tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81546265102106568332024-02-19T19:28:49.878-05:00Musing with MaxAmeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10548038213207928436noreply@blogger.comBlogger288125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154626510210656833.post-3977983588274886262017-02-15T12:46:00.000-05:002017-02-15T12:46:22.163-05:00End of an era?I haven't been blogging much which I think is abundantly clear. I seem to neither have the energy, the desire, or the imagination. And it seems that most of my blog friends are in the same boat since I rarely, if ever, see a new post come our way. Some seem to have stopped altogether which saddens me a bit as I always enjoyed reading their thoughts and seeing what was new in their lives so it's a little lonely out here. I did finally join Instagram so luckily I get to see them there, not the same since it's usually a picture with a caption but it satisfies. This may or may not be my last post. I guess it'll depend on how, and or if and when the mood strikes me. I also noticed that my last few posts were a tad on the negative, depressing side. I suppose with my surprise unemployment and the circus of our country at the moment that is not surprising. But this was never meant to be a confessional outlet or a psychiatric couch; it started out as an outlet yes but on the light, fun side. That is no longer the case.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCn6J1QGyb1FpDuMu7QJmUw9fzhTg7pTDCavdYDFLb3KbkoL4gWhkRvNJ5MC1ZQ6mQGuvYcrwLwCfnMHVIUz8zjfGcEAm7FnWU9Pg37Rj_9J5RJqgABRhtZZxmzXBpdkAJJTHjgUWBSGU/s1600/Jan+3+2017+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCn6J1QGyb1FpDuMu7QJmUw9fzhTg7pTDCavdYDFLb3KbkoL4gWhkRvNJ5MC1ZQ6mQGuvYcrwLwCfnMHVIUz8zjfGcEAm7FnWU9Pg37Rj_9J5RJqgABRhtZZxmzXBpdkAJJTHjgUWBSGU/s400/Jan+3+2017+3.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's Max, just because. And here's an update. Well after six long months I have finally found a job and will be starting next week, this is a weight off my shoulders. Regardless of how much my husband told me that it was OK if I found nothing and decided to stay home my head couldn't justify it. I was, however, starting to get used to the idea since finding something, and something that sounded promising and I would like, was proving very difficult. I actually thought I would never, ever, ever get a job and earn a living again, which scares the Hell out of me. That's not to say that I'll not enjoy being home, because the truth is: I have. There are quite a few things I'll miss.<br />
<br />
1. Not getting up at dawn to walk Max so I can take a shower and get to work on time. Something which is especially wonderful on snowy days.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPoo6IGCk8vfMEutFqvcp4G1_jO5fDEncRjbFpMEFW_BzlL63wuxCl8ODwyl2f86WBPgnkCQZfTrfYkH_SLlpfAM9xkaYVPViVBvLp00EjgE7dYANeK-R65uRFh5sjHzyxqLa6IP5z7i5/s1600/february+9%252C17+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPoo6IGCk8vfMEutFqvcp4G1_jO5fDEncRjbFpMEFW_BzlL63wuxCl8ODwyl2f86WBPgnkCQZfTrfYkH_SLlpfAM9xkaYVPViVBvLp00EjgE7dYANeK-R65uRFh5sjHzyxqLa6IP5z7i5/s400/february+9%252C17+snow.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2q0Wwuisb7-txy3PsuXI82SvMU33tWPuCLou0v-haDXrFBXf0K1uVWw1N04lRmKCeevmiCSBEYYK43I3PzziJD-nLMerVzkucs17trRVzhy4NkEaW-q6Jd6mCKtxO0m7gMgntk3skNI5N/s1600/january+9%252C2017+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2q0Wwuisb7-txy3PsuXI82SvMU33tWPuCLou0v-haDXrFBXf0K1uVWw1N04lRmKCeevmiCSBEYYK43I3PzziJD-nLMerVzkucs17trRVzhy4NkEaW-q6Jd6mCKtxO0m7gMgntk3skNI5N/s400/january+9%252C2017+3.jpg" width="378" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uZok6KxBuOQy3WjHd3ZNecnScT27G7uwdjhQjtEFSPDjpSjxUn0ZSDcUhRzgIx8LlzHRwYiYYd3vIGzp92XZxywwHQKbdagtFDB7bxmiLYmkxEhguRoJTbL9fb1DbsybOd9S6OLFGUFI/s1600/January+9%252C2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uZok6KxBuOQy3WjHd3ZNecnScT27G7uwdjhQjtEFSPDjpSjxUn0ZSDcUhRzgIx8LlzHRwYiYYd3vIGzp92XZxywwHQKbdagtFDB7bxmiLYmkxEhguRoJTbL9fb1DbsybOd9S6OLFGUFI/s320/January+9%252C2017.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
2. Reading the New York Times from cover to cover at my leisure first thing in the morning. Especially now when there is so much going on...But maybe that's a good thing.<br />
<br />
3. Going to the market during the week when it's empty. Sometimes even three times a week.<br />
<br />
4. Having my house impeccably clean since I keep on it almost daily without even noticing it.<br />
<br />
5. Reading books.<br />
<br />
6. Making Frank's daily lunch at my leisure which makes them more interesting. (Now I"ll have to make mine too to take to work)<br />
<br />
7. Planning weekend meals.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEJr3GzKyXRofNXNF-rTXhBxLZOx_msirud8W4GoiPAU-wUBhB84xQcPRhdXQo0qcjYwBs55RKziXMnW0o7sru_rDZAhVxCZWLy3VC2Xtbw07WnZahmlDIcbs8Tq1FAjcq6jhrI7brz0N/s1600/avocado+baked+eggs+2+1.29.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEJr3GzKyXRofNXNF-rTXhBxLZOx_msirud8W4GoiPAU-wUBhB84xQcPRhdXQo0qcjYwBs55RKziXMnW0o7sru_rDZAhVxCZWLy3VC2Xtbw07WnZahmlDIcbs8Tq1FAjcq6jhrI7brz0N/s320/avocado+baked+eggs+2+1.29.17.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsveOh3vMoEb7xF6KuIrTH4jN8ofxJhw_m_J__KSTcDIA0EeaIbwf2iKexvYdNxgM41pgcF6oX3NsMyNOLBSyqF0J6sTZHpDJnaDFFc8bAxPXQtv3EG0S33R-xTJFS9AafsslHUJz1j50/s1600/pork+coddled+in+oil+and+tuscan+beans+2+1.14.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsveOh3vMoEb7xF6KuIrTH4jN8ofxJhw_m_J__KSTcDIA0EeaIbwf2iKexvYdNxgM41pgcF6oX3NsMyNOLBSyqF0J6sTZHpDJnaDFFc8bAxPXQtv3EG0S33R-xTJFS9AafsslHUJz1j50/s400/pork+coddled+in+oil+and+tuscan+beans+2+1.14.17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMSHbZRy-zNAnF29iO7nMBQUQ8iuJob4FNid3f8ra-0Q2swhjSV2WnvihZa_oQBFu49xzGI61Z2psjdFI_4rxmfu9O8e56aJd13m5sUTBdZumqHUBk6E0Runp9dE7JICb8gV-RGkK6awM/s1600/bacalao+gomes+de+ca+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMSHbZRy-zNAnF29iO7nMBQUQ8iuJob4FNid3f8ra-0Q2swhjSV2WnvihZa_oQBFu49xzGI61Z2psjdFI_4rxmfu9O8e56aJd13m5sUTBdZumqHUBk6E0Runp9dE7JICb8gV-RGkK6awM/s320/bacalao+gomes+de+ca+%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCV9Y1_9TPY6bQE-zBST52EiaD-ICtl0Ly-2VFP6XvZkXioLbFW4IqH4qOf0DHzBt5akHREK1KOsCTtKb4pSm60wXVCGoEg0cLFx9CqZgKgyjhm8JzcilUiUwiqo3UIWkQO5u1gCuhINv/s1600/chili+verde+roasted+tomatillos+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCV9Y1_9TPY6bQE-zBST52EiaD-ICtl0Ly-2VFP6XvZkXioLbFW4IqH4qOf0DHzBt5akHREK1KOsCTtKb4pSm60wXVCGoEg0cLFx9CqZgKgyjhm8JzcilUiUwiqo3UIWkQO5u1gCuhINv/s320/chili+verde+roasted+tomatillos+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
8. Baking bread whenever the mood struck me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8fpYGkXB8aPqWegi1AiNuiUKAPQO3TCY2rgUhJQ0PFJGF1T31WuWDzKI6vtXwrCzcHsyVoScEj_mv9I3a6dzMei4tr7-1ZrlPcVC5QhEuF8ECcH87FkFr34kUL6UlsLx4YNY4rrVUcEW/s1600/brioche+12.21.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8fpYGkXB8aPqWegi1AiNuiUKAPQO3TCY2rgUhJQ0PFJGF1T31WuWDzKI6vtXwrCzcHsyVoScEj_mv9I3a6dzMei4tr7-1ZrlPcVC5QhEuF8ECcH87FkFr34kUL6UlsLx4YNY4rrVUcEW/s320/brioche+12.21.16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
9. Running an errand at any given moment, just because.<br />
<br />
10. Not doing all those things I said I was going to do but didn't because I was a bit frazzled at the fact that I couldn't find a job. Like painting with all those watercolors I bought. Getting the electrician in here to fix the overhead light in the bathroom and move the dining room fixture. Buying the paint for the bedroom and the TV room...etc. etc. etc.<br />
<br />
11. And most of all....spending my entire day next to this....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ltGslzgq9c_xQgqLPgD4DFWPD4xidAMXbpcSN9hGtvHYWQewXqrWygOSnGOnDd_dXpOYmu-866aZPwohSFu1GTX35R_Wjwxg3JLaj1HPipya5ofAHX41e1-nPNivWUdhFV-zDK9_8mcu/s1600/Dec+8+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ltGslzgq9c_xQgqLPgD4DFWPD4xidAMXbpcSN9hGtvHYWQewXqrWygOSnGOnDd_dXpOYmu-866aZPwohSFu1GTX35R_Wjwxg3JLaj1HPipya5ofAHX41e1-nPNivWUdhFV-zDK9_8mcu/s400/Dec+8+16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmEDpZj0iF0GSHtpRJo8Bb8b5GnOi9mZZS0YjFQm_qQpk7qY01qss_oDfkajDeolRN6crWRhUwn4ThzYiHqutsFXK65pYWg5Z-ZCaRWYUbcxK9gLXqV8jJp6ApYwRfFsESErJqv1GnBoH/s1600/IMG_20161211_092555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmEDpZj0iF0GSHtpRJo8Bb8b5GnOi9mZZS0YjFQm_qQpk7qY01qss_oDfkajDeolRN6crWRhUwn4ThzYiHqutsFXK65pYWg5Z-ZCaRWYUbcxK9gLXqV8jJp6ApYwRfFsESErJqv1GnBoH/s320/IMG_20161211_092555.jpg" width="181" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguka7LS3JHoasnP0qx8l2xkBRAqDqb1AZvLeU0Xk7-OuK3jCRCFdAPAmOWuNFFuGhJItdb8iT9w2ZlPAs9rT2vzgD-bexHFJtW4C51YbHpNsTTfNakeT7pLQpZ3vruuQLceodty-G3nZYg/s1600/jan+17%252C+17+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguka7LS3JHoasnP0qx8l2xkBRAqDqb1AZvLeU0Xk7-OuK3jCRCFdAPAmOWuNFFuGhJItdb8iT9w2ZlPAs9rT2vzgD-bexHFJtW4C51YbHpNsTTfNakeT7pLQpZ3vruuQLceodty-G3nZYg/s320/jan+17%252C+17+3.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQs_RVogl5M9twtvabiY1Ioq6ztoX6xDkK9UBtK2Qvq4l_v6VeVVjuFnWfn9aHGOySyeHszdd49Wle0jW-z7d5A61iUa-XZR3r8A2jAElK2lGDTtjEop8FD4YR0AZCG2_QijX0Hf9LItx/s1600/January+20%252C2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQs_RVogl5M9twtvabiY1Ioq6ztoX6xDkK9UBtK2Qvq4l_v6VeVVjuFnWfn9aHGOySyeHszdd49Wle0jW-z7d5A61iUa-XZR3r8A2jAElK2lGDTtjEop8FD4YR0AZCG2_QijX0Hf9LItx/s400/January+20%252C2017.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ggru9iEIt3ukH8ItqHtGPpaGdOfbwJOKI1JCBlAvuKfz8spO4frpTdYkbWJ0VViAdZyMy0Zoohv_BhNQsal0tUK3vs0wK4kPfAnAb6xvfJOCXoyy4m6o2Ge28qVsA0YUrXgnBSCdpSr5/s1600/January+21%252C2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ggru9iEIt3ukH8ItqHtGPpaGdOfbwJOKI1JCBlAvuKfz8spO4frpTdYkbWJ0VViAdZyMy0Zoohv_BhNQsal0tUK3vs0wK4kPfAnAb6xvfJOCXoyy4m6o2Ge28qVsA0YUrXgnBSCdpSr5/s320/January+21%252C2017.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
