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Posts Tagged ‘The Bolivian Connection’

Winston Churchill, Dante, Vibrant Red Hair and Melt in the Mouth Cheeses in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 25, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my Loyal and New Followers

Every morning, whilst enjoying a lovely creamy caffè latte in one our local bars (they don’t use horrible low-fat milk here),  I scan either La Nazione or Il Terreno newspapers for interesting snippets.  Yesterday, I was joined by Winston Churchill and today by Dante, well not literally of course, both being long gone.

Coffee with Winston Churchill. Photo J Finnigan

Coffee with Winston Churchill.
Photo J Finnigan

You may already know that this year is the fiftieth anniversary of good old Winston’s funeral and the Italians are treating this as important news.  One thing you may not know is that my man, an ex Royal Marine Commando, was marching in the front row of the Marines’ contingent on the big day.  He was very young, in full ceremonial uniform of course, blues, greatcoat and white pith helmet down over his eyes.  If they happen to show the funeral on TV again, he was fourth in on the right as they march towards you.  He has other claims to fame, however, I have mentioned this one as it is so very topical.  Writing about Winston reminds me that I wanted to be a  Secret Agent during the Second World War.  Fortunately, I was born a few years after it finished!  As a child in the 50’s I used to organise the children in our area to play ‘Germans and English’; I was always the covert spy.  Co-incidentally, I am currently reading ‘Operation Garbo: The Personal Story of the Most Successful Spy of World War Two.’  What are you reading?

Coffee with Dante. Photo J Finnigan

Coffee with Dante.
Photo J Finnigan

Now my other guest for coffee, was the great poet and writer Dante.  Still looking good at the age of seven hundred and fifty, he’s a popular chappy here.  He spent his life cruising between Pisa, Lucca, Pistoia and Carrara, amongst other Tuscan hangouts.  There are currently lots of exhibitions and celebrations happening in the area.

Laura with vibrant red hair and designer finger nails. Photo J Finnigan

Laura with vibrant red hair and designer finger nails.
Photo J Finnigan

Meanwhile, back at Laura’s bar/alimentare, I notice that Laura is sporting very red hair.  She says that her hairdresser added a special ingredient to make it more ‘brilliante’.  She always has the most fantastic nail art too, I might go to see her nail lady and have fantastic nails for my next rock concert.  Take a close look.

Down in Certaldo’s Saturday market,  I go back to the lovely couple who produce the most fantastic Pecorino (sheep’s cheese) and Caprina (goat’s cheese).  I have fallen completely in love with a very young pecorino, which is really soft, full of flavour and just melts in the mouth.  Mmmm.  Also, I have been devouring bottles of Sweet Red Onion marmalade which is a speciality in Certaldo.  The two go really well together and are adding inches to my waistline!  These, along with the local Chianti wine are the reason why I have to go on a diet soon, well fairly soon.

Melt in the mouth Cheeses in Certaldo's Saturday Market Photo J Finnigan

Melt in the mouth Cheeses in Certaldo’s Saturday Market
Photo J Finnigan

I have mentioned that many businesses are closing down here.  We have tried to buy a new kingsize bed locally, but found that an antique furniture warehouse and a bed outlet have both disappeared.  Getting very frustrated, I went on-line, found exactly what I wanted in a number of UK stores, but they do not deliver overseas!  If anyone has any good ideas, do let me know.  Ideally within a an hours drive of Certaldo, Tuscany or on-line.  (IKEA don’t do a kingsize..)  Big sigh….

Well enough of that, must get on with final honing of my latest book ‘The Bolivian Connection,’ as I know you are all champing at the bit.  You will also be pleased to know that Joanna Wilde (my heroine) has already started a new adventure in ‘The Italian Connection’, which I expect to publish early next year.

I will update you on the gorgeous Silvio Berlusconi’s exploits next week.  In the meantime have a really good week and do drop me a line.

