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A Golden Bear, Andrea Iannone, Jimi Hendrix, Fashion and a Naked Cyclist in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 21, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

Gianfranco Rosi wins the Documentary Golden Bear award in Berlin. Il Nazione

Gianfranco Rosi wins the Documentary Golden Bear award in Berlin.
Il Nazione

Well, the Italians are a talented lot, particularly in the film world.  Over morning coffee today, I read that the Berlin Documentary Golden Bear Award has just been won by fifty two-year old Gianfranco Rosi for his brilliant documentary about the refugee crisis, called ‘Fire at Sea’ (Fuocoammare).  We applaud him and his team for the filming of the dreadful plight of thousands of terrified people seeking safety on ours’ and other southern Mediterranean shores.

Maniac Gentleman Andrea Iannone for you girlies. Sports magazine Il Nazione

Maniac Gentleman Andrea Iannone for you girlies.
Sports magazine Il Nazione

On a lighter note, and in the back of the sports magazine, I spotted a picture of Andrea Innanone, which will please the girlies.  Andrea is a Motorcycle Racer and I was very amused to read the description in English under the photo, which read ‘Daring Rider, Maniac Gentleman & Motor Cycle Racer.’  Well, they got the first and third comment right, but the mind boggles at what the Italian was, which translated into ‘Maniac Gentleman’?  We are often very amused at Italian translations into English, particularly in restaurant menus, and I know from experience that the Italians can be hugely entertained by our own attempts at translating English into Italian.  Sometimes, the whole caffè bar can erupt into raucous laughter after I have made a statement for all to hear, only to find that I have actually said something like ” Good Morning, What a lovely day for washing the goat.” Hey ho….

Jimi Hendrix joins us for coffee. Il Nazione

Jimi Hendrix joins us for coffee.
Il Nazione

Yesterday, we were joined for coffee by the late great Jimi Hendrix.  I’ve noticed that since poor David Bowie’s demise, the Italians are promoting a number of the iconic musicians and their music..  They do love aging rockers here, thank god, and tours by even the lesser bands from the 60’s and 70’s are sold out almost immediately!

Lovely Italian Fashion shot in glossy magazine.

Lovely Italian Fashion shot in glossy magazine.

On another subject, you may recall that I go regularly to my local hairdresser, Sandra, and that is the one time I get the chance to read the glossies.  I love this coverage of Italian fashion and wanted to share it with you.  This morning there was an unexpected market in Certaldo, which was oozing with handbags and scarves; two of my fashion indulgences.  But my man was with me and he did not want to hang around, can’t say I blame him, so that saved a few euros!  But I did buy some gluten-free vegan chocolate bars that taste much better than they sound!

Nakist cyclist Mario Cipollini. Il Nazione

Naked cyclist Mario Cipollini.
Il Nazione

Finally, I was amazed to read earlier in the week about a naked cyclist called Mario Cipollini.  His surname translates to small onions; think what you want….  It seems he was the original model for Reuters in ‘2000’ for a public campaign.  Here in Italy, semi-professional cyclists are everywhere, particularly at the weekends, often swarming past our kitchen window talking thirteen to the dozen at the top of their voices, wearing bright dayglow skin-wear.  Then there are the dedicated solo riders that for some reason favour black cycling gear and you only see them at the last second before having to swerve towards an Italian driver who is already on the wrong side of the road!

Pre-lunch drinks on the upper terrace. Photo J Finnigan

Pre-lunch drinks on the upper terrace.
Photo J Finnigan

But life eeez good, despite the cold weather.  We actually managed lunch in the garden yesterday!  The wind had dropped and the sun came out for a couple of hours, so we diehards were out there like a shot, wearing fingerless gloves to protect us against the cold of the wine glasses….

Well enough of that, I must get this post edited and fotos added, so that I can send it out to you this evening.  Tomorrow I will be working hard on the Cyber Thriller, which I have been commissioned to write, then Tuesday back to the day job!  So, may wish you all a great week and see you next weekend.

Salute June x

PS do drop me a line, I love to hear your comments!

