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Posts Tagged ‘Silvio Berlusconi’

Olympics in Certaldo, The Laughing Pope and Bob Dylan in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 29, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

Runners outside Bar Solferino in Certaldo. Phot J Finnigan

Runners outside Bar Solferino in Certaldo.
Photo J Finnigan

Well, we were just settling in to our morning coffee in Certaldo earlier this morning, when everyone started rushing out the door!  “What’s going on?” I asked the barmaid, who was also on the way out.  “The runners are here!” She said, in Italian of course, so I tried not to look completely stupid and strolled outside too.  My man stuck his head deeper into his newspaper and left me to it.  Now you have to be a ‘local-local’ to know what’s going on in Certaldo.  We are only locals, in the singular.  Apparently the ‘Corsa Podistica’ had been organised a year ago and everyone knew it was happening today, except us of course.  It seems that several hundred people of both sexes and all ages were competing in running, walking and trekking races in and around Certaldo.  Earlier, on the drive in, we had spotted some people in dayglow outfits standing on street corners; so this then was the reason why!  Anyway, I stood opposite Bar Solferino and took a few pics, and marvelled at the fact that the ones who were heavily wheezing did not collapse in a heap directly in front of me.  These were not trained runners, all shapes and sizes staggered past and I was very impressed at the extreme effort that was going into this race.  I returned to my man, finished my coffee and ordered another one; that was my exercise for the day sorted.

A laughing Pope Francis Magazine in Hairdressers

A laughing Pope Francis
Magazine in Hairdressers

Earlier in the week I went to Sandra’s to have my hair done and in a glossy magazine I found the most heartwarming picture of a laughing Pope Francis.  Now whether you are religious or not, this man does have a certain something.  His smile is enough to make everyone smile back, and that’s not a bad thing.  Of course he’s currently in Africa, bless him, sending out that so important message of peace and love.  With the world in its current state of terror, we need men like this.  ‘All we are saying, is give peace a chance….’ The Beatles.  Which reminds me, he has just released an Album, the Pope that is!  Yes really – you can hear him talking to the sound of background pop music – sounds like a Christmas hit to me.

Bob Dylan touring in Tuscany. La Nazione.

Bob Dylan touring in Tuscany.
La Nazione.

On a lighter note, have you been wondering what Dylan is doing these days?  No, not the lazy rabbit in ‘Magic Roundabout’ silly, I’m talking about Bob, the sixties icon and great protest singer.  Well, I can tell you , he is here in Tuscany strutting his stuff on stage looking more like an aging cowboy than his old image of a stoned hippy.  Yes, they all come here, because the Italians love aging rockers.  This is partly why they like me and my band The Rock Chick Band!  If you guys are reading this, I’m not talking about you, you are all young and gorgeous.

Silvio says Renzi is Falso. Photo la Nazione

Silvio says Renzi is Falso.
Photo la Nazione

OK.  So what has the other Italian vintage rocker been up to then?  Who is that you ask?  Well Silvio Berlusconi of course!  Now, I’ll just pop off and check the latest news on-line; don’t go away….  Ha, well look at that!  His current wealth is estimated at 7.7 billion USD and whilst I endeavoured to get really up to date information for you, a big notice came up saying ‘Some results may have been removed under the data protection law in Europe.’  Well really!  Anyway, in the newspaper Il Nazione, I did read that the gorgeous Silvio has been calling the Prime Minister Renzi ‘Falso’ which needs little translation.  But otherwise, very little seems to be happening in the Berlusconi camp, other than the fact he continues to travel and attract huge followings.

But enough of that.  It’s cold here, but the sun came out today and was warm enough to allow an hour or so soaking up the vitamin D rays, which included lunch in the garden.  Yes, life eeez good, life eeez now.

Have a great week, do drop me a line and see you next time.

Salute June x

PS Visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

'My Father, The Assassin'. Book one in the series.

‘My Father, The Assassin’. Book one in the series.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

 

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A 90th Birthday, Coffee, Chestnuts, Australians in Shorts, a Log Fire, Jude Law and Silvio Strips in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 19, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

My lovely mother-in-law all dressed up before her birthday lunch on her 90th. Photo J Finnigan

My lovely mother-in-law all dressed up before her birthday lunch on her 90th.
Photo J Finnigan

Well, we snuck out for a brief visit to Somerset, England last week to celebrate my mother-in-law’s 90th Birthday.  I’m not sure if she fully registered what was going on but she thoroughly enjoyed herself. The following day I asked her if she had enjoyed her birthday.  She said she thought she had, but could not recall it, bless her.  What a good thing we took some great photos and videos!

My caffe latte at Strangers with Coffee. Photo J Finnigan

My caffè latte at Strangers with Coffee.
Photo J Finnigan

Whilst there, we made a point of calling into ‘Strangers with Coffee’ in Wells as it is the only place I know where you can get real coffee as the Italians make it.  We went back for lunch on the Friday.  I have already written a five-star review on Trip Advisor.  Do visit, if in Somerset.

