Welcome and Benvenuti to all my Lovely Followers around the World,
Needless to say, I hope you are all doing well, we are OK here and actually enjoying life.
However, both my man and I, who are normally avid readers, have not been able to concentrate on a book for weeks! Given so much quiet time, this is something I’m finding difficult to grasp. I have also been trying to get back into my fourth novel, as my heroine Joanna Wilde, is currently left suspended in Havana, waiting on my instructions!
So yesterday I re-visited a short story, which I started writing some years ago. It’s supposed to be a thriller where the people and animals in a nearby Italian town, disappear completely without trace and the panic this creates for outsiders. So I get into chapter two and I start seeing lizards everywhere and in particular a green and yellow one, which starts speaking to my main character, turning the whole thing into a comedy! Well, this will not do. My man hates the idea so I have ditched that project for the time being too! Lizard foto euroland.com
Now, one exciting thing happened a couple of days ago; my James Lakeland clothes order arrived, hurrah. Well, everything fitted, despite the extra weight around my middle! So, I have my new charcoal grey outfit for the concert in June. Now we have to wait to see if the concert can still take place……. I’ll let you know one way or another in May. Now I am waiting for the arrival of my new passport, but that’s another story.
Back in our lovely garden my man found a little Redstart fledgling, which had obviously had an aborted first flight. It was standing exactly on the spot where we like to sit with our aperitifvo, so being all heart we stayed in to give the parents a chance to feed it and encourage it to fly again. We have had a great number of Redstarts this year, oh and the first cuckoo is now here in one of our trees. We’ve not spotted it yet, but then they are difficult to see. The fledgling had gone in the morning, thank heavens.
One sad thing to tell you, our big and normally beautiful Ash Tree is in trouble. Only a quarter of the tree is in leaf, the rest looks dry and quite frankly dead. It really needs an experienced tree surgeon to sort it out, but not during lockdown. My man has had to move our park bench under the European Oak to get the shade needed for viewing the outside world. If you know anything about Ash Trees, do let me know. But hurrah, our English climbing Rose is in full bloom and there are masses of buds too! And, the perfume is to die for, so that’s good news.
Anyway, last night we enjoyed a two hour drinks party on Skype with our good English Friends who live in Surrey, UK. There was no shortage of crazy hats and weird glasses on display. He knows who I am talking about. I apologise for the terrible ‘Devon’ stories, that did not come over so well as they did last time I told them. You know, ‘I wouldn’t start from here, if I were you” and the ‘Wood Splitting Axe’. Anyway, it was good to speak and have a laugh with you guys. Stay safe.
Well, I think that’s it for now. Time to think about aperitivi. It’s still nice and warm in the garden, so let’s go for it.
Have a good week, everything will be OK soon.
Salute June xx
PS Have you read my books yet? Now’s a good time! go to my site
Back to today. We had a postal delivery this morning from the commune di Certaldo, which contained four face masks! I must say I was impressed. Earlier this morning I was in our local village of Fiano, waiting in a short queue of six for groceries and everyone was wearing a mask. The queue swelled to about twenty before I went in and as is the way in Italy, a big circular queue was formed on both sides of the road, keeping a careful distance from each other but close enough for everyone to chat and greet friends. We always know who will go in before us, it’s the same in the doctor’s surgery. Rossella, my lovely friend who served me this morning, gave us an expensive bottle of Prosecco as a Easter (Pasqua) gift. It’s wonderful to be looked after so well; my shopping is also carried to the car! I wish I could hug her. Breaking News – we have been informed that the lockdown will continue until 3rd May, not unexpected.
Easter Sunday – Anyway, this will be the first Easter Sunday lunch without our daughter and family for some years. But we have arranged a video call for midday. My man and I went out for coffee again, or rather did a circuit of the garden and stopped off at our front door for coffee. Everything is a rich green, despite the lack of rain and smells wonderful as my man did a lot of strimming yesterday. The climbing red English rose is close to bursting it’s buds and the European Oak has revealed it’s catkins! We heard the first cuckoo and think we saw the first swallow. Apparently the swallows hit turbulent weather over Greece last week so we are keeping our fingers crossed.