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

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

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

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

 

 

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Innamorato, in Chianti, in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , on February 14, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

To all lovers of Chianti, both the region and the wine! Il Nazione

To all lovers of Chianti, both the region and the wine!
Il Nazione

Warming a nice bottle of local wine. Photo J Finnigan

Warming a nice bottle of local wine.
Photo J Finnigan

Thank god for Amore, that’s all there is to say.  Yes, I am writing this on Valentine’s Day, however, the fact is I am down with an awful cold and the brain is not functioning.  But my man is here to cheer me up, wrap me in a warm blanket and pour me a nice glass of Chianti.  Amore comes to the rescue once again!

He once saved me from drowning in the Pacific Ocean, yes really, and I will never forget his face rising from the sea and telling me not to panic.  He has a way of taking me from the depth of the ocean to a sunny mountain top in seconds.

So I will make this short and sweet, and send you lots of good vibes and hope you have a love of your own to warm your heart.  If not, here is some of mine.

Molto Amore from Chianti

Salute June xx

http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

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

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

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

Read Full Post »

Farty Barty Update, Dress Designers, An Art Discovery and Aging Rockers in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 7, 2016| 2 Comments »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and new Followers

Farty Barty on a favourite perch over the orange trees. Foto P Finnigan

Farty Barty on a favourite perch over the orange trees. Foto P Finnigan

“How is Farty Barty?” I hear you say and I realise that he has not had a mention for a while.  You may recall that Barty is a semi-wild cat and he has asked me to remind you that he should not be confused with the domestic varieties that go and have their bits chopped off and lounge around getting fat for the rest of their lives!  In this respect I hear a lot of argument, but if every vet had their way, they would wipe out Tuscan wild cats by neutering and castrating willy-nilly.  Excuse my play on words.   So now at the age of nine, Barty can honestly say he has had and will continue to have, a good life with a free hotel for the occasional meal and recovery in a soft cushioned wicker chair, before going back out there into the Chianti hills and living the life of Riley.  Sometimes he is gone for days, so we are always pleased to see him when he trots in, acting as if he as if he had only been gone a few hours!

A gorgeous designer dress from Florence. Il Nazione.

A gorgeous designer dress from Florence.
Il Nazione.

Back in Certaldo enjoying our morning coffee, I read an advertisement for a beautiful dress designer shop in Florence.  Now, as I have said before, I do believe that the Italians have the edge on fashion design, and this is a reminder.  I will be going to Florence the week after next and will spend a couple of hours drooling over the shop windows.  Yes, we have other labels here from all around the world, but there is no comparison with the handbags, shoes and clothes made in this beautiful country.  unemployment is high, but if you are blessed with the skill of creative design, you will survive here.

Giorgio De Chirico exhibition in Ferrara. Il Nazione.

Giorgio De Chirico exhibition in Ferrara.
Il Nazione.

“Oh, look at this!” My man says as he thrusts his newspaper towards me.  “A private art collection has been discovered and its being exhibited in Ferrara.  It’s that amazing early twentieth century style, symbolism I think, and these were painted by Giorgio De Chirico.”  I look at the pictures, we both like this style and note down the website.  It’s a little too far for us to visit, but it’s great to read about new amazing discoveries like this!

I have just checked out the latest on the gorgeous Silvio and there is nothing of interest to report.  This year he will be eighty so it will probably be his last throw at getting re-elected this time round.  Watch this space…..

The stunnning 'Patty Pravo' age 67 and other aging girlie rockers! Il Nazione

The stunning ‘Patty Pravo’ age 67 and other aging girlie rockers!
Il Nazione

So instead I will mention two other icons that are currently on tour in Italy, Brian May, the former Queen Lead Guitarist and Bruce Springsteen, also known as the boss.  Now it always gives me immense pleasure to see the Aging Rocker tours sold out in Italy.  My also being one, of course, although much more low profile.  I am still waiting to be discovered, but despite that will keep up the annual concerts in our garden, where the locals treat me like I’m world-famous!  There’s nothing like being Famous in Fiano!

OK, so I must revert back to writing the CyberCrime thriller, which I have been commissioned to do and of course the third book in the Joanna Wilde Trilogy, ‘The Italian Connection.’  I also read a lot, which is important for authors, and have just discovered a writer called Charles Todd who has written ‘A Test of Wills’ about Inspector Ian Rutledge.  It is set in the years just after the First World War and I am really enjoying it.

