Update February 2004

Weather:
Yes, it's still cold here and we've had more snow! Brrrr. however, can't complain as it hasn't been too rainy and by the end of the month is has started to be very sunny making working outside a joy.

Building Work:
Richard has nearly finished work on the new Lodge and I am looking forwards to decorating it. We will be living in this little house from June to September whilst we rent out the Barn and Farmhouse. For the rest of the time we are renting this house out to guests.

The work on the Barn is progressing but there is a slight glitch with the planning permission (as ever in Italy!) so one of the bathrooms has had to be shifted but nothing too major.

The big news is that Richard has started a new building business with Dante. Richard provides the labour and translation for the English spoken clients and Dante provides the skill and expertise - we are both keeping our fingers crossed that this venture will take off.

GUESTS:
Our first guests of the season arrived in early February in the Chestnut House. They had a great weekend sightseeing despite it being very cold. they managed to master the wood burning stove magnificently and made themselves very cosy.

ANIMALS:
Poor old Morgan, our new dog, has had a run in with a wild boar trap. These devices are illegal and we have no idea where she found it. Anyway, after drugging her we finally managed to catch her and get her to the vets. She is currently sitting in front of the fire enjoying her luxurious recuperation!

FAMILY & FRIENDS:
Marco has finally cut his first teeth and is no longer a demon child. we are all feeling better for some uninterrupted sleep!

We have got together with some of our friends over here and created a 'Sunday Club'; every other week we go around to each others houses in turn and work for the day. It is great fun and gets all those jobs done which require extra pairs of hands. I'd recommend it to anyone. Especially good is the dinner with plenty of wine at the end of your hard days work!