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Posts Tagged ‘My Father The Assassin’

Singing Practice, Ten Minutes to Live and a Redstart in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 13, 2014| 2 Comments »

Benvenuto to all my New and Loyal Followers

Over coffee in Fiano this morning my man let out a groan.  “Well, that just about sums up the Eurovision Song Contest!”  He thrusts La Nazione newspaper at me and there on the front page is the winner, a stunning drag queen in glittery dress, long dark wig and a full black beard…….mmmmm.  This is the sort of thing that makes front page news in Italy!

june at microphone

The Rock Chick Band Archive Photo

Yes, it’s that time of year again; the run up to my next Rock Concert.  This means lots of singing practice to get my croaking voice back into shape.  As a courtesy to my neighbours, I shut the windows and outer doors as the voice exercises I need to do, could have them ringing the police or ambulance if they were to hear me!  Meanwhile, my man goes out into the garden with Farty Barty the cat, or he shuts himself in his studio with his radio up full blast.  Now, I do not want you to think that my voice is not up to the challenge again.  Each year, it gets a little deeper which is apparently normal for aging Rock singers (e.g. Blondie), so I have to check with my lead guitarist that we are still using the correct keys.  We have added five new songs to the repertoire this year:  Paint it Black – Rolling Stones, Broken Crown – Mumford and Sons, If I needed Someone – Eric Clapton/George Harrison, Parisienne Walkways – Gary Moore/Phil Lynott and Woodstock – Mathews Southern Comfort.  My choice of songs are simply ones I love, I can manage to sing them and there are great instrumentals for an acoustic band and in particular, Stefano’s fabulous guitar playing.  If you would like a personal invite for the concert on 28th June in Tuscany, email june.finnigan@virgin.net

Earlier this week, my man and I went off to a posh clinic in Empoli, so that he could check out that all his vital organs were working OK.  I sat in a very nice waiting area, playing scrabble on my Kindle – as one does, and got chatting to a family who had taken a picture of a burning bus on the FPLI (the fast dual carriageway between Florence and Pisa).  Italians can be a bit on the gruesome side; just visit some of the religious art exhibitions or Greve in Chianti’s piazza for a nasty statue of a bleeding torso, to see what I’m talking about.  My man returned with an envelope containing pictures of his insides for taking to our local doctore, the rock music loving Flavio.  “Did you understand everything the specialist said?”  “I think so,” he smirked, “I may have a little stone on the kidney, which is nothing to worry about, or she gave me ten minutes to live…”  “Bastard” I hissed.

Back at Laura’s bar/alimentare in Fiano, there is a big stock of charcoal for the outside grills in all the local gardens.  This is also the time of year for the weekenders to arrive and to start firing up their barbies.  Our immediate weekend neighbours come up from Certaldo and cram themselves under a tiny car port to play ping-pong.  If I ever mention the Ping-Pong family, you will know who I mean.  Also new in the village, is a clever electronic hawk screeching machine which is designed to stop the birds nesting in the roof of the latest modern apartment building.  Amazingly, despite its volume, the locals continue their conversations as if it’s not happening! Oh yes, and our Moroccan street seller has brand new stock.  Everything appears to be in the original wrappers and not a clothes peg mark on anything!

Male Redstart Photo National Geographic

Male Redstart
Photo National Geographic

Yesterday, Sunday, we met with lovely friends for a cocktail in the piazza at Montespertoli.  She is a glamorous eighty-nine and looks twenty years younger and her toyboy husband (a world-renowned photographer) at only eighty-three, still looks as if he could return to the game of Calcio Storica (historical rugby) in Florence, without a problem.  She was telling me that as an English women in her twenties, she arrived in Milan to dance with a ballet troupe and never looked back.  A fascinating and relaxing get together indeed.  We returned to our garden to be greeted by our new resident Redstart which has been acting very friendly and curious, just like a Robin.

Silvio Berlusconi

Silvio looks enthusiastic as he arrives for his first day of Social Work. Photo Oliver Morin/AFP/Getty Images

Meanwhile, the undaunted Silvio Berlusconi has started his four hours a week community service at a home for Alzheimer’s patients near Milan.  He has apparently spent ten days learning about the disease and may even help with one to one feeding of patients.  This will be a challenge, according to the head of a hospice, as the patients often have to be reminded that they are eating.  SB said, “I think in the end I will stay longer than I have to – I have a big surprise ready!”  Mmmm, does he mean that he may forget to leave?  He may be trying to forget that his political party Forza Italia is only third in the running for the European elections; poor Silvio.

