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Posts Tagged ‘The Rock Chick Band’

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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Olive Branches, Italian Men, Flowering Pots and Chocolate Eggs in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 30, 2015| 3 Comments »

Benvenuti to all my Loyal and New Followers

Montespertoli ladies with olive branches. Photo P Finnigan

Montespertoli ladies with olive branches.
Photo P Finnigan

So there we were, in Montespertoli for the first time in six months, enjoying an aperitivo in the piazza in glorious sunshine and watching the world go by.  Then the churchgoers started to parade past us and we realised that it must be Palm Sunday, because everyone was carrying an olive branch.  Either that, or there had been a mass raid of the local olive groves to take cuttings for new planting.  Well of course it was the former, however, I have to say that a number of olive groves have been devastated by bugs and have been dug up and burnt.  So it would not surprise me if some of these branches were not taken home and stuck into rooting compost.

Coffee with Perofil Man. Phot J Finnigan

Coffee with Perofil Man.
Photo J Finnigan

I know that a lot of you girlies out there are keen on Italian men, so when I saw this picture in a magazine in the bar, I thought I would share it with you.  There is nothing like sharing my morning coffee with a hunky Armani man (of course my own Englishman is just as gorgeous), but then I saw this Perofil man and knew you would love it.  However, unless you find very good vintage, I think it is important for you to realise that Italian men do deteriorate over the years.  However, whilst the old boys may lose their looks, they never lose their charm!

Now it has been a busy week, what with my lovely sister-in-law ( mia cognata) arriving to do the spring pots and therefore a visit to the garden centre in Poggibonsi was necessary.  Wednesday and Thursday were damp and miserable, so the planting on the terraces only really got going on the Friday.  So mia cognata and I were forced to go out to lunch at C’era Una Volta, or Paolo’s, as we affectionately call the restaurant.  Paolo has been making his yummy leek and potato soup, especially as he knows how much I like it.  We also went back on Friday evening when my man returned from London.  He had arrived earlier at the station with our fourteen year old grandson, who is back from Blundells for a three-week Easter school holiday.  So we had a jolly gathering at the Jazz Caffe in Certaldo for cocktails, before the grandson went home with our daughter who lives near Volterra.

Saturday was hectic, with lunch at our daughter’s farmhouse,  then an evening with our lovely Bavarian friends and the Australian couple who had bought our old rented home across the valley at La Selva.  I won’t tell you the whole story, but due to the good company, wine and loud music, we ended up dancing around pretending to be Mick Jagger and various other guitar playing rockers.  I know, I can hear you saying, so what’s new!  Talking about rocking, I am being very good and exercising the voice every day, well most days!  Time is rushing by and my next Rock Concert will be here before we know it!  If you will be in Tuscany on the 20th June, and would like an invite, send your email address to june.finnigan@virgin.net.

Back in the garden, the flowering pots on the terrace were looking fabulous.  I expected to take some pictures in bright sunshine this morning, however, its clouded over again!  But despite that, the light has turned out to be quite good so here is a taste of the beautiful displays created by mia Cognata, who is such a star.  Meanwhile, back at caffè Bar Solferino in Certaldo, she enjoys a much deserved coffee in front of the amazing giant Easter eggs that are on display there.

Cluster of planted pots on the upper terrace. Photo J Finnigan

Cluster of planted pots on the upper terrace.
Photo J Finnigan

La Cognata at caffe Solferino in Certaldo with giant Easter Eggs. Photo J Finnigan

La Cognata at caffè Bar Solferino in Certaldo with giant Easter Eggs.
Photo J Finnigan

Fabulous colour on the upper terrace Phot J Finnigan

Fabulous colour on the upper terrace
Photo J Finnigan

 

Well, I really must get on with the final proof reading of ‘The Bolivian Connection’ as I know you are all itching to read it.  I have a couple of issues with the publisher, however, I expect to notify you of it being ready and on sale in the next couple of days.

Wishing you all a fabulous week from Tuscany.

Amore June x

Book cover for 'The Bolivian Connection' Available very soon.

Book cover for ‘The Bolivian Connection’
Available very soon.