Sacrifices. See you around. Maybe.Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10548038213207928436noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154626510210656833.post-84516436621367832502016-12-21T18:08:00.000-05:002019-02-03T16:11:47.808-05:00As The World Turns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
In our last episode our heroine and her trusty sidekick were appalled and horrified that the US of A had elected the most incompetent aberration imaginable as President. Was this a dream, nightmare actually? A bad movie, an April Fool's prank in November, an episode from practical jokers, were we on candid camera? Answer is: None of the above. This reality show is horrifyingly real.<br />
<br />
What to do?<br />
<br />
First of all let it sink in, this big fat whale could take a while...the Titanic sunk faster.Sign every single petition that comes your way wondering if they will ever make any difference, air your grievances on facebook, clinging to those who are in such disbelief and horror as you while trying to avoid going whole hog postal on those that are gloating in the angriest way possible - just what is wrong with these people? they're so angry! At the same time withholding your shock at the way some of your friends actually feel. Whaaaat?????? Who are you people? Why are you so angry? Read every single editorial in The New York Times, the "real" news, and then try not to because the horror gets worse. Hope for a miracle. Live your life. Live to tell. Breathe.<br />
<br />
Despite that Tuesday's outcome November gave us hope as it continued to roll beautifully on,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3V4je6-GM_2WWD1zw_1uCcjyGuotdzUOxpSwXyJ3rRvT-lv1gf-RcRvHeso4zP3r7upVnWQB8WXWv2pi1OyNT969H6BdH_KPI8RmCxkPeAd9wUiOdnMIi9kdMrbm8hSdCrw6OvuhHccA/s1600/IMG_20161111_162513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3V4je6-GM_2WWD1zw_1uCcjyGuotdzUOxpSwXyJ3rRvT-lv1gf-RcRvHeso4zP3r7upVnWQB8WXWv2pi1OyNT969H6BdH_KPI8RmCxkPeAd9wUiOdnMIi9kdMrbm8hSdCrw6OvuhHccA/s400/IMG_20161111_162513.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
with a lingering show of spectacular foliage and near perfect temperatures. That Friday we went to the theatre for a revival of Irving Berlin's "Holiday Inn",</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgWgbVpryXtolbOJJGR9D1lCN17pU3xzm96GRWjhcWcSKdlPOyNvLBkO80CsrQ4bpd1KWxihRYjhSIw_SmonkhviLafTKhansar31IXKWgLgKzbfT5BY9OxnVfheotmNM63A6-Rj0nMoF/s1600/Holiday+Inn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgWgbVpryXtolbOJJGR9D1lCN17pU3xzm96GRWjhcWcSKdlPOyNvLBkO80CsrQ4bpd1KWxihRYjhSIw_SmonkhviLafTKhansar31IXKWgLgKzbfT5BY9OxnVfheotmNM63A6-Rj0nMoF/s400/Holiday+Inn.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
the perfect feel good antidote to bring our spirits up. On Saturday we went antiquing </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACKlavYz3n9MvBnRDwx_PONsQKDbpGqp6g936nBUO4C5-YY5J4jKMo0-VmmS7xSDlEkxE9PahV7ZvyURjyrouHDEdSO8xk4ZLWa20n7vLcyYEchyphenhyphen_w0z0vD6kjja6_gIDeyFF1n_5jUB_/s1600/IMG_20161105_145604677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACKlavYz3n9MvBnRDwx_PONsQKDbpGqp6g936nBUO4C5-YY5J4jKMo0-VmmS7xSDlEkxE9PahV7ZvyURjyrouHDEdSO8xk4ZLWa20n7vLcyYEchyphenhyphen_w0z0vD6kjja6_gIDeyFF1n_5jUB_/s320/IMG_20161105_145604677.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhojDO9kFcz8MAHnf9dKx6oVvL2ByP8xqcFzDG57BExlbRm3L7WKMeHOmTwRYqWzbpcedwuzTEETI7JJoGQU31DfCskNT3VlhulOruSdp7WLgB7Li7xaeca4f1MwYTk4dPPQahCORylHZuU/s1600/IMG_20161105_145610925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhojDO9kFcz8MAHnf9dKx6oVvL2ByP8xqcFzDG57BExlbRm3L7WKMeHOmTwRYqWzbpcedwuzTEETI7JJoGQU31DfCskNT3VlhulOruSdp7WLgB7Li7xaeca4f1MwYTk4dPPQahCORylHZuU/s320/IMG_20161105_145610925.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
to start our quest for new dining room furniture; we had decided to replace our Queen Anne table and chairs with mid century modern---a new leaf, and figured it would take a while to find what we wanted. We found it in the first place we walked into.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFUZo7-YtcjfU8X2FEYEUTxdpwvh3-zfpec7x-5FwP8fus89eOz1USblKJRpt3PgQW08Yy2Hm0ZWkSb2LuypbYqmooJB9FtkmOqowGY-Q4SnHceFPCb3UEmCJVZWGhYJIUXlae5-DsiDB/s1600/IMG_20161105_131447565_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFUZo7-YtcjfU8X2FEYEUTxdpwvh3-zfpec7x-5FwP8fus89eOz1USblKJRpt3PgQW08Yy2Hm0ZWkSb2LuypbYqmooJB9FtkmOqowGY-Q4SnHceFPCb3UEmCJVZWGhYJIUXlae5-DsiDB/s400/IMG_20161105_131447565_HDR.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We decided that Thanksgiving this year would be just us, perfect. That Monday I lost an old friend, unexpectedly but I suppose somewhat expected since she was up there in age. She had an infectious laugh which was constantly on display and was the worst joke teller imaginable which made us laugh even more. One less person to share joy with. Less light in the world.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our dinner was not traditional,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMOUwScRxFCH8iZmodpGCqOAERBJiyK0NB9iu4dl4R63IVwr4Uelc83BiC0SDrTcI05kKltbLsqwa6zRq33BgTHAvyJy8Le3hMnbzlnBZiijhzKWN2PV1m-erjPYrPXaA0qBj5MLQMKd0/s1600/IMG_20161124_141304478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMOUwScRxFCH8iZmodpGCqOAERBJiyK0NB9iu4dl4R63IVwr4Uelc83BiC0SDrTcI05kKltbLsqwa6zRq33BgTHAvyJy8Le3hMnbzlnBZiijhzKWN2PV1m-erjPYrPXaA0qBj5MLQMKd0/s400/IMG_20161124_141304478.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">duck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxksM-nY9HH_ePFm9vGs08eDgT6CfzH6mppFB5rs1bhVdoC-nE5FdePjD5dd6GSTAxqKZ-S-PJwuYOQcEd54RT5RuN1UBfOqE84xKsdgqzDGBVk-85fY-JlehcN7CcX15FXQiv3U3bwOX/s1600/IMG_20161124_183253340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxksM-nY9HH_ePFm9vGs08eDgT6CfzH6mppFB5rs1bhVdoC-nE5FdePjD5dd6GSTAxqKZ-S-PJwuYOQcEd54RT5RuN1UBfOqE84xKsdgqzDGBVk-85fY-JlehcN7CcX15FXQiv3U3bwOX/s320/IMG_20161124_183253340.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LrOXZlRWXTt3yUOl9TpmMDPjQP6nJMLSZluyhlpCUaapfBobfaSrafPeXvimDHoEtwps48scevQFEnzMNpYV2G7BKSojW98YgVeUd19e1sCd5D4igWlSnZmlJL76Rzn-NM-NCCdsRGBW/s1600/IMG_20161124_192929609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LrOXZlRWXTt3yUOl9TpmMDPjQP6nJMLSZluyhlpCUaapfBobfaSrafPeXvimDHoEtwps48scevQFEnzMNpYV2G7BKSojW98YgVeUd19e1sCd5D4igWlSnZmlJL76Rzn-NM-NCCdsRGBW/s320/IMG_20161124_192929609.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pumpkin flan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That Friday I lost an enemy. Fidel Castro finally left us all alone. Nothing changed, the damage had been done.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had an email from artsy.net asking if I would place a link on my blog referring to their William Wegman page. Me? Sure, I'm flattered. It now sits above my blog reading list, take a look.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I finally joined Instagram after much goading from <a href="http://countryweekend.blogspot.com/">Jennifer</a> and <a href="http://flwrjane-smallbutcharming.blogspot.com/">Jane</a> who have all but abandoned blogging and I miss terribly. I found some other missing friends there as well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Kept cooking...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqytZin0Jz9meVoVWVTz5JAGSXHFUnEDW3ojb382BMfEXqTwuvFRT6x1sgYN4ZV-5K-CxRN5KgjOMErp9DceFisSYnTaeLd0FSPu0M_mOuN1BzSdejg_MZVF6_aNeJk_JB2ubAafOUr2w/s1600/kale+fried+rice+and+quikbread+12.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqytZin0Jz9meVoVWVTz5JAGSXHFUnEDW3ojb382BMfEXqTwuvFRT6x1sgYN4ZV-5K-CxRN5KgjOMErp9DceFisSYnTaeLd0FSPu0M_mOuN1BzSdejg_MZVF6_aNeJk_JB2ubAafOUr2w/s400/kale+fried+rice+and+quikbread+12.16.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kale fried rice and olive quickbread</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9X8oPSjKLrHXcI2DyDN1W43ophCVka2mNeOBTXY5nyFL2EnFNeyto2x15FWmJX1y8h3QXzgF5Pyy8Cw4HFNFfYcqHDZIQDH4dEQTO0k16x-ecewiUH4MdXU_qkbLOmXbT5cf2sp5KxuL/s1600/brioche+12.21.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9X8oPSjKLrHXcI2DyDN1W43ophCVka2mNeOBTXY5nyFL2EnFNeyto2x15FWmJX1y8h3QXzgF5Pyy8Cw4HFNFfYcqHDZIQDH4dEQTO0k16x-ecewiUH4MdXU_qkbLOmXbT5cf2sp5KxuL/s320/brioche+12.21.16.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brioche</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSm9ZJ524nsCt40Iu5LOHCAzxPOHgMxXdQxrKQZgH20tkp-wFO1baSCMMApzRnhYWCvEeW_3BlOCugXHJqoQHqQ96oY1YZox3dw1Le0jgMxF91MHj8Hp5oP7x8_mh9EWBMGd-HSBJN3aKt/s1600/Mississippi+Roast+2+12.18.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSm9ZJ524nsCt40Iu5LOHCAzxPOHgMxXdQxrKQZgH20tkp-wFO1baSCMMApzRnhYWCvEeW_3BlOCugXHJqoQHqQ96oY1YZox3dw1Le0jgMxF91MHj8Hp5oP7x8_mh9EWBMGd-HSBJN3aKt/s320/Mississippi+Roast+2+12.18.16.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
