Whenever Pippa is up to something naughty I hear Andrea commenting that she is "just like your father", but when I broke my arm at the start of the month and within a few days Pippa went and did the same thing I thought she was taking it too far! I broke mine as I was training Blue and he threw me... Pippa was roller skating - at full speed down a flight of stairs !!

Naturally "quei pazzi Inglesi" (those mad English) are now considered madder than ever in the little village.... The Sicilian helpful character is such that we got loads of offers of help and a lot of care, so we can't complain. (Mark)

It's a well known fact that italian men are quite fastidous about their appearance. So, when Mark broke his right arm and couldn't shave, it seemed a good opportunity to indulge in the great italian tradition of a visit to the barber. Mark thoroughly enjoyed it and suggests every man should try it at least once - I personally think that he just doesn't trust me with a razor !! (Andrea)

With me now rather limited on the action front (see 2 broke arms above), our friend Sandro has stepped in to keep Ambrogio fit and exercised. Sandro loves stallions and really seems to have a way with them. Ambrogio knows this and the respect is mutual. Sandro has had several rides on Ambrogio this month. He is seen here at Mercatobianco, a tiny village (less than 500 inhabitants) around 6 miles away. Ambrogio is proving exceptional for riding out, being calm in traffic and any other sort of situation. Absolutely nothing flusters him. He does get a bit excited when he meets any mares though. Here he is showing off as one mare rounds the next bend. (Mark)

I always enjoy our village feast. My parents let me go out on the town with my friends and we walk around and shop at the stalls till very late at night. This year I was told not to ride the bumping cars because of my broken arm, but I managed to get on anyway, with my friend driving. It wasn't as much fun as when I drive but it was OK. As usual, I bought ice-cream, sweets and a load of little presents and some bracelets and necklaces. The picture is taken early in the evening. Later, after 10.30pm the streets are really packed with people coming from nearby towns. (Pippa)

I can't help admiring some of the beautiful sunsets and sunrises we get here. But this was a bit of a special one. A few days ago I was up very early and, as the sun rose, the previous night's full moon was still very much in evidence. I managed to wake Mark up in time to take this picture from our veranda. (Andrea)