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Posts Tagged ‘Chianti’

Benvenuti to all my Lovely Loyal and New Followers

Torrential rain in Certaldo. Photo J Finnigan

Torrential rain in Certaldo. Photo J Finnigan

As I write this blog we are enjoying a reprieve from the horrendous heat and humidity that has smothered us over the last two weeks.  It had become so oppressive, it was as if the oxygen had been sucked out of the air!  Then earlier in the week it started to rumble with thunder and the birds stopped singing.  Then the cicada’s stopped their cackling, the wind started to build into a massive force ten and I could not get outside to rescue the canvas sun brollies.  Inevitably, they went flying dragging their heavy bases with them and sadly one was torn really badly.  But this is a minor issue, what followed was a long-awaited downpour on the parched countryside and I saved fifteen euros as the car got washed at the same time!

Coffee with Sting. Photo J Finnigan

Coffee with Sting.
Photo J Finnigan

Meanwhile, I was safely in Bar Solferino in Certaldo enjoying my coffee with Sting.  We watched the rain thundering down outside, he said nothing.  This is because he was just a picture in the paper, but one can dream.  He was really in rehearsals for his performance at Lucca as the final act for a great lineup of rockers in the summer festival there.

The previous day I had been in the same bar, when six American backpackers struggled in.  All girlies of around twenty-one who proceeded to stuff themselves with two pastries each.  One girl stood at the bar with a pack so large on her back that she must have included the kitchen sink!  She was also tall, stick thin in a long skirt and sandals.  She was trying to get Elena behind the bar to understand her and was having some difficulty in doing so.  Elena looked across at me with pleading eyes.  I asked loudly if I could help and this awful American girl started screeching about the fact that her phone could not pick up the cafe bar’s internet and that she would never had walked all this way if she had known it would not work!  I took her phone and gave it to Elena who in seconds linked it in and gave it back.  Not a word of thanks from this horrid girl!  Meanwhile, the other girls seemed to be ignoring her and enjoying themselves, and I was told that they were on a train/bus/walking tour and had started in Venice.  They were about to get the train to Rome.  That day the temperature was around thirty-eight degrees;  I wished them well.

My man returned from a working week in London on Saturday and I was so relieved to be back in the arms of my Amore.  Sometimes all one needs is a hug to make the world seem right.  I had survived a hurricane, three electricity cuts and a tooth extraction.  But I had left the broken loo system, the dragging door and the cleaning up of the garden after the storm, to him.  I was just too tired to do it all, I’m sure you understand.

Silvio grinning. Photo The Guardian

Silvio grinning.
Photo The Guardian

“I have never paid for sex!”  The illustrious billionaire Silvio Berlusconi has said on a number of occasions, however, escort Patricia d’Addario claims otherwise after having written a book about their alleged sexual relationship.  She is now going to make a film about it!  This announcement comes after poor SB was sentenced to three years in prison, earlier this month, for bribing an Italian senator.  Well all this keeps him in the headlines and bad publicity is better than none at all.  His supporters will just keep rallying around him….  Anyway, if push comes to shove he can always take up a post in Putin’s Government.

Well, enough of that.  Time to think about sunday lunch.  It is such a lovely day we have decided to eat in the garden, so I need to go and organise an aperitivo.

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

Oh, and do visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

Salute June x

PS I am off to the UK this week, so no blog next weekend, sorry. xx

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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Benvenuti to all my Lovely Loyal and New Followers

Carnival time in Certaldo. Photo La Nazione

Carnival time in Certaldo.
Photo La Nazione

This last week has been all about the annual celebrations in Certaldo called the Mercantia,  when the usually quiet relaxed town  goes a little crazy having a sort of carnival for five days.  The festivities start around six in the evening and stands selling everything imaginable line the streets and Piazzas.  Certaldo Alto is the most popular, especially with tourists, as there are parades of locals in the most amazing costumes and performing artists.  The downside is that it is impossible to park close by and people have to trudge at least half a mile into the centre.   However, the locals seem to automatically go with the flow.  Even our favourite coffee bar, Il Solferino, had a covered area outside selling ice-cream, filled Panini and wine, of course.

