Welcome and Benvenuti to All my lovely Followers around the World,
What a beautiful morning it is, here in our little bit of Chianti in Tuscany. So much so that I thought you might like to see a picture of our garden my man having cut the grass, or rather the weedy stuff, yesterday! No matter what else is going on in the world, we always have our lovely haven to return to. Foto P Finnigan.
A little later, my man and I were tootling down our track to the main road, when we came across a big display of white balloons and several members of our neighbour’s family standing outside their little cluster of cottages. Their ten-year old son was dressed in a long white gown and obviously about to go off for his Confirmation. This Catholic Doctrine ‘enables the faithful to be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit’ or so it says in Wikipedia. Based on the look on the ten-year old’s face, I think he would rather be off for a game of football.
Meanwhile, back in the world of Politics, we finally have a new government! Yes, it has been rather thrown together as the time-lapse between the elections and now, has become an embarrassment in Europe. Conversation in our local bar evolved around the pressure from Germany and France coming down on Italy with heavy threats of ‘involvement,’ I dread to think what that might mean! So, we have a coalition, and a virtual unknown for Prime Minister, Giuseppe Conte from Puglia, who almost qualifies for Hunk of the Month but not quite! He is, after all, a politician. Check out next weeks blog for the June Hunk of the Month. Foto Yahoo.
Anyway, back in the real world, yesterday (Saturday) was Festa Della Repubblica. Another holiday and yes, everything was closed apart from a sprinkling of enterprising bar and shop owners. Goodness only knows what the tourists were thinking when they found whole towns and villages virtually shut down and on a Saturday! Meanwhile, the Festa itself, was in full swing in most towns and villages, commemorating the institutional referendum held in 1946, in which the Italian people were called to the polls to decide on the form of government, following the Second World War and the fall of Fascism. Phew! At the same time, the male members of the Royal family, The House of Savoy, were sent into exile! Foto La Nazione.
Enough of that! What about our Motorcycle racing hero Valentino Rossi who, at the age of thirty-nine, has just clocked up his 55th pole position after completing a new world track record in advance of the World Grand Prix. Sadly, he was to come third in the actual event on Sunday afternoon, but a brilliant effort nonetheless! Foto La Nazione.
And so to my other love, my man being my first love, Rock Music. Firenze (Florence) will shortly be hosting an incredible line-up of iconic rock bands. Be there, or be square I say. The concerts are over four days from 14th to the 17th June. The difficulty is, which day to attend? I would not want to miss any of these, but four days might be tough going. I think I would probably go for the Guns N’ Roses line-up but then what about Iron Maiden? Oh and Ozzy, what to do? Mama Mia! I think I had better let you decide so here is the link for the ticket office; you had better act fast as the tickets will rapidly sell out! Tickets & Info
If you fail to get tickets, or even if you do, you can always come to my own Rock Concert Garden Party on 22nd June. This is by personal invitation only and you will need to email me at june.finnigan@virgin.net. It will be The Rock Chick Band’s 8th annual event and I am already getting very excited. Our first rehearsal is this coming Saturday!
OK, time to organise Sunday lunch; perhaps I can persuade my man to pop out to a local ristorante.
Have a great week and do drop me a line. Oh and, don’t forget to visit my Official Author Site at Junes website
Salute June x
I would be impossible to start the day and feel balanced, if one had not gone for morning coffee here in our little bit of Chianti. Now I had reason to go to Certaldo yesterday (Saturday) so we made a beeline for Jam Caffe for our early morning fix. And, what a beautiful day it was, glorious sunshine and cheerful chatty Italians. Foto J Finnigan. The Chef at Jam Caffe is called Andrea, and is a brilliant cook and all round lovely guy. They bake all their own pastries, so you can be assured of really fresh and delicious pastini. I am so lucky to have persuaded Andrea to do a finger buffet for my Concert Party on the 22nd June. Rock on!