Lots of geraniums have survived the winter under covers, they look a bit straggly, but we cannot replace them until the lock-down ends. Still, some are in flower already. Oh, and the Florentine Irises are blooming, and the ancient Oak Tree, which guards our gate, is once more leafed up! So nature carries on regardless; we are so lucky.
I must say that I have been very impressed with the way technology has brought all the delights of Easter onto our computer and TV screens. Church Services (if it is your thing) family get togethers and drinks with friends! We tend to treat the Easter Weekend as a few days holiday, as we work with the UK system, our clients being mainly based there. Here in Italy, most food shops will be closed today and tomorrow as normal. But it is a very strange time…..
Meanwhile, if you want to visit the original Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci you can do a virtual tour by visiting 
Bocelli’s video on You Tube, recorded live in the empty Duomo in Milan. If you want to feel the real emotion that exists here, watch it on 
From my dressing room window I saw it slinking toward the shrub where I think Phil the Pheasant’s hens are hiding out. I threw a stone, which is a pretty one I collected from the garden some years ago; it bounced off the fence and rolled onto the lawn. Instead of running off, the little fox rushed over and grabbed it in its mouth, then started playing with it like a puppy. I said ‘Buon Giorno’ and it sat down and gazed up at me, obviously fascinated. My man managed to get a foto, if a little out of focus, but you can see how young it was. Beautiful. So, we are not short of visitors!
But that’s all changed! We have been inundated with visitors that don’t seem to understand how important it is to stay at home. Firstly, Phil our resident Pheasant, has invited two hens to stay and was flaunting himself below our bedroom window this morning. He’s obviously feeling very randy as he was fluffing his feathers up to give the impression that he is twice his normal size! When he started jumping his startled hens, I had to look away, what an exhibitionist!
Meanwhile, the garden is full of visitors including the stunning and musical Hoopie. The disturbed earth around our new compost heap seems very attractive to them. Also a pair of Jays, numerous wood pidgeons flocks of redstarts and many other birds whose names escape me.
And, on the subject of Compost Heaps, we are very proud to have completed our very first version of one, yesterday morning. This then created the need for a wine break before lunch. It is rather shameful that we have only just created one after having spent most of our lives living in the countryside with good sized gardens. My beautiful Earth Mother daughter has been growing veg and using compost heaps for years. I am not the greatest of cooks and she asked me very seriously on WhatsApp ‘What are you eating Mum?” “I can cook if I have to!” I snorted. “Oh, I thought you might have ordered a flow of ready made meal deliveries!” She chuckled. Cheeky monkey.
Butterflies before, but they were back and getting very close to where we were sitting. Out of interest we had previously looked up their lifespan and were astonished to read that in butterfly form they only live for ten days! As one almost alighted on my man’s chest he commented “So, they have only ten days to work out if they are male, female or transgender.” He said very seriously. “Mmm. I think that one is female” I grinned. Foto it.123rf.com
Well, I could waffle on but there is one thing I want to mention. London based James Lakeland, who is the brother of an English friend, designs beautiful women’s clothes that are made in Italy. Like many fashion shops, he is really struggling at the moment. He has managed to pay his staff so far and has now reduced his prices so low, you have to get on-line and start buying! I have placed an order, so that’s my next concert outfit sorted, god knows when it will arrive here in Italy (Italy’s postal system is unpredictable), but it is worth it to support at least one deserving fashion house. James also delivers worldwide! Foto from James Lakeland Blogsite. 
Yesterday, I would have been blogging to you but we had no internet, which is so crucial for any communication, writing and work-wise. So, I start the working week with this blog. I am no stranger to working from home. Over the last sixteen years, I have become very experienced in commuting between Italy and London. As technology improved further, I could spend more time in Tuscany where my man and I both have comfortable working offices. Video meetings have become the norm and of course email has virtually replaced hard copy mailings. But there is nothing quite like face to face meetings and perhaps a nice lunch with a client. But these pleasures must now go on hold.
