Bella Terra

My son's wonderful Rugby Blog

2012-02-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

Rugby Geeks: Last Weekends Six Nations 2012: Rugby Anybody? On Saturday I went to a very snowy Rome to watch Italy play England in the 2012 Six Nations. Italy played well to finish ...

New Year High Hopes

2012-01-25T00:25:00.000-08:00

Under the weather in so many ways yet still life goes on. Still recovering from endless birthday celebrations, back to schoolness, snuffles, work projects etc. And yet life is good.... raised beds built, tomotos, peppers, auberines, chicory all in. Herb spiral looking bright and healthy, tulips peeking through the mulch as are daffodils, crocus, iris, lilies etc. Hardwood cuttings thriving and seeds in pots sprouting.

Travel plans to France made,,,,,, family road trip from Italy to West of France 1300km each way stopping in Aix en Provence, yeepee, to see lovely people.

Doggie adoption in full swing, Mummy Boxer and one of her sons will be coming to live with us in Feb/March, house has been too empty since the old boy went.

Kids happy and at ease with their ages 7 and 11 suit them well. TT has tunnel like gap having lost both top teeth within a week (one on her birthday whilst on the loo!) The boy is growing strong and fit and always so easy to be with. The girl pushing her creative side, glued her collection of small handbags together to make one large bag using strong glue! (oops must be better parents).

Vegi/Vegan/Raw/Organic/healthy/wholesome recipes going down well of course the odd steak, ragu and bacon dish slip in to please the rest of the family. Cannot wait for spring to truly arrive, living in a limbo waiting for the winter to come with force here in Tuscany.

school recylcing project - well done the boy

watching the rugby

the men in my life

gingerbreadtastic

Lovely lovely girl

take me home now please

little bear x


what gap?

the boy and one of his rugby heros Bryan Young

Here are some shots of our lives this month x

Gingerbread house & La Befana

2012-01-03T06:52:00.000-08:00

This year the girl has asked for a Gingerbread house for her birthday which is turning out to be Befana's Casa as the witchy Tabitha's birthday falls on the time when Befana visits the houses of children in Tuscany, so we will have to see if it turns out to be full of sweets or coal! Traditionally children put their boots outside and Befana leaves sweet treats or coal depending on how good the chidlren have been. Will post a picture if the house reaches completion!

Winter in Tuscany

2012-01-03T03:37:00.000-08:00

Skating, Baking, Gardening, Writing, Painting, Walking, Scooting and more....

Bye bye old boy

2011-12-16T06:17:00.000-08:00

Well, this year has been filled with ups and downs. My stress levels have been tested to the fore and yet still all is well. I am finally able to give myself time to blog again after months of long days working on many wild and wonderful and sometimes nightmarish projects. There are so many good things in my life right now and when I next write something here I will make a note of the most heartwarming. But for now just a simple note to say thankyou to our old boy Leo for 14 years of toothiness, bad breath, fur covered floors, stolen food and general doggy love. This will be our first dogless Christmas in nearly 20 years as before Leo there was Blue Boy and the house is so strange and still now. No more slippy paws on the terracotta floor, no more doors being opened by goofy jaws and no more wide eyed pleading looks when packets are opened. So for now I will simply slowly adjust to this new way of life, but how we miss him. Goodbye old chap x

These Days

2011-11-20T03:39:00.000-08:00

Never seem to have the time or desire to blog these days, too much work, not enough family time. However have kicked myself up the bum and am making moves to re-align myself. Today is a glorious Sunday, bright skies, red and yellow leaves fluttering past my office door.

Woke at dawn and plodded out into the garden with Herbal Tea in my Mother Christmas dressing gown (thanks Kate). Looked at the view and could hardly take it in for all its beauty, quickly got into a busy mode and cleaned my office, made pate for supper tonight and tidied up. Went and bought Foccacia and Sciacata to go with pate (carrots and apples for me the saddo gluten free one). Now off to lunch with friends, I hope to re-visit my blog when time allows.

Mad world

2011-10-08T05:27:00.000-07:00

Last of the september sun - before the boy's haircut

The last few months have been crazy busy, here and there, near and far, calm and nutty. Today Autumn is finally here for certain, went to the market for fresh veg, everyone wearing puffy coats and hats - me not wearing these and nose was numb. Cured by machiato (excuse my spelling). The girl is watching Rio dvd I am mid muffin making, office cleaning, filing, garden designing, loft rummaging and cleaning. Off to wardrobe sort now and uncover the winter clothes, leg-warmers at the ready! Cosying up with family this weekend as no other mad comittments, Chicken casserole for supper and chocolate and banana muffins for the kids midnight munchines. x

September - summer review

2011-09-01T02:30:00.000-07:00

Not really felt like writing much this summer, the season has zoomed by and now we are in September. It is all too easy for me to feel frsutrated by what I havent acheived this summer, the places we didnt quite get to and the crafty things that are still to be made. However, I am luckier than most as my kids go to school part time and I mostly work from home, although it is a pretty full on amount of work I have to do. So to remind myself of the good things we have done over the summer holidays here is a little review:

Made Cherry Jam
Went to the Beach
Visited the outdoor Pool - alot
Went to Lucca
Weekend Camping at the Beach
Found a tortoise in the garden
Turned 40
Visited lots of old buildings and Abbeys
Grew Tomatos, Chicory, Cucumbers, Squashes, Chillis and Herbs
Made scary Chilli Sauce
Children did a market stall and sold beaded necklaces
Practised Calligraphy
Made and bought Christmas presents
Went Cycling - alot
Remmy the cat recovered from an Eye op
Ate lots of Italian icecream
Made Pate
Started to learn to Knit - again
Visited the Leonardo Da Vinci Museum
Had friends to stay
Grandma came on holiday
AA went camping with friends
The old hound kept on going - Hurray
Went up Monte Amiata for the day
TT lost her 2nd tooth, the tooth mouse and the tooth fairy came!
I got a new Garden Design job
Put on 3 pounds (Italian icecream)
Started learning about Italian wines
TT learnt to read in English
AA learnt to answer back -alot

We have done alot this summer it seems, but I do feel sad that school is starting, the boy is going to Media (middle school) and is growing up too fast. The girl wants to start ballet so we are going to find a class for her and I have finally joined a Yogalates class starting this month. Next week I have a work trip to London and feel so weepy to be going away from home.

September is without a doubt though the most beautiful month, the colours of the leaves, the bulging grapevines and ripening olive groves, the conker trees dropping spiky pods from above. Soon we will have The boy's 11th birthday and the start of the Autumn Festas and Sagres (food festivals) Truffles, Porcini, Chestnuts, Olive Oil..... I can't wait.

I am in reflection mode at the moment feeling a little lost, last week the man and I had a lovely lunch in Siena then suddenly the chap behind us had want we assume was a massive heart attack, I tried to help his wife to stay calm and soothed her the best I could, but things looked very grim indeed. It shook me to the core and I cried all the way home, thinking how fast life can change so completely. So I am reflecting on how I spend my time and with whom as we need to totally love every minute we have on this beautiful planet.

Into a rythm

2011-08-23T05:38:00.000-07:00

Well it is ages since I last updated this blog, so much work and so little time. My whole summer has been overshadowed by huge projects and very little energy. My day usually consists of dragging myself to the shed where muy computor lives around 8am (when its still cool) then emerging to make lunch, spending the afternoon lolling with the kids whilst doing odds and sods of work, listening to them bickering and trying to stay calm and mellow, then I squeeze in a little more work before giving in around 6pm when the garden is dying for water and everyone else is overheated and a little stroppy.

However, things are definately improving. Both children have found new interests this summer, AA with his Rugby blog and TT is loving reading and writing in English which is a relief as she was struggling as Italian is her 1st language when it comes to books.

Life has found its own rythm and we are getting small things done that have been bothering me for ages. Last night we played scrabble and snakes and ladders sitting on the cool tiled floor. Today I took the boy to buy his school things as he starts middle school (Media) in September and it was a lovely morning with coffee and panino for him, a walk in the old town of Colle Val Delsa and home for lunch. We are now at 40 Degrees and it is too hot to be energetic but we are squeezing in trips to the local pool a couple of times a week which is so lovely, the kids watch the high divers and mess around whilst I dip in and out of the pool and in and out of my book.

This week is all work, work work (writing and garden design) but have promised myself next week is Mummy week where I will indulge the kids, take in a few museums, icecreams and enjoy some lazy homey days.

Last week we went to Monte Amiata whilst the boy was at the beach with friends and stopped at Sant Antimo on the way home, it was beautiful, breathtaking. Gary put up with my fascination for Abbeys and Cathedrals and sat in the sun whilst TT and I explored inside, lit candles and enjoyed the Music and insense.

This week our rather dried out garden has given us tomatos, Chicory, Lettuce and a few lovely herbs. Water is running so low and everywhere is suffering, I hope we have rain soon, nothing for nearly a month and the tank is nearly empty.. fingers crossed.

Smiling Sunflowers

2011-08-03T02:13:00.000-07:00

Birthday pics of San Galgano - such a lovely day x

San Galgano Abbey

Church roof

Birthday girl

TT in angel light from church window

fresco

happy sunflower

sloes ready for gin

hide and seek

cheeky chap

Always smiling

Abbey window

Peace and Tranquillity

The Waiting Man

Wide View (my bum)

Chiesa on hill

The waiting staff at my meal

Birthday Joy

2011-07-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

Enjoying a small rest on my birthday (40). The man is cooking supper and the kids are out in the garden playing with friends. Spent today out rambling around an ancient monestry, had a picnic lunch, then icecream and prosecco in a lovely old town near here. Off for a walk soon then my birthday feast!!! Have had amazing goodies. Homemade cards and posters drawn by the boy, organic smellies for the house, a super sturdy food processor with a dough hook - cool, winning lottery tickets (i hope) and lots of love, hugs, sunshine and chilling down time - perfect day for me. Also spoilt myself with lots of books and films from amazon in English as my Italian is so rubbish. Wishing I could see some people who are far away in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and of course Blighty!!! x

Slowing down a little

2011-07-22T02:05:00.000-07:00

Right now I feel very tired, I have big bags under my eyes and my limbs feel like lead. However, with two children on holiday a business to run and an out of control garden to tend I am forever on the go. I must not complain as the good totally outweighs the bad, but sometimes I need to listen to my body a little and right now it is telling me to rest!!! This is so hard with a racing mind and worries about many things but this weekend I will try and nourish my soul and be a little self indulgent. I hope to: finish my sewing pile, start drawing and painting again, plant some late summer veggies, make a lovely gluten free pudding, read and watch some classic old films. But today I must catch up on writing (work) projects and maybe take the children for a walk or cycle.

Here are some pictures of a recent visit to Florence:

Princess and the Pea

2011-07-21T03:19:00.000-07:00

I am slowly, in fact dreadfully slowly trying to get the house more organised as I can never find anything and I get upset and frsutrated. I started with the girl's room and I made up her bed with fresh linen, sorted her books and clothes tidied her toys and the room smelt of lavendar oil. The cosiness was so beautiful - guess where she slept? Yep in our room on a spare mattress - typical.

Museums & Leonardo Da Vinci

2011-07-21T03:11:00.000-07:00

We took a trip last week to Florence on the train, I was pretty excited about visiting the Leonardo Da Vinci Museum. Let's just say my excitement was somewhat larger than the museum. We did have fun though, it was very hot (40 degrees) and we just about made it through the day, we spent an hour in a lovely kids centre where they hold art and craft workshops - no workshop whilst we were there but the kids chilled out and actually played together which is a rarity. I am trying to focus on the good things, the lovely shiny happy moments as there are many troubling things happening in our lives at the moment with very poorly relatives & friends and heavy work comittments. Also I am so tired and feeling fat! However, here are some reminders of our lovely day in Florence x

Medieval Festival Monteriggioni

2011-07-16T04:11:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we enjoyed a trip to Monteriggioni where they had a Medieval Festival, it was such a lovely evening, kids a tad grumpy as overly hot but we had a great night x

New interests for the boy

2011-07-15T03:17:00.000-07:00

My darling boy really is totally Rugby mad and really only loves sport so we are gently trying to expand his interests by using his love of sport to encourage reading, writing, photography, nutrition, social skills etc. Firstly I have bought a few great Rugby books for kids, secondly I have got hold of a copy of this cookery book below, thirdly we have bought the boy a digital camera to take shots of games he goes to see, and also we have set him up with his own Rugby blog to record his activities.

My boy in his moment

Archie's cookbook by Rugby star Lawrence Dallaglio

So far he is really growing into doing other things, yesterday he wrote a long list of all the Rugby players he wants to interview, he is writing the questions he wants to ask them and hw write his first blog post last night. He has started a project book and has named it 'Rugby Geek' and Archie has written his blog in both English and Italian (bravo). So I am proud of him enormously and really hope that over the summer he can expand on his love of sport to encompass other things too. x

Tonight we are having a special supper - just because, I am making, Mushroom crostini, Pea and Pancetta loaf, slow cooked red peppers and to finish a gluten free lemon tart adapted from said book above, there is also a bottle of extra dry prosecco on ice - fingers crossed for a lovely evening.