if only to keep my sanity.<br />
<br />
Said goodbye to the Supermoon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2_E5TiMmMNpHoAECSGjXzmFITD5a91fx8D-Z-N2-SBiVQyW6XNTRhQBJX7wbPfsN0Y-buSLwxixNC5ZLhdfJ8-l6s6-qTA5-OuF1g2gbdR8O17zifL_PFJ8HCC81Hp-FfGU-m8pDKaTW/s1600/Supermoon+12.13.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2_E5TiMmMNpHoAECSGjXzmFITD5a91fx8D-Z-N2-SBiVQyW6XNTRhQBJX7wbPfsN0Y-buSLwxixNC5ZLhdfJ8-l6s6-qTA5-OuF1g2gbdR8O17zifL_PFJ8HCC81Hp-FfGU-m8pDKaTW/s640/Supermoon+12.13.16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Kept going through the motions...started getting ready for Christmas,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJrP_AtdQ3LC1boBa-Uhm3XwTAlegi4eKmu1tYr78CQH8wG0uBHcdLGNe3kBLmJi4mgdvJdHhKHnv5otegBGtx03WsF4PRZZV8n2FbdqV83WUZ0FatIuAmikl6fSUbLlYybdDnDa7Yi1R/s1600/IMG_20161210_123317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJrP_AtdQ3LC1boBa-Uhm3XwTAlegi4eKmu1tYr78CQH8wG0uBHcdLGNe3kBLmJi4mgdvJdHhKHnv5otegBGtx03WsF4PRZZV8n2FbdqV83WUZ0FatIuAmikl6fSUbLlYybdDnDa7Yi1R/s320/IMG_20161210_123317.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAlhGdszhZhT-kDzrDsvh8fE2_ozjOUFnv5MrjssgEDmUSETyJvjuu_Mw8WjvWrervv3cirMESgkDQ1OK9c4BfDatXH_adG_FnPiU-UbQhO2KFZE4RcyS8Kpdg1pP51i97mk9z8atMgOB6/s1600/IMG_20161210_123446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAlhGdszhZhT-kDzrDsvh8fE2_ozjOUFnv5MrjssgEDmUSETyJvjuu_Mw8WjvWrervv3cirMESgkDQ1OK9c4BfDatXH_adG_FnPiU-UbQhO2KFZE4RcyS8Kpdg1pP51i97mk9z8atMgOB6/s320/IMG_20161210_123446.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBt5xh4U3dmK2-7FxULFfSigWgVkYr8NUsUN2-pdj_I2iMHRhPASLxwy9dl3PSbOjpC3jPj_Kb_wtwCAZM9kM2GyDkJiHCmZ9IM8l5v4lI6-bM2n5yj0qM-z1e2-n-7mHQCQierEGfJA14/s1600/IMG_20161221_094505345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBt5xh4U3dmK2-7FxULFfSigWgVkYr8NUsUN2-pdj_I2iMHRhPASLxwy9dl3PSbOjpC3jPj_Kb_wtwCAZM9kM2GyDkJiHCmZ9IM8l5v4lI6-bM2n5yj0qM-z1e2-n-7mHQCQierEGfJA14/s400/IMG_20161221_094505345.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
and suddenly I pulled out this little ornament and squealed like a child, I had forgotten;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jhm6zBuwNaTjjli1_3un-nR1DJotFuVhrZRj5zWNXr5zdz35XWLwxVl_JxHR0L4AQZWQ33u-jhf0SbyLF8xYHHy2W97L5rhyphenhyphenUNkjVMSUcQooMuOdvbp41f7tAHiK5L7PARCyqnores02/s1600/IMG_20161209_113721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jhm6zBuwNaTjjli1_3un-nR1DJotFuVhrZRj5zWNXr5zdz35XWLwxVl_JxHR0L4AQZWQ33u-jhf0SbyLF8xYHHy2W97L5rhyphenhyphenUNkjVMSUcQooMuOdvbp41f7tAHiK5L7PARCyqnores02/s320/IMG_20161209_113721.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
it took me back to Florence,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDF7O-HT8iUSMZvBIICVSojD3miLLLx3ot_Vwc2ga92FhJ_D8dhVe7dV4p1b7J2MnXdKV5rjFkdo_ofEVlhyphenhyphen7W4Cpj85XkSx2-6vSinf4fC9CjsfThjSX3CFE_YOUgcAQLB3CNnZRF1sP/s1600/IMG_20161209_145404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDF7O-HT8iUSMZvBIICVSojD3miLLLx3ot_Vwc2ga92FhJ_D8dhVe7dV4p1b7J2MnXdKV5rjFkdo_ofEVlhyphenhyphen7W4Cpj85XkSx2-6vSinf4fC9CjsfThjSX3CFE_YOUgcAQLB3CNnZRF1sP/s640/IMG_20161209_145404.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLADRItb7xNsDtEIFz0yujWuFM0-2EYLgnfkKFWxdgdBIVhfJ0ywtUAyIGk8O5Cx0pvC-56rL-ZwK9u7j_wGOcdtNQQvrO2cuRrLUrluDedj7dWr1eKiTalua3WsFuv0MRU0AJnq9bKMN/s1600/IMG_20161209_145438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLADRItb7xNsDtEIFz0yujWuFM0-2EYLgnfkKFWxdgdBIVhfJ0ywtUAyIGk8O5Cx0pvC-56rL-ZwK9u7j_wGOcdtNQQvrO2cuRrLUrluDedj7dWr1eKiTalua3WsFuv0MRU0AJnq9bKMN/s400/IMG_20161209_145438.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
and made the tree glow just so. Just like Max,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9A4U_fnJ7fFqYlMueN4lnonM3I5EXKnhdaJmvlJ7bHqbsYi5Do4yrX852rSV0fLSWeOdpOevrhR5FFXIOcRS_HwFpv92gzwAKNPJv8xJmaqjqTv0XDUGuNnhGK0jwh1sOfLm3kJsta7o/s1600/sunny+boy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9A4U_fnJ7fFqYlMueN4lnonM3I5EXKnhdaJmvlJ7bHqbsYi5Do4yrX852rSV0fLSWeOdpOevrhR5FFXIOcRS_HwFpv92gzwAKNPJv8xJmaqjqTv0XDUGuNnhGK0jwh1sOfLm3kJsta7o/s320/sunny+boy+2.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqrtRnzRJhbDHerTkslvML7B3tpcOmeC_NP5XgwWC2OsT-X3ayo327PPa3S5GRRcdnJvXyciT7cSaj0q8XZPD3A628GhDtRNg0cqMt1HrXhJUm4vwClT2UDqtK_Q9WyXINrpjoRhk45VX/s1600/sunny+boy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqrtRnzRJhbDHerTkslvML7B3tpcOmeC_NP5XgwWC2OsT-X3ayo327PPa3S5GRRcdnJvXyciT7cSaj0q8XZPD3A628GhDtRNg0cqMt1HrXhJUm4vwClT2UDqtK_Q9WyXINrpjoRhk45VX/s640/sunny+boy.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
when he finds that perfect ray of sunshine.<br />
<br />
There's hope yet.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10548038213207928436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154626510210656833.post-35127349750075026192016-11-09T08:32:00.002-05:002016-11-09T08:32:31.871-05:00The Day the Earth Stood StillAmerica has just gone down the rabbit hole and it is not wonderland.<br />
<br />
I sit here in utter disbelief and saddened at what this nation has become when we have allowed this disastrous abomination of a man to be elected president. I feel helpless and don't know what to do.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKD4TTiOy_5ze0lx2O-hCKxsjCDiiBqxITD6Yzu2un6UMQ5Lkxum6qu5yVoaUP64ya6fpad3WnszTM1LEVKVx78v5bud7VnnEAqPMh5olzLny69Nw45AJ6j7gT7ML2zWoLlAis5Y3Qn-A/s1600/12.15.11+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKD4TTiOy_5ze0lx2O-hCKxsjCDiiBqxITD6Yzu2un6UMQ5Lkxum6qu5yVoaUP64ya6fpad3WnszTM1LEVKVx78v5bud7VnnEAqPMh5olzLny69Nw45AJ6j7gT7ML2zWoLlAis5Y3Qn-A/s320/12.15.11+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And I'm afraid.Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10548038213207928436noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154626510210656833.post-34699260855780030742016-11-07T18:22:00.000-05:002016-11-07T18:22:10.734-05:00Autumn in New York...OK New Jersey......is lasting forever!!!!!!! And Max and I are taking as much advantage as we can...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBB_1ZeqdUx5yd2-l3xnXRjEnVaj2B6Y2hgE2p6dLC49G3aEm1EDvfGB0a96M7eQ5_0wXWmUrw7NGJU1xz4D9sHMEEuzIuhrrcw9sU9QRccikPvY8q7Rv_WOE0mE0_0ApZ1WV2beAmWlM/s1600/Essex+co+Paddle+Boat+Park+11.7+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBB_1ZeqdUx5yd2-l3xnXRjEnVaj2B6Y2hgE2p6dLC49G3aEm1EDvfGB0a96M7eQ5_0wXWmUrw7NGJU1xz4D9sHMEEuzIuhrrcw9sU9QRccikPvY8q7Rv_WOE0mE0_0ApZ1WV2beAmWlM/s400/Essex+co+Paddle+Boat+Park+11.7+%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaFna4setXYQIZ32DyklpWcWlhhpKJDrbBAR10pNLPjGe-z4tRgtkQ6OPQL1-SYLjHBrdl1LbNb8vXyWmNCeZoR1b83Kcknx4jqPdsuBFILJh89To4w7-86FciUOUIWPL4SepzwHgFrJd/s1600/Essex+co+Paddle+Boat+Park+11.7+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaFna4setXYQIZ32DyklpWcWlhhpKJDrbBAR10pNLPjGe-z4tRgtkQ6OPQL1-SYLjHBrdl1LbNb8vXyWmNCeZoR1b83Kcknx4jqPdsuBFILJh89To4w7-86FciUOUIWPL4SepzwHgFrJd/s320/Essex+co+Paddle+Boat+Park+11.7+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAkR2uzY7KpBJPaGcUN14kyNRSnNVZI5CFKvGXzSevwiejQVZe3E7bHB1t_o_kAraFJr5af58v63o7FngAS7j3WpCF7RKGCi1OlPrhyOg1P5_A2IXGFsrZBjKtlP38YlfGXfQsce5E0U8/s1600/Essex+co+Paddle+Boat+Park+11.7+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAkR2uzY7KpBJPaGcUN14kyNRSnNVZI5CFKvGXzSevwiejQVZe3E7bHB1t_o_kAraFJr5af58v63o7FngAS7j3WpCF7RKGCi1OlPrhyOg1P5_A2IXGFsrZBjKtlP38YlfGXfQsce5E0U8/s640/Essex+co+Paddle+Boat+Park+11.7+%25283%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfd1pfIxdBRFxc09HGMkB19fxWOcqBJb1ZMa1KeAwWxERcuM5X-jLMu91ZCIjL5Kr-Blz5ExZoYBBU9jTJJNsHVxAkhMPxJMk7LJdjKaCF5yyxR57AOc5jMaRCsTuMVAsHdhDNVfgVogap/s1600/Essex+co+Paddle+Boat+Park+11.7+%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfd1pfIxdBRFxc09HGMkB19fxWOcqBJb1ZMa1KeAwWxERcuM5X-jLMu91ZCIjL5Kr-Blz5ExZoYBBU9jTJJNsHVxAkhMPxJMk7LJdjKaCF5yyxR57AOc5jMaRCsTuMVAsHdhDNVfgVogap/s320/Essex+co+Paddle+Boat+Park+11.7+%25286%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEBb_347d79uacuO-YEu5SyclLDYW9v-284N-0dGJULYbXsLUKgjWgXkUYewNHF3wNyMhpm0M2xAdMlLzDHxzXnohygtKZp_ENtaOrnCbXrnUMDFE41ilvx2y0U5X4yh9-QefBTy_F6gS/s1600/Essex+co+Paddle+Boat+Park+11.7+%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEBb_347d79uacuO-YEu5SyclLDYW9v-284N-0dGJULYbXsLUKgjWgXkUYewNHF3wNyMhpm0M2xAdMlLzDHxzXnohygtKZp_ENtaOrnCbXrnUMDFE41ilvx2y0U5X4yh9-QefBTy_F6gS/s400/Essex+co+Paddle+Boat+Park+11.7+%25287%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtFSUzZL6l1kD-O0UPm7ckAKDil5S-vA2oHwkcEheYxI_HpGYgNLfBjEnR5OMp7qgSRwiiUkrPKQ4uM7xxTOoX982sc2QgkXaDX2U4zvztNnthjIKbNJYIiLL9QQ8JbhPcKHNcyjdKC1c/s1600/Nov+7+16+-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtFSUzZL6l1kD-O0UPm7ckAKDil5S-vA2oHwkcEheYxI_HpGYgNLfBjEnR5OMp7qgSRwiiUkrPKQ4uM7xxTOoX982sc2QgkXaDX2U4zvztNnthjIKbNJYIiLL9QQ8JbhPcKHNcyjdKC1c/s320/Nov+7+16+-6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglotoaMFmZDiXbsIIUMnS8jSJzmPyObxQ4MpxdijSks7JFA9Hviw1h2kRT324JLmLHiyeLBxmbcAHPBGK7E0TcTXv2EPQfcP_zkWwvTmGaUMGePmKib0xomAupxX3gEskPOUF37mYVmc4/s1600/Nov+7+16+-+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglotoaMFmZDiXbsIIUMnS8jSJzmPyObxQ4MpxdijSks7JFA9Hviw1h2kRT324JLmLHiyeLBxmbcAHPBGK7E0TcTXv2EPQfcP_zkWwvTmGaUMGePmKib0xomAupxX3gEskPOUF37mYVmc4/s320/Nov+7+16+-+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKMZjAWEKDUz_9unXRgcrfn6ckpHPBM_6uqoK5X0aH12aqdaXkm3H-OuvfS1k-57C47ugcqjWGsFDQG6b51xbiwsw930SS9yHfZT7pH4ZdqDcIEWQ4lK0Qi-Gm2NRsgMuuTk0LOZd18rV/s1600/Nov+7+16+-+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKMZjAWEKDUz_9unXRgcrfn6ckpHPBM_6uqoK5X0aH12aqdaXkm3H-OuvfS1k-57C47ugcqjWGsFDQG6b51xbiwsw930SS9yHfZT7pH4ZdqDcIEWQ4lK0Qi-Gm2NRsgMuuTk0LOZd18rV/s400/Nov+7+16+-+4.