Well, enough of that.  After a week of chilly weather, but with a sun hot enough to allow lunch in the garden, rain and cold winds are here.  So I think we will be forced to go out and eat at ‘C’era una Volta’ today.  I recently read something about de-stressing by going into the kitchen and cooking!  Well that’s not for me, I recommend chilling out in someone else’s kitchen, you can join us if you like!  Visit http://www.ristorante-ceraunavolta.com

Have a great week and do remember that I love to hear from you.  Visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

Salute June x

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

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

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

Read Full Post »

Rock Music, Nasty Naughty Bits, Tennis Rockers and ‘Magico’ in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 31, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and new Followers

Stefano on Lead Guitar Photo Chiara Benelli

Stefano on Lead Guitar
Photo Chiara Benelli

My head is full of rock music!  It happens every January as I start preparing the repertoire for my next Rock concert in June.  Stefano Bartalesi, the Rock Chick Band’s brilliant lead guitarist and organiser, has suggested that my choice of ‘Sultans of Swing,’ that great Dire Straits song, may be a little difficult to reproduce so we will have to try it out and see.  Otherwise, new covers this year will include The Beatles, George Harrison, Robert Plant, Paul Weller, Peter Gabriel and Amy Winehouse.  The concert is by private invitation only, so if you would like to join us in our Tuscan garden on 25th June, drop me an email at june.finnigan@virgin.net.  We’d love to see you and despite what a certain ‘person’ has said, I am not trawling for groupies!

Don't look a gift horse in the mouth, just cover up the naughty bits! La Nazione

Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, just cover up the naughty bits! La Nazione

Now I won’t dwell on the next subject because you will have already seen this on the news all around the world.  However, I just thought you might like to have a local perspective on the subject of Iran and Italy getting into bed together.  Yes, literally, because as far as many Italians and our friends in the bar are concerned, covering up all the so-called ‘nasty naughty bits’ on the country’s beautiful statues was an act of prostitution!  Now Italy has always been described as openly corrupt, but some say this was exactly that in reverse.  Grovel and ye shall be gifted with large sums of Iranian money!

Marco Mangoni - Rock Star and Tennis Player. La nazione sports magazine.

Marco Mengoni – Rock Star and Tennis Player.
La nazione sports magazine.

OK lets move on.  Back in Bar Solferino, I read about my two greatest passions, sport and rock music.  Not forgetting my gorgeous man of course, who was in London at the time doing a bit of business.  Nothing could be more up my street than an article about legendary rock stars, including the yummy Brian Ferry, and the topical subject of Tennis!  Italy also has its own Tennis playing rock star, by the name of Marco Mengoni, so for you girlies here are some pictures to drool over!

Big Puppy 'Magico'. foto J Finnigan

Big Puppy ‘Magico’.
foto J Finnigan

Now do you recall ‘Big Puppy’ who we called ‘Bianco’ on account of his being white?  Well he came into the bar this morning, having grown to half his adult size at the age of six and a half months, dragging his market stall owner behind him.  It turns out that his real name is ‘Magico.’  Don’t you just love that name? He is so gorgeous, although the only thing he is interested in is what everyone else is eating.  So for all you other dog lovers, here is his foto.

Have a really great week, don’t forget to drop me a line and visit http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

Salute Buon Amici

June x

'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.

Mimosa Blossom in our garden on 29th January! Foto J Finnigan

Mimosa Blossom in our garden on 29th January!
Foto J Finnigan

 

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Fiano, Certaldo, Elton John, St. Jude Law, Calcio Storica, Queenie and Il Palio in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 24, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my Lovely Loyal and new followers,

main via in Certaldo alto oct 2013

The main via in Certaldo Alto. Foto J Finnigan.

Here in my our little bit of Tuscany on the edge of Chianti, I try to write this blog every Sunday Morning; occasionally it slips over to early Monday Morning.  But today I have cleared my desk and am on schedule!  My man and I have just returned from morning coffee at Bar Solferino in Certaldo and the sun is shining, so despite the freezing temperature, it is yet another beautiful day in Tuscany.