Anyway, here in our lovely little bit of Tuscany, on the edge of Chianti, we are safely tucked away in our country home. This foto was taken as the sun was rising on the opposite side of the house. We have had two weeks of glorious weather, so much so that I have actually got a bit sunburnt! Spring plants and trees are changing daily and we now make a point of walking the boundaries in the early mornings, to marvel at how life in the wild still goes on unhindered by any viruses. Young fruit trees, fig, mulberry and pomegranate are in blossom, as are numerous shrubs that remain nameless due to my lack of knowledge.
Slopes of wild flowers and fungi, our English Climbing Rose looks very healthy and the bees are going into overdrive. Yesterday, we enjoyed an aperitivo before lunch and watched the dance of the Swallow Tail Butterflies swirling around the Lilac Tree. So, the best thing I can do is send you some Foto’s to remind you that if you have not yet cancelled your holiday in Tuscany, do consider postponing instead.
We are very fortunate to be living in a beautiful converted former Monastery Farmhouse. It is quirky, yet comfortable. Our landlord had an artist come in before we moved here to paint this gorgeous mural on the sitting room wall. So in the picture, you can see the view from my armchair, which we can enjoy no matter what the weather is doing outside.
Preparations for our rock concert on June 19 continues, in the hope that restrictions will have lifted sufficiently for us all to get together again. Stefano, my lead guitarist, has approved the repertoire, so we will have eighteen great rock songs for you.
Well, here we are, Sunday morning and we have not gone out for our usual coffee. By some stroke of luck I bought a proper Italian Espresso machine a few months ago! At 8.30, after home made espresso, my man and I strolled around our country garden and felt invigorated.
The sun is shining and spring is leaping forth as if nothing is happening in the country or indeed the world around us. I weeded a couple of pots and my man put yesterday’s washing outside in the sunshine. If one has to be in Lock-down, I can’t think of a better place to be.
Anyway, we are still making plans for our 10th annual Rock Concert on 19th June in our lovely Tuscan garden. It’s important to have things to look forward to and I have a gut feeling that June will be a good month. After all I was named after the month having been born on 23rd! So far, June has never let me down!
Well it can take one’s breath away and I’m talking about the stunning view from our lovely home, which we see every morning in different colours. This picture was yesterday morning as the sun was rising and encouraging the mist to form in the valleys below us. We have had a lot of cold damp weather and this combined with sunshine, is the time of year to see fabulous misty sculptures, ‘lakes’ and hilltops resembling ‘islands’ cut off by the mist.
And yes, today Sunday, is yet another beautiful day in Tuscany. It’s cold but the air is fresh and a little damp, which accentuates the gorgeous winter smells of the countryside around us. Blossom is now everywhere, various fruit trees, hawthorn and the tree in the picture, please remind me of it’s name, in the piazza. Our local village of Fiano was it’s usual self. Everyone still smiley if keeping a respectful distance apart and, of course, doing jerky movements that should have ended in hugs or handshakes, but didn’t for the obvious reasons. This last week was a little strange without the sound of children laughing and squealing in the village playground. We met young Giacomo, who is about eleven or twelve, maybe thirteen, kicking a lonely football around the village. He’s the lovely boy who found my stolen purse a couple of years ago after we went to the theatre. Ah, and our local ceramic workshop and gallery, Ceramiche D’arte Carbini, is open today, so that’s another good thing! I always wave to Gabriella who today was hidden behind a massive vase she was painting! Do call in if you are passing through.
I have worked hard at finding some good news for you as the papers are dominated by the virus. Firstly, I see our very good friend from Tavernelle, the modern artist Patrizio Landolfi is exhibiting in Florence. He painted this beautiful David Bowie picture, which I would love to own but is too big for my limited wall space. You will find more of his paintings hanging on the walls at Osteria la Gramola in Tavernelle. I love his work.
I have also found a promotion for Italian Cheeses. I absolutely adore Italian cheese, from the squidgy buffala mozzarella to the mature pecorino. I confess to have stocked up a little as cheese will keep us going indefinitely, come what may!