Amore June x

PS Here is the direct link for my novel ‘My Father, The Assassin’. You can also visit http://www.amazon.com & http://www.amazon.eu

 

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A Book Edit, Lost in Castelfiorentino, Salute Presidente Napolitano and ‘The Italian Connection’ in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 18, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my Loyal and new Followers

“There’s far too much drinking to be believable, particularly by page 167 when Joanna is in considerable danger and needs to keep alert!”  My man looks very headmasterish as he comments on ‘The Bolivian Connection.’  “Despite that it’s a really good read June, well done.”  I feel quite emotional when he says this, almost to the point of crying with joy.  “If it’s just a matter of drinking a bit less, I’m sure I can change that, well at least a little.”  I blubber, my chest full of pride in my finished book.  “Ah, well, I’ve sent you an email with my other comments.” he grins, “Nothing serious though.”  “Thank god” I say, “let’s have another glass of wine!”  My man had returned from a few business days in London and had been reading my first draft in his spare time.  Then yesterday, Saturday, he managed to finish the whole manuscript, bless him.

Lovely home grown veg in Certaldo Market. Photo P Finnigan

Lovely home grown veg in Certaldo Market.
Photo P Finnigan

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

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

Having my man back home makes everything that much more enjoyable, going for morning coffee and even shopping for fruit and veg in Certaldo on Saturday morning.  Farty Barty the cat loves it too and stretched out in the sunshine on the garden bench, whilst we were enjoying a pre-lunch drink.

So, I had been home alone last week and had to go to a specialist appointment on the Tuesday by myself.  I emphasise this point, because, whilst I survive on my own, you can guarantee that something will throw me out when the man is away.  I arrived at the hospital in Castelfiorentino and found a new system had been installed.  I needed a special ticket from a machine and then wait for my number to be called.  On a computer screen it told me which room to go to, so I trotted off.  Now you should understand that this is simply to register that I have arrived in the building and to pay for the consultation.  OK, so two jolly ladies register me, take my money and give me a receipt.  Then I was sure she said, in Italian of course, “You are in the wrong building, we are just a skeleton staff, everything has moved to the centre of town.”  By this time I only have five minutes to get to the specialist.  In broken English, the other lady gave me directions, so off I went.  Ten minutes later I park in the main Piazza, as I was sure that was where I had been sent.  But to make sure I walk over to a bench of old boys, whose grins get wider as I approach.  I focus on the one in the centre who’s looks the least lecherous and show him the address I have to go to.  Proudly, he pulls himself up with his walking stick and stands looking up at me.  “I will take you there, Signora, follow me.”  So of we go, the sun is shining and for once Castelfiorentino looks attractive and welcoming.  Fifteen minutes later, my knees are killing me and I am about to suggest that we sit and take a rest, but we had arrived.  I’m not sure whether to offer him a few euros for his trouble, but he is disgusted with the idea, so I shake his hand and he heads back to his friends.  I am twenty minutes late for my appointment, but this being Italy, I am kept waiting anyway.  All I can think about is the long walk back to the car!

2015-01-15 09.11.32Talking about old boys, last Thursday I was joined by our Presidente Giorgio Napolitano for coffee at Laura’s Bar/alimentare in Fiano.  Well, he was in Pisa at the time, but I like to feel these people are right next to me as I read about them in the paper.  He has finally decided to retire and has cited his age of eighty-nine as the deciding factor.  I say, good for you that man, enough pf politics, go and put your feet up somewhere warm to celebrate your forthcoming birthday.  Why not ask Silvio Berlusconi to organise the party.  On the other hand, how strong is your heart these days?  Perhaps something a little less energetic would be more appropriate.

Well, so what next you may ask?  I have already started the third book in the series, with the same heroine Joanna Wilde in ‘The Italian Connection,’ which is another exciting adventure for her and for me.  I also have to finish typing out my lyrics for our next Rock Chick Band Concert in June, which reminds me; do send me your email address if you want an invite.  june.finnigan@virgin.net

Well, must go and make myself beautiful as we are off to lunch at ‘C’era Una Volta’ as Paolo is back after a bout of flu.

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

Salute June x

PS

Here is the direct link for my novel ‘My Father, The Assassin’ by J W Finnigan. You can also visit http://www.amazon.com & http://www.amazon.eu

 

 

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The Bolivian Connection, Lunch in the Garden, 12th Day and My man’s Birthday in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 11, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

I am so very excited!  Last Tuesday, I finished my novel ‘The Bolivian Connection’ and today I gave the first draft, after editing, to my man to read on his birthday!  When I have been writing for several hours, and particularly when I have completed a very pleasing episode, I can barely speak.  It’s as if I have been shouting the story out loud!  Do any of you other writers experience this strange phenomenon?  My man is quite pleased when this happens, because not only am I a happy rabbit, it is also very peaceful due to my whispering.  He is always my first port of call for reading my work.  He is highly critical and a perfectionist.   So over the next few days he’ll be off to London and reading the manuscript during his spare time.  When he has done his thing, I will send the it off for a professional edit in London and finally select the new cover and organise the publication. So watch this space.

