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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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Cats, Chocolate, Six Nations and Spring in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 23, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

Our granddaughter feeds the church cats. Photo P Finnigan

Our granddaughter feeds the church cats.
Photo P Finnigan

We had a nice surprise last Friday, when we were asked to have our granddaughter for the night on account of her parents going out to a test dinner at Borgo San Pietro, which has a new A la carte chef.  Meanwhile, we had beans on cheese on toast and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Yes, we can get baked beans locally, not the Heinz variety, but as good as.  Before supper, Granddad walked our lovely granddaughter up to the church, which is sadly out of use, but has a big family of cats.  They took cat biscuits and were not too surprised to find a number of Farty Barty look alikes.  Farty Barty, for those that haven’t been introduced, is our resident wild male cat.  We are the family he has adopted to feed him when he choses to call in, and provide a cosy kitchen chair and indoor toilet if its raining.  After supper we were cosied up on the sofa and the granddaughter said, “Granny, do you have your tablet?” “I only take one in the morning now.” I smiled.  “No June, she means Ipad.” My man explained.  “There’s nothing wrong with my eyes!” I said, somewhat surprised.  “No Granny, you know, your electronic Ipad.”  “Oh, you mean my Kindle.  It’s next to the bed where I keep my tablets.”  They both roared out laughing.  What is it with this world, bring back the Queen’s English I say.

Mmmmm, Festa time for chocolate lovers. Photo J Finnigan

Mmmmm, Festa time for chocolate lovers.
Photo J Finnigan

Back at Laura’s cafe bar/alimentare, we are enjoying morning coffee and reading the papers, as one does.  A week ago Tuscany was enjoying La Festa del Cioccolato.  Yes, you’ve guessed it the festival of chocolate.  Such is the enthusiasm for the sweet that Siena filled the Piazza del Campo with hundreds of stands selling variations of the theme and a train carriage travelled across the area stopping at stations where chocolate fans could board for a shopping extravaganza!

The terrible match for Italy against Wales. Photo J Finnigan

The terrible match for Italy against Wales.
Photo J Finnigan

Meanwhile, the Six Nations Rugby was gripping the country, well at least part of it.  Calcio (football) is the most popular game in Italy.  If we were not cheering on Italy we were rooting for England, the former sadly ending up fifth after the final matches on Saturday.  The score for Italy versus Wales was terrible at 61 to 20!  ‘La disfatta means ‘The rout’ and it certainly was.  We desperately need some investment into the facilities and support for the game in Italy.

But now for some good news.  Spring is springing.  Lovely blue skies, trees in blossom, spring flowers everywhere and, we will be taking off all the protective covers in just a few days time.

A beautiful blue sky spring morning. Photo P Finnigan

A beautiful blue sky spring morning.
Photo P Finnigan

I’m really looking forward to my beautiful sister-in-law’s arrival on Wednesday, as she is coming over from England to do all the spring pots.  By the weekend the terraces will look wonderful, so I will send you some pictures next time.  The other thing she has offered to do is catalogue my huge collection of steam train books and videos.  I inherited these from my great-uncle as he was a great steam enthusiast, like me.  However, It is time to think about letting these go to another enthusiast, otherwise they will just stay in boxes for another ten years.  I’ll let you know when the list is complete and if you have anyone who might like to make an offer for them, drop me a line at june.finnigan@virgin.net.

No time to report on Silvio B this time, but watch this space.

OK, I must crack on with the day job, after I’ve been out for my morning coffee that is.

Have a really great week.

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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Another Earthquake, A Tempesta, Mimosa for Laura and My Books in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on March 7, 2015| 6 Comments »

Benvenuti to all my Lovely Loyal and New Followers

“It’s nearly two o’clock in the morning, shall we go back into the villa now?”  My man was looking at me with concern on his face, after my shaky reaction to the second part of the earthquake, which had happened an hour previously.  “I, I think so.”  I stammered.  “I followed you out to the car in a dream like state.  It was the nightmare I had before the worst part of the earthquake hit, which really shook me up!”  My man held my hand again.  “I thought it might be better for your state of mind if we came and sat in the car away from any falling masonry.”  He is such a lovely man, I would follow him anywhere.  So we returned to the villa on that strange Tuesday night and were relieved to find only tiny bits of masonry on the landing that had fallen out from between the ceiling tiles.

One of many trees blown down during the Tempesta. Il Terreno newspaper.