Well, must start thinking about Sunday lunch. We are well stocked with food, no evidence of shortages here in Tuscany. Ah, I think I’ll do Ceci Pancakes stuffed with spinach and feta, that’s a firm favourite. I must confess that it’s all very easy, as I buy the ready made Torta di Ceci at the Coop. Judy Witts Fancini, our local celebrity cook told me how to make my own, and that’s also easy. One cup of ceci flour to an equal amount of water, whisk and fry like normal pancakes. (Ceci translates to chick Peas) But I have a stock of the Coop ones, so today…….sorry Judy. You should look the lovely Judy up, she’s got a fabulous cook book of Tuscan favourites. 
Meanwhile, the Italian Government are up to their usual wittering about leadership, the original coalition fell apart and the current arrangement is not working either. Reading the newspaper, I came across this brilliant photo taken in 1953. It is the mayor of Florence giving a speech and just look at the faces on the guys surrounding him! You could say ‘nothing has changed’, everyone is seriously bored listening to all the moaning and groaning.
But enough of that. It’s the 1st March, hurrah, and the month for celebrating Tartufu (truffles). There will be Festas all over the place including our local town of Certaldo, Volterra and Florence. If you have not been to Volterra, you really should. It’s about an hour from us and is a beautiful ancient city with a great history. You could combine the visit with the Tartufo celebrations. Yesterday, we went to our local restaurant C’era una Volta where my man enjoyed a delicious pasta dish with Tartufo Marzolo (March Truffles) grated over the top. Yummy. Sometime this week we will probably head over to Tavernelle and Osteria La Gramola, where they do wonderful creative dishes with seasonal produce, like the Tartufo. I’ll let you know.
Back in our lovely winter garden the daffodils are coming out. I took this foto this morning as it looked a little lonely on it’s own. We will not be uncovering the rest of the plants until 1st April; we look forward to that. The other day, we were visited by a big male fox and he may have gone off with one of our resident wild pheasant hens, as Phil the Cock Pheasant has been making a lot of noise of late. I saw the naughty fox with a large bird in his mouth being chased by Phil, it may have been a pigeon but probably not. Whats happening in your garden?
Anyway, here we are back in our little bit of Chianti. On the Friday evening we went straight to C’era Una Volta ristorante for supper and downed a whole bottle of Chianti wine in no time.
Meanwhile, just down the road, Osteria Casa Chianti has turned their upstairs room into a gorgeous candlelit venue for lovers. ‘Cena Romantica di Candela.’ So, if you want to impress your amore, go there on a Friday evening and enjoy. We can certainly recommend the Osteria for a great dining experience in or out of the candlelit room; great wines and local ingredients. 
Now what is happening with the music scene? I hear you ask. Well I’ll go and take a look; don’t go away! Ah, sorry, it’s January and no well known bands or performers are here as far as I can tell. But if you fancy some Italian talent, how about Ferdinando Romano, Sabina Sciubba, Massimo Giuti, Franco D’Andrea or a band called Handshake? But who’s this? He calls himself The leading Guy, a bit of a mystery this one so let’s investigate. Mmmm, quite nice looking 33 year old singer songwriter and his videos can be found on You Tube. Foto from facebook He plays guitar and sings his own music, quite good, take a look. You could also go to see him this month and book tickets at 
And finally, I have found you a January hunk of the month all wrapped up in a warm junky sweater, which we all need right now, the warm sweater that is!
Now, this is a great time of year for getting out and about, particularly visiting museums and art galleries. There are less tourists about, so we can enjoy a rather more pleasant experience, particularly in Florence. Il Museo Galileo, which is dedicated to the great man, is an amazing place for children and adults alike. Fantastic collections of antique scientific instruments and some great hands on experiences for those budding scientists or physicists. I love this sort of stuff. And, it’s only a short walking distance from the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Vecchio, beside the River Arno! It’s also a good excuse for going to Florence for lunch! Lets go together! 
