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Posts Tagged ‘Farty Barty’

Bouncing Back, Fabulous Weather, Songwriting, Buratta and Silvio in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged Berlusconi, Bolivia, Buratta, Chianti, Famous, Farty Barty, My Father The Assassin, Romantic thriller, Silvio Berlusconi, Song writing, The Bolivian Connection, The Rock Chick Band, Tuscany, writer on May 18, 2015| 2 Comments »

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.

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

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

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 back 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.

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

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Guard Cat, Artistic Tourists, a Book Signing, Silvio and Flowers in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged Berlusconi, Bolivia, book, Cat, Certaldo, Chianti, coffee, Famous, Farty Barty, Fiano, French Escapade, June Finnigan, landslips, My Father The Assassin, Romantic thriller, Silvio Berlusconi, Spring, The Bolivian Connection, Tuscany, writer on April 21, 2015| 3 Comments »

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 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 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

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

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.

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Cats, Chocolate, Six Nations and Spring in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged Cats, Certaldo, Chianti, coffee, Famous, Farty Barty, Fiano, Italian Rugby, Italy, June Finnigan, My Father The Assassin, Romantic thriller, rugby, Siena, Silvio Berlusconi, Six Nations Rugby, Spring, The Bolivian Connection, Tuscany, writer on March 23, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

Our granddaughter feeds the church cats.
Photo P Finnigan

We had a nice surprise last Friday, when we were asked to have our granddaughter for the night on account of her parents going out to a test dinner at Borgo San Pietro, which has a new A la carte chef. Meanwhile, we had beans on cheese on toast and thoroughly enjoyed it. Yes, we can get baked beans locally, not the Heinz variety, but as good as. Before supper, Granddad walked our lovely granddaughter up to the church, which is sadly out of use, but has a big family of cats. They took cat biscuits and were not too surprised to find a number of Farty Barty look alikes. Farty Barty, for those that haven’t been introduced, is our resident wild male cat. We are the family he has adopted to feed him when he choses to call in, and provide a cosy kitchen chair and indoor toilet if its raining. After supper we were cosied up on the sofa and the granddaughter said, “Granny, do you have your tablet?” “I only take one in the morning now.” I smiled. “No June, she means Ipad.” My man explained. “There’s nothing wrong with my eyes!” I said, somewhat surprised. “No Granny, you know, your electronic Ipad.” “Oh, you mean my Kindle. It’s next to the bed where I keep my tablets.” They both roared out laughing. What is it with this world, bring back the Queen’s English I say.

Mmmmm, Festa time for chocolate lovers.
Photo J Finnigan

Back at Laura’s cafe bar/alimentare, we are enjoying morning coffee and reading the papers, as one does. A week ago Tuscany was enjoying La Festa del Cioccolato. Yes, you’ve guessed it the festival of chocolate. Such is the enthusiasm for the sweet that Siena filled the Piazza del Campo with hundreds of stands selling variations of the theme and a train carriage travelled across the area stopping at stations where chocolate fans could board for a shopping extravaganza!

The terrible match for Italy against Wales.
Photo J Finnigan

Meanwhile, the Six Nations Rugby was gripping the country, well at least part of it. Calcio (football) is the most popular game in Italy. If we were not cheering on Italy we were rooting for England, the former sadly ending up fifth after the final matches on Saturday. The score for Italy versus Wales was terrible at 61 to 20! ‘La disfatta means ‘The rout’ and it certainly was. We desperately need some investment into the facilities and support for the game in Italy.

But now for some good news. Spring is springing. Lovely blue skies, trees in blossom, spring flowers everywhere and, we will be taking off all the protective covers in just a few days time.