Well, I must forge on.  I have a column to write and a working week in the business to attend to.

Have a great week and do get in touch.

Amore June x

PS Son’t forget to visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan or to read the first four chapters of ‘My Father, The Assassin’ go to http://www.firstchapters.net

 

 

 

 

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Acacia Blossoms, Marigold Gloves and Mafia Man in Beautiful Tuscany.

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 5, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuto to all my Loyal and New Followers

Male and female Bee Eaters Photo National Geographic

Male and female European Bee Eaters
Photo National Geographic

“My nose must be the fittest part of me, because it keeps on running!”  My man is trying to keep his sense of humour as he grabs another tissue.  The beautiful Acacia trees are dripping with blossom at the moment,  but  this does not help those with a tendency to pollen allergies or those with bunged up noses like my man.  There must be thousands of these trees growing wild in our area, and what with the heavily blossomed lilac and horse-chestnut trees, its like walking or driving through heavily scented temples.  However, pollen problems are forgotten as we watch a flock of gorgeous  Bee Eaters winging their way across the valley towards us.

Milko outside his Cartolibireria showing my books for sale! Photo J Finnigan

Milko outside his Cartolibreria showing my books for sale!
Photo J Finnigan

The other day, my man opened a new packet of Marigold gloves, to do the washing up.  Yes, we have a dish-washer, but it conked out after I put the wrong salt in.  The gloves were pink, which he does not mind as his view on life is that real men can wear any colour.  What he was not happy about was that the packet had two right hand gloves.  “Jesus Christ” he cursed, “We’ll have to go back to Milko’s and change them.”  My hands are not so sensitive; I never wear rubber gloves, so I offered to do the washing up.  Now you may remember that Milko runs the cartolibreria in our local village of Fiano and he has a lot more than just books and postcards.  Outside the door are rows of washing liquids, floor cleaners, mops, brushes and rucksacks.  “When we returned the gloves the next day, my man asked him if he had any boxes of left hand gloves, which really confused the poor sensitive man.  But then he laughed when he was shown the two right gloves and put an order in for some more.  It is rare to get what you want locally on the same day.  This particularly applies to the farmacia (chemist) where they only order one item of everything, everyday.  But you can be certain that the following day your order will be there.

My man went to visit his mother in Somerset last Thursday, so did not fly back until Sunday morning.  However, it was perfect weather and timing to enjoy an aperitivo in the Piazza and then on to lunch at C’era Una Volta in Lucardo.  This ristorante is very good for families as the kids love the fritters and pastas.  Our grandchildren can attest to that.  However, we have been invited to go to a newly opened vegetarian restaurant near San Casciano called Villa del Roseta tomorrow night, which will be interesting as we are always on the look out for new places to go.  I’ll let you know.

Last Sunday week, we see Montespertoli’s local octogenarian ‘Mafia Man’ leaning on his walking stick, his beige overcoat hiding probable armoury and staring down at the minions that were either bowing to him or picking up coins that he may have thrown casually to the ground.  He pulls his wide brimmed black hat down over his dark sunglassed eyes, and looks thoroughly bored.  Gone are his younger days when the women would rush to his side, just to be seen with him, now its just the local peasants that hang onto his coat tails.  He would make a brilliant extra in an Italian film.  The sun is hiding behind threatening clouds and we decide to head off to lunch.

Silvio in disguise Photo Reuters

Silvio prepares to go undercover
Photo Reuters

Meanwhile, the dashing Silvio Berlusconi, who has never met a mafia man in his life, forges on.  He has been scrubbing his fingernails as he is about to start his community work at an old people’s nursing home.  This was his choice of venue, after being sentenced for fraud.  Right now, all the female inmates and some of the men, will be having their blue rinses touched up and face packs slapped on.  We wish them well, and its a chance for Silvio to see how the rest of his generation lives……

Well, must forge on with ‘The Bolivian Connection’ and then back to the office tomorrow.

I  hope you all had a great bank holiday weekend.

Amore June xx

PS  Don’t forget to check out my Amazon author page at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

 

 

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Easter Day, Stylish Outfits and the Invasion Starts in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 27, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Welcome to all my Loyal and New Followers

Fiorentino in strange crouching position. Photo Official Website

Fiorentina in strange crouching position.
Photo Official Website

Easter morning in our local village of Fiano and like every other self-respecting Italian, Laura has closed her bar/alimentari for the Festa.  So we repair to the other bar, Caffe La Piazzetta, in the piazza where it is sunny enough to sit outside and watch the world go by.  The village was very quiet, even subdued, then the man reminded me that the Fiorentina (Florence) football team lost their match the day before.  The football results always affects the mood in the village.

