Welcome and Benvenuti to all my Lovely Followers around the World,
Well, it was confirmed last Friday that today, Valentines Day, Tuscany would return to Orange from a Covid point of view. This means two weeks of a strict return to only the essential shops being open and restaurants closed! So we rang Paolo at C’era Una Volta Restaurant to book an early table for yesterday lunch. When we arrived the place was empty, but around 80% booked up, however, Paolo had reserved us our favourite corner table out of harms way, bless him.
What a good thing we ordered early as we watched the restaurant start to fill up and some people coming in to beg a table without a reservation. Paolo took this in his stride and calmly rang a part-time waiter to come in to assist. It had snowed overnight but the roads had cleared and the sun had broken through, so people had traveled up from Florence and Empoli for some much needed country air and traditional cooking. We were fascinated at the atmosphere, it could have been the usual type of crowd for a normal spring or summer, just masks on arrival and bigger gaps between the tables. We thoroughly enjoyed our lunch and met a nice couple with whom we exchanged a taste of the wines we were enjoying. Earlier yesterday morning, I had driven up to Fiano for groceries, but the pavements were dangerously icy then so I did not attempt the walk to the water fountain, which may have been frozen anyway. Reluctantly I bought two packs of water, better to have them than not.
So, yesterday afternoon we settled in to watch Six Nations Rugby. England was playing the underdogs Italy, but after watching the former’s performance last weekend, we would not have been surprised at another lack-lustre performance! Well, Italy took the lead so we cheered them on. England played badly but somehow started to score and went on to win; we felt a little dissapointed for Italy. To watch all of the matches here in Italy, we need to do some streaming, which is difficult, expensive and frustrating. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. We discussed getting Sky again but as always, agreed it would be a waste of money as we only want to watch rugby and perhaps Wimbledon Tennis. But hey ho, life eeez good, life eeez now.
Meanwhile, back here in our lovely converted monastery farmhouse, we tuck in and keep warm. We also drink good Italian wines and eat well. The next two weeks will involve more cooking for me, which sadly I don’t enjoy, but I will cook pancakes for my man on Shrove Tuesday, an English tradition called Pancake Day. Simply pancakes sprinkled with sugar and drizzled with lemon juice. He loves them, bless him.
And, of course today is Valentines Day. The Italians love San Valentino and have masses of promotions for gifts and flowers. Normally, the restuarants would be full and, lots of heart shaped cakes and chocolates would be on sale at the pasticcerias. Some will be open, so don’t despair! Anyway, love conquers all and we will enjoy just being together in Beautiful Tuscany. foto from Pasticceria Fiorentina, Montespertoli.
Many of you have asked me when my next book will be published and I have to say, not before the summer. I have it in draft chapters but need total concentration and stress free days to get it completed. I really appreciate your support and continued recommendations to my existing books. Oh and do go back to Amazon and leave a review if you can.
OK, time to think about a nice Valentines lunch. Perhaps a candle and one of our more expensive wines would do the trick! How are you spending your day? Do drop me a line, I love to hear from my readers. http://www.junefinnigan.website
Stay warm, stay safe.
Salute June x
Wednesday 12 February. I would never have guessed that a beautiful fallen bloom, from an early flowering shrub, could have given me such a lift. It wasn’t just the beauty of the thing but how I received it that made all the difference. I have had three weeks of feeling pretty run-down after a minor operation, due to my pathetic immune system. I went to Fiano this morning for my usual espresso, newpapers and chat; then Roberto our local sculpture walked in and presented me with the bloom! Bless his lovely kind heart, the site of it in the palm of my hand sent a wave of sheer joy through my still fragile system! I knew there and then that my head was sufficiantly clear to start writing again! Thank you dear Roberto. (someone, please let me know what the flower is; thank you x)
Thursday 13 February. Well, its the next day and I’m still feeling in a good mood. I decided that I would scour the papers for some good news to post and, yes you guessed it, nothing. But then I saw a big red heart and an advertisement for San Valentino in Florence. Yes! ‘All you need is love, da da da da da’ Just when you think things could not get more depressing, up pops San Valentino! Hurrah.
celebrating with your amore. But what’s this? Somewhere called the Bristol Winter Gardens (yes Bristol) in Florence! Sounds like a great place to eat, you only have to look at the dish in the foto. Mmmmm. 
Along with the rest of the western world, we have just celebrated San Valentino, when the single men chase replacements for their Mamas and single women chase men for love and romance. Maybe that’s a little unfair, we do have a number of single men locally who are happy to stay at home with Mama and have the occasional dalliance. I hope you found your valentine last week!
But back to romance; I have just read a lovely article in 
Gosh, how does one follow that? Well, if you are not already here, you are likely to be dreaming of Italy right now. A fabulous magazine that will have you drooling even more is 
Now, most of you know that my other love is Italian Fashion and I spotted this beautiful cardigan by 
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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