Our first narcissi and the mimosa tree peeking between the tree trunks. Photo J Finnigan

Our first narcissus and the mimosa tree peeking between the tree trunks.
Photo J Finnigan

The other great thing that happened last Tuesday, as if to congratulate me, the wind dropped and a hot sun turned our upper terrace back into an outside dining area, so we had lunch Al Fresco and a glass or three of fizz!  What a perfect day.  Also this last week, I organised my lovely sister-in-law to come out from England at the end of March, as she has agreed to do all our spring potting.  I’m really looking forward to that.  Our January garden is currently doing quite well.  Whilst most of the fragile plants are under cover or wrapped in muslim, we can still enjoy flowering Cyclamen, Primula, a couple of Narcissus opening up and the Fiorentina purple Irises.  The Mimosa is now a big tree and heavy with buds just waiting to burst into bright yellow blossom.

Benedetta's puppy Leo, races around Laura's Bar trying to help. Photo J Finnigan

Benedetta’s puppy Leo, races around Laura’s Bar trying to help.
Photo J Finnigan

Back at Laura’s bar/alimentare in Fiano, Benedetta’s fast growing puppy Leo, was helping to dismantle the Christmas Decorations on 12th day.  Running around with a tinkly bell in his mouth, which was retrieved just in time before he swallowed it!  But things are returning to normal.  As you will have heard me say before, the Italians love a Festa and will prolong it as far as they possibly can.  Then another Festa pops up, and work stops again, like last Tuesday, which was Befana (Day of the Witch).

The Man leads the way to Ristorante 'C'era una Volta' wearing his new birthday hat. Photo J Finnigan

The Man leads the way to Ristorante ‘C’era una Volta’ wearing his new birthday hat.
Photo J Finnigan

It is now Sunday, the day after my man’s birthday and we have just come back from meeting our beautiful daughter and granddaughter at Bar Solferino in Certaldo for coffee and presents.  My man was sporting his new birthday hat, which I think really suits him.  Shortly we will pop up to Ristorante ‘C’era una Volta’ for lunch as I really don’t have the energy to cook, so that will be nice.  Last night we went down for supper at Ristorante Latini, just over the border from Certaldo in the Provincia di San Gimingiano and ate lovely creamy deserts and drank Vin Santo.  Yes I know, we are always eating out, but I love it.

Farty Barty returns to refuel. Photo J Finnigan

Farty Barty returns to refuel.
Photo J Finnigan

Meanwhile, Farty Barty the cat is strutting his stuff.  Dissapearing off on dates and returning briefly to refuel.

Well, must go and make myself beautiful again as it’s time to go to lunch.

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

Amore June x

PS  Here is the direct link for my novel ‘My Father, The Assassin.’  You can also visit http://www.amazon.com & http://www.amazon.eu

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Granddog Sitting, Gorgeous Sunsets, A Villa full of Smoke, A Dog Drinking Coffee and A Motley Crew of Shooters in Beautiful Tuscany

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

Buon Anno and welcome to all my Lovely Loyal and New Followers

LB (standing) and Zoe after a game of rugby. Photo P Finnigan

LB (standing) and Zoe after a game of rugby.
Photo P Finnigan

A gorgeous Sunset Phot P Finnigan

A gorgeous Sunset
Photo P Finnigan

Granddog sitting is wonderful.  There is nothing nicer than cuddling up to a granddog who loves you unconditionally and only harasses you when pulling furiously on the lead.  Oh yes, and barking to be let out really early in the morning, because that is what they are used to!  So there we were, my man and I, enjoying  Zoe’s and LB’s company on New Year’s Eve, whilst the family went off skiing on the French/Italian border.  Our daughter and family have recently moved to the middle of nowhere between San Gimigiano and Volterra and the views to the west coast are fantastic.  We saw the New Year in watching the fireworks from our lofty eyrie.  My man stayed on for a further two nights, witnessing some gorgeous sunsets, whilst I returned to Farty Barty the cat and to complete the last few chapters of my novel ‘The Bolivian Connection.’