One of many trees blown down during the Tempesta.
Il Terreno newspaper.

A church loses its steeple. La Nazione newspaper.

A church loses its steeple.
La Nazione newspaper.

Then the following night, the tempest hit.  Horrible strong cold winds that roared through the trees and rattled the shutters.  Then the pouring rain.  By now you have probably forgotten that we live in the land of wine and olive oil.  The following morning we drive to Fiano for coffee and small tree is fallen across the track, which is too difficult to move.  So my man breaks off the top brittle branches, pops them in the boot for kindling and drives around it.  Then just before the main road, a huge old famiglia tree, which has blown down next to a small house and landing on the owners workshop, is surrounded by the locals who are deciding how best to deal with it.  My man and I make concerned faces as we gaze out the window, but we are waved on by one of the men and we just squeeze by.  At Laura’s bar/alimentare, the talk is all about the weather.  Lots more trees are down and I read in the paper that a steeple blew off the top of a church tower just a few miles away!  However,  back at the villa, we managed to squeeze into a sunny corner of our lower terrace for a pre-lunch aperitivo, despite the high wind warnings.  We are a couple of die-hards for sitting outside.  Then to our horror, after lunch we discovered a big bird’s empty nest and some branches on the ground, exactly where we had been sitting an hour earlier!

Lovely laura with her gift of Mimosa from our garden. A little thank you to a hard working lady. Photo J Finnigan.

Lovely laura with her gift of Mimosa from our garden. A little thank you to a hard working lady.
Photo J Finnigan.

As I write this blog on Saturday morning, the wind is still cold and strong, but, thank god, the sun is shining.  We took Laura a nice bunch of Mimosa this morning as she will be closed tomorrow which is Festa della Donna.  We were sad to hear from a lovely local lady, that it was eleven years ago today that her husband died.  One feels the emotion of the local people at times like this.  So we tried to cheer her up with some silly talk about English weather and she went away smiling.

But some good news!  Both the second edition of ‘My Father, The Assassin’ and my new book ‘The Bolivian Connection’ have had their final proofing, and hard copies are winging their way from the States for my final approval.  So, with a bit of luck, both will be available on Amazon in the next week or so!  I’ll let you know of course.

Well, must go down and see what my man has been up to in the garden.  I can hear scraping and brushing, so no doubt he is taking advantage of the dry weather, despite the cold wind.  Burrrrrrr.

Have a great week and don’t forget to drop me a line.

Amore June x

Book cover for 'The Bolivian Connection'

Book cover for ‘The Bolivian Connection’ – available soon.

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Hot Sun and Cold Air, Festa della Donna and Impressionist Painting in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on March 1, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

End of February sunshine on the upper terrace. Photo J Finnigan

End of February sunshine on the upper terrace.
Photo J Finnigan

“Gosh its lovely and warm here.”  My man had stepped off the train in Certaldo and he enthused at the nine degrees we were enjoying here in Tuscany, having spent the previous few days in London.  To me it was cold, however, in reality I had enjoyed half an hour earlier that day, sitting in the upper terrace in straw hat and sunglasses, during a short period of windless sunshine.  Granted, I had my jacket on at the same time, as immediately a cloud pops over the sun, the temperature drops dramatically.  But yes, it’s a little reminder as to one of the many reasons we choose to live in this part of the world.

Our Mimosa tree in full bloom. Photo J Finnigan

Our Mimosa tree in full bloom.
Photo J Finnigan

I am posting a picture of our Mimosa tree which is now in full blossom.  Yes I know, I mentioned this lovely blossom last week, however, I wanted you to see the full tree now, because it is in danger of being reduced to nothing by a certain local contadini (countryman) and others, on or just before the 8th March, which is Festa della Donna.  You may recall that the blossoms are sought after for gifting to one’s beloved female family members, not just mothers, and there is a shortage of trees in the area.  I am not being stingy, but I do like to be asked if we can spare some blossoms.  A couple of years ago we came home from coffee to find half the tree missing!  I blamed a suspicious looking lady who was outside the church earlier that day, but it turned out to be someone we know well, who claimed to have knocked on our door first and we were out, so he thought it would be alright if he went into our garden with his secateurs!  On the day, I look forward to cutting a few blooms myself and gifting them to a number of lovely local ladies who deserve it.