At the weekend, and assuming the weather is good, we do like to pop over to Montespertoli for aperitivi. Foto J Finnigan. The town will shortly be hosting the annual Wine festival, which is really worth going to, however, I should warn you that historically it tends to rain a lot during the two weeks of festivities! You can also book a Horse and Wagon excursion, which will take you on a wine tasting tour! The dates are 26th may to 3rd June; enjoy. For more info visit the town’s 
And on the subject of wine, did you know that one hundred and sixty-two thousand tourists visit Italy every year and consume seventy-three thousand bottles of Vino Rosso (red wine)? The bulk of these visitors are American, German and French. Well, I wonder how they come up with those figures, but anyway, that’s a lot! Then there’s also the Brits that are increasing in numbers each year, bless them! Foto La Repubblica
Now on a completely different subject, although you may want a glass of the red stuff after you read this, Silvio Burlesconi is back! I mean really back. I heard a whisper that the courts have allowed Silvio to run for local government again! Well, something dramatic needs to happen, we still have no government as such, as the two leaders of the largest majority holders cannot agree to work together! Luigi Di Maio, leader of the 5* Movement has confirmed that he has no desire to become Prime Minister and quoted “I’m very satisfied, we brought to our government the program that is.” He said on Facebook, underlining that the prime minister will be “a person who must be a friend of the people.” Stop Press – I’ve just been told that a new Prime Minister has been selected – watch this space! Could this be Silvio, I wonder? But I also heard that he, Silvio, has to appear in court on 1st June on more corruption charges. Hey ho, I doubt if that will deter him, such is the way of things in Italy! Foto La Repubblica.
My man came rushing in from the garden yesterday, shouting “The Rose is Out!” Now what is exciting about a rose being out? You may ask. Well, this rose, my friends is very special rose indeed. In 2004 we packed our whole life up into a furniture van and loaded up our car, in readiness for our journey of no return with Bosun the dog, to Italy. The last thing to go in the van was a metal dustbin into which my man had put some of his tools. We took a last look around and then I saw the rose, a beautiful red English climbing rose that had really taken root and was climbing up the front of our old farmhouse. “I can’t leave the rose behind” I whined. The van driver said, “Sorry missus, it’s illegal to take plants across European borders, soil contamination and stuff you know.” I was heartbroken so my man persuaded him to put it in the bottom of the dustbin and surround it with the tools. The driver would be paid well, so he agreed! So over fourteen years, we moved five times and in each garden, we planted the rose. Somehow it survived, not very well I have to say, but now it’s liking its current position and is blooming! Praise the Gods! Foto P Finnigan
Lots of insects are now arriving. So far no Zanzari (mosquitos) but they’ll be here soon. An astonishing visitor was a huge Sawyer Beetle who settled on our outside airer. Go in close and look at its amazing face. Now, you clever clogs may beg to differ; so if you think its a different kind of insect, please tell me! Anyway, what a privilege to see such a stunning creature in close-up. Since last weekend we have also seen the arrival of Swifts, a cuckoo and have heard the Bee Eaters but not seen them yet. So summer is now ready to go! Yes! Foto P Finnigan.
Now, I’m sure you remember talking about the ancient European Oak Tree, which guards our front gate. Well, on Friday it underwent tree surgery as many of the branches were dead and at risk of falling on our heads! apparently, the tree is listed and could only be cut by authorised surgeons. Well, anyway, it still looks stunning and I’m sure it will go on for a few hundred years more! Foto J finnigan.
As you know we like to go out for coffee every morning and usually to Fiano and La Dispensa. In the newspaper, was an article about the lovely American Ruth Orkin, who became famous for her iconic foto taken in August 1951, walking through a group of lustful Italian men, in La Piazza Della Repubblica in Florence. Look at the guy on the scooter to the right and the guy to her right is clutching his vitals! Almost hidden on the left is a very handsome man at a table; was she going to meet him? So good-bye to Ruth who died on 2nd May, but never to be forgotten. Foto La Repubblica 
Also in the paper was an article about the Trevi Fountain in Rome. Two pictures are printed, ‘then and now’. Back in 1975, we see local children frolicking in the lovely clear ice blue waters collecting the coins, a normal and delightful scene during a hot summer in the city. Now, no one is allowed in the fountain. It remains beautiful and breath-taking, but the coins are scooped out by the local authorities along with all the rubbish that gets thrown in. I know which era I prefer. Foto La Repubblica 
Back closer to home, new exhibitions are now open to the public at Casa di Boccaccio and Palazzo Pretorio in Certaldo alto. If you have not visited this beautiful ancient hilltop town, you really should. I must go and see for myself soon, but I should warn you that there are often some very strange exhibitions there, sometimes macabre or explicit. But this is Italy. Foto La Nazione.
And finally, before I try to find the kitchen, here is a lovely foto of our view from the old English bench under our big Ash Tree. It was taken yesterday, after my man had cut the green stuff that is supposed to be grass, and a heavy shower of rain. The distance was a little misty, but lovely anyway. Foto J finnigan
In a moment I’m going to wax lyrical about the plants and wild life in and around our beautiful garden here on the edge of Chianti. As before, I am not going to talk about Italian politics, other than the fact that we still have no government; you will just have to keep watching this space.