Now you may have noticed that we are rarely in our local village of Fiano these days.  The sad fact is that Laura’s Bar/Alimentare has been closed for two weeks again and the village has fallen into the doldrums.  Bar Piazzina in the centre of the village was abandoned months ago, so now there is nowhere to get coffee!  The heart has gone out of the village and there are a lot of retired people who need somewhere to focus on.  Fortunately, there are other shops; a tiny bakery and pizzeria, butchers, chemist, Milko’s book and card shop and a post office, however, the latter is only open two days a week now.  The only snippet of good news is that the village hall has been converted into a Gymnasium for the village elementary school, so at least that’s something!

So for now, Certaldo it is, a town that manages to still be active with several bars, small shops and businesses, despite the dreadful economic situation.  Do you remember when the UK was described as a nation of ‘shopkeepers?’ Well Italy is much the same, but things are changing fast.

Elton John is coming to the San Remo Song Festival! La Nazione.

Elton John is coming to the Sanremo Song Festival! La Nazione.

Saint Jude! A new TV series starting in the Autumn! Glossy magazine at my hairdressers.

Saint Jude! A new TV series starting in the Autumn! Glossy magazine at my hairdressers.

Back at Bar Solferino earlier in the week, I read that Elton John is this year attending the Sanremo 2016 Song Festival.  Looking at the list of other ‘stars’ I only recognise one and he is Italian!  Oh, and would you believe it the gorgeous Jude Law seems to have taken his vows and will soon be starring as Pio XIII in a new TV series directed by Paolo Sorrentino.  He still manages to look sexy, lets hope they haven’t cast him as gay, but hey ho.  Apparently it will go out on Sky Atlantic and most European countries, including the UK, will be able to tune in.  Mmmm must get SKY in before Wimbledon starts this year, methinks!

On the subject of sport, have you been to Florence and watched Historical Football, known here as Calcio Storica?

Calcio Storica. Very rough, half naked rugby/football in Florence! La Nazione

Calcio Storica. Very rough, half-naked rugby/football in Florence! La Nazione

It’s unique to Florence and is a kind of rugby match, however, the players wear medieval pantaloons and are stripped to the waist!  It’s been going on for several hundred years and there are regular demands for it to be banned because of the extreme violence.  Well it’s in the news again with more complaints.  I cannot understand what the fuss is all about, if these guys want to play the game, why not!  We girlies like it…..

Siena's Il Palio says no to invite from the Queen! La Nazione

Siena’s Il Palio says no to invite from the Queen!
La Nazione

Meanwhile, the other rather rough sport, the horse race called Il Palio in Siena, has caught the interest of Queen Elizabeth.  She invited the riders and their horses to attend her next birthday celebration, but they have turned her down.  They say that for just three days, the logistics are too problematic; so Queenie can’t always get what she wants despite being in the top ten most wealthy women in the world!

Well, enough of that.  Back here in the villa, life goes on in the most pleasurable way.  The sun is still shining and if we tuck into a sunny spot protected from the cold, we might just sit out with a nice glass of Pinot Grigio.  On the other hand, if we go over to ‘C’era Una Volta’ at Lucardo for lunch, I won’t have to cook.  O Dio, these executive decisions can weigh heavily on the mind; particularly on a Sunday.  Ok, time to shut the studio down and make a decision.

Have a great week and do drop me a line.

Salute June x

PS. I would love it if you visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

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

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

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

Read Full Post »

Mimosa, Certaldo, Mens’ Fashion, James Bond and Silvio in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 17, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my Loyal and New Followers

Mimosa blossom in mid-January! foto P Finnigan

Mimosa blossom in mid-January!
foto P Finnigan

Very cold here, but bright sunshine and amazingly the Mimosa tree is already in blossom.  The Mimosa flowers are very sought after on La Festa Delle Donne, which does not normally arrive until the first weekend in March.  So we have a dilemma.  The beautiful yellow flowers are already out and they will definitely not survive until March, when bunches are cut and given to all one’s favourite female family members and friends.  Yes, I know, its much the same all over Europe, a long drawn out Autumn and then a sudden turn to cold weather when plants and trees have already been fooled into believing it is spring already!

