Under the Tuscan Sun

The bus ride to San Casciano was only about 35 minutes. Kirstie, and her mother Robin, who is visiting from New Zealand, picked us up at the bus station. Within 5 minutes Kirstie had won our hearts over by buying us ice cream. Also, we instantly felt connected and conversation flowed naturally, as they made us feel so welcome and comfortable. We drove the 15 minutes out of town and up a massive hill to their farm. It is absolutely picturesque Tuscany- olive trees and grape vines being farmed all over the hillsides and old villas scattered around.

Pascal and Kirstie live in a old villa on top of the hill with their 700 olive trees around. On the ground level there is a apartment with 3 bedrooms, a bathroom, a laundry, a sitting area and a kitchen. Jorie and I each have our own bedrooms in the apartment, more space than we have had in weeks (sleeping in separate bedrooms is stretching our umbilical cord). Our rooms have incredible views of the countryside.

On the farm besides the olives there is : a big vegetable garden, fruit trees (pomegranate and fig), 2 horses, a bird, a fish, a rabbit that lives with 6 hens, a rooster who is scared of the rabbit, and 2 wonderful retrievers. Charlie, the black retriever, and Auzy, the golden retriever are brothers and the best of friends. It's wonderful to have dogs around again. We found ourselves instantly attached to them. One of our jobs while we are here is to feed the dogs, chickens, and rabbit. So Charlie and Auzy are bonding with us quickly.

Kirstie, New Zealand born, came to Italy to study art 28 years ago. Pascal has spent most of his life on the farm. They have three children- Rudy (17) and Oliver (19) who are still at home and Ana who is at university in New Zealand. The family is so down to earth, thoughtful and generous. Also, they all have so many hobbies and are all artists of some form. Kirstie is a painter and printmaker, Pascal is a weaver, lute maker and hot air ballon pilot, Oliver is a jeweler, knife maker and medieval sword fighter, and Rudy plays the piano. Robin, the grandmother visiting from New Zealand is an amazing gardener. The whole family is so lovely and interesting.

Shortly after arriving we took the dogs for a walk, and it was beautiful. We came back just as the sun was setting and creating one of the most spectacular skies, this sunset competed with Sebago Lake ones. We had a delicious feast for dinner and talked for hours.

Today we started the day off with walking the dogs and feeding the animals. We worked from 8:30 to 10:30, had tea and then from 11:00 to 1:00. We did odd jobs around like picking up the dropped figs, working on the compost pile, cleaning the chicken house, raking,etc. It was wonderful to be productive again and to get out hands dirty. Plus working in the Tuscan sun is gorgeous.

We had another feast for lunch and talked for ages again. We had a peaceful afternoon of reading, writing and talking.

Jorie and I feel to lucky to be here... We are in paradise with the nicest family! More to come....