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.
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
