We've received post from the Netherlands! It's the first post we've received at all here (a milestone). It turns out one of the cards took ten days, but the main thing is, the cards have arrived and that gives us hope again, because apparently things are still being delivered to IT during this C-virus period (and Sander is finding out if he can get paint and other building materials shipped from the Netherlands). Via the Netherlands, we also hear the news that for the first time the number of infections and deaths is decreasing in Italy, but last night, unfortunately, there was already less good news; they expect a new hotspot in Southern Italy. What sad news. Doctors, nurses, authorities (and let's not forget the cooperation of the public) are working so hard to push back the virus. We also realise, and I think more people with us, that we have to take into account that the lockdown will probably last for some time to come.

On Wednesday, we have snow. Through the window of the Mulino, we see the flakes falling. It's cold, around freezing point, and there's a strong wind (what a difference to a few days ago when we were sitting outside in the lovely sun), but inside the Mulino it is nice and warm. A perfect ‘moment supreme’, however, for the heating in the main house to give up. To enhance the festive mood, the washing machine also decides to stop working (luckily I've just done all the washing, including the bedding). To be honest, we're not feeling too good about it for a moment (to use a bit of French). To be honest, we're also not feeling very well (you almost dare not mention it in these C-times), but it turns out to be tooth-related for Sander and hormone-related for me (in this case: thankfully!). And all the stories about Italian affairs Despite this, in the afternoon the washing machine engineer was already at our door. Within half an hour he had our washing machine up and running. And the next day the heating engineer was at our door, warming up our new house again. An added advantage: we've now had the chance to meet a large number of Pian del Nasso's regular suppliers.

Today the sun is shining. It is 18 degrees! How wonderful. It really does feel like a holiday for a while. We drink coffee outside in the sunshine. In this new reality, Sander and I are looking for a fixed rhythm as much as possible. We get up early every day (not as early as in NL), but at least before 07.00. After breakfast, we let Dasti out and then get to work. Today, too, we go for a walk first thing. Normally in the morning we walk through our own fields to the Rustico and back again. But vanochend Sander suggests we walk a bit further, which also implies a stretch along the road. I immediately protest (just for your imaging: I am still walking in my pyjamas with matching exploded head). But Sander immediately shouts that I shouldn't whine so much, because at most three cars a day pass by. And really, I am not exaggerating: we walk along the road for only half a minute and simply two cars pass (we just wave enthusiastically) and lastly the postman. Great! And seriously, it's now 6.30pm, and I haven't heard or seen another car today.