 

 

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Three Lovely Girlies in Certaldo and Silvio is a Happy Man, in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 16, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

Catarina with mimosa at Caffe Bar Solfarino in Certaldo

Caterina with mimosa at Caffe Bar Solferino in Certaldo Photo J Finnigan

Now I promise that this will be the last time I mention Mimosa and Festa Della Donna this year, however, I just wanted to tell you about three lovely girlies in Certaldo.  These young ladies are very important to me and on Sunday 8th March, which was the actual Festa day, my man and I popped into Caffe Bar Solferino, at the top of the main piazza in Certaldo for our morning coffee.  We presented Caterina with a big piece of Mimosa from the tree in our garden, and she was delighted.  We go there for coffee most Wednesdays and Saturdays, however, we also popped in on the Sunday this time because Laura had closed her bar in Fiano for the day.  Caterina makes the most delicious caffè latte, the pastries are to die for and she always has a lovely smile on her face.

Sandra my lovely hairdresser at La Parrucchiera, Via Fabiani 1/D, Certaldo Tel 0039 3341217437

Sandra my lovely hairdresser at La Parrucchiera, Via Fabiani 1/D, Certaldo
Tel 0039 3341217437

Now last week I took time out for the hairdresser and beauty parlour.  Sandra, my beautiful hairdresser, who I can totally rely on to layer my hair exactly as I like it and to colour it a perfect shade of red.  I have been going to Sandra now for ten years and she still seems no older than twenty-one.  There are a lot of weddings in the summer months in Certaldo Alto, the historical centre up on the hill, and Sandra is already booked for two of them.  One wedding party is from London, UK!  She was in high spirits last Wednesday, telling me about my man’s description of his being filmed in London, and quoting ‘Shoes by Berlutti, suit by Armani and hair by Sandra!’  She just loved this.  Yes, my man had been filmed for a business venture, not for the next Bond film, so don’t get too excited!

My beautician, the lovely Irene at Esteticamente, via Trento 28/B, Certaldo. Tel 0039 057166087

My beautician, the lovely Irene at Esteticamente, via Trento 28/B, Certaldo. Tel 0039 057166087

Then there is the lovely Irene, who keeps my hands and feet in top condition at her beauty parlour.  My nails are currently a dark purply black as I like a sort of Rock Chick look, my being the rock chick in the Rock Chick Band of course.  Next week she’s going to give my face a good cleansing and revitalization.  When one is a minor celebrity its important to scrub up well, you just don’t know who might turn up with one of my books in their shoulder bag, wanting it signed!

On the subject of books we are very close to publishing ‘The Bolivian Connection.’  But do not visit Amazon until I make the announcement, as there is just a tiny bit of tweaking still going on.

Silvio's case is thrown out! Il Terreno newspaper.

Silvio’s case is thrown out!
Il Terreno newspaper.

Oh yes, some good news for the Prince of Politics, Silvio Berlusconi.  The courts have thrown out the case against him for having sex with an underage prostitute.  His followers are ecstatic and we are expecting SB to be re-entering politics!  There was a really good article written by Mark Duff for BBC News, where he mentioned his Italian in-laws who said about their forbear Aldo;  “Aldo – soft-hearted, honest, hard-working man that he was – could see the attraction of Mr Berlusconi.  You see, he had done what every Italian man of that generation dreamt of.  He had become rich, he had power; he was flash and funny – and he had women, lots of them.  More than that, he had got away with it. He was, as the Italians put it, “furbo” – cunning. You didn’t have to approve of him – but you couldn’t help admiring his chutzpah.”  I am also pleased, because, without the charisma of Silvio, the political news here in Italy is pretty dull and depressing.

But enough of that, let’s get on with a really cracking week and see you next weekend.

Salute June x

PS Available soon….

Book cover for 'The Bolivian Connection'

Book cover for ‘The Bolivian Connection’

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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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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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The Rock Chick Band, New Friends, House Guests, superb Food and Wine in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , on July 12, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my Loyal and New Followers

Well, here we go with all the news on the Rock Chick Band and two frenetic weeks of sheer fun and pleasure.

The Rock Chick Band Photo P Finnigan

The Rock Chick Band
Photo P Finnigan

It’s amazing to think that two weeks has rushed by since our fourth annual Rock Concert Garden party and already friends have booked the spare room for next year which will be on the 20th June 2015!  Needless to say, the band did a brilliant job again, and I feel so lucky to be backed by such talented musicians and all younger good-looking Italian guys!  Thank you too to Paola, who turned in a rocking performance on backing vocals.  We had a flood of new people, who seemed to know someone who knew someone else, or maybe they were gatecrashers, but we didn’t mind either way.  Crazy Americans dancing the Zombie, a North African in traditional clothes lusting after our lovely house guest (she won’t want to be reminded of that) and other dance moves that defied gravity!  Other rather more sedate guests positioned themselves on comfortable seats with a supply of wine, and clapped and stomped their feet, bless them.