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxDJjjdSXTxxiBmNso8SE9S2Y7vDvZ3wwHLNMSi34N5RsMNpIBMLw7WPyKi6goARtwzELs6gtMcf9YiWsGUV0-Cn-rpqaIPx4NQiLsWN8J4QFcvSYjn6KTchJqOqw0tAryNLnz8pydrWe/s1600/Nov+7+16+-+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxDJjjdSXTxxiBmNso8SE9S2Y7vDvZ3wwHLNMSi34N5RsMNpIBMLw7WPyKi6goARtwzELs6gtMcf9YiWsGUV0-Cn-rpqaIPx4NQiLsWN8J4QFcvSYjn6KTchJqOqw0tAryNLnz8pydrWe/s320/Nov+7+16+-+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODJ81FV84Bk6WBsCFwZ7DqwAUL-Ln0JG2d6bM3XvvIGa6QlxMrUSJoTlTG9xRyqpIfU4-QqiPDA-bl7af4v8CQKWCILQFiVDgY4Wr8SmRKjZXNQt7gZy3IQpU8TYvS7oRKSFtw3l276-s/s1600/Nov+7+16+-+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODJ81FV84Bk6WBsCFwZ7DqwAUL-Ln0JG2d6bM3XvvIGa6QlxMrUSJoTlTG9xRyqpIfU4-QqiPDA-bl7af4v8CQKWCILQFiVDgY4Wr8SmRKjZXNQt7gZy3IQpU8TYvS7oRKSFtw3l276-s/s320/Nov+7+16+-+8.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPrXu-HT7LQPNOG_9hWDiw_iNw4nXCSgYPj_t9EE2TdGz3oQ9PKK0WydS2Ahfjd8BtMRwmcQTVLG7GR624RpNg3tDz4dfSPWlTXDchyDg3OMdDZ05wGJaoItrVM9E7mCZ2TTvDM_2HdWV/s1600/Nov+7+16+-+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPrXu-HT7LQPNOG_9hWDiw_iNw4nXCSgYPj_t9EE2TdGz3oQ9PKK0WydS2Ahfjd8BtMRwmcQTVLG7GR624RpNg3tDz4dfSPWlTXDchyDg3OMdDZ05wGJaoItrVM9E7mCZ2TTvDM_2HdWV/s640/Nov+7+16+-+9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EIVyD-St8WyWaLaDbkQzVE_ZPVr6hTM589U5dgslmnJBEXqTvfHDYDWst8Y3Z9Zvm-bUZtxt40WauUmml1pf1UDiMzvobGV3MOPVe-zfygea6hEF3dVaeSuPBUdgyNpeXgbeOfHKd9id/s1600/Nov+7+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EIVyD-St8WyWaLaDbkQzVE_ZPVr6hTM589U5dgslmnJBEXqTvfHDYDWst8Y3Z9Zvm-bUZtxt40WauUmml1pf1UDiMzvobGV3MOPVe-zfygea6hEF3dVaeSuPBUdgyNpeXgbeOfHKd9id/s400/Nov+7+16.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
...never thought being unemployed could be so pleasant. I am holding on to this as hard as I possibly can.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDrqj61tsFAoyidSdDgzT02JE1w1D0EwHSzmICjx59F3m-JW4VhZoOEyqX6OuL5J4gkAMxWSB4Uwpv4ifb4SiTrDjt4aj0z6OdYDWE32l3A1E3XT_q8gb6ajfcLfaX4bkBttDrl8RFEi3/s1600/vote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDrqj61tsFAoyidSdDgzT02JE1w1D0EwHSzmICjx59F3m-JW4VhZoOEyqX6OuL5J4gkAMxWSB4Uwpv4ifb4SiTrDjt4aj0z6OdYDWE32l3A1E3XT_q8gb6ajfcLfaX4bkBttDrl8RFEi3/s320/vote.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10548038213207928436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154626510210656833.post-60761701294605443452016-11-03T14:31:00.000-04:002016-11-03T14:31:57.366-04:00A Walk in the WoodsOur Presidential election is completely out of control. The finger pointing, name calling, hateful rhetoric is mind numbing. I'm sure I am not alone in being appalled and horrified at what we've become. It is surreal and unreal at the same time. What happened to my beautiful sane decent country? How on earth did we ever get to this? I guess social media and the anonymity it provides has something to do with it. People can say anything they want regardless of how hate filled, racist, homophobic bile it is, after all they can hide under some nickname and just spew venom. Then some people just do it as publicly as they want to, because obviously, it is accepted. I guess we weren't so beautiful or sane and definitely not decent at all, just hiding until the Pandora's box was opened. And what a sad eye opener that has turned out to be.<br />
<br />
I don't want to turn on the TV, don't want to turn on my computer, don't want to read my newspaper, don't want to go anywhere near facebook. I just want to run away and hide.<br />
<br />
A mere five minutes from my house is a nature preserve, <a href="http://www.essexcountyparks.org/parks/south-mountain-reservation">The South Mountain Reservation.</a> An idyllic 2100 plus acres of woodland trails, a dog park, a zoo...the perfect place to get lost in. And it's Autumn. Max and I have been hiding there recently,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJOY8PYWyD0bkyUvV2dhJZ3_IyLiOZiIEy-X3z1p3lmPebUc-j76gjucOFjuNzWtj0hbAGRe1WI7-Ya3s_3Hxe92ow4fVvHkCCfmodixo3mHvdAklj9j_2mMrA3l-uNcezVLcBRP5XyT4/s1600/11+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJOY8PYWyD0bkyUvV2dhJZ3_IyLiOZiIEy-X3z1p3lmPebUc-j76gjucOFjuNzWtj0hbAGRe1WI7-Ya3s_3Hxe92ow4fVvHkCCfmodixo3mHvdAklj9j_2mMrA3l-uNcezVLcBRP5XyT4/s640/11+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDliB3LOwKh9dbR4ChyHMnmKfOTkYht2wSoBuhGNUC9FZvvPPDQof-udnwXEXQ1k9cOSkbURaOWITGvZSwpP7dUlssloqvFORlIGHc7nPBhf2sVKLparkK2gfNO_zuinN22-TgN_K3IbA-/s1600/11+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDliB3LOwKh9dbR4ChyHMnmKfOTkYht2wSoBuhGNUC9FZvvPPDQof-udnwXEXQ1k9cOSkbURaOWITGvZSwpP7dUlssloqvFORlIGHc7nPBhf2sVKLparkK2gfNO_zuinN22-TgN_K3IbA-/s400/11+%25285%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-KFDW1kr3ABPY1lFRkmwAkbMne19lWh09qOiZzoJ9AFy4jcOyPiyisDXLBYWNdowZRLYm4Jf5Jhq-rSLQTP2vMfHotRhLusL8uD8rOqaHdvVA8bKtPPpicUw1BuXebRAzUtmDECnE3cp/s1600/11+%25289%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-KFDW1kr3ABPY1lFRkmwAkbMne19lWh09qOiZzoJ9AFy4jcOyPiyisDXLBYWNdowZRLYm4Jf5Jhq-rSLQTP2vMfHotRhLusL8uD8rOqaHdvVA8bKtPPpicUw1BuXebRAzUtmDECnE3cp/s320/11+%25289%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02CWSUQfdz6QkJ8HbHb5p1sp5r61eEeDgn2Feoa2w_SkTbSYx_U1YjYCHWlttt3kxiF68yyigdxbBGM9ag_a39by2hDbSb_s3FqpyZfyBqRH0qoQdYGLRr5IWbHKNYkXWUdkr7RI1e843/s1600/11+%252810%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02CWSUQfdz6QkJ8HbHb5p1sp5r61eEeDgn2Feoa2w_SkTbSYx_U1YjYCHWlttt3kxiF68yyigdxbBGM9ag_a39by2hDbSb_s3FqpyZfyBqRH0qoQdYGLRr5IWbHKNYkXWUdkr7RI1e843/s400/11+%252810%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMFv1A5grxNHWbpPeoA5Ye_gJiZTzfqfqqKu1RW4qKaw9NofKhUlMKKMIGcO4JWHpomZ6tDIVLEKsTxz57khl4SQobSNIJirJ9MxeWQXMbf77FJ7L9jLqIKYl-8o6AMZCRFtClLPk1uvU/s1600/11+%252815%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMFv1A5grxNHWbpPeoA5Ye_gJiZTzfqfqqKu1RW4qKaw9NofKhUlMKKMIGcO4JWHpomZ6tDIVLEKsTxz57khl4SQobSNIJirJ9MxeWQXMbf77FJ7L9jLqIKYl-8o6AMZCRFtClLPk1uvU/s320/11+%252815%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGshjS_3QvgxPSOyUz06Rs8qDKLEtiT217fVblCGEU6VoZOH9s8ocxiAdvrmNDccRFxCfbN4vpAvpb96O34GBqFsSOkpAbDY_p44jGc0ummAIk3OCouSdgz-TwP8rFBAhRjDDnGE60Bv-/s1600/11+%252820%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGshjS_3QvgxPSOyUz06Rs8qDKLEtiT217fVblCGEU6VoZOH9s8ocxiAdvrmNDccRFxCfbN4vpAvpb96O34GBqFsSOkpAbDY_p44jGc0ummAIk3OCouSdgz-TwP8rFBAhRjDDnGE60Bv-/s640/11+%252820%2529.JPG" width="560" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYUi_Xa_L5qXmW33CVq6Z1Z0XRuadKelaBPuVEo4f7hFbHb8dwE9WgvrX_LRl79Hv3XVUGY0CFCkZGqqy692j_15dYuW18c2chhdX81rlRHY4EdHFyyoKxC2rKRxNX1vVP90pcHr5KMda/s1600/11+%252823%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYUi_Xa_L5qXmW33CVq6Z1Z0XRuadKelaBPuVEo4f7hFbHb8dwE9WgvrX_LRl79Hv3XVUGY0CFCkZGqqy692j_15dYuW18c2chhdX81rlRHY4EdHFyyoKxC2rKRxNX1vVP90pcHr5KMda/s400/11+%252823%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLl29huqUidfyE40ByNHj0uzNHXWAE0mQzI-BeUnGd9p85TW-hxVaN8UpQjXX1sbCuyvEiDrO0yb-ZMUArx1TSp5B8wjP4Ek_2W5pxvW6-DcmYEFnf8Jk6BjUgi1FJ3eCGFJApRgI2bYNk/s1600/floods+hill+3+11.2.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLl29huqUidfyE40ByNHj0uzNHXWAE0mQzI-BeUnGd9p85TW-hxVaN8UpQjXX1sbCuyvEiDrO0yb-ZMUArx1TSp5B8wjP4Ek_2W5pxvW6-DcmYEFnf8Jk6BjUgi1FJ3eCGFJApRgI2bYNk/s320/floods+hill+3+11.2.16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_dyD33LCmtKCZPPS32lJY25yv1UJ5GMiepXKKopGLn77h098ErXG6fFKe4q85wv-B0qTPXI0KX3eY3mesPw14fq1a-Q3Thd4OG_tXiBVVgYGU76Qakj12VajznKgZlwFxMe__j6mTJduX/s1600/PA310006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_dyD33LCmtKCZPPS32lJY25yv1UJ5GMiepXKKopGLn77h098ErXG6fFKe4q85wv-B0qTPXI0KX3eY3mesPw14fq1a-Q3Thd4OG_tXiBVVgYGU76Qakj12VajznKgZlwFxMe__j6mTJduX/s400/PA310006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzYSqCZ7ZPUahOkduJX3keIjcCEputy3-QoFnlLDLl1UrqrjMecIWObLGgno163FhRJ0PeItdDeTKNLqk-r5osHciR2pCoRk7BTn0Q5e-vwYX0o_ih6n6n17oNclEPGcFsscxtL3Kuo6O/s1600/PA310008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzYSqCZ7ZPUahOkduJX3keIjcCEputy3-QoFnlLDLl1UrqrjMecIWObLGgno163FhRJ0PeItdDeTKNLqk-r5osHciR2pCoRk7BTn0Q5e-vwYX0o_ih6n6n17oNclEPGcFsscxtL3Kuo6O/s320/PA310008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssYH6rpsY5NHb3mTXG6if0NC2NFQBoWjzodt2PwyswCPGrNmwISbzkRGX3JPct2NDOfoN47zMvDZ9JL6Lcd_Q6pxxBWv-btenz0PKUiGVSc_6AWtRLVewDH1aVRaVJ6fYdxwqewld-L2s/s1600/PA310010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssYH6rpsY5NHb3mTXG6if0NC2NFQBoWjzodt2PwyswCPGrNmwISbzkRGX3JPct2NDOfoN47zMvDZ9JL6Lcd_Q6pxxBWv-btenz0PKUiGVSc_6AWtRLVewDH1aVRaVJ6fYdxwqewld-L2s/s400/PA310010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzfla_WGLS-GcarLomzQ1De9oZpw7rVVN811CLUbPZ8q4sRcnC94amiISRdQ9dgMAGTHWda8zSTrkl9JZ3XGVRZfwCiIjtGd4xyZrmxmKY0B_sXGO2D_BZo865jm1mf7w15ii0PViETPo/s1600/PA310012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzfla_WGLS-GcarLomzQ1De9oZpw7rVVN811CLUbPZ8q4sRcnC94amiISRdQ9dgMAGTHWda8zSTrkl9JZ3XGVRZfwCiIjtGd4xyZrmxmKY0B_sXGO2D_BZo865jm1mf7w15ii0PViETPo/s320/PA310012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MoO5Dt6-C7qoC5pHU0kV5Z5Tz82woYFTXQOojfAsmLP0n55E3ZIMDEJCjXLiSQOtohgAHTAb61PEguuwpIAO_eW3IaKeBXgGQTf8LHOBFoBniPz4Lu1325vfJmxaeiaB2pDbarlkAZkB/s1600/South+Mountain+11.2.