Here and there

2011-07-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

So hard to concentrate on work projects in this heat, also knowing my little people are up in the house doing homey things without me is a soul cruncher for me. I would so much rather be being Mummy and cooking, gardening, playing etc and the summer is whooshin by too fast. In between a 6 hour stint at work I managed to fit in a little of these:

Barbie makeovers with TT
Bread Making whilst the house was sleeping
Garden tidying and Watering
Snakes and Ladders
Reading The Green Parent which arrived today
Massaging the kids before bed
Puzzle books with TT
Rugby blogging with AA
Set up my easle - hope to start to paint soon
Sorted sewing drawer - hope to start to sew again soon
Recipe planning - making a special family meal tomorrow, no reason just for the love of food and family

And finally a couple of glasses of wine and my current book 'Pure Bliss' by Gill Edwards - lovely reading. Off to bed in very warm house, hoping for a big storm tomorrow to clear the air and re-fill our empty water tank!

Summer flowers and School show

2011-07-02T05:38:00.000-07:00

Most of the the flower pics and the old hound photo where take by TT, which make them even more special to me x

Re-alignment and listening to the signs

2011-07-02T03:57:00.000-07:00

Today I am finally in a clear head-space and feel I can blog again. For a few months our lives have been spiralling in the overwhelming business of work and play. Too many work projects not enough organisation on my part. Many much loved guests but many things to do, cook, clean, washing etc. So it seems that somewhere in the throng I lost myself a little, my individuality, the important and necessary parts of me where swept aside. For weeks I stopped my Yoga, Read less, meditated rarely, barely noticed the plants and nature around me and found myself on autopilot. However I am glad that nature and this world full of energy has its own subtle and down right obvious ways of making us re-align ourselves.

I have always believed in watching the signs around us, the little hints that things aren't quite right, but I must have simply stopped listening to my own intuition.

This week however the signs where slap bang in front of me. The broken down car, the blocked in car, the electricity stopping, the blocked drains, the poorly cat, the flooded towns, then finally the Asthma attack that put me in hospital. So there, I have stopped, slowed down and sat and thought about how my family and particularly me have been slipping back into our old lifestyle with dramatic consequences.

We really have had the most wonderful early summer and having family and friends here is truly beautiful, the noise of children's chatter, little girls imaginary games, boys dive bombing in the pool, friends enjoying Tuscan food and Grandma relaxing in the sun, my Mum's birthday, some good wine and long sun kissed days, but now I must focus on myself within the home, and stop rushing around all over the place and neglecting health and simple comforts.

Over the last year too our diets have reverted back to my (pre-illness) days, meat dairy and wine, caffeine and sugar. Also chemicals have crept back into our home, slowly but terrifyingly we have ended up with noxious substances in cupboards and drawers. For one year I was seriously careful about every substance we brought into our home but somewhere I just let go and gave in to the easy solution. However, this could have literally killed me. It seems the Asthma attack was caused by an allergy to fly spray, mosi spray or something the farmers are spraying on the vines around us or a combination of nasties in the air!!!! Scary stuff. So a gentle and caring promise to all those around me and to myself, I will never again let our home become filled with these things again and will be bold enough to stick to this. Keeping a healthy happy home and body is now totally at the top of my list.

So I am now going to really settle back into a natural and gentle existence allowing room to breathe - literally. I have a work trip away in Blighty this week but this will also give me the chance to write and make good plans for the summer and winter but for now I want to build more of the following back into my life: Music, Painting, Crafts, Vegan Food, Reading, Walking, Sewing, Breadmaking and cooking. Also quiet times with the children independently and helping TT with her English reading, although they have three months holiday it will pass quickly. For now I have 2 children's parties to go to this weekend but will not rush or panic or overstretch myself, I will enjoy the drive through the woods, the sunflowers and poppies, I will soak up the views, enjoy the excitement of little girls unwrapping gifts and the sounds of young chaps with up and down voices playing rugby under the Tuscan umbrella pines, I will take a bag of books in the car and dip into cooking and gardening books - I will simply slip from one moment to the next x

Strange Things in the River

2011-05-25T00:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday went for a quick look around the market then decided to be very good and just walk by the river instead of buying stuff that was not intirely needed. There in the river were the usual ducks and a rather striking Crane-like bird, but next to the feathered chaps was this guy! A rather busy looking and very big rodenty thing, I think this is a Coypu or Nutria but can't be sure, he was rather handsome though as was the Fiat 500.

Another rather unstructured day around here though, managed to plant up more flowers and have pumpkins and pepper plants ready for the large veg patch, the small one by the house is getting full, but the purge on toys and general tidy up was halted when the girl bashed her finger badly and need Mummy for rest of the evening, poor thing was dressed as a knight and fighting the baddies with a her sword, the battle ended with a very badly bruised finger. She will live to take on the baddies again though.

I am feeling really drained at the moment so am attempting a bit of a juice fast and I am really keen to try a liver cleanse but need to feel the time is right. For this week though, cold and clean foods, water, water, water, fresh air and more sleep.

Easter bunnies

2011-05-24T04:32:00.000-07:00

Too much chocolate?

Organic Tuscan spices at the market

underwhelmed by the Easter bunny

Bunny1

Bunny2

Lovely mosiac mirror reworked into a garden table

Banana Skin moment

Archie's shot of rainbow on the cafe wall

Before the Storm

2011-05-23T05:31:00.000-07:00

I spoke too soon me thinks… Last week’s sense of calm has been blown out the window, now I have a sense of frustration. I have a heavy heart and bruised feelings, although many of my ideas, plans, beliefs etc are a little off the wall I do not expect to be ridiculed by those I love and trust, even if it is in jest. So today I am trying to focus on my own sense of calm learning to enjoy my own inner space without expecting those around me to understand why I see things in my own way, I feel disconnected at the moment and just a little sad. However, there are so many good things on my horizon even whilst I type this, a resting cat near my feet watching the trees moving in the breeze, the sound of the bee-eater birds calling to each other, the smell of the Jasmine and Roses outside my study door and the knowledge that all bad moods shift in time.

I have a very full on work schedule this week but amidst the madness I plan to make gluten free cakes, plant up winter leeks, onions and pumpkins and take time to read a little. Also the children have really got into Scrabble again so I hope to have a couple of evenings around the kitchen table. To remind myself even more about all that is wonderful I hope to go out with the camera later to capture late spring in Tuscany x

Light of heart

2011-05-20T05:55:00.000-07:00

I am feeling brighter lately. We seem to be putting the sadness of loss, illness and stress behind us, at least I hope we are. Following a spring and winter full of hospital visits and money worries I do strongly feel that things are shifting. Things moved on very literally last Friday when we had a little tremor which scared the pants off me, earthquakes do nothing for my sense of calm but the do make me re-align and decide what things are most important.

Now we are rolling into the weekend after a work laden week and I have spent most of my waking hours working on my computer so I thought I would finish off with a little personal blogging. Some pics of a little trip to Umbria and thanks to Villia Pia for a wonderful weekend, I am writing a feature on this gorgeous family friendly holiday for work, will post more about it later.

We seem to have an awful lot of fun things in the wings, Grandma is visiting soon, friends arrive in June and the children finish school on the 10th for 3 months - hooray! Today the roses are throwing their perfume into the spring breeze, the grass is cut and the bulbs growing, my veg patch is getting there and the alpine strawberries are going crazy. Life in Tuscany is good, crostini for lunch, dinner al fresco at Siena Rugby Club marking the end of the season, birthday parties for school friends and Rugby matches in Florence, making chocolate brownies and planting up geraniums to ward of the mosquitoes. Thunder rumbling through the mountains might make for an interesting picnic supper but all in all we seem to have a sense of wellbeing in the home, I hope to continue letting go of life's little frustrations and focus on the bigger story, happiness, health and togetherness. Could we be entering a phase in our lives where we can just enjoy being here? I am trying to be gentle on those around me and the response is amazing the kids are less confrontational and the man is less grouchy, even the dog is less needy. When I am up tight it alters the whole mood in the house, so I am going to try to remain being kind to myself and others.

Times of change and healing

2011-05-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

Well, I am loving this season, summer is here in Tuscany. Roses in full bloom, Acacia blossoms just fading, cherries on the edge of redness, long wild poppies and orchids in the hedgerows. Natural splashes of colour to lift the spirits in times of much change.

My children lost their Grandad a couple of weeks ago after a long, long time of suffering and pain. It feels odd to think he won't come here again, drink brandy in the garden and enjoy the soothing winds from accross the valley. Now is the time to focus on the living, the lives we have now and for loving those around us and far away. Strangley, some people think the children wouldn't feel strongly about their loss as he was their stepdad, but to us he was the grandad Mike, someone that played with them, cooked lovely meals for them and formed part of their childhood, maybe only occasionally but those times were good, worthwhile and special.

Now we are looking forward to summer, sun, swimming, gardening, cooking, the veg patch, cycling, seeing friends and family, scary birthdays and creating more special memories to store in our hearts. I feel that I am growing up a little, getting less stressed, focusing on the things that matter, not the stuff that used to bother me (dust, smelly trainers, dog fur, lost car keys etc). Now I can't see the dust as I am to lost looking into the sunset, I can't smell the trainers for the scent of the roses and the dog fur on the kitchen floor is a sign that our old hound is still here, for which I am so, so grateful. x

Food and Friends

2011-03-21T06:56:00.000-07:00

This last week has been overflowing with food, friends and quite alot of Rugby. We have enjoyed lunch with friends in a crazy restaurant in th middle of nowhere, beautiful crountryside, waiters running from table to table and really lovely homely food in what looks like a workingmen's social club!! I've been experimenting with more seasonal Tuscan recipes and have decided to stick to the vegetarian variety mostly as I feel healthier by far on a meat and dairy free diet. Today found a totally gluten free shop in Poggibonsi - nirvana for me, fresh pasta stuffed with ricotta and spinich, cenci, fritelle, panatone, biscotti and grissini all gluten free - Hurray!!!

Spent this weekend indulging the boys watching Rugby both on TV and in Prato near Firenze, my boy is loving meeting proper professsional Rugby players - thank you to all those lovely big chaps for being so encouraging and patient with an obsessed 10 yr old.

Today took sneaky trip to plant shop whilst waiting for school to finish, returned home with Raspberry plant, Climbing Rose and Chicory & Bietola seeds - I love spring and welcome this week's spring equinox - bring it on!

Crostini - Yum

2011-03-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

This is great, the kids love and makes a simple lunch with a few salad leaves. We had this today. I made it yesterday for the very first time, it was a miracle, it worked, it tasted scrummy and was craziliy cheap.

200 g (7 oz) chicken livers and hearts (the hearts are optional)
2 small onions
30 g/1 oz. butter
2 tsp capers, soaked, drained and chopped
1 bay leaf
5 or 6 sage leaves
1 glass dry vin santo (or sherry)
Warm vegetable stock

Chop the onion finely and sauté in the butter with the bay leaf and sage until soft.

Clean the chicken livers and hearts of fat and gristle. Add add to the pan with a few grinds of pepper but no salt.
Cook for a further 5-8 minutes, until browned. Add the vin santo and evaporate off.
Cook for a further 6 minutes, gradually adding a little vegetable stock to keep it moist.
Whizz in blender for a 30 seconds until nearly smooth.

Cut small rounds of baguette or Long thin loaves and grill on each side to brown, then smother with the pate - to be posh place a caper in the middle of each peice of pate topped toast. Cool xThis paté improves if you make it the day before. This is very Tuscan a real local dish, enjoy,

Thanks to Shilpa at www.organictuscany.org for the inspiration and the image.

Carnivale 2011 - festivale a San Gimignano

2011-03-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

Last week was all about Carnevale, costumes, cenci, prosecco and confetti,

Devon to Venice in pictures

2011-01-29T07:18:00.001-08:00

hospitals, Doctors, Olive Oil and friends

2011-01-23T07:04:00.000-08:00

Ahhhhhh. Finally back home after 5 nights in Siena hospitak with my boy. Ashtma related bronchial pneumonia crept up on us and stole a week of our lives. Thankyou to all my lovely friends and family for their help, and mostly I must thank the dr's for spotting this when I didn't. I have totally realigned my priorities this last week and the time spent watching the boy on oxygen and attached to tubes has allowed me to clearly think where we need to be and what we need to be doing. So happy to be home again with my clan x I love Italy, our hospital meals came with olive oil and parmesan as standard, nothing gets in the way of good wating here.

Blighty part 2

2011-01-09T02:04:00.000-08:00

Well I promised myself I would record our travels but had no idea it would take me this long to actually do it. Once we had made it through the snow and ice to Somerset we then had to set off early from GG's to Devon for work meetings. The country lanes were hideous and I had forgotton how scary the high hedges can be, as I am uses to Italian roads now (fast, windy, high). Having got the work stuff done, we headed for the coast to see my other Grandma, the kids had a rare treat - fish and chips and we spent the afternoon with family, which always makes me feel sad when I go as I wonder if Nanny will be around when I next get to the UK. The following few days were spent in a whirlwind of travel, friends and family, birthday parties, drunken evenings, beautiful countryside, sea views, fabulous food, the zoo, christmas shopping, nativity scenes and finally the last leg of our journey to venice. I can't describe how wonderfully welcome our friends made us feel, feeding us up, forcing us to drink heaps of wine, and generally keeping us warm in the freezing depths of the West Country. Thanks to all, we miss you all lots and hope to see you here in Tuscany soon x

Winter travels

2010-12-21T08:42:00.000-08:00

Last month we took a crazy family trip to blighty to visit friends and family, I also squeezed in 4 meetings and some Christmas shopping, and to finish off we crammed in an overnight stop in Venice - phew!!!!