A beautiful blue sky spring morning.
Photo P Finnigan

I’m really looking forward to my beautiful sister-in-law’s arrival on Wednesday, as she is coming over from England to do all the spring pots. By the weekend the terraces will look wonderful, so I will send you some pictures next time. The other thing she has offered to do is catalogue my huge collection of steam train books and videos. I inherited these from my great-uncle as he was a great steam enthusiast, like me. However, It is time to think about letting these go to another enthusiast, otherwise they will just stay in boxes for another ten years. I’ll let you know when the list is complete and if you have anyone who might like to make an offer for them, drop me a line at june.finnigan@virgin.net.

No time to report on Silvio B this time, but watch this space.

OK, I must crack on with the day job, after I’ve been out for my morning coffee that is.

Have a really great week.

Amore June x

Book cover for ‘The Bolivian Connection’
Available very soon.

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Mimosa Blossom, Sanremo, Calcio and the Six Nations in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged book, Carlo Conti, Chianti, coffee, Famous, Farty Barty, Fiano, Florence, Italian Rugby, Italy, June Finnigan, Mimosa Blossom, My Father The Assassin, Rock Concert, Romantic thriller, Sanremo, Six Nations Rugby, The Bolivian Connection, Tuscany, writer on February 22, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my Loyal and New Followers

The first Mimosa blossom in the garden.
Photo J Finnigan

Returning from coffee in Fiano this morning, I ambled through the garden breathing in the air and absorbing the smell of spring just below the surface. Whilst the winter countryside and garden here in Tuscany is still very beautiful, thanks to the evergreen trees including the silver green of the olive, we still long for spring and the uplift of the mind that goes with it. Then I saw the bright flash of yellow and, hurrah, the Mimosa tree has opened its first fluffy blossoms. So it will be only a matter of days before its heady perfume will be filling the air!

The hugely popular and charismatic TV personality Carlo Conti joins me for coffee.
Photo J Finnigan

Many of you will be aware that the 65th Festival della Canzone Italia has been going on in Sanremo, hosted by the very popular Carlo Conti. This is where the great and the good Italian singers go to celebrate, yes you got it, singing. There is massive coverage on television and the bar is full of talk about who they liked best the previous night. We do not have SKY where we are, and are limited to some local stations, BBC World, Bloomberg and a few obscure ones. So unfortunately, or depending on your point of view fortunately, we did not watch it. In my humble view, there are some very good Italian singers of popular music and a little rock, but there are also some awful ones that are amazingly popular and can be heard constantly on the radio. Radios are always playing in bars, hairdressers, dentists… Oh dio, why did I have to mention the dentist again! (I have one more visit to go, you see, so think of me on Tuesday!) Fortunately, the Italians also love English and American music, so there is a lot of that too.

On the subject of music, I have finally finished typing out the lyrics for my next rock concert. They need to be in bold and size 18, no the font size silly, so that I can see it without my glasses at night. Whilst mentioning this, if you are not already on my invite list and can make it to Tuscany on June 20, do send your email address to june.finnigan@virgin.net.

The adoration of Calcio.
Photo J Finnigan

No doubt you are aware that the football (calcio) season is in full swing and the Italians are crazy for it. In our area the main team to follow is Florence (Fiorentina) whose colour is purple. I wear this colour a lot, because I like it and it suits me. I am often being congratulated for supporting the team!

Ireland demolish Italy in the first round of the Six Nations.
Photo J Finnigan

From our point of view, we are a great rugby family, coverage of the Six Nations Rugby last weekend, by the Italian sports channel, was a very pleasant surprise. As you can imagine, my man was a very happy rabbit indeed. Our grandson, who started at an English boarding school last term, for the sole purpose of following his dream of becoming a professional player, is also delighted to be able to watch it here in Italy during his half term. Sadly, Italy has a long way to go to be up to the standard of the other five teams, but time will tell. A big investment is needed in Italian Rugby for it to really become competitive.

But life eeez good here in our lovely bit of the Chianti hills. Farty Barty the cat seems to have returned to normal after a rush of dating, as is his wont this time of year. I heard a Hoopee calling yesterday, the sun is now shining and by next weekend both my current novels should be ready for publication.

