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

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

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

Runners outside Bar Solferino in Certaldo. Phot J Finnigan

Runners outside Bar Solferino in Certaldo.
Photo J Finnigan

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

A laughing Pope Francis Magazine in Hairdressers

A laughing Pope Francis
Magazine in Hairdressers

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

Bob Dylan touring in Tuscany. La Nazione.

Bob Dylan touring in Tuscany.
La Nazione.

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

Silvio says Renzi is Falso. Photo la Nazione

Silvio says Renzi is Falso.
Photo la Nazione

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

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

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

Salute June x

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

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

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

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

 

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Snowy Mountains, A crisis meeting in Fiano, Rallies for France, Castello di Oliveto and Carabiniere in Beautiful Tuscany

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

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

Snowy mountains in the distance. Photo P Finnigan

Snowy mountains in the distance.
Photo P Finnigan

This morning’s train was delayed, so to get my man to the airport on time, we drove to the half-way point at Empoli where he could hop on a fast train from Florence.  He was slumped in the driver’s seat with a very long face.  “Look I’m wearing my overcoat, it’s so cold.  Don’t you just hate it?”  He groaned.  “Well, it will be even colder in London.”  I say unhelpfully.  But then I pointed out the beautiful view of the snow topped mountains against the bright blue sky and got a glimmer of a smile.  Bless him.  It is some time since we have driven down to Empoli and at least three new roundabouts have been introduced on the main road!  Rumours abound that certain well-known people own a lot of the land where roundabouts are built and that these certain people have pocketed the money paid by the authorities for road improvements.  Mmmm.  Well, driving back, I could see no need for these small roundabouts other than slowing the traffic down for a few seconds!  Meanwhile, the road surfaces remain appalling, in fact so bad that if this was England, drivers would have sued the pants off the local authorities by now!  Hey ho…  But the view of the snow topped mountains had been fantastic, so I smiled, shrugged and got on with driving back home via Fiano.

Speaking of Fiano, our local village, the senior villagers called a crisis meeting last Friday, to decide what to do with the recently abandoned coffee bar attached to the barely used old cinema.  It is called the cinema, however, the only things that happen there are the occasional concert and electoral days.  This last week the village was dead.  Laura’s Alimentare (grocery)/bar was closed again and so there was nowhere to get a coffee!  The butcher, baker, chemist and Milko’s Cartolibreria remain open, but we wonder for how long?  I was unable to attend the meeting and wait to hear the outcome.  Something must be done to bring the village back to life again, it’s all very sad as we are more likely to be found in Certaldo these days.

Rallies for Paris. La Nazione.

Rallies for Paris. La Nazione.

Down in Certaldo last Wednesday, like thousands of other towns and cities in Italy, a rally took place in memory of those murdered in Paris.  All the communities came together including the migrant population.  We have a small Muslim community and many North Africans, and the numbers are rising.  Finding work is hard enough for the italians, so we can only see a difficult time ahead.

Castello di Oliveto La Nazione

Castello di Oliveto
La Nazione

But on the bright side, A local landmark and popular place for weddings is The Castello di Oliveto.  High on a hill between Certaldo and Castelfiorentino, it is very beautiful indeed. A renowned professor has just confirmed that the 15th century architecture is attributed to Filippo Brunelleschi, the famous Florentine architect.  So this will now lift the status of the Castello to even greater heights.

The local police chief and two carabiniere. Photo - unnamed paparasa.

The local Commissario and two carabiniere. Photo – unnamed English woman.

Finally, I have slipped in a naughty photograph.  No not that kind!  The local Carabiniere do not like having their photos taken.  When the new Commissario arrived in Certaldo he was walking across the main Piazza in his very smart uniform with ribbons and lapels flapping, flanked by two lesser, but impressive colleagues and I asked if I could take a photo.  No, not allowed said one of the lesser ones!  Then this morning the three of them came into the cafe bar Il Solferino and I sneaked a photo by pretending to search for a signal on my phone.  Now, I don’t think they can arrest me because you cannot see their faces, but you never know.  Watch this space!

Well, must get on.  I may have some good news on a new home by the weekend; I’ll keep you posted.

have a great week.

Salute June x

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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Chanterelle Mushrooms, House Hunting, Simon Baker, Olives and Pope Francis in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 15, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my Loyal and New Followers

Well, this last week has been a busy old-time, what with the house hunting, writing, working and eating out, it disappeared in a flash.  So here we are chatting away again and talking about our little bit of Chianti in Tuscany.