The tourist invasion starts at Easter and the advance guard were five Russian men at a nearby table.  I studied these characters and noted that the leader was a bit of a loudmouth.  The others consisted of a humorist, a silent old boy, an idoliser and a bored one.  The latter went into the bar and came out with some hair of the dog to try to liven things up.  I gazed around the piazza, which is really a car park.  The big horse-chestnut trees were sprouting their first blossoms and what with the wintered in brollies now being up, it was all very relaxing.  Then I saw my man stiffen as four aliens arrived in bright skin-tight dayglow outfits and oval hard hats, floating on bicycles.  Their strangely clad feet made tapping noises as they walked into the bar, to check which planet they had landed on.  They did not stay long, and left sucking on tubes stuck into plastic bottles.  My man shook his head, “Ha, look at that, only pansies have mudguards on the back of their bikes….”

Buratta con Verdura Grilliata

Buratta con verdure Grilliate

Later, over lunch at ‘C’era Una Volta’ in Lucardo, the ristorante is full.  Paolo had saved us our favourite corner spot so that we could people watch again.  “Gosh, look over there, the last time I saw an outfit like that it was worn by  a member of The Who Band in the early 70’s,” my man hooted.  He was right; a beautiful purple trouser suit with flared trousers, black shiny cuban heeled ankle boots and a matching scarf thrown around the neck.  Make-up had been carefully applied and the hair was big and sprayed carefully into place.  The eighty plus year old Nonna was stunning.   “To your left June…” my man was nudging me, “Those two are the Italian version of Absolutely Fabulous!”  I tried not to laugh out loud, as he was spot on again.  Patsy and friend (please remind me of the friend’s name) were posturing two tables down to my left.  Hair and faces were almost identical to the TV stars and the clothes were so seventies.  I was starting to really enjoy myself.  I dug into my wonderful dish of Buratta con verdure Grilliate and sighed with contentment.

Earlier, over cocktails in Montespertoli, we had spotted a thirty something male with a pony tail in silver lame suit and black silk scarf, several smart jacketed ladies in tight jeans, leopard skin stilettos and matching handbags.  And the Crew-Cut Family, all ladies and three generations walking in twos, arms linked with matching black crew-cuts.  The parade from church is always fascinating.

Easter Monday, the family invaded and our granddaughter stayed on for two nights.  The grandson was recovering from a bout of asthma, so went home with Mum and Dad.  He is fine now.  My Man went to London on the Tuesday so my beautiful nine-year old granddaughter and I, had some quality girls time and far too much chocolate!

Silvio gaffes again photo Huffington Post

Silvio gaffes again
photo Huffington Post

Oh dio, Silvio has gaffed again.  SB has provoked outrage, in suggesting that Germany did not acknowledge the existence of World War Two concentration camps!  Some say it was a swipe at his old foe Martin  Schulz, the German president of the European Parliament and the centre-left candidate to lead the EU Commission.  The two previously came head to head in 2003.  SB said that his own centre-right party would pick up around 20 percent support in the up and coming elections in May.  SB claimed that his original comments in 2003 were not meant to be insulting, suggesting that MS might like a part in a film, thinking of ‘Hogan’s Heros’ and the part of the stupid guard, Sergeant Schultz!  He had thought MS would have been flattered…….!  Oh Dio…….

So, its back to the drawing board for SB and the novel for me.  I would love to hear from you, so do drop me a line.  If you would like an invite to my Tuscan Rock Concert on 28 June email june.finnigan@virgin.net

Salute June x

ps visit my Amazon author page at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

 

 

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Armani Men, Easter Preparations and a Crotchity Moment in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 24, 2014| 3 Comments »

Benvenuto to all my Loyal and New Followers

My apologies for the lateness of this post, but I have been battling with a really lousy internet connection….

