Welcome and Benvenuti to all my Lovely Followers around the World
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 The Website
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 video
OK, so what else. Oh yes, Amore of course. It is the run up to Valentines day, which single Italian men love and married men don’t bother with once they have snared you. Well, so I’m told!
Well, enough of that. Must get this blog posted to you and organise some lunch. Have a great week and do drop me a line.
Salute June x
PS Don’t forget to visit my official author site at June’s site
NB Fotos from La Repubblica.
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!
Meanwhile, here is a little festive competition for you!
Now if you want to be absolutely sure of obtaining a signed book, you can purchase one on my website and pay with paypal. Go to 
Let’s start with a look the Classic Italian Beauty. Now I’ve always loved Sofia Loren and she still scrubs up really well in her eighties. But now we have Monica Bellucci, absolutely stunning at fifty-three and likely to be just like Sofia; going on forever. Different features, style and character, but still stunningly beautiful with an envious record of filming with some of the most gorgeous male leads. This morning, reading the papers over coffee in our local village of Fiano, I found two whole pages dedicated to Monica. Of course, one of the most recent well publicised encounters, was with Daniel Craig in ‘Spectre;’ phew. Foto La Repubblica
Now back in the real world; I must take you on a trip into the Tuscan countryside and remind you that it’s the season for Funghi, Castagne and Tartufi, that is Mushrooms, Chestnuts and Truffles to you and me. My man and I are already indulging in the Tartufi and Porcini Mushrooms and shortly we will be able to stuff ourselves with some of the classic deserts made with chestnuts. Now I have to say, nothing goes to waste in the Tuscan countryside, dishes are all seasonal and this means we have so much to look forward to throughout the year. Pumpkin sauce and pasta is now on the menu at Ristorante C’era una Volta, topped off with smoked ricotta cheese. Mmmm, can’t wait to go out to lunch, perhaps we will see you there! 
Of course, I am never far from the Fashion pages and I thought you might like these designer pics in this week’s papers. A little classic black number, but with that bit of extra something, having been designed and made in Italy, and the lovely wrap around Autumn Warmers in my favourite shades. Fotos La Repubblica
And yes, we are having to wrap up a little warmer; evidence of this is the morning mist filling the valleys below us, as we open the curtains and shutters. Well, we had a delivery of logs last week and the brick floors in our monastery farmhouse are now feeling cooler. However, I do like to curl up in front of the fire with my gorgeous man, so that’s more to look forward to! Foto J Finnigan
OK, let’s get Mick Jagger sorted, then we can return to what else is happening in Tuscany and further afield in Italy. Mick aged seventy-four, the Stones (or should we say the stoned) and entourage arrived at Pisa airport in their own fast jet, emblazoned with their red lipped logo. In Lucca, just north of Pisa, outside the ancient walls of the city, fifty-six thousand fans roared their approval, whilst clutching probably the most sought after concert tickets of 2017. It seems Mick also made a private visit to see the original statue of David at La Galleria dell’Accedemia prior to the concert and he ate a gelato on the Ponte Vecchio Bridge, as did the other English visitor of note this week, Theresa May. Well, that was exciting! Foto La Nazione.
OK, enough of that, what you really want to read about is Italian Fashion, don’t you? Well, you could hardly ignore the fact that we have just had Milan Fashion Week. Now, I take a serious interest in Italian fashion, as you know, and I can honestly say that the most beautiful clothes will not be found there.
Reading the national and local papers every day, I come across many small fashion designers who produce the most gorgeous clothes that are actually wearable! The only well-known name I really like is Prada, particularly for handbags and shoes. So here are a couple of really nice outfits that I found this week. Don’t you just love these Autumn colours? Fotos La Repubblica.
And, as I mentioned Prada handbags, here is a seasonal one to fawn over! Foto La Repubblica.
Meanwhile, back in the glorious Tuscan countryside, we are enjoying a return to lush greenery after lots of rain, cooler weather and sunshine. What a relief. And it is that time of year when the enthusiasts head off on foot or bicycle, for a three-day wine and food Slow Travel Fest. I love this idea and if my little legs were stronger, I would be there with them. It started yesterday, the 22nd from San Gimignano, past Abbadia Isola and Monteriggioni and covers thirty kilometres with fabulous views all the way; you might like to look out for next year’s event! Foto copyright Easyvoyage.