Paolo's Chanterelle Harvest. Photo P Finnigan

Paolo’s Chanterelle Harvest.
Photo P Finnigan

Last Sunday my man and I popped into C’era una Volta Ristorante for sunday lunch.  ‘What again?’ I hear you ask.  Well, you know, if one is lucky you might find a local restaurant that ticks most of the boxes and it is so convenient to keep going, especially when the owner treats you like royalty, serves perfect gluten-free pasta and fresh food and herbs straight from his own orto (vegetable garden).  Paolo does all these things and more.  He goes out to the woods to find fresh mushrooms or buys from a local contadino who has beaten him to it!  He and his wife Gaia make the most delicious Tiramasu and a digestivo to die for, Crema di Limoncello.  This last time, Paolo showed us the latest chanterelle harvest and you could still smell the earthy woodland aroma in them.  Heavenly….

Now, you may remember that we have been house hunting, as our landlady wants our little villa back at the end of the four-year contract in February.  She is being a little flexible so we are thinking in terms of the first of April, when the cold weather should be finished.  We have viewed nine properties so far, ranging from awful to beautiful, the latter one that we really like, will need a bit of a compromise on our part, because it is a large apartment in a converted rustic property.  It does have a lovely garden with great views; we must deliberate.

The gorgeous Simon Baker. La Nazione.

The gorgeous Simon Baker. La Nazione.

Anyway, back at Il Solferino bar in Certaldo, we enjoy our coffee and read the papers.  O Dio, not again.  Last week it was Daniel Craig and now it’s that gorgeous blond actor Simon Baker joining us.  There he is, my second choice for playing Dominic in the film version of my books, sporting another expensive watch.  I say second choice, but likely now to be my first choice, as methinks Daniel will probably be too expensive.

Olives and cold pressed oil. La Nazione.

Olives and cold pressed oil.
La Nazione.

Meanwhile, and out there in the real world, the olives have all been picked and we are told it is going to be a good year for olive oil, unlike last year which was a disaster.  We are already enjoying the tangy taste of the cold pressed olives; heavenly drizzled over bread or garlic toast.  Mmmmm.

Then, last but not least, the highlight for many Italians in the Provincia di Firenze, has been the visit by Pope Francis to Florence and surrounding areas.

Pope Francis in Florence. La Nazione

Pope Francis in Florence.
La Nazione

Thousands thronged to every appearance by this popular man, but I have to say that he is looking older and tired.  He is currently having to deal with accusations of fraudulent activity within the Vatican Bank and that’s just the money side of things.  However, his smiling face does seem to lift the spirits of his followers, and whilst terrible acts are occurring elsewhere, like Paris, maybe he will have some influence on the state of mind of our fellow Europeans, christian or otherwise.

Finally, on behalf of all us British expats around the world, may our Parisian friends find peace and the strength to recover from these latest atrocities as soon as possible.

Salute June x

PS Do 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 »

Cobwebs in Mist, Porcini, Autumn Vines, Daniel Craig and Aperitivi in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 8, 2015| 2 Comments »

Buon Giorno to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

Wet misty morning viewed through cobwed to the lower terrace. Photo P Finnigan

Wet misty morning viewed through cobweb to the lower terrace.
Photo P Finnigan

My man and I woke early this morning, despite the fact that it is Sunday, and found thick fog obscuring our view down to the valley.  We got in the car and my man said, “That’s interesting, we are one minute earlier than yesterday and four minutes later than the day before.  Oh, and we have done eighty-eight thousand miles!”  “Well, thank you for that….” I smiled.  Don’t you just love him?  Desperate to find sunshine, we drove further uphill to Fiano for our morning coffee.  Hurrah, there was the sun, smiling down on this little hilltop village, so we relaxed, read the papers and greeted the locals, who were all dressed for Sunday, mostly in fashionable track suits.  On our return to our little villa, we were still fog bound, however, my clever man noticed some incredible cobwebs and took a misty picture for you.

autumn Vines through Paolo's window. Photo J finnigan

autumn Vines through Paolo’s window.
Photo J finnigan

Wood fired grilled Porcini mushroom. Photo J Finnigan

Wood fired grilled Porcini mushroom.
Photo J Finnigan

Earlier in the week and before visiting a possible new property, we popped into Paolo’s Ristorante C’era una Volta, where Porcini Grilliata was on the menu.  The larger Porcini mushrooms are really delicious if cooked over an open fire, which is how Paolo grills all his food.  Yummy….  It was a lovely warm sunny day and we sat in the picture window where we could see the Autumn vines stretching away in all directions.  My man glowed with contentment as his Pici alla Pecoraia (thick spaghetti in a pecorino cheese sauce with sweet baby tomatoes) arrived.  I just love to see him enjoying himself!

