Hard Life

On principle, I refuse to mention the weather and this is our last word on the topic – it is raining now but summer is now forecast to arrive around 10 June. However it had previously been forecasted to arrive yesterday.

Nevertheless we are catching enough rays to develop a tan but enough is enough.Despite the weather, arrangements continue for and English wedding here at i Cedri. Although we are not involved, we are benefiting from a free pre-wedding meal tonight and the wedding dinner tomorrow. After a few drinks tomorrow, I may try to work myself into the wedding party.

Mum and I, stumbled upon a wine Cantina yesterday morning and then stumbled out after a generous wine tasting (Claire should have been there) with a 5 litre bottle of wine. Unfortunately, I cannot now remember what it was so that we bought so will have to go another day. Particularly exciting was the fact that we found out that my nonno’s vineyard recently won the prize for the best wine in the Lucchese (i.e. Lucca) region and that they have it in stock. I may have to bring you some provided you keep it as a treasured family heirloom and don’t drink it – in which case I need only buy the 8 euro version.

The apartment we have rented is a traditional Italian house dating from the 1920s when it was built by a local who had emigrated to Chicago. Without any justification we like to think that it could have been Al Capone. Three large bedrooms that can sleep six, a bathroom and separate walk in shower room. There is far too much space for just the two of us; so we need some visitors. A great feature is that it is a convenient stroll down to Alpino and Oneste’s to catch the last evening drink and then back for poker.

Unfortunately neither of our trips is long enough to warrant our own internet connection and the Italian idea of an internet access points is like being back in the dark ages.