Giorgio Armani Man

Giorgio Armani Man

My man left for London on the Monday morning and the doorbell rang in the afternoon.  I hung out the bathroom window, which is above the main gate, and thought ‘Wow, one gorgeous man leaves, then two arrive  and, my god, one of them is clutching my novel!  Both men are Italian, tall, wearing Armani suits and hand-made shoes.  “Buona Sera Signora, We have come to invite you to a meeting in Certaldo on Monday.”  I am flushed with delight.  “A book signing?” I gush.  “Err, well, a book reading actually, are you interested?”  Well this all sounds too good to be true, so to check that I am hearing correctly, I ask if they speak English.  The tallest one smiles, flashing his perfect teeth.  He takes the book from under his arm and holds it up.  Hang on a minute, that is not my book, it’s a wedge of orange leaflets.  “Please to come to a memorial for Jesus Christ.”  “Jesus Christ!” I echo.  “Yes, Signora, we will be reading err, book of Mormon…”  He opens a leaflet and shows a picture of Jesus looking very American and I swallow my disappointment.  “Oh, how nice, pop it in the post box beside you,”  I say gracefully.

Would my week get better I wondered?  Hurrah, brightly wrapped Easter eggs adorn the shelves at Laura’s Bar/Alimentari in Fiano, and there are two lotteries to buy tickets for.  I would not want any of the prizes that range from a huge box containing a tea & coffee set with fruity lemon designs, to a water filter, Easter Cake and Eggs.  Alessandro our rotund friend and local sports paper reader, has displayed some ‘attractive’ glass vases and a roulette set on a separate table, as he is representing the lottery for the local football club.  So, naturally, I buy tickets for both.   As you can imagine, there is a huge following for the Easter Celebrations in Italy and Pope Francis has already been performing in Roma.  He is so hands on with the people, that I expect to see him ascend towards heaven and then do a belly flop into the crowd like a rock singer!

A flock of common Italian men, one with olive branch. Photo J Finnigan

A clutch of  Italian men, one with olive branch.
Photo J Finnigan

In Montespertoli on Sunday, the congregation poured out of church carrying olive branches, which is traditional here.  Those wanting to be a little less obvious, had them sticking out of their pockets and handbags;  some of the women did too.

Wisteria over the car port. Photo P Finnigan

Wisteria over the car port.
Photo P Finnigan

New flowery arrivals this week have included masses of wild red poppies in the hedgerows.  In the garden Wisteria, Jasmin and Night Scented Stocks fill the warm air with heady perfume.  One could almost get drunk, breathing it in!

My man returned on the Friday and the next day we are enjoying coffee in Fiano, reading Il Terreno, which is a better newspaper than Il Nazione.  However, I do quite like the reporting on visiting Bands and theatre in the back of the latter.

A crotchity moment for Silvio Photo Il Terreno

A crotchety moment for Silvio
Photo Il Terreno

Suddenly, I am roaring with laughter!  Only in an Italian newspaper will you see a photo of  Silvio Berlusconi clutching his…..well, vital bits!  I show the picture to Laura and Benedetta who laugh and say, that all Italian men do that when they are feeling insecure.  At the age of seventy-six, SB obviously still has something worth clutching, so that’s in his favour….

Meanwhile, I forge on with the ‘Bolivian Connection’ and three more chapters are under my belt.  Farty Barty is very happy with life and the grandchildren will be here for an overnight stay on Easter Monday.  So a double dose of chocolaty Easter celebrations for them.

Ok, must finish here, as the day job is calling.

have a great week and don’t forget to check out my author page at https://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

Salute June xx

 

 

 

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The First Cuckoo, Barty to the Vet and a Snippet in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 7, 2014| 3 Comments »

Ciao to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

The Common Cuckoo

The Common Cuckoo Photo Wikimedia

On the  first day of April, and right on cue, we heard the first Cuckoo of the year.  Then, on the way back from coffee a swallow swooped over us and out across the valley.  So we are now certain that spring has arrived.    Later, I was delighted to see two wood pigeons building a nest in one of the fir trees surrounding the villa.  I just love that sound; doo-do0 doo doo-doo, doo-doo doo doo-doo.  I rushed into the kitchen and found my man, “We are going to have babies!” I announced.  “I bloody well hope not, not at our age…! He groaned.  “No, no, baby wood pigeons silly!”  “Oh, of course, how did I not guess the first time, baby wood pigeons…” he sighed.

The stunning Copper Carnival, one of our new garden plants. Photo j Finnigan

The stunning Copper Carnival, one of our new garden plants.
Photo j Finnigan

Despite the weather warnings from the farmers, we have bought more plants for the garden pots at the market in Certaldo.  Our lovely plant lady popped in some freebies as well, as we are such good customers.  By next weekend we will be very ship-shape and ready to show off the garden in all its potted glory.