Well, time to get on with making myself beautiful as my man and I are off to C’era una Volta for lunch.

Thanks again for the follow and do drop me a line.

Molto Amore June x

PS Here is the direct link for my novel ‘My Father, The Assassin’ by J W Finnigan. You can also visit http://www.amazon.com & http://www.amazon.eu

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A Book Edit, Lost in Castelfiorentino, Salute Presidente Napolitano and ‘The Italian Connection’ in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged Berlusconi, book, Castelfiorentino, Certaldo, coffee, Famous, Farty Barty, Giorgio Napolitano, Italy, J W Finnigan, June Finnigan, My Father The Assassin, Silvio Berlusconi, The Bolivian Connection, The Italian Connection, The Rock Chick Band, Tuscany, writer on January 18, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my Loyal and new Followers

“There’s far too much drinking to be believable, particularly by page 167 when Joanna is in considerable danger and needs to keep alert!” My man looks very headmasterish as he comments on ‘The Bolivian Connection.’ “Despite that it’s a really good read June, well done.” I feel quite emotional when he says this, almost to the point of crying with joy. “If it’s just a matter of drinking a bit less, I’m sure I can change that, well at least a little.” I blubber, my chest full of pride in my finished book. “Ah, well, I’ve sent you an email with my other comments.” he grins, “Nothing serious though.” “Thank god” I say, “let’s have another glass of wine!” My man had returned from a few business days in London and had been reading my first draft in his spare time. Then yesterday, Saturday, he managed to finish the whole manuscript, bless him.

Lovely home grown veg in Certaldo Market.
Photo P Finnigan

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

Having my man back home makes everything that much more enjoyable, going for morning coffee and even shopping for fruit and veg in Certaldo on Saturday morning. Farty Barty the cat loves it too and stretched out in the sunshine on the garden bench, whilst we were enjoying a pre-lunch drink.

So, I had been home alone last week and had to go to a specialist appointment on the Tuesday by myself. I emphasise this point, because, whilst I survive on my own, you can guarantee that something will throw me out when the man is away. I arrived at the hospital in Castelfiorentino and found a new system had been installed. I needed a special ticket from a machine and then wait for my number to be called. On a computer screen it told me which room to go to, so I trotted off. Now you should understand that this is simply to register that I have arrived in the building and to pay for the consultation. OK, so two jolly ladies register me, take my money and give me a receipt. Then I was sure she said, in Italian of course, “You are in the wrong building, we are just a skeleton staff, everything has moved to the centre of town.” By this time I only have five minutes to get to the specialist. In broken English, the other lady gave me directions, so off I went. Ten minutes later I park in the main Piazza, as I was sure that was where I had been sent. But to make sure I walk over to a bench of old boys, whose grins get wider as I approach. I focus on the one in the centre who’s looks the least lecherous and show him the address I have to go to. Proudly, he pulls himself up with his walking stick and stands looking up at me. “I will take you there, Signora, follow me.” So of we go, the sun is shining and for once Castelfiorentino looks attractive and welcoming. Fifteen minutes later, my knees are killing me and I am about to suggest that we sit and take a rest, but we had arrived. I’m not sure whether to offer him a few euros for his trouble, but he is disgusted with the idea, so I shake his hand and he heads back to his friends. I am twenty minutes late for my appointment, but this being Italy, I am kept waiting anyway. All I can think about is the long walk back to the car!

Talking about old boys, last Thursday I was joined by our Presidente Giorgio Napolitano for coffee at Laura’s Bar/alimentare in Fiano. Well, he was in Pisa at the time, but I like to feel these people are right next to me as I read about them in the paper. He has finally decided to retire and has cited his age of eighty-nine as the deciding factor. I say, good for you that man, enough pf politics, go and put your feet up somewhere warm to celebrate your forthcoming birthday. Why not ask Silvio Berlusconi to organise the party. On the other hand, how strong is your heart these days? Perhaps something a little less energetic would be more appropriate.