Another gorgeous sunset Photo P Finnigan

Another gorgeous sunset
Photo P Finnigan

It has been said, particularly by my man, that I am a disaster if left to my own devices, because my head is so full of fiction.  On Saturday evening when my man was returning home, I lit the log fire that he had laid before he left.  I put the guard in front and returned to my desk to write a few more lines.  I was a little longer than I intended, and suddenly I smelt smoke.  Disaster!  Smoke was swirling up the stairs so I opened the landing window, then rushed down, almost choking on the way, to find the sitting room ceiling thick with the dark grey stuff.  I threw open the french windows and then the front door.  Thank god, I had not opened any of the upstairs bedroom doors.  I grabbed a rug and started swirling it around like a human fan and tried to get closer to the fireplace, which was still billowing out smoke.  There must be something stuck up there, I thought.  Then, somewhere in the depths of my memory I heard my man saying, “Now this is the second time I’m going to remind you.  I have closed the metal cover in the chimney to keep the cold out.  If you are going to light the fire DO NOT FORGET TO OPEN IT!”  “S..T” I gasped, “You idiot June!”  I groaned aloud as I coughed and spluttered with my head in the fireplace trying not to singe my hair.  Somehow, I grabbed the lever  and managed to open the cover.  Ten minutes later the house was almost clear of smoke, but I was not going to be able to disguise the smell.  I just knew my man would walk in and I would have to tell him the truth.  Dammit!

Back at Laura’s bar/alimentare in Fiano, my man and I are enjoying our morning coffee.  At the next table a local lady is sharing her coffee with her pet miniature dog.  Well this is Italy, coffee is a way of life, as is Chianti here in Tuscany.  Sadly, Laura had gone down with flu and Benadetta had succumbed overnight, so their husbands were manning the fort.  It’s the time of year for the hunters to be out and about in the countryside and I have to say they are not my favourite people.  A motley crew of three came into the bar wearing muddy boots  and camouflage gear.  It is not a gentleman’s sport here, shooting wildlife, it is the working country folk (contadini) who are mostly out there at first light on a sunday morning, shouting and firing at whatever moves.  However, I remind myself that this is all part of life’s rich tapestry, but when this motley crew started cracking walnuts in their hands and throwing the shells into the bin clearly marked ‘paper only’ I was not impressed.  Hey ho….

Silvio "I am a normal human being, look eight fingers and two thumbs!

Silvio “I am a normal human being, look eight fingers and two thumbs!

Francis “Well halo, halo. I am an exalted human being, see my wings?”

No time to check out Silvio Berlusconi’s activities I’m afraid, however, his picture was in this morning’s paper, so he’s obviously still out there strutting his stuff.   On the next page was a picture of our other Laughing Cavalier, Pope Francis greeting the New Year with his fan club in Rome and welcoming fifteen new cardinals to his mens’ only club.

Well, must go, things to do , places to go and people to see.  Once again Buon Anno to you all you lovely people, and see you next week.

Amore June x

 

 

PS  Here is the direct link for my novel ‘My Father, The Assassin’ by J W Finnigan. You can also visit http://www.amazon.com & http://www.amazon.eu

 

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Only two days left! A Big Christmas Kindle Book Discount as My Gift to You!

Posted in Books, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on December 5, 2014| 2 Comments »

Ciao to all my Loyal and New Followers

'My Father, The Assassin' By June Finnigan

‘My Father, The Assassin’
By June Finnigan

For a seven-day period, you will be able to download my romantic thriller, ‘My Father, The Assassin’ by J W Finnigan for just 99p!  This is a whopping 60% discount, so do take advantage and tell all your friends.  The promotion will run from 8am on Monday December 8th through to 12am on Monday 15th.

I love receiving books for Christmas and even more love reading them.  So I will also be downloading lots of books to indulge in over the Festive Period.

If you do download my book, I would love it if you could return to Amazon when you have read it and leave a review.  I will be launching the follow-up, titled ‘The Bolivian Connection’ in the spring, so watch this space.