Meanwhile, I mentioned to my man that Farty Barty the cat was due for his first jab in April, and he had a swollen front knee.   He is very good at sensing when this is about to happen, will disappear for up to five days, and then come in starving in the evening when the vet is closed.  But this time we managed to fool him and got him off for the jab and some antibiotics on Friday morning!  The

Farty Barty preening after his visit to the vet. Photo J Finnigan

Farty Barty preening after his visit to the vet.
Photo J Finnigan

vet said, oh, but he’s not due for a jab until May.  “You’ve got your Marzo’s and Maggio’s confused again,”  my man groaned on the way home.  “And that swelling is no worse than ones he’s had before and we just got charged 30 euros for the visit!”  Then we went to the farmacia (chemist) for the antibiotics and they cost another 13,50 euros.  Meanwhile, Barty has disappeared without trace.  If you spot a grey tiger cat, who swaggers  like John Wayne, let me know.

Back in our local village of Fiano, Paolo from ‘C’era una Volta restaurant’ waltzed in to the bar (yes he has a funny sort of dancing walk) to buy his bread, looking very bronzatta after ten days lying on a beach somewhere in the Indian Ocean.  We are glad to see him back, as we have taken to having Sunday lunch there of late.  On Wednesday the Sister and Niece returned to England and were disappointed to have found him closed when they were here.

Last week I promised to let you have a snippet from my current novel ‘The Bolivian Connection’, which is in progress.  So, here it is:

Chapter two;  Joanna, our heroine,  is relaxing in her farmhouse garden in Devonshire with a glass of Pinot Grigio and her black Labrador Dippy…..

‘I do not know how long he had been standing there. I sensed him before I saw him. There had been no sound of a car or footsteps on the gravel drive. The air had become very still, just like the lull before a storm. The birds had stopped singing and the gentle breeze had gone. He moved then, reaching inside the gate to untie the string, his face breaking into a crooked smile. Dippy had not moved and neither did I.  My half-brother raised his hand in greeting and started walking slowly across the lawn towards me.  I had no idea who he was.  A youngish man, perhaps in his twenties, smart dark suit, black shirt, and matching tie. Shiny expensive black shoes, black hair greased flat to his head and curling at his neck. His crooked smile revealed a gold tooth and he looked foreign, possibly Spanish.’

Maybe a little tweaking, but hopefully that’s wetted your appetite and it also reminds me that its gone two o’clock and I’ve missed lunch……

So I’m off to have an aperitivo in the little bit of sunshine that is peaking through the heavy clouds.

Have a great week and I’ll update you on the continuing adventures of Silvio B, next time.

Amore June xx

PS Here is the link to my Amazon author page:

https://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Wrong End of the Incense Stick, Removing the covers and Glorious Sunshine in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 31, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuto to all my Loyal and New Followers

We have lived in Italy for nearly ten years and have learnt the language gradually over that time.  However, no matter how confident one can be, never underestimate the misunderstandings that can occur when listening to an Italian speaking rapidly in dialect, while thrusting a piece of paper through the gate.  I heard the bell ring and my man answered the door.  The conversation was floating up to me in bits, but I distinctly heard him say, in Italian of course, “I won’t be here, but my sister will be.”  Standing at the top of the stairs I enquired of my man, “who was that then?”  “Oh, it was a nice man with a leaflet about a church blessing that’s being held at the church on Thursday, when I’m in London.  I told him that my sister, who is Catholic, would be here and that she might like to go.”  Sadly, our local church has been closed ever since we moved here and we had heard that it sometimes opens for one day, once a year, so we guessed this was it.  We are not church goers, however, this was an opportunity to see inside!

canstock7799636

Confused Roman Catholic Priest

On the Wednesday, my man’s sister arrived with our niece for a weeks holiday.  The following morning, at a quarter to the designated hour, the doorbell rang.  My sister-in-law could not work out how to open the door, so I hung out the front bathroom window.  Smiling up at me from outside the gate was a Roman Catholic priest in his flowing robes and purple sash, clutching his trusty bible.  Standing next to him was the elderly chap who had delivered the leaflet.  “I have brought the Father to bless the sister,” he shouted confidently.  “Sorry, did you say bless the sister?” I queried.   “Yes, the sister is Catholic, your husband said we should call!”  So, as you can imagine, I tried to explain that there had been a misunderstanding and that we had thought the church was going to be open for a service.  “No, no,” the Father was smiling,  “we are only in the village to bless the sister…..”  Of course, I apologised for their waste of time, but then the Father said, “What about you?  Perhaps you would like a blessing….” His smile was withering.   “Err, I’m not Catholic, I’m Methodist.”   He shrugged,  “Your religion is similar, I can give you a blessing!”  Finally, they realised that I was a hopeless case and bade me good morning.  However, I did feel bad, and perhaps after all I should have let him in to ‘Bless the Sister”, but it’s too late now…..

