all the trestle tables they had brought with them!  We will never know, but I am now determined to sneak down that path and take a look at this mysterious structure over the next few days!

The wonderful Hibiscus which survives all weathers. Photo J Finnigan

The wonderful Hibiscus which survives all weathers.
Photo J Finnigan

The orchard and valley below our villa under grey skies. Photo J Finnigan

The orchard and valley below our villa under grey skies.
Photo J Finnigan

Well, the talk in the bar this morning, Sunday, was all about the Bruto Tempo, the bad weather.  We had more heavy rain overnight, but thank god it is now cooler and less humid.  My man and I are now determined to take a day off this week and do things in the garden.  You may think that we are swanning around here in our lovely villa on the edge of the Chianti Hills, but you would be wrong.  I am either writing or running our UK company and he has a heavy workload for UK clients.  Yes, thanks to technology, we could be anywhere in Europe and function perfectly well, but we chose Italy.  It was the lifestyle and language that attracted us here, and we are very glad we came.  But where was I, oh yes, planning a day off to do some gardening, which for me is very therapeutic.  Despite the recent intense weather some of our plants are actually revelling in it.  We also think that some of the grass seed we threw down randomly on our sparse weedy lawn, may have rooted!

Tuscan sunflowers after the rain. Photo J Finnigan

Tuscan sunflowers after the rain.

Now when the sky is grey and it is reasonably bright, the light really brings out the colours in the countryside.  This is one of the uplifting things that keep the smile on one’s face when the sun is hiding.  This time of year there are huge fields of Sunflowers right next to the road, looking like rows of little yellow people whose faces follow the sun from east to west during the day; beautiful.  The orchard, olive grove and valley below us is really bright green, and it is easy to pick out all the variant shades and shapes.  Of course, this area is an artist’s dream and I really must get my easel out again.

Talking of artists, I am looking forward to meeting half a dozen who are coming to visit me in October.  I have organised the sister-in-law to come and make sure all the pots are prettied up.  I think I’ll ask her to position my easel to make it look as if I am actively painting too!

Oh, just a quick mention of the new handbag you saw in my blog last week.  I have just found the maker’s card tucked in an inside pocket, so you really must visit her site http://www.marymccartybags.com as they are to die for.

Well, I must go and make myself beautiful and take my man out to Sunday lunch.  Maybe somewhere new this time.  Watch this space.

Salute June x

PS Don’t forget to 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.

Read Full Post »

Another New Handbag, A Funny Video, Crushing Heat, A Cat’s Life and The Pope Reaches Out in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 8, 2015| 3 Comments »

Benvenuti to all my Loyal and New Followers

Beautiful hand crafted shoulder bag from Wells Saturday Market. Photo J Finnigan

Beautiful hand crafted shoulder bag from Wells Saturday Market.
Photo J Finnigan

Well, I have no intention of talking a lot about my visit to England.  I returned early as I could not bear to be away from our little bit of Chianti, say no more!  However, I will just mention two things about my visit to Wells in Somerset; firstly I bought a beautiful hand crafted shoulder bag at the Saturday morning market and secondly my sister-in-law took me to a lovely artisan coffee shop for a proper cup of coffee.  Now you all know how important my morning coffee is and my heart sinks every time I get on a flight to England.  Then I walked into ‘Strangers with Coffee’ and my spirit lifted.  My caffè latte was the best I have ever tasted in England!  They are also a Bistro so we went back for a delicious veggie lunch.  I have left a 5* review on Trip Advisor!

Now, thankfully back in my beloved Chianti Hills I crack on with work and writing.  Then I find that a video of me has been posted on Facebook, filmed last month, telling a funny true story about my trying to buy a ‘Wood Splitting Axe’ at Mole Valley Farmers in Devon many years ago.  Now I am currently trying to work out how I can post this on YouTube direct from Facebook;  If you have any clever ideas do let me know.  It was filmed on an iPad I think.  In the meantime, if you want to see it and I would love it if you did, do become my friend on Facebook!

Farty Barty zonked out under the garden table. Photo J Finnigan

Farty Barty zonked out under the garden table.
Photo J Finnigan

Well, the heat here is really intense, currently 39 degrees centigrade (that’s around 106 degrees farenheit to you Brits, Yanks and Aussies) and we have started having our aperitivi in long ice filled glasses instead of our usual cocktail glasses.  We keep meaning to cut back on our drinking, but I’m afraid this hot weather calls for long drinks with a dash of alcohol to help us relax.  And where is Farty Barty?  Ah, there he is in a cooler spot under the garden table!

Pope Francis greets the faithful. La Nazione newspaper

Pope Francis greets the faithful.
La Nazione newspaper

Meanwhile, the second most popular man in Italy, Pope Francis, has been busy out and about blessing the multitudes.  He has reached out to the divorced and remarried saying the door is open to the children of these families.  Are his followers dwindling or is this a truly kind gesture?  What is your view?  What was that you said?  Oh, the most popular man in Italy is Silvio Berlusconi of course!  Watch this space.

Well must be off, time to think about lunch and a nice chilled Pinot Grigio.

Have a great week and do drop me a line.  You may also like to visit my author page at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

Salute June x

PS Thank you for the best ever month in book sales!

 

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.

Read Full Post »

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