Finally, today dawned clear and promised sunshine and warmth. We seem to be over jet lag and are now sleeping normal hours. This means that we actually wake up at 7 am which is just about when it gets light here. This morning we were downstairs having breakfast about 8 and outside working by 9 am.
It looks like the olive harvest is going to be early this year. Already our early ripening varieties are turning purplish-black. Yesterday we went to the frantoio (mill) where we have our olives processed into oil and made an appointment to bring our harvest in on October 30. This means we will need to start picking about October 27. However, we also want to set out nets as soon as possible to catch the olives that fall between now and then, especially if it gets windy.
In order to do this we need to finish cleaning up the terraces, in particular around the base of the trees. The mown grass needs to be raked and hauled to the burn pile and Dom needs to finish cutting the grass up close the tree trunks and on the terrace banks. Heavy dew this morning meant we had to wait to do any of this. Instead, I moved the grass I had raked earlier in the week. Sometimes I use the wheelbarrow to do this but with piles closer to the burn area I just scoop it up with the hay fork and walk it over to what is fast becoming a giant haystack. Luckily the ground is still pretty dry so even though it rained the last few days the underside of all the piles was still dry. This means the giant haystack will burn more easily once we get around to setting it alight. That needs to wait until we get the rest of the grass gathered and then for a damp morning.
Dom changed the string head of the strimmer for the blade and cut the 5 foot tall daisy-like flowers that grow between our patio and our neighbor’s orto (vegetable garden). They grow up in that area every fall and are really pretty to look at. I try to cut some for inside the house before Dom gets around to felling them. Unfortunately they do not last long once cut. After lunch he changed the head again and went back to cutting grass.
We were also able to eat lunch on the patio for the first time since we got back. As we were dining a little early—12 pm—the sun was not yet on the table. Nonetheless, it was really warm and comfortable outside and we enjoyed the warm breeze and the view across the valley. A couple of eagles were coasting on the updrafts which is common that time of day.
Later in the afternoon I went into Lucca to run errands and help our friends Francesco and Cam arrange a dinner for the hiking group they are leading. By the time I got there it was downright hot and I had a fabulous time wandering the streets with my sweater hanging over my purse. We really do not get into Lucca too often these days so it was a treat to have the afternoon to reacquaint myself with the town and stop in at some of my favorite shops. This included a pause at Il Pinguino (The Penguin) which is my favorite gelateria in Lucca. I enjoyed a cup of bacio (kiss—chocolate with pieces of nut and chocolate), almond and Malaga (flavored with Malaga wine).
Tomorrow I am going back to lead the hiking group on a little tour of the city. I really enjoy doing that sort of thing and am looking forward to it.
It looks like the olive harvest is going to be early this year. Already our early ripening varieties are turning purplish-black. Yesterday we went to the frantoio (mill) where we have our olives processed into oil and made an appointment to bring our harvest in on October 30. This means we will need to start picking about October 27. However, we also want to set out nets as soon as possible to catch the olives that fall between now and then, especially if it gets windy.
In order to do this we need to finish cleaning up the terraces, in particular around the base of the trees. The mown grass needs to be raked and hauled to the burn pile and Dom needs to finish cutting the grass up close the tree trunks and on the terrace banks. Heavy dew this morning meant we had to wait to do any of this. Instead, I moved the grass I had raked earlier in the week. Sometimes I use the wheelbarrow to do this but with piles closer to the burn area I just scoop it up with the hay fork and walk it over to what is fast becoming a giant haystack. Luckily the ground is still pretty dry so even though it rained the last few days the underside of all the piles was still dry. This means the giant haystack will burn more easily once we get around to setting it alight. That needs to wait until we get the rest of the grass gathered and then for a damp morning.
Dom changed the string head of the strimmer for the blade and cut the 5 foot tall daisy-like flowers that grow between our patio and our neighbor’s orto (vegetable garden). They grow up in that area every fall and are really pretty to look at. I try to cut some for inside the house before Dom gets around to felling them. Unfortunately they do not last long once cut. After lunch he changed the head again and went back to cutting grass.
We were also able to eat lunch on the patio for the first time since we got back. As we were dining a little early—12 pm—the sun was not yet on the table. Nonetheless, it was really warm and comfortable outside and we enjoyed the warm breeze and the view across the valley. A couple of eagles were coasting on the updrafts which is common that time of day.
Later in the afternoon I went into Lucca to run errands and help our friends Francesco and Cam arrange a dinner for the hiking group they are leading. By the time I got there it was downright hot and I had a fabulous time wandering the streets with my sweater hanging over my purse. We really do not get into Lucca too often these days so it was a treat to have the afternoon to reacquaint myself with the town and stop in at some of my favorite shops. This included a pause at Il Pinguino (The Penguin) which is my favorite gelateria in Lucca. I enjoyed a cup of bacio (kiss—chocolate with pieces of nut and chocolate), almond and Malaga (flavored with Malaga wine).
Tomorrow I am going back to lead the hiking group on a little tour of the city. I really enjoy doing that sort of thing and am looking forward to it.
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