I have decided to split our adventures up into small bite size pieces rather than overwhelm this blog with too much blurb and endless snapshots.

So to kick-off the story of our little holiday, firstly we had to organise a house-sitter to look after our ancient buck-tooth lurcher Leo and our two teenage kittens Romulus and Remus, thankfully we have a wonderful friend who was able to simply take our place for 8 days and I have to say that I think the animals were delighted and totally spoilt. The forecasts for the UK were hideous and we really didn't think we would make it at all as we watched all the airports close and rail networks grind to a halt, but somehow we did manage to make it to London, to the only airstrip that was open on a very snowy and very cold Thursday morning. The idea of this trip was for our kids to see more of the UK as they had never visited the capital or travelled much before we moved to Italy. So we made it to London and managed to take in the following sights: The London Eye, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Lots of snow and ice, Christmas lights, Harrods, Kings Road, Westminster Abbey, Eros, Tower of London, The Thames, Speedboats, Open top buses in the snow, Black Cabs - and many more lovely things all from our cosy if somewhat packed bus!!!!

After our mad trip into London, the kids and Gary went to The Natural History Museum which was wonderful and I met them there later (bad mummy working). My mobile broke and I couldn't contact my client to say I was late (not great) and I couldn't contact DH to arrange to meet, all in all I was very stressed charging across London in the snow, heart racing, dry mouthed and heavy hearted wishing I was with my clan. Eventually we managed to find each other under a huge dinosaur skeleton and I slowly calmed down and managed to enjoy some time with my tribe. TT loved the moving dinosaur and Archie kind of just put up with her crazy unflinching enthusiasm. The boy was pretty overwhelmed by London, the tubes, the traffic and the amount of people - he is sensitive and I knew this might prove a challenge, TT however wasn't phased, just became more stubborn.

After a long, long day in London which was stunning, all the historical buildings frosted with snow we hopped on a coach (thank god I booked a coach as the trains were all cancelled) and watched the snow get heavier and heavier as we trundled slowly but surely to the West Country.

We eventually got to Great Grandma's late at night and enjoyed shop bought salad and roast chicken with big glasses of wine. Memories of my night at GG's will be: Tea and Biscuits, The Radio Times, Itchy Wool blankets, Ice, Frost, Children’s TV, Archie's Asthma kicking in, time well spent with my 85 year old Grandma. A good start to our English escapades.

In the moment

2010-11-27T08:21:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I feel an absolute certainty that things are simply just meant to be. Yeseterday I was fighting to finish some overdue work projects whilst TT watched a film, the house was a mess and dinner was a long way off, I was cross and stressed. Then from nowhere, TT fell ill within 1 hour she was sick and had a high temperature. So I was totally forced to abandon work, the house, the supper and had to become 100% Mummy. This was meant to be I am sure as it put me back on track and helped me realign want is truly important. I sat with the girl curled up on the sofa (with a bowl) I soothed her and calmed her, which in turned calmed me, I slowed my breathing and felt my heartbeat slowing to a normal rate again, I simply let go of everything and remained in the moment with the girl - where I should have been all along. Later when she was sleeping under a warm blanket by the woodburner I finished by work with a calm mind, I made a pumpkin risotto slowly and with care and had a small tidy up - everything that needed to be done was done, most importantly they were done consciously with thought and not in a frenzied Friday night panic. So I am grateful for the interuption and the kick up the bum, the girl is recovering though still poorly, and I am once more on track emotionally!

Food - the good the bad and the fattening

2010-11-10T06:27:00.000-08:00

Food – I seem to have lost my flow, my naturalness in the kitchen, maybe the dark days and non stop rain are causing me to feel lacking in a desire to venture to the veg plot but all in all I feel adrift. I normally plan weekly menus, plot days for baking, soup making and general tinkering, but right now the kitchen is a little daunting. Even food shopping is putting me off, I normally dive head first into the open air markets sniffing, prodding and sampling local produce, but suddenly I am at a loss.

Our eating habits are complex and sometimes hard work. I am gluten free and dilly dally around vegan, veggi diets often darting into pure raw here and there. But then, a Tuscan wild boar sausage somehow ends up on my plate hidden among the mashed potatoes and baked leeks, I woof it down then wish I hadn’t. My DH however is a meat man and would be very happy with all manner of carnivorous fair, he also loves bread and so I make breads and cakes I can’t eat and am happy to see them devoured. I buy meat occasionally that I rarely eat and create vegi meals that everyone else tolerates, just.
So here I am adrift in a sea of uncertainty wanting to simplify cooking and shopping but needing to still create yummy meals that I enjoy making and my family love eating – all on a wafer thin budget. After all I live in Tuscany the land of cheese, bread, cured meat and wine, maybe I will find my cooking mojo again soon. Any helpful ideas or encouragement are warmly welcomed x

TT helping gather olies (rolling in the nets)

cousins this summer

nb: My copy of the green parent and the book 'eat pray love' have just landed on my desking - maybe the inspiration I need!!

Feeling sad

2010-11-02T07:38:00.000-07:00

The last thing I want is for this blog to become too gloomy but just lately things have worn me down. TT has once again gone into meltdown about getting dressed and ready for school. Kicking shouting etc, this morning we were late again (10 days now) and I went to see her teacher to ask if she is OK at school, he seems to think not and I now have a meeting with him on Thursday - god I hope my Italian is up to it.

She seems to like school though, tells us it is fun, and loves her homework and fun projects they are doing, but this would make sense of the whole 'nightmare' of getting her into the car.

I am trying so hard to remain calm but it is v. hard to do when everything is crunching to a halt and my nerves are wrangling. So now I am going to head to school and let her play in the park with her friends and watch her interact to see how she seems to be emotionally. Tonight we will curl up in front of the fire and read and play and hope that tomorrow will be a better day.

Sometimes I wish I could teach them at home, but I think they would miss the interaction with Italian kids, and their language skills would go to pot. This way we have the best of both worlds I hope, part time school and long long holidays.

I long to switch of my brain for a while though and just have a few days without 'tempers fraying' and tears and tantrums (all of ours) flying.

Plans this week - leek soup, homemade ciabatta, gluten free muffins, olive picking, dog walking, cinema and lots and lots of reading by the fire. x

The camera is on its way home from the menders so this blog should soon be full of autumn colour again.

Tears, tantrums and sock issues

2010-10-26T03:32:00.000-07:00

I am so, so weary. This morning spiralled out of control again when Tabby refused to get dressed, changed her clothes twice, refused tights, leggings and socks. Picked socks, said they annoyed her removed socks, screamed at us threw stuff around the house, screamed more, put socks on inside out, puts boots on, said they annoyed her, took them and socks off, screamed more about the seams in the socks. Cried, shouted and kicked us both, took off her dress and insited on putting it back on backwards. Just as they were going out the door she took shoes, socks and dress off and refused to put them on. I swapped the socks for the smoothest I could find and tried to put them on her, she kicked me hard in the ribs and I smacked her - I wish I could rewind the clock!. I didn’t intend to but she was uttery out of control and I burst into tears again!! She was carried kicking and screaming into the car, they got to school 1/2 hour late as usual. Every morning is like this, every day starts with total chaos and then I feel crap for hours and hours.

There are two issues here think. Tabby wants to be in control of everything, she also has a massive temper issue, we are trying to calm her and listen and give her freedom to choose are clothes etc, this doesn’t seem to help though.

2nd issue, she genuinely hates socks and tights. I bought three pairs of soft smooth tights on Saturday and have had to cut the feet off as she can’t cope with the seams on the toes. She will then only where 1 or 2 pairs of socks which to me seem the same in feel to all her others! Can anyone help on the anger issues and the sock problems. Does anyone know of seamless tights or socks?

A kind Mummy on the GP forum just sent me these links which are great and on close inspection I was very very interested to read about Tactile Defenciveness. Also having calmed down myself, maybe she is simply saying listen to me these socks do REALLY bother me. So tonight I will sit with her and make a 'comfy' sock box and put only things that she is hapy with in the box, maybe this will work. I have ordered some socks from the Sensory Smart site but do not know how long the post will take to arive here in Italy.

http://www.sensory-smart.com/

http://www.eczemaclothing.com/Department/Cotton+Socks+Tights/Childrens+Socks/

http://www.seamlesssocksuk.co.uk/girls socks.html

In the shed

2010-10-25T07:25:00.000-07:00

Great Grandma's 85th birthday cake!

GG, TT and AA

Siena

New old desk for TT

Typical TT

Fiery Friend - awaiting installation

homework on the new old desk

I have finally succumbed to working in the shed again as my laptop is a bugger and won't upload images which is a real pain in the neck... any ideas as to why it won't upload are most welcome.

This last week has been chaotic to say the least, with children visiting friends, work meetings, hospital appointments, helping people move house and re-arranging our home to accommodate lots of lovely unwanted bits and bobs including an ancient sewing machine with foot tread (pics to come). On the home front things are coming together slowly, the house is wonderfully messy and in need of a serious clean but the children are full of autumnal excitement, Halloween seems to be a big thing for a 10 year old! We are hopeful that more work is coming our way here in Italy as this is where I really want to be,. not flitting to the UK every month.

The week ahead looks like this: Olive picking, Olive picking, Olive picking, making Halloween biscuits, tidying, cleaning, working, Olive picking, Olive picking, working.

Big plans..........the jam jar embargo.. I have about 100 empty jars waiting to be filled with Passata however our tomatoes were a disaster this year and my jam jar stock is out of control. I therefore plan to hide them from Gary so he thinks the problem has simply vanished!! then magically I will feel them with yummy things at regular intervals such as jam, fruit in syrup, dried herbs etc. I desperately need to get my pantry/kitchen cupboards inline as they are currently a miss mash of disordered clutter.

Big News... The wood burner is here and waiting the approval from our landlord, a long term loan from a friend this fiery friend will transform our lives, we just need the landylord to install it (not a simple task).

Big Dreams.. We may have found some land to share with friends where we can build a 'recycled' home here in the hills of Tuscany.

Here are few recent pics of our life here in Italy x

Autumn review

2010-10-15T04:08:00.000-07:00

Well it's been so long since I have felt like blogging, I suppose mostly because my laptop will not upload images anymore, no idea why. Therefore to blog in pictures I need to go to the shed (office)and when it is cold or the children are home I don't feel the urge.

However, today the sun is shining through the autumn clouds and I have venture to the shed to work and catch up with blogging, both for fun and work.

The last few weeks have been manic and may days I have felt totally exhausted and out of control on many levels; work, home, kids, house, garden, nature, diet, everything has been out of sync which I find upsetting. But now I feel a little more grounded and that a gentle rhythm is flowing though our lives again. The children are now a school part time which is better for everyone as we are sharing more experiences and getting to understand more what they are studying a school. Tabby is learning to write and read in Italian so we have been exploring the countryside with a pen a paper and writing down the names of things like strada (road) Alberi (trees Gatti(cats), in all honesty I think I am learning the most out of being with the kids, especially on the Italian front. So we are trying to be outside more too, the veg patch is sad and neglected and we have had issues with bugs and blight this year, one triumph though is our marvellous melanzane, wonderful griddled with salt and olive oil! This weekend is looking busy but in a nice homely way, tomorrow will be homework, cleaning, baking and gardening, Sunday lunch at friends then a trip to see our visiting Great Grandma who flies to Italy tomorrow, today is hr 85th birthday, I think I may bake her a girly style cake with sprinkles and icing.

This post is in danger of becoming a war and piece style feature so I will try and make a brief summary of life in the Tuscan Hills as it is now:

Home: scruffy, needs cleaning, would like to paint wild climbing flowers on the walls in TT's room and de-clutter every other room. We are re-arranging things to help us stay warm this winter and plan to sleep downstairs in front of the fire when it turns too cold upstairs. Sounds divine, warm duvet, glass of wine, dozing chidren, crackling fire, agghh.

Garden: Looking healthy but very wild, my little formal garden at the front looks set to be a happy jumble of herbs and flowers in the spring. Would ike to get lots of bulbs in very soon ready for spring. The Veg patch is crazy and looks like a field of weeds which in fact it is. Though we are so excited about our leeks and pumpkins which are strong and handsome.

Hearth: Made amazing honey and raisin bread this week that the children love, the perfect loaf after 30 years of practice!!!! Baked potatoes in the oven for lunch and homemade baked beans. Hope to make a few more crumbles and cakes tomorrow. Enjoyed the most amazing 'Crema di Limoncello' last weekend when some lovely friends came for lunch. Monia had made this fantastic booze from 97% alcohol, lemons, sugar and cream - it was utterly gorgeous but I felt like I had had me knee joints removed and replaced with jelly after 2 glasses.

Custard - we have been gorging on Brids custard and gluten free crumble since I found a tin in a small shop in town (we can't normally find this here in Tuscany)

Family - Ups and downs, lots of emotional outbursts flying around our home lately. The boy is 10 now and quite grumpy at times, also still has hideously shy moments, he is fine at Rugby and school but introduce him to a new person and he can barely speak, let alone look them in the eye, it cripples him socially sometimes and I so wish I could feed him a plate of confidence and a big dollop of enthusiasm. The girl is quite simply barking mad, wonderful to watch, she loves learning and is overflowing with interest in the outside world, animals, plants and nature. Though she has to some how calm down her temper as she lashes out at her brother for no reason - all normal fun and games. I struggle to understand why they can’t be nice to each other, I was an only child who grew up watching the Waltons and thought siblings enjoyed each others company (apparently a ludicrous ideal according to my DH).