Certaldo's history of slow food. La Nazione

Certaldo’s history of slow food.
La Nazione

Down in Certaldo, where we are more often to be found having our coffee, I read an article in the paper about Certaldo’s history and slow food.  The area does produce its own seasonal fruit and veg, cheeses and meats.  The most well-known veg is the Red Certaldo Onion.  A delicious sweet onion that is often turned into marmalade or bottled in olive oil.  I use them for everything, including frying in butter and piling into baked potatoes. Mmmmm.

Made in Italy - mens fashion article. La Nazione

Made in Italy – mens fashion article.
La Nazione

Also in the paper, there was an article on men’s fashion, ‘Made in Italy.’  Now the Italians much prefer to buy Italian.  Bright peel off stickers will be found on ready-made clothes, sporting the green, white and red of the Italian flag.  This does not necessarily mean you are paying more for the privilege as, unfortunately, Italian clothing workers are not paid high wages.  Of course these days, a lot of migrants are also being paid to do it.  But the quality of Italian clothes remains high.  Unlike, for example, Marks & Spencer in the UK, who I used to depend on for good lingerie; the finishing on knickers is awful and needless to say, produced in India or Pakistan.

The James Bond Archive Book foto J Finnigan

The James Bond Archive Book
foto J Finnigan

But enough of that.  You may remember it was my man’s birthday last week and I bought him, amongst other things, The James Bond Archive Book.  It’s immensely heavy, but beautifully put together and covers all the films in pictures and print right up to Skyfall.  Yes, OK, I confess I do love the Bond films and perhaps I wanted it too, well just a little….  The Italians also love James Bond, and the gorgeous Daniel is often in the news.

Silvio at a recent 95th birthday. La Nazione

Silvio at a recent 95th birthday.
La Nazione

A huge percentage of Italian women, and a sprinkling of men, are still having imaginary affairs with their own star Silvio Berlusconi.  Putting aside the politics, he was once a singer of ballads by the way, at the age of seventy-nine he still has charisma, perfect hair and a perma-tan.  The fact that he is short and rotund, does not seem to matter!  Of late he has been regularly back in the news and here he is attending a ninety-fifth birthday party.  Yes, another foto opportunity.

Farty Barty in his terracotta pot on windowsill. Photo P Finnigan

Farty Barty in his terracotta pot on windowsill.
Photo P Finnigan

Well, here in my studio, the work is piling up.  No, I am not swanning around like Farty Barty the cat, I am currently busy writing a Cyber Crime Thriller for a client, my third ‘Joanna Wilde’ novel titled ‘The Bolivian Connection’ and putting in several days work each week with my company.  But ‘life eeeez good, life eeeez now’ as the Italians like to say, in Italian of course.

OK, time to get this post edited then off to ‘C’era Una Volta for lunch.

Have a great week, do drop me a line and visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

Salute June x

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

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

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

Read Full Post »

A Birthday Boy, Befana, Cedrina, The Trevi Fountain and Don Matteo in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 11, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Bentornati to all my lovely Loyal Followers and Benvenuti to all my new ones,

Well, today the 10th January is very special as it is my gorgeous man’s birthday and I adore him.  The sun is shining and it may just be warm enough to have lunch in the garden!  He wanted to have a quiet relaxed day today as we went out for a lunch with friends yesterday.  So we popped down for coffee in Certaldo and, on cue, everyone shouted ‘Auguri e Buon Compleanno’ as we entered Caffe Il Solferino and my man grinned from ear to ear.  One of the things I love about Italians is that if you have something to celebrate, complete strangers rush over to shake your hand, so my man felt very special before the day had barely started.

The witch known as Bafana. Il Nazione.

The good witch known as Befana.
La Nazione.

Cedrino digestivo. Photo J Finnigan

Cedrina digestivo.
Photo J Finnigan

In Italy, the first week in January is considered almost as special and exciting as Christmas week.  Particularly because Befana, otherwise known as Epiphany, is celebrated on 6th.  It was the day when the three kings came to visit the newborn babe with gifts.  Italian children wake up all agog as they hope that the good witch, Bafana, will have considered them well-behaved and deserving a present.