Boat on the Exmouth Estuary by Mark Loman. Photo J Finnigan

Boat on the Exmouth Estuary by Mark Loman.
Photo J Finnigan

On to lighter things.  Last Tuesday, a new beautiful framed print arrived in the post from England.  I entered an auction to win one of Mark Loman’s limited edition prints, in aid a of a little English boy who is physically and mentally disabled, and I won!  http://www.markloman.co.uk

Article in morning paper about Remo Vangi the artist. Photo J Finnigan

Article in morning paper about Remo Vangi the artist.
Photo J Finnigan

Then this morning I saw an article about Remo Vangi, a Tuscan artist, and fell completely in love with the pictures of his paintings.  I am very keen on Impressionist painting, and these were particularly lovely.  So I looked up his blog site at http://www.removangi.wordpress.com and am now following it.  It seems he exhibits all over the world, and its the first I have heard of him.

I have been a little quiet about our gorgeous Silvio Berlusconi lately, sorry about that.  I must go and look up his latest exploits, so forgive me if I pause here for ten minutes or so.  OK I’m back.  Well, our Peter Pan of politics, age seventy-eight, is currently worth $7.4 Billion which is an increase of 0.2% since yesterday.  Once one is filthy rich it is impossible to avoid getting richer by the day.  It seems that his divorce from Veronica Lario has been finalised and he is now expected to marry his overage girlfriend Francesca Pascale.  She is twenty-eight now, so is getting on a bit and I am sure that SB will not want to be seen to marry a girl over thirty, so he had better get a move on!

But enough of that.  My tummy is rumbling and it is Saturday, so I had better go and cook lunch.  I always manage to take my man out to lunch on a Sunday, but today would be pushing it I think.

Have a great week and do drop me a line.  Watch this space for the announcement of the publication of my latest novel ‘The Bolivian Connection’.  Oh Yes, I must slip in the news that Italy just beat Scotland in the Rugby Six Nations, hurrah, my man is a very happy rabbit!

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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Mimosa Blossom, Sanremo, Calcio and the Six Nations in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 22, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my Loyal and New Followers

The first Mimosa blossom in the garden. Photo J Finnigan

The first Mimosa blossom in the garden.
Photo J Finnigan

Returning from coffee in Fiano this morning, I ambled through the garden breathing in the air and absorbing the smell of spring just below the surface.  Whilst the winter countryside and garden here in Tuscany is still very beautiful, thanks to the evergreen trees including the silver green of the olive, we still long for spring and the uplift of the mind that goes with it.  Then I saw the bright flash of yellow and, hurrah, the Mimosa tree has opened its first fluffy blossoms.  So it will be only a matter of days before its heady perfume will be filling the air!

The hugely popular and charismatic TV personality Carlo Conti joins me for coffee. Photo J Finnigan

The hugely popular and charismatic TV personality Carlo Conti joins me for coffee.
Photo J Finnigan

Many of you will be aware that the 65th Festival della Canzone Italia has been going on in Sanremo, hosted by the very popular Carlo Conti.  This is where the great and the good Italian singers go to celebrate, yes you got it, singing.  There is massive coverage on television and the bar is full of talk about who they liked best the previous night.  We do not have SKY where we are, and are limited to some local stations, BBC World, Bloomberg and a few obscure ones.  So unfortunately, or depending on your point of view fortunately, we did not watch it.  In my humble view, there are some very good Italian singers of popular music and a little rock, but there are also some awful ones that are amazingly popular and can be heard constantly on the radio.  Radios are always playing in bars, hairdressers, dentists…  Oh dio, why did I have to mention the dentist again!  (I have one more visit to go, you see, so think of me on Tuesday!)  Fortunately, the Italians also love English and American music, so there is a lot of that too.

On the subject of music, I have finally finished typing out the lyrics for my next rock concert.  They need to be in bold and size 18, no the font size silly, so that I can see it without my glasses at night.  Whilst mentioning this, if you are not already on my invite list and can make it to Tuscany on June 20, do send your email address to june.finnigan@virgin.net.

The adoration of Calcio. Photo J Finnigan

The adoration of Calcio.
Photo J Finnigan

No doubt you are aware that the football (calcio) season is in full swing and the Italians are crazy for it.  In our area the main team to follow is Florence (Fiorentina) whose colour is purple.  I wear this colour a lot, because I like it and it suits me.  I am often being congratulated for supporting the team!