Shopping Dog in Laura's Bar/Alimentare. Photo P Finnigan

Shopping Dog in Laura’s Bar/Alimentare.
Photo P Finnigan

So, apart from the heat, the main subject at Laura’s Bar/alimentare has been the Mercantia.  “Have you been” or “Are you going?” or “Did you see that amazing….” all in Italian of course.  Meanwhile life carrys on as normal for we country folk and the villagers in Fiano.  Spotted earlier in the week was a little dog out shopping at Laura’s and lots of short skirts (it doesn’t matter if you are over eighty here).

But the weather has been torturous.  The heat only relents a little after seven in the evening, so that’s when we go outside, covered in mosquito protection, to enjoy an aperitivo.  The poor tourists, many of whom stay in self-catering villas, have discovered that many do not have air-conditioning or mosquito curtains and it is very important to be able to throw the windows open overnight to let the cooler air in.  So, be warned, bring mosquito protection, check if your villa is air-conditioned or at least has fans and mosquito curtains!

Grasshopper type insect in Daisy. Photo P Finnigan

Grasshopper type insect in Daisy.
Photo P Finnigan

Large jumping insect on ceramic pot. Photo P Finnigan

Large jumping insect on ceramic pot.
Photo P Finnigan

On a happier note, the garden has been attracting some fascinating insects.  If anyone can name them we would be very keen to hear from you.  Probably members of some grasshopping/cricket type family?  Also difficult to photograph are the articulated bees and gorgeous humming-bird type bees, however, we’ll try to get a picture or two for you.

Well, it is Sunday Morning, another very hot day,however, I must put a couple of hours writing in and complete another chapter of ‘The Italian Connection’.   I have pasted a snippet below to give you a taste.

So, may I wish you all a great week and if you are outside of Tuscany, hopefully you will enjoy cooler weather!  We’ll catch up with Silvio Berlusconi next week!

Salute June x

Extract from ‘The Italian Connection’ currently in progress:

I turned slowly and looked up into the chocolate-brown eyes of Laurent DuPont. “Was that you jogging through the garden earlier?” I smiled, acting as if we were meeting for the first time. We shook hands. “Oui, you were watching me then, or more likely my tight bottom and rippling muscles.” I nodded. “Yes, I am English and you are French I think?” I said rather more loudly as Roberto approached from behind Laurent. “Ah, bene, you have found someone to talk to.” He smiled. “Yes, this very nice Frenchman, what did you say your name was?” I looked wide-eyed at Laurent. “Jean-Paul Gautier, at your service.” He took my hand and lifted it to his lips.

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

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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Benvenuti to all my Loyal and New Followers

A Cool Cat - FArty Barty on the outside table. Foto J Finnigan

A Cool Cat – Farty Barty on the outside table.
Foto J Finnigan

How to stay cool?  That is the question on everyone’s sun-dried lips as we take coffee accompanied by chilled fizzy water in Fiano?  It’s getting even hotter here and is expected to be up in the forties by the end of the week.  Farty Barty the cat has worked out a clever system to match the height and the angle of the sun, gradually moving around the garden and falling asleep again.  By lunchtime he has been stretched out on the outside table for at least three hours.  The table is shaded by a brolly which in turn is shaded by some ancient cypress trees, and the air flows up through the latticed surface.  Purrfect.  Watering the garden is now a daily chore and despite the heat and lack of rain, the upper terrace is looking lovely.  The Bougainvillea is as beautiful as last year and the

The fabulous Bugenvellia. Foto J Finnigan

The fabulous Bougainvillea.
Foto J Finnigan

potted Hydrangea have been heavy with flowers.   There are lots of fascinating insects too, and I don’t mean the Zanzari (mosquitos), we could do without those!  We are also getting a great show from the birds, Bee-eaters, Jays and Hoopies, all brightly coloured and with birdsong so typical of this area.  We just love it.

Adio Omar Shariff xxx Foto Il Nazionale

Addio Omar Sharif xxx
Foto Il Nazionale

Meanwhile, I have a few moments of sadness, while I take coffee in Certaldo with the gorgeous Omar Sharif for the last time.  He has gone to join all those other twinkling movie stars in the sky.  How many times did you go and see Dr Zivago?  I lost count after ten times.  I cried buckets every time poor Omar hammered on the inside of the moving tram’s window, but Lara kept walking and did not see him. Oh god, I’ve got a lump in my throat just thinking about it!  And the wonderful dark arab character in Lawrence of Arabia, sigh….  So addio Omar, you will not be forgotten.