Well, so what next you may ask? I have already started the third book in the series, with the same heroine Joanna Wilde in ‘The Italian Connection,’ which is another exciting adventure for her and for me. I also have to finish typing out my lyrics for our next Rock Chick Band Concert in June, which reminds me; do send me your email address if you want an invite. june.finnigan@virgin.net

Well, must go and make myself beautiful as we are off to lunch at ‘C’era Una Volta’ as Paolo is back after a bout of flu.

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

Salute June x

Here is the direct link for my novel ‘My Father, The Assassin’ by J W Finnigan. You can also visit http://www.amazon.com & http://www.amazon.eu

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Granddog Sitting, Gorgeous Sunsets, A Villa full of Smoke, A Dog Drinking Coffee and A Motley Crew of Shooters in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged Berlusconi, Bolivia, book, coffee, Famous, Farty Barty, Fiano, Italian Rugby, Italy, J W Finnigan, June Finnigan, My Father The Assassin, Romantic thriller, The Bolivian Connection, Tuscany, writer on January 5, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Buon Anno and welcome to all my Lovely Loyal and New Followers

LB (standing) and Zoe after a game of rugby.
Photo P Finnigan

A gorgeous Sunset
Photo P Finnigan

Granddog sitting is wonderful. There is nothing nicer than cuddling up to a granddog who loves you unconditionally and only harasses you when pulling furiously on the lead. Oh yes, and barking to be let out really early in the morning, because that is what they are used to! So there we were, my man and I, enjoying Zoe’s and LB’s company on New Year’s Eve, whilst the family went off skiing on the French/Italian border. Our daughter and family have recently moved to the middle of nowhere between San Gimigiano and Volterra and the views to the west coast are fantastic. We saw the New Year in watching the fireworks from our lofty eyrie. My man stayed on for a further two nights, witnessing some gorgeous sunsets, whilst I returned to Farty Barty the cat and to complete the last few chapters of my novel ‘The Bolivian Connection.’

Another gorgeous sunset
Photo P Finnigan

It has been said, particularly by my man, that I am a disaster if left to my own devices, because my head is so full of fiction. On Saturday evening when my man was returning home, I lit the log fire that he had laid before he left. I put the guard in front and returned to my desk to write a few more lines. I was a little longer than I intended, and suddenly I smelt smoke. Disaster! Smoke was swirling up the stairs so I opened the landing window, then rushed down, almost choking on the way, to find the sitting room ceiling thick with the dark grey stuff. I threw open the french windows and then the front door. Thank god, I had not opened any of the upstairs bedroom doors. I grabbed a rug and started swirling it around like a human fan and tried to get closer to the fireplace, which was still billowing out smoke. There must be something stuck up there, I thought. Then, somewhere in the depths of my memory I heard my man saying, “Now this is the second time I’m going to remind you. I have closed the metal cover in the chimney to keep the cold out. If you are going to light the fire DO NOT FORGET TO OPEN IT!” “S..T” I gasped, “You idiot June!” I groaned aloud as I coughed and spluttered with my head in the fireplace trying not to singe my hair. Somehow, I grabbed the lever and managed to open the cover. Ten minutes later the house was almost clear of smoke, but I was not going to be able to disguise the smell. I just knew my man would walk in and I would have to tell him the truth. Dammit!

Back at Laura’s bar/alimentare in Fiano, my man and I are enjoying our morning coffee. At the next table a local lady is sharing her coffee with her pet miniature dog. Well this is Italy, coffee is a way of life, as is Chianti here in Tuscany. Sadly, Laura had gone down with flu and Benadetta had succumbed overnight, so their husbands were manning the fort. It’s the time of year for the hunters to be out and about in the countryside and I have to say they are not my favourite people. A motley crew of three came into the bar wearing muddy boots and camouflage gear. It is not a gentleman’s sport here, shooting wildlife, it is the working country folk (contadini) who are mostly out there at first light on a sunday morning, shouting and firing at whatever moves. However, I remind myself that this is all part of life’s rich tapestry, but when this motley crew started cracking walnuts in their hands and throwing the shells into the bin clearly marked ‘paper only’ I was not impressed. Hey ho….

