Mellow midsummer

 I'm writing just as the sun's path reaches its northernmost point in the sky and we in the Northern Hemisphere get our shortest nights and longest days. I feel at my best. Like a walking plant, sunlight is my ultimate energy. Well, that and ravioli.

The Italian meteorological office has just issued a report examining various climate factors since the year 2000 and, of all the 104 provinces in Italy, that of Imperia, where I now live, is the one with the best climate overall. My health has certainly improved since moving here, and that was part of the plan.

 

Guests

I have had the pleasure of hosting my friend Stella and her wife here this week. We were neither in full fem mode - there's a limit to what a flamboyant girl like Stella is allowed to carry on a plane! And I have to be a bit discreet with the neighbours. It was nice to catch up, eat some tasty meals together, and I hope to see them again soon at their home in England.

It was Stella who took the photo that has always been the background image of my blog. It was taken on a picnic at Painshill Park in Southern England back in 2011, a trip that inspired me to start writing this blog. 650 posts later, and I've not forgotten the inspiration.

She also took this fabulous portrait of me ten years ago:

Check out Stella's professional shots here: Stellapix

On Saturday I have my nephew coming for a couple of days. This involves deprincessing. He's a young person and may well be more flexible about LGBT+ stuff than his ultra religious upbringing would have us believe, especially as he heads off to university this autumn, but I won't take chances with the crazy belief systems he's come from.

Trans Youth Are Loved

I'm pleased to hear about this new campaign supported by lots of famous names to assure young trans people that they are seen, valued and supported. These last few years, with the pandemic interfering with life and studies, the increasing polarisation and nastiness of politics, the use of trans people as a scapegoat, it's not a good time to be growing up if you are trans. So I hope the campaign is effective and encouraging. #TransYouthAreLoved

Also glad to hear that there were a million attendees at Rome Pride at the weekend.

Sue x