½ûÂþÌìÌÃ

 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. 

 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.  

 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!