As you can imagine, we were so glad to be back in our little bit of Chianti last Saturday.  It was twenty degrees and the sun was shining.  Farty Barty the cat was delighted to see us and has not left his cosy kitchen chair all weekend.  On Sunday we dropped down to Certaldo for coffee and discovered a huge market filling the main piazza, the main high street and all the little side streets.  I bought some smoked ricotta cheese and yet another scarf.  Scarves are my other love, like handbags and shoes.  I mostly wear black with a bit of scarfy colour around my neck and/or colourful junk jewelry.  I also have a weakness for necklaces!

Chestnuts for sale in Certaldo market. Photo J Finnigan

Chestnuts for sale in Certaldo market.
Photo J Finnigan

Oh yes, very important, this is the time of year for Castagne or chestnuts to you.  No, I wasn’t being rude, that’s the English translation!  As we drove back from Pisa airport, across country towards San Gimignano, loads of cars were parked alongside the road, their owners having disappeared into the woods on Chestnut hunts.  In the Sunday market we spotted this huge stand selling the tasty morsels that will be taken home and roasted in fireplaces and pizza ovens.

That same day, we popped up to Lucardo, near Fiano, for Sunday lunch at ‘C’era una Volta’ where a big Italian family were celebrating the Nonno’s (grandfather’s) 80th birthday.  The family had framed a big black and white picture of the eighteen year old Nonno posing on a beach back in 1953!  As is traditional, we joined in singing ‘Tanti Auguri’ as Italian restaurant goers always do when a celebration is going on.  The tourists are now thinning out, however, on that rather chilly day a family of Australians arrived in shorts and t-shirts who asked to sit out on the restaurant’s balcony.  Unfortunately, tourists still come to Tuscany without warm clothing this time of year and October can be quite cold.  They were back inside for their desserts and I felt quite sorry for them being all shivery and glum!  In fact it was so chilly that we lit the log fire for the first time that evening!

Jude Law to play the young fictional Pope X111. La Nazione

Jude Law to play the young fictional Pope Pius XIII.
La Nazione

Silvio does a mini-striptease for an admirer in Rome. Daily Telegraph.

Silvio does a mini-striptease for an admirer in Rome.
Daily Telegraph.

Meanwhile, catching up on the news here, I read over coffee that sex symbol (not my words, but I have to agree) Jude law is going to be playing the young fictional Pope Pius XIII in a new television series!  Also that the handsome and hugely popular Valentino Rosso has once again won the motor cycling championships at the age of thirty-six!  Not much mention of the super rich Silvio Berlusconi, but word has it that he is firmly back on the political trail.  Three of his local representatives came into Bar Solferino and everyone was speaking in low voices saying “O Dio, sono Forza Italia!”   But wait, what is this?  My man has just thrust the Saturday Daily Telegraph under my nose, and there he is!  Hurrah, he’s doing a mini striptease for an admirer who said “I’m in love with your brain!”  This was bound to set our man off as he replied “Now I’ll make you fall in love with my body too!” Phew!

Well, its time to get on with another busy week.  No, contrary to popular belief, we do not spend our time swanning around, we have a business to run and books to write.  However, life eeez good, we cannot deny it!

Have a great week, do drop me a line and we’ll speak again next weekend.

Salute June x

PS Visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

'My Father, The Assassin'. Book one in the series.

‘My Father, The Assassin’. Book one in the series.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

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Rugby, Daniel Craig, A Swimming Wild Boar, Skinny Dipping, Lovely Fresh Salad, Jazz and Men on Stilts in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 5, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my Lovely Loyal and New Followers

Aroar of frustration for Italian rugby.

A roar of frustration for Italian rugby.

“England were stuffed last night, I can’t believe it!”  My man was very depressed over the Rugby results, so I try to change the subject.  “I can’t wait to get back into my book this weekend.” I say, meaning my current novel ‘The Italian Connection.”  “Oh you mean you can’t wait to get back between the covers?”  He grins.  Then his face drops again and he says, still on the subject of rugby, “Let’s hope Italy do a better job when they play Ireland this afternoon…..”  I hope so too, as I cannot have both the teams we support going out of the world cup;  our little villa will be under a dark cloud for days!

Daniel joins us for coffee.

Daniel joins us for coffee.

Meanwhile, over coffee in Certaldo we are joined by Daniel Craig.  I know, not really, but his picture is in the newspaper and I can’t wait to see the new Bond film Spectre.  Are you a Bond fan?  Oh, I also read that a Cinghiale, wild boar, was rescued six kilometres off the Calabrian coast by some fishermen.  The poor thing was exhausted and swimming round in circles!  This proves that pigs can swim!  But what’s this?  Would you believe it, six British tourists have been arrested for skinny dipping in the Fountain of the Naids in Piazza della Republica in Rome!  It was the early hours of the morning, but it is against the law to go in or throw anything into Rome’s historic fountains!  Perhaps these people would like to go back to holidaying in Spain!

