I was reading somewhere today that phase 2 in Italy is still more strict than the lockdown in the UK. ( I am hoping that things don’t start to open up too soon there. )

I think it’s safer this way. Though it sounds like not everyone here is taking it seriously.

This morning I thought as I am allowed a walk I really ought to make use of it. I normally try and get some exercise by walking into town for a coffee and it has not actually been a great strain only going out once a week for the last 8 weeks.( With the occasional circuit round my house. )

I am flexible due to my regular 5 mins of yoga but the red brick road is a bit of a challenge. If I ever get to the top without stopping and being completely out of breath I will know I am fit. I think it suits my attitude to exercise which is more or less , lets get it over with. I am lucky because it starts just round the corner from my street and has some lovely views and virtually no traffic. I think if I was fit I could be up and down in 20 minutes maximum. ( maybe by Christmas!)

But right now I stroll up , my legs hurt, and I stop to take photos. There are lots of things to look at and I am looking forward to seeing changes every day. Today I went round the side of the castle. Its a lovely old building. There is plenty of scope for adding a little extra walking at the top but just going up and down is fine for now.

I would have liked to have sat outside after that and had a coffee at my bar. But there was a really strong cold wind blowing.

I thought I may as well find the rest of my summer clothes but was a bit discouraged as they all need ironing. I found a lovely pair of patchwork trousers that I had forgotten about. I really do have enough clothes. Its a nice surprise every year finding things I had forgotten about. ( will probably just hang them up and then iron them….if I really have to…. when I want to wear them. )

Then I found a prog. on youtube about painting gardens and thought that would be useful . It was lovely. Maybe I could combine portraits in gardens.

Inspired by that and having a spare two hours.( was being a very long day.) I took one of my watercolour sheets ( postcard size) outside and painted some of my flowers. . Am not convinced I want to do that but I needed to try.

I forgot that l was going to make another mask. The gingham one is comfortable and fits well. I have lots of the material left. So maybe I will make another tomorrow.

I took a suitcase full of sheets round to my other house and put them in the wardrobe there. Its looking very pretty. ( it’s still for sale at €25000 , just saying….and now comes with 2 murals!)

Am feeling better today. Less angry with myself for not doing 3 times as much work and being more cheerful. .

I have a plan for a bit more fakery in my studio at the weekend and next week I might start to write a new book..

Çoming up for wine time now……..