OK, what to say about the Rugby? I am almost speechless after watching England’s terrible performance, losing to Scotland yesterday. However, we do want to congratulate the Scots on a game well played. On Saturday we watched a much more exciting match between Wales and Ireland, which followed a disappointing meeting between Italy and France. Italy did put up a good show in the early stages, but they still have so much to do to improve their game. So for us, being English and living in Italy it was a poor weekend of rugby! But never mind, life eeez good, life eeez now! Foto SkySport
Meanwhile, there was a snow warning in place for the region of Florence, so we have dashed to the local village and stocked up for a few days. La Dispensa shop and caffe bar is such a godsend for us and the local people in the Fiano area. Back in our cosy converted Monastery Farmhouse, it’s good to be in the warm and to watch the heavy snowflakes from inside my studio. Despite this, daffodils and snowdrops are popping up; roll on spring! Foto La Nazione.
Now, I know I go on about fashion and I know that last week I groaned about the miserable looking models on the catwalks, but I have to inform you that I am now campaigning for happy models that look as if they are enjoying the clothes they are wearing! If you look at the pictures in the paper, no don’t, of the shows in Milan this last week, you would have cringed. So each or every other week I will share with you a fashion shot that will make you smile. Only beautiful things Made in Italy of course. Foto La Repubblica.
A question; are you nervous about carrying a clutch bag? I am, as I’m always afraid it will be snatched or I will put it down and forget it. Well here is the answer to both those dilemmas, a clutch with a wrap around strap, brilliant and I love this one too! Do send me a picture of your own favourite bag! foto La Repubblica.
Back in the world of good Italian food, I just read this great article about 3D Printed Pasta! I’m also quite keen on an artistic presentation in the right surroundings, and these creations hit the spot. Produced by BluRhapsody in Emilia (Foto La Reppublica), you can take a look at their amazing Website
And last but not least, Julia Baird, John Lennon’s sister, has written a book dedicated to their mother, called Imagine This. It is the true story of John Lennon’s childhood. She is currently in Italy on a book promotion tour. Foto La Nazione. If you are a fan of JL you may want to buy a book at amazon link
OK, enough of that. Time is rushing by and I must get this blog off to you today. Oh, lest I forget, I will be sending out my Tuscan rock concert invitations in early March, so make sure you send me an email, if you are not already on my mailing list. I would love to see you there! write to june.finnigan@virgin.net or visit my official author website at June’s website
Salute June x
PS In next week’s blog, Italian Hunk of the Month!
Well, I’m starting off today with the music scene, here in our lovely bit of Italy. I could write the whole blog and never leave this particular subject, as so much is going on musically. But worry ye not, there is much more to read about below. But I am sure you would want to know that the aging Bob Dylan will be gracing us with his presence on 7th April, appearing at The Nelson Mandela Forum in Florence. I was interested to read that last year he was made Poet Laureate for his song lyrics, unusual choice, but open to discussion. Foto Tour promotions. For details of all his Italian concert dates go to 
Also touring during February and March is the hugely popular gravelly Italian singer, Zucchero. Zucchero translates to sugar, and a very sweet man he is too. His real name is Adelmo Fornaciari and is described as a blues artist who has sold more than sixty million records in his lifetime! At sixty-three he’s still going strong. Foto La Reppublica. Buy tickets at 
Anyway, on a brighter note, I found this gorgeous Sodini handbag in La Reppublica’s weekend magazine. I think it is truly beautiful and it’s so nice to have a relaxed happy model in the picture. Oh, dear, I have just discovered that the brand can be bought in Certaldo, at Magnolia in Via Giugno. What to do? My man will kill me if I buy another handbag! I’ll have to find an excuse somehow! Visit 
Just lately, I have been getting really put off the fashion shows as so many designers use these awful miserable looking models that don’t even seem to be enjoying the clothes they are wearing! Sorry, I just don’t understand it. They may as well just use remote-controlled robots, that would at least be more interesting.
This is also Silvio Berlusconi’s party, which is currently holding third place in the opinion poles. Posters are now appearing on the big metal boards erected a couple of weeks ago. Although we are residents here, we don’t appear to have voting rights. Mind you, I would not have a clue as to who to vote for, but then I felt the same way when we lived in England in the distant past! I’ll keep you posted. Foto La Nazione.
OK, I have warned you about Italian Romeos in the past and this week girlies of all ages should take extra care. Anyway, from now up until the fourteenth, beware of Italian men offering you red roses. One rose is supposed to be very romantic, however, it might also indicate the size of his wallet! Ask immediately if he lives with his mother. If yes, then he’s probably after a bit of slap and tickle. If he gives you a sob story about his aging or ailing mother, he may be looking for a replacement! Either way, if he’s good-looking and invites you to dinner in a decent ristorante, why not! Enjoy! Foto La Nazione.