Fresh salad from the farmers market. Photo J Finnigan

Fresh salad from the farmers market.
Photo J Finnigan

Back in our lovely terraced garden, we enjoy a late lunch with the sister-in-law who has arrived for seven days.  The man is off to London the next day, so immediately after lunch, he rushed around cutting our weedy lawn.  We girlies were forced to drink the rest of the wine and watch him go up and down.  Then a little flying stone hit me on the eyebrow, so he had got his own back!  Earlier, we had picked up some lovely fresh salad in the market in Certaldo and we could see all the stands going up for the afternoon’s Slow Food celebrations.  The sister-in-law and I intend wandering around tomorrow and sampling the food as my man heads off for London.  Sadly it’s now belting down with rain!

Sig Jazzman in Il Castello Bar in Certaldo Alto. Photo J.S.

Sig Jazzman in Il Castello Bar in Certaldo Alto.
Photo J.S.

Fast forward to Sunday and we drop my man at Certaldo station.  The rain is still heavy, so we trudge up Via Giugno and catch the funiculare train up the hill to Certaldo Alto.  To get out of the rain, we rush into the nearest bar and grab a table.  It turns out to be part of Il Castello, which is a popular hotel and there is yet another wedding celebration going on.  In the small bar we sip our wine and wait for the rain to stop, then discover an upright piano and the barman comes around and starts playing some jazz on it.  His English is good and he explains that he’s really a jazz drummer, and did we know that Scott Hamilton lives in the village?  My sister-in-law is very impressed and I tell him that I sing rock music.  His face drops, he’s not into rock…….

Man on stilts with the sister-in-law. Photo J Finnigan

Man on stilts with the sister-in-law.
Photo J Finnigan

Ah, the rain has stopped, so we head up the main via and visit all the local produce stalls, people are selling big porcini mushrooms and questionable looking Tartufo (truffles).  I buy another jar of Certaldo red onion marmalade, which I love with cheese, and then pop into the artisan shop to buy a little present for a friend I’m visiting in England next week.  Then we try to find somewhere for lunch, but it’s heaving with tourists, however, we manage to squeeze in for one course of pasta.  Walking back to the funiculare, giants are walking towards us!  Oh no, it is actually stilt walkers and the sister-in-law poses with one, as she likes to do, pose that is.

Well, I really must get this blog off to you as it is already Monday morning.  I’ll update you on Silvio Berlusconi next weekend.

Have a truly fabulous week and do drop me a line.

Salute June x

PS We now know that both England and Italy are out of the Rugby World Cup – Oh No!

 

Visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

'My Father, The Assassin'. Book one in the series.

‘My Father, The Assassin’. Book one in the series.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

 

 

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Big Purple Grapes, The Calambur and Handsome Contestants, Yellow Crocuses and a Berlusconi Blunder in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 20, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

Big fat purple grapes in trailer. Photo J Finnigan

Big fat purple grapes in trailer. Photo J Finnigan

Well there we were, driving back home this morning after our coffee in Certaldo and we come up behind a slow-moving tractor and trailer of big juicy purple grapes.  “Try and get a photo!” my man says.  So I faff around trying to get my phone out of my bag, then remember that I have just yesterday put in a new lock code, and finally focus the camera on the windscreen just in time before the tractor takes off, after giving away to some tourist camper van!  Phew, I did it!  Now whats so exciting about this, you may ask.  Well it is really hard to get photos, because these tractors are usually going at full pelt past our kitchen window or in the opposite direction to the way we are driving!  So, just for you, here is my successful photo for your enjoyment.

A Calambur poster and preparations going on behind in the main Piazza in Certaldo. Photo J Finnigan

A Calambur poster and preparations going on behind in the main Piazza in Certaldo.
Photo J Finnigan

Earlier, back in Certaldo, the preparations were going on for the annual Calambur, which starts at three o’clock this afternoon (Sunday).  This is a historical Palio, not on horseback, but macho contests between the young men of the four quarters in the

Handsome Certaldo contestants getting ready to do battle. La Nazione

Handsome Certaldo contestants getting ready to do battle.
La Nazione

commune, who all have their own flags and colours.  It is a really serious and important day, full of testosterone and the girlies all giggling, as the handsome contestants line up.  It will be impossible to park anywhere near the centre of town this afternoon, so we will hear all about it tomorrow and report back to you next week!  Then, over coffee at Bar Solferino, I read that Prime Minister Renzi has announced a 2% drop in the tax rate for the agricultural sectors.  I’m not sure how effective this will be as I hear whispered that very little profit is declared, well in this region anyway!

Farty Barty waits for lunch on the outside table. Phot J Finnigan

Farty Barty waits for lunch on the outside table. Photo J Finnigan

Meanwhile, back at our lovely little villa the sun is shining and it is a perfect twenty-eight degrees centigrade.  As we drive in we spot the first wild yellow crocuses by the side of the road; beautiful.  I think today we will have a nice lunch in the garden with Farty Barty the cat, who has been very much hanging around the house of late.