Molto Amore June xx

ps here is the direct UK link for ‘My Father, The Assassin’

http://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Father-The-Assassin-Finnigan/dp/1481904396/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358800225&sr=8-1

 

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Rain, Grey Skies, a Sunny Granddaughter and Red Wine Pasta in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 17, 2014| 1 Comment »

Benvenuti to all my Lovely Loyal and New Followers

The main reason for moving to Italy was to learn the language.  We also thought that the weather might be a little warmer, brighter and dryer.  Whilst the latter was a secondary issue, right now we are beginning to wonder if the Roman Gods are being unkind to us.  Looking out of the double windows opposite my desk, it could well be a view of English grey skies, and the sound of wheels splashing past the villa sound so wet and chilly.  These days our Italian friends in the cafe bar in Fiano, talk as much about the ‘brutto Tempo’ (bad weather) as we brits did in the local pub after work in England.  This is not a complaint, just an observation, well actually I am complaining, let’s be honest.  However, I have just bought a lovely new pair of soft leather boots from Gabor and my beloved waxed coat has come out of the wardrobe.  These may not sound important to you, but to little old me, these are two of the perks of winter.

Farty Barty refuses to leave his nice warm chair. Phot J Finnigan

Farty Barty refuses to leave his nice warm chair.
Photo J Finnigan

Meanwhile, Tuscany is still struggling with serious flooding and landslides.  We are desperately waiting for the rain to stop and allow some of the poor homeless people to get back to repairing and rebuilding their homes.  Our little bit of Chianti has so far suffered much less than some areas; may that continue.  Farty Barty the cat, remains in his comfy kitchen chair and refuses to go out at night……that says a lot.

Gluten free pasta and white truffles photo J Finnigan

Gluten free pasta and white truffles
photo J Finnigan

But then all turned bright and sunny on the weekend, metaphorically speaking, when our beautiful nine, nearly ten-year old granddaughter came to stay for two nights.  Absolutely no work or writing got done, we were forced to just relax and enjoy ourselves in her delightful company.  We went out to lunch twice.  Firstly to Ristorante Montalbino for, yes again, white truffle pasta.  It is a tiny family run place where they specialise in fungi and it’s really good.  Then on Sunday we went back to La Gramola in Tavernelle, where we had the most delicious Red Wine Pici with cheese and pepper.  This is home-made spaghetti infused with red wine, so comes out a sort of ruddy colour.  It’s really delicious tossed in pecorino cheese and pepper.  Then I had pears that had been poached in Vin Santo, a wine liqueur made from grapes that have been left to wither on the vine, or so I’m told!

The game of Pick'Up'Sticks Photo J Finnigan

The game of Pick’Up’Sticks
Photo J Finnigan

Back at the villa we played the games of ‘Sorry’ and ‘Pick’up’Sticks’.   We also had a fun time, by having a book each, and reading the first full line of each page one after the other.  This can be hilarious, however, our poor granddaughter had a John Le Carre book in her hands and he tends to write very long sentences.  We were very impressed to find that her reading of difficult English words was brilliant.  She is English, but when you consider that she has only been educated in an Italian school, speaks fluent Italian, and generally reads a lot of Italian books, so brava to her.

Well, I hope that you will not mind if I cut this post a little short.  I have a busy workload today and must knuckle down.

Have a great week and don’t forget to visit my author page at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

Salute June x

 

 

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Festa per Il Nuovo Vino e Pane Olio and Lots More in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 10, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my Lovely Loyal and New Followers

Now, you will have heard me say that the Italians will always find an excuse for a Festa, which often involves everyone stopping work for the day.  However, this last weekend was well deserved as we celebrated La Festa per Il Nuova Vino e Pane Olio (The Festival for the New Wine and Olive Bread).  This was hosted in the hilltop village of Montespertoli where the festivities included walking, running and bike racing.  The locals do like to drink their Chianti young.  This is interesting isn’t it, as traditionally, at least in the UK we have always gone for much older labels.  Many families give a watered down version to the children.  We quite like a new or young Chianti, but still prefer last years or the year before.  We are fortunate to be able to buy our wine from a local vineyard very cheaply indeed.  Now the owner is a friend, however, it is possible to get a pretty good price from many vineyards if you take your own bottles along and cork them yourself.  It’s all about who you know and if you have neighbouring vineyard owners to befriend!