Meanwhile, the papers continue to be full of the forthcoming elections. Villages and towns have had the big metal boards erected ready for the posters that go up shortly. Matteo Renzi, the former Prime Minister, seems to be talking himself into a big political hole, rather like David Cameron did in the UK. Both he and Silvio Berlusconi are now paying heed to the female political advisors, I’m glad to say, however, no sign of a likely candidate from their ranks for PM yet. Foto La Repubblica.
Guest appearances at the Festival included Sting. The music man is fully entrenched into Tuscan life having a villa and land just a few valleys away from us, and the Italians love him. His music is regularly played on the radio and he holds the occasional private concert party in his garden. He has obviously taken a lead from me and my Garden Rock Concerts in June each year. More news on that soon! Foto La Repubblica
Well, back here in our beautiful bit of Chianti, it is cold and raining. Contrary to popular belief outside of Italy, February can be chilly and wet. Despite that Crocuses are beginning to show their heads, the Mimosa and some Cherry trees are in full blossom and life is good. Local towns and villages are finally getting over the Carnivale Period and things are finally a little quieter; until the elections of course! Foto La Nazione.
Yes! Rugby Six Nations has started and whilst I don’t intend bombarding you with unnecessary results of the first weekend, I do want to mention yesterday’s match between England and Italy in Roma. Now, whenever I watch these two teams play I am torn between them; who am I supporting I ask myself? My man has no such problems, he is English and an ex-serviceman, so Queen and country naturally makes him a supporter of England. I am also English, but after nearly fourteen years in Tuscany, I am cheering both sides on and delighted with every try, conversion and drop kick. And Italy put up a really good performance, they even scored the first try, only to lose in the end to the stronger team!
Anyway, back in the world of politics, and whilst enjoying my morning coffee at La Dispensa in Fiano, I read in La Republica that eighty-seven year old politician Lilian Segre, has been nominated ‘Senatrice a Vita’ by the Presidente della Republica Sergio Mattarella. Now, this either means she has been given a life sentence or made a Senator for Life. In the picture she appears to be in a state of shock, poor old thing, so take your pick!
But let’s turn our thoughts to the world of music, which is close to my heart as you all know. We are in the run-up to the Sanremo Music Festival. This is a hotly contested song contest which, over five days will find a winner selected by a celebrity panel. Of course this makes for very popular TV watching, however, if you do attend the Ariston Theatre in Sanremo, or watch it on the box, you will have to sit and listen to some pretty awful music. The Italians are crazy for it! A guest appearance will be made by Ornella Vanoni. Who? Ah, well she was a hugely popular singer donkeys years ago and this will be her first appearance in nineteen years. Good for her, I say. If you would like to learn more, or even buy tickets you should go to 
Meanwhile, at number two in the album charts, you will find the lovely EMMA, with Essere Qui, which means ‘Being here’. Born in Florence, she is currently a bit of a Blondie lookalike, but her voice is very different. Husky and very much a singer of the modern age, she became popular after winning Sanremo in 2012. She also plays acoustic and classical guitar; impressive! Hear her sing here 
When we first moved into our lovely new home in April 2015, one of the first things we did was to plant three young Mimosa trees. All are doing really well and already in full blossom. Once again this is a little too early in the year, as the blossoms are normally presented to the women in one’s life, on La Festa Delle Donne in March, that are deserving for reasons of kindness, love or simply being a nice person who might have made a difference over the previous year. So let’s hope that there will still be a few flowering trees around on the day. A couple of days ago, my man also spotted the first daffodils as we whizzed back from a trip to Certaldo; lovely.
Meanwhile it is the season for that delicious dark green cabbage, Cavolo Nero, full of iron and vitamins. Cooked in various ways, however, I just like to steam the leaves then toss in a little Extra Virgin Olive Oil and sea salt. For some really great recipes visit the website of my friend and neighbour, the Celebrity Cook Judy Witts Francini. 
Also in season are the lovely Italian New Potatoes. Now I’m a great fan of potatoes and we Brits cook them in so many different ways. Whilst I love them just boiled and tossed in butter (lessato), the Italians mainly cook them chopped into small pieces and roasted with oil, Rosemary and garlic (Potate Arrosto). You will also find a recipe for this in Judy’s book.
And how about our local town of Certaldo and other nearby towns? Well, I’m going to have to research this as, whilst all the locals seem to know whats going on, probably by word of mouth or they are actively involved anyway. So I’ll be back shortly! Ok, I’m back and the very best site to go to is Discover Tuscany, where you will find all the exciting events including wine tastings, galleries, exhibitions, dance festivals, food festas; the list is endless. So if you are going to be in Tuscany in February you will be kept very busy! You can start your tour at Certaldo Station, the rail and bus links are brilliant! Foto P Finnigan. Go to Discover Tuscany 
Meanwhile, last week was a celebration of Men’s Fashion in Italy and this week we are celebrating Kid’s Fashion. Now, Italian children are extremely fashion conscious and from a very early age. The shops are full of funky clothes for kids; it’s not unusual to see a three-year old toddling around in a designer leather jacket and hi-tech trainers. Italian boys are constantly checking their reflections in shop windows and adjusting their designer haircuts! Sunglasses and top of the range cell-phones are essential accessories. I have some mixed feelings about all this, but the kids are mostly happy and as long as they are not draining the pockets of their hard-working parents, why not. What do you think?