The first wild crocuses. Photo J Finnigan

The first wild crocuses.
Photo J Finnigan

In the high winds last week, an old tree crashed down into the garden and was chainsawed by our local contadino into a pile in the corner.  It only just missed one of the garden lights!  Now we need to tidy up the small bits of debris.  I think I can hear my man working in the garden now.  He has been a been a bit stressed after his return from a few working days work in London, so that should help him relax.  Otherwise, I look forward to the return of my sister-in-law, who will be here in two weeks time, to tidy and pretty up all the garden pots for autumn.

But what is this I read about the gorgeous Silvio Berlusconi?  Oh no, he is trouble again, but this time whilst having fun with his close friend Vladimir Putin.  They have both been named in a criminal case over the opening of a 240 year old bottle of wine, known as Massandra Sherry 1775, that was worth £58K!  A lady called Ms Pavlenko allegedly opened it when Silvio asked for a taste whilst on a tour of the Massandra Estate in the Crimea.  I feel really sorry for her as, lets face it, she was standing there being asked by an alleged so-called friend of the Mafia (according to some members of the media) and his buddy who heads up the KGB, to open a bottle of wine.  What would you have done?

Well, enough of that.  Must think about this lunch I said I would cook.  O Dio, well the sun is still shining, so we really should not go off to the restaurant.  On the other hand……….

Have a great week and do drop me a line.

Salute June x

PS  Visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

'My Father, The Assassin'. Book one in the series.

‘My Father, The Assassin’ Book one in the series.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

Read Full Post »

A Hurricane, Heavy Rain, Sting, American Backpackers and Amore in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 26, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my Lovely Loyal and New Followers

Torrential rain in Certaldo. Photo J Finnigan

Torrential rain in Certaldo. Photo J Finnigan

As I write this blog we are enjoying a reprieve from the horrendous heat and humidity that has smothered us over the last two weeks.  It had become so oppressive, it was as if the oxygen had been sucked out of the air!  Then earlier in the week it started to rumble with thunder and the birds stopped singing.  Then the cicada’s stopped their cackling, the wind started to build into a massive force ten and I could not get outside to rescue the canvas sun brollies.  Inevitably, they went flying dragging their heavy bases with them and sadly one was torn really badly.  But this is a minor issue, what followed was a long-awaited downpour on the parched countryside and I saved fifteen euros as the car got washed at the same time!

Coffee with Sting. Photo J Finnigan

Coffee with Sting.
Photo J Finnigan

Meanwhile, I was safely in Bar Solferino in Certaldo enjoying my coffee with Sting.  We watched the rain thundering down outside, he said nothing.  This is because he was just a picture in the paper, but one can dream.  He was really in rehearsals for his performance at Lucca as the final act for a great lineup of rockers in the summer festival there.

The previous day I had been in the same bar, when six American backpackers struggled in.  All girlies of around twenty-one who proceeded to stuff themselves with two pastries each.  One girl stood at the bar with a pack so large on her back that she must have included the kitchen sink!  She was also tall, stick thin in a long skirt and sandals.  She was trying to get Elena behind the bar to understand her and was having some difficulty in doing so.  Elena looked across at me with pleading eyes.  I asked loudly if I could help and this awful American girl started screeching about the fact that her phone could not pick up the cafe bar’s internet and that she would never had walked all this way if she had known it would not work!  I took her phone and gave it to Elena who in seconds linked it in and gave it back.  Not a word of thanks from this horrid girl!  Meanwhile, the other girls seemed to be ignoring her and enjoying themselves, and I was told that they were on a train/bus/walking tour and had started in Venice.  They were about to get the train to Rome.  That day the temperature was around thirty-eight degrees;  I wished them well.

My man returned from a working week in London on Saturday and I was so relieved to be back in the arms of my Amore.  Sometimes all one needs is a hug to make the world seem right.  I had survived a hurricane, three electricity cuts and a tooth extraction.  But I had left the broken loo system, the dragging door and the cleaning up of the garden after the storm, to him.  I was just too tired to do it all, I’m sure you understand.

Silvio grinning. Photo The Guardian

Silvio grinning.
Photo The Guardian

“I have never paid for sex!”  The illustrious billionaire Silvio Berlusconi has said on a number of occasions, however, escort Patricia d’Addario claims otherwise after having written a book about their alleged sexual relationship.  She is now going to make a film about it!  This announcement comes after poor SB was sentenced to three years in prison, earlier this month, for bribing an Italian senator.  Well all this keeps him in the headlines and bad publicity is better than none at all.  His supporters will just keep rallying around him….  Anyway, if push comes to shove he can always take up a post in Putin’s Government.

Well, enough of that.  Time to think about sunday lunch.  It is such a lovely day we have decided to eat in the garden, so I need to go and organise an aperitivo.

Have a really great week and do drop me a line.

Oh, and do visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

Salute June x

PS I am off to the UK this week, so no blog next weekend, sorry. xx

My Father, The Assassin. Book one in the series.

