At the moment there is also much buzzing in the air as the chain saw has been pressed into action. We have just received approval to create two new vineyards, and so  land clearing has begun as we cut down (and then cut up) some unwelcome trees in the middle of one of the plots, and along the boundary of the other, to stop them from casting shade. We only have until March 1st to do this, because officially that is the start of Spring and even approved tree felling can only take place in winter. The fresh green growth provides succulent grazing for the deer and other inhabitants of our valley.  Down in the valley, we can hear a woodpecker.

Vineyards are a long term project. We will keep the ground clear through the spring and then it will be deep-dug in late summer. Then, after the winter frosts, it will be finely ploughed and planting will take place in Spring 2009. The first harvest will then be in 2012! If you would like to know more about this, we have written more about vineyard management on our viniculture pages.

Wisteria Cottage update

The vineyard just across the road from Wisteria Cottage in Sessame is neatly pruned and ready to burst into leaf in April.

Our builders, on the other hand, have been far from dormant. I wrote last month that they had removed the staircase, landing and bathroom floor, this has now all been rebuilt. As a result, we have a much improved staircase and slightly larger bathroom, making better use of the available space.

Preparations for the completely new plumbing and heating system were completed and all of the piping is now installed, and the hot water boiler has been delivered. We just await delivery of the kitchen and the bathroom ceramics and the plumber can complete his work. All of the channelling has been made to receive the new electrical wiring, and we are ready for the electrician to start.

Interestingly, we discovered that Italian central heating is specified to provide a ‘norm’ of 20 degrees throughout the night in each bedroom, which caused some merriment when we realised how many radiators we needed. On the positive side, it should be very cosy, and as it is thermostatically controlled can be turned down if required.

As you can imagine we have had to order many things from tiles to bathroom fittings and our biggest surprise is the cost of taps which are extremely expensive in Italy – costing almost as much as the complete set of bathroom ceramics. UK taps don’t work here, apparently – something to do with water pressure. (UK telephones don’t work either, but probably for a different reason).

A new wall has been built so you no longer have to go through one bedroom to get into another, and the new, second bathroom is in place. A large hole was dug in the garden for the gas tank (sadly, nothing of archaeological interest to report), and the new gas tank has arrived and been discretely buried. The feature beamed ceiling to the kitchen has received sympathetic attention to provide better support to the floor above. 

At the moment we are very pleased with the renovations at Sessame and are resisting the temptation to move in ourselves. If the work continues at this same pace we hope that it will be finished by the end of Spring.

Other news

For the boys it is school trip season with new adventures for both of them, and a break from class, as there is no half-term in Italy. Oliver will be going ski-ing for 5 days near Turin, whilst Edward is going to Rome, also for 5 days. Edward’s trip was a result of a ‘free’ vote by the pupils (in reality their mothers, who had to sign the form). Rome pipped Florence by one vote, but the Southern Italian delights of Naples and Puglia were, perhaps not surprisingly, considered inappropriate!

In March, Bob is hoping to check out the Milan – San Remo classic car rally. The spectacle begins with circuits at Monza, then a procession to Milan’s magnificent Piazza Duomo, from where the rally heads off first to Genoa, and then along the coast to San Remo. Fortunately, the Land Rover is not eligible (not old enough; I never thought I’d say that).

February has concluded with a sustained spell of bright, clear weather, extremely pleasant after the light morning mist has burned off, and ideal working conditions. The almond trees are now in blossom, Spring is coming,  and we are looking forward to it.

E mail: kerrie@anitalianadventure.co.uk

0039 0141 851 154

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