The good stuff: The kittens are now big bruisers who love catching praying mantis, lizards and voles yet still cry desperately for food, they are lovely to watch and still play together when not cruising the neighbourhood looking for love! The old hound is well and truly off his rocker and paces the house all the time, why, we don't know, he seems happy and eats well but his sight is bad an so is his breath, but we love him so!

I really hope to keep myself on an even keel this winter and have promised myself time for meditation, yoga and long walks in the woods, early nights and lots of healthy eating, time for family and friends. I will not let work and finances overshadow my life and will try very hard to see the positive in all things, most importantly we are all healthy at the moment and the sun is shining, I can hear the gentle crunching and rustling as leaves fall to the ground outside my shed door – what a beautiful noise xxxxx

Summer Loving

2010-09-03T03:42:00.000-07:00

Blues and Greens

A hat full of figs

Next years vintage

Itsy Bitsy little books - inspired by Claire's wonderful blog at Border stories

Risen in the sun, kneaded by young hands and enjoyed with supper

Summer review

2010-09-03T02:50:00.000-07:00

Well even here in sunny Tuscany the seasons are on the turn, a cool breeze greets us in the morning and the nights are dark early. We are overwhelmed with things we must do to prepare for winter, as last year we were so frozen and gloomy. Today the kids are collecting kindling and weeping up pine needles and cones for fire-lighting, we have logs coming next week, and I am umming and agghing over hedgerow jam as we had few strawberries and cherries nd no peaches this year, so the jam will have to be a mongrel variety. Tempers are high in the house - a long summer this year, everyone tired and grumpy, I think some gentle down time ad nourishing is required. Tonight Shepherds Pie and Waltons I think. I have to buckle down on the work front as several new projects are starting this month - so sad to give up my time in the home but needs must so for the next year I will most likely be in the office (our shed) 4 days a week and will cram in the olives, walnut harvest and veg patch, crafts, cooking etc around my work and trips to the UK for meetings. Oh to just be able to stay at home in Italy..............

Spent yesterday in Firenze visiting the Aussies before they go on their travels, the girls had so much fun and number 1 boy was a star pushing a babe in the buggy all around Florence. I was so delighted to come home though, I just don’t do cities and Florence is so 'money grabbing' and pretentious I love my simple life here in the hills and when I need culture Siena is perfect, tranquil and more real. I am uploading our summer pics bites size chunks so as not to bore the pants of everyone xx

The Seasons

2010-08-29T09:11:00.000-07:00

Where to start... We have had family and friends here now on and off for the last month, which mostly has been wonderful, yet tiring. The hardest person to deal with is the Man who just likes his home quiet and simple, with a houseful of guests and many kids this made him grumpy!!!!! However, when the house is back to normal he says he misses the company and bussle!!! Can't win really. We have just said to goodbye to the Aussies and will see them again in two weeks, the time went to fast for me but one really joyful things was watching two little girls make a deep and happy bond, two 5 year olds who couldn't be more different in their personalities just clicked it was magical.Also seeing cousins slip into each others lives so easily as if they see them all the time.

Today has been about planning the autumn, we made a Christmas box of films, stories and music and set aside to gradually fill over the next few months. The kids made cake, spent hours making knights and footballers out of tin foil and card, we watched the Waltons (fab), and I pottered around plotting autumn harvesting, thinking of woolly socks and mittens, still blistering hot here though.

Back to work in the morning and something that we feel we need to make part of our lives is structure, not rigid rules but a gentle sequence throughout our week, as we are tired and unorganised at the moment. So we really are going back to basics: Bath nights, cleaning day/laundry and baking day, monday morning coffee to discuss our work, meals at 7pm bed at 8.30 for the kids etc etc

Hope to upload photos soon but have to use another pc to do this - very annoying. xx

Angels & Demons

2010-08-10T07:54:00.000-07:00

I am sure we must all have them, those nasty little devils that sneak into our thoughts and wreck our concentration, disturb our peace of mind or generally play havoc with our sense of wellbeing, but mine have been on a total destruct mission lately. My demons mostly appear in the forms of low self worth, zero self esteem, lack of trust, feeling I am not good enough (mother, writer, wife etc) but sometimes they jump up and bite me on the bum and make me feel really bad. Last week my nasty old demon of 'panic' appeared, the horrible gremlin that attacks me on high bits of road, in busy streets and on long bridges, I literally feel as if the road is crumbling beneath me and that I am falling and am going to die. Totally daft and very upsetting, I haven't felt this way for 2 years now, then here it was back again, so on reflection I feel I was exhausted that day, thinking of too many things and now allowing time for relaxation, reflection and me-time.

So now I am back to putting my life in order, time for work, time for kids, time for my man and time for me, I am going to carefully balance where my energy is spent and gently re-shift the priorities back to health, love, happiness, nature etc.

Grounding myself physically and emotionally, I have been worried about not feeling secure in this house as it is so expensive but am always scared of upheaval, however, now does feel the time to move on (locally) nearer school and Siena which we all love. So we have been looking at areas we would like to live in, discussing options and now feeling more positive about things.

I am working every other day now for the rest of the summer, in order to enjoy time with the kids and we have family here on Thursday so a busy few weeks in store. Today the sun is bright, the flowers thirsty, my daughter has made bread which is rising on the table in the garden, I have a lovely bottle of Chianti set aside for supper time (a gift from Nonna), and a little gluten free cake for pudding, so a gentle evening ahead x


Honey and Rosemary bread, figs from the garden

Birthday icecream in Siena

Sunny Siena

Poor Daddy

In the swing

2010-07-28T07:13:00.000-07:00

I am enjoying blogging again... for now at least. As I am so exhausted from work, heat and garden this blog is giving me a little space to breathe again. Last night I made an un-shopping list a la Alice in Wonderland. Rather than focus on what we needed to buy I listed what we had left then adapted recipes to suit the ingredients - well kind of. My cooking skills vary from 'wow' that was delicious to pretty poor similar to 'Rhia' from the 1970's sitcom Butterflies so we will have to see how next week pans out as I have included within my recipe lists 2 family picnics as it is my birthday on Friday!

I am also trying to adopt and less worryfull attitude as I have been plagued by nightmares and sleepless nights lately, trying hard to be calm and not getting stressed with money and health issues.

For now though here are some summer shots....

Summer in Italy

2010-07-27T09:40:00.000-07:00

The beach, warm mornings, sleeping outside on the trampoline, washing dry within minutes, bread rising on the table in the garden, the insects drowning out the birdsong, football with friends, playing cards with Grandma, supper outside, picnic lunches, castles and kingdoms, a sense of calm (sometimes), afternoon sleeps, coffee in Siena, swimming, diving and sunshine. Salads and fruit, simple food but the best, tomato plants on the up, beans, peppers, aubergines all struggling in the heat, pumpkins gone wild, kittens growing up, old dog slowing down. Time to relax watching life unfold. No money, very little work, but one fantastic future .... Namaste x

New blog

2010-07-22T06:13:00.001-07:00

Just to let you know I have now started another blog for my garden design business at Bella Terra Garden Design. I plan to update both my personal blog and the work blog weekly now one of our computer’s is letting me add images etc. On the new blog I plan to include English and Tuscan garden ideas and a country gardener’s diary.

For now though I have to fly as the vegetable patch is dying of thirst.

photos?? Fingers crossed

2010-06-28T01:41:00.000-07:00

I hope with fingers crossed that these images now upload, we spend 1/2 our time with a camera or laptop that fail to communicate. Lets see........

Long time, no blog

2010-06-15T10:02:00.000-07:00

Well, still no lovely pictures to share, not yet anyway as laptop being a pain in the rear but I promise to go down to the cantina and update the blog from my office sometime soon. All is well, the feeling in the house is that of tireness and calm(ish). AA has finished school for the summer and is at Rugby camp in the day, TT still at school until the end of June. Each day we are driving to the other side of Siena for the camp - part pain, part fun as exploring new routes and landmarks on the way. Tonight a storm is brewing and I pray for rain as the Horto is wilting, wilting, wilting. Planted young plants on Sunday inc: tomatos, peppers, aubergines, mange tout and they need more water. The hose is heavy and it takes at least and hour to do the whole garden, also water is scarce. A quick update: Health, now taking immune suppressents to try and calm the Bechets syndrome. Hate having to but feel the time has come to go mainstream on the health front but will keep up all the homeopathic and natural remedies too. Kids, happy but tired... trying to pursuade them a siesta is a good thing and that helping each other is actually also good. AA pushing the boundaries with attitude and reluctance to do anything useful, but he is growing up fast. TT about to take little wheels off her bike and go solo like the big girls! Garden, going mad in the heat and the dry.. Horto now underway after DH had incident with antique rotovator machine...dont't ask. Flower garden and roses also looking lovely. The mulching is so cool feeding and protecting the plants, thank you Jean for all the plants and advice. Pumpkins struggling why? Home, very dusty, untidy and somewhat out of control rather like my mind and hair! Just picked the last of the cherries and will do jam this week. Lots of soup in the freezer and bread rolls rising. Have made a study corner for AA with desk and shelves and plans for tree house are in the makings. Work, up & down, sideways and inbetween. Sadly were taken advantage of by con artist client, we did the work, she never paid and never will - now the police are on her case... Not nice but I believe for every 'cow' there is in the world there are 100's of good people to make up for the bad ones. Possible new projects in the wings and G has a meeting tomorrow for a job here in Italy, so all in all things are on the up. Life, I feel positive but tired, so am being soooo careful with myself not to get stressed, exhausted, out of tune, etc I am meditating for at least 1/2 a day and trying to prioritise and not procrastinate with work, home-stuff, contacting friends etc. Also listening to my body, heart, mind, nature etc and really gently letting my intuition guide me in every way. Loving the sunsets, early mornings, wild flowers, fruit and sounds of summer - insects, bee-eaters, laughing kids, swimming, eating outside, night jars etc xxx Ah presto

Home Again, Home Again Giggidy Gig

2010-05-13T05:09:00.000-07:00

Well it is over a month since my last blog post - and what can I say, there is far to much to put down in words as the past few weeks have been of the very highest highs and lowest lows. We are now all a little more grounded though and I have chosen to post a little update as some very kind bloggers have been asking if I am OK. Yes I am OK, but I have been in hospital in and out for a while with more tests and it seems I have a couple of curious spots on the brain which is most likely damage caused by neuro behcets so this took some getting used to. My dd has also been in hospital with Pleurosy (excuse spelling), in between we have been to the UK to see family and camping with friends here in Italy. So really we are physically and emotionally shattered but feeling good and positive. We have lots of lovely photos to share and I will be uploading some soon. I am going to slow down on the blogging front a little as I find it distracts be from the real 'doing' so I hope to simply share the real joys, the beauty, the fun, laughter and natural flow of our little family, living in the hills of Tuscany trying hard to live gently, sutainably, abundantly and without fear or stress. Making the very most of what we have every moment of every single day. So for now here is today's good stuff: The roses in bloom, smelling of old English country gardens The bread baking, the gorgeous wafts of cooking dough (thank you dh) The glowing fire (in May!!!) drying the washing The big strong vegi plants ready to be planted in the horto My lovely true old & new friends who love me no matter what Sleeping dog and skitty kitties The clear blue skies after the heavy downpours Cracking and jolting lightening making me feel so alive The melting pot of thoughts, feelings, personalities that make up our family The gentle sun turning the cherries from green to lipstick red x

Small changes - big differences

2010-04-09T08:42:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week I was to damn ill to do much of anything and the frustration was welling up in me, so I tried to calm my mind and think of the small things we can do that make a difference, here are my random thoughts...