My Father, The Assassin. Book one in the series.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

 

Read Full Post »

Baking Hot, Doc Martens, Festa di Tomasso, Crazy Tourists and Amarena in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 6, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

Well there is no other way to say it, we are baking hot and have just brought the air conditioning unit upstairs so that the bedrooms and my studio will stay cool during the day.  Yes, we have fans, but moving the hot air around just does not have the desired effect.  But we don’t mind, its great to be enjoying a proper summer, going out for early morning coffee, staying inside during the day and a long leisurely aperitivo outside after seven o’clock.  Yes, it’s a matter of lifestyle and ensuring that one takes things rather more slowly at this time of year.  Mind you, as I write this paragraph my man is hiking from Fiano through Sticciano to our villa.  Granted it is only nine-thirty our time in the morning, but it is already very hot, however, his being an ex-Royal Marine Commando carrying a water bottle and wearing a cap is all one needs.  I have to admire him, he is doing this in the early mornings to keep fit!

Now, on the subject of my man, I was very impressed earlier in the week when he asked me to read something on his computer screen.  I am usually editing his Board Meeting reports, but this time I found a short article on the subject of his Doc Marten boots.  I must say, he is a boot man.  Start him off on the subject of military boots and he’ll keep you engrossed for hours, so it’s generally best to be sitting on a bar stool at times like these, with a regular top up for your wine or beer.  Anyway, I read his article and was highly amused, so much so that I have pasted a copy below!

The day I stopped wearing my Doc Martens!

By P A Finnigan

Goodbye red Doc Martens Foto J Finnigan

Goodbye cherry-red Doc Martens
Foto J Finnigan

My gorgeous man in designer flip flops. (If you think your man has a better pear of legs than man, I challenge you to send a picture) foto J Finnigan

My gorgeous man in designer flip-flops. (If you think your man has a better pair of legs than these, I challenge you to post a picture)
foto J Finnigan

A June summer’s day in Certaldo, Tuscany, enjoying an espresso mid-morning in the Piazza Boccacio.

A Harley Davidson motorcycle roars (more like glides) into the Piazza.   A member of an Italian Hells Angels club dismounts with his female partner and heads for the café bar. I note they are both wearing Doc Martens boots (8 lace and red). Now I have worn Doc Martens for over 30 years, they have since become trendy, and have my third pair (cherry red 8 laces).  However, the biker pair from somewhere in Northern Italy, were so mild, meek and middle class, I could no longer wear my Doc Martens in the same company.  From now on its beach flip-flops!

PanaCotta Amarena at C'era una Volta. foto J Finnigan

Panacotta Amarena at C’era una Volta.
foto J Finnigan

OK, back to this blog.  As you know, we like to go to Certaldo two or three times a week for our morning coffees and pastries.  However, the whole of Certaldo closed down last Friday because it was La Festa di Tomasso.  Now St Thomas is the patron saint of Certaldo, so it is always a holiday; everything stops.  As none of the tourist agencies check on these things, you will still see bus loads of tourists being dropped off only to find a ghost town!  The poor things wander aimlessly around and end up going stir crazy in the heat!  On the same subject, we were enjoying Sunday lunch at C’era Una Volta in Lucardo, sitting inside with the Italians were it is cool, when some crazy northern Europeans insisted they wanted to eat out on the terrace.  Gianluca, our long-suffering waiter explained that it was too hot outside for sitting or for serving at table, perhaps they would like an inside table with a view.  The terrace would be open in the evening when it was cooler.  Oh no, they went off in a huff, not realising that they would not find another restaurant for miles and that no right-minded Restuarantor would be serving outside tables!  Well we were happy, and having enjoyed yet another Burrata with wood grilled vegetables, I returned to my Panacotta Amarena.

OK, what with the busy time we had over the concert period, it takes a little while for me to adjust back to the quiet and the need to work.  But work and write I must, because come August we won’t be able to speak to anyone on the phone or get our emails read, as the Brits will be somewhere on holiday with the kids or here in Tuscany wondering why all the Italians have disappeared again, having gone off to Il Mare (the seaside) or the mountains where it is cooler.  This is also a reminder to you readers that August is a bad month for coming to Tuscany unless you are in a nice air-conditioned hotel with pool, and a restaurant that serves food and wine all day!

Silvio and ex-wife Veronica. La Nazione

Silvio and ex-wife Veronica.
La Nazione

And finally, a quick update on our handsome friend Silvio Berlusconi.  Last week we read that he and his ex-wife Veronica have finally agreed a divorce settlement of 1.4 million euros.  Hang on, I’ll read that again.  Oh, 1.4 million euros a month!  Oh the poor woman…..  She had wanted considerably more, but SB had appealed and got the amount reduced.  Ah, friends in high places.

Well, enough of that, as I said earlier I must crack on with the day job and lots of evening writing this week.  I hear it is also hot in the UK, how are you all coping?

Anyway, have a really good week and do drop me a line.

Salute June x

PS Don’t forget to check out my books on Amazon!

 

My Father, The Assassin. Book one in the series.

My Father, The Assassin. Book one in the series.

