End of season.

It may seem strange writing this on Ferragosto, the climax of the Italian summer, but for us the holiday season’s over. The day-boys who constitute the major part of our social life have nearly all departed: Tony and Shona on the 31st of July, Judy on August 1st and Jane on the August 2nd. Only John remains ‘preparing research articles’ as far as his university is concerned. 

   Worst of all Sophy, Candy and Quinn left for the UK yesterday after what was, for their doting grand/parents, a wonderful week. We went to the beach at Pedaso on Monday, Madonna dell’Ambro on Tuesday and had a picnic in the mountains on Wednesday. All liberally interspersed with Quinn’s favourite activities: trips to the children’s playground at Tiro del Segno and to Luisa’s bar. Friday evening was particularly magical with a barbecue in the courtyard followed by Quinn’s playing on the panoramic terrace with Filippo and a host of other village children while Candy and I kept a watchful eye from Luisa’s. Click here for a movie of some of the week’s activities.

    So that’s it until September when Richard and Jane may pop over from Lucca and a visit from Chris and Kate in October.