Jovanotte in one of his many outer space outfits. I Terreno giornale

Jovanotti in one of his many outer space outfits.
I Terreno giornale

But on a brighter note, Tuscany has been rocking to the sound of  Jovanotti, the Italian singer adored by the Italians and more besides.  Our beautiful daughter and granddaughter went to his concert and had a fabulous time and came back with the t-shirts.   Apparently, forty thousand fans turned up!

July is awash with music festivals at Lucca, Pistoia and Florence.  Great acts currently include Sting and Mumford & Sons.  The 60’s Romantic Italian singer Don Backy is also touring again at the age of seventy-four – rock on that man!

The lovely shady dining terrace at Il Castello in Certaldo Alto. Foto J Finnigan

The lovely shady dining terrace at Il Castello in Certaldo Alto.
Foto J Finnigan

On a quieter note, I am planning to skip cooking tomorrow and take my man back to Il Castello in Certaldo Alto for lunch.  The food is excellent and they have a lovely shady terrace.  One needs calming moments during a hot hardworking week.  And on the subject of food, I had best go and check out what we can put together for lunch.  On the other hand, I think a long glass of Pinot Grigio first and then perhaps some ideas for lunch might come easier!  I know, I’m such a terrible glutton for good wine and other people’s cooking; our grandchildren call us the ‘Cafe People’!

Have a really great week, stay cool and do drop me a line.  Salute June x

PS Don’t forget to check out my books on Amazon.

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.

http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

 

 

 

 

 

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Benvenuti to all my Lovely Loyal and New Followers

Me and Penny meet for the first time in fifty years! Foto P Finnigan

Me and Penny meet for the first time in fifty years!
Foto P Finnigan

Our new friend Rose joins Penny and Me foto P Finnigan

Our new friend Rose joins Penny and Me
foto P Finnigan

Wow, where does one start with this blog.  What a fabulous fortnight of Rocking, seeing lovely friends again and simply having the best possible time.  The food and wine flowed endlessly, and my man, who was the star of the whole period, calmly accepted that he had to share our little villa with five girlies for five days!  I was incredibly pleased to have my old Grammar School friend Penny from Australia staying.  We had not seen each other for fifty years, yes really!  I know you can’t believe I’m old enough, neither can I!

Thr Rock Chick Band Rocking with the sister-in-law joining in on backing vocals. photo P Finnigan

The Rock Chick Band Rocking with the sister-in-law joining in on backing vocals.
photo P Finnigan

You will notice that I have updated the banner at the top of the page with the band group hug taken on 20th June.  The guys were absolutely brilliant and we had a really good stand in drummer as Mario was involved with a family event.  Family events take presidence over anything else here in Italy, and my beautiful daughter and granddaughter quite naturally came to my bash.  This part of Tuscany is alive with music events this time of year, so I must say a big thank you to all those lovely people who supported my event despite the competition elsewhere.  I decided to go all Rock Chick black this year and at the last moment threw a scarf around my neck.  If anyone else mentions the Vicar of Dibley, I’ll throttle them!

Penny, Hilary and me at Certaldo Alto. Photo J Stobbs

Penny, Hilary and me at Certaldo Alto.
Photo J Stobbs

I took the girlies up to Certaldo Alto on the Monday and they spent a couple of hours ‘ahing and ooing’.  Certaldo Alto is the historic centre of Certaldo up on a hill, which is reached by a funiculare train and was packed with tourists!  We had a fantastic time, however, we ended up exhausted and flopped down at a table in the garden terrace of Il Castello http://www.albergoilcastello.it and were forced to eat the most delicious lunch.  I am taking my man there on Thursday and despite only living fifteen minutes away, we have never eaten there before!  It’s another one to add to our list of places to eat.

On 23rd June my lovely English friend Hilary and I had a joint birthday celebration, opening our presents at Bar Solferino in Certaldo over morning coffee.  Thank you to the adorable Hilary for your amazing ability to whisk the washing up away without our realising it and spoiling us rotten!  Also to our new friend Rose from Australia, who made the most delicious pear crumble, which my man is still waxing lyrical about.  Our house guests were the best we could ever hope for and not to forget my beautiful sister-in-law who did all the summer plant pots before the concert.  Thank you everyone and I will miss you terribly.

