Sarah sews

Posted on October 14, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

Sarah moved to Bagni di Lucca a few years ago after finding a gorgeous house in Pieve di Monti di Villa. She has made a new life for herself in the village.

In her previous life she was a teacher, but always had a love of sewing. She learned from her mother and it was an enjoyable hobby. Now she has taken the big step of setting up her own business, making and selling children’s clothing.

Her label is Lulu and Bertie and she makes colourful clothes in whimsical prints for boys and girls. She is also working on some beautiful patchwork quilts for cots.

I went to her workroom on one level of her house to see her in action and to show you some of her work.

The clothes are available on line…check out her website. http://www.luluandbertie.com

Sarah will also have a space at the Chestnut Festival in the park beside Villa Fiori this Sunday (weather permitting). Say hello to her and take a look at her fun childrens’ clothes.

http://www.luluandbertie.com

information@luluandbertie.com

Chestnut festival at Ponte a Serraglio

Posted on October 11, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

Don’t forget the annual Chestnut Festival to be held in the Villa Fiori park on 18th October…let’s hope it is a fine sunny day and lots of people come.

Lunch at Cappuccetto Rosso

Posted on October 3, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

Cappuccetto Rosso is quickly becoming one of my favourite restaurants in the area. The food is well presented and delicious and the service is very friendly and efficient.

Their recent lunch special was too good to resist.

Before the first course there was an arancino amuse bouche.

The plate of mussels was very good. Fortunately there was plenty of bread…the sauce was too delicious to leave behind.

Spaghetti vongole is one of my favourite Italian dishes. This one is a little different, it has tomato, but I liked it a lot.

Even though I was quite full I did manage to eat the third course of mixed, fried seafood.

There was no room for dessert…pity.

Cappuccetto Rosso is not far from Bagni di Lucca in Gioviano.

Pretty Ponte sky

Posted on September 28, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

I was up bright and early this morning…in time to see this lovely sky over Ponte a Serraglio.

The resident heron was up early looking for breakfast.

When I returned this evening the sky put on another good show.

…and the heron was looking for dinner.

I hope he caught something .

Giuliana’s new shop

Posted on September 25, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

I told you a while ago about a great new accessory shop in La Villa opened by Giuliana. She has now joined with a friend and moved the shop to Fornoli.

The shop now sells clothes and accessories for men and women.

It is a great addition to Fornoli, and La Villa’s loss. Drop in, say hello and take a look at the excellent selection.

Pinocchio returns

Posted on September 21, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

The Pinocchio festival returned to Bagni di Lucca on the weekend.

It was opened by the mayor and a band.

Thank you to Rosi for the photos above, I missed the start.

The band played and some young spectators were keen to try their dance steps.

There were stalls selling all kinds of things and the stall owners got into the spirit of things by dressing up.

It was fun to see some wool preparation, old equipment and some serious knitting and crochet.

…and some wood sawing.

There were stilt walkers and magicians to entertain the crowds.

…a slide for the children.

Best of all are the children playing old fashioned games with their parents watching close by.

This little girl looks very pretty with her painted face.

This is is one cool dude.

I like the mode of transport.

Even Pinocchio needs a rest.

This festival is excellent. I have been to a couple now and it is a fun weekend in La Villa…long may it continue.

Porcini mushrooms

Posted on September 17, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

Now is the time for porcini mushrooms in our area. It has been very dry, not good for mushrooms, but some have been gathered in Garfagnana and have appeared at Ristorante Del Sonno in La Villa.

…just perfect for a delicious mushroom risotto.

The recent rain should have more growing in the forests…we wait patiently or impatiently as the case may be.

Local news…

Don’t miss the Pinocchio festival in La Villa this weekend…it is always a lot of fun.

Vendemmia…time to pick grapes

Posted on September 13, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

All over Italy grapes are ripening on the vines. My friends invited me to help pick their grapes to make wine. I happily agreed.

The setting of the vineyard is lovely and it was a gorgeous day.

The grapes are looking excellent…they taste good too.

Time to pick grapes.

Time for lunch…with some of last year’s wine.

Thank you for inviting me to be part of the day, it was fun and I look forward to sampling the wine when it is ready.

Night comes to La Villa

Posted on September 9, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

La Villa is the commercial centre of Bagni di Lucca. It is the village most people think of as Bagni di Lucca, which is actually a collection of small villages scattered along the Lima River and in the mountains either side of it.

It is possible to see most of La Villa from a hill above.