Friends, shopping, birthday treats and goodbye's...

What a month!  First of all it was Leigh's birthday so we set off to our new favourite place - the spa pools just outside Siena.  If you've read my blog before you'll know all about these gorgeous pools.  Suffice to say it was a lovely day and it will most probably be our last visit there this year as autumn is upon us although I must say it doesn't feel very autumnal at the moment, it's been gloriously sunny and warm all month.  

We had some old friends over for a few days so that was a bit like a very long party with lots of shopping and Prosecco. Not that I'm complaining! One of them I hadn't seen for over 20 years, I moved to Tuscany and she moved to the Cotswolds so we lost touch. 

We had a great catch up but very exhausting to say the least!  Maria, my old friend, had never been to Tuscany before so it was lovely showing off this beautiful part of the world.  Obviously one of the trips had to be a wine tasting so we spent an afternoon with the lovely Claudia at our favourite vineyard in Arezzo, Tenute San Fabiano. Just a half hour drive from CL. 

Our great friends moved away this month. We are so sad to see them leave Tuscany and we've spent quite a few goodbye lunches and dinners with them and others who live here.  Their very famous annual sports day will be missed.  We have promised to keep the tradition going but it just won't be the same without these very special people.  Having said that, as mentioned in my August blog, Leigh is the reigning games day champion so I am not sure he will be keen to lose that accolade!  Ha ha.  

We're moving towards the end of the season so as usual are looking for things to update and improve at Casa Leana. We're going to re-cover the lounge sofa (riveting I know!).  We've found the most amazing seamstress who has done some great work for us in the past.  I love finding great tradespeople, it really helps when you run a little business like ours as you can imagine. 

Oh my goodness, I nearly forgot!  I found a leather jacket that I absolutely love.  In fact I found two would you believe?  The first one I bought a few weeks ago in a leather shop that we never knew existed.  It's in the backroads of Sansepolcro so only a few minutes drive from Casa Leana.  Crazy.  I bought the second one on a return trip, discounted by €110 - what a bargain!  It's a different design to the first purchase but equally as beautiful. I feel very spoiled!  The shop specializes in all leather items and prices are great too so anyone visiting Casa Leana should definitely take a look.  

We are attempting to wind down, Leigh's mum is due to come for a holiday on Sunday so that's a sure sign that we are nearing the end of the season.  Having said that there are still lawns to be mowed, plants to be watered, the pool to be cleaned etc. so not quite there yet! 

Our last few groups are having a wonderful time as usual, enjoying the autumn sunshine and the Casa Leana heated pool is a bonus as always. We've also noticed that a lot of guests are doing some of our "10 favourite things to do" as outlined in the welcome pack that we send out before guests arrive.  I really love seeing our guests enjoying all the wonderful things this place has to offer.  

The usual annual autumn events will be starting next month, the Chestnut Festivals, Chocolate Festivals and of course the annual bike ride, L'Intrepida, will be happening which is something we always enjoy following in our little Fiat 500.  Not to mention grape and olive harvesting time.  I've volunteered us to help the local farmer with the olive harvest again, I love doing that!  So we're both looking forward to another busy month. 

I think that's it for now. Have a great weekend.

D I A N A   xxx