Well, it’s already Tuesday and I really must get this blog off to you.  I will update you on Silvio’s activities next weekend.

Have a great week, do drop me a line and don’t forget to visit my books on Amazon.

Salute June x

PS  We are attempting to get some videos sorted to go on YouTube, I’ll let you know when they are up there!

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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Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

A sneaky photo of the lake in the Palace gardens.   Photo P Finnigan

A sneaky photo of the lake in the Palace gardens.
Photo P Finnigan

"What!  Move so that you can lay the table!  No chance."  Farty Barty. Photo P Finnigan

“What! Move so that you can lay the table! No chance.” Farty Barty.
Photo P Finnigan

“A snog a day, helps you blog away!”  My man is looking over my shoulder and nuzzling, whilst reading this blog.  “Hey, so now you are a poet!” I laugh.  “I have my moments,” he grins.  He is quite full of himself at the moment, having gone to Buckingham Palace for a garden party during the week, with ‘The Not Forgotten Association’ and in the presence of HRH The Princess Royal.  The society assists disabled and injured ex-service people and provides lots of entertainment venues.  Fortunately my man came out of his years as a Royal Marine Commando unscathed.   He thoroughly enjoyed himself and the afternoon tea in a grand marquee with traditional strawberries and cream.  Meanwhile I was stuck back here in the beautiful Chianti Hills, having to gaze at the fabulous view with a glass or three of Chianti, with grumpy Farty Barty for company.

Stefano on Lead Guitar Photo Chiara Benelli

Stefano on Lead Guitar – Italy’s George Harrison
Photo Chiara Benelli

We are just six days away from the Rock Chick Band’s fifth annual concert and last Monday we did a lengthy rehearsal sorting out the keys for the five new songs in the repertoire.  We decided to drop that great glam rock song ‘Poison’ by Alice Cooper as we just could not find the right key for my voice.  Instead, we have added back in another favourite of mine ‘You took the words right out of my mouth’ by Meat Loaf, so my man will be back on stage doing the intro with me.  You remember “Will you offer your throat to the wolf with the red roses?”……….. yes, that talking bit. Great stuff.

By the weekend we will have a villa full of house guests and the first one arrives on Tuesday in the shape of my beautiful sister-in-law, whom I could not manage without this time of year.  She’ll be making sure the pots in the garden are all refreshed and that it is looking as gorgeous as last year.  Then Friday and Saturday morning three more friends will arrive, one of which I haven’t seen for fifty years.  It will be an amazing reunion.

The lovely Benedetta with baby Alessandro in her tummy. Photo J Finnigan

The lovely Benedetta with baby Alessandro in her tummy.
Photo J Finnigan

On Thursday morning I joined Benedetta at Laura’s bar in Fiano to drink my coffee, as she was sat doing some paperwork at one of the tables.  The bar was full of noisy Italian tourists wearing crazy t-shirts.  An argument was going on over calcio (football).  The locals all support Fiorentino (Florence) whilst two rogue members of the group favoured Juventus!  Then a handsome young male apparition cruised in, wearing an orange blazer, white mules without socks and cream chinos.  He was a stranger, so the local contadini (country folk) stopped talking and stared for precisely one minute then carried on arguing.  I stared too, but for rather more than a minute!  Meanwhile, the old boy who was reading the only non-sporty paper, was being pressurised to hand it over by a younger man who stood right behind him breathing down the poor man’s neck.  The old boy gave in, just like the slow driver moves to the side of the road to let the fast driver overtake to get him off his back bumper!  So Italian.

Come the weekend, back at the villa, we were dealing with heavy rain and thunderstorms that inevitably caused short electricity cuts.  When this happens, the pump that brings the gas into the villa, cuts out and we have to go and rev it up again out in the garden.  We know this has happened when one of us is naked and trying to run the hot water in the shower and the other is not dressed yet.  So the latter goes out to the garden, opens a little metal door in the wall and pumps away at a brass knob.  Meanwhile the naked one has climbed into the boiler room to check that the gas is flowing in again.  Then its a shouting session, “Is it OK now?” “No keep pumping, hang on yes its OK.”  “Sorry I can’t hear you!”  Naked person goes to the window, “I said its OK now”  Pumping person scurries back in having been caught in a shower of rain!

