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ÌýSinging songs is an excellent tool to learn a language. It helps to build up both vocabulary and expressions in an easy and relaxed manner.ÌýToto Cutugno is a great singer and composer born in Fosdinovo (Tuscany) to a Sicilian father and a Tuscan mother. He has many great songs, but "L'½ûÂþÌìÌÃo" is a particularly famous one and easy to learn. Enjoy!Ìý

ÌýAs Chardonnay mentioned, Richard was very involved in this project and we corresponded several times on the topic. I don't think that he would mind if I let you all know about this project that he had. This is part of his message:QUOTE........and the various decisions that I am having to make with regard to this project are based on an understanding of the situation through having visited the factories, spoken to the owners, bought material, been given pattern books, catalogues and artefacts, and been offered more including a full size automated Jacquard loom. The important question of conserving the punch-card programs rests on my winning the confidence of three separate long-established italian textile manufacturing families. It is not a question of asking once, being given them and then storing them under the bed. There is a huge quantity in total, there is the question of the copyright of the designs, there is obvious concern on their part that I'll simply take them all back to England and so it requires tact, diplomacy and an ability to convince them of my complete integrity, before I can achieve my aim of preserving a part of this region's industrial and cultural heritage. Whether the museum idea ever extends beyond the second of my two houses is an unknown at present. I do have contacts within the Regional Dept of Culture as well as within the Comune of Sulmona and am very well aware of the procedures that one needs to follow.Ìý.......UNQUOTEI would really love to see his project turning into reality; however, I do think that his precious input was vital. Personally, I would love to see the museum being created in his memory. I can only regret that we are not in Abruzzo to help.

I understand that ICI is still payable on luxury properties even if they are your "prima casa". Also, non-residents must pay ICI even if it is your only property in Italy..It would be advisable to check with a "commercialista".Ìý

ÌýIt would also be advisable to look at what your local shop can offer. Sometimes the differences are not very big, but some of these locals carry the goods and install them at no extra cost, plus you have the advantage that you can go back to them if anything does not work properly and they will fix it. We bought most of our white goods, particularly the large ones, at our local shop in Bagni di Lucca. The owner is an electrician and he took care of everything without any extra charges. ÌýAnd it is always good to do something to support the local small businesses. Without them, there would not be a town providing us with goods and services.

ÌýI am very glad to hear that you are looking after the male pup, Moxie. Just post some pics when you will have him at home. We have seen them in photos since they were born. It brought tears to my eyes.

ÌýIt is fine with me, easier to use. Thanks Ronald.

ÌýThe "Grazie" button is "gone with the wind". Now, if you want to thank anyone you have to write it down. Perhaps it is not a bad idea, you have to think twice before you do it.

Welcome missjanem from New York. You will enjoy this community. I also share your love for antique and vintage furniture, but my information is limited to Tuscany. I have heard that the Arezzo market is most interesting and I plan to inspect it on my next trip. It takes place on the 1st Sunday of the month. Up to now, i have been going to the Lucca one, on the 3rd Sunday and the Florence one on the 4th Sunday of each month.

Here is a useful list:

A warm welcome to the Macs. Enjoy the community.