The Autumn view from here. Photo J Finnigan

The Autumn view from here.
Photo J Finnigan

You may have heard in the news about the terrible floods and landslides over the last week.  Carrara was very badly hit and the locals have stormed the commune offices, as the blame is being put directly in the local authority’s lap.  Disasters like this have happened in the past, however, the lesson does not seemed to have been learnt and flood defences have not been properly catered for.  Tuscany is a province prone to landslips, main roads collapsing and flooding.  If you were to check out the history of any area, there will be something to scare you off!  So, if you fall in love with a particular place it is best to accept it warts and all.  We live in a stunningly beautiful part of Chianti, however, we are perched only two hundred yards from the edge of crumbling inland cliffs!  A local once told us not to worry as our house had not moved for over two hundred years.  Before that it was in the hamlet further up the hill!

The old Mine Workings Photo P Finnigan

The old Mine Workings
Photo P Finnigan

Our beautiful daughter and family are in the process of moving to a lovely old house between Siena and Volterra.  It sits by itself, perched above old mine workings that are now in ruins and with views of the mountains and sea on the west coast of Tuscany.  We went over to help with curtain making and things last Saturday, and were told the story of the famous mine owner who originally owned the land and house, and how his disgusted employees threw him down the well below the house after a dispute!  Ooh, creepy….

I am getting on really well with my novel ‘The Bolivian Connection,’ where things are a little tense, as my heroine Joanna awaits the result of sending off a female Interpol agent, disguised as herself, to flush out an assassin who is trying to kill her!  I can tell you, my blood pressure has gone up over the last couple of days whilst I have been writing the current chapter, it’s all very nerve-racking…..

I love to start the day with a delicious cafe latte and watch the world go by at  Laura’s bar/allimentare in Fiano, it sets me up for the day.  Sig Rotund has been missing for a couple of weeks and we have discovered that he is convalescing at home after an operation.   We wish him well and will keep the sporting pages warm for him.  I went to Laura’s at seven o’clock this morning for coffee, as I had dropped my man off at Certaldo station to get the early train to Pisa airport.  Laura had already been ‘a piede’ (on her feet) for four hours.  She opens at six in the morning, but arrives much earlier for the bread and pastry deliveries.  At seven, the customers are very different to the nine o’clock crowd.  It is busier with workers who start early and the mothers with older children who will be taking the school buses to media school.  School generally starts between eight and eight thirty.  We have a primary school in Fiano which takes children up to age ten, otherwise, they are bussed to various towns at least a half hour away.

he all important wood fire and aperitivo. Photo J Finnigan

The all important wood fire and aperitivo.
Photo J Finnigan

As I write this blog, thunder is rolling and lightning is flashing across the hills.  This means that the electricity might go at any minute, which is usual here, and I should save everything and go off-line.  I’ll update you on the gorgeous Silvio Berlusconi next time!  In the meantime I shall look forward to the log fire and aperitivo this evening.

Have a great week and do drop me a line at june.finnigan@virgin.net, or leave me a message below.  I will respond!

Salute June x

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

 

 

 

 

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Day of the Dead, Autumn, Man and Cat, Log Fires and the Seaside in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 3, 2014| 3 Comments »

Benvenuti to all my Lovely Loyal and New Followers

Only in Italy will you find half the population celebrating the dead, visiting the cemetries, cars parked for miles down the road and then dressing up to look like them in the evening.  Failing that, it’s an excuse to have a two-day festa and dress in amazing costumes, sometimes not even related to Halloween!  The fancy dress themes ranged from animals to cartoon characters.  The lovely Benedetta from Fiano has promised to let me have pictures of her own costume to show you.  So watch this space.

Autmn colour in the vineyards below the villa Photo P Finnigan

Autumn colour in the vineyards below the villa
Photo P Finnigan

2014-11-02 12.33.04

The man and Farty Barty do the crossword. Photo J Finnigan

Back in the land of the sane, well almost, we have finally accepted that Autumn is here.  The countryside is looking glorious, however, there is no denying that, now the last olives have been picked, it is time to start tucking in with the log fire and warmed Chianti.  Despite this, the lunchtimes are still proving to be lovely and sunny.  Grab a warm spot out of the wind and it’s really nice.  Yesterday, the man and Farty Barty the cat spread themselves across the outside table and enjoyed doing a crossword together, which they had earlier found amongst old newspapers put aside for the fire.  Meanwhile I managed another chapter of ‘The Bolivian Connection’ and so Sunday turned out to be a very good day indeed.