The children's Beduin Tent Phot P Finnigan

The children’s Bedouin Tent
photo P Finnigan

We also had a little bedouin type tent for the little children to romp in.  So a good time was had by one and all.  Our nine-year old granddaughter did a sterling job of filming the whole concert on a camcorder, which is fun to watch, but not suitable for YouTube I’m afraid, as the sound quality is pretty poor.  My man and I managed a smooch during the instrumental of ‘Parisian Walkways’ which set my heart a flutter;  a few others were smooching too, I hope they also found amore that night.

The daughter and Grandaughter watch Granny performing. Phot P Finnigan

The daughter and Grandaughter with a camcorder, watch Granny performing.
Photo P Finnigan

I would like to say how much we enjoyed the company of our beautiful house guest from Hereford who is off to Rome this week.  We hope you find that gorgeous hunky Italian you are dreaming of!  And thank you to my man’s lovely sister who did a massive amount of pot planting in the garden prior to the concert. It still looks amazing, grazie mille x  Needless to say, things were so hectic that we were forced to make several visits to local restaurants for good food and wine, to keep our energy levels up.  Our fridge proved far too small for all the food we needed at home, so I am relieved to say that we now have a big new one called The Tardis.  Oh yes, not forgetting all the gifts I found later on the dining table;  grazie all you lovely people for being so generous.  Just a couple of mishaps to report; our lovely houseguest got an eye infection and needed a visit to our handsome friend and  doctor Flavio, and the sister took a tumble out on a walk, having not laced her walking boots up properly, and ended up in pronto secorso (emergency) for an X-ray.  But all was fine and nothing a nice glass of Chianti couldn’t cure.

Two beautiful girlies, The Houseguest and The Sister out on a hike. Photo P Finnigan

Two beautiful girlies, The Houseguest and The Sister out on a hike.
Photo P Finnigan

You may think that life after a Rock Concert Party must be pretty dull.  But not here in Tuscany, oh no…..  Back at Laura’s bar/alimentary in Fiano, the entertainment continues unabated.  People watching is such fun, what with all the tourists coming in and out.  Some English and American, but lots of Polish, French and German.  An Italian old boy, came up to me and bowed low, taking my hand.  “poor bloke,” said my man, “He’s probably got a bad back…”    Meanwhile, signore Rotund was exposing his generous belly as he cleaned his glasses on the edge of his T-shirt and at the local ristorante an English couple on the next table were planning their Tuscan wedding, so I gave them lots of pointers, as one does.  Also, the children are on holiday and this includes our grandchildren who will be coming to stay shortly; we always have a great time together.  Time to get the board games out again.

I’m not at all sure what the gorgeous Silvio Berlusconi has been doing over the last two weeks, I must check this out for next time.  I was rather disappointed that he did not show up at the Rock Concert, but hey ho…!

Well, I must go and organise an aperitivo.  The sun is shining after several days of stormy weather, so we must get out on the upper terrace and enjoy.

Do drop me a line and don’t forget to visit my author page at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan  I will be dedicating August to completing the first draft of ‘The Bolivian Connection’, so watch this space.

Have a great week.

Amore June x

PS I am awaiting the professional photos of the concert and will post these very soon!

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A Fantastic Rock Concert Garden Party in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , on July 8, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Ciao Amici

I know, you are anticipating a lengthy post all about our fantastic Rock Concert weekend, however, please forgive me for postponing this report until next weekend as I have only just got my internet connection back.  Our lovely visitors (they know who they are and we still love them) managed to zap a whole months Tim internet connection in one long weekend, so we will be better prepared next time!

The Rock Chick Band warming up Photo P Finnigan

The Rock Chick Band warming up
Photo P Finnigan

So here is a little taste and you can look forward to my full post next weekend.