Silvio “I am a normal human being, look eight fingers and two thumbs!

Francis “Well halo, halo. I am an exalted human being, see my wings?”

No time to check out Silvio Berlusconi’s activities I’m afraid, however, his picture was in this morning’s paper, so he’s obviously still out there strutting his stuff. On the next page was a picture of our other Laughing Cavalier, Pope Francis greeting the New Year with his fan club in Rome and welcoming fifteen new cardinals to his mens’ only club.

Well, must go, things to do , places to go and people to see. Once again Buon Anno to you all you lovely people, and see you next week.

Amore June x

PS Here is the direct link for my novel ‘My Father, The Assassin’ by J W Finnigan. You can also visit http://www.amazon.com & http://www.amazon.eu

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Glorious Sunshine, Dissapearing Olive Groves, A Right Corker and Siena Cake in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged Berlusconi, Chianti, coffee, Famous, Farty Barty, Fiano, Italy, J W Finnigan, June Finnigan, Lemons, My Father The Assassin, olives, Romantic thriller, Siena, Siena cake, Silvio Berlusconi, Tuscany, writer on November 24, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Ciao and Welcome to all my Loyal and new followers,

“I hadn’t got rid of the last one and now I’ve caught another one!” My man is hunched in the passenger seat of the car, having just been collected by my good self from Certaldo Station. The poor thing had just flown back to Pisa from London and an English cold virus had got him again . “I already had some antibiotics, now I’ll have to go back and see Flavio again for some more.” His face was as long as could be. “Don’t worry, lovely man,” I smiled, “the forecast is for a sunny weekend, you’ll be as right as rain by Monday!” “Humph.” He groaned.

Freshly harvested oranges and lemons.
Photo P Finnigan

Farty Barty on the frame over the orange grove wondering what the fuss is all about.
Photo P Finnigan

By the end of a lovely warm sunny Sunday, he was cheerfully enjoying an aperitivo in glorious sunshine, having also had lunch outside on the upper terrace earlier on. “Ah this is the life.” He sighed. And he was quite right. Just when we were beginning to think that the cold damp weather was here forever, the hot mediterranean sun broke through, bathing us in that all important vitamin D. In the garden, much work was needed, in particular the ground was covered in dead leaves including the big floppy fig leaves that make a plopping sound as they hit the ground. Alessandro, the local contadino, who looks after the land below the house, arrived unexpectedly and started violently pruning the fruit trees. My man was rather annoyed, as he had planned to do this himself, and he is very experienced at it. The workers also cut down the beautiful row of Firethorn, which bordered our garden with the orchard, unfortunately we were out having our morning coffee when this happened! I guess it will all grow back again. The good news, however, is that our view has been dramatically opened out and this morning the man is really happy as he has found a mature lemon tree in full fruit, in what we had thought was only an orange grove!

Back in the countryside we are seeing whole olive trees being cut down. This follows the disastrous olive harvest due to blight and insects. Lets hope that new saplings will be planted to replace them. On the other hand, the grape harvest was really good. My man went down to our friend and vineyard owner with all our empty Chianti bottles for refills. My man liked to do the corking with a hand-operated corking machine, but this time he was impressed to find that this was now automated! There was a new narrow metal conveyor belt on which the empty bottles traveled along and when they reached a certain point, a cork was automatically punched in. He just had to wait at the end, take off the corked bottles and put them in a box! Then horror of horrors, he had a box under each arm and spotted our friend’s Smart Phone traveling along the conveyor and could only shout a warning. The thing only just escaped being corked!