Soaking up the sea air. Photo P Finnigan

Soaking up the sun and sea air.
Photo P Finnigan

Last Thursday we took the day off and drove down to the coast and Castiglione della Pescaia.  We usually try to go down in October when the tourists have gone, yet is still nice enough to stroll in the gorgeous yellow sand and around the beautiful harbour.  We had lunch in a tried and tested restaurant, however, next time we’ll take a picnic and sit on the beach.  There were several very brown people still sunbathing as we walked past in our winter jackets!  Die hards…  I spent my childhood on the beach at Exmouth in Devon and have always been drawn to the sea.  There’s something about the ocean, the smell of the clear water and the swaying seaweed just below the surface.  The low Autumn sun made it difficult to get any really good pictures of the beach, which was a lovely fine yellow sand, so perhaps we’ll go at the end of September next time.  But it was lovely.  I would love to hear from any of you who live on the Tuscan coast.  We adore Chianti, however, if we could be persuaded to a region near the coast that offers similar rolling hills, vineyards and olives, and not too touristy, we may be tempted.

The charismatic Silvio Berlusconi

The charismatic Silvio Berlusconi

Meanwhile, back in the land of the super rich, Silvio Berlusconi reigns supreme at AC Milan.  Having sold Mario Balotelli to Liverpool, describing him as a bad apple, he watched his side lose 2-0 to Palermo.  He told his players to stop playing like the Liverpool striker and get themselves inside the box.  Meanwhile, SB is doing his best to be constantly ‘on’ the box.  “Love me, love my club!”

Well, enough of that.  It’s probably the last day to enjoy lunch in the garden this week, as rain is forecast for the next few days.  So, time to prepare lunch, then soak up some much-needed vitamin D with an aperitivo.

Have a really good week and see you next time.

Salute June x

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

 

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Halloween, An English Virus, Courgette Flowers and Olive Picking, in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 28, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my Loyal and New Followers

Benedetta, at Laura’s Bar/Alimentare in our local village of Fiano, is very excited about her preparations for Halloween.  Every year, she and her husband go to a street festa near Empoli dressed in Halloween costumes.  This year the theme is birds and animals;  Benadetta is going as an ornimental chicken, you know the one with a big feathery white ball on top of its head!  She will have professional looking face makeup on and has promised to send me pictures so that you can all see what she will look like on Friday!

After coffee in the bar, my man and I were sat in Doctore Flavio’s waiting room and the conversation was all about the lack of police presence in the village.  The row of ladies opposite us were very worried, because the nearest police station was in Certaldo, twenty minutes away.   Fiano is not exactly a sleepy village, however, it is not large enough to have its own police station.  It does boast two bars, two grocery shops, a butchers, chemist, haberdashery/bookshop, pizzeria, cash point (the bank closed years ago) and a post office.  So the need for at least one officer  was agreed, what with all the strange immigrants about.  They went quiet then and looked at us.  I suggested to my man that I could cheer them up with a rock song, but he held me down in my chair and whispered firmly, “No!”

We were visiting our good friend and doctor, who prefers to talk about rock music than medical matters, because my man has not been able to shake off a virus brought back from England a couple of weeks ago.  Either that, or he had picked up another one.  On the drive into Fiano earlier he had complained that if the weather had to be cold, it would be much more fun if there was snow on the ground, so that he could try out the four-wheel drive to greater effect.  I said that it was not that cold and the sun was still hot, in fact warm enough to have lunch in the garden.  “I think it freezing.” He groaned.  “We may have to light a fire this evening and get the winter quilts out.”  His face was very long.

Courgette flowers in the Saturday Market in Certaldo. Photo J Finnigan

Courgette flowers in the Saturday Market in Certaldo.
Photo J Finnigan

Meanwhile, down in Certaldo’s Saturday market I spotted this lovely sunny basket of courgette flowers, a popular dish here in Tuscany, either in deep-fried batter or in risottos.

Pingpong neighbours catching olives

Our neighbours catch the olives on a difficult corner.       Photo J Finnigan

Back in the countryside, the olive picking has been in full swing all week.  Green, white and orange nets have been spread out under the trees and the harvesters raised voices could be heard trying to out do each other in volume.  To the uninitiated, it often sounds as if the Italians are arguing.  They are in fact all talking at the same time and getting louder as the conversation evolves, trying to  be heard over and above their neighbour.  Try as I may, despite being here for a number of years, I cannot understand how the Italians manage to actually hear each other, but they do, and they never stop to breathe!  It’s also fascinating how the subject is almost always about food.  Anyway, we are looking forward to some Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the trees below the villa.  Mmmmm!