Now in light of the coming events, I hope you will forgive me if I do not send you a blog next weekend.  The following weekend, of course, will be very newsy indeed and I hope to post some great photos of the band.  I shall be all dressed in black this year, a little more rock chick than last time.  Look out for your invite reminder if you are on my guest list.  If you are not, will be in Tuscany and would like one, drop me an email at june.finnigan@virgin.net.

have a great fortnight and don’t forget to check out my books at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan  I’ll update you on the gorgeous Silvio Berlusconi next time.

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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Benvenuti to all my Loyal and New Followers

I must apologise as I am having to make this a quickie.  What?  You thought I meant something a bit naughty didn’t you?  Ha ha, I got your attention though didn’t I?  Or perhaps it was the mention of my man’s legs…… No, it’s just that I have had such a hectic week and weekend that I could not make sufficient time to organise my usual lengthy blog.  But I did want to make contact with you before we were too far into the working week.

Last night I spent several hours with the Rock Chick Band rehearsing our next concert.  We will get together next Monday too for a final burst.  Then it will be the real thing on Saturday the 20th June!  Can’t wait.  If you are in Tuscany and would like an invite, write to june.finnigan@virgin.net

So, I am sending you our week in pictures, with captions for you to enjoy.

The man getting his legs out for a spot of bronzing the weekend before last. Photo J Finnigan

The man getting his legs out for a spot of bronzing the weekend before last.
Photo J Finnigan

My two novels for sale at Milko's Cartolibreria in Fiano. Photo J Finnigan

My two novels for sale at Milko’s Cartolibreria in Fiano.
Photo J Finnigan

The great Vasco Rossi returns to the heavy metal stage at 63.  Rock on that man! Photo Il Terreno Newspaper

The great Vasco Rossi returns to the heavy metal stage at 63. Rock on that man!
Photo Il Terreno Newspaper

More lovely lilies in our garden. Photo P Finnigan

More lovely lilies in our garden.
Photo P Finnigan

Farty Barty dreaming. Photo P Finnigan

Farty Barty dreaming.
Photo P Finnigan

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our shady upper terrace Photo P Finnigan

Our shady upper terrace
Photo P Finnigan

 

 

 

 

 

 

The new Vespa is launched with everyone wearing Armani of course! La Nazione Newspaper

The new Vespa is launched with everyone wearing Armani of course!
La Nazione Newspaper

Allora, time to go, however, I wish you a great week and do visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

Salute June x

PS  Very hot and muggy here!

 

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Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

The Madonna Lily and Poppies below our Terrace.  Photo J Finnigan

The Madonna Lily and Poppies below our Terrace. Photo J Finnigan

“What do you think it is?”  My man is pointing to a lovely white lily type flower that has appeared out of nowhere in the bank below the upper terrace.  “Mmm,” I scratch my chin.  “It must have seeded itself, it looks like  some kind of lily…”  I am hopeless at plant names, but our daughter would come to the rescue the next day when she arrived for lunch with the family.  “It has more than one name” she says,

The 'Bottle Brush' shrub. Photo P Finnigan

The ‘Bottle Brush’ shrub.
Photo P Finnigan

“But the most popular one is Madonna Lily.  It’s normally planted on the grave of someone who got murdered by mistake; as a sort of apology!”   Our knowledgable girl has a first in horticulture, so she should know.  Popular plant in Mafiosi gardens then, I muse.  But the other plant we were curious about was a gorgeous red bloom on a shrub that had not flowered before.  “Well, I call it the Bottle Brush,” she said.  “but that’s not its real name.  I’ll send you an email when I remember it.”

The countryside is currently a sea of red poppies and the fireflies are flitting around in the evenings; I love this time of year.  The next three days will be all celebrations and our italian friends will be taking time out for eating al fresco in their allotments, on balconies, in fields and gardens.  Festa della Republica is on Tuesday, so is a public holiday.  However, the Italians always start preparations two or three days earlier and then extend it for a couple of days after that.  We have had to book our usual table for sunday pranzo (lunch) at C’era Una Volta well in advance, as the ristorante will most likely be heaving.