Ireland demolish Italy in the first round of the Six Nations. Photo J Finnigan

Ireland demolish Italy in the first round of the Six Nations.
Photo J Finnigan

From our point of view, we are a great rugby family, coverage of the Six Nations Rugby last weekend, by the Italian sports channel, was a very pleasant surprise.  As you can imagine, my man was a very happy rabbit indeed.  Our grandson, who started at an English boarding school last term, for the sole purpose of following his dream of becoming a professional player, is also delighted to be able to watch it here in Italy during his half term.  Sadly, Italy has a long way to go to be up to the standard of the other five teams, but time will tell.  A big investment is needed in Italian Rugby for it to really become competitive.

But life eeez good here in our lovely bit of the Chianti hills.  Farty Barty the cat seems to have returned to normal after a rush of dating, as is his wont this time of year.  I heard a Hoopee calling yesterday, the sun is now shining and by next weekend both my current novels should be ready for publication.

Well, time to get on with making myself beautiful as my man and I are off to C’era una Volta for lunch.

Thanks again for the follow and do drop me a line.

Molto 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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A New Baby, Hot Chianti Wine and San Valentino in Beautiful Tuscany

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

Benvenuti to all my Loyal and New Followers

I really missed you all last week, my being down with toothache and feeling sorry for myself.  Unfortunately, the brain felt like it was under water, which made it impossible to think, leave alone write!  But don’t you worry, I’m back and I will go to the ball!

Young Benedetta has been missing quite a lot from Laura’s bar in Fiano.  Then last week Laura told me that her lovely daughter was pregnant!  That then explained the rather strained look on Benedetta’s face when she was occasionally behind the bar!  But all appears to be well!  We can now safely congratulate her and her very nice husband!  It’s good to feel part of a family here, simply by being a regular coffee customer.  In time one gets to know all the locals and to hear about all the family issues and news.  We have been welcomed and made to feel part of a big family in Fiano.

Hot Chianti wine in the sunshine. Photo J Finnigan

Hot Chianti wine in the sunshine.
Photo J Finnigan

The view last Wednesday, having moved into the shade with my hot Chianti. Photo J Finnigan

The view last Wednesday, having moved into the shade with my hot Chianti.
Photo J Finnigan

Now, I will not labour (excuse the play on words) on my feeling sorry for my self, however, I would like to mention that last Wednesday I was feeling pretty low.  I felt the need for a strong drink as my throat had also become sore.  As luck would have it, the sun was shining and the wind had dropped, so I was able to go outside with a hot glass of Chianti wine.  Hot you say?  Well, please don’t tell anyone else, particularly Claudio who supplies our wine, but I will confess to putting my glass of vino in the microwave for thirty seconds.  I know, ‘Sacrilege’ you are all shouting, and you are quite right, but Flavio my lovely doctor said this morning, that wine cures everything and I believe him!  So, that Wednesday I had two large heated glassfuls and had to move into the shade as the sun had become too hot.  Or was it the wine raising my temperature?  Non lo so.

Now, I felt much better on Friday when I went to meet my man at Certaldo station.  He had travelled back from England with our fourteen year old grandson who is back for half-term.  So my beautiful daughter and granddaughter were also there to greet them and we had a nice glass or two in the station bar.

Valentino Rossi, Italy's very popular motorbike champion. He is normally found wearing leather. Phot J Finnigan

Valentino Rossi, Italy’s very popular motorbike champion. He is normally found wearing leather.
Photo J Finnigan

Of course the next day was San Valentino and whilst my man is always very romantic, we do prefer to be low profile on the day.  The younger Italians are very keen to celebrate San Valentino and on Sunday, when we went out for lunch at Ristorante ‘C’era una Volta,’ Paolo was delighted to tell us that he had twenty-three customers for dinner the previous night.  This was an odd number, I thought, but it turned out that the odd one was a baby with a young couple.

Popping back to the previous Friday morning, Laura was promoting San Valentino with some chocolaty fancy wrapped gifts.  However, the bent-over old boy she was talking to was shaking his head, “No, mi non piace’ he grumbled.  So I smiled and said, in Italian, ‘Do you not celebrate Amore anymore?’  His face brightened and he said ‘How about you and me?’  Serves me right of course.

A big article in the newspaer about the last King of Italy. Photo J Finnigan

A big article in the newspaper about the last King of Italy.
Photo J Finnigan

I did manage to get out for coffee every day last week and the newspapers and magazines were full of San Valentino.  I also noticed that there is a celebration going on about the King of Italy who I think was dethroned by Mussolini earlier last century.  Please put me right if you know otherwise.  I must read up a bit more about this and perhaps visit some of the exhibitions in Florence (Firenze) that are commemorating this poor man.

