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Posts Tagged ‘Farty Barty’

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

Posted in Life, tagged Add new tag, book, Certaldo, Chianti, coffee, Famous, Farty Barty, Fiano, Italy, June Finnigan, My Father The Assassin, olives, Praying mantis, Romantic thriller, San Gimignano, The Bolivian Connection, Tuscany, Via San Martino, writer 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.

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

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

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

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
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.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

Read Full Post »

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

Posted in Life, tagged book, Certaldo, Chestnuts, Chianti, coffee, Famous, Farty Barty, Fiano, Italy, Jude Law, June Finnigan, My Father The Assassin, Romantic thriller, Silvio Berlusconi, The Bolivian Connection, Tuscany, Valentino Rossi, writer 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

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

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.

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.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

Read Full Post »

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

Posted in Life, tagged Book signing, Certaldo Alto, Chianti, Farty Barty, Il Castello, Italy, June Finnigan, My Father The Assassin, The Bolivian Connection, Tuscany, Water-colour artists, writer on October 10, 2015| 2 Comments »

Welcome to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

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

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

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.
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

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

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.

‘The Bolivian Connection’. Book two in the series.

Read Full Post »

Big Purple Grapes, The Calambur and Handsome Contestants, Yellow Crocuses and a Berlusconi Blunder in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged Berlusconi, book, Calambur, Cat, Certaldo, coffee, Famous, Farty Barty, Italy, June Finnigan, Matteo Renzi, My Father The Assassin, Romantic thriller, Silvio Berlusconi, The Bolivian Connection, Tuscany, writer on September 20, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

Big fat purple grapes in trailer. Photo J Finnigan

Well there we were, driving back home this morning after our coffee in Certaldo and we come up behind a slow-moving tractor and trailer of big juicy purple grapes. “Try and get a photo!” my man says. So I faff around trying to get my phone out of my bag, then remember that I have just yesterday put in a new lock code, and finally focus the camera on the windscreen just in time before the tractor takes off, after giving away to some tourist camper van! Phew, I did it! Now whats so exciting about this, you may ask. Well it is really hard to get photos, because these tractors are usually going at full pelt past our kitchen window or in the opposite direction to the way we are driving! So, just for you, here is my successful photo for your enjoyment.

A Calambur poster and preparations going on behind in the main Piazza in Certaldo.
Photo J Finnigan

Earlier, back in Certaldo, the preparations were going on for the annual Calambur, which starts at three o’clock this afternoon (Sunday). This is a historical Palio, not on horseback, but macho contests between the young men of the four quarters in the

Handsome Certaldo contestants getting ready to do battle.
La Nazione

commune, who all have their own flags and colours. It is a really serious and important day, full of testosterone and the girlies all giggling, as the handsome contestants line up. It will be impossible to park anywhere near the centre of town this afternoon, so we will hear all about it tomorrow and report back to you next week! Then, over coffee at Bar Solferino, I read that Prime Minister Renzi has announced a 2% drop in the tax rate for the agricultural sectors. I’m not sure how effective this will be as I hear whispered that very little profit is declared, well in this region anyway!

Farty Barty waits for lunch on the outside table. Phot J Finnigan

Farty Barty waits for lunch on the outside table. Photo J Finnigan

Meanwhile, back at our lovely little villa the sun is shining and it is a perfect twenty-eight degrees centigrade. As we drive in we spot the first wild yellow crocuses by the side of the road; beautiful. I think today we will have a nice lunch in the garden with Farty Barty the cat, who has been very much hanging around the house of late.

The first wild crocuses.
Photo J Finnigan

In the high winds last week, an old tree crashed down into the garden and was chainsawed by our local contadino into a pile in the corner. It only just missed one of the garden lights! Now we need to tidy up the small bits of debris. I think I can hear my man working in the garden now. He has been a been a bit stressed after his return from a few working days work in London, so that should help him relax. Otherwise, I look forward to the return of my sister-in-law, who will be here in two weeks time, to tidy and pretty up all the garden pots for autumn.

But what is this I read about the gorgeous Silvio Berlusconi? Oh no, he is trouble again, but this time whilst having fun with his close friend Vladimir Putin. They have both been named in a criminal case over the opening of a 240 year old bottle of wine, known as Massandra Sherry 1775, that was worth £58K! A lady called Ms Pavlenko allegedly opened it when Silvio asked for a taste whilst on a tour of the Massandra Estate in the Crimea. I feel really sorry for her as, lets face it, she was standing there being asked by an alleged so-called friend of the Mafia (according to some members of the media) and his buddy who heads up the KGB, to open a bottle of wine. What would you have done?

Well, enough of that. Must think about this lunch I said I would cook. O Dio, well the sun is still shining, so we really should not go off to the restaurant. On the other hand……….

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.

‘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 book, Cat, Certaldo, Chianti, coffee, Famous, Farty Barty, Fiano, June Finnigan, My Father The Assassin, Romantic thriller, The Bolivian Connection, Tuscany, Wells in Somerset, writer 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

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

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

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.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

Read Full Post »

A Hurricane, Heavy Rain, Sting, American Backpackers and Amore in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged Berlusconi, Bolivia, book, Certaldo, Chianti, coffee, Famous, Farty Barty, Fiano, Hurricane, Italy, June Finnigan, My Father The Assassin, Romantic thriller, Silvio Berlusconi, Sting, The Bolivian Connection, Tuscany, writer on July 26, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my Lovely Loyal and New Followers

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

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

“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.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

Read Full Post »

A Cool Cat, Addio Omar Sharif, Bougainvillea and Jovanotti in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged Books, Cat, Certaldo, Chianti, coffee, Famous, Farty Barty, Fiano, Florence, Italy, Jovanotte, June Finnigan, Lucca, My Father The Assassin, Omar Shariff, Pistoia, Rock Concert, Romantic thriller, The Bolivian Connection, Tuscany, writer on July 13, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my Loyal and New Followers

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.