Silvio in the news. Photo J Finnigan

Silvio in the news.
Photo J Finnigan

Oh yes, I promised you an update on Silvio Berlusconi.  Last week I mentioned that I was reading his biography.  Well, I have to say that I was very disappointed in the writer’s effort and it was obvious he had just pulled out information already existing in various newspapers and Wikipedia.  However, Silvio has been having a better week regarding media coverage and was even interviewed on Chanel Five!  You may already know that he is still the leader of the political party, Forza Italia and has been having some arguments with the Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.  A big surprise to us all is that SB is currently promoting the legalisation of Civil Unions between gays, but not same-sex marriages.  He is holding up Germany as a model for his plan.  It wasn’t so long ago that he was quoted as saying “Better to be passionate about a beautiful girl than to be gay.”

Well, enough of that.  I must crack on with the day job for the next few days and then a long weekend  writing ‘The Bolivian Connection.’

I hope you are having a stunning week and do drop me a line.

Salute June x

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A Fat Cat, Olives, White Truffles, Alice Cooper and Autumn in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 13, 2014| 1 Comment »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

Farty Barty guards the villa on top of the trellis over the Orange Trees. Photo J Finnigan

Farty Barty guards the villa on top of the trellis over the Orange Trees.
Photo J Finnigan

We can’t help but notice how fat and lethargic Farty Barty the cat has become.  But when we think back over the years, and as Autumn takes over, he does start to lay on the fat layers and thickens his fur.  He is also building his energy to service the girlies come January and February.  In case you were not aware, Barty is half-wild.  He will sometimes disappear for up to five days, then return starving and exhausted, lying around the garden and kitchen recuperating.  The mind boggles as to what he gets up to.

Back in the countryside, the grape harvest is winding down and the ground around the olive trees is being cleared for the olive picking.  Whilst the grape harvest has been good, we are not expecting such an abundant olive crop.  Sadley, insect infestation  and desease has been a problem, so the price of Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil is likely to be much higher this year.  Thinking about that unique taste makes my mouth water, particularly on Fettunta, that is day old bread toasted, rubbed with garlic and drizzled with oil.  Mmmmm.

It’s also the time of year to enjoy white truffles (tartufo bianco).  We had Tagliatelle con Tartufo for lunch at ‘C’era Una Volta’ yesterday, expensive, but worth every cent.   If you haven’t tasted Tartufo in Italy, you really must!  Two americans joined us, having just arrived for ten days, and we enjoyed a lively discussion.  Ginger, if you are reading this, do get on and write that book and have a great holiday.

Alice Cooper. Photo - Alice Cooper official photo gallery

Alice Cooper.
Photo – Alice Cooper official photo gallery

My man went to London for a few days last week and I spent one evening playing loud music including some Alice Cooper.  Don’t ever ask me to watch his stage act, however, I really like ‘Poison’ which I have added to my repertoire for next year’s concert.  Our good friend and doctor Flavio, suggested that I also do ‘Bed of Nails’, so I’ll check this out.  When I mentioned to a friend that I was going to do an Alice Cooper, she said “Oh, that won’t be too difficult for you June!” Did she mean the song or the image?  she had gone before I had time to think about what she had said……

After my man returned from a successful trip to London, he was finding the Italian attitude irritating.  Now don’t get me wrong, but I do understand how he feels sometimes, particularly the parking on pavements, walking the roads with their dogs on the outside, letting their small children run loose in a busy car park etc  Obviously, this doesn’t apply to all Italians, but every day we get a little annoyed at something.

Autumn on the upper Terrace. Photo J Finnigan

Autumn on the upper Terrace.
Photo J Finnigan

However, life eeez good, life eeez now.  We celebrated yet another anniversary at the weekend, and I have to say, celebrating here in Tuscany with that view and a lovely glass of prosecco would be difficult to beat anywhere else.  The garden is still beautiful with the bouganvillea in full bloom and all the rich autumn colours are beginning to creep through.

Well, I must crack on with the day job and look forward to speaking with you next time.  Have a great week.

Do drop me a line.

Amore June x

ps If you have read ‘My Father, The Assassin’, I would love it if you could pop back to Amazon and leave a review.  Thank you lovely readers.

 

 

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