Siena Cake
Photo J Finnigan

Last weekend, I bought my first annual piece of Siena Cake. Now this is a close as I can get to the taste of a typical English Christmas Cake. It is made with figs, nuts and chocolate powder, and some other secret ingredients, crushed under a press. All cooks have their own recipes, however, this one was purchased at Osteria La Gramola, in Tavernelle who use the original one from Siena. Now some of you clever foodies out there will probably put me right, or at least explain the other ingredients. Speaking of which, and I’m sure she won’t mind my mentioning it, my good neighbour and celebrity cook, Judy Witts Francini, knows everything there is to know about Tuscan cooking. You should visit her website and go along to one of her residential cooking classes, or at least buy her books. Fantastic! Visit http://www.divinacucina.com

Well, I think enough said for now. I’ll endeavour to bring you some good news about Silvio Berlusconi next week.

Amore June x

PS Here is the direct link for an ideal Christmas present.

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Rain, Grey Skies, a Sunny Granddaughter and Red Wine Pasta in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged Chianti, coffee, Famous, Farty Barty, Fiano, Fungi, Italy, J W Finnigan, June Finnigan, landslips, My Father The Assassin, Romantic thriller, Tartufo Bianco, The Bolivian Connection, Tuscany on November 17, 2014| 1 Comment »

Benvenuti to all my Lovely Loyal and New Followers

The main reason for moving to Italy was to learn the language. We also thought that the weather might be a little warmer, brighter and dryer. Whilst the latter was a secondary issue, right now we are beginning to wonder if the Roman Gods are being unkind to us. Looking out of the double windows opposite my desk, it could well be a view of English grey skies, and the sound of wheels splashing past the villa sound so wet and chilly. These days our Italian friends in the cafe bar in Fiano, talk as much about the ‘brutto Tempo’ (bad weather) as we brits did in the local pub after work in England. This is not a complaint, just an observation, well actually I am complaining, let’s be honest. However, I have just bought a lovely new pair of soft leather boots from Gabor and my beloved waxed coat has come out of the wardrobe. These may not sound important to you, but to little old me, these are two of the perks of winter.

Farty Barty refuses to leave his nice warm chair. Phot J Finnigan

Farty Barty refuses to leave his nice warm chair.
Photo J Finnigan

Meanwhile, Tuscany is still struggling with serious flooding and landslides. We are desperately waiting for the rain to stop and allow some of the poor homeless people to get back to repairing and rebuilding their homes. Our little bit of Chianti has so far suffered much less than some areas; may that continue. Farty Barty the cat, remains in his comfy kitchen chair and refuses to go out at night……that says a lot.

Gluten free pasta and white truffles
photo J Finnigan

But then all turned bright and sunny on the weekend, metaphorically speaking, when our beautiful nine, nearly ten-year old granddaughter came to stay for two nights. Absolutely no work or writing got done, we were forced to just relax and enjoy ourselves in her delightful company. We went out to lunch twice. Firstly to Ristorante Montalbino for, yes again, white truffle pasta. It is a tiny family run place where they specialise in fungi and it’s really good. Then on Sunday we went back to La Gramola in Tavernelle, where we had the most delicious Red Wine Pici with cheese and pepper. This is home-made spaghetti infused with red wine, so comes out a sort of ruddy colour. It’s really delicious tossed in pecorino cheese and pepper. Then I had pears that had been poached in Vin Santo, a wine liqueur made from grapes that have been left to wither on the vine, or so I’m told!

The game of Pick’Up’Sticks
Photo J Finnigan

Back at the villa we played the games of ‘Sorry’ and ‘Pick’up’Sticks’. We also had a fun time, by having a book each, and reading the first full line of each page one after the other. This can be hilarious, however, our poor granddaughter had a John Le Carre book in her hands and he tends to write very long sentences. We were very impressed to find that her reading of difficult English words was brilliant. She is English, but when you consider that she has only been educated in an Italian school, speaks fluent Italian, and generally reads a lot of Italian books, so brava to her.

Well, I hope that you will not mind if I cut this post a little short. I have a busy workload today and must knuckle down.

