A problem with chestnuts

Posted on September 29, 2013 by Debra Kolkka

Chestnuts have been an important part of the lives of the people of Italy for centuries. In times of famine they saved people from starvation. The trees provide wood for building, furniture and to burn for fuel.

There are approximately 850,000 hectares of chestnut forests in Italy, and around 39,500 hectares in the Lucca province alone.

So it is alarming that there is a disease attacking chestnut trees. Chestnut blight, or Endothia parasitica first appeared in 1938, but it the last few years the problem seems to be growing.

The disease appears a a lump at the base of the leaves.

The leaves die and the tree is then unable to produce chestnuts.

Let’s hope scientists can come up with a cure for this destructive disease. Apart from anything else, chestnut trees are beautiful. It is a delight to drive through chestnut forests in the mountains around Bagni di Lucca.

It’s porcini time

Posted on September 21, 2013 by Debra Kolkka

It is funghi porcini time in Bagni di Lucca.

There are stands beside the road where you can buy these delicious mushrooms.

As you can see they come in all shapes and sizes. I prefer the smaller ones. When they are very fresh I like them best raw, thinly sliced, with a squeeze of lemon. They can be deep fried, or added to pasta or risotto…just eat them while they are available.

Look for them in local restaurants and fruit and vegetable shops and markets right now. If you are brave you can hunt for them yourself in the forests. Go with an experienced gatherer…you don’t want to pick the wrong ones.

Under the Linden trees

Posted on August 22, 2013 by Debra Kolkka

In summer the beautiful Linden trees form tunnels on the roads into Bagni di Lucca. Linden trees are called Tiglio in Italy and as well as providing welcome shade in summer the perfume from the tiny yellow flowers fills the air with the delightful smell of summer.

Bees love the flowers and delicious Tiglio honey can be found in local shops.

Be careful not to park you car under one of the trees. A sticky sap falls from them and is quite difficult to remove…admire them from a distance.

Some late snow for Bagni di Lucca

Posted on May 27, 2013 by Debra Kolkka

It is late May and we have had snow in the mountains around Bagni di Lucca. There have been quite heavy falls above 1,400 metres. It certainly makes for some spectacular views, with the spring growth, blue skies and snow capped mountains.

Bagni di Lucca is a beautiful part of the world.

Poppies everywhere

Posted on May 24, 2013 by Debra Kolkka

Gorgeous red poppies are popping up everywhere right now…straggly ones beside the road, masses of them in fields… they look wonderful with their papery petals on furry stalks blowing in the wind.

What a pity the season is so short.

I am completely sick of the rain!

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Debra Kolkka

Yes, I know this looks beautiful, the river has turned once again into a raging torrent and the trees are green, but enough of this rain!!! It has been pouring here for the last couple of days and it has become cold again. We need some sun to make the geraniums thrive.

This little fellow doesn’t appear to be too bothered by the wet. He was out this morning for a walk.

At least someone is happy about the rain.

What a difference the sun makes

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Debra Kolkka

I think Ponte a Serraglio looks beautiful in any weather. I love the wet, misty days… they have their own beauty.

But when the sun shines Ponte a Serraglio comes to life. We have had far too many wet days this year. Spring is late coming, but there a finally signs that is on its way.

Canoeists and rafters are appearing in the river.

And there are flowers everywhere.

With a bit of luck our run of crummy weather is behind us and we can enjoy the delights of spring…better late than never.

A question for you

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Debra Kolkka

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I have been asked to do a survey.

In past years in summer, part of the main street in La Villa is closed to traffic and the area in the centre becomes a pedestrian area. The restaurants put tables outside on the street and the area in front of the Circolo dei Forestieri becomes a fun place for people to sit to eat and for children to play safely without the worry of cars.

This photo was taken yesterday, so you need to imagine that the trees are green and there are flowers everywhere.

Some car parking spaces are lost when the street is closed, but there is more parking behind the town. There is a road that goes behind the main street, so traffic is not disrupted.

There has been some talk that the street closing may not happen this year because a few businesses are not in favour of it.

I think it is a great idea, but I would like to know what you think. Would you like to see the centre of La Villa become a pedestrian area for a couple of months in summer?

If so, what hours would you like to see the street closed. If not, what are your objections?

Whatever your opinion, please leave a comment below, or send me an email….debrakolkka@gmail.com

Swallows and a rainbow

Posted on March 14, 2013 by Debra Kolkka

It has been raining here in Bagni di Lucca for weeks. We are all sick of it. Late yesterday afternoon the rain stopped and a strange yellow light appeared over Ponte a Serraglio.

Then a rainbow appeared.

Then swallows began to swoop and dive along the river.

There is a saying here…Una rondine non fa primavera…One swallow doesn’t make spring. ( a bit like “One swallow doesn’t make a summer”). There were lots of swallows, so I’m hoping it is a sign.

A bit later there was a double rainbow. The photo is not great, but if you squint you might see it.

Rondine e un arcobaleno…I jumped in this morning and planted the pansies on the bridge. Let’s hope it doesn’t snow again.

Snow on the mountain villages

Posted on February 15, 2013 by Debra Kolkka

Fornoli, Ponte a Serraglio and La Villa are the lowest of the villages of Bagni di Lucca at 120,130 and 150 metres above sea level. Montefegatesi is the highest, at almost 850 metres. The other villages are dotted around the mountains at various levels.

The recent snow melted fairly quickly in the low villages, but the roads to the upper villages were dangerous with snow and icy conditions for days. As soon as I thought it was safe I headed into the hills to see what was left of the snow.

Colle is the hill village directly in front of my apartment and it looked particularly lovely with its snowy cover as I set off.