We can reach for a large jug of water and take note of how the clear liquid restores and revives as we take sips or even gulps
We can stretch our limbs and feel our muscles lengthening then relaxing
Spend 5 minutes writing to an old friend or relative, not typing, actually using our hands, weird feeling folding a note, placing it in an envelope and sealing within (ritualistic)
Smooth the dog or cat or other animal whom you share your life with, very restful action giving love to someone who adores you no matter how grumpy you may feel
breathe - deeply, slowly and intentionally
Plant seeds, even with no energy I dragged myself into the garden and planted pot after pot of seeds this week
make a cake, the action of weighing, stirring and baking chills me out
Planning a trip - whoopy daydreaming up a plan of escape big or small, dreams are what life is made from
Soup, chopping and stirring, heating and eating, so relaxing even when tired
5 minutes of clearing the decks, just the simple small stuff that grates on the nerves
Heartfelt hugs, you can never have or give enough to those you love, life is often to swift

After all, the small stuff is what makes a big difference... to me at any rate xx

The reading pile

2010-04-08T00:38:00.000-07:00

I have been sent off to bed for the last 48 hours but cannot relax so have been wading through my reading pile. Also spending hours daydreaming about self suffiency, financial freedom, going off grid and buying some land, on a more 'now' level made plans for the veg gardens and boxes. We finalised our idea for the solar shower (garden) and hope to create this within the next week or so - pics to follow. Today I hope to: make soup and potter in the garden, taking things easy as not 100% percent. The birds are all singing their hearts out and I have thrown open all the windows to clear the air and my fuddled brain. The man is amazing, so organised, he copes so well when I am unwell and so do the children, but I feel his stress (me, money, time) and just want to be fit and strong at least most of the time to lessen his burdens. Beauty: today I see beauty and hope in the changing seasons, the warming breeze, the bread baking for my children, the sleeping kittens and the dozing dog, the cherry blossom and budding fruit trees, the new life emerging from the ground and the potential in all things around me. Here are a few of the lovely books I have been devouring whilst gazing out at the Tuscan spring:

Hard times in paradise - David and micki colefax
How can I let go - Linda Douty
Labyrinth - Kate Mosse
The Have More Plan
How to Feed your family - Gill Holcombe

Living well

2010-04-06T00:48:00.000-07:00

Everyday I live in fear of getting ill again as my immune system just doesn't work, however this weekend I let go of my fear and really indulged myself, wine lots of, chocolate, dairy and meat (small nibbles), and guess what, I am ill!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So it just goes to show that there must be a direct link from diet to immunity, my mouth is full of ulcers and my knees are agony, I felt dizzy all day yesterday and my throat is swollen. So I truly have to accept that if I want a long and healthy life I need to tread carefully and live conciously in every way. So starting a fresh again and to fight this illness (Behcets) now I am back on the following: Gluten free Vegan diet, caffiene and alcohal free, plenty of sleep, fresh air and water. Continue with all my supplements - vitamin b group, echinecea, dog rose etc. Supper Menu for the week - this is very optimistic as if I get worse I will be on just water: Artichoke Rissotto Lentil Shepherds pie Polenta and roasted veg Minestrone (g,free) Veg curry and rice noodles stuffed peppers and boulangare pots Polenta pizza Also need to try and tidy the garden after the landlords chainsaw massacre, however, I am NOT going to worry about a thing this week, simply be kind to myself and go with the flow!

A wee rest

2010-04-02T08:59:00.000-07:00

I have just not felt like blogging of late, I have felt that blogging was getting in the way of actually doing things. I was writing rather than achieving and this is not good for me. So I have had a rest from my blog and can now come back renewed and afresh. In my time away from the blog I have managed to spring clean the house, plant up roses,herbs, strawberries and veg seeds. Move the office to the cantina so I can now 'go' to work, converted what was the office to a playroom - perfect for everyone. Made apple cake, easter rabbits, easter cards and had lots of fresh air on walks with the old man (the dog not the husband). Also had my full body scan at the hospital, results are looming but I have continued to stay well on my diet of Echinacea, Dog Rose and Vitamin B supplements, which seem to be supporting my immune system well, though I am still really shattered. The children are loving the warmer days: blossomy trees, wild flowers, mud pie experiments, swinging in the trees, diggin in the dirt, wearing short sleeves, staying outside after school, harrassing kittens and days in the park. Today has been about gluing and sticking, feathers and pompoms, cakes and biscuits, chalks and puzzles, rugby practice and now a sliding sun and a warm fireside. Preserved 6 huge jars of baked artichokes from the market... very industrious. Tomorrow a day of gardening and then the man (not the dog) and I are planning a walk around Siena at dusk, as the children are off to the grandparents for the evening. For now a random selection of pics - notice TT's bed hair (saying morning to the kittens at 6am). x

organic gardening

2010-03-22T23:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I spent a couple of hours at a friends house looking at her amazing garden, using all natural compost and mulch for beds. So inspiring, wire cages lined with card and filled with grass cuttings, veg waste and chippings to create rich environments for plants to grow -truly fab and almost free way of making your own compost. The veg plants were thriving and I came home with a car full of roses, iris, leeks, herbs, wild strawberries, vines and many more wonderful gifts. We have planned our next step and will build more large tubs and fill with natural waste, as it rots we top it up and plant straight into the planter in the autumn. To say it was better than Christmas would be very true and the morning was rounded off with a glass of local wine and some smoked salmon. Pure bliss. This morning off to the market in Poggibonsi with my old baby buggy to snap up some cheap veg for preserving and pasta sauces. A very good friend is going to give me the low down on the best buys and the local cheeses etc, as I haven't had the time to really get to grips with all the different types of pecorino yet - only been here 2 years, pathetic time management!!!!!

Wise women

2010-03-19T09:17:00.000-07:00

The last few days have been filled with the words of wise women offering me guidance help and empathy. I have had a garden designer friend show me how to grow things in a better and more sustainable and cost effective way. Another friend has been showing me how to make the best use of the local seasonal produce and today we cooked artichokes to have tonight with gluten free pasta - so yummy. The weekends are often full to overflowing with sporty things for the boys and this weekend is no exception, however I will make time to potter in the garden and kitchen, a firm promise to myself. I plan to make crostata and a polenta cake for next weeks picky food and tomatoes stuffed with anchovies and mozzarella (experimental pottering). Today the man made an enormous compost bin for the horto and a wooden planting box for lettuces and salad stuff - so proud of him, from pallets to planters in one morning. Tonight though I will just chill out with my book 'Ripe for the picking' and the open fire, listen to the birds going to bed and slowly flop into the weekend.

In Love with

2010-03-16T10:24:00.000-07:00

I love this country, I love its hills, its people and the sense of peace it brings. Today I was literally sweating in desperation over work issues and stepped outside to see what the dog was barking at, within seconds I felt better, the breeze calmed me and the birdsong made me slow down and listen. I don't know why but this place is special to me and I feel I have come home, how is this possible as I have no Italian links in my family but I know I have found my place in this mad, mad world.

Too much work on and very little time to wind down but life is still good. The girl is under a duvet in front of the fire watching a film, the boy at football with Babo and I have just made bean and pasta soup for supper and am starting to relax after hours at my PC.

Plans - the move of the study to the shed (cantina) is moving on, we have to glaze the windows with perspex and uck out all my gardening stuff which will go under the leanto, change the locks and clean well. I can't wait I have always had a yearning to work at the end of the garden like the wonderful Roald Dahl in his den.

Hot and cold

2010-03-15T02:54:00.000-07:00

We have had the coldest winter that I can remember and it is still not warm in the house even with the fire roaring. Some days it is gorgeous sunshine and then back to snow, very much like the weather the UK I fear. I am longing for the warmth of sun-kissed days, morning tea in the garden and supper outside. This week HAS to be mainly work orientated so I will simply leave you with a few pictures of the last few days here in Tuscany - when I can fathom out blogger and why picture upload is not working!!! please be patient.

Waiting

2010-03-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

Waiting for spring, for the warmth, for more energy, for more motivation. Just lately My head has been too full of the mudane and exhausting stuff, work, money, time, health and practical stuff. So I really have not felt in the right place to spend time on my blog, but now I am on the up and hope to start filling this space with beauty, laughter, antics and fun again. Healthwise I am pretty good but shattered and feeling a tad weary (old), but we (the man and I) have made some great plans of late and are plotting better ways in which to live. These include: moving the office from inside the house to our cantina (storage shed/cellar) which will mean I can close the office and leave work behind which will be so much better for me as I cannot switch off at the best of times.

Today is mothers day and I feel blessed to be the mother of two wonderful if challenging figli and hope to bring joy into their lives and make each day warm and secure, even when I am tearing my hair out.

Brain overload

2010-02-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

So much has been happening lately I feel like my head might explode, so until I can take some time to slowly sort through the tangled thoughts I will simply post some lovely images of this wonderful, wonderful country which has welcomed us with open arms (veggies, sorry these may not all be for you). I will save the tantrums and tears for another day... they might even have melted away by then. x

The goodstuff: just about to light the fire, Tuscan bean soup warming in the kitchen, the girl will be home from gymnastics soon, our amazing landlord has bought home pallets for us to make a compost bin, my glass of chianti is truly yummy, our log pile is healthy again and the spring warmth is slowly bringing the garden to life.

Carnevale part two

2010-02-23T00:44:00.000-08:00

Well here in Italy we have just seen the last of Carnevale and the Italians are now well and truly into Lent. I read on the Green Parent forum a question about what people are giving up, well we have given up our gas - tee hee. The gas company is standing its ground whilst we dispute the bill but we are very happy without the gas, the only bugger being nohot water, so we have been having showers every few days at my Mums and we are going to also add a family swimming evening to our already mad routine so the kids get extra practice in before the summer and we all get lovely hot showers. OK this might seem rather slummy but actually the stress of paying a 1300 Euro bill in one go is more frightening than going without hot water. We have really pulled together under what could have been really stressy days.

This weekend we went to San Gimignano for the last Carnevale party, the floats did not venture out as were soaked in a downpour but the children still had a ball.

A small girl collecting rosemary for our roast potatoes - how good is life!

Saturday - sunshine and time in the garden. I sorted out the cantina (shed/cellar) and planted a tray of peppers, onions and tomatos, some gladioli, and herbs. Pruned the roses spotted daffodils and crocus all in full bloom - so full of promise, just can't wait for spring, warm days and bare feet.

Fending of a knight with my brolly

Sunday - A hearty roast lunch, followed by choc brownies, then off to Carnevale. Still hungry the kids shared a panino and we enjoyed coffee in a little bar and watched the rain before heading into the piazza to play with the other kids - something so restful about the medieval towns in Tuscany I feel really at peace and chilled out here.

Feeling anxious today as off to the hospital tomorrow and Thursday for more tests to find out exactly what immune problems I have. nb. Since I started taking large quantities of vitimin B group supplements and Echinecia I have been really well!!!! Also my diet and lifestyle has changed so this must all be doing something, fingers crossed.

Goodies: Logs arriving on Thursday, We have stocked up the kitchen with lots of goodstuff, Things are growing, Archie's big teeth are finally pushing through (he's 9), Found some wonderful winter boots for TT at a bargain price, Beans soaking for Italian soup, hot lemon and honey in my favourite mug is steaming on my desk (thank you to the man), Today is full of promise.

Testing Times

2010-02-18T05:42:00.000-08:00

Humbug........ We have been trying so hard to stay within our budgets, reduce our debts and become more self sufficient and I think we are doing pretty darn well, much room for improvement though.

Yesterday was just plain horrible. We have been contesting a gas bill for over a year now, our gas co. filled our tank without our consent then sent us a bill for £1,300, of course we said that we would only pay for what we were using not a bulk order that arrived unsolicited. We have been paying bits off but yesterday they closed off the pipe! So no hot water, heating or hob to cook on. Well do you know what, we lit the open fire curled up with our hot water bottles and felt really fine about it, yes I was worried about it, yes it scared me, it really upset DH but in reality it hit home once again how we relie on outside organisations for our everyday needs. In truth the gas will be back on next week as we will have to just pay the darn thing but it has made me realise things have to change.

So we are thinking how to adapt the following as ultimately we would prefer to go off-grid.

Feed the cooker from a gas bottle - we can regulate this better
Solar panel to heat the radiators upstairs and hot water -we rent our home so might prove tricky
Create an outside shower for the summer months - using black hose or painted radiator to warm the water
Run our computors off a small solar panel
Solar lamps for the kids room
Collect and store wood all year - this year we have been hopeless and cold

So for the next few days I am going to list everything we buy in including resources and utilities and try and find ways to change the way we do this.

To kick start my home self suffiency audit I thought I would try going from room to room, I know the kitchen will be one of the most challenging rooms.

But to cheer myself on I thought I would remind myself of what we are already doing:

Make our own bread
Make our own Jams
Chutneys and Passatas in jars
Sundried tomatos
Freeze our cherries and courgettes
Make cakes cereal bars etc
Made our own solar oven for the summer
Grow 50% of our own veg and store
Make soups for the freezer

G is busy drafting proofing doors and I will make more excluders this evening. We will also prune all the fruit trees and hedges to store for kindling.

Any inspiring ideas for homesteading or becoming more self reliant welcome x

Small Pleasures

2010-02-16T06:03:00.000-08:00

Photos of the boy and Grandad at Rome on Sunday - Had to post the image of the roadside picnic, the Italians know how to travel, they unload a trestle table and a roasted hog, cakes and wine and feed everyone many times on route.... Might consider the trestle table idea..myabe on the roofrack of Peter the fiat Panda?

A five year old plods downstairs with the hotwater bottles balanced out in front of her, then says I just have to make the beds! Such a wonderful sight until the tears roll as she finds our huge bed to difficult to manage. Wanting to be useful and needed is something we all feel of that I am sure, and today TT wanted to be one of the grownups - yes she had a tantrum, yes we were all annoyed by our lateness but at the same time she is learning everyday how to do things better - both good and bad. I am going to take some note of this and try and keep learning how to do things better, and keep trying until things are have a more natural flow. I hope one day my Italian will flow at will just like getting on bicycle and knowing what to do intuitively - when do things start happening on instict? maybe when we stop worrying and just keep doing.

Here and There

2010-02-15T01:12:00.000-08:00

Busy busy weekend full of nice things. Saturday we visited a farm saw the cows and the bull, a donkey and horses, a few calves and lots of hens etc. We bought organic apple juice and our friends treated us to fresh mozzarella, ricotta, warm bread and salad. The girls played in the mud and enjoyed the sunshine, smashing ice and getting dirty. Made a Thai meal for our family valentines evening on Saturday - very lovely but too tired to enjoy the evening, think my energy levels are flagging.

Sunday lovely too - the menfolk went to Rome to see the rugby England v Italy and TT, Nona and I went for a walk around a lovely old town 'Casole' then had some lunch. We really must slow down more and relax as I noticed that all the other tables were full of families who arrived before us and were only on their first course when we were ready to go. Normal here to have 4-5 courses, will have to build up my stamina and appetite. TT had Salmon then risotto even she was too tired for panacotta!!!

