I had a great time Saturday. I went to my previous home town to meet up with the friends from the wine-tasting group fo a typically Brianzola (1) supper. I love all the hugging and joy at seeing old and a few new friends. They had given me very clear instructions on getting to the… Continue reading Pumpkins and Chestnuts
Tag: Diary
CHELSEA flower show
You have to go don't you? Chelsea is unmissable really. The whole week they show programmes on t.v. with tantalising glimpses of the gardens and an awful lot of talk, most of which I, for one, could do without. I always enjoy the coach trip up, reflecting on the "marvels" of English Dress sense; mind… Continue reading CHELSEA flower show
The unexpected side effects of the Luganega di Monza!
Well here's a turn-up for the books! On Sunday I went to see a demonstration of how they make Luganega, a typical Brianzola sausage which has been rescued from oblivion by the butcher Viganò. We all sat with our chairs facing the stage to watch how it is done. Lean pork, bacon, Grana Padano cheese,… Continue reading The unexpected side effects of the Luganega di Monza!
Wicca’s Diary, 10.
No intention whatsoever of being a Scrooge but I'm thoroughly fed up with you humans and your festivities. Just life isn't good enough for you is it? At least this year my human didn't have a houseful of noisy people trying to coax me out of my hiding place under the bed, They think they… Continue reading Wicca’s Diary, 10.
Oh I do like to be beside the seaside!
We decided to go trainriding which is something I really love.Trains are so comfortable compared with cars and they give you the wonderful opportunity to look into people's back gardens! You can also get a round ticket and stay on a train all day, without spending a fortune, although it must be said that tickets… Continue reading Oh I do like to be beside the seaside!
Eyes Wide Open
My mother told me that when I was a baby I hated going to sleep. She also said that when I was a toddler and was supposed to have a little nap, she would find me asleep yes, but sitting up in my pram and with my fingers trying to hold open my eyes! And… Continue reading Eyes Wide Open
Villa Carlotta
Who cares about a spot of rain? Well certainly not the fearless Garden Club members! We all crowded onto the ferry and sat on the few (nearly) dry seats to admire the loveliness of lake Como wreathed in the mists. We arrived at Villa Carlotta, one of the Grandi Giardini Italiani, to be greeted by… Continue reading Villa Carlotta
An unusual,old fashioned and almost forgotten pleasure!
I have some beautiful brown leather brogues, bought years ago when we were not as animal-friendly as we are today, and paid for in lire! I think they make me look very English and I can assure you that gardening shows are the only place left to flaunt one's Englishness with pride! So after several… Continue reading An unusual,old fashioned and almost forgotten pleasure!
A Tragi-comic Story with an Unexpected Happy Ending.
I have a young olive tree in my garden; I bought it from a seller with a truck along the roadside, not much hope there I' m afraid. I have no idea what it really is, I mean the botanical classification but anyway it's a kind of homage to Italy because together with those lovely… Continue reading A Tragi-comic Story with an Unexpected Happy Ending.
Anteprima of Spring
Spring IS coming again this year, my garden told me so. We are having magnificent weather, bright and sunny, several drops in night-time temperatures but milder than last year. I have all this interesting information because I keep an R.H.S 5-year diary, fantastic invention. You can check what you're likely to see , what's early,… Continue reading Anteprima of Spring
English that grows 