The lovely Martina. Photo J Finnigan

The lovely Martina.
Photo J Finnigan

My man returned from a dash to London last Friday, and we popped up the C’era Una Volta for Cena (dinner).  We were delighted to have Martina join us.  She is Gianluca’s longterm girlfriend, hugely intelligent and a linguist, so her English is really good.  To remind you, Gianluca is our favourite waiter and eternal student of history.  He has just been offered a PhD in Istanbul, but he has decided not to follow it through as it would mean leaving certain commitments behind, like the restaurant and, although he would not admit to it, the lovely Martina.  I gave her two copies of my books, signed of course, to share with Gianluca.

Sivio at the wrong rally! La Nazione newspaper.

Sivio at the wrong rally!
La Nazione newspaper.

This morning we are scouring the papers in Caffe Bar Solferino in Certaldo, and are highly amused to read that the gorgeous Silvio Berlusconi turned up at the wrong rally on his hustings tour yesterday!  He was supposed to be joining the representative of his own party, Forza Italia, to give him support.  But whoops, he found himself appearing to support the opposition instead!  Still, he kept a brave smile on his face…

Well, time to go and make myself beautiful as we must get to the ristorante early before the crowds arrive.  We are used to the ‘slow food’ service in Italy, and actually quite like it, it allows time for conversation in between courses.  However, on Festa weekends when big extended families turn up, as well as the tourists, it pays to get one’s order in early.

Have a great week and don’t forget to visit my author page on Amazon.  http:/www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

Salute June x

'The Bolivian Connection'  Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

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

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

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Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

I am so very relieved to have bounced back to good health after that diabolical bout of flu!  The minute I realised I wanted a glass of wine, and could taste it, I knew I was better!

The weather is now fantastic, hot but not too hot.  A slight breeze and the smell of cut grasses; wonderful.  So we are able to indulge in good wine and food out on the upper terrace and to soak up the mellow vibes that this gorgeous part of the Chianti Hills wafts around us.

My hugely talented friend and band member Lorenzo.   Photo J Finnigan

For you girlies – My hugely talented friend and band member Lorenzo.
Photo J Finnigan

A couple of weeks ago, Lorenzo, a musician friend and member of our band, The Rock Chick Band, asked me if I would like to write some lyrics for a revamp of an old sixties number that was originally in Italian.  I have written numerous poems over the years, but never words to fit a song.  So it was a new and exciting thing for me to do, and I was given free reign to write my own words.  I have to say, I was really pleased to find it quite easy.  I have a natural ear for music, and can pick it up very quickly, so I was able to send the lyrics to Lorenzo a week later and he was over the moon!  This is not a casual thing.  The intention is to take the new song to a certain famous singer, whom we hope will want to record it.  Watch this space!

Dinner at C'era una Volta last Friday.  My first Buratta of the year. Photo J Finnigan

Dinner at C’era una Volta last Friday. My first Buratta of the year.
Photo J Finnigan

Meanwhile, back at C’era una Volta Ristorante in Lucardo, I enjoyed my first Buratta and grilled vegetable salad of the year.  If you have not tried Buratta, you really must.  It is like an extra creamy soft mozzarella.  Mmmmmmmmmmm.

Farty Barty joins us for a pre-lunch drink. Photo J Finnigan

Farty Barty joins us for a pre-lunch drink.
Photo J Finnigan

This morning we managed to grab Farty Barty the cat and take him for his overdue vaccine.  The mosquitos (Zanzari) here can give dogs and cats a nasty disease if they are not innoculated.  As you may already know, Barty is a semi-wild cat and is very good at anticipating a vets visit.  He will sometimes disappear for five days or more!  Poor lad, he did not get away with it this time.

And what is happening out there in the Italian Hustings?  Well our Silvio is getting plenty of exposure in all regions (no I don’t mean that kind of exposure!) drumming up support for his Forza Italia party and it would not surprise me at all, to see him 2015-05-18 11.21.36back up there for one last throw of the dice.  At the weekend he was down south, were he has his biggest fan club and of the course the support of certain mafiosi clans, which he will deny of course.  Now this is only what I have read; do not take my word for it.  So, things are hotting up in the land of Italian politics, it will be an interesting time, well entertaining at least.

And so, time to think about lunch.  I might suggest popping back to C’era una Volta for more Buratta.  What do you think?

Have a great week and do check out my books on Amazon.

Grazie Mille.

Salute June x  PS I would love to hear from you.