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

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.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

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

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A Snog, An Invitation to the Palace, Concert Rehearsals and Benedetta’s Bump in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged Bolivia, book, Certaldo, Chianti, coffee, Famous, Farty Barty, Fiano, Italian Football, June Finnigan, My Father The Assassin, Rock Concert, Romantic thriller, The Bolivian Connection, The Rock Chick Band, Tuscany, writer on June 15, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

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

“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

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.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

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A Quickie, the Man’s Legs, the New Vespa, Vasco Rossi and My Books and in beautiful Tuscany.

Posted in Life, tagged book, Chianti, coffee, Famous, Farty Barty, Fiano, Italy, June Finnigan, My Father The Assassin, Rock Concert, Romantic thriller, The Bolivian Connection, The Rock Chick Band, Tuscany, Vasco Rossi, Vespa, writer on June 10, 2015| 2 Comments »

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

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

More lovely lilies in our garden.
Photo P Finnigan

Farty Barty dreaming.
Photo P Finnigan

Our shady upper terrace
Photo P Finnigan

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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Sunshine and flowers, Concert Preparations and writing in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged Famous, Farty Barty, Fiano, Italy, June Finnigan, My Father The Assassin, Rock Concert, Romantic thriller, Silvio Berlusconi, The Bolivian Connection, The Rock Chick Band, Tuscany, writer on May 24, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

Plants at the Saturday morning market in Certaldo. Photo J Finnigan

“You didn’t see those two guys come in, did you?” My man looks at me with his deep blue eyes and I melt. “Err, which two guys?” I say, trying to concentrate on something other than his handsome face. “The two wearing camouflage outfits, you can’t see them can you? – ha ha!” He roars. I smile and shake my head. He is in good fettle this Sunday morning at Laura’s Alimentare/Bar in Fiano, as we sip our delicious espresso and he enjoys a marmalade pastry. This is a lot to do with the fact that the sun has finally come out after days of cold and rain. Can you believe it, we actually lit a log fire last night! “What would you like me to do in the garden today?” He sighs like a contented cat, stretching back in his chair. “Oh, you know, pruning the roses and dead flowers, planting those plants I got in the market yesterday, hoeing and weeding the rose beds….” “OK, I get it, just about everything then?” He grins and I smile back.

The Rock Chick Band Rocking.
Photo P Finnigan

Back in my studio I sit down to write this blog and reflect on the last few days. I have been getting down to singing practice late morning every day this week, despite the lungs still being a bit raspy after the flu. It’s now only twenty-seven days to the Fifth Annual Rock Concert which we hold every June in our Tuscan garden. I must say, I am really looking forward to it and just love being behind the microphone. I am also very excited to be seeing old friends again! There will be a lot of celebrating, so we are stocking up the wine cellar! If you are in Tuscany on 20th June and would like an invite to the concert party, send your email address to june.finnigan@virgin.net. We would love to see you there.

I am well into writing my current novel ‘The Italian Connection’ and have been chuckling over a couple of the scenes I have just written. Let me just say, that Joanna Wilde has a new role to play and is currently at ‘The Castello’, a beautiful historic castle in Tuscany. Here is a little exert…..’I smiled and lifted out my favourite handgun. “It’s a Beretta 70, good little shooter, favoured by the James Bond girlies I believe,” Dominic’s voice echoed in my head. Feeling the weight of it in my right hand, I checked the mechanism, which was as smooth as silk. Then crouching, I held it with both hands in front of the long mirror. I felt a rush of pure adrenalin. Under the first layer of the box I found the thigh holster I favoured and a supply of ammunition. I loaded the gun and made sure the safety catch was on. I placed it in the holster and strapped it to my inner thigh. It felt good.’

Silvio in Napoli.
Photo La Nazione

Well, back in the real world, I read that our gorgeous Silvio Berlusconi has reached Napoli on his hustings tour. Of course he will have plenty of friends there too, of a certain kind, and has met up with Alessandra Mussolini, yes descendant of you know who, and the Governatore uscente della Campania, Stefano Caldoro. SB’s popularity remains undiminished and it will be an interesting time ahead.

An evening with Vin Santo on the upper terrace. Photo J Finnigan

Ah, whats this? Farty Barty the cat has found his way up to the studio and is meowing at me. Now, he is restricted to the kitchen when in the house, after a couple of whoopsee accidents, so there must be a door open somewhere. I’d best go down with him and investigate. So, I think I will love you and leave you at this point and wish you all a fantastic week. I will think of you when we enjoy a little drink or three in the garden this evening.

Salute June x

PS Don’t forget to visit my books on Amazon and I would love it if you were to leave a review!

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

The Bolivian Connection. Book two in the series.

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Junefinnigan's Weblog

June Finnigan's weekly blog from Tuscany

Posts Tagged ‘Farty Barty’

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

Big Purple Grapes, The Calambur and Handsome Contestants, Yellow Crocuses and a Berlusconi Blunder in Beautiful Tuscany

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

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A Cool Cat, Addio Omar Sharif, Bougainvillea and Jovanotti in Beautiful Tuscany

A Snog, An Invitation to the Palace, Concert Rehearsals and Benedetta’s Bump in Beautiful Tuscany

A Quickie, the Man’s Legs, the New Vespa, Vasco Rossi and My Books and in beautiful Tuscany.

Sunshine and flowers, Concert Preparations and writing in Beautiful Tuscany

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