Hooray the loft is sorted - Christmas stuff is away and Easter lovelies unearthed as are ribbons and birthday wrappings.

More cereal bars made and banana bread cooked in the bread maker, went very dark and weird looking but am told it is delicious. I am planning to schedule in more time for hearth and home every week now as recently all my time, energy and thoughts have been on work and money, this only means that other things get neglected , then that upsets me too!!!

Plans for the week:

Water pots and plant more seeds for the Horto - veg plot
Make a large pot of Tuscan bean soup
Polenta bake and homemade baked beans
Cherry Muffins - last of Cherries in freezer
Soup - Carrot and Orange
Marmalade
An hour a day on my book
Some inner work on all of our worries - money, stability, fear, being more supportive of each other
Photos - print for albums
Read, read, read - 2 books a day to the children
Chickens - research which ones and how
More salads - when warm enough!

Cereal Bars - yum

2010-02-10T02:45:00.000-08:00

OK so not strictly healthy but very, very yummy and eaten by all in the house ! which is amazing. I completely bodged this recipe together and urge everyone to do the same but roughly speaking here is how it went.

150g rolled oats
50g rice crispies
100g apricots chopped, raisins, gogi berries or any dried fruit
10g butter / marg
100g syrup / jam / something sticky (I used homemade cherry jam)
75g broken chocolate white or dark (wholenut maight be good)
(I added some dried coconut too)

Melt the butter, jam and chocolate in a small pan and melt gently. Stir into the dried cereal and fruit mixture, coat well in the sticky stuff then press into a roasting dish so about 1/2 inch thick, pat down with spoon and chill in fridge.

Cut into slices - great for after school snacks or picnics. Thought you could also make round cereal bars in muffin tins too.

Small Changes - Big improvements

2010-02-08T23:14:00.000-08:00

Decided to put a little more routine into my working days to try and shift the guilt thing and improve my time management / domestic chaos.

Get up at 6am rather than 7am
1 hour a day on my books - reseach and writing
When I prepare our lunch I will also prepare dinner
Spend at least an hour outside everyday (lunchtime or walking)
Sat/Sun, bake muffins and cereal bars - enough for a week
2 or 3 times a week make double quantities of supper and freeze
1 jolly a week for the family (day out, picnic, museum, festa or friends)
Switch of PC as soon as the kids are home and focus on hometime
No wine in the week as this makes me knackered and fat (sad but true)
earlier beds for the kids with extra stories / music as they seem so much chirpier

Its a start - anyhow.

Home and Hearth

2010-02-08T06:18:00.000-08:00

Home again - thank goodness that last week is behind me. Running around Devon, Somerset and London seeing clients old and new, pitching for new business and trying to stay sane and healthy all at once - the ultimate multitasking challenge.

Big fat dollops of guilt. I can't beat it, it just keeps coming, when I have to travel for work I feel like the world's worst Mummy, yet when I am home and abandon my desk to spend time with the kids I feel guilty too!!!! I have to work to pay the bills and mostly work from home (PR and writing) but do also have to travel to the UK abandoning the kids, animals, home and hearth!!!! The man is more than capable and a darn good cook, housekeeper, business manager and primary carer when I am not there but I still feel crap about my double life. Any miraculous ideas most welcome. Too many balls in the air and rubbish hand eye co-ordination I fear!

Anyhow, I am in love with being home, the house is freezing , dusty and a tad shabby but the views are breathtaking, the feeling of safety wonderful and the fresh air re-vitalising - no more black bogeys (thanks London).

Kittens sleeping in the sun - flattening my chives

Old Leo dog snoring in the kitchen

A clean and tidy office after hours of re-jigging today

Chocolate and Gogi berry cereals bars made last night a big hit

Mango muffins - not so well received

Carnevale time - magical parties in San Giminagno
The sun is warming the spring bulbs
I feel some time in the veggi plot looming
Bags of pressies from friends afar (very spoilt kids)
Promise of more income - hooray
We ate our lunch in the garden today - wonderful.
Photos to follow.......

Raw, vegan, gluten free, veggi, organic - what about intuition?

2010-01-27T06:26:00.000-08:00

I am in turmoil about our diets as there are so many factors to consider, energy, health, happiness etc. I was veggi for 15 years then started eating meat again, then diagnosed celiac 8 yrs ago, now have immune disorder. The boy has Asthma and Eczema. I have spent months reading, researching and absorbing info on diet and how to protect your immune system and have now made a decision.

We will eat an intuitive diet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not one with a name or a title, just one that feels right. Broadly speaking it is veggi / vegan but more importantly always wholseome and fresh, local and flavoursome, home grown and seasonal whenever possible.

INTUITION - meaning right for us and how we are feeling and what are we feel we need

Full of fresh flavours and textures, sometimes lightly cooked
Freshly baked bread - for those who eat it in the family
Lots of soups and dips
Lots of salads and Fruits
No gluten or dairy for me but a little cheese for the other guys
Lots of lovely olive oil
Food made with thought and love
Very little sugar
A few rare meaty treats for the carnivores in the home
Freezer jam (no sugar)
Lots of whole foods inc: Chestnut and Chickpea Flour
Sprouting beans and pulses

NO - limitations, just common sense, intuition, a sense of wellbeing, experimental cooking and lots of fun

Tonight - Homemade gluten free garlic mushroom pizza, avocado salad and fruit
Tomorrow - the great cereal bar experiement!

Friends and Fun

2010-01-24T09:32:00.000-08:00

Today was meant to be a stay at home do nothing day, but as it turned out it was actually a wonderful day for the children filled with fun and the very best of friends.

AA was whisked off for the day to the mountains for some snowy play and hotdogs (-4) at Monte Amiata about 2 hours from here, this was very special as the boy has been so patient with me being unwell, the day away was just what he needed - thanks to a thoughtful friend. To make up for this I took TT to San Giminagno for icecream, only to discover it was the start of the Carnevale festa so a huge Panda balloon had to be squeezed into Peter Panda (the car) to come home. Lovely sunny morning, the streets were peaceful pre-festa and cafes empty (will be madness tonight).

Tried to take the dog out with TT on the bike but the kittens followed so had to backtrack and shut them in the shed then made it out for about an hour, then another friend called after returning to Italy and came to play, the girls dressed up as princesses in TT's new and unexpected present a v. girly pink long fairy outfit, we drank tea and watched the sun slip over the hills.

As you can tell from the tone of my blog I am feeling so much better today, I had soup with 'lumps' in yiipppeeeee - another present from a great friend. Homemade pumpkin and butternut soup - I was given a massive jug full and added some left over veg chopped up into little bits - this was a real treat for me.

This morning in the bath I could hear my neighbour playing Christmas carols on the piano and I thought maybe this was a sign to focus on things to come, Christmases of the future etc.

Managed to make some very OK things yesterday: Banana bread, oaty bread and a rather good sticky chocoate pudding, the old fashioned kind were the sauce magically goes from the top to the bottom whilst cooking, it was great I am told (I don't eat cake). For now some pics of the last few days - playing cards in the garden, hunting for pine cones, playing with the kittens, tea parties, playing catch etc.

Focusing on the goodstuff

2010-01-21T06:20:00.000-08:00

Feeling shattered and fuddle headed I am finding it so hard to me the mummy I want and need to be. The pain I am in is draining me and making me forgetful. Not being able to speak clearly is worrying for the children and frustrating for me and Gary. I had a mashed Banana today and some veg stock but this is all I have had this week. I hope to see a homeopath next week and start taking a alternative approach to this disease (Behcets Syndrome).

On the brighter side - The sun is shining, the washing on the line is drying, the kittens are playing, the old dog sleeping, the air is fresh and the future so promising. x

Bloody Health

2010-01-20T10:06:00.000-08:00

Fed up. I have so many things that need doing including proposals for work, overdue features and the house is overflowing with dog fur and dust.

Spent this afternoon at the hospital booking in for more bloody tests to determine what Immunity Disorder I have, how to live with it and how to treat it! I will be admitted in Feb for a couple of days which is a bummer, if your immunity is low, then visiting a hospital is like entering a dangerzone. In the meantime I am coping with over 30 mouth ulcers and a sense of humour failure! On top of my being a grump, I feel guilty for feeling blue as there are so many people in far worse situations around the world right now and I am moaning about dust!

Any how - I spent 1 hour speaking Italian to the specialist then an 1 hour with TT's teachers so am pleased with my language progress at least, although with the poorly mouth I sound like I am pissed - I would like to be actually. On the bright side, the kitten who yesterday risked death by falling asleep in the engine of our neighours van is totally OK but very spooked, when Gianni turned on the engine the cat shot out from inside the bonnet - Romy is now on 8 lives!

Spent last night writing a huge list of vegan and gluten free recipes for me to try once I feel like eating again, I am simply just taking honey and lemon and camomile tea at the moment as cannot chew or swallow well. I am determined to boost my immune system with diet - I am looking into the daylight diet and going partially raw, but I do love warm food on cold days. Food and cooking is such a big part being me, growing it, preparing it, sharing it etc........... I hate restricting my diet but I will do ANYTHING to regain my health.

Kids in the bath and Babo watching over them whilst ironing - yes he does that too, mostly because I don't. We share all the chores and childcare as we work together in the business and he has higher standards than I do on the housekeeping front so can't leave things long - wheras I can. Things I am looking forward to..

Light mornings
Clear skies
Budding flowers
Cherry Blossom
The Sea
Green grass
Daffodils
Peaches on the tree
Eating outside
Open windows
Prosecco
Roasted Mushrooms
Asparagus
Balmy evenings
Long walks
Reading in the garden

xxxx

Resource on Tuscan Recipes, Life, Culture, Trips, Vacations, all about Tuscany

2010-01-20T08:56:00.000-08:00

Resource on Tuscan Recipes, Life, Culture, Trips, Vacations, all about Tuscany

Good Day

2010-01-10T23:17:00.000-08:00

Love this song and thanks to http://createcorner.blogspot.com/ you can enjoy the feeling to. Thanks for sharing. This if for my children who hate Monday mornings x

Fresh Air in Tuscany

2010-01-10T09:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had a wonderful lunch with family and friends and it left me feeling renewed and inspired to get out and do more things out of the home. Late in the night I went out and watched star filled sky and felt the urge to go to Castellina in Chianti where you can view so much of Tuscany from up on a very high hill.

So today TT and I took some food and water and drove way up into the hills through woodland, over rivers alongside vineyards and dusky greenolive groves, you could noticely feel the temperature dropping the higher we went. We saw fluffy bob tailed deer in the distance, we walked around the town and explored little alleys, country paths and watched the world go buy, cats playing, people chatting, you could hear the sounds of many families preparing lunch from apartments along the way and the aromas of garlic and roasting meats drifted through the streets. Neighbours chatted from balcony to balcony and some very smart people were enjoying aperitivos in the company of their jumper wearing small dog - very Italian.

We played in the park and looked for fairies in the holes of the castle walls, we followed the water running under the road, we studied a fallen tree and smelled its damp piney scent. Later on with energy levels waining we stopped for hot milk and a salami panino in a small cafe and Tabby bobbed around to the jazz music playing in the bar. Later we refilled our water bottles for home (essential) and slowly drove back to our old house overlooking the lake and the valley. Today was so cheery, no squabbles just us girls cruising around taking in the view and big gulps of cool crisp Tuscan air.

Now the fire is lit and the supper is in the oven - very simple Turkey Thigh (Less that 2 Euro) roast potatos, veg and mushroom gravy. The man made choc and banana muffins whilst us girls were out which will be great for pudding and for school snacks this week. I am all packed for my crazy 2 day visit to frozen London (work) and leave tomorrow pm back Wed night and hate leaving my nest and my folk, but needs must and I want to get rid of as many outgoings as possible so working hard this year will allow us to pay a few things off and buy a stufa (wood burner) for the kids room as our old house is soooo cold. The bath is running and the children are curled up under blankets by the fire with a movie slowly letting the evening fall upon us all.

Awaiting eagerly the snowdrops and crocus, daffodils and hyacith, cherry blssom and acacia buds - roll on spring. x

Settling times

2010-01-06T12:13:00.000-08:00

Finally, we are back in some kind of rhythm all be it a soggy one. I managed to squeeze in an afternoon in the potting shed and have prepped 30 pots to bring on in readiness of the horto (veg patch) being warm and dry, but for now the rain continues. I think we have had at least 10 days of serious downpours over Christmas, a damp and dingy new year but one full of hope and cheer.

The last few days have been so hectic, we have had TT's 5th birthday celebrations yesterday - big lump in my throat to know that my darling daughter is growing so fast. We went to the cinema and watched the Princess and the Frog - a good adaptation of an old classic. We have stomped in puddles, skidded in sludge and enjoyed a day of snow again, but mostly big black skies filled with water.

Fuzzy warm good things

2 fruit loaves rising by the open fire
The homemade fishcakes browning in the oven
2 young souls playing on the stairs
The candlelight flickering on the mantle
The homebaked bread made by the man
The twitchy kittens eager for the rain to vanish
The old boy hound frowning at the gloomy sky
The long delayed presents still dueto arrive
The lovely wise people we will see on Saturday
The endless possibilities tomorrow may bring
Befana - the good witch came and left goodies
The bulbs peeking through the grass

For now a few pics of the children taken with Granny and Grandad at the weekend. x

Birdsong

2010-01-02T00:32:00.000-08:00

Finally the rain has stopped and I can see the sky mottled blue in the distance. I am so glad to say farewell to 2009 as it was a trying year on so many levels. Health and financial issues made every week a battle to keep going, but we have, we did and we are still here and still enjoying the views.