Daniel joins us for coffee. Phew! L Nazione.

Daniel joins us for coffee. Phew! L Nazione.

Then yesterday, Saturday, we dropped down to Certaldo and Bar Solferino for coffee where we were joined by Daniel Craig, looking absolutely gorgeous in Armani and flashing an expensive watch.  Yes, I know, not really, but a girl can dream.  We then went to see another potential country house that turned out to be an apartment with a shared garden; I don’t think so.  So far I have viewed seven possible new homes, and we may have found the ideal place not far away from where we are now.  Watch this space!

Meanwhile, I am currently working away on an exciting ghost writing project.  It is a thriller based on a real life story and is a fascinating and topical subject.  But do not worry, you will not be forgotten and my weekly blogs will go out without fail.  Also my monthly column in Expat Focus, the on-line magazine for, not surprisingly, expats!  My book, ‘The Italian Connection’ will now hopefully be published by the summer of next year.

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

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

And finally, it is so important to have that relaxing aperitivo in the early evening.  Also a nice drop of wine before lunch in the garden.  We have been lucky enough to enjoy several lunches outside this week.  When the sun comes out the middle of the day is quite hot, despite the chill in the air.  I know, we are so lucky!

Well must get on, more writing to do, places to go and people to see.

Have a great week and do drop me a line.

Salute June x

PS Do 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 »

Sophia Loren, A Rainstorm, Fungi, Trainers and an Autumn View in Beautiful Tuscany

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

Benvenuti to all My Loyal and New Followers

My god, it’s the first day of November!  I know, because my man wished me ‘Happy New Month’ this morning when I came up with the fruit juices and climbed back into bed.  It is Sunday of course, and I like to stay in bed just a little longer to read a novel.  I have just finished a really good book called ‘The Insider’ by Ava McCarthy and left a five star review on Amazon.  It’s all about insider trading and hacking and the latter subject is currently of considerable interest to me, as I am working on a writing project all about this.  Watch this space.

The beautiful eighty-one year old Sopia Loren. Dolce Gabbana Advert.

The beautiful eighty-one year old Sophia Loren.
Dolce Gabbana Advert.

Well, my man went off to London to do a bit of business last Monday and come Tuesday I was missing him like crazy.  So I went to see Sandra, my lovely hairdresser, to cheer myself up and to brighten my hair colour.  In the glossy magazine I was reading, I found the most fantastic picture of Sophia Loren.  A long as I can remember, whenever I thought of Italy, it was Sophia who first came to mind.  Not just gorgeous, but a brilliant actress.  Did you ever see the films ‘Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’ and ‘Marriage Italian Style’.  If not you really should.  She had the perfect co-star in Marcello Mastroianni; a partnership made in heaven!  Did you know she has made over fifty films?  Yes, fifty.  Now at eighty-one she still looks fantastic and I cannot but smile when I see pictures of her.  She was recently quoted as saying “Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes.  It is not something physical.”  Mind you she has an edge on most of us girlies, that is at least from a physical point of view!  Just a random thought; the Italian spelling for Sophia is Sofia, I wonder if the former was a stage name?  Does anyone know?

Golden Fungi in our garden. Name anyone? Photo J Finnigan

Golden Fungi in our garden. Name anyone?
Photo J Finnigan

Meanwhile, the heavens opened on Tuesday and Wednesday, and everywhere was flooded.  But this had its compensations.  Yes of course the gardens and countryside needed it, but it was the fungi that immediately started to pop up everywhere.  Paolo is serving up Tartufo Bianco (white truffles) at C’era una Volta Ristorante and in the garden I spotted this gorgeous display.  Does anyone know the name of these golden coloured fungi?

Italian manstyle with trainers. La Nazione sports magazine.