The whole country takes a holiday (yes, another festa) and do daft things like going for a swim in freezing water wearing witch’s masks and little else.  Bafana sometimes arrives on foot, by bicycle or even ab-sails down from the church tower depending on where you live.  We decided to go to Ristorante C’era Una Volta for lunch, which is unusual for us as it is sometimes best to avoid festa days.  But we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves as the place was full of friendly faces and good cheer.  Paolo presented us with a bottomless bottle of home-made Cedrina, a delicious and very strong lemony digestivo, to drink at the table.

The Trevi Fountain re-opens in Rome. LaNnazione.

The Trevi Fountain re-opens in Rome.
La Nazione.

The hugely popular series 'Don Metteo' La Nazione.

The hugely popular series ‘Don Matteo’
La Nazione.

Other exciting things to happen since 1st January, when by the way, it was warm enough to eat outside, were the re-opening of the Trevi Fountain or Fontana di Trevi in Rome (it sounds so much better in Italian) and the return to TV of the ‘Don Matteo’ series, which I love.  The latter is a humorous, sometimes serious, drama starring a speeding priest on a bicycle in flowing robes and a hapless station of Carabinerie (Italian Policemen) in a beautiful nameless hilltop town somewhere in Italy.  We watched the first one last Sunday and there’s another one tonight.  The only thing is, it reminds me how, after eleven years in Italy, my Italian is still pretty basic!  Hey ho, must do better!

I’m going to take a break now and will come back to you this evening.  I’m off to cook stuffed Chick Pea flour pancakes and baked pears for my lovely man.  The sun is still shining and hot enough to eat outside; hurrah!

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

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

Here I am after a lovely lunch in the garden and a much-needed siesta.  I wanted to tell you that the New year always excites me, because my next concert is only a few months away and I have been concluding my final repertoire over the holiday.  I’ve added some fabulous new songs including Paul Weller, Dire Straits, Robert Plant and Peter Gabriel.  Watch this space for more news.

Well must tidy this blog up and get downstairs for an aperitivo with the birthday boy.

Have a great week and see you next time.

Salute June x

PS Grazie to all you Christmas buyers of my books.

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

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

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

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

 

Read Full Post »

A Festive Beard, Christmas Man, One Ball, A Winter view and a Sunset in Beautiful Tuscany

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

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

Father XmasWell, it’s that time of year when people start to do and say funny things like, after Christmas I’m going on a diet or I’m not going to shave until after the holiday.  Now my man comes into the latter catagory, which means that kisses under the mistletoe get a bit scratchy.  I know that lots of girlies like their men to have a bit of stubble, it’s considered matcho, but I’m afraid I find the whole sensation of being kissed by a prickly chin rather off-putting, not to say dangerous.  But hey, I’d rather be kissed by my man than not, so I will persevere, despite the beard!

Christmas Man with beard. La Nazione

Christmas Man with beard.
La Nazione

On the subject of men, my man and I enjoyed coffee twice this morning.  Firstly at the Jam Cafe, because we could not park in our usual place due to a huge market in Certaldo and secondly at Il Solferino after having trecked through all the market stalls along Via Giugno.  We settled in to read the papers and there for you girlies to drool over, I found Christmas man.  Yes, another watch advert, but it’s the guy wearing it that matters, don’t you think?  My man grinned over the top of his newspaper and said; “Now here’s an interesting snippet.  Research has now proved that Hitler only had one ball!  But we military men already knew that and we had a song we used to sing about it, yes a rude one….”  He turned and shared the joke with the man behind him on the next table.  So you had one Brit and one Italian laughing their heads off about a German and a missing ball!

Now, I am trying to get my head around Christmas.  I’ve got all the presents and most of the food, but we have failed to get a real Christmas Tree as we left it too late.  Yesterday morning we did a huge circle from Certaldo to Poggibonsi, up to San Casciano and back again, but they were all gone.  So, unless we hit lucky, I will have to do some sort of festive table arrangement and put the presents around it.  The grandkids will not be impressed though. On the journey my man and I  had both felt  bit jaded and thought we were getting the dreaded Christmas virus.  “My face feels strange.”  He said, rubbing his chin.  “What, sort of tingly?”  I asked.  “No hairy.”  He grinned.

