There was a sharp snap in April which had a dramatic effect on many crops - vines, cherries etc - but the last few weeks (at least where I am) have been magnificent as far as odours are concerned. Gelsomini (jasmine) are in full bloom and tigli (lime tree) are not far behind.

Simply wonderful.

Yes very warm last week. Had to have gelato every day.

It's been a magnificent season also here in Le Marche. Our jasmines are almost finished, but the perfume of i tigli is beginning to dominate. Also the ginestra is in full bloom, but its delicate perfume is often drowned out by the tigli, which are very common around here.

Now, if you could just do something about those EARTHQUAKES

Of course after my posting it started to rain in Como. However, this is not such bad news as it will last until tomorrow and then the sun will be out again which will mean that the end of the week will be perfect for picking wild strawberries where I am. Are these found in America?