OK.  I am off to do some lunch.  Do drop me a line, and watch this space for news on the publication of the second edition of ‘My Father, The Assassin’ and of course my latest book ‘the Bolivian Connection.’

Salute June x

PS Meanwhile, 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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Boxes, Politicians in Knickers, Pistoia Blues Festival and Cannabis in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 1, 2015| 2 Comments »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

“So what are all these boxes left in the study, do you know what’s in them?”  I ask my man.  “No idea.”  He replies, trying to look convincing.  Last Thursday two IKEA men arrived with some long-awaited storage, so we could finally unpack boxes of clothes and other things and put them away.  Now, we have moved house rather a lot over the years and some of these boxes have not been opened for ten years or more.  “I bet you’ve got your 70’s cheesecloth shirts and your Miami Vice trousers in one of these boxes!”  I say.  “Humph, possibly.”  He mumbles.  “Well, I’m sure at least half of what you have could go up to the big clothes collection box in the Piazza.”  I smile encouragingly.  “I might want to wear them again one day.”  He argues.  “I just need to lose a bit of weight, so there’s no point in unpacking it all, as we’ll only have to pack it again when we next move….” He goes all big eyes and I melt.  O Dio…

Silvio and friends at Viareggio Carnivale. Il Torreno Newspaper.

Silvio and friends at Viareggio Carnivale.
Il Torreno Newspaper.

Back at Laura’s bar/alimentare in Fiano, my man and I are enjoying our morning coffee and reading the newspapers, as Sig Rotund, who cheekily tries to hide them from us, has not arrived yet.  There are some fun pictures of the famous Viareggio Carnival, and I just love this one of Silvio Berlusconi and other politicians in knickers and bras.  Just think, can you imagine this kind of Micky taking in some of the arab countries!  Here in Italy anything goes, thank god.  Whoops, are we allowed to use the lord’s name in vain these days?  And should I write lord with a capital L?  “Jesus Christ” I groan aloud.

Then underneath I read that the fabulous band Dream Theater are performing at the Pistoia Blues Festival near Florence.  I had every intention of going, but by the time I remembered, the tickets had all been sold.  Blast it.  Anyway, I will be performing their great song ‘Wither’ in my next concert;  I’m really looking forward to that.

Cannabis arrives! Il Terrano newspaper

Cannabis arrives!
Il Terrano newspaper

I should mention, that earlier in the week the newspaper reported that Cannabis will be available on prescription in March.  No, no, not the pot smoking version, although I do have some fond memories about that.  This will likely be herbal medicines on prescription, which will be fantastic because it is now the only thing that might ease my aching joints, my being allergic to pain killers.  Chianti wine helps, but it doesn’t quite hit the spot, just takes the mind off things…..

Then my man reads out that yesterday, Saturday, the car hire staff at Pisa Airport all went on strike, blocking the road and causing chaos.  “That’s what comes of one company like Europcar, buying up the other car hire firms and having the monopoly.”  I say.  “So if Europcar strikes, all the others do too!”

Back at my computer, I have been doing a final edit for the second edition of ‘My Father, The Assassin’, which will be published at the same time as my latest follow-up novel ‘The Bolivian Connection.’  The idea is to change the size of the book and cover, to match the more popular dimensions of around 5″x 7.3″ and, of course, to update my biography on the back cover.  You never know, if you have a first edition of ‘My Father, The Assassin’… it may become a collector’s piece!  It’s currently still available, see below!

Silvio looking very depressed. Photo Reuters

Silvio looking very depressed.
Photo Reuters

Meanwhile, I hear that our friend Silvio Berlusconi is still in the news.  That is, apart from the carnival picture above.  He is very unhappy that Prime Minister Renzi nominated Sergio Mattarella, a former Senior Judge, for the important position of Italy’s President.  Silvio does not like judges.  One has to remember, that whilst the President has a mostly ceremonial role, as Head of State he does has the power to dissolve parliament, call elections and pick prime ministers.  This nomination has caused a rift between Silvio and Renzi, however, I have just had news that Sig Mattarella has now been crowned.  So poor Silvio will have to eat dust for the time being.

Well, enough for now, must get on with the workload and finish the editing.  Have a 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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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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