Thursday, April 28, 2011

Yard rescue

Over Two and a half years ago, Papa Joe and I added a master bedroom suite on the back of the house...you have seen the closet and the bathroom. The inside is wonderful! But somehow, I felt that the outside needed help...it looked like a box stuck on the house...





In other words, it needed some landscaping.... And here it is... LOVE IT!!!






There are azaleas, hostas, a Japanese cherry tree, a pink dogwood, an oak leaf hydrangea, white Annabel hydrangeas (lining the new sidewalk) and niko blue hydrangeas. And Papa Joe's favorite, black mulch. I absolutely LOVE it and cannot wait to see it all filled in. isn't it great????

Location:Home

Saturday, April 16, 2011

I only thought it was true love until...

So, go ahead, say it. I am fickle. I professed my love for Portofino, and don't get me wrong, I still LOVE it. But then we docked just off of Portovenere, Italy.



This is TRUE LOVE. Papa Joe and I agree, this is what true love feels like!!! This darling town, is teeny. It has 7000 residents, the homes hug the hillside, often 7 stories high, and ten feet wide. (yes, I read the brochure).












It started as a fishing village in the 12th century, and still is. Sailing is also big business here. it is authentic Italian, charming. We hiked to the castle














The church of San Pietro






We walked through tiny streets, viewing the daily life here





We had lunch at a cafe in the port. We always ask for a glass of the local wine. Today's was the best we have had.





We shopped....





we ran in to Charl and Claudio from our ship. Charl is in charge of Destination Services and Claudio the tours. Claudio picked out a gift for Adam. All Incan say is oh my!!!


We sampled pesto and more pesto...the regional specialty. We bought pesto, and more pesto.








We saw local craftsmen at work...making shoes, pasta, pesto, pottery.


We fell in love, and promised to return.
We have spent the afternoon basking in the sun on deck, visiting with Jo and Tony.
Enjoyed sorbet in champagne.


And enjoyed the view of Portovenere












Tonight we are eating with Andrea and Steve, our farewell dinner. The are onboard
For another week, cruising the French coast.
LOVE=PORTOVENERE

Location:Portovenere, Italy

Friday, April 15, 2011

A day in Florence

Florence, that's all, Just Florence!
It's most famous man...David


The buildings...
















The Ponte Vecchio bridge

















The food...


The leather goods....


Getting Cole's initials on a belt



The views....











The underwear....


And American Indians playing native American music for the touristsnin Italy, what is that all about???



Florence, lovely!!!

Location:Florence, Italy