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

Salute June x

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Day of the Dead, Autumn, Man and Cat, Log Fires and the Seaside in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged Castiglione della Pescaia, Chianti, Famous, Farty Barty, Fiano, Halloween, Italy, J W Finnigan, June Finnigan, My Father The Assassin, Romantic thriller, The Bolivian Connection, Tuscany on November 3, 2014| 3 Comments »

Benvenuti to all my Lovely Loyal and New Followers

Only in Italy will you find half the population celebrating the dead, visiting the cemetries, cars parked for miles down the road and then dressing up to look like them in the evening. Failing that, it’s an excuse to have a two-day festa and dress in amazing costumes, sometimes not even related to Halloween! The fancy dress themes ranged from animals to cartoon characters. The lovely Benedetta from Fiano has promised to let me have pictures of her own costume to show you. So watch this space.

Autmn colour in the vineyards below the villa Photo P Finnigan

Autumn colour in the vineyards below the villa
Photo P Finnigan

The man and Farty Barty do the crossword. Photo J Finnigan

Back in the land of the sane, well almost, we have finally accepted that Autumn is here. The countryside is looking glorious, however, there is no denying that, now the last olives have been picked, it is time to start tucking in with the log fire and warmed Chianti. Despite this, the lunchtimes are still proving to be lovely and sunny. Grab a warm spot out of the wind and it’s really nice. Yesterday, the man and Farty Barty the cat spread themselves across the outside table and enjoyed doing a crossword together, which they had earlier found amongst old newspapers put aside for the fire. Meanwhile I managed another chapter of ‘The Bolivian Connection’ and so Sunday turned out to be a very good day indeed.

Soaking up the sea air. Photo P Finnigan

Soaking up the sun and sea air.
Photo P Finnigan

Last Thursday we took the day off and drove down to the coast and Castiglione della Pescaia. We usually try to go down in October when the tourists have gone, yet is still nice enough to stroll in the gorgeous yellow sand and around the beautiful harbour. We had lunch in a tried and tested restaurant, however, next time we’ll take a picnic and sit on the beach. There were several very brown people still sunbathing as we walked past in our winter jackets! Die hards… I spent my childhood on the beach at Exmouth in Devon and have always been drawn to the sea. There’s something about the ocean, the smell of the clear water and the swaying seaweed just below the surface. The low Autumn sun made it difficult to get any really good pictures of the beach, which was a lovely fine yellow sand, so perhaps we’ll go at the end of September next time. But it was lovely. I would love to hear from any of you who live on the Tuscan coast. We adore Chianti, however, if we could be persuaded to a region near the coast that offers similar rolling hills, vineyards and olives, and not too touristy, we may be tempted.

The charismatic Silvio Berlusconi

Meanwhile, back in the land of the super rich, Silvio Berlusconi reigns supreme at AC Milan. Having sold Mario Balotelli to Liverpool, describing him as a bad apple, he watched his side lose 2-0 to Palermo. He told his players to stop playing like the Liverpool striker and get themselves inside the box. Meanwhile, SB is doing his best to be constantly ‘on’ the box. “Love me, love my club!”

Well, enough of that. It’s probably the last day to enjoy lunch in the garden this week, as rain is forecast for the next few days. So, time to prepare lunch, then soak up some much-needed vitamin D with an aperitivo.

Have a really good week and see you next time.

Salute June x

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

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A Fat Cat, Olives, White Truffles, Alice Cooper and Autumn in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged book, Certaldo, Chianti, Famous, Farty Barty, Italy, J W Finnigan, June Finnigan, My Father The Assassin, olives, Rock Concert, Romantic thriller, Tartufo Bianco, The Bolivian Connection, The Rock Chick Band, Tuscany, writer on October 13, 2014| 1 Comment »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

Farty Barty guards the villa on top of the trellis over the Orange Trees.
Photo J Finnigan

We can’t help but notice how fat and lethargic Farty Barty the cat has become. But when we think back over the years, and as Autumn takes over, he does start to lay on the fat layers and thickens his fur. He is also building his energy to service the girlies come January and February. In case you were not aware, Barty is half-wild. He will sometimes disappear for up to five days, then return starving and exhausted, lying around the garden and kitchen recuperating. The mind boggles as to what he gets up to.