So, back to our garden and what a wonderful week we have been experiencing. Last weekend the Acacia trees started dripping with white blossoms and the Fiorentina Irises we planted last year have burst into flower! We have been swamped with butterflies, including the Swallowtail and the birds, well, the birds! We now have an owl which we have yet to identify, who hoots in the daytime, pairs of pheasant, Jays, Hoopees, swallows and wood pigeons. Arriving anytime soon will be the colourful Bee Eaters. Two visiting hares, deer and the occasional cinghiale (wild boar). And, the weather has been glorious, so my man and I have been able to spend aperitivo time outside, breathing in all the exotic perfumes! Fotos J Finnigan
And continuing on the subject of aperitivi, I’m really pleased to tell you that the last two weekends have seen us back over in Montespertoli for cocktails, a lovely village just twenty minutes from here. It is a year ago that we stopped going as the pressure of writing deadlines had me working away every weekend at the keyboard. But with the weather having turned to sunshine we have returned, and it is so nice to greet old friends again and watch the occasional vintage car rally hooting past. Foto J Finnigan.
One friend is the lovely Caterina, or I should say The Baroness Caterina de Renzis Sonnino. Caterina is a very hardworking lady who entertains guests from all over the world giving guided historical tours of Il Castello, Educational visits and Wine tastings. Yesterday the newspaper printed this article about a visit by Gucci, the Label having chosen Il Castello Sonnino as one of seven cultural projects. Now, I will try to find out a lot more when I next speak to Caterina, but in the meantime you should visit Il Castello’s website. My man and I were very lucky to have been given a private viewing a few years ago, and believe me it is an incredibly beautiful and atmospheric place to go. Oh, you can also stay there, so check it out here! 
Meanwhile, back in the world of Music, I noticed that good old Ringo Starr, or Sir Richard Henry Starkey, was in the news and is doing a tour in July/August. He will include Lucca, Marostica and Roma. Now I have been to outside concerts in Lucca, which is just over an hour from us, and the setting is fantastic. Open air concerts are held in one of the most beautiful piazzas and the acoustics are amazing. Now, in case you did not know, Ringo does do more than just play the drums; he also sings, acts and paints. It will be interesting to hear the old boy performing, he is seventy-eight, bless him! I think it’s great that so many of the oldies are still performing live, so there’s still hope for me being discovered at a late age and being sent off on tour! Rock on I say. Foto La Repubblica. See Ringo’s dates here 
Now, lest we forget, the 25th April was Liberation Day and it should be remembered that there are a lot of Partisans still alive today who can tell you all about the German Occupation. Apparently, we are supposed to say Nazi Occupation these days, strange how things get changed for the sake of the modern lifestyle and the now friendly relationship with Germany. There are some amazingly heroic stories still to be heard about the fight to rid the country of the nasty Nazi’s. My novel ‘The Italian Connection’ includes a bit based on a partisan’s real life experience, my having interviewed a lovely man called Gianfranco in Montespertoli a few years back. Foto La Nazione. Visit my author site at 
Meanwhile, something else being celebrated last week was the 50th anniversary of La Vespa. That iconic scooter that we all loved seeing in the sixties films and still to be seen today weaving in and out of the traffic in the major Italian cities, and whizzing through the country villages at the weekend, often in big convoys! Tourists can also hire bright red ones in Florence and surrounding areas, so I’m told. Did you ever have a Vespa Scooter or were you a Rocker like me, dangerously hanging off the back of 650 motorbikes? Hey ho! Send me some of your Fotos. Foto La Nazione. Visit Vespa’s site at 
And finally, lets end with another beautiful Italian fashion shoot, this time found in La Repubblica magazine. I just love this casual yet sophisticated colourful summer look. And, the models are so enjoying wearing the clothes, which as you know is something I strongly support, not the usual miserable lot many designers employ. Also, the weather here is now warm enough to enjoy having one’s feet back in sandals and flip-flops; wonderful. Visit Oltre’s site at 
Well, thank God for that, spring is really here at last and the forecast is sunshine for the next couple of weeks. But hang on a minute, if you are thinking of rushing out to Tuscany with your cossies, the swimming pools do not open up until the beginning of May and anyway the air temperature can still be quite chilly this time of year. On the other hand, there are no mossies around in April, so if you pack layers and don’t want to swim outside, come anyway! Foto J Finnigan
Now for me, spring brings a big lift to the spirits and I feel much more like going out and about. I noticed an advert for an exhibition over on the coast in Pietrasanta, which is in the Comune di Lucca. It’s called ‘Il dolce Rumore della Vita,’ which translates to ‘The Sweet Noise of Life’. It is all about paintings and sculpture by very talented people including the Irish sculptor Paddy Campbell and Tuscan artist Simona Dolci. I really fancy going over, and to breathe in some sea air before the bulk of the tourists arrive. It’s easy to get a train there too, so no need to slog along the fipili dual carriageway. Now I just need to persuade my man to join me. Foto La Nazione. Have a look for yourselves, the exhibition is open until 10th June. Perhaps we’ll see you there. visit the 
Meanwhile, yesterday saw Florence full of fun runners and their supporters, all there for good causes. Yes, it was the annual Half Marathon. What I love about Italians is that they always remember to include families and particularly children. So, not only did you have the competitive race, but also a non-competitive race of 8km, a walking race over 5km and a kids race called ‘The Tommasino Run’ over 1.5km. The events were spread around the beautiful city and included Piazza della Signoria and Piazza Duomo. Foto La Nazione.