Spring flowers with fallen olives Photo J Finnigan

Spring flowers with fallen olives
Photo J Finnigan

Meanwhile, the garden is heaving with spring growth.  Jasmin, wisteria, primroses and pansies.  our lovely plant lady was back at the market in Certaldo, so we were able to get those much-needed plants for the spring pots.   We also removed all the covers from the delicate plants, then were told in the village that the farmers were anticipating a two-week cold snap in April!  But it’s so lovely to have everything uncovered, including the orange trees that are heavy with fruits.  Sadly, our potted Kumquat tree looks ill, so I have pruned it down and have my fingers crossed.  Wintering under the covers was a big fat locust, which flew off in disgust.

The Sister posing on vintage Vespa at Osteria la Gramola Photo J Finnigan

The Sister posing on vintage Vespa at Osteria la Gramola
Photo J Finnigan

Well, it has been a busy week, trying to work, write and entertain all at the same time.  Supper at our daughter’s house, Sunday lunch at a favourite restaurant called La Gramola in Tavernelle, and lunches in our sunny garden.  The ‘sister’ and our niece enjoyed a visit to Siena last Friday and are off to Florence today.  So I have a little quiet time to finish this blog and get it off to you.

Due to the limited time, and it being Monday, I will update you about Silvio next week and, I know, you are still waiting to receive a snippet from my current novel, ‘The Bolivian Connection”.  Next time, I promise……!

Have a great week.

Amore June x

PS Here is the link to my Amazon author page:

https://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

 

 

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Squeaky Tractors, Bonfires and Giant Emperor Moths in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 24, 2014| 2 Comments »

Benvenuto to all my loyal and new followers,

The valley below our villa Photo J Finnigan

The busy valley below our villa
Photo J Finnigan

“Did you call me to attest to your insanity?”  My man is staring up at me from the garden, whilst I am hanging out the studio window with a hoarse throat.  “No goddamnit” I croak, “I wanted you to remind me what it was you said to your London friend, when he asked you what ‘the sounds of Tuscany’ were.”  “Oh, yes, squeaky tractors of course.”  Well, it depends on the time of year, however, at this moment in time my man is right.  Ancient squeaky tractors are currently rattling their way up and down between the vines, rotovating the soil.  this goes on for quite a few weeks, whilst imported workers are trimming and tidying the vines.  Meanwhile,   the pruned branches from the olive trees are being dragged into piles and burnt.  So the air is rather smoky at present.

Last weekend in Fiano, Benedetta had gone off to the coast to celebrate her twenty-third birthday, so her mother Laura was holding the fort at the bar/alimentari alone.  Over coffee there, I told my man about the quotes I had had for translating my novel into Italian and that they were all very expensive.  I explained that I had been asked for the number of ‘characters’, rather than words, and wondered if they included the spaces.  “Ha, I’m surprised they didn’t want to weigh the book, they weigh everything else here!”  he groaned.  You may laugh, but what my man said is very true.  If you order a sandwich, the Italians slice the bread and weigh it, slice the cheese/ham and weigh it, and weigh tomatoes and/or salad before slicing.   So, back to the book, I may have to postpone the translation, until I make a lot more royalty money from the English version.

Yesterday, our beautiful nine-year old granddaughter arrived to stay overnight, whilst her big brother went down to Perugia to play rugby with his team from Siena.  Sadly, the result went heavily against Siena this time.  Our girl introduced her granddad to a new game of cards, which they are currently playing at her school.  There was a lot of shouting, laughter and slapping of hands on the table.  “What’s going on?”  I enquired.  “Oh its this game called Manaccia” my man replied, “It’s a bit like snap with attitude!”  Earlier in the morning, we had dropped down to Certaldo to buy Primula and Pansies, but were disappointed because our usual lady was not in the market with her plant stand.  However, all is not lost as  we managed to get some plants in Montespertoli this morning.

Giant Emperor Moths on Garden Lamp Photo P Finnigan

Giant Emperor Moths on Garden Lamp
Photo P Finnigan

My man called me down to the garden a couple of days ago and  I was amazed to see two, probably newly emerged, Giant Emperor Moths hanging off the bottom of one of our garden lights.  This light stays on all night, so they probably had toasty warm feet.  Fabulous, and my man managed to capture this picture for you all to see!  I must say that all the signs are here now for the end of any

The first baby fig of 2014 Photo P Finnigan

The first baby fig of 2014
Photo P Finnigan

cold weather; ants, flies, dragonflies, butterflies flitting and dancing together,  six bats emerging at dusk and the first baby fig on our tree!  However, it’s a bit chilly this morning….