'The Bolivian Connection'  Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

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

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

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Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

Rose on the upper tarrace. Photo P Finnigan

Rose on the upper terrace.
Photo P Finnigan

There is no other way to explain it, I have finally clambered out of a deep dark ravine and reached Heaven.  I am telling you this, so you can understand just how bad the last ten days in bed with influenza has been, and how fantastic it was to emerge onto our fabulous terraces to find that everything had greened up, flowered and blossomed to resemble the garden of Eden.  Just about every single tree and shrub is in full colour, wafting out great clouds of perfume. Oh, thank god for the Chianti Hills.

But I am not rushing things.  Forgive me if I do not send you a lengthy blog as the virus has not been kind to my state of mind, and lucidity is essential for writing entertaining stories.  So instead, here is a lovely rose for you to enjoy until next weekend.

Salute June x

Do visit your Amazon site anywhere in the world to find my books.  Enjoy 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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Welcome to all my Loyal and New Followers

It is Tuesday morning and yes, I know, I am a little late sending you this blog.  But I am so glad I waited, because, I have just driven to Fiano for coffee and back in blazing sunshine!  This has given me a real lift and I am able to send you the best possible vibes from this little bit of the Chianti Hills.

Farty Barty on guard. "Did you hear that?" Photo P Finnigan

Farty Barty on guard. “Did you hear that?”
Photo P Finnigan

Farty Barty the cat, despite his wild status, has started guarding his patch particularly if we are in the garden at the time.  He sits facing outwards with us at his rear, just like a dog, ears pricking up at the slightest sound and talking a lot.  He speaks both English and Italian, because he came to us as a pot-bellied stick insect at only two months old, having been abandoned by his wild mother.  He is seven now and has just started settling down again after an amorous couple of months with the girlies, so things are a little calmer in that respect.  The Chianti countryside is awash with wild cats, but just like domestic ones, they know when they are on to a good thing.  The church cats get lots of visits, particularly by our good neighbour and friend next door who takes them daily titbits.

Me signing Valerie's books Photo Jackie

Me signing Valerie’s books
Photo Jackie Grandchamps

Last Friday evening we enjoyed dinner at Trattoria C’era una Volta with new friends Jackie from Belgium and Valerie from France.  Jackie runs a tourist business called French Escapade.  Her customers are mainly Americans who want to go on painting, cookery or other courses in the less touristy parts of Europe.  We, that is my man and I, have agreed to host a group of artists in our beautiful garden in October.  They get to sketch and paint and meet a celebrity English author!  Visit http://www.frenchescapade.com I was very happy to sign my books for Valerie who speaks perfect English.  If you girls are reading this, I do hope you are enjoying a good read and a safe journey home.

Jackie and Valerie holding my book. Photo P Finnigan

Jackie and Valerie holding my book.
Photo P Finnigan

Meanwhile, back at Laura’s Bar/Alimentare in Fiano, Laura is on her own.  Benedetta, her daughter is expecting, so is not so active behind the counter at the moment.  The usual locals are in every morning and Signor Rotund seems to be better after an op, and is appearing more often than before, so we need to make sure we get there before he hogs the newspaper.  The news has been a bit depressing of late.  The thing is, there just isn’t enough about the Peter Pan of Politics Silvio Berlusconi.  He will either make you laugh, cry, rage, envy, ape, avoid, argue or at least feel entertained.  The current Prime Minister, Renzi, just doesn’t have the charisma of our Silvio and the Italians are getting fed up with him, as nothing has changed for the better since he took the helm.  However, we are reliably informed that, like the glowing Phoenix, SB is on the rise again.

Beautiful blossom and scented flowers on the upper terrace. Photo P Finnigan

Beautiful blossom and scented flowers on the upper terrace.
Photo P Finnigan

On a happier note, our garden has erupted with blossom and the perfume is intoxicating.  Wisteria, Jasmin, Evening scented Stock and much more.  Saturday evening we were able to sit outside and enjoy it all until quite late.  However, we have noticed that the deep canyon at the bottom of the olive grove below us, seems to have crept closer!  You may recall that this part of Chianti is full of crumbling inland cliffs and from time to time a little more falls away.  Not so far away from us, one little villa has recently lost half its garden!  But we don’t worry about that, life eeez good, life eeez now!

Well enough of that, I have a heavy workload this week and am hammering away at my book ‘The Italian Connection’ in between times.

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

Salute June x

PS Don’t forget to check out my books below on Amazon.

My Father, The Assassin.  Book on 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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