Gala Placidia's activity

 Alma, perhaps you could create a group. Otherwise, we can always the "Culture" Topic. I am currently reading for the 7th time "Il Gattopardo" by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, but in Italian. This is my second attempt in Italian and this time it is much easier than the first time. It is an excellent language acquisition exercise.

 Alma, Heiko is a member of this community, but he has not been very active recently. I also wish that he could start again his group on Wine as he had in the old Forum. I would also love to attend one of his wine tastings when I am in Italy.Calling Heiko.... where are you?

 In the past, you used to loose your UK and other nationalities if you opted for another citizenship through marriage. Nowadays, things have changed and most countries accept dual nationality. I don't know whether this would be of any benefit to you Carole, but it may be worthwhille investigating.As for the cases from other members, I think that in most cases they were under retirement age (65) and not related to an Italian national. This is where those changes introduced in 2007 are a pain to sort out. Also, I looked a bit the information available and it looks as if there are about 10,000 laws, decrees, instructions, with variations for each "Comune" to interpret and this has created a real maze of bureaucracy to sort out.

 Perhaps the French chain "Leroy Merlin" could help. I have seen some old style hardware there. Is this what you have in mind?www.leroymerlin.it/mpng2-front/pre

 Yes, Serge, as you rightly say, the "Parmigiana" variations could be almost endless. Chicken, fish, pork and turkey thinly sliced, even aubergines cut lengthwise and with the same egg and breadcrumbs coat.... And then the tomato, mozzarella and fresh basil topping. Salads, fresh vegetables or pasta and potatoes for the winter months. It is a very versatile dish.I had not tried the sunflower oil as yet, but you are right that the temperature should be checked for olive oil. I will try it next time, and I would fry lightly first a couple of garlic cloves in it to give extra flavour.As for fish, we eat quite a lot and I like to buy it whole and I ask the fishmonger to have it butterfly open. I season it  with salt, pepper, chives and chopped herbs, lemon and just a tiny bit of olive oil. I fill the cavity with slices of lemon. I wrap the lot in alfoil and cook it in a medium oven for some 30 minutes, depending on size. I serve it with lemon, tartar or alioli sauces and vegetables. Very healthy and refreshing, particularly in summer.As for potato chips, which can be unavoidable, I bake them in a hot oven with a drizzle of olive oil on top and some salt. I think that they would be healthier this way.....

I haven't got a clue about dates at this stage, Alma. But we will certainly be there in September and throughout the month as we have been unable to go to our Bagni di Lucca house since last December because of family commitments. We generally go there for day trips, as we have our little dog with us, but we used to catch the train in La Spezia. I think that this time we are going to try the road as it has been suggested. I will ask more questions closer to the dates. But thank you very much for the tips.  

 I would take a brick sample to your local "edilizia" to see whether they have something similar or they could recommend someone who specialises in "demolizioni". They may be able to help. Good luck!

Another main stem would be OK providing that the plant has deep roots and that the plants have been sufficiently spaced out. Tomatoes dislike being overcrowded. Remove the leaves that could eventually hide them. Pinch out the small shoots as you are doing and a neighbour of mine used to recommend to pinch out the first flowers as well. It always worked.Honestly, I should be the last person to give advice on tomatoes, when I started my gardening day, more than 30 years ago when we bought our first house with a garden, I pulled out a tomato plant thinking that it was a weed.... My kind neighbour saw what I was doing and started my gardening "education" on the spot. Fortunately, I listened to her advice. She was a remarkable gardener. 

 Hi, as far as we know, if the property is under joint names, you should have received two bills (check whether the bill received has the two names mentioned in it). I have not heard of a reduction on the ICI, only that it has been abolished for your principal residence if you are an Italian resident.To organise direct debit, you have to contact your Italian bank, sign a special form and send a copy of the form to the Comune or provider of services. But generally, you have to do this before the invoice or bill arrives. At this stage, you would be better off sending an electronic transfer if you have the Comune's bank details. You will also have to send a copy of the transfer receipt together with a letter explaining what the payment is all about to the Comune. And keep all receipts at hand, just in case there are any mistakes made.I hope that this will help. 

 A terrible accident and they are still trying to find victims alive amongst the rubble of the buildings that collapsed. Quite a few people unaccounted for. It looks as if they are successfully emptying the tanks which have not exploded; however, it is a very dangerous procedure. Our thoughts and our prayers are with all these people.