This morning the birdsong is really loud, lots of chattering and chirping, I guess the birds hate the rain too, or maybe they are all warning each other that the naughty kittens are now loose in the garden.

A relaxed but busy day today after a long day cleaning the house and doing timesheets and invoices for my PR work yesterday. We have friends coming for lunch - new friends so it will be nice to get to know them more. I am cooking meatballs and mashed potatos with 3 cheeses mixed in for the normal people and potatos, passata and greens for me as am not 100% today and need to keep my immune system bouncing along. I think the occasional chocolate and bits of dairy over Christmas may have triggered a bit of a problem so there will be no more dithering for me, vegan it is for the next couple of months to see how I feel then.

The boys are at a football match where the younger is playing in a tournement - this is a big thing here in Italy, football is close to religon, not my thing at all but all the families are really friendly and helpful and Archie seems pretty damn good at it when he wants to.

The children are off to the Nono's later for a sleepover as I really, really wanted to take G out for a belated birthday celebration, not sure whether to do the cinema or a train to Florence for a drink and a walk around the old town? Iceskating was a huge hit on New Year's eve so we hope to book a season ticket next winter and take the children several times so we can all get the hang of it better. For now though I must crack on with food prep as loafing in my PJ's won't get lunch on the table. xx Auguri

Things I am loving right now - earthships and ecodomes, one day!

Home and Garden

2009-12-31T05:08:00.000-08:00

I have been busy today making a cooked breakfast and a salmon pie for supper for dh as today is his birthday and later we are off iceskating in Siena followed by a concert at a beautiful castle near here. Despite the ongoing festivities my mind is elsewhere - drifting into spring, warmer days, warm breezes to dry our clothes, sunny mornings full of birdsong and promise. In reality I need to organise my home so that I feel less stressed and can function more easily. Drying clothes at the moment is hell with no heating and constant rain - any wise ideas?

My plans for reorganisation are:

Structure my week and have set hours for each work project with deadlines that I keep (I am a PR and writer)
Sort out the kids room and get some better storage - baskets and boxes
Sort our towels and beddings into manageable heaps - no idea how other Mum's stay on top of this one
Have a weekly me night where I do girly twirly things like nails (rubbish at this one - always look like a gardener)
Wood pile - collect kindling and wood on daily dog walks
Get seeds in pots in readiness for the plot
Design the veg plot better as watering was hell last year
The office - agggggghhhh, somehow get some simple orderly systems in place
Painting - the whole house needs a lick of paint especially the bathroom and kids room
Books - ask dh to make some books shelves as we are looking like 'Black Books' at the moment
Cleaning - set up some kind of weekly system as I always feel so glum when we have tumbleweeds of dog hair rolling through the house
Time for us - make time once a month for just the two of us to wind down
Smell the roses - make myself stop and stare and take in the air
Enjoy the good and the bad the happy and the sad.....

Any advice on housekeeping most welcome as generally I dream of having an orderly home but have yet to find out how.. I love my life full of childrens laughter and animals and nature but sometimes a little structure might come in handy...

The kids are looking forward to TT's 5th birthday on Tuesday and the Befana celebrations on the 6th...... (infor from the web) Befana La Festa dell'Epifania (Epiphany - the 12th Night of Christmas) 6 January 2009. This festival is almost more popular among Italian children than Christmas itself. La Befana is a character in Italian folklore, similar to Santa Claus, who visits all the children of Italy on the eve of 6 January to fill their socks with sweets if they are good or a lump of coal if they are bad. The family typically leaves a small glass of wine and a plate with a few local specialities for Befana. During the day, many children dress up as Befana and visit the neighbourhood in the hope of receiving a small gift of money or sweets. Some of the costumes are astonishingly good and should be suitably rewarded. A popular market, the Fiera della Befana, takes place each year between Christmas and the Epiphany in Piazza Navona in the centre of Rome, where toys, sugar charcoal and candies are sold for the Roman children. In the areas north of Lucca, groups of singers still go door to door singing befanate.

Too much of everything

2009-12-30T09:56:00.000-08:00

Too many presents, too much chocolate, too many films, far too many clashing personalities, too little peace, far too much rain, too many late nights, too many overdue deadlines, too much longing for spring, too many capricorns, too much unused energy and of course far too many 'too manies'. A glass of wine, a sofa and a fireside beckons, tomorrow is another day - and another birthday at that!

Memories of summer

The way things are

2009-12-29T05:16:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it is important to remember we simply cannot control every element of our lives. I have always tried to be on top of work, the home, the kids the garden, money etc, sometimes failing terribly but often keeping going on a slightly wonky even keel, but now when a health problem appears and takes over a huge amount of your energy it seems a clear sign to take a step back and just go with the flow.

This Christmas has been very relaxed, low key and inexpensive. We have decided though that on some levels we are simply going through the motions, seeing the people we always have and not looking more deeply into ourselves and noticing what each of us wants from this time of year.

Next year we have all decided to do something different and funfilled, full of energy and life, nature and laughter, so we hope to go skiing to a tiny resort two hours from here, none of us have done this before but the kids are v.keen and the idea of spending the days being out in the fresh air doing something new followed by nights cosied up together would be so magical.

We have also decided that we will now limit all pressies to one special or heartfelt gift each as the present opening at my Mum's almost left me unable to get up for paper and gifts - wonderful but I think we all went a little OTT on pressies, even though most were homemade or very cheap and cheerful.

I have always loved this time of year, but I feel a little different this year, maybe because I am not in peak health, but I already yearn for the spring bulbs, the light mornings and the balmy evenings, the daffodils are in progress here and the tiny bulbs are poking through the earth but the veggi patch is devoid of life..........must make a start.

The last few days have been full of togetherness - lots of sqaubbles, but much doing stuff side by side. Homework alongside painting. Cooking while chatting and watching playful kittens, Old films and good wine, snuggled up nights and lazy mornings. Thursday is Babo's birthday so we are off to Siena to go iceskating, but for now some pics of our Buon Natale for you to enjoy - Italy is magical in every season, but Christmas is very, very special x

Things that are so special:

The Nativity scenes in the churches which move and capture the hearts of the children
The lights in the medieval streets of the old towns
The handknitted presents from Grandma
The open fire warming hands and souls
The chestnut flour which I am experimenting with (gnochhi today)
The endless scenes of hilltops and mountains
Befane - the tradition here is that Befane comes on 6th January
My dh tackling the mound of ironing
The crazy busy markets bustling with life
The huge veg plot beconing to be filled
My new books (Herbal remedies and cookbooks)
The old dog so patient with the naughty kittens (He likes their food)
The moonlight nights and sparkling views
The vats of soup in the freezer
The endlesss possibilities tomorrow may bring.

Sharon x

Buon Natale

2009-12-22T08:20:00.000-08:00

My daughter is singing Italian christmas songs in the distance, my boy has started his holiday homework and I can scratch off a few more work tasks from the very long list. Family members health is improving and I have just collected my test results from the hospital so will see the Dr in the morning for his feedback and confirmed diagnosis.

I am ready to start baking and labelling presents - it is warmer here and the snow is no more. It was the wrong snow by the way, hard scary sharp stuff, burning cold and impossible to make into anything nice, it just made moving around totally dangerous and the roads were sheet ice and the nights minus 9.

I am happy now to drift into a warm Christmas fug surounded by happy faces and warm hearts. Kittens are pestering for more outside adventures so will persist in the hourly walks around the garden with them. Will curl up by the fire tonight and think of the future whatever it brings.

On solstice night we also celebrated 2 years in Italy and when I asked everyone waht they liked the most about living in Tuscany, all of us said the views from our garden including the children. The Food, the people and the weather also came up, for me, I feel at home, rested and meant to be here. I have to say I don't miss the UK as I still visit alot for work, but I do miss Italy when I am away, they say home is where the heart is and in my case that is a small hill between Siena and Florence overlooking towers and olive groves, vineyards and forests - we are so lucky, it makes the cold damp winter nights all worth it.

Scaredy Cats

2009-12-21T02:44:00.000-08:00

Finally I have given in to putting the kittens out in the snow, I wanted to wait until it had cleared as they hadn't yet been outside since they came here from Siena where they were abandoned. Anyhow, they are Tuscan Moggies and need to be out a hunting and fishing etc I am worried they may vanish as we are in the middle of nowhere but it is something I have to do so am putting them out for an hour at a time for now until after Christmas as coud not cope with forlorn children if Romulus and Remus didn't come home for Christmas.

Clearing thoughts

2009-12-20T00:47:00.000-08:00

Today the energy has shifted in the house and I am feeling so much better. When I was really ill earlier this week a friend turned up and insisted on seeing me and putting me in touch with a homeopathic doctor in Florence so I will contact him after Christmas. Also my bloods are being done in the morning so I am progressing. So, cold yesterday minus 6 last night and set to me minus 9 tonight. We were resuced once again by the kindness of friends who drove up onto our snowy hill with a new fan belt for our old jeep, Gary will try and fix today. Yesterday the stress of this immune disorder, broken car and lack of money took hold and I felt really vulnerable. Today I am taking charge of my emotions, decisions and actions. I have been worried about unfinished work so will get this done today if I can.

Completed two soft toys a whale and a dog and a cushion for Mum, photos to follow, also managed to make sausage rolls, chocolate brownies and cheese and linseed muffins - the latter great for lunches or picnics. The winter solstice I am sure will bring fresh insight and clear direction for me and I cannot wait for a change of cycle and a breath of fresh inspiration.

Plans for today -
Make door curtains x 2
Draught excluders x 1
4 hours in the study
Tidy TT's room
Compost to plot
Feed the birds

Plans for this week - Clean the house throughout, Cards for hand delivery to freinds, Take the Christmas train around Poggibonsi, Visit the market on Tuesday for last minute foods, Midnight Mass, sit back relax and enjoy.

So Grateful for:

The very best friends
Guardian angels
My intuition (which helped us to slow down just before a horrific accident on Tuesday, I just knew something tragic was about to occur and asked my freind to slow down, minutes before a car lost control on the autostrada and flipped on its bonnet in front of us! - the woman driver looked like she would be OK and that she had been pulled from the car by her shoulders - see note on angels above
Birdsong in particular Mr Robin Redbreast
Our open fire and the warm gloves drying aside it
Our bountiful supply of sundried tomatoes adding flavour to our winter suppers
The juniper berries found in the forest and given to me as a gift
The Sweetly smelling spices on my mantle
My warm relaxed children
My ever supporting man
The endless possibilities and future sunrises and sunsets
Snow!
x

Immunity or a great lack of it

2009-12-17T10:47:00.000-08:00

Well, I am so fed up, once agin the mouth ulcers, aching jaw, splitting headaches and lethargy have returned, this time with horrifying speed. My Dr has referred me to have a number of tests to try and pinpoint what immune disorder I am dealing with. He thinks it likely that I have Behcat's syndrome which is pretty bloody awful.

I have spent hours researching ways to boost my immune system and ward off flair ups of this awful illness and notice many other bloggers are also looking for ways in which to live better lives health wise. For now until the tests are evaulated I am limiting all foods to a vegan diet and cutting out all salt, sugar, caffeine and booze - wrong time of year but I have to get better. This morning my tongue was so swollen I could hardly swallow - this is v. bad and I am living off soup and veg puree and my throat is filled with ulcers as is my mouth and inner ear - yuk.

Trying to focus on goodness, wellness, abundance, resting, and building my strength both physically and mentally. Still have a heap of work and present making to get through - it may all have to wait a few days. The kids and DH are coping well with Mummy being poorly yet again, I just hate being such a killjoy as there are so many parties and fun things happening around us that I don't have the energy to cope with, most involving food and drink which I have to steer clear off - Also I sound like I have had a stroke or am pissed due the swollen tongue etc - not a good thing.

Anyhow onto brighter blessings:

I will borrow a camera for Chrsitmas and record the festivities
I am mid sewing lots of animals for stockings all looking good
Started a large heart cushion for parents bed
I Will be well for Christmas
Will make mince pies for the family this weekend
Will create a yule log
I plan to call old friends
Will enjoy the clear Tuscan air and snowy mountain views
Will loose some weight due to illness - a silver lining

I am currently reading: The Old Curiosity Shop, Bringing Up Boys, The Celestine Phrophecy and many old and lovely Christmas cookbooks

abundance

2009-12-10T05:47:00.000-08:00

Very grateful for the riso torte left for us by our wonderful landlord, I can't eat them but they are the boy's favourite treat. Wonderful sunkissed countryside today - clearing the air. Old Henry the jeep just keeps on running - the forest gump of cars. Angel shadows.