What else? Oh yes, we cannot ignore that beautiful Italian creation the actress Claudia Cardianale who is celebrating her 80th birthday! Can you believe it? Now, some of you younger readers may not have seen her films that included starring roles in the sixties opposite leading men like Burt Lancaster, Alain Delon, Henry Fonda, Jason Robards, Charles Bronson and Paul Newman. Most of her films are now classics, so look them up! Just like Sophia Loren, Claudia still scrubs up very well indeed. Buon Compleanno to her. Foto La Repubblica 
Meanwhile, back in our local village of Fiano, relaxing over coffee and reading the newspapers, I found an article about Sulla Orma Citta Millenaria, that is ‘On the Millennium City Footprint.’ I know, it doesn’t really make sense, so one should not always try to translate literally. What it actually said was, it is a thousand (mille is a thousand in Italian) years ago when the foundations were laid for San Miniato al Monte and other churches in Florence and the surrounding province. A thousand years! Think about it, that’s the year 1,018 AD or the 9th century. These incredibly beautiful buildings were built all that time ago with no electronic or mechanical assistance. Of course Florence is a most stunning atmospheric ancient city, and that’s not just the places of worship. Florence was also the birthplace of Leonardo di Vinci and other illustrious designers and inventors. So, If you have not visited yet, you really should! 
Back here in our lovely bit of Chianti countryside, we had an invasion of bees in my study! A queen had flown in the open window, yes it’s warm enough, and refused to leave. After she eventually left, the worker bees found her scent and thought she was still here. So my man being a gung-ho ex-marine, goes in and tries to encourage them to leave by waving a cobweb brush around. The buzzing got angrier and louder. “Get out of there!” I screamed from outside the door, which opened a crack and he squeezed out. After much discussion, we decided to shut all connecting doors and wait. Over four hours later, all went quiet, they had finally given up and flown out into the dusk! What a relief. I hope they found their Queen. At least my daft hero man did not get stung! Foto Queen Bee – pixhark.com
So, to much brighter things and especially to our beautiful Tuscan Garden here on the edge of Chianti, which is now full of flowering tubs. Yes, the weekend was glorious and we were able to get all the pots planted up with colourful flowers. The grass, or green weedy stuff, was mowed and we sat out in an evening temperature of around 24 degrees centigrade to admire our hard work. Now it is raining and is likely to do so all week. A little sad for the tourists that have started arriving in their droves. But hey ho, life eeez good, life eeez now! Foto J Finnigan.
Now I must mention the Star of Jerusalem, which is an herb said to be helpful to people suffering from depression, when taken in oil form. They pop up all over the ‘lawn’ and are really pretty. I have just read that these lovely plants are the bane of landscape gardeners as they spread like crazy. Well my man likes them so much, he mowed around them, bless him! What would you do? Foto J Finnigan.
Meanwhile, the legend that is Bob Dylan was in Florence on his Italian leg of ‘The Never Ending Tour’. He performed his first tracks seated at the piano, starting with ‘Things have changed’ his voice in excellent form and singing to a packed Mandela Forum. His visit to the city was very low profile and the reporters were unable to find out where he was staying or anything about his itinerary outside of the concert! Well, good for Bob, I say, privacy is everything. Did you go to the concert? Do tell me about it, as I could not get a ticket! Foto La Repubblica.
