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Perhaps we should be put in charge of the economy. After all, we are showing common sense... something which seems to be in short supply at the moment

Thank you for the link. A very interesting article, although, at this stage you do not know who is to be believed. Personally, I think that there is too much emphasis on talking about currencies, debts and market demands and very little is said about measures to estimulate the economies and create employment, which are supposed to be the real issues. We cannot expect any good news as long as the different economies are only looking at austerity measures and packages. They are just talking on the radio about creating new banks that would lend money to people as a solution to the current woes... Now, who is going to borrow money when employment is not guaranteed and businesses are closing down? It does not make any sense.

I must confess that we have never paid much attention to our energy consumption. Generally, we are not at Bagni di Lucca in the middle of winter. Our house is very well insulated, we are connected to the town gas supply and it only takes about 15 minutes for the place to feel warm and welcoming. Our gas bills have not been large; however, I can see that costs are escalating and perhaps it is a good idea to carefully consider offers and alternatives. Our neighbours, who permanently live there, complain about the amount of money they have to spend on energy, but then... it is a very large house with a workshop and I do not think that insulation is their "forte". They have installed a large pellet stuffa to assist with the heating and their house feels warm whenever I enter it. But then... I do not know whether they are doing the right thing or not. Looking at costs through the Internet, I found this link: I believe that it gives very interesting information on the topic. With this very cold weather, energy consumption must be extremely high. I do not want to think about the bills... Anyway, keep warm!

It is all rather ironic when we remember that we have just celebrated the 150th anniversary of Italy's unification...

Congratulations on the purchase. It is always very exciting to have a new house, even if you have to fix a few things to make it into a home. I do not know of anyone in your area, but perhaps other members could help. A suggestion, try to ask the neighbours or at the local shops. They may be able to recommend someone they know. Best wishes!

We have two daughters living in San Francisco and preparedness there is most important. Shops sell special kits with the basics and most people are very much aware of what needs to be done. My daughter's house survive the big 1906 and the Loma Prieta in 1989, so it is obviously very safe... or looks like it. You never know with earthquakes, but then... it is just another risk or peril that we encounter in life. We possibly have more chances of getting run over by a car than having to go through a major earthquake. Still, it is important to know what has to be done. This article from the Los Angeles Fire Department is very useful:

Get at least three quotes, Belvedere, and check that you are giving enough notice to the existing insurer according to the terms of the contract. We made a mistake there and we were "stuck" with Generali for another year. The best quote we had was through our bank (Toscana or Monte Paschi, nowadays) and we are perfectly happy with them as they do everything for us. Many times, I read bad comments about ½ûÂþÌìÌà banks. We cannot be happier. Charges are high; however, most of those are government taxes and I do not think that we can avoid them. We have also arranged for direct debit of all our regular bills and, as I say, they handle our insurance matters. Very happy with our decision.

My friendly advice: get as many quotes as you can before deciding and remember that, if you wish to change insurers, your current one will ask for early notice (check your contract). Also, ask your bank and they may surprise you. Our best quote came from them.

This article may be of assistance:

It is that difference between a small piece and the full bar the one that keeps on feeding our adipose cells!!! I know, it is very tough!!!!