Italian manstyle with trainers.
La Nazione sports magazine.

Back at the Bar Solferino in Certaldo on Thursday, I relaxed over my morning caffè latte and I could not but help notice an advertisement for Lotto Trainers in the sports magazine.  Now what is so interesting about that, you may ask?  I agree, trainers are trainers.  But for once, here was a picture of an Italian male model wearing the perfect stylish outfit that offset the trainers.  The guy himself was pretty dishy too, but that’s beside the point!  I have never gone for trainers as a fashion item, however, here in Italy they are hugely popular.  There are so many varieties; even gold wedge heeled trainers with fur trims!

The sun breaks through on the glowing autumn vineyards in the valey below. Photo J Finnigan

The sun breaks through on the glowing autumn vineyards in the valley below.
Photo J Finnigan

Later, I returned to our little hilltop villa and breathed in that lovely Autumn damp smell as I walked through the garden.  Below me the vineyards were glowing in the Autumn sunshine and I was once again reminded that ‘life eeeez good, life eeeez now’.

OK, must finish here, hope you enjoyed my ramblings.  Lots to do, places to go and people to see.  Have a really great week and we’ll talk again next weekend.

Salute June x

PS do 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 »

Two Old Broads, Olive Picking, Blondes, Via San Martino, Carabiniere and a Praying Mantis in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 26, 2015| 4 Comments »

Benvenuti to all my Loyal and New Followers

Well, I hardly know where to start, it’s been such a busy week!

The Two Old Broads, taking Italy by Storm! Jane and Nubby.

The Two Old Broads, taking Italy by Storm!
Jane and Nubby.

Last Thursday was the absolute highlight, due to ‘Two Old Broads who were Taking Italy by Storm’ arriving for a visit.  Now these were their words not mine, but don’t you just love that description?  So who were these ladies?  I am delighted to tell you that they were my distant American cousins and this was the first time we had ever met.  Whilst both in their seventies, they were doing a driving tour from north of Venice down to Tuscany and back, and getting thoroughly lost on the way.  The hire car SatNav did not work, so it was luck rather than judgement that got them here!  We had great fun talking about our ancestors.  Theirs went over to the Americas from Plymouth back in the sixteenth or seventeenth Century, whilst mine became landed gentry in Devon.  I will miss you guys and hope you found your way back safely!

Aleesandro and his team collecting the olives next to our villa. Photo J Finnigan

Alessandro and his team collecting the olives next to our villa.
Photo J Finnigan

Meanwhile the local Olive Picking, Raccolta, is in full swing.  Brightly coloured nets are spread out under the trees and with the weather being dry and sunny at present, we expect a good quality crop.  I just love that fresh Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil drizzled on bread and over fettunta, which is old toasted bread rubbed with garlic.  Yummy…!

The lovely Laura and her new blond hair colour. Photo J Finnigan

The lovely Laura and her new blond hair colour.
Photo J Finnigan

Meanwhile, Laura’s bar/alimentary is now very busy due to the Bar Piazzetta in Fiano being closed, after a ‘visit’ by the Carabiniere.  It’s all very hush-hush, but there was definitely something fishy about the owners of that place.  Anyway, happily ensconced at Laura’s enjoying our coffee, I notice something different about her.  She had gone blond!  Then I noticed two more local ladies who had also been at the peroxide; is there some sort of conspiracy going on?

Via San Martino 26 at night. Photo P Finnigan

Via San Martino 26 at night.
Photo P Finnigan

But what about yesterday? Well, my man and I had a really good Saturday evening, returning to that fabulous ristorante I have mentioned before.  I am, of course, talking about Via San Martino 26 Ristorante in San Gimignano. http://www.ristorantesanmartino26.it

Inside Via San Martino 26 Ristorante. Photo J Finnigan

Inside Via San Martino 26 Ristorante.
Photo J Finnigan

This was our first visit for cena (supper/dinner) and to see this ancient city of towers at night is a joy to behold.  Via San Martino is a street dedicated to Artisan shops and the hand-made stuff is to die for.  I could not resist buying a hand-woven woollen scarf from Stefano Stampa at number 8.  My man paid the bill, bless him.  Stefano does not appear to have a website, however, he can be found on Facebook.