Enter, the much adored Silvio Berlusconi.  Oh no, things are sadly on the downward slope for SB.  Italy’s highest appeal court has upheld his two-year ban from

Silvio swallows the pill. Photo Indiatimes

Silvio swallows the pill.
Photo Indiatimes

public office, after which he ‘auto-suspended’ himself from the ‘Federation of Knights’ ahead of a meeting, where he expected to be stripped of the title.  Described by many Italians as ‘Il Cavaliere’, he will now have to get used to being simply Mr Berlusconi!  Meanwhile, he has scotched rumours that his children will stand as candidates for his party Forza Italia in the EU elections.  What to do next, that is the question?  When you are the sixth richest person in Italy, one’s choices are very limited…….

Oh, I nearly forgot.  I promised to send you a snippet from my new novel ‘The Bolivian Connection’ to be published later this year.  I will send you a taster mid-week as I am now under pressure to get on with the day job.  Nevertheless, life eez good, life eez now!

Have a great week.

Amore June xx

PS here is the link for my Amazon Author Page:

http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

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An Election, Vicious Caterpillers and 60’s Fashion in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 16, 2014| 6 Comments »

Benvenuto to all my loyal and new followers,

Matteo Renzie on the cover of Vanity Fair.

Matteo Renzie on the cover of Vanity Fair.

last Sunday, the village hall in our local village of Fiano, was all set up to receive the voters for the election of the new Mayor of Certaldo.  Our resident Moroccan street seller had positioned himself close to the entrance, so everything was ready.  We had received forms to complete, that would have allowed us the opportunity to vote, however, life being so hectic, I clean forgot to return them.  We have no idea who the candidates were, but for sure, it will be difficult to find someone equal to the handsome and charismatic Matteo Renzie, the original Mayor of Florence, who is now Prime Minister.

the vicious Processionaria that builds nests in Fir Trees. Photo National Geographic

the vicious Processionaria that builds nests in Fir Trees.
Photo National Geographic

Back in the countryside and gardens, vicious caterpillars called ‘Processionaria’ are causing a lot of problems.  They are lovely to look at, but deadly to approach.  If they think they are being threatened they will fire sharp spines that are very dangerous for animals and humans alike.  Our poor son-in-law was trying to clear some from the garden when a spine was shot straight into his eye!  After hospital treatment, the painful injury should be OK, but be warned…..

Eurasian Jay Photo Wikapedia

Eurasian Jay
Photo Wikipedia

However, there are some good things to tell you;  particularly the sight of four Jays doing a mating waltz, directly in front of us over the steep valley below.

Back in the village, we were approached by local man Sergio, who owns a 1960’s English MG sports car and he was keen to know what an Englishman would have worn then, whilst driving the car.  My man said over coffee, “I think he needs some Clarks Desert Boots, a houndstooth or checked sports jacket, cravat and cap.  Think Terry Thomas!”  So back in my studio, I did a bit of research on-line.   I could not find any really good pictures of our Terry, but came across one of  Michael Caine dressed in perfect attire.   I then found some excellent British sites that still sell the exact same clothes.  It will be possible for Sergio to buy a new all British double-breasted navy sports jacket with brass buttons from M&S, and have it posted!  There were even sites dedicated to English cravats!  so I printed off some pictures and left them in the bar for Sergio to collect.  I look forward to hearing from him and seeing him looking like a proper English, if Italian, gent.

Meanwhile, Farty Barty the cat seems to have slowed down and, thank god, is probably over the call of the wild.  The sun is now quite hot by mid-day so he is lying on his back on the wooden bench, in a most ungainly fashion, and enjoying himself.  We have been able to throw open the doors and windows for a large part of the day and have even started some spring cleaning!

Silvio re-launches 'Forza Italia' Photo Reuters

Silvio with his party ‘Forza Italia’
Photo Reuters

And so to the undaunted and charismatic billionaire Silvio Berlusconi.  Undaunted, because he is now planning to run for a place in the EU parliament!  If he wins, he may not be able to take his seat in the legislative body, which traditionally meets in Strasbourg, France.  Why?  Well firstly, he does not currently hold a passport, handed over to prevent him fleeing the country, and secondly he maybe under house arrest when the vote takes place.  You have to admire the man though;  down, but definitely not out!  What do you think?

