Today I went down the mountain for the first time since the lockdown to shop at the nearest supermarket. We are not to leave our Comune, or district, to shop. Fortunately the supermarket at Gallicano is excellent.
Armed with my document to show why I was leaving home I headed off. The drive from Casa Debbio is beautiful. I can’t resist stopping along the way to admire my favourite view.
I was pleasantly surprised to find the supermarket very well organised. There was no waiting to get in, the shelves were fully stocked and everyone was keeping a good distance from each other.
The staff were gently reminding people to use the plastic gloves provided to select items and not to crowd the aisles. I was able to buy everything I needed to allow me to stay at home for at least the next 10 days. I was even able to buy a few plants for my garden.
I am particularly upset that plant nurseries are closed. I went past my favourite one today and it is fully stocked with gorgeous things for spring planting. I felt very sorry for the owners, whom I have come to know quite well. I hope things return to normal soon so all that their beautiful stock can find a home.
I cooked ricotta gnocchi and made a sauce from mini Roma tomatoes for lunch.
The trees around me are just beginning to get their leaves. I can actually see it from my terrace. It will all happen quickly now. Within a few weeks it will be glorious.
In the afternoons my neighbour, Sisto, whose house is below mine, plays music. He has 100 speakers under the eaves of his house and around 5.30pm if the mood takes him he plays tango, or old Italian records. It is quite magical. I wish he did it every day.
Here is a post I wrote about him some time ago. Sisto, the music man of Vergemoli
If you go to my Instagram (Debra Kolkka) you can hear a snippet of what he was playing yesterday.
Lockdown continues…