Amore June xx

 

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Father’s Day, Rugby in the Piazza and a Convoy of Porches in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 16, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuto to all my New and Loyal Followers

Yesterday was Father’s Day and we set off for the local town of Tavernelle to meet our beautiful daughter and grandchildren for coffee and aperitivi.  They all looked wonderful, glowing with sunshine and olive oil skins.  It is my birthday on 23rd June and my daughter has booked my man and I in for lunch at the five-star restaurant in the Borga di San Pietro near Siena next weekend.  http://www.borgosanpietro.com  She is the Hotel’s PR and publicity agent and apparently we will be rubbing shoulders with even better known celebrities than ourselves!  This was a lovely surprise, thank you darling girl x.  Later over lunch my man, who is a well-travelled ex-military guy, and I raised a glass and he said “To family, whoever and wherever they are around the World!”  Don’t ask………

Aeron Smith New Zealand Photo Martin Hunter/Getty Images

Aeron Smith New Zealand
Photo Martin Hunter/Getty Images

My man was very excited to find that Caffe Solferino in the main piazza of Certaldo, has sky television and so we are able to watch England vs New Zealand rugby test matches on Saturday mornings.  However, with the onset of the football world cup, they have moved the TV wiring outside into the smoking area so the calcio mad Italians can watch it on a big screen at midnight!  Despite this, we can still watch the rugby even though it is a little too light outside to get the best picture in the mornings.

The countryside is incredibly noisy at present.  Tractors are constantly passing the villa, loads of tourists are cruising past to see the view and on Saturday we had a convoy of open top vintage porches, the passengers of which may not have appreciated the dusty track conditions that surround us in dry weather.  We are also near a blind bend, and rather than slow down the Italians take it wide and fast, tooting loudly just in case!  But we don’t care about that, life iz good, life iz now……  We have had some much-needed, if thundery, rain over the last few days which will dampen it down a bit, however, the forecast for my concert weekend on 28th June, is looking very good indeed – hurrah!

Grilled asparagus with parmesan from recipe book.

Grilled asparagus with parmesan from on-line recipe.

In Certaldo last Saturday, I picked up some lovely fresh slim asparagus which I shall roast or grill in olive oil.  Now, I know many of you are very good cooks, but I am not.  I only discovered a recipe recently which included grilling these lovely things, I was amazed and its so easy!  Easy is the operative word.  I am so busy working and writing that I never seem to find any time to do creative cooking.  I adore good food, but must admit, I prefer to let someone else do the cooking.  However, whilst my man is fantastic at everything else, he does not cook…..  So, I have to do it if randomly!  Many of you will know that buying locally grown fruit and veg in Tuscany is a wonderful thing.  Also, local cheeses, yummy.  So at least I can stock up on salads and easy cook veg.

I will update you on Silvio Berlusconi in two weeks time, as the next two weekends will be full of guests arriving and the Rock Concert Party.  So do forgive me if I only send you a brief note during this time.  I will be sending out concert invite reminders this weekend, so if you are in Tuscany on 28th and do not have an invite, drop me a line at june.finnigan@virgin.net – I need groupies!

Have a great week and its back to the office for me.

Salute June x

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Frenchmen Bearing Gifts, a Japanese Pizza Maker and Hot Sun in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 8, 2014| 2 Comments »