Inspiring Blogs

2009-12-10T04:46:00.000-08:00

A little background - I spent 15 years as a vegi with occasional bacon splurdges when on a student night out but mostly totally vegi. In 2001 I weighed under 7 stone and felt really ill, I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease so then altered by diet to exclude all gluten and wheat related products, then I got bored and started eating meat again - fickle but true. Swiftly my weight returned to normal and my health got better but the bulge kept coming and at my heaviest I have weighed about 10.5 stone and felt bloated and lethargic (I am only 5.2ft). Now on a very rocky middle ground I weigh 9.2 and still feel horrible but alot lighter so I am intending to alter my diet as follows:

Vegan and inlcuding as much raw as possible
Limit all caffiene and booze(my downfall is red wine)
I will buy fresh meat for my family and cheeses
Switch everyone to soy/rice milk and yoghurts
Include more nuts and grains in our diet
Water, Water, fresh juices - although am sensitive to oranges
Try new recipe ideas every week
Smoothies - learn 3 staple recipes
Learn to use gluten free flours better and carob

Does anyone have any advice? I am trawling blogs for ideas and found this great one. http://glutenfreeveganfam.blogspot.com/

My intentions are to:
Feel healthier and more energetic
Make my migraines go away
Make my periods more bearable
Become calmer and more clear thinking
Get clearer skin
Improve the health of my family

Thankful anyway Thursday -

2009-12-10T03:17:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time since my last blog so prepare yourself for a rant or ten. I feel so out of balance on so many fronts, have been let down on many levels by various people and situations –too sensitive to blog about. Many plans had to change of late which caused stress on lots of levels which had a huge impact on the children and the atmosphere around us all. However, that has passed and now we are trying to start the gentle snuggle into Christmas without work and financial issues taking over.

First rant - camera still not working and can't get new one at present so muddling on with outside shots and dimly lit interiors as flash exploded marvellously on my birthday. Actually given up altogether as batteries draining all the time - boo hiss.

Unrealistic expectations, mine. I am a dreamer always have been and have always wanted to create a nurturing secure environment for myself and my family, self sufficient and welcoming, warm and loving. But when family or friends don't share my ideals I feel hurt and let down, I just wish I could accept that people will always have their own agenda and own set of beliefs - good and bad.

Outside influences - my kids are now being influenced by others in a way that I feel out of sync with. It was only to be expected as one is now 9 but still sad as what is important in life is taking 2nd place it seems, whereas shiny new things are making a real impact.

Work Ethic - I am very lucky and mostly work from home in Italy but this means I have to go to the UK at least every 6 weeks for a week at a time which means I actually spend months away from home and my loving family each year which is killing me. No matter how hard I work or no matter how hard I try it seems that I am constantly feeling under pressure to try harder - my own self esteem issues raising their ugly head again.

Finances - after years of being a freelance PR and writer I have still not mastered the art of being paid properly or on time. This and the Euro means that I battle every month to even cover basic costs such as food bills, I have had enough of this situation and it has to change dramatically. I feel a new burst of book writing on its way.

Green eyed monster - following other mamas blogs gives me so much encouragement and inspiration but it does also push the 'not good enough' button in some ways. I always feel a little envious as many of you seem to survive without working or are managing far better than I. I wish I could shift this niggling feeling and just accept that what I do is simply good enough.

ENOUGH of that -------

Now the real goodies, the wonderful soul rubbing, heart warming, melting moments of beauty in my life:

Snoring hound to my left asleep on the 40 year old chair
Dozing kittens in the kitchen with their different personalities and wonderful spirit raising energies
Husband who boosts my enthusiasm when I am down, irons, cleans and makes bread
The clear winter sun bursting through my window
The hope and courage that next year brings
The slightly charred snowmen buns that by kids don't like but the dog does
My faith in the power of positivity and nature to overcome the hard times
Good true friends who love me anyway
The glorious Tuscan hills, the tiny plumes of winter bonfires and low cloud in the valley
The tiny and chokingly pretty nativity scenes in the churches and villages
My daughters knowledge that father Christmas’s elves never get stood on as they are way too small
My son's determination to still believe in Father Christmas even though evidence gives doubt
Family near and far that do have an impact on us - good and bad
Elders who have seen much more than I and have so much to give
The logs that will arrive on Friday - yippee
The crisp winter days tip-toeing to Christmas which I love with all my heart
The fact that my migraine has finally gone
The beautiful bloggers who bring me and inbox full of happiness.

Fresh Energy

2009-11-26T23:21:00.000-08:00

This week the energy in the house has changed heaps.................. Last night DH did not sleep a jot, wide awake all night, reading and note taking. We seem to be ploughing ahead in terms of plans, actions and inspirations. For a while we were really glum and stuck in a rut regarding finances and work, housework, travel etc now everything seems smoother somehow. I think the kittens have helped re-address the balance, reminding us of what is important to thrive in this life. They need love, comfort, warmth, food, water, a happy home, playtime and fun. This directly relates to us too we need the same things, yes we need to work to cover the costs, but work should not be on the top of the list.

Anyhow - we are buzzing, today I will complete a long overdue writing project, complete a brochure design for a client, prepare for work travel next week then shut the study door for the whole weekend!!!!
We have yet to make any Christmas things but have sorted through the craft cupboard and DH is fitting better shelves in it today (Pic to follow).

Memories - the kids are loving old photo albums this week, asking loads of questions and making us laugh when they can't tell which baby is which (they looked tstartingly the same). Trawling through the pics rminded me of the the me I used to be and prompted a wardrobe sort out. Nothing better than an evening with old pics and an open fire, those images that have no meaning anymore get tossed aside making space for new heartfelt pics.

Hormones - hideous period pains, but walking them out seems to be helping so rather than a duvet and water bottle I am trying the wellies and old dog method of distraction.

Pic take last Christmas..

Small steps big ideas

2009-11-24T08:47:00.000-08:00

This autumn has been very stressful due to many work projects being shelved or put on hold until 2010 - this means that our income halved overnight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This has not been some warm cosy Waltonesque style battening down of hatches but a drastic and very noticeable change in our everyday lives. To cut down on what was already a tight budget has given many sleepless nights, worrying days and sad faces. Now, though I feel we are really getting somewhere, I am no longer focussed on money or lack of it but on freedom and happiness, at our current pace we will be debt free in three years and I am learning to look within myself for inspiration and strength rather than hoping someone will come and rescue me. We have learnt what we are so much more capable than we thought. From mechanics to plumbing, preserving food and making children's clothes, harvesting olives and growing veg, it is all beneficial to the soul. It has even awakened enthusiasm in others too for example: Grandma has been helping me learn to sew properly on her visits to Italy and we made a sundress from material she had bought 40 years ago but never used!!!!!!!!!! So it is a real vintage number. Also I have become much more experimental in making all things, a real recipe follower normally I have adapted many dishes to suit what we have in the store cupboards or is in season and had some great triumphs amongst the disasters.

Most importantly we have become a solid family, self reliant, self motivated and positive in our outlook. I am more joyful about simple things like the bowl of clementines sent over from a very special friend who had too many. The wood I collected on my walk for this weekend's fire, the cinnamon foccacia I discovered I could make in 10 minutes and the kids devoured, the happy rescued kittens playing in the kitchen, the christmas lights hanging in the medeival city streets, the purple and yellow landscapes lined with vines, and knowing that I have the energy to take my life in what ever direction I choose, I can choose how I react to situations, to people and to my own feelings. Right now I feel that having thrown myself into the flow of life that I am definately travelling in the right direction.

On the make to do and mend front......................... Raisin Bread is raising in the oven, shortbread is being eaten by TT, Risotto, for supper, homemade pasta on the cards and a book under a duvet is beconing.

Last years christmas bulbs - embarassingly I made the jar covers from TT's outgrown tights, just snipped the legs in sections and sewed up the underneaths x

List making mania and food

2009-11-23T07:16:00.000-08:00

I have now accepted the fact that I am a crazy listmaker, my lists even include 'make a list of' lists and sometimes I feel quite uneasy without a pen in my hand. This autumn my lists are ever more detailed, I have Christmas planning lists, recipe lists, planting lists, preserving lists and even a folder of lists!!!!!

OK so this might sound excessive but it is just how I am...........so to make my lists even more useful I thought I would share some so that maybe a few might just spark a few ideas for others. So to start you off gently, below is my 'frugal' food recipe list. I created this when I realised my income would be halfed this winter, we are living within our means almost and I will NOT ever spend what I do not have hence the very frugal list. Don't be fooled given the chance we would indulge in blue steak, truffle sauce, pecorino, porcini, salmon or scallop feasts with glasses of very old chianti or gin and tonics poured in large measures. But, for now it is treat enough to know that we get by and the view helps enormously - the steak can wait a little longer.

Autumn/Winter Meal ideas 2009 - Low budget but yummy all homemade using store-cupboard and seasonal stuff (these are cheaper ingredients here in Tuscany so may differ in the UK)

Baked Polenta and Tom Sauce
Beans in garlic and Tomato Sauce & veg
Falafels and salad/stirfry
Orzotto with mushrooms
Veg Curry & flatbreads
Stuffed Peppers & pot wedges
Pizza
Onion Bhajis and veg
Veg & chickpea stir fry
Minestrone
Pasta with chickpeas and tuna
Pici with Ragu
Tuna meatballs
Turkey leg in red wine casserole
Egg Plant parmesan
Omelette and potato wedges
Mashed Pot and Spinach bake
Pasta with pesto
Spinach Gnocchi with bacon
Macaroni Cheese & veg
Potato Daphne and sausages
Lentil Lasagne
Risotto
Shepherds Pie
Egg & Pasta Salad
Pork Stroganoff and Rice
Lentil Bolognaise
Kedgeree
Fish Pie
Egg fried Rice
Pasta and veg bake
Spaghetti and garlic/herbs
Rice Fritters with wedges
Carbonara with pasta
Tomato Rice with garlic
Baked meatballs
Fishcakes and salad
Gnocchi with butter and sage
Cauliflower cheese and sausages
Vegetable Quiche and Salad
Ham Egg and Chips – what the hell
Poached Eggs on toast – w/e lunch
Jacket Pots and cheese / Salad

Snacks – chestnuts, cheese straws, crackers, hummus, raisins, popcorn

Sweet things
Cut-out cookies
Chestnut Biscotti
Apple Crumble
Apple Fluff & Custard
Flapjacks
Muffins – Chestnut, Pumpkin, Zucca
Shortbread Chestnut flour/Rice flour
Trifle
Meringue
Choc Brownies
Danish pastries with cinnamon
Baked Apples
Chestnut pancakes with ice-cream

Soups – pea, mushroom, tomato, pumpkin, pappa a pomodoro, Ribolita, Leek Soup, Chestnut
Breads – Italian loaves, Flatbreads, Sesame Rolls, Chestnut bread, cinnamon focaccia
Store – Rosehip Syrup, marmalade
Make - Smoothies

If you want my basic recipes leave a comment and I will post them, the ones highlighted are pretty yummy xx

Two little boys

2009-11-20T04:22:00.000-08:00

Well the new kittens are making themselves truly at home and enjoying playing crazy wrestling games and climbing over chairs and being cuddled and picked up and doing all the other things a happy kitten does. One is much chubbier and laid back (Romulus) and the other more skitty and energetic (Remus). The kids adore them, last night DS was in awe of their athletics and DD kept carrying them everywhere. The kittens have leopard spot tummies and very fluffy chest hair, tiny pin teeth and loud miews. Baking bread and cakes this morning with sleeping kittens in the chair next to me was really lovely. Now to the hiedous task of cleaning the whole house as I am taking a day off work, mental overload and can't string 2 words together - no good for a PR/writer really. Hope you like the pics..

New Kittens - R & R

2009-11-19T06:17:00.000-08:00

Romulus and Remus arrive at their new home!! Sorry that the pic is so dark, we need a new camera again..

Warm winter days

2009-11-16T23:11:00.000-08:00

Just got back from a work trip to the UK and was distressed at how grey and gloomy it was. Loads of really agressive people in the towns screaming at kids in buggies, chain smoking teenagers with pregnant bumps in school uniform. I don't want to generalise about age or methods of bringing up kids but where is the love, the passion, the tranquillity, the harmony, the togetherness? I read a blog of a teenage Mum and she shows perfectly that you can be a loving mother whatever your age but why are there so many women in the UK who seem to treat their own health so badly. Queues outside Mc........, overloads of salt, dirty streets and shouting families. OK so I am not a realist and happily live in a little countryside bubble, but surely your average family must care about what they eat and how they behave or maybe there is simply no hope. Maybe I was having a negative week and all these people that I saw behaving in such outwardly awful ways are truly good inside and just need a break..... I am not so sure. I don't want to be judgemental but I really feel that some people have simply lost track on simple happiness and caring for each other.

Anyhow after the culture shock of real life in Devon and Somerset I am back to Tuscany and working hard but must make time to do some Christmassy things. Cakes, cookies, tags, papers and make some gifts, thought I would have a bash at candles this year.

Olive Picking & Winter Sun

2009-11-05T22:18:00.000-08:00

It is here, the Olive picking season, but oh the rain, constant and relentless bloody rain..aagghh. DH should be picking th Olives but can't and I am off to Blighty tomorrow and cant help then, we need to help G get them in before the frost or no oil! We had about 6 months supply from last year but could do with 3 times that amount and that means getting more time in the olive groves in between working. The rosehip syrup is going down a treat and the kids are having it on toast and an extra spoonful a day to boost the vitamin levels. I know I said I wouln't blog this week but wanted to share some lovely seasonal pics including the countryside around my house and some other random shots. I feel the year is running away with me, all I want to do is prepare christmas things and be homey but we need to focus on work projects and finances too - darn the real world stuff.

Anyway, we have extra boys tonight which is always nice to have a house full of noise so am cooking Shepherds pie and crumble - not v. Italian but it is cold and rainy and Nov!