Oh yes, I must mention, that earlier and on the way to San Gimingano, we were waved down by the Carabiniere and asked for our identification papers.  The police woman was quite typical; very pretty with dark curly hair tumbling out from under her cap and one hand on her pistol.  My man could not stop grinning and she could not help but smile back.  He has a way with the girlies.  He wasn’t concentrating and he had not registered that she had asked for his driving licence.  He finally managed to get a grip and she was happy to send us on our way.  Phew, thank god for my man and a pretty face.  It’s not always that easy.

Posing Praying Mantis Phoot P Finnigan

Posing Praying Mantis
Photo P Finnigan

Back in our beautiful terraced garden my man spotted a Praying Mantis on our outside table!  Fabulous creatures that move so incredibly slow, you can barely see the movement.  But we fear that it may be towards the end of its little life as we found another one in a poor state of health, so we gently put it out-of-the-way of Farty Barty the cat.  We also have a couple of Locusts starting to nestle in on the window ledge.  They often winter in with us behind the shutters.  No, we do not get swarms, just the odd one or two paying a visit.

But enough of that.  We are now stepping up our search for a new home.  More flyers are going out in all the bars and other places we frequent.  Our landlady came yesterday and said that she would be happy to rent to us for anther one to two years, however, we are already in the mindset of moving to a larger property.  So if anyone in the Commune di Certaldo knows of a large country house (Un grande casa in Campagna) do let me know.  Send an email to june.finnigan@virgin.net.

Well, must get on.  I need to make myself beautiful for lunch at C’era una Volta in Lucardo, after thirty minutes exercise as instructed by my Health and Fitness Coach Alexandra.

Have great week and do 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 90th Birthday, Coffee, Chestnuts, Australians in Shorts, a Log Fire, Jude Law and Silvio Strips in Beautiful Tuscany

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

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

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

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

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

My caffe latte at Strangers with Coffee. Photo J Finnigan

My caffè latte at Strangers with Coffee.
Photo J Finnigan

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

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

Chestnuts for sale in Certaldo market. Photo J Finnigan

Chestnuts for sale in Certaldo market.
Photo J Finnigan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salute June x

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

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

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

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

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Autumn Mists, Visiting American Artists and a Book Signing, plus Il Castello in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on October 10, 2015| 2 Comments »

Welcome to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

Farty Barty lazing around. Photo S Stobbs

Farty Barty lazing around.
Photo S Stobbs

Well, what a hectic but most enjoyable week.  My lovely sister-in-law arrived to beautify the garden pots in preparation for the arrival of a group of American water-colour artists who were coming on the Thursday.  Farty Barty the cat lazed around a lot oblivious the plans we had, and only disappeared off when the ‘invasion’ started.

Mist filled valleys last Thursday morning. Photo J Finnigan

Mist filled valleys last Thursday morning.
Photo J Finnigan

I awoke on the Thursday morning to the most beautiful sky; the sun was rising and thick mists filled the valleys below us leaving the hilltops peeking out on top.  We popped down to Certaldo for early morning coffee then returned to make a jug of Bucks Fizz.

Book signing for the Artists Photo J Stobbs

Book signing for the Artists
Photo J Stobbs

When the group arrived at ten, the sun had risen above the trees and the distant hills had taken on a mix of grey through to blue and lilac.  An artist’s dream in fact and we were so lucky with the weather.  I welcomed them and did a quick book signing before they all settled in around the garden to Paint.

Artists at work. Phoot J Stobbs

Artists at work.
Photo J Stobbs

Sonja, the art teacher, was such a lovely lady and had them all doing  washes of colour, then drying it in the sun before the next wash.  I was very impressed with the high standard as they were all amateurs.  Individually, the artists were very interesting people ranging from writers to musicians, so I felt completely in tune with them.

Our lovely visiting American artists, me and the Sister-in-law

Our lovely visiting American artists, me and the Sister-in-law

My own family has been artististic back through several generations and I was able to show Sonya some of my most treasured pictures painted by my grandmother in 1924.  I can honestly say it was the most pleasant ‘meet and greet the English Author’ session I have ever done, and they will be most welcome to return.  Thank you to Jackie at http://www.frenchescape.com for arranging things in such a professional and relaxed way.  To contact Sonya Hamilton, the art teacher who is based in Auburn, California  go to http://www.sonjahamilton.com

