Inaugural Ponte a Serraglio meatball competition

Posted on May 8, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

Today Paul Stoker, local resident, hosted the very first Ponte a Serraglio meatball competition.

There were 14 competitors and three worthy judges.

This is the trophy awaiting the lucky winner.

Here is Paul registering the competitors.

Each competitor was given a numbered plate on which 2 meatballs would be presented to the judges. Here is the criteria for the judges…serious stuff.

The meatballs were heated in the kitchen and placed on the plates and taken to the judges…not by the competitors, it was all anonymous.

Here are the judges setting to their work.

The competitors and other guests waited patiently for the judges to complete their task.

Then it was time to eat the meatballs.

Finally it was time to announce the winners. Third prize, I am happy to say, came to me. Teri came second and the winner…Paul Stoker.

This may seem a little unusual, but Paul’s meatballs were delicious and the judges had no idea who made them.

It was a fun afternoon…and we will all be practising to beat Paul next year.

Ponte Maggio

Posted on May 5, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

There are several bridges crossing the Lima River in Bagni di Lucca, but Ponte Maggio which crosses to Casoli is probably the prettiest.

The river looks very inviting from the bridge. I went down to the water here last year and dipped my toes in. I was very tempted to dive in.

It was a bit cool on my recent visit, but I’m sure this bit of the river will be popular when the weather warms up.

Tombolata at Fornoli

Posted on May 3, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

…something to do this Sunday in Fornoli.

Ponte pansies

Posted on April 30, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

The pansies on the bridge haven’t been the best this year. They are nowhere as good as those from last year. I have no idea why, perhaps the weather didn’t suit them.

In about a week I will take them out and replace them with geraniums for the summer. Let’s hope they do better.

Take a last look at the 2016 pansies.

Anyone who would like to help water them over the summer please let me know.

Then and now…Lugliano

Posted on April 24, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

Then…

Now…sorry about the car. I waited a while but it wasn’t going anywhere.

The water fountain is still there.

Lugliano hasn’t changed much at all in this area. It is a lovely village with some great views.

Then and now, Terme

Posted on April 18, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

Jean Varraud Terme has been one of the reasons visitors come to Bagni di Lucca for many years.

Here is how it looked in years past.

…and now.

A car park never adds much to the ambience, but at least Terme is operating and popular.

Azalea festival

Posted on April 15, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

Don’t forget the amazing azalea festival this weekend in Borgo a Mozzano.

A puzzle

Posted on April 12, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

Next door to our place is an apartment that has been empty since the old lady who lived there died. It was shortly after I arrived in Bagni di Lucca, probably about 12 years ago.

The roof is clearly leaking and the external walls are damp.

It is a perfectly good apartment. I have seen the inside. It is large, with good sized rooms. It needs a complete makeover, including a kitchen and bathroom. The balcony overlooks the river and is a good size. It would have great views up and down the river.

The puzzle is…why haven’t the owners done something with it? It could have been rented. It could be sold. Instead it is just left there to rot, no doubt endangering the apartment below it as well. At the very least they should be made to secure the roof.

Any suggestions?