Buon anno and Welcome to all my Lovely Followers around the World,
Yes, I’m back and what a pleasure it is to be writing again after all the flus and viruses of last year. As I sit in my studio, the sun is pouring through the window, brightening up the day with all the promises the New Year will bring! But before we move on into 2019 properly, I would like to thank the lovely family at La Dispensa in Fiano, Fabbio, Sandra and Rossella, for providing that lovely warm atmosphere where we can enjoy our morning coffee and read the papers every day. In the picture, beautiful Rossella stands next to the hand-made designer Christmas Tree on which we happily hung our names like all the other customers.
So what is happening now? I hear you ask. Well down in Florence it’s the time of year for the male fashionistas to be strutting their stuff. Yes, it is the annual Pitti Uomo, when mens’ fashions are celebrated and anyone who is anybody will be proudly walking the streets hoping to be photographed. Yesterday was the last day and we went into the city for Lunch. We did not strut, but there were many that were. This foto is obviously not in Florence, but purely on the basis that they are real men & gorgeous fashion models, I shall nominate them as joint Hunks of the Month for January!
Now lunch was a bit special, because our beautiful daughter the editor of Envy Italy magazine took us to lunch at the iconic restaurant, Sabatini Firenze, which is under new management. The restaurant is about to undergo some modernisation, but limited by the fact that it is a historic building and its interiors are to be retained for posterity. It has a fascinating long history and just about every famous person has dined there from Frank Sinatra to J.F.Kennedy. A new website will be launched shortly and an exciting future awaits the new owners and staff. We enjoyed a very artistic tasting menu and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Thank you Sharon. Envy Italy magazine
Meanwhile, back in our local town of Certaldo, I finally got around to framing some pictures as a little New year treat. I just love artisan framers, the smell and the atmosphere just sends me into a heavenly bubble. Bologni Arreda, another well-established family business, are framers to the world. Eighty percent of their frames are shipped overseas. It’s so good to find a successful business in our own back yard. Here is a framed picture of Farty Barty my former writing buddy, who went up to cat heaven a couple of years ago, drawn in coloured crayons by my talented sister-in-law Jane. Framers
Back in our lovely, if rather overgrown winter garden, a stroll around revealed all sorts of colourful wild flowers and weeds. Also, what with all the damp morning mists, some fascinating fungi. It’s really cold at the moment, so gardening may have to wait a little longer. My man and I would quite like to start a raised vegetable garden, but that’s another project for another time. I would love to hear from you if you already have one!
Oh yes, lest we forget, Italy and Tuscany in particular, is also celebrating the 500th anniversary of Leonardo di Vinci’s death. So 2019 is going to be teeming with tourists visiting all the exhibitions and celebrations. Leonardo of course, was born near Florence at Vinci, just north-west of the city. We visited some years ago, a lovely place. So if you are fascinated by this historic genius, get booking your hotels ASAP.
And what of the Music Scene? You ask. Well, as you know rock music is my main passion and from that point of view I can tell you that a lot is happening. You may be interested to know that I follow D’Alessandro & Gallo’s site which is smack up to the minute with touring bands and performers. In March we will see Tears for Fears, Mark Knopler, Elton John and many more. The Lucca Summer Festival and Firenze Rocks in June/July have line-ups to die for. And, of course, my own band will be playing on 21st June near Certaldo! Watch this space. Music Scene site
OK, time to get this blog off to you and to wish you all a fantastic 2019.
Salute June x
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