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MoO5Dt6-C7qoC5pHU0kV5Z5Tz82woYFTXQOojfAsmLP0n55E3ZIMDEJCjXLiSQOtohgAHTAb61PEguuwpIAO_eW3IaKeBXgGQTf8LHOBFoBniPz4Lu1325vfJmxaeiaB2pDbarlkAZkB/s400/South+Mountain+11.2.16.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3dgGQjB7AhwvjLpp_tG9akKmy2duBH5ovQ_2_z0ikMoyCSxbs4QFFaWibehk9fE_SR431iq0Ej3tCbgfPgKB-1Dk51lhpd28wxw0IJ21KiZ2wwvWFaiuyVS3T2iOybAvgq3TDtamAfVf/s1600/south+mountain+picnic+11.2.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3dgGQjB7AhwvjLpp_tG9akKmy2duBH5ovQ_2_z0ikMoyCSxbs4QFFaWibehk9fE_SR431iq0Ej3tCbgfPgKB-1Dk51lhpd28wxw0IJ21KiZ2wwvWFaiuyVS3T2iOybAvgq3TDtamAfVf/s320/south+mountain+picnic+11.2.16.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
in quiet solitude. Just the two of us.<br />
<br />
But one turn, and reality sets in.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0L-exELED8yvPWM7zANMOvKX4uwnf4MK2FHtvic2L_QQKr39XAWfsmx8Uf8x7iYvKUg_kX3VQoqLIi1cruxXr-V5y28cE6me15uCMuHJ60iJ8DNdI1N5aCqYg47hifv01JO0xzFjmQQD/s1600/PA310014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0L-exELED8yvPWM7zANMOvKX4uwnf4MK2FHtvic2L_QQKr39XAWfsmx8Uf8x7iYvKUg_kX3VQoqLIi1cruxXr-V5y28cE6me15uCMuHJ60iJ8DNdI1N5aCqYg47hifv01JO0xzFjmQQD/s320/PA310014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
No place to hide. God help us all.Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10548038213207928436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154626510210656833.post-48101623909101727882016-10-28T13:45:00.002-04:002016-10-28T13:45:20.003-04:00OrdinaryI remember a line from that great sage Christopher Moltisanti in the first season of "The Sopranos" where he complains to Tony how he is "bored with the ordinariness of life". Ironic coming from a mobster but I guess everything can become routine regardless of who you are and what you do.<br />
<br />
We returned from vacation to find some extraordinary events. The NJ Department of Labor had stopped my benefits because I was in Italy. How Big Brother is this? How in the world...??? Well, it turns out I have to file every week or they stop the claim so I filed twice from Italy and they can tell. They scheduled a hearing for the first week of November and after a slew of phone calls I ran around faxing, mailing...whatever they asked...showing when I left the country and when I re-entered while frantically answering every ad for a job that seemed remotely feasible. Continued to file, as instructed, even though I kept being rejected and fretted constantly wondering what the outcome would be. Frank was starting a new job on October 24th and had to run around being fingerprinted, drug tested, background checked...all in two days before going back to work and resigning to a very angry boss.<br />
<br />
Life continued.<br />
<br />
We went to the ballet,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rG6JwdvZkcF67YQow1q-6dU3xla9lB5kdOGFYg5HHyuv4HKUbRdb6Jabkpc16UHGzwIpE8pXAtYvdShWTipckyV1_PJyswOw1iA3ORnomi4SPOQ7NFkJaodkoK8nk1i3XG_ynGm5GOUE/s1600/IMG_20161007_194133854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rG6JwdvZkcF67YQow1q-6dU3xla9lB5kdOGFYg5HHyuv4HKUbRdb6Jabkpc16UHGzwIpE8pXAtYvdShWTipckyV1_PJyswOw1iA3ORnomi4SPOQ7NFkJaodkoK8nk1i3XG_ynGm5GOUE/s320/IMG_20161007_194133854.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIzgqqlkf0zmiJJNdVEkd5PKx0YPo9mzBaUgMIidRE8y7_YbJ00A3A6OrmUkZ_WZQeNNb5MBmJjkTWZxYVgKj9ilfCi7kZclXYwt5x558JSUJbcRKHxAv_itHdsWVQEzL6q4Ovy68-rw1/s1600/Lincoln+center+fountain+Oct+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIzgqqlkf0zmiJJNdVEkd5PKx0YPo9mzBaUgMIidRE8y7_YbJ00A3A6OrmUkZ_WZQeNNb5MBmJjkTWZxYVgKj9ilfCi7kZclXYwt5x558JSUJbcRKHxAv_itHdsWVQEzL6q4Ovy68-rw1/s640/Lincoln+center+fountain+Oct+2016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
marvelling at the beauty of Lincoln Center.<br />
<br />
I was delighted at the fact that the Montauk Daisies which were full of buds about to burst when we left waited to bloom until the day after we came home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40FPQOzUTh1isvf3jk6Xrd9eW9tPHEHG1fiqMKX609qfx9lvLrG0ZkLXi9m0PNJF4YLaCLl4-lLlgtSiJmHe69mKEPFFgrVpTFZJKMIGsT1miAtf1c-Xf_aW7m923Hr0Jy0N9NKhIxjp4/s1600/Montauk+daisies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40FPQOzUTh1isvf3jk6Xrd9eW9tPHEHG1fiqMKX609qfx9lvLrG0ZkLXi9m0PNJF4YLaCLl4-lLlgtSiJmHe69mKEPFFgrVpTFZJKMIGsT1miAtf1c-Xf_aW7m923Hr0Jy0N9NKhIxjp4/s400/Montauk+daisies.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
I watched the trees start to turn,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM00wJb7s9pcnZbNrEtlfwPmEoTm-AQPghFvWaAx3o8BQA6KY9bphidw7CLNU4Nndk9BFgsTpBAcyQhSjZ-5L2O6PskncdyIaZykkZiU_Qun9cGU70Hn1SXFPaY0vRcM3Arux3-dFGGDRI/s1600/tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM00wJb7s9pcnZbNrEtlfwPmEoTm-AQPghFvWaAx3o8BQA6KY9bphidw7CLNU4Nndk9BFgsTpBAcyQhSjZ-5L2O6PskncdyIaZykkZiU_Qun9cGU70Hn1SXFPaY0vRcM3Arux3-dFGGDRI/s400/tree.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
and was giddily surprised when cleaning out my Summer flower pots and pulling out the potato vines that I had become an accidental farmer!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVVDBCthB58aa_APUD2c02j1dVNxu20dNsduQKmX095Buj8y0_P-_idTG4rq9e2Wqlu-d-c1kUfytnssQdlYxhMOz5DiVz5QLY8aUXUECr5nM5zSg4JTN-0pd4UcKYpF6_irfY6DYFbIO/s1600/IMG_20161016_113601117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVVDBCthB58aa_APUD2c02j1dVNxu20dNsduQKmX095Buj8y0_P-_idTG4rq9e2Wqlu-d-c1kUfytnssQdlYxhMOz5DiVz5QLY8aUXUECr5nM5zSg4JTN-0pd4UcKYpF6_irfY6DYFbIO/s320/IMG_20161016_113601117.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
I baked apple and cheddar scones,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuByv1GHwlRvDoQVsvSBE8GwME_W4cHJ45-gTu6Gpv74YISWJZHMMpMf5jMCVQByNBkQpK8xN9cGpoOyFh6wqa51i6qRAWkLBjiUVcZy_ENUaHsm1Lz65X1CudiKsu8RqJqTIHtUyvgeB4/s1600/apple+cheddar+scones+10.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuByv1GHwlRvDoQVsvSBE8GwME_W4cHJ45-gTu6Gpv74YISWJZHMMpMf5jMCVQByNBkQpK8xN9cGpoOyFh6wqa51i6qRAWkLBjiUVcZy_ENUaHsm1Lz65X1CudiKsu8RqJqTIHtUyvgeB4/s400/apple+cheddar+scones+10.16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
watched Max take over our bed on a daily basis once we returned from our morning walk,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMptrSddXdz88cR2BRdOcxCOzlRgonlxc12L2DeSACHutkHpimT4w_wN7xEI9QPoF9B0Pg0io8LeU2oKECSIIH4Qod5CMyc3A4q-SfIxaIDoe9HFO2EcM1TM_IGcfmW_DPeSb2s1d7XFb6/s1600/max+in+bed+1+-10.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMptrSddXdz88cR2BRdOcxCOzlRgonlxc12L2DeSACHutkHpimT4w_wN7xEI9QPoF9B0Pg0io8LeU2oKECSIIH4Qod5CMyc3A4q-SfIxaIDoe9HFO2EcM1TM_IGcfmW_DPeSb2s1d7XFb6/s320/max+in+bed+1+-10.16.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbm5PEUa9DNH75qjkMS1zrNZ3ncnZNNXpuLxfIoLJjubO1Y9TgD6Z6pu1j7JIFrG0FpIoKU7TZEtBVeZaI0QGPt1Rxt6_X3JiDkR2Icg433SzXziYZcUbTh1KdMPtnhQjEx0fpGtev8epq/s1600/Max+in+bed+2+-+10.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbm5PEUa9DNH75qjkMS1zrNZ3ncnZNNXpuLxfIoLJjubO1Y9TgD6Z6pu1j7JIFrG0FpIoKU7TZEtBVeZaI0QGPt1Rxt6_X3JiDkR2Icg433SzXziYZcUbTh1KdMPtnhQjEx0fpGtev8epq/s400/Max+in+bed+2+-+10.16.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
all while holding my breath.<br />
<br />
Then last week I filed and was approved, I received a letter saying they wouldn't pay those two weeks because I was on vacation. My hearing seems to have been cancelled. Frank started his new job this week which cuts his commute to a half hour from one and a half hours, we won't be paying NYC taxes or NYC commuting costs.<br />
<br />
We went to dinner and the theater.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHWmMJCFO9qtaDq5NKJd3n0pTRqbcvemCev-MBbiSo0T0W5aFyWNM7UN3QneoUJTm_V7LFR2nTHhiSlCqDSzvmbFwk_tej6x5sIvjlAWcPLrhICTWEk_KWGwXpsHzZTrjkXqF6SeTlmZq/s1600/44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHWmMJCFO9qtaDq5NKJd3n0pTRqbcvemCev-MBbiSo0T0W5aFyWNM7UN3QneoUJTm_V7LFR2nTHhiSlCqDSzvmbFwk_tej6x5sIvjlAWcPLrhICTWEk_KWGwXpsHzZTrjkXqF6SeTlmZq/s320/44.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHumOaJMMJvA6luOuBXl3M5uSIp4oROYwEC9vkPWJqtHbv8s0yMCnYh_50Lr3u-fcCx3PrSxf6ymyHYquZ5RAA650ELXI95gVO9-sqT7eLybxbWs2VfXmS-XE_xP86T7FCsiNSGud9ps1r/s1600/liaisons+dangereuses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHumOaJMMJvA6luOuBXl3M5uSIp4oROYwEC9vkPWJqtHbv8s0yMCnYh_50Lr3u-fcCx3PrSxf6ymyHYquZ5RAA650ELXI95gVO9-sqT7eLybxbWs2VfXmS-XE_xP86T7FCsiNSGud9ps1r/s400/liaisons+dangereuses.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