In the evenings we are currently tucked in with the log fire and the DVD player. We have been wading through the whole of The Sweeny series from the 1970’s. A reader recently asked me what did I watch on TV? I rarely watch TV here in Italy, however, I love the TV series Don Matteo; it’s about the only thing that will encourage me to switch the television on! Terence Hill plays the local priest who has a shoulder to cry on and a clever detective brain for helping solve crimes. A new series has just started, hurrah! I also want to mention that Terence has made a new film in memory of his side-kick actor Bud Spencer. It is called ‘Il Mio nome e Thomas’ (My Name is Thomas) and was shown on Rai 1 television on New Year’s Eve. I am checking out the availibility of streaming or dvd purchase. I’ll let you know. Can’t believe that Terence is 80 now! And, he is Italian, so I have nominated him Senior Hunk of the Month! Foto Wikipedia
Yesterday was a festa because of Befana, the friendly witch who arrives to check on the childrens’ behavour over the festive period. If they have been good they get a present, if not a lump of coal. I can’t honestly say that I have ever seen a child holding a lump of coal or sporting black hands in evidence of being naughty. Befana also celebrates the end of the festive period, so life can return to normal! Phew.
Well, in many ways it’s good to return to work and to see all the shops and restaurants opening normally. This week we celebrate men’s fashion with Pitti uomo and you will see some amazing sites in Florence from today through to Friday. All the male fashionisti are strutting around the streets, trying to outdo each other. But oh, they have such style. Only in italy! Of course the fashion shops are open now too, so we have to go!
Yet another potentially beautiful day in Tuscany! I say potentially because it is currently overcast and raining again, however, the weekend was lovely and my man and I dropped down to Certaldo for the market (mercato) on the Saturday morning. I like to shop from the smaller stall holders who are selling the fruit and veg grown in their own garden or orto. It all looked wonderfully fresh after the rain and it was a joy to be there in the cooler air and amongst the jolly shoppers of Certaldo. I also bought some delicious cheeses, both sheep and goat’s cheese, again local products. I don’t get to the market often enough and must get back to going every Saturday morning. Not long before all the Christmas stuff will be about and Certaldo comes into it’s own at this time of year. Exciting isn’t it!
And on the subject of Italian cheeses, you may be surprised to know that the country produces an awful lot more than Parmesan! The Gran Reserve Leonardi has just won gold in the A1 World Cheese Awards, and it’s a Gorgonzola! Just look at this massive range of cheeses made in Italy, don’t they make you salivate? I adore cheese and I always get in a big choice at Christmas time. Must have some for lunch!
Meanwhile, I read that Andrea Bocelli has launched a new album. (Foto from his Facebook page.) Now, as well as books, it’s rather nice to buy albums for Christmas and this latest one sounds wonderful. Last Christmas we treated ourselves to a new record player, so all our old albums can be played again! Andrea’s album includes wonderful duets with Ellie Goulding and Jennifer Garner amongst other guest performers. It is called ‘Si Forever’ and can be bought or streamed 
The other thing I really love at Christmas time is old Italian films. Some of the comedies are really brilliant and what with so many Italian actor icons dying off, it’s good to keep these films on the shelf. Sophia, bless her, is still very much alive, but so many of her co-stars like Marcello Mastroianni, are not. What a formidable acting team those two made! By now you have probably worked out that I am a horder of books, records and DVD’s. No I am not digital, well maybe a little bit. I am a little sad that buying gifts like diaries, calendars, CD’s and watches are just not of interest to the younger lot, as everything is digital now! Yes, my thoughts have gone all festive already. It was not my intention to start talking about Christmas, but it is only six weeks or so away! Foto from Facebook.
Now I’m going to mention my books as we are on a Festive roll at the moment. I really want to encourage you to buy real books this christmas. If any of you buy my current trilogy, My Father, The Assassin, The Bolivian Connection & The Italian Connection between now and Christmas and in paperback form, I will be delighted to send you a signed copy of my short story The Man in Black. Just email me a copy of your receipt and your postal address. june.finnigan@virgin.net. Visit my website for easy access to on-line purchasing. 
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