Autumn Comfort

We’re sliding ‘comfortably’ into Autumn here in Modica.

Very welcome Autumnal rain

However, I do have to say that although I’m now wearing a light jacket for my early morning walks these days … I’m still sporting shorts! Something I certainly wasn’t doing this time last year.
There are other subtle signs that this year, thus far, the weather’s ended up being both milder and kinder.
Like the fact that ‘my babies’ (my cactuses) are still outside on our terrace.
Now, as I keep extensive records(!), I note that in 2023 I last watered them all on Thursday 19th October, and that all my small and/or ‘cold-intolerant’ cacti had been moved indoors on Saturday 4th November. The latter due to the temperature dropping to below 10 celcius. Which, this year, isn’t predicted to happen for at least the next 10 days, which is great!
‘Great’ for two reasons: One minor; one fairly major.
The ‘minor’ one being that they get to enjoy the sunshine longer this year, hopefully making their dormancy period shorter. And yes, many do ‘sleep’ over Winter.
So, what’s that ‘major’ reason then? Well … that’d be the fact that Alice don’t like my babies being in the house. Apparently, they take up too much room; I’m being way too fussy; and they’re an annoyance in general!
Having said all that: I just know she loves ‘em as much as I do.
And we’re both so uber-happy to enjoy the still-warm/hot days, cooler evenings, and for now lighter mornings…

Slowing Down?

At this time of year, as far as public entertainments concerned anyway, things are also slowing down.
Somewhat. I mean: (Almost) gone are the religious processions for this year; (nearly) over are the outdoor family occasions; and (about) finished are those athletic events along our street and alleys.
It’s a time for slowing down, for taking stock, and for reflecting on the year that’s been, given the next one’s practically just around the corner.
Sorry ‘bout the reminder it’s now only 55 days until Christmas, by the way!

"ChocoModica 2024"

Anyways, that’s what should be happening this time of year. But that isn’t really happening here. Because our comune are desperate to somehow keep the momentum going. Fighting against the seasonal tide to try and keep local euros, as well as those precious tourist euros, pounds, dollars, yen and yuan, flowing into Modica’s coffers.
Which they kinda have to do, given their current poor … fiscal situation.
Not that I’m complaining here, you have to understand! It’s great to be able to have an excuse to wrap up, get out and mingle with the other locals in the ‘depths’ of Winter.
So, what’s coming up then?
There’s this year’s three-day "ChocoModica" festival to (sort of) look forward to, come December. We’re not fans, but…
Then, we’re already three tribute bands into the eight tribute band "ReplaymusicFestival" concert series running every Saturday until late November.
And there’s much more coming along too.
Can’t say we’ll be getting bored here anytime soon.

Keep Busy!

One thing retirement (early and otherwise) has taught me is you gotta keep busy!
Do something. Hobby, interest, whatever. Just do … something!

A lesson hammered home when we walk about the city. Y'see, each and every day, without fail, at the main roundabout down here in Modica Bassa, you'll see a 'gaggle' of men, most of whom (though not all) are obviously well past retirement age.
I'm talking anywhere between a few and a crowd of up to several dozen.
Either just standing about in clumps talking (loudly) to and at each other, or else they've grabbed chairs from nearby restaurants and bars … and are then sitting there in clumps talking (loudly) to and at each other!
As an aside here: That latter activity has, in fact, seen at least one café here 'lock up' their chairs to prevent this!
Anyways, why are they there, and not elsewhere doing … something? Don't know.
Although one has to suspect that it's because they've been 'kicked out' of their respective homes by their long-suffering spouses, and told to stay away until it's 'pranzo time' (lunch time)? Because they do disappear around lunch time, only to reappear again mid-afternoon. And of course!
It's not just Sicilians either: Many of the older North Africans here also gather about in their own clumps dotted about the roundabout. Although they’ll do so in their own areas: There's no mingling, I'm afraid.
You’ll not see the older women here doing the same thing.

More Soon...