 

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

 

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Sunshine and flowers, Concert Preparations and writing in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 24, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

Plants at the Saturday morning market in Certaldo. Photo J Finnigan

Plants at the Saturday morning market in Certaldo. Photo J Finnigan

“You didn’t see those two guys come in, did you?” My man looks at me with his deep blue eyes and I melt.  “Err, which two guys?” I say, trying to concentrate on something other than his handsome face.  “The two wearing camouflage outfits, you can’t see them can you? – ha ha!”  He roars.  I smile and shake my head.  He is in good fettle this Sunday morning at Laura’s Alimentare/Bar in Fiano, as we sip our delicious espresso and he enjoys a marmalade pastry.  This is a lot to do with the fact that the sun has finally come out after days of cold and rain.  Can you believe it, we actually lit a log fire last night!  “What would you like me to do in the garden today?”  He sighs like a contented cat, stretching back in his chair.  “Oh, you know, pruning the roses and dead flowers, planting those plants I got in the market yesterday, hoeing and weeding the rose beds….”  “OK, I get it, just about everything then?”  He grins and I smile back.

The Rock Chick Band Rocking. Photo P Finnigan

The Rock Chick Band Rocking.
Photo P Finnigan

Back in my studio I sit down to write this blog and reflect on the last few days.  I have been getting down to singing practice late morning every day this week, despite the lungs still being a bit raspy after the flu.  It’s now only twenty-seven days to the Fifth Annual Rock Concert which we hold every June in our Tuscan garden.  I must say, I am really looking forward to it and just love being behind the microphone.  I am also very excited to be seeing old friends again!   There will be a lot of celebrating, so we are stocking up the wine cellar!  If you are in Tuscany on 20th June and would like an invite to the concert party, send your email address to june.finnigan@virgin.net.  We would love to see you there.

I am well into writing my current novel ‘The Italian Connection’ and have been chuckling over a couple of the scenes I have just written.  Let me just say, that Joanna Wilde has a new role to play and is currently at ‘The Castello’, a beautiful historic castle in Tuscany.  Here is a little exert…..’I smiled and lifted out my favourite handgun. “It’s a Beretta 70, good little shooter, favoured by the James Bond girlies I believe,” Dominic’s voice echoed in my head.  Feeling the weight of it in my right hand, I checked the mechanism, which was as smooth as silk.  Then crouching, I held it with both hands in front of the long mirror. I felt a rush of pure adrenalin. Under the first layer of the box I found the thigh holster I favoured and a supply of ammunition. I loaded the gun and made sure the safety catch was on.  I placed it in the holster and strapped it to my inner thigh. It felt good.’

Silvio in Napoli. Photo La Nazione

Silvio in Napoli.
Photo La Nazione

Well, back in the real world, I read that our gorgeous Silvio Berlusconi has reached Napoli on his hustings tour.  Of course he will have plenty of friends there too, of a certain kind, and has met up with Alessandra Mussolini, yes descendant of you know who, and the Governatore uscente della Campania, Stefano Caldoro.  SB’s popularity remains undiminished and it will be an interesting time ahead.

An evening with VinSanto on the upper terrace. Photo J Finnigan

An evening with Vin Santo on the upper terrace. Photo J Finnigan

Ah, whats this?  Farty Barty the cat has found his way up to the studio and is meowing at me.  Now, he is restricted to the kitchen when in the house, after a couple of whoopsee accidents, so there must be a door open somewhere.  I’d best go down with him and investigate.  So, I think I will love you and leave you at this point and wish you all a fantastic week.  I will think of you when we enjoy a little drink or three in the garden this evening.

Salute June x

PS Don’t forget to visit my books on Amazon and I would love it if you were to leave a review!

My Father, The Assassin. Book one in the series.

My Father, The Assassin. Book one in the series.

 

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

The Bolivian Connection.  Book two in the series.

 

 

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Bouncing Back, Fabulous Weather, Songwriting, Buratta and Silvio in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 18, 2015| 2 Comments »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

I am so very relieved to have bounced back to good health after that diabolical bout of flu!  The minute I realised I wanted a glass of wine, and could taste it, I knew I was better!

The weather is now fantastic, hot but not too hot.  A slight breeze and the smell of cut grasses; wonderful.  So we are able to indulge in good wine and food out on the upper terrace and to soak up the mellow vibes that this gorgeous part of the Chianti Hills wafts around us.

My hugely talented friend and band member Lorenzo. Photo J Finnigan

For you girlies – My hugely talented friend and band member Lorenzo.
Photo J Finnigan

A couple of weeks ago, Lorenzo, a musician friend and member of our band, The Rock Chick Band, asked me if I would like to write some lyrics for a revamp of an old sixties number that was originally in Italian.  I have written numerous poems over the years, but never words to fit a song.  So it was a new and exciting thing for me to do, and I was given free reign to write my own words.  I have to say, I was really pleased to find it quite easy.  I have a natural ear for music, and can pick it up very quickly, so I was able to send the lyrics to Lorenzo a week later and he was over the moon!  This is not a casual thing.  The intention is to take the new song to a certain famous singer, whom we hope will want to record it.  Watch this space!