Lunch at Il Castello with Julia and David. Photo J Stobbs

Lunch at Il Castello with Julia and David.
Photo J Stobbs

Everyone left around twelve-thirty and the sister-in-law and I rushed off down to Certaldo Alto to meet English friends of hers who were over to buy trees in the famous market gardens at Pistoia that are just a thirty-five minute drive away.   David and Julia run a garden design company in Somerset England and import Cypress and other trees from Italy.  It was fascinating to meet them and to hear that they were first approached by the Italians for the kind of trees they were growing in Somerset.  So a bartering system got set up and now our friends have to come to Tuscany from time to time, to be wined and dined by the Italians.  But it is not that easy, they had obviously spent an exhausting time visiting all the garden centres to select their trees.  We had lunch on the balcony of Il Castello and the food was delicious.  Visit http://www.albergoilcastello.it  Thank you to David for treating us!  My turn next time.

Well, I did say that I would update you on the comings and goings of Silvio Berlusconi.  Unfortunately, I will have to postpone that as I have so much catching up to do.  I am off the England on Wednesday for my mother-in-law’s 90th birthday and to stay one night with old friends in Somerset.  It will be a nice change, however, I will be very glad to get back to my little bit of Tuscan heaven.

Have a fantastic week and do drop me a line.

Salute June x

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

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

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

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’. Book two in the series.

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

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

Benvenuti to all my Lovely Loyal and New Followers

Aroar of frustration for Italian rugby.

A roar of frustration for Italian rugby.

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

Daniel joins us for coffee.

Daniel joins us for coffee.

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

Fresh salad from the farmers market. Photo J Finnigan

Fresh salad from the farmers market.
Photo J Finnigan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salute June x

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

 

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

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

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

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

 

 

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The Calambur Victors, Schiaciatta con L’uva, Milan Fashions, Dining Alfresco and a Fantastic Moonscape in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 28, 2015| 2 Comments »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

The Calambur Victors! La Nazione

The Calambur Victors!
La Nazione

Well, last Monday we popped in to see Laura at her Bar/alimentare in Fiano and to enjoy her delicious coffee.  The locals were all crowding around the newspaper, reading about the Calambur contest, which had taken place the day before in Certaldo.  The village of Fiano is part of the Commune di Certaldo and did compete in the ‘Its a Knockout’ style of contest, to find the top ‘quarter’ in the region.  Fiano came second as the winners were from Central Certaldo and a very strong team.  So the Victors were the Blue & Whites, or Viola as the locals described them.  Well our favourite cafe bar in Certaldo, as you know is Bar Solferino and they are strong Viola supporters.  So our visit there on Tuesday was a joyous occasion!

Schiaccia con D'uva Photo J Finnigan

Schiaciatta con L’uva
Photo J Finnigan

The Vendemia, grape harvest, is near completion now and the very seasonal sweet pastry, Schiaciatta con L’uva is on all the patisserie counters in the bars and bakeries.  This is a flat bread baked with red grapes and is hugely popular.

Italian Fashion and more handbags. La Nationale

Italian Fashion and more handbags.
La Nationale

Meanwhile, Milan Fashion fortnight was coming to a close and I have to say that I still think the Italians have the edge regarding design.  The newspapers have been full of all the creations over the last two weeks and I could not help but share this picture with you and yes, I know, there are handbags on the page too!

Back in our beautiful terraced garden we have been dining alfresco over the last couple of weeks, however, it is getting cooler now.

Dining Alfresco with Chianti Wine. Photo J Finnigan

Dining Alfresco with Chianti Wine.
Photo J Finnigan

But we are diehards and will not get forced to eat inside unless it’s seriously cold.  However, my man is starting to moan; “Its freezing, look I’m wearing a fleece jacket and I’m having to put on my fingerless gloves!”  However, last night a really cold wind picked up so we went and sat in a rather more sheltered spot in the garden with a different view.

Fabulous moonscape view from our garden. Photo P Finnigan

Fabulous moonscape view from our garden.  Enlarge this for a better view!
Photo P Finnigan

Wow, we were so glad we had done so because the moonscape was absolutely fabulous!  We were so mesmerised that we got through three glasses of wine before hunger finally dragged us inside away from the cold.

Well, it’s already Monday morning and I must get this blog off to you to read during your coffee break.  We have a busy week ahead as I know you have, so lets catch up again next weekend.  Enjoy and do drop me a line.  Salute June x

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 »

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