Well, enough of that.  Time to beautify myself and to go out to Sunday lunch with my man.

Have a great week, do drop me a line and, if you have read the book,  please pop a review of ‘My Father, The Assassin’ on Amazon or Goodreads.

Grazie Mille and Salute, June x

Ps  I must mention the fact that I have been chuckling all day over something I wrote yesterday in chapter eleven of ‘The Bolivian Connection’.  It is an exchange of conversation between our heroine Joanna and her Interpol protector and former lover, Frenchman Laurent.  Sorry, you’ll have to wait for the book to be published….ha,ha,ha!  on the other hand, I might let you have a snippet next weekend….watch this space.

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The London Author Fair, Early Spring and a Welcome Back in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on March 7, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuto to all my Loyal and New Followers

It was a delight to be welcomed back at Laura’s bar/alimentari in our local village of Fiano.  I had only been absent for four days, however, this did not stop the chorus of ‘bentornato’ from our favourite locals.  This makes me feel rather special, particularly as my man and I are English, if long term,  interlopers in a small rural community in Tuscany.

You will be aware that I had returned from The London Author Fair, where I had attended seminars and workshops with a view to obtaining some new ideas for marketing by current novel, ‘My Father, The Assassin.’  I now have a lot of following up to do to maximise the benefits.  Whilst there, I bumped into another author called James Minter.  We were both really surprised, as I was in the middle of reading his three very funny books, The ‘Hole Trilogy’ and he was reading mine!

Taglierino del Tartufo (white truffles) still on the menu! photo P Finnigan

Taglierino del Tartufo (white truffles) still on the menu!
photo P Finnigan

However, I was so pleased to be back in our little bit of Chianti last Sunday,  in time for lunch at ‘C’era una Volta,’ one of our local ristorante.  Whilst there, two Bavarian friends walked in having seen our car outside, so we were able to catch up and have a great lunch together.  We parted company with an invite to theirs for supper.  They own a beautiful villa next to our old house, which has been bought by Australians!  We are  very cosmopolitan lot in this area.

Mimosa in our garden. Photo P Finnigan

Mimosa in our garden.
Photo P Finnigan

My man had been busy whilst I was away.  Grass cutting and generally tidying up in the garden.  The temperature is up to 17 degrees centigrade today, so fingers crossed for lunch in the garden, as it smells so wonderfully spring like now.  Tomorrow, Saturday, is Festa della Donna (Festival of Women) when mimosa flowers are presented to all female family and friends.  Sadly, the mimosa has blossomed too early this year, so the blooms are a little past their best.  Nevertheless, we will cut what we can and take some over to Laura at the bar in the morning.

By the way, I am about to send out invites to my next Rock Concert Garden Party, so if you want to come and have not already sent me your email address, please do so.  june.finnigan@virgin.net

Sivio at AC Milan in happier times Photo Reuters/Stefano Relland

Silvio at AC Milan in happier times
Photo Reuters/Stefano Relland

So, what has the gorgeous, if aging, Silvio Berlusconi been up to over the last couple of weeks?  Rumour has it, that he is thinking of selling his beloved football club AC Milan!  This has been denied, however, the team’s performance has been lacklustre of late, and they could lose as much as 51.4 million euros in revenue, if they do not finish in the top four this season!  The Team is currently the eight richest team in the world.  Last year  SB’s personal wealth only increased by 1.5 billion dollars, poor thing, so he perhaps needs a little more in the bank.  Mind you, quote John McDuling of Quarz News, ‘Would you buy a used soccer club from Silvio Berlusconi?’  Now that’s a bit harsh…..

Well, enough of that.  Must go and think about lunch.  I spend a lot of time thinking about it; I just wish someone else would cook it!  But the sun is shining, hurrah!

Have a great week and see you next time.

Amore June x

PS don’t forget to check out my new author page at:

https://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

 

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Back from the London Author Fair, in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , on March 3, 2014| Leave a Comment »

The London Eye over the River Thames. Photo P Finnigan

The London Eye on a rainy evening.
Photo P Finnigan

Ciao Amici

Just a quick note to say that ‘I’m back’ from a really interesting visit to the ‘London Author Fair’, where I met and mingled with around three hundred odd (yes very) authors and members of the publishing industry.

Having filled my weekend with travel and exhaustion, I know you will forgive me if I postpone my more lengthy blog until next time.  So, I’ll be back in touch with the full story next weekend and updates on how our little bit of Tuscany survived without me.

Have a good week.

Amore June x

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