I love the Autumn in Tuscany. The days are usually clear with block blue skies, although chilly at night, because it is so clear. However, on 21st October 2013, the heavens opened and there was a massive electrical storm which caused landslides in the Garfagnana. The river Serchio rose 6 metres and flooded Ponte a Moriano. If the food market was able to open this morning I’m sure the locals will be even more vocal than they usually are. Our poor guests from the US are having a rather different Tuscan experience, than the one they must have hoped for, but have been wonderfully resourceful and positive.

For the last few years we have picked our olives in the first week of November in full sunshine at 26C, although coldish night’s give the restaurants and bars an excuse to light their first log fires of the year and Italians to dress up in their scarves and winter coats. Italians don’t like being cold!!

Millie wrapped up, Italian style in Abetone