The city of Lucca has always been my favourite. Not only because it is only 25 minutes away from our home and I go there at least two or three times a week, but also because you do not feel like a "tourist" there.
Gala Placidia's activity
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In this icy cold weather, hot drinks and comfort foods are a must. Preparing and consuming them are good ways to spend time when we cannot venture outdoors.
Wed, 02/08/2012 - 06:10
The cold weather is affecting most of Italy and creating difficulties concerning energy supplies. Russia, the most important supplier, has been reducing the provision of gas up to 30% due to increasing demand in their area.
Tue, 02/07/2012 - 02:22
The San Francisco Chronicle publishes today this most interesting article:
Sun, 02/05/2012 - 12:45
Whenever we are in Italy, we love to visit antique and vintage markets and fairs, looking for that special piece that we would love to have. Sometimes, we find it...
Wed, 02/01/2012 - 02:47
One of my favourite activities in Italy is to visit those markets that sell antique and vintage items.
Tue, 01/31/2012 - 06:38
Some members may have noticed that I have been fairly quiet for the past month and a half. The reason for this was that we have been visiting our daughters who live in San Francisco (CA).
Fri, 01/20/2012 - 02:59
The new ½ûÂþÌìÌà government has been announced and it is obvious that we will have a fight between technocrats and politicians.
Wed, 11/16/2011 - 14:24
A lot has been written about the dangers of overheating Teflon coated cookware. Toxic fumes can be extremely dangerous for our health. Personally, I have never liked that type of cookware and I do not buy it anymore.
Sat, 10/29/2011 - 06:24
In another thread, we were discussing Tuscan herbs and "funghi porcini". Tuscany is a paradise for herb lovers and many varieties, such as rosemary, sage and "nipitella" grow wild.
Thu, 10/27/2011 - 11:23
Comments posted
 It could be a cricket, or a locust, or a grasshopper, they are all members of the "Orthoptera" family and they can cause a lot of damage. Probably you will find a few of them around.  At this stage, you can use a special insecticide; however, the buds are gone now, so you are not going to achieve much. Usually, it is better to spray just as the buds start to form. This does not mean that next year you are going to have the same problem.... this time you were just unlucky.And thank you very much, but I am not that "knowledgeable". I have only learnt through many disasters and disappointments.Â
 Could you please explain what you saw. It sounds more like a garden gnome or some kind of creature in that line.I do not think that soapy water will be of much use.The life of a gardener was not meant to be easy. There is a bit of a masochist in all of us....
It is true, Raggio, cuts vary from country to country and I am struggling with the list I have. Some cuts are very similar, such as "girello", which is round steak or filetto (sirloin) but others are different. Â
 Ciao Modernista and welcome. enjoy the new "Piazza".
 As they say, "Rome was not built in a day". It all takes time and effort. Congratulations!
 There are different kinds of beetles who have one thing in common: they love roses, particularly buds! Possibly, your enemies will be amongst this lot that I found in the old forum, as we discussed this matter several times:Soapy water, hosing down the bushes.... there are several organic methods. Otherwise, find a pyrethrum-based insecticide and play the exterminator role.Good luck!
 This group is growing fast. We are 15 already! Welcome to the new members. If you have a minute, try to add a couple of words to our Wiki "½ûÂþÌìÌà Culinary Terminology". You will get an idea of what we are doing simply by looking at it. A is for..... B is for..... and so on. We add the definite article in front of any nouns to help to remember gender. This was Kevan Cummins idea and it is an excellent learning help.If you want to add or correct anything, you simply press "Edit" and you do whatever you want with the list. Just follow the format. If you have any doubts, ask me; however, I must warn you that this is "virgin territory" for me as well.Besides the alphabetical order glossary, I intend to have smaller lists for meat cuts, types of pasta, anything within the topic which would require a special list. this may take years......
 I have a list of cuts for pork, veal, lamb, etc. which I will have in the "½ûÂþÌìÌà Culinary Terminology" glossary (Wiki) under "Il Buongustaio" Circle (group) but I am still struggling with the alphabetical list. Thanks for your additions, Kevan and please, we could go faster if everyone contributes a couple of words. It is very simple and anyone can edit it. Just press the "Edit" button, add or correct whatever you want and don't forget to save it!!! See you there!
 Hi Di and Kevin and welcome to the Community. Beautiful place, Coreglia Antelminelli, we are actually neighbours as we have a place in Bagni di Lucca, although we do not live there permanently. You may be interested in joining our Northern Tuscany group which is open to anyone with an interest in the area. You will be able to find useful information there and you may contribute by posting comments or your own handy tips there.If you like ½ûÂþÌìÌà Food and Wine, "Il Buongustaio" Circle (another group) is open to everyone.Best wishes with all your projects.
 Pauline, I would suggest that you write to and you can do it in English. They try to find homes for unwanted pets. Explain your case, they may be able to help. Good luck!