Back in our local village of Fiano and over morning coffee, I noticed in the paper a mention of World Book Day, which is apparently on 23rd April, so we must remember that. I’m not sure how one is supposed to celebrate this, other than perhaps buying or reading a book. Mine are always available of course, assuming you like romantic thrillers and adventures that take you around the world. Supporting an author is a good idea, me in particular! I will be in Wells and Exmouth in the West County of the UK the week beginning 21st May, so if you have a book group or any other club where you would like me to visit, do drop me a line. Visit 
Now, I think I should mention, if you are coming to Italy and hiring a car, that the roads have never been as bad as they are now. The recent cold snap, after a few days of early spring weather, has made things considerably worse! The roads have never been particularly good here, however, we are now reading about it in the papers so things have seriously deteriorated! In the UK, the local authorities would have paid out millions to drivers for the damage to their cars over the last year, here in Tuscany it’s accepted as the norm. As we currently have no government, what can we do? So, I recommend a high wheel based car, particularly if you are visiting me. Foto La Nazione.
Well, enough of the grumbles, there is a lot to be grateful for, like good restaurants! With our local one being closed for ten days, we decided to go back to another favourite in Tavernelle, which I may have mentioned before. I’m talking about La Gramola. It is newly refurbished with big modern paintings on the wall, and has a fresher and more spacious feel to it. Thankfully the chef, Cecilia Dei, has not changed and we enjoyed a really delicious meal there on Sunday. I had Crostini di Cavolo Nero (black cabbage on toast) followed by spaghetti con verdure. (seasonal vegetables.) Just to remind you, La Gramola also specialises in gluten-free. Let me know if you are visiting and perhaps we’ll take you there. Foto J Finnigan. Visit La Gramola at 
Meanwhile, back in the world of politics, there are certain romances going on. Potential government members are wooing each other and celebrating any agreements with hugs and kisses in The House, and in full view of the cameras. Mind you, this is Italy, the Italians don’t hide their feelings and are very touchy feely. But I quite like this, and over the years have found myself becoming more and more that way myself. However, my English man still prefers to shake hands with Italian men, which they find amusing once they have become good friends. So back to the forming of a new government; well we are still waiting. Foto La Repubblica.
On the same subject, a Roman Graffiti artist has painted a mural depicting the two potential leaders, passionately kissing. You know, a bit like the Gorbachev picture. Note that Luigi Di Maio, the vertically challenged one on the left, was nominated by the leader of the Five Star Movement for the leadership, as he himself (Grillo) has a police record and could not stand for the position of PM. So nothing new there. Matteo Salvini, the portly one on the right, who represents the Northern League and runners-up in the General Election, badly wants the leadership, so this romance may not last long! Watch this space. Foto La Repubblica
And what about Exhibitions in Florence? Now here’s one I must go and see. A fascinating historical photographic collection of ‘Women in Work’. So, if you want proof of all the hard work women have successfully completed over the years, this exhibition is for you. Here in the Chianti countryside, there is still an abundance of male farm workers, however, so many are imported and of course there are thousands of immigrants all desperate for work that again are mainly male. It is easy to spot an elderly countrywoman, as she is likely be very bent over with gnarled hands. In small holdings or allotments the elderly can still be seen growing their own fruit and veg, often under the rows of olive trees. But times have changed, even here in the Tuscan countryside. Foto La Repubblica.
Now, I could not resist showing you this gorgeous feminine Rock Chick look, which I found in La Repubblica newspaper, whilst enjoying my morning coffee in Fiano. As a rock singer myself, black is my signature colour, but I do love a bit of femininity thrown in too. I’ve always strongly believed that if you are naturally feminine, you know, dresses, skirts and long hair, why hide it. Fortunately, I was not a feminist in the sixties, I had no money and could not afford to burn my only bra! But this did not stop me from being successful in business later on, despite the glass ceiling! But that’s another story….. 
The other thing I read in the paper was about the dangerous state of thousands of mature trees, particularly pines and famiglia trees, here in Tuscany. They are falling over the roads and their roots are pushing up huge lumps in the tarmac! It makes me very sad to see many of these trees destined for the chop, but needs must I guess. Foto La Nazione
But never mind, lets end on a cheerful note. The sun is shining and our spring/summer resident, Signore Cock Pheasant, is back making a racket so the girlies can hear him. Last year he bedded down with a hen under our tangley pomegranate trees, safe from the hunters in the countryside that surrounds our garden. I hope he finds his amore soon. Foto J Finnigan.
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 
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 
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.
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