Back in the world of politics, Italy’s general election will be on 4th March. Yes, another one! Don’t worry, I am not going to say much about this, but here is an article from La Repubblica Magazine showing The Cinque Stella movement currently in the lead, with The PD Party close behind. Mind you I would not rule out a sudden percentage rise for Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia Party, currently in third place!
Finally, something close to my heart, which is good Tuscan food and preferably cooked in a restaurant. We have just returned from C’era Una Volta in Lucardo, having enjoyed a lovely big bowl of Paolo’s Leek and Potato soup, which really warmed me up, followed by pasta with Pesto di cavolo nero. Absolutely yummy. But enough of that. Foto J.Finnigan. Visit 
The next day I thought, hurrah, we can get back to normal, ditch or plant the Christmas trees that many of us are allergic to, the shops will all be open and the post office will be functioning. How, after nearly fourteen years living in this beautiful bit of the world, could I forget that Befana also heralds the start of a week’s holiday for thousands of Italians, when many shoot off to ski destinations! Last Monday I found a note in my post box, telling me that a long overdue Christmas parcel was waiting for me at Certaldo Post Office. So I waited in the usual queue and arrived at the counter feeling pretty relaxed. “Sorry Signora” the male counter assistant said, in Italian of course, “The sorting office is still on holiday, you will have to come back tomorrow!” Take note, the date was 8th January….. I took a deep breath and walked back out into a hail storm and did not have a brolly with me! OK, grumble over, I went back the next day and got my parcel. Foto La Repubblica
And on the subject of skiing, you would love the Dolomites in Northern Italy this time of year. Very crowded mind, although from next week onwards most of the Italian tourists may have finally returned to work. Meanwhile, a little further north in Austria, our brilliant female ski team have just won the World Championship and good for them I say! Are you a keen skier? I have always wanted to ski, but never got round to it. Too many other priorities I guess. My man skied in Norway with the military; when you next see him, ask him about his experiences, he loves to talk about his wooden skis!
Congratulations to our lovely winner, Molly in Florida, for correctly answering the question ‘What was the real full name of the Italian Assassin Sapphire, in my second novel The Bolivian Connection?’ Yes, the answer was Francesca Maria Bencini. Molly was the first name out of my man’s Father Christmas hat and my trilogy will be on its way to her tomorrow! Well done too to the three runner ups who all receive a book of their choice.
The Italians, being Italian, just adore the Festive Period. If you want to be anywhere in the world this time of year, you will love it here in Tuscany. All the main towns and cities are now up and running with Mercate di Natale, that’s Christmas Markets to you and me. These lovely ladies were in the nearby town of Empoli on 1st December, making sure that everyone knew what time of year it was! As if we could forget….. Foto La Nazione.
As I write this blog, I realise that I also need to get out there and start buying up all the goodies, after all, it’s only three weeks to go! Now, in case my family are reading this, handbags, scarves and books are at the top of my list…. Whilst even I read books on my Kindle, I still like to own real things. Foto La Repubblica.
Now, if you are likely to indulge in a little more Prossecco than normal, you should be aware that here in Italy, one may not be able to outrun the latest Polizia car, which is in fact a Ferrari! Yes, that’s what I said, a Ferrari. The drivers of the local less impressive Polizia vehicles are fast enough, and that’s both male and female; but put them in a Ferrari and god only knows what will happen on our narrow windy roads! foto La Repubblica
But enough of that, lets look at what is happening in the world of Music. Well, if you fancy a little romantic singing by a handsome, if getting on a bit, Italian crooner then you could book yourself a couple of tickets for Claudio Baglioni’s 2018 tour. Claudio has performed with many famous people, including Pavarotti, in recent years. He’s also a very good pianist. Go to 
Meanwhile, my man and I decided to revisit Osteria La Gramola in Tavernelle, which we have not been to for over two years. It’s funny how one can forget how good a place is, and we were reminded by being served up a delicious bowl of pumpkin soup with gluten-free bread for me and stuffed vegetables with potatoes. My man had a mix of crostini with various veggie toppings, followed by spaghetti tossed in pepper and pecorino cheese. All absolutely yummy. I bought home a piece of their traditional Siena Cake, which has all the flavours of the traditional English Christmas cake, but is actually made of crushed figs, fruits and nuts. I can’t wait to eat it! Go to 
Now I cannot go without sharing some of the gorgeous winter woollies and handbags currently available in Florence, my favourite shopping place. These can also be bought on-line, so don’t worry if you can’t get here this year. Snuggly Cashmere and woolly wrap around coats with matching bags, beautiful! Fotos La Reppublica.
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