Lockdown here in Italy means staying housebound. Mostly. These days, people in the towns and cities love their dogs more than ever: walking them is an excuse to get out.
A way to ward off a CPA (Coronavirus Panic Attack).
Hilarious Internet videos about exhausted dogs yet again on a leash and even cats on leashes dragged towards an apartment door keep us grinning.
Fortunatamente, Pino and I need no excuse to leave our farmhouse here in the Umbria countryside: our two Maremmano shepherd dogs are always out.
Our cats, too.
Our “lockdown” confines us to our 3 -1/2 hectares (about 9 acres). And every morning, Pino is out to feed his beloved two donkeys, Ciccio and Pippo.
and our goats:
Eighteen adults now greet him eagerly:
And this past week, nine new kids have joined the ranks…
….including a tiny female I’ve named “Cocoa.” (Pino liked the name, probably thinking I was calling her “Cocco,” meaning “sweetie” in Umbrian dialect).
For her first days of life, she was too weak to suckle on her own: Pino bottle-fed her…
…and helped Cocoa attach to her mamma:
She now suckles on her own.
A new life. A new-found strength.
Seems an omen to me. An affirmation of Italy’s mantra these days: “Andra’ tutto bene” (“All will go well”).
Read here about an outdoor market visit to ward off a CPA (Coronavirus Panic Attack)
Click here to read about – and see! – a favorite Orvieto eating spot (to ward off CPA)
Click here for a recipe of Pino’s mamma, Signora Vincenza (also helps ward off CPA)
Read about – and see! – Assisi during coronavirus lockdown
Click here for another “coronavirus lockdown” recipe
Click here to read about Novella’s vegetable stand during the coronavirus lockdown
Read about a Pino feast on March 8th as coronavirus distraction
Click here to read about March 8th – as a coronavirus antidote
Peppa is always perfect distraction from a CPA
Read about a stop for fresh pasta to ward off a CPA
Love, love, LOVE this blog note, Anne. Wonderful. Makes us so happy to see Pino and all the new babies. Love to all XOXOXOX
Hello Anne,
Donna and I were hoping you all were well during this lockdown.
In the states folks are in a buying craze, no toilet paper left on the shelves. God bless and good luck.
Tom and Donna Lacko
What a beautiful place you have there, Anne. Fond memories.
Love to all,
Joan
Love this! I’ve shared on my FB page. Feeling so sad for Italia’s other news.
So so cute! Farm life is a great life and now especially for staying busy during this lockdown time. Thanks for sharing your daily routine and Pino’s wander around your land.
Thanks to all for your notes…all well here in the Umbria countryside: a lovely place to be “imprisoned”.
Stay well. Stay home. Stay safe