But for me, the real event this week was my plate of pasta with freshly grated Tartufo Bianco (white truffle) over the top. This is food to die for. The pasta is lightly tossed in a little butter and nothing else but the Tartufo is needed. That was Friday evening and Paolo at Ristorante C’era una Volta wasn’t sure if he would have any more this weekend. Well, I think my man and I will pop over for lunch today, just in case! If not, there are plenty of Porcini mushrooms available. Yummy! Foto J Finnigan
Yes, the beautiful walled city of Lucca attracted over fifty-five thousand fans and the majority were young enough to be their grandchildren. Thankfully the Italians love aging rockers, so I’m still in with a chance! Foto La Repubblica
Meanwhile, down in our local town of Certaldo, glamour turned to traditional costumes, as the Calambur teams were fighting it out to win the coveted victor’s banner. The Calambur is a sort of ‘It’s a Knockout’ contest between the four sections of the Commune di Certaldo, running races, obstacle courses and solving intelligence tests! Our local village Fiano, is in the red and white team and we won last year. But sadly, this time the banner went to the green and blue team called ‘Canonica’ so we had to hand the banner over. There’s always next year….. Foto La Nazione
Well, we may not have won the banner, but we can celebrate the season for Porcini Mushrooms! I am already over indulging in wood-fire grilled giant Porcini at Ristorante C’era Una Volta in Lucardo. 
Elsewhere, and in the world of Politics, another aging star has raised his profile once again and is making inroads into getting back all his old followers and lots of new ones for his Forza Italia party. Silvio Berlusconi, despite having announced that he was going to concentrate more on his family having turned eighty last year, is very much back out there on the hustings and looking very serious too. Watch this space. Foto La Repubblica
And finally, back to glamour again and one of my most favourite subjects, Italian Fashion. I have already posted some Autumn Fashion, but I have to say that I have completely fallen in love with the brand Gaudi. And, the latest colours are right up my street, gorgeous browns and russets, oh and the handbags! I know, I know, I do go on a bit, but I must blame it on the Italians, their wonderful designs and the quality they produce. I’m really looking forward to seeing my man in his new bespoke Italian suit, which will be ready soon. Wonderful! Foto La Repubblica
We have just had heavy overnight rain. “So what?” I hear you say. The UK has virtually had no summer and we are excited about the arrival of rain! Yes, I know, large parts of the World have been deluged with terrible storms and our thoughts are with those people struggling with loss of life and property. But, here in Tuscany, it has been over three months without a drop of the refreshing stuff. Now the countryside smells wonderfully damp and the vines are sighing with relief. The crazy thing is, until today it has been too hot to work outside, now it is too wet! But lets move on…. Foto Storms clouds arriving, J Finnigan.
Last week I mentioned the Certaldo Red Onion and was disturbed to hear a tourist guide beside me telling a group of American tourists all about the onion, whilst standing next to baskets of red onions that were, in my opinion, the Statina variety and not the bright red Vernina as she was indicating. You really do need to know your onions in Certaldo and it’s important to ask the vendor if they are ‘The Certaldo Onion’ and which variety they are. Now I am not trying to be clever here , and I would be very happy to have one of you knowledgeable readers put me right, if you think I am wrong! See Foto. Also, you cooks out there could tell me, which are the best varieties for the various cooking methods. Grazie Mille! Foto J Finnigan.
It is also the season for Fichi (figs to you and me) and at Ristorante C’era Una Volta in Lucardo, they were on the menu last week. Paolo the owner, grows all his own fruit and veg and the freshly picked Fichi were not going to last long. So I had my fill on two separate days in the week! Yummy. Foto J Finnigan.
about food! Back in our local village of Fiano and over coffee, I read a fascinating article by Paolo Pejrone in La Repubblica, about ‘walking’ Olive Trees. Well, you only have to see the pictures to understand why, and amazing to look at they are too. As olive trees get older they can take on the most amazing shapes and characters! Fotos Alejandro Chasklelberg.
Meanwhile, the Regional Election in Sicily is hotting up and it seems that the Rock Star of Politics, Beppe Grillo’s Five Star party, is currently slashing its way through the front-line. I love this magazine cover that depicts his rivals as either blind or struggling to see. But I am glad to see Silvio on the hustings promoting his Forza Italia party, it certainly puts the colour back in. I’ll just go and check when the elections actually take place, so don’t go away, I’ll be back in a minute…. OK, that didn’t take long; the election is on 5th November and the winning party will be found using some kind of complicated ‘proportional representation’ system. Whoever wins, the current President Rosario Crocetta will go, as he has not been candidated by his own party due to lack of popularity! I won’t go any deeper than that! But I’ll keep you posted.
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