Summer days (and nights)...

We have a family from Denmark staying next week so we have been getting everything spic and span for when they arrive.  I cannot believe that Casa Leana generates so much work!  Our usual routines have been rudely interrupted by Covid so I think we are a little out of sync.  

​Spent this morning mowing and strimming and finishing off a few jobs inside the house.

Over the last few weeks we have taken to walking in the mornings or the evenings.  It is a bit too hot to go and do anything too energetic during the middle of the day and even though we've also been out on the bikes, walking always seems like a nice alternative in the cooler hours.  

Having said that we went out slightly too early last night and by the time we got to our destination I was so hot and bothered I really didn't fancy the walk back!  Obviously I managed to drag myself home but future walks will be done slightly later I think.  Although we did see a Piaggio, not an unusual sight in Italy of course but I love these little trucks, I've always wanted one to move stuff around.  It would have been so useful over the years although Leigh is not so keen, can't think why.  

I am pretty sure we could fit in the front cabin together.  I think he possibly sees it as too much of a drastic step down from the boy racer convertible Mercedes he was driving when we first met!  Ha ha

The summer night markets are in full swing here in Tuscany and we usually go every week during July and August.  The one in Anghiari is particularly good and usually has lots of lovely knick knack stalls, things for kids to do plus live music and other live entertainment.  

It starts around 7.30pm but doesn't really get going until 8.30pm/9pm.  We have never really gotten over our English dining habits which means we normally settle down for pizza and Prosecco at 7pm and often find ourselves walking back to the car at 9.30pm when most of the locals are just arriving!  It's a good night though and worth staying until the end (although I am not sure we have ever made it past midnight).  

Oh and I got my little car back today.  I usually put her away in the garage for the winter and get her out when our guests arrive as when we have to clean the pool and water the plants at Casa Leana, my Fiat is a great little run around and easy to park rather than our giant Volvo which I never drive as I would probably be grazing the pavement or other cars on a daily basis.  With the Fiat, it is so small even if I misjudge the distance from the pavement (which is apparently what I do) I am still on my side of the road!  Perfect.  We got it serviced too which is a must with these old cars.  

Last year I broke down in Anghiari on my first run out of the year.  Luckily I had parked on a hill so was able to push it and jump start it much to the amusement of the garage owner watching on.        

Well, I think that's all my news.  The fancy sprinklers are working well, everything around the pool is looking fairly lush so all good.  Strawberries are being eaten by giant ants from what I can see which is really frustrating but the tomatoes and the potatoes, you will be pleased to hear, are still going strong.

Have a great weekend.

D I A N A   xxx