Ciao to all my Loyal and New Followers

A Gift from The Frenchmen Phot J Finnigan

A Gift from The Frenchmen
Photo J Finnigan

I can’t think why it happens, but every time my man goes to London, my doorbell rings and there are two men standing outside the gate wanting to talk to me.  I am very security conscious, that is why I hang out of the first floor bathroom window to check who’s calling.  Now, these two were not up to the standards of the Armani Men that visited a few weeks ago.  T-shirts and shorts with a desperate look on their faces.  Mmmm, I thought, who are these suspicious looking characters.  Then the slightly taller one spoke in French.  I am a terrible sucker for the French accent (look up Laurent Dupont in my novel ‘My Father, The Assassin’) and immediately my guard dropped.  But wait, careful girl, I told myself, ask if they speak English.  So I did, and one did but badly, however, hearing that Frenchman trying to speak English set my knees wobbling.  “We are staying next door in the condominium and we have overslept.  Now we will not get to Pisa airport on time!  There is no phone signal and we need to ring Ryanair.  Can we use your phone?”  So, I open the front door and decide to deal with the Frenchies through my locked security gate.  “Er, we have these boarding passes but there is no phone number, could you ring the airport?”  So, as one does, I go up to my desk  and look up the number for both Pisa airport and Ryanair, then go back down with my Samsung phone so they can make a call.  Aarrrgh, heavy raindrops start hitting us, so I reach inside the front door for the golf brolly and cover the three of us each side of the gate.  “Sacra blue” the taller one hands me the phone and a message is asking whether we want Italian or English, I plump for English.  Then a recorded message is asking all sorts of daft questions, so I realise if I am to help the Frenchies I must make a tactical decision.  Either I take them up to my computer which I have recently moved into the bedroom for the lovely view,  or I try to transfer their flights myself and it is all in French, or I ask if they have a computer with them.  If the latter I would need to give them my password for my internet connection!  They rush next door and come back in the pouring rain with a hand-held computer and I decide that giving them my password is the lesser of three evils.  The shorter one immediately gets a link and they jump for joy!  They say that they have wives and children next door who will be so happy.  I say yes, I have a printer so they can email me their new boarding passes.  So off they go, and I am left with a prong of the brolly wedged into the side of the gate in pouring rain.  Dammit, I curse, bloody Frenchies!  So I leap the gap from the brolly to the door and press the release for the security gate and the brolly is free, but my feet are soaking wet…..  Fifteen minutes later I am handing them the printed boarding passes, so all was well.  The following morning I open the front door and there hanging from the gate is a bag containing a bottle of wine, and a very good one too!  They do say you should never trust a Frenchman bearing gifts, however…………….

June's fitness regime.

June’s fitness regime.

As most of you will already know, it is the run up to my next Garden Party Rock Concert and I’m really delighted to know that I will be meeting some of you for the first time that evening.  Last week I got together with Stefano my lead guitarist and Paola my backing singer, to sort out the keys for the five new songs in the repertoire.  My man will be attaching a new stage light to one of our trees, so the lighting should be far better this time, and we are turning the frame of the winter pollytunnel into a rug-covered bedouin type tent full of cushions and teddy bears for the small children to have fun in.  Our concert parties are very Italian and all ages are welcome.  If you are in Tuscany on the 28th June and would like an invite email me at june.finnigan@virgin.net.  Meanwhile, I am having to get myself fit in both body and voice.  As regards the former, I thought you might like a copy of my fitness regime.

Meanwhile, back at Laura’s cafe bar/alimentare, my man and I are enjoying our morning coffee.  “It says here, that a 102 year old has recently been operated on by a seventy-five year old surgeon!”  My man shows me the picture in the Il Terrano newspaper.  “Gosh, did the old boy survive it?” I ask.  “Yes, they both did….” he replies.   I laugh; my man does come out with some corkers sometimes.  I say that I am really looking forward to his sister coming to stay and that we get on so well, “That’s because you share the same nemesis” he grins and returns to his paper.  Then a great gust of wind hits us from the open door as a big muscley blond guy walks in wearing a sleeveless T-shirt.  “Gosh, did you see that” my man whispers, “His knuckles weren’t exactly scraping the floor, but nigh on….”  I clench my lips and try to look normal.  Then our local Pizza Restuarant owner walks in with a Japanese student who is here to study the art of making the perfect Italian pizza.  He did not have a word of Italian or English, however, we understood that he is going to be opening a pizzeria in Japan.  The mind boggles….!

berlusconi

Silvio being interviewed by Jeremy Paxman Photo Washington Post

So what of our Adonis Silvio Berlusconi.  The world press seem to be losing interest, but not the Italians.  Consensus has it that if SB was legally allowed to be in government, he would have been re-elected by now.  Did you see the interview he had with Jeremy Paxman?  It seems that JP is retiring and he wanted to go out with a really good interview, so he chose Silvio!

JB – Do you have a particular problem with Angela Merkel and is it true you called her an un………lard-ass?

SB – No, I have never had any problems with Angela Merkel.  In twenty years of politics I have never insulted anyone!

Then later in the interview on Beppe Grillo….SB said “His behaviour reminds me of some of the most bloody and dangerous characters in history.  He has things in common with Robespierre, Stalin and Pol Pot!”

So, I get it, Silvio never insults anyone, he just states what he believes to be the truth.  Interesting……..

Well, enough of that and its time to organise aperitivi in our very hot and sunny upper terrace with my man.

Thanks again for reading and do drop me a line.  Also don’t forget to visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

Amore June x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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