Back in the countryside, the grape harvest is winding down and the ground around the olive trees is being cleared for the olive picking. Whilst the grape harvest has been good, we are not expecting such an abundant olive crop. Sadley, insect infestation and desease has been a problem, so the price of Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil is likely to be much higher this year. Thinking about that unique taste makes my mouth water, particularly on Fettunta, that is day old bread toasted, rubbed with garlic and drizzled with oil. Mmmmm.

It’s also the time of year to enjoy white truffles (tartufo bianco). We had Tagliatelle con Tartufo for lunch at ‘C’era Una Volta’ yesterday, expensive, but worth every cent. If you haven’t tasted Tartufo in Italy, you really must! Two americans joined us, having just arrived for ten days, and we enjoyed a lively discussion. Ginger, if you are reading this, do get on and write that book and have a great holiday.

Alice Cooper.
Photo – Alice Cooper official photo gallery

My man went to London for a few days last week and I spent one evening playing loud music including some Alice Cooper. Don’t ever ask me to watch his stage act, however, I really like ‘Poison’ which I have added to my repertoire for next year’s concert. Our good friend and doctor Flavio, suggested that I also do ‘Bed of Nails’, so I’ll check this out. When I mentioned to a friend that I was going to do an Alice Cooper, she said “Oh, that won’t be too difficult for you June!” Did she mean the song or the image? she had gone before I had time to think about what she had said……

After my man returned from a successful trip to London, he was finding the Italian attitude irritating. Now don’t get me wrong, but I do understand how he feels sometimes, particularly the parking on pavements, walking the roads with their dogs on the outside, letting their small children run loose in a busy car park etc Obviously, this doesn’t apply to all Italians, but every day we get a little annoyed at something.

Autumn on the upper Terrace.
Photo J Finnigan

However, life eeez good, life eeez now. We celebrated yet another anniversary at the weekend, and I have to say, celebrating here in Tuscany with that view and a lovely glass of prosecco would be difficult to beat anywhere else. The garden is still beautiful with the bouganvillea in full bloom and all the rich autumn colours are beginning to creep through.

Well, I must crack on with the day job and look forward to speaking with you next time. Have a great week.

Do drop me a line.

Amore June x

ps If you have read ‘My Father, The Assassin’, I would love it if you could pop back to Amazon and leave a review. Thank you lovely readers.

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Junefinnigan's Weblog

June Finnigan's weekly blog from Tuscany

Posts Tagged ‘Farty Barty’

Bouncing Back, Fabulous Weather, Songwriting, Buratta and Silvio in Beautiful Tuscany

Guard Cat, Artistic Tourists, a Book Signing, Silvio and Flowers in Beautiful Tuscany

Cats, Chocolate, Six Nations and Spring in Beautiful Tuscany

Mimosa Blossom, Sanremo, Calcio and the Six Nations in Beautiful Tuscany

A Book Edit, Lost in Castelfiorentino, Salute Presidente Napolitano and ‘The Italian Connection’ in Beautiful Tuscany

Granddog Sitting, Gorgeous Sunsets, A Villa full of Smoke, A Dog Drinking Coffee and A Motley Crew of Shooters in Beautiful Tuscany

Glorious Sunshine, Dissapearing Olive Groves, A Right Corker and Siena Cake in Beautiful Tuscany

Rain, Grey Skies, a Sunny Granddaughter and Red Wine Pasta in Beautiful Tuscany

Day of the Dead, Autumn, Man and Cat, Log Fires and the Seaside in Beautiful Tuscany

A Fat Cat, Olives, White Truffles, Alice Cooper and Autumn in Beautiful Tuscany

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Posts Tagged ‘Farty Barty’

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