Dinner at C'era una Volta last Friday. My first Buratta of the year. Photo J Finnigan

Dinner at C’era una Volta last Friday. My first Buratta of the year.
Photo J Finnigan

Meanwhile, back at C’era una Volta Ristorante in Lucardo, I enjoyed my first Buratta and grilled vegetable salad of the year.  If you have not tried Buratta, you really must.  It is like an extra creamy soft mozzarella.  Mmmmmmmmmmm.

Farty Barty joins us for a pre-lunch drink. Photo J Finnigan

Farty Barty joins us for a pre-lunch drink.
Photo J Finnigan

This morning we managed to grab Farty Barty the cat and take him for his overdue vaccine.  The mosquitos (Zanzari) here can give dogs and cats a nasty disease if they are not innoculated.  As you may already know, Barty is a semi-wild cat and is very good at anticipating a vets visit.  He will sometimes disappear for five days or more!  Poor lad, he did not get away with it this time.

And what is happening out there in the Italian Hustings?  Well our Silvio is getting plenty of exposure in all regions (no I don’t mean that kind of exposure!) drumming up support for his Forza Italia party and it would not surprise me at all, to see him 2015-05-18 11.21.36back up there for one last throw of the dice.  At the weekend he was down south, were he has his biggest fan club and of the course the support of certain mafiosi clans, which he will deny of course.  Now this is only what I have read; do not take my word for it.  So, things are hotting up in the land of Italian politics, it will be an interesting time, well entertaining at least.

And so, time to think about lunch.  I might suggest popping back to C’era una Volta for more Buratta.  What do you think?

Have a great week and do check out my books on Amazon.

Grazie Mille.

Salute June x  PS I would love to hear from you.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

My Father, The Assassin. Book one in the series.

My Father, The Assassin. Book one in the series.

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Guard Cat, Artistic Tourists, a Book Signing, Silvio and Flowers in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 21, 2015| 3 Comments »

Welcome to all my Loyal and New Followers

It is Tuesday morning and yes, I know, I am a little late sending you this blog.  But I am so glad I waited, because, I have just driven to Fiano for coffee and back in blazing sunshine!  This has given me a real lift and I am able to send you the best possible vibes from this little bit of the Chianti Hills.

Farty Barty on guard. "Did you hear that?" Photo P Finnigan

Farty Barty on guard. “Did you hear that?”
Photo P Finnigan

Farty Barty the cat, despite his wild status, has started guarding his patch particularly if we are in the garden at the time.  He sits facing outwards with us at his rear, just like a dog, ears pricking up at the slightest sound and talking a lot.  He speaks both English and Italian, because he came to us as a pot-bellied stick insect at only two months old, having been abandoned by his wild mother.  He is seven now and has just started settling down again after an amorous couple of months with the girlies, so things are a little calmer in that respect.  The Chianti countryside is awash with wild cats, but just like domestic ones, they know when they are on to a good thing.  The church cats get lots of visits, particularly by our good neighbour and friend next door who takes them daily titbits.

Me signing Valerie's books Photo Jackie

Me signing Valerie’s books
Photo Jackie Grandchamps

Last Friday evening we enjoyed dinner at Trattoria C’era una Volta with new friends Jackie from Belgium and Valerie from France.  Jackie runs a tourist business called French Escapade.  Her customers are mainly Americans who want to go on painting, cookery or other courses in the less touristy parts of Europe.  We, that is my man and I, have agreed to host a group of artists in our beautiful garden in October.  They get to sketch and paint and meet a celebrity English author!  Visit http://www.frenchescapade.com I was very happy to sign my books for Valerie who speaks perfect English.  If you girls are reading this, I do hope you are enjoying a good read and a safe journey home.

Jackie and Valerie holding my book. Photo P Finnigan

Jackie and Valerie holding my book.
Photo P Finnigan

Meanwhile, back at Laura’s Bar/Alimentare in Fiano, Laura is on her own.  Benedetta, her daughter is expecting, so is not so active behind the counter at the moment.  The usual locals are in every morning and Signor Rotund seems to be better after an op, and is appearing more often than before, so we need to make sure we get there before he hogs the newspaper.  The news has been a bit depressing of late.  The thing is, there just isn’t enough about the Peter Pan of Politics Silvio Berlusconi.  He will either make you laugh, cry, rage, envy, ape, avoid, argue or at least feel entertained.  The current Prime Minister, Renzi, just doesn’t have the charisma of our Silvio and the Italians are getting fed up with him, as nothing has changed for the better since he took the helm.  However, we are reliably informed that, like the glowing Phoenix, SB is on the rise again.

Beautiful blossom and scented flowers on the upper terrace. Photo P Finnigan

Beautiful blossom and scented flowers on the upper terrace.
Photo P Finnigan

On a happier note, our garden has erupted with blossom and the perfume is intoxicating.  Wisteria, Jasmin, Evening scented Stock and much more.  Saturday evening we were able to sit outside and enjoy it all until quite late.  However, we have noticed that the deep canyon at the bottom of the olive grove below us, seems to have crept closer!  You may recall that this part of Chianti is full of crumbling inland cliffs and from time to time a little more falls away.  Not so far away from us, one little villa has recently lost half its garden!  But we don’t worry about that, life eeez good, life eeez now!