I was overjoyed to look at the remaining flower garden to find a giant Dahlia had bloomed,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8LwLxDretY-k89awCvKpHWy5fe-cnE4N1WA0U1beKe0D-TI4eohvXmuz-_1iLMfEiu83nPPUp2bAlf-n2VyxaRUd0Layo-Cjw7ylTxiY7O85CAm3wX58Q10NBrc0HaFo846nFBYfDh8-/s1600/dahlia+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8LwLxDretY-k89awCvKpHWy5fe-cnE4N1WA0U1beKe0D-TI4eohvXmuz-_1iLMfEiu83nPPUp2bAlf-n2VyxaRUd0Layo-Cjw7ylTxiY7O85CAm3wX58Q10NBrc0HaFo846nFBYfDh8-/s640/dahlia+2.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
brought Fall to the front porch with mums and pumpkins,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MK6MlXxZmvA1l8DHPx1w27qyt5QOS4-X3D5zfH-J9qHRAbry19VIuMWkS1QiWcAqUIEXcIgCNmWVbqVEmA0oej8nuBUEcGl2hKnIV6VM7jM37LmPDslhlzUJyM0uVSfpOKkTeJug06Xl/s1600/IMG_20161017_112218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MK6MlXxZmvA1l8DHPx1w27qyt5QOS4-X3D5zfH-J9qHRAbry19VIuMWkS1QiWcAqUIEXcIgCNmWVbqVEmA0oej8nuBUEcGl2hKnIV6VM7jM37LmPDslhlzUJyM0uVSfpOKkTeJug06Xl/s400/IMG_20161017_112218.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
made chicken Marbella for Frank and his wine making friends.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbhVxzB9yGXCrKHBmrW5Hkh8iyvkVw78mS3ZJTg92M0CTVgzvryy5AI8CckDZl0e5jmGUGsaNtd3_zuSZV2xO-4J4nyDgrQ_e6LAM-UOaleQj2rv9imZtdae47nJvttRo3ugs-hNKlWKt/s1600/IMG_20161015_103555622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbhVxzB9yGXCrKHBmrW5Hkh8iyvkVw78mS3ZJTg92M0CTVgzvryy5AI8CckDZl0e5jmGUGsaNtd3_zuSZV2xO-4J4nyDgrQ_e6LAM-UOaleQj2rv9imZtdae47nJvttRo3ugs-hNKlWKt/s400/IMG_20161015_103555622.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Took care of Max's tummy troubles.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3M-VqmiW-Dl3KEbSoWGSATaf8IDb1tubpqWg9ohTozILwvJc3GogST6lEXcJi3x65ICWpvI6lykv9dPyv2aJ14hiCvEBfUtpom1m0ecX6zNlynOGX7h2qb6XimyBL5qbUK4TmSgtMUEL/s1600/Max+tummy+trouble+10.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3M-VqmiW-Dl3KEbSoWGSATaf8IDb1tubpqWg9ohTozILwvJc3GogST6lEXcJi3x65ICWpvI6lykv9dPyv2aJ14hiCvEBfUtpom1m0ecX6zNlynOGX7h2qb6XimyBL5qbUK4TmSgtMUEL/s400/Max+tummy+trouble+10.16.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Had three interviews for jobs I'm not going to get. Cleaned the house, did the laundry, went grocery shopping, planned meals.<br />
<br />
Just living my ordinary life, and breathing.<br />
<br />Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10548038213207928436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154626510210656833.post-41615290747901360582016-10-24T18:27:00.000-04:002016-10-24T18:27:55.710-04:00Arrivederci RomaRome wasn't built in a day and it certainly can't be seen in two, trust me. However, when in Rome...(sorry about all the cliches but they just fit so well!) there are certain things one really must do if time is short. And here is where we bought our second ever tour because Vatican City is not for the uninitiated. So on our second morning in Rome we hauled ourselves out of bed at 5:15 AM, got ourselves all ready just in case the Pope was meandering about, as he tends to do, and walked a few blocks in the pitch black Roman morning to the taxi stand next to the Fendi store. We were to meet our tour at the bottom of the steps across the street from the Vatican Museums entrance by the Vatican Cafe at 6:35 AM. Our VIP tour would let us in at 7:00 AM, they open at 10:00 AM, where we would bypass security and then have a buffet breakfast in the gardens. There were two tours from our tour company divided into groups of sixteen. We had a lovely guide, Marina, who pulled out a big giant pink flower instead of the requisite umbrella. She was engaging, knowledgeable, and a little bit of a potty mouth. She also got into it a couple of times with other tour operators who got in our way and a guard at the Sistine Chapel. I loved her. When we walked into the smallest country in the world, my heart skipped a beat...or seven.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFkrBjhO1GX6HHKAshYFHVcbva3LzUm49ghnA_cuoMObU3cAFJp2PVoV6oG9L7rKFbwTckyAvvYh7-Cg8397n8LTMHrLw9TYWDzwu47r904kEm7mxXNl38r4N3ov67_eQUkbTJbXGHUSk/s1600/P9260355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFkrBjhO1GX6HHKAshYFHVcbva3LzUm49ghnA_cuoMObU3cAFJp2PVoV6oG9L7rKFbwTckyAvvYh7-Cg8397n8LTMHrLw9TYWDzwu47r904kEm7mxXNl38r4N3ov67_eQUkbTJbXGHUSk/s400/P9260355.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkTg9Hudlf6EPUxwFFd_-aPbbaux9VYdXOKZ689VS7yusb6QLSPyn-QHaN7yttU3MnSlPzsUQCFvZICe2DFVHFmzxXCg_VCaj2LUgwVhPnPwBv1SAIkzfoEihearuaqDfJp5Chfu5CDFE/s1600/IMG_20160927_071336344_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkTg9Hudlf6EPUxwFFd_-aPbbaux9VYdXOKZ689VS7yusb6QLSPyn-QHaN7yttU3MnSlPzsUQCFvZICe2DFVHFmzxXCg_VCaj2LUgwVhPnPwBv1SAIkzfoEihearuaqDfJp5Chfu5CDFE/s640/IMG_20160927_071336344_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqmGGADZmByDIaNHaMAfw-ZenLHyENkovX3HzAqjGtGC3vc8G7gdR2vuazXyLETmNjXCyJK07mg23Se9C5tFho8eSrDF6EVD6f6xiL9y8WMm5nfS3YYdjI5eJZxNAZTJwdcB-Ny0jlDeh/s1600/IMG_20160927_071651737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqmGGADZmByDIaNHaMAfw-ZenLHyENkovX3HzAqjGtGC3vc8G7gdR2vuazXyLETmNjXCyJK07mg23Se9C5tFho8eSrDF6EVD6f6xiL9y8WMm5nfS3YYdjI5eJZxNAZTJwdcB-Ny0jlDeh/s320/IMG_20160927_071651737.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nmdJFNJzsEWwPNR2mt9hoROTg8fRPvbRZuhI2xWESQFZp6Z3PfoQe8SrwukXXowgQ7LXI5uk7YP2ocfTmsZJyTduJI2NONoLSzBRfzYYQJtHKKDAal5EKLEruna0jU8knpWUz1bKNbY5/s1600/IMG_20160927_083111016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nmdJFNJzsEWwPNR2mt9hoROTg8fRPvbRZuhI2xWESQFZp6Z3PfoQe8SrwukXXowgQ7LXI5uk7YP2ocfTmsZJyTduJI2NONoLSzBRfzYYQJtHKKDAal5EKLEruna0jU8knpWUz1bKNbY5/s400/IMG_20160927_083111016.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4pltk8bW1EnVJkuZ8B21AOhpBWDM9vWwbd2GTCRtD4OpNc6hOZyRzGUj7krRRRLDDchkpStP-vSsMhp8eWyLbpKF4_OJGBxs6tWR41fZIIwgycgGdnqiyZCUynFI5MysV03Kese4B7Oq/s1600/IMG_20160927_083330664_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4pltk8bW1EnVJkuZ8B21AOhpBWDM9vWwbd2GTCRtD4OpNc6hOZyRzGUj7krRRRLDDchkpStP-vSsMhp8eWyLbpKF4_OJGBxs6tWR41fZIIwgycgGdnqiyZCUynFI5MysV03Kese4B7Oq/s320/IMG_20160927_083330664_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Knt9gbnMaUbNaQLFDcMgf7yfRiMKv20DYYUSfIm1Mprz9h8AUWXqqiHi_bfnFCT9OGMLS53VTNz1x7tbJ2Biu58vUi_1enzGpZO2C1KjgP-NmhMYZ0zYa9kn_UoPWmuh1xVzoKVTBHiW/s1600/IMG_20160927_083738955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Knt9gbnMaUbNaQLFDcMgf7yfRiMKv20DYYUSfIm1Mprz9h8AUWXqqiHi_bfnFCT9OGMLS53VTNz1x7tbJ2Biu58vUi_1enzGpZO2C1KjgP-NmhMYZ0zYa9kn_UoPWmuh1xVzoKVTBHiW/s400/IMG_20160927_083738955.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7dc21SjpDR9Iqjk3XOxxGxKobD66HEoV86uRH1ini3D2deB1BTxqe0VubcgG4VTu_gbC-16fYhUl6mEdcKdFpyEYsIGd4offh7caCZfU9N1DPieHbIe1tVl5iroX3KEjKCz_HjQfEmMs/s1600/IMG_20160927_083933118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7dc21SjpDR9Iqjk3XOxxGxKobD66HEoV86uRH1ini3D2deB1BTxqe0VubcgG4VTu_gbC-16fYhUl6mEdcKdFpyEYsIGd4offh7caCZfU9N1DPieHbIe1tVl5iroX3KEjKCz_HjQfEmMs/s640/IMG_20160927_083933118.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHKJB1xBsozJhYQYO-HcxOq-S9QBaEl96-iFc0w6Ye6qECLnGdxM0y3fZCLOGlkmm5hF5KABVEJO0gvfbyvQFc23QvvtgUHuriAwq8lcnOgYBpfroAL55nxirojI0iCEHlhkfzNwAAWB4/s1600/IMG_20160927_084236805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHKJB1xBsozJhYQYO-HcxOq-S9QBaEl96-iFc0w6Ye6qECLnGdxM0y3fZCLOGlkmm5hF5KABVEJO0gvfbyvQFc23QvvtgUHuriAwq8lcnOgYBpfroAL55nxirojI0iCEHlhkfzNwAAWB4/s320/IMG_20160927_084236805.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVH_aF5Pf7Q8K6qyLpK48ni14OAXjBIOnjvgzW1jpUkDM8_fTrUSLtxkOvf2fmKjt1ycekBlx_H7tklEE6OEHpQ7TP4gJ5ANFnF6XHOusnO7zpJXyXGSmSLMLd-m9LyHR67wGpvMRVFds/s1600/IMG_20160927_084904370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVH_aF5Pf7Q8K6qyLpK48ni14OAXjBIOnjvgzW1jpUkDM8_fTrUSLtxkOvf2fmKjt1ycekBlx_H7tklEE6OEHpQ7TP4gJ5ANFnF6XHOusnO7zpJXyXGSmSLMLd-m9LyHR67wGpvMRVFds/s320/IMG_20160927_084904370.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrsAv06iVT7lGiYRkgxUjFLgSCMKTAORteAUtQHKH8BlNRFaA5Vt9cII0MOGIdLvplZ9crXU2gPAE9YFuuIBbow3xX_xN15026cmnid1s6D_0fbD6b0pLN93M-03Fw1SL_75Ktdf-dKrR/s1600/IMG_20160927_085259533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrsAv06iVT7lGiYRkgxUjFLgSCMKTAORteAUtQHKH8BlNRFaA5Vt9cII0MOGIdLvplZ9crXU2gPAE9YFuuIBbow3xX_xN15026cmnid1s6D_0fbD6b0pLN93M-03Fw1SL_75Ktdf-dKrR/s320/IMG_20160927_085259533.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9E63rSK6Rnx0uC5sOR-0TsgMPPa1iwrRDn0x6a1853vNqE3gE3H7hWkVFEU0F2M-5hnzpb5GZNieEv02L-sZDX057YA79TKj0eu5OJgrxcXpcBvvxIWrqAhwgmsM3aHOaWG451F7dASJY/s1600/IMG_20160927_085507238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9E63rSK6Rnx0uC5sOR-0TsgMPPa1iwrRDn0x6a1853vNqE3gE3H7hWkVFEU0F2M-5hnzpb5GZNieEv02L-sZDX057YA79TKj0eu5OJgrxcXpcBvvxIWrqAhwgmsM3aHOaWG451F7dASJY/s400/IMG_20160927_085507238.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YOY25jKtLjv5ABY8drwUXs3ECxPZPXqu1RsYCj7EqYF30s50Zcch2kg4WRYCgVSRJaZw1PsvPoM6R_gVuxz7tg2umiC2VIRuroEpynw3r-eXZFZljV6WgcYgcTZfKCvi8RJvQt14uHwT/s1600/IMG_20160927_085740197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YOY25jKtLjv5ABY8drwUXs3ECxPZPXqu1RsYCj7EqYF30s50Zcch2kg4WRYCgVSRJaZw1PsvPoM6R_gVuxz7tg2umiC2VIRuroEpynw3r-eXZFZljV6WgcYgcTZfKCvi8RJvQt14uHwT/s320/IMG_20160927_085740197.