December view from here. Photo J Finnigan

December view from here.
Photo J Finnigan

December sunset. Photo J Finnigan

December sunset.
Photo J Finnigan

Earlier in the week, I had been getting a little fed up with the cloudy, foggy weather.  The temperature here in Tuscany was lower than London, where my man was putting in his last few days at the grind stone before the Festive break.  Then come Thursday the sun came out and bathed everything in gold and the sunset that evening gave me a huge lift, so I took a couple of photos for you.

Things are pretty hectic here now in the run up to the big day and needless to say, something has to give.  So please forgive me if I take a couple of weeks off from writing to you.  The good news is I will have lots to tell you about the festivities here in Tuscany in the New year.  In the meantime, I want to say a big thank you to all my readers for buying my books throughout 2015.  It has been a record year for sales and your support is so very much appreciated.  Don’t forget there is still time to download your Christmas reading, if you have not already done so.  Visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

Have a wonderful Christmas and Buon Natale

Salute June x

'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.

The idol Silvio (Jesu) Berlusconi Photo sdpf

Silvio (Jesu) Berlusconi
Photo sdpf

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A New Ice-rink, a Big Puppy, Winter Sun, Logfires and lunch in San Gimigniano in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 13, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benventi to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

The new ice-rink in Certaldo. La Nazione

The new ice-rink in Certaldo.
La Nazione

Here in our little bit of the Chianti hills, life generally moves at a relaxed pace, the most exciting and busiest time of day being morning coffee at a local bar.  Down in Certaldo last Monday, I heard that a new Ice-rink had opened in the Piazza next to the post office.  I was in the central piazza at the time reading the papers and as the rink did not open until 3pm, I elected not to go and visit it there and then.  Anyway, it is the evenings that offer the most interesting spectacles, what with the Christmas lights being on and all that.  But I did find a picture in the local paper for you!  My grandchildren love the ice-rinks here and for years they have been going to Siena, where you will find a huge one.  It seems that most cities and towns are now having ice-rinks over the festive period, which is really great.

Bianco the big white puppy. Photo J Finnigan

Bianco the big white puppy.
Photo J Finnigan

In Bar Solferino, Bianco the big white puppy was fidgeting on his owner’s lap.  Only three months old but already enormous and likely to knock everything flying if put down on the floor!  A little later he and his owner were outside and Bianco obviously needed something to chew as he was having a go at one of the wooden benches!  We have very fond memories of our dogs chewing through the furniture and still have a tooth marked bamboo coffee table in our sitting room.  Now we have grand-dogs, and always carry dog chews in the car, so we gave one to Bianco.  His owner was more than grateful as he could now spend the next hour or so watching the world go by without having to occupy the teething puppy!  Bless.

Winter sun in the valley below. Photo J Finnigan

Winter sun in the valley below.
Photo J Finnigan

On returning to our little villa, the winter sun had turned the countryside into a gold and bronze wonderland, it was enough to take one’s breath away.  It is difficult to really capture the colours without a good camera, but I just had to try to send you some pictures that would demonstrate this.  All I can say is, you will have to visit Tuscany in the winter to really appreciate it.

Winter sun on our terrace. Photo J Finnigan

Winter sun on our terrace.
Photo J Finnigan

Naturally, it is the time of year for log fires.  It is the one thing that makes the dark evenings tolerable.  We, like most Tuscans, live and eat outside for the best part of the year.  If there is no cold wind and the sun is shining, you will even find us eating Christmas lunch in the garden!  But snuggling up in front of the fire is so lovely and cosy.

Cosied up to the log fire. Photo J Finnigan

Cosied up to the log fire.
Photo J Finnigan

Last Thursday, my daughter and I took time out from our busy schedules to meet for lunch in San Gimingiano, the city of towers.  We had the most delicious gluten-free spaghetti I have ever tasted and now you are going to ask me where we went and I have completely forgotten the name of the ristorante.  It was in the Piazza Sant Agostino, and as there is only one ristorante there, I’m sure you will find it!