Well enough of that, I have a heavy workload this week and am hammering away at my book ‘The Italian Connection’ in between times.

Have a great week and do drop me a line, I would love to hear from you.

Salute June x

PS Don’t forget to check out my books below on Amazon.

My Father, The Assassin. Book on in the series.

My Father, The Assassin. Book one in the series.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

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The Dust Settles, Sunshine, Tourists, Dropped Trousers, and a Chinese Invasion in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 12, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my Loyal and New Followers,

Yes, the dust has settled.  After my new book launch I have finally allowed myself a couple of days to relax, despite my being inspired to write another chapter of ‘The Italian Connection.’

Georgeous sunset last Friday evening. Photo J Finnigan

gorgeous sunset last Friday evening.
Photo J Finnigan

It is still a little chilly but finally we are having some lovely sunny weather.  This is important, not just for our own state of mind, but also for the tourists that have started to arrive in droves.  “The car in front is a hire car.”  My man announces as we follow a Sunday driver back from Certaldo this morning.  “I really don’t know how you can tell the difference between a hire car and a normal one!”  I say.  “Well its a combination of no local garage sticker on the back, the number plate and the way they are driving.”  Said the Wiseman.  “Oh, silly me” I mumble, “I should have realised.”  “Have you noticed how we have personally influenced the local Italians with our Honda CRV?” He continued.  “After we bought this car, lots of others started to appear on the local roads.  In fact, we have always been influencers.  When we lived in England we were the first people in the West Country to buy a Ford Escort Cabriolet and then the Limited Edition Wrangler Jeep.  In no time at all, other people were copying us and doing the same.”  Once again I am amazed at how observant my man was, and is, regarding cars.  “Do you know, it had never occurred to me!”  I smiled encouragingly.  Don’t you just love the man?  I do.

dropped trousers protest. La Nazione Newspaper

dropped trousers protest.
La Nazione Newspaper

Earlier, we had enjoyed coffee at Bar Solferino in Certaldo where the caffè Latte is so good, I had two.  Idling my way through the local Nazione  newspaper, my attention is quite naturally drawn to a picture of several Italian men standing in the street with their trousers dropped around their ankles.  Is this a brazen way of showing all the girlie tourists whats on offer?  No it is a protest by Bar Owners, against the high taxes they are having to pay for running their bars and caffes!  Well, this is sad news of course and I don’t want to belittle the cause, but I will be very happy to see many more protests of this nature!

Flowering Pots on the upper terrace. Photo J Finnigan

Flowering Pots on the upper terrace.
Photo J Finnigan

Meanwhile, back in our lovely garden we are enjoying the smell of cut grass and the first blooms of Wisteria and Jasmin.  It gives one such a lift, after a rather drawn out winter.  You may remember that my lovely sister-in-law came to stay a couple of weeks ago and did all the Spring potting.  The pots are now overflowing with flowers and the bees are buzzing; it all looks amazing.  Oh yes, not to forget the arrival of the first Cuckoo, Hoopies, Swallows, Swallowtail Butterflies and Pippestrello Bats!

I am realising that my Rock Concert is now only a couple of months away, so its important to do the voice exercises every day.  Yesterday, I was once again brainwashing myself with the lyrics to ‘RadioActive’ and singing along to it.  “You need to go longer on the ‘died’ and the ‘bones.” My man said helpfully. “This is a new song in my repertoire” I say, “so I have a lot more practising to do.”    “Ah.” He says.  As I write this blog, I can hear David Bowie blasting out from the speakers in the kitchen.   I am itching to get back behind the microphone.

Silvio's difficult goodbye to AC Milan. Nazione Newspaper

Silvio’s difficult goodbye to AC Milan.
Nazione Newspaper

Back in the land of the filthy rich, I can see that Italy is about to be overrun by wealthy Chinese.  Well, if the likely purchase of Silvio Berlusconi’s football club, AC Milan, is anything to go by.  The candidates for the acquisition are currently three Chinese, a Thailandia and a Swiss/Austrian.  Every time I see TV cameras at a football match, concert or other gathering of people, up pops several Chinese faces!  Now, I don’t think I am imagining things, but I am sure that there is a clever invasion going on, which is arriving on flying carpets made of Yuan Renminbi notes.

Well, enough of that.  Time to make myself beautiful and go off to Montespertoli for a passeggiata with my man and a cocktail, before lunch at ‘C’era una Volta’ Trattoria in Lucardo.

Have a great week and see you next time.

Amore June x

Here are the direct links for my novels.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=june+finnigan&rh=n%3A266239%2Ck%3Ajune+finnigan

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=june+finnigan

PS  For any other part of the world, just visit Amazon books and insert June Finnigan in the box.  Happy reading.

My Father, The Assassin. Book on in the series.

My Father, The Assassin. Book one in the series.

 

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

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