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cyl2EbLVQ09YSBlt6ROdbhKCq5RCmNFJKgVIh14-Sbz2M_mniTmo1wAtBuocrpqg5Mpo0aX_cVyAjuSdsnr6lRmrrudut2f4-0I4t66EWE2ah2vEdrs951n4l_Jql2L5S3sqADVh3lxO/s1600/IMG_20160927_090831704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cyl2EbLVQ09YSBlt6ROdbhKCq5RCmNFJKgVIh14-Sbz2M_mniTmo1wAtBuocrpqg5Mpo0aX_cVyAjuSdsnr6lRmrrudut2f4-0I4t66EWE2ah2vEdrs951n4l_Jql2L5S3sqADVh3lxO/s640/IMG_20160927_090831704.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAt-i7BHes4o_OqsayiMMjbtWTY5YEWpgzf6aIGYq6joPJsO_WlZDyCj_Y0I2QKnX4Czmmi5_7G7JBdqw9jgbIm6KzH1IIVk9AJzO6S0WYQR8Fm7gjeEkvPtfk8HMkgfMgZhPyo2QCxQoD/s1600/IMG_20160927_090856371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAt-i7BHes4o_OqsayiMMjbtWTY5YEWpgzf6aIGYq6joPJsO_WlZDyCj_Y0I2QKnX4Czmmi5_7G7JBdqw9jgbIm6KzH1IIVk9AJzO6S0WYQR8Fm7gjeEkvPtfk8HMkgfMgZhPyo2QCxQoD/s320/IMG_20160927_090856371.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinE8S6fKLToj2ipLWQxGfOs556Sdj9_7mah5MhR9IC0tAwJQ_U8eLB4cO2y4FXJUYQy3W64iWfKbJWulqCbrQlBxCwu1UXB2wbUnI5lt3ZFYdJ4YWR_-Rp97o413vufxNgbMIYzaCV_WIX/s1600/IMG_20160927_091737731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinE8S6fKLToj2ipLWQxGfOs556Sdj9_7mah5MhR9IC0tAwJQ_U8eLB4cO2y4FXJUYQy3W64iWfKbJWulqCbrQlBxCwu1UXB2wbUnI5lt3ZFYdJ4YWR_-Rp97o413vufxNgbMIYzaCV_WIX/s320/IMG_20160927_091737731.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQXkxkdKC9unEkKNOKGQQsHj4oG16XY1qCz7U5alqIupSRP7ME9yRMnucwuBQOMSmPAUNjisEWF0KxkuFs_0CplyzZZlYovRVYerEedUnKw7Rw0_a6U4BH3K-osKiHbLQcJZ-D0-p-IIF/s1600/IMG_20160927_091855450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQXkxkdKC9unEkKNOKGQQsHj4oG16XY1qCz7U5alqIupSRP7ME9yRMnucwuBQOMSmPAUNjisEWF0KxkuFs_0CplyzZZlYovRVYerEedUnKw7Rw0_a6U4BH3K-osKiHbLQcJZ-D0-p-IIF/s640/IMG_20160927_091855450.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdnZw6VF6cgVMS9P5hzHXXYrG0Bj_NjVwcS7IvnOqna9IJzAepZnHkH7mTjIW5X69itpC1OUN8k4xlBVbnO3cChSjN1Of75kSKi38ygML7Qws1zZwdsEbOWFuDWqEzjdqMDuCFJxXEQoo/s1600/IMG_20160927_093511186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdnZw6VF6cgVMS9P5hzHXXYrG0Bj_NjVwcS7IvnOqna9IJzAepZnHkH7mTjIW5X69itpC1OUN8k4xlBVbnO3cChSjN1Of75kSKi38ygML7Qws1zZwdsEbOWFuDWqEzjdqMDuCFJxXEQoo/s320/IMG_20160927_093511186.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxN2MftJzQUlq9jHn2otPZDSRbJH5PY7o7doEEo8KqYuAPMyOF71X53bUpWUjJHyc4PjbZdgtrAB6P5aqbx5e59ylPBnEhpf_4pyEBneiLO3gk-ggHsbu5rrwsePYRjvz5boe9OL2-pmM/s1600/IMG_20160927_094033075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxN2MftJzQUlq9jHn2otPZDSRbJH5PY7o7doEEo8KqYuAPMyOF71X53bUpWUjJHyc4PjbZdgtrAB6P5aqbx5e59ylPBnEhpf_4pyEBneiLO3gk-ggHsbu5rrwsePYRjvz5boe9OL2-pmM/s320/IMG_20160927_094033075.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qg2XSQZuRB5ewoJ6icJXdKxl1wy0VyS9wiZvTEqtlusF9kDqCsj4x5ho5Oe4TuMBKo-wHacJ_cs_lnsnLMzhIYs8FSjMP0M7S8cq_fXEuba5o38V1qjm7bgHSQfunnKbTVndxdScfuWT/s1600/IMG_20160927_094041215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qg2XSQZuRB5ewoJ6icJXdKxl1wy0VyS9wiZvTEqtlusF9kDqCsj4x5ho5Oe4TuMBKo-wHacJ_cs_lnsnLMzhIYs8FSjMP0M7S8cq_fXEuba5o38V1qjm7bgHSQfunnKbTVndxdScfuWT/s400/IMG_20160927_094041215.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
There is so much magnificent art in those walls and ceilings it is practically impossible to grasp let alone capture with my little camera and phone. I can never do it justice, it is overwhelming and incredibly beautiful. Lots of Raphael and Michelangelo of course. Recognize those last two? They're actually from the last part of the Vatican Museums which is a modern art collection that was started by Pope Paul VI. Unfortunately we raced through it which was disappointing since the pieces that rushed by my eyes were exquisite but how could I complain, we were on our way to see the original.<br />
<br />
There are no pictures allowed in the Sistine Chapel and no talking, we are asked to respect the holiness of the place. We are ushered in and I am surprised at how small it is. It's not really that small but considering it's infamy I was taken aback. Guards usher everyone in until the entire room is filled, with wiggle room. We have 15 minutes. I stare straight up, I can't describe the feeling, I have goosebumps. Mom, I'm in the Sistine Chapel! Me! A priest comes to the very plain altar (other than the the walls and ceiling with it's unbelievable art, it is very plain and simple) and leads us in prayer. We stare and try to grasp as much as possible from Marina's explanations as we can in our short time allotment. Then we follow the bouncing pink flower out the big wooden doors.<br />
<br />
The last part of our Vatican City tour is St. Peter's Basilica.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDeaKL-H60gwZ6qQf-rJvr7INTY29M9H7acT66fUN3mwrR8kFMDiDK0chJI_DtjLDMs3d35Y_sCbod9PBSxs34qx4MLGxtyP7Vm23aR_AtR742Dbasuqlgv10o8Zwbad64mjdWrAZpP8e/s1600/IMG_20160927_101835842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDeaKL-H60gwZ6qQf-rJvr7INTY29M9H7acT66fUN3mwrR8kFMDiDK0chJI_DtjLDMs3d35Y_sCbod9PBSxs34qx4MLGxtyP7Vm23aR_AtR742Dbasuqlgv10o8Zwbad64mjdWrAZpP8e/s640/IMG_20160927_101835842.jpg" width="468" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwpnouIVN6yWozOR_Y6CDmxNoCdcWE-AnFUGzkIGObvqHbQxQOJ-T97fGO9r8eMwGFapvJMYOqMTG-d1VNyMLpC0Qgx1o3c0Ti7jEc0dvKfbC0otVu0T9jPI1pcB2cMNMHqXvxoGpbm32/s1600/IMG_20160927_102153365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwpnouIVN6yWozOR_Y6CDmxNoCdcWE-AnFUGzkIGObvqHbQxQOJ-T97fGO9r8eMwGFapvJMYOqMTG-d1VNyMLpC0Qgx1o3c0Ti7jEc0dvKfbC0otVu0T9jPI1pcB2cMNMHqXvxoGpbm32/s640/IMG_20160927_102153365.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-2ik6Ad1eMV-3ol_zqbRwFXDbWzOK9UGRF5tzPWtdJDsPwAiq7i0y6oBENBlVUfF8VOqYNYDXjULJHhwS6ljfAGHCtvyp6yq80i7UzIchzlF5lFqhlrlMP_xEb92vA8Qd2kLtGnOn4-7/s1600/IMG_20160927_102339049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-2ik6Ad1eMV-3ol_zqbRwFXDbWzOK9UGRF5tzPWtdJDsPwAiq7i0y6oBENBlVUfF8VOqYNYDXjULJHhwS6ljfAGHCtvyp6yq80i7UzIchzlF5lFqhlrlMP_xEb92vA8Qd2kLtGnOn4-7/s400/IMG_20160927_102339049.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Pope John Paul's resting place where he was moved to after canonization.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZji_GSmx4oDVC8QUAMi00gzKDqN38z-LHT98oJkqPxjM98mPnHx5uDdvKAmaO-UHVxoULsIb7pL8CaUu2pDdiULSruesm5QK8ViqJ_GuCE1itfvcDCo7hat9QmyldA8R526wdVAe0pbj6/s1600/IMG_20160927_102557244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZji_GSmx4oDVC8QUAMi00gzKDqN38z-LHT98oJkqPxjM98mPnHx5uDdvKAmaO-UHVxoULsIb7pL8CaUu2pDdiULSruesm5QK8ViqJ_GuCE1itfvcDCo7hat9QmyldA8R526wdVAe0pbj6/s320/IMG_20160927_102557244.jpg" width="187" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5YFXLpST_gAdwu8Wyz5avwZBN4vBQj7X03M4IUFK620ZbfnKfXPSmmupAzBDzkZj9WgRSSxKynJPZJ5asXgDUu8TDMOTwd-BlZzAYD2GyPARYbCA4tcnbzz7xPu0QbHRgFnRKrKPOtQM/s1600/IMG_20160927_102636923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5YFXLpST_gAdwu8Wyz5avwZBN4vBQj7X03M4IUFK620ZbfnKfXPSmmupAzBDzkZj9WgRSSxKynJPZJ5asXgDUu8TDMOTwd-BlZzAYD2GyPARYbCA4tcnbzz7xPu0QbHRgFnRKrKPOtQM/s640/IMG_20160927_102636923.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICzR2E0CY0O3QdDXEcEpFuaAG-jz7nvxjI0439jSOXIP4p_ayUe5L6fxpeeGmjDPHZeCS611fVtptATqGK806uM7EKfnkTqW3obyLZh01Z5qz6SzhT1NPMMvwHeDhHHhaACmZYsxJGh_1/s1600/IMG_20160927_103109473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICzR2E0CY0O3QdDXEcEpFuaAG-jz7nvxjI0439jSOXIP4p_ayUe5L6fxpeeGmjDPHZeCS611fVtptATqGK806uM7EKfnkTqW3obyLZh01Z5qz6SzhT1NPMMvwHeDhHHhaACmZYsxJGh_1/s400/IMG_20160927_103109473.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
We walk across St. Peter's Square, cross the bridge over the river Tiber back into Rome,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaR1Jx4tHi9XvdEQ5Iuq-gJ22Eesp5ImmrfDkhFxNAwh0tIPt43AUJ7oumxutcNvv5IguLPIhIwd7CV_8s9DQql16tpoweobBYS7RsTaEEPo_NhWsN0yY1Y6KXtUUZVR8oySGrrUVDoA1/s1600/P9270357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaR1Jx4tHi9XvdEQ5Iuq-gJ22Eesp5ImmrfDkhFxNAwh0tIPt43AUJ7oumxutcNvv5IguLPIhIwd7CV_8s9DQql16tpoweobBYS7RsTaEEPo_NhWsN0yY1Y6KXtUUZVR8oySGrrUVDoA1/s400/P9270357.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4ZG5RMdnZRLgTx1-PRsP6gXGj4we4uh-t2cSHAeQX-iOLsmtJVN6mUUM7iQsZma8LbeK4ThwTJzxuVRH6mAB3tB37V7vUKafJIf3Jo3usjCIZXmzIX7Kmhi9TrDjX6he70nMPilxaXhb/s1600/P9270362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4ZG5RMdnZRLgTx1-PRsP6gXGj4we4uh-t2cSHAeQX-iOLsmtJVN6mUUM7iQsZma8LbeK4ThwTJzxuVRH6mAB3tB37V7vUKafJIf3Jo3usjCIZXmzIX7Kmhi9TrDjX6he70nMPilxaXhb/s400/P9270362.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
and are having lunch right outside the Pantheon in about 20 minutes, wondering why the taxi took so many streets. Hmmmm???<br />
<br />