Next weekend we will share our Christmas tree and decor with you, just so you know that we do enjoy the festive season in much the same way as we did in England all those years ago.  The Italians celebrate things in a rather more religious way, but the feasting and family get togethers are very similar to our own.  I’m really looking forward to it!  Send me pictures of your trees!

My Goodness look at the time!  I must go and make myself beautiful as we are off to Ristorante C’era Una Volta for lunch.  Grilled sliced polenta topped with cannelloni beans and swiss chard will go down really well, perhaps followed by tagliatelle and white truffles.  Yummy…..

Have a great week and do drop me a line.

Oops, nearly forgot!  As a festive treat you can now download the book ‘My Father, The Assassin’ for just 99p, but only up until next Saturday!  Go to http://www.amazon.co.uk

Salute June x

'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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Autumn into Winter, Christmas Markets, December Man and Dieting in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 6, 2015| 4 Comments »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

December colours below our villa. Photo P Finnigan

December colours along our track.
Photo P Finnigan

The December valley below us. Photo P Finnigan

The December valley below us.
Photo P Finnigan

If you have not visited Tuscany in the winter you will have missed out on the fabulous Autumn colours that continue through to March.  We have thousands of small-leaved Oak Trees in this area and right now they are glowing a luminous copper in the sunshine.  It is seriously breathtaking and whilst it is difficult to capture the true colour and magic, I have enclosed a couple of photos for you to enjoy.  Of course we are very lucky to have several evergreens of varying colours including the silver grey-green of the Olive Tree, so the countryside never looks bleak.  The Italians celebrate the festive season much the same as northern Europeans and the Christmas Tree is very popular.  Sadley, Certaldo has failed again with their big tree in the main piazza; it always looks half-dead the moment it arrives!  But hey ho, this does not quell the festive spirit in the town.

Big cheeses or strange fruit? Photo J Finnigan

Big cheeses or strange fruit?
Photo J Finnigan

Yesterday, Saturday, we arrived in Certaldo for morning coffee and I was delighted to see the Christmas Market being set up.  Sadley, at half past eight, we were a little early to see it fully ready, however, I did spot a handbag stand and one selling these amazing big cheeses.  Now I asked what they were called and then clean forgot when I got home, so perhaps one of you very knowledgable foodies out there can remind me!  More importantly, I bought a lovely handmade rustic owl, which will be part of my Christmas display back at the villa.  There are Christmas markets going on all over Tuscany now and the most popular are in Siena and Florence.  Every year there is a German market in the centre of Florence and it is reckoned to be the best in Europe!

December Man Il Nazione

December Man
Il Nazione

Meanwhile, back at Bar Solferino, we settle in to enjoy our coffee and read the papers.  I turn to page three and I find the perfect Italian male, who we shall call December Man.  Now, I know you girlies out there think that all Italian Men are stylish and sexy.  I am afraid I must disappoint you.  Only occasionally do we spot one of these rare breeds and that is why, when I see one in the newspaper or magazine, I share the picture with you.  Most Italian women seem to like their men with scratchy unshaven faces and dark brooding eyes that say ‘feed me, wash my clothes, iron my clothes, have my children….’  Not all, I hasten to add!

My man starts his pre-Christmas diet. Photo J Finnigan

My man starts his pre-Christmas diet.
Photo J Finnigan

Now on the subject of men, my own man wants to lose some weight before Christmas so he can stuff himself silly and drink lots of wine over the festive period.  “Look at this,” he said this morning at Laura’s Bar in Fiano, “I’m going to eat smaller pastries for breakfast!”  “Bravo” I say, as I watch him slowly eat his small chocolaty cream filled pastry.  No, don’t laugh, he is making an effort!  You should see the size of the pastries he normally eats….

Oh, one last thing.  My man has just reminded me that Silvio Berlusconi has been to a hospital in Rome to have his battery changed!  Well, who’d have thought it, I could have sworn he was flesh and blood, but you never can tell these days.  Robots everywhere!

Well, enough of that.  Things to do, places to go and people to see.

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

Salute June x

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

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

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

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

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