What a busy time we are all having and although those Northern winds are still bringing the night time temperatures down, we are managing to stay above freezing. That cannot be said of the Vetrica who woke to a fresh covering of snow last night (18/04/2015) and for the last couple of days we’ve been living in the clouds.
The last few weeks I have been really busy working on my new vegetable patch, which is now forged from the hillside and is springing into life,. I have onions, peas, garlic, ceci, lettuce, radishes and not forgeting the early sprouting of the raspberries, ribes and gooseberry bushes. I am so excited and I have to confess to talking to them all each morning.
My old vegetable patch is also coming to life, mainly with weeds which I am slowly removing ready for the basil, carrots, parsley and all the other usual suspects. But I also have some sturdy leeks which have braved all that winter could throw at them and I could not believe my eyes at the size of my rhubarb plant, especially as last year the pony got into the garden and ate it down to the roots. So looking forward to my rhubarb crumble and custard.
Last year I thought I would try some vines, they weren’t that expensive and the idea was that we would try them out, see if they would last the winter and come to anything. Unfortunately, the pony liked to eat the green leaves and it wasn’t long before they were reduced to stem only. I thought that was the end of them, but Mother Nature is a magical thing, all but one have new healthy growth, now I just need to keep the pony and goats away and see if we have any fruit.
Up here it is a case of suck it and see what works!
As I look out over the mountain I can see the carpet of green unfurling up the valley, and I know it won’t be long before all my old chestnut trees are covered in foilage and summer will be upon us.
A problem for Richard as we haven’t got all of our wood in yet for winter, although we are really lucky as we have a lot of old seasoned wood on the ground, so thankfully we do not have to worry too much. We have done a deal with the local chainsaw suppliers who want to borrow our large chainsaw for a show. They are going to loan us a winch so we can try before we buy, we are hoping that this will save us a lot of hard work and can’t wait to try it out.
Most of the roses I rescued from Villa Libano have survived the winter and all but two have taken hold and have strong healthy new growth. The move doesn’t seem to have upset them too much, they are so beautiful when they are in full bloom, the flowers are blood red and have such a wonderful perfume. I can’t wait to make some more Rose Honey.
I have also been busy sowing seeds, the greenhouse is full of seedlings, I should have a good show of tomatoes and zucchinis this year, not to mention the variety of cuttings lining the floor. Sensone will look great once the decking and patio are dressed for summer.
Il Mostrico the local bar at Renaio is also heaving as it prepares itself for the summer season, it is so good to see so many new and old faces. Although it does make parking very hard. So many people ask me “Why do you live right up there?” but I swear it is the centre of the world.
Sunday afternoon Coco (my little pony) was in his element as he paraded some of the local children up to the church and back to the bar. He so loves his time with the children and he is so good, he didn’t put a foot wrong and even the most nervous of child was soon kicking him on with big smiles on their faces. And I had the opportunity to work off the large Sunday dinner.
I am still in awe of the beauty and intensity of life up here in the mountains, it isn’t always easy, every small task turns into a big one. Like getting the shopping from the car or even worse God forbid, you forget to buy toilet paper, milk or something equally as important.
Italy is famous for its outstanding countryside, views and art, but up here we literally are on Top of the World,
A small community with big hearts, Sundays and holidays are a testament to this as the local bar is filled with friends and family, both new and old.
Article by Sensone – all the Sensone articles can be seen here