As if we haven't seen enough church today, we go inside the Pantheon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNlwwJIg4ooKT8_GDvj6yNBzbheJ94MB6ALm77M8SwuedqtgZCuMn6ZzycG44bE-MmBT74VRLCCKhCAz2WOQrq5yCFswU86VBM6a78mPeFs89HFskGCuPsrGP5ahE7WI2rYUNepowGolp/s1600/P9270382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNlwwJIg4ooKT8_GDvj6yNBzbheJ94MB6ALm77M8SwuedqtgZCuMn6ZzycG44bE-MmBT74VRLCCKhCAz2WOQrq5yCFswU86VBM6a78mPeFs89HFskGCuPsrGP5ahE7WI2rYUNepowGolp/s320/P9270382.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_-YkAqE7Fh2aKdZ-c7Nmdl4Q6rXkLsZt96PnS2CbmykOy1yGs80P2LiK5lLaPW8ODBTvlmXr1uGUC_KinW2-XqFSDXc7gP0BwzQeLQ-9rsdvX0tPCGHewIsa16eKlsZqOnDaF2g2a96d/s1600/P9270383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_-YkAqE7Fh2aKdZ-c7Nmdl4Q6rXkLsZt96PnS2CbmykOy1yGs80P2LiK5lLaPW8ODBTvlmXr1uGUC_KinW2-XqFSDXc7gP0BwzQeLQ-9rsdvX0tPCGHewIsa16eKlsZqOnDaF2g2a96d/s320/P9270383.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another thing one needs to do is get some fountain overload,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YkEOYV638x_sqw7go2lbyRW0YgHB5T9UkIkVHTBp7zp-MJtiMd4OlZayawjmxHrK4kEpiufXyXTiVy7gvoGNdH30iVD_bd-Ng0O2ijQJ5T3rgQLFEtDvZ3avZtVWceaAGI2C-qHdBM9J/s1600/P9270367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YkEOYV638x_sqw7go2lbyRW0YgHB5T9UkIkVHTBp7zp-MJtiMd4OlZayawjmxHrK4kEpiufXyXTiVy7gvoGNdH30iVD_bd-Ng0O2ijQJ5T3rgQLFEtDvZ3avZtVWceaAGI2C-qHdBM9J/s320/P9270367.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrHlxVjhXwbYj-9q-ZZHyqb_ce7mnmrmlP_uzhVZji6H_gEgbjTP__1AByx5zddBSrUbnciZhiGj_jZFHJIp27peydZkpy4zqzYCkP4mZ2OHUMcED5-X3tjB0MWOP5n2xHWzGlO3iGrv7/s1600/P9270368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrHlxVjhXwbYj-9q-ZZHyqb_ce7mnmrmlP_uzhVZji6H_gEgbjTP__1AByx5zddBSrUbnciZhiGj_jZFHJIp27peydZkpy4zqzYCkP4mZ2OHUMcED5-X3tjB0MWOP5n2xHWzGlO3iGrv7/s320/P9270368.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZA6nwvuYZLDqIZUS2-mCd8KHm6w2nCMwIDCe1VZMM_wywIVZtJ4c9GUS7xiCvcz6uxS_5qeDfJLGGfYSI1dD9QnEvoMAR88hskv1yxATJJYvzs-Z0OXUuGLN8casJ-TRvUv5wPgRANBB/s1600/P9270375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZA6nwvuYZLDqIZUS2-mCd8KHm6w2nCMwIDCe1VZMM_wywIVZtJ4c9GUS7xiCvcz6uxS_5qeDfJLGGfYSI1dD9QnEvoMAR88hskv1yxATJJYvzs-Z0OXUuGLN8casJ-TRvUv5wPgRANBB/s400/P9270375.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtZ3fThg-QrJFCbbEBVAKgcelWXoyy99TArcPY0nl4TdgTlDmxUNSwTYXFjVSsWYrMMDbpze_UMxPO428nhWYX4WFKFjJPVLQfR-gTrQ7O5mpxoUcpbxkpmR2J1L35pzxoNqRtFUHItGm/s1600/P9270379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtZ3fThg-QrJFCbbEBVAKgcelWXoyy99TArcPY0nl4TdgTlDmxUNSwTYXFjVSsWYrMMDbpze_UMxPO428nhWYX4WFKFjJPVLQfR-gTrQ7O5mpxoUcpbxkpmR2J1L35pzxoNqRtFUHItGm/s320/P9270379.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
and we can't miss the mother of all fountains....Trevi...where is Marcello????????</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8rotm-rtNym1iuF7Ad6bK1n0RexTKQFGgCZ50ofIUNfIlpV8haEPPNcQV-qd7Z08jiso-dZY_tvGBw4HgMzv05DJPqkK0wADaZ0IShUpkqrJsWiepeIesB_KwneB_0mzLGMVoDr8eytG/s1600/P9270392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8rotm-rtNym1iuF7Ad6bK1n0RexTKQFGgCZ50ofIUNfIlpV8haEPPNcQV-qd7Z08jiso-dZY_tvGBw4HgMzv05DJPqkK0wADaZ0IShUpkqrJsWiepeIesB_KwneB_0mzLGMVoDr8eytG/s640/P9270392.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One more night of Roman food,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRK2ILHEntbIMzaAbpp4AH_krga7515K2AzNSWsh80plyQI_GtphB_kS8MaslIDxDNOAB9drbofP7yZXKAcnOuI_qLqVbuvvspD4ybLuI2nQ3RtDf6ZvudlOQMLoxVrCvY6OD0IEstW4tL/s1600/IMG_20160927_213356940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRK2ILHEntbIMzaAbpp4AH_krga7515K2AzNSWsh80plyQI_GtphB_kS8MaslIDxDNOAB9drbofP7yZXKAcnOuI_qLqVbuvvspD4ybLuI2nQ3RtDf6ZvudlOQMLoxVrCvY6OD0IEstW4tL/s320/IMG_20160927_213356940.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCiKrNFQo5A3-cjaL0GLO_Xs3hSzsAIEf69Xp9-xtvtQz9UuABSepuUF4DLgrX-4haj3QYpytsvrbsgMUIEty__3CX0XiGwElWbpv-q-s4aq0gpaKXVbM2RF5hQCHfZTV4UNOB2NeIJ71/s1600/IMG_20160927_213452880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCiKrNFQo5A3-cjaL0GLO_Xs3hSzsAIEf69Xp9-xtvtQz9UuABSepuUF4DLgrX-4haj3QYpytsvrbsgMUIEty__3CX0XiGwElWbpv-q-s4aq0gpaKXVbM2RF5hQCHfZTV4UNOB2NeIJ71/s320/IMG_20160927_213452880.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpDe7xWYKRz-tyq06Dg6F6ssPpPzYjJV86r51Bbg8scfqw55Xzs2jX-fPYujs7dqdZOD3EqYUIkdfG8-Klk_w7mhCSmHjBuZsca3Duhyphenhyphen_f5XCssmlmj_pA0ugLzYdwo5iKoLQRVfwEY_o/s1600/IMG_20160927_220411145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpDe7xWYKRz-tyq06Dg6F6ssPpPzYjJV86r51Bbg8scfqw55Xzs2jX-fPYujs7dqdZOD3EqYUIkdfG8-Klk_w7mhCSmHjBuZsca3Duhyphenhyphen_f5XCssmlmj_pA0ugLzYdwo5iKoLQRVfwEY_o/s400/IMG_20160927_220411145.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pasta carbonara, again!!!!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1Zq4ZVNVQ6dJWE4lR35w0lPg0AycLz6Rb5bNPjvlR-wy3otdtIg6Zgf_rRN98usLCMXdZ28j9EJdv0bvP9ZYc_cIWLZK6rHTqmov_BSOdd93gyf_r25r_Javq1f_OLi49Wz7kXyx_QmW/s1600/IMG_20160927_220420130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1Zq4ZVNVQ6dJWE4lR35w0lPg0AycLz6Rb5bNPjvlR-wy3otdtIg6Zgf_rRN98usLCMXdZ28j9EJdv0bvP9ZYc_cIWLZK6rHTqmov_BSOdd93gyf_r25r_Javq1f_OLi49Wz7kXyx_QmW/s320/IMG_20160927_220420130.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pasta with truffle sauce, the aroma just permeated the room.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1W8N-xTyyDhd6QTf_x6rkh0vBMn3If9yz3ROq8bov2vcybr5BZzb1Rhl4cQXzEcooW3_e2eYnivSb_VWd5MM2IEbBt2qK9FDmBgKJg4DDLMyQqApiAzLL1LraL79AAtaJ7Wn_29t_4anu/s1600/IMG_20160927_223118379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1W8N-xTyyDhd6QTf_x6rkh0vBMn3If9yz3ROq8bov2vcybr5BZzb1Rhl4cQXzEcooW3_e2eYnivSb_VWd5MM2IEbBt2qK9FDmBgKJg4DDLMyQqApiAzLL1LraL79AAtaJ7Wn_29t_4anu/s320/IMG_20160927_223118379.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
then we rush to the airport the next morning, just make our connection in Zurich since our flight was delayed almost an hour (and I got pulled aside to be searched, again! Seriously? Am I on some list?)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I really hated coming home...but then</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IVGUHRT0MqR2_UgScFJtRt6ITuFhrIpboxhMSjN-A_5rIrJDC4jRan7wMpdY6Yimw6RlfX7QO4ZdOhNpX_uWch1wSHpvUSFDYQNuZ2WRmLVBAwCHYolvQFXRSZEvUJzCkPT3Sz93CP6F/s1600/P8270007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IVGUHRT0MqR2_UgScFJtRt6ITuFhrIpboxhMSjN-A_5rIrJDC4jRan7wMpdY6Yimw6RlfX7QO4ZdOhNpX_uWch1wSHpvUSFDYQNuZ2WRmLVBAwCHYolvQFXRSZEvUJzCkPT3Sz93CP6F/s640/P8270007.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
there's no place like home.</div>
Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10548038213207928436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154626510210656833.post-64898425723714768852016-10-22T10:23:00.000-04:002016-10-22T11:15:13.538-04:00Roman HolidayWe seem to have added Rome as an afterthought which I know sounds a bit kooky considering that...well, it's Rome. We may have been a bit planned out at that point but how can you go to Italy and not got to Rome? Really! But two days? What were we thinking? By the time I realized it all plans were made, tickets bought, reservations, etc. etc. And there was too much else going on to rethink the whole thing. So as the saying so obnoxiously goes, "it is what it is". We took the high speed train from Florence which only takes one hour...and it was a half hour late. Rome was the first stop so we clamored towards the door to grab our luggage and jump off. And suddenly we're not in Kansas...or Florence...anymore. As much as the crowds are all over Florence, it is small and very intimate. Rome is not. It is BIG, bustling, a metropolis. We take a taxi from Tiburtina station and it takes about a half hour to get to our hotel through very fast crazy traffic. We are in a pedestrian zone in a wide cobblestone street lined with big name fashion stores. A little boutique hotel which recently opened and you can tell since the entire family comes out to greet us. We have the top floor which means we have the roof terrace,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjbKyuM1mhCPMtyFla5FzE1VdlwFXPuxo8tOWvyi41jfMWX9owqVTD1dqHFXR1w_5A9-Y8PfplUDgfRiR0-2M0Wunty4oAyQx6SAs7n4CAyHq-F6wYaMfr6FGysVDTI0487RkWEpgKLy3/s1600/P9260349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjbKyuM1mhCPMtyFla5FzE1VdlwFXPuxo8tOWvyi41jfMWX9owqVTD1dqHFXR1w_5A9-Y8PfplUDgfRiR0-2M0Wunty4oAyQx6SAs7n4CAyHq-F6wYaMfr6FGysVDTI0487RkWEpgKLy3/s400/P9260349.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOl1hp3__D_2mSR8hHOLvjXVFZT1n8SutqDH6MObfNZQllLGdBUWXP5RxSRr494qGeME9Y8RkQT4-xIQ_yKMASXw5jzzBYeqZWefRBkpCxYL2TWY25yIGb47txDYZ5ez0AVNeKnqZt_60C/s1600/P9260353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOl1hp3__D_2mSR8hHOLvjXVFZT1n8SutqDH6MObfNZQllLGdBUWXP5RxSRr494qGeME9Y8RkQT4-xIQ_yKMASXw5jzzBYeqZWefRBkpCxYL2TWY25yIGb47txDYZ5ez0AVNeKnqZt_60C/s320/P9260353.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
which gives us fun views of Roman rooftops.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7RZxb8nxRTX7QxlFewmtwwDRSvr56sr95ZJ0nY6T8qx2yuVN7kVC_c5_7PgFvp3VKDc8jBQxTeNH3MfZyPYZgCG0bLhRLZUk4Hnl6xEI94FtIX7X6oUWS4j2Sjy5vgfD9Dejr55-IQMHt/s1600/P9260328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7RZxb8nxRTX7QxlFewmtwwDRSvr56sr95ZJ0nY6T8qx2yuVN7kVC_c5_7PgFvp3VKDc8jBQxTeNH3MfZyPYZgCG0bLhRLZUk4Hnl6xEI94FtIX7X6oUWS4j2Sjy5vgfD9Dejr55-IQMHt/s400/P9260328.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgX3G12DuJrLXiQBKW16D32x4qYkFNya-g6ASAn4bLyjDnQMh6mIe8dEUtkFdkkb7HDQ3wfBE5XRM9iqgsXw6cH9zKPLnaN1_xgVF_Iw1Q085UaJwCvztzwoyKEAXQOGDOrjtAU0TeiOsu/s1600/P9260352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgX3G12DuJrLXiQBKW16D32x4qYkFNya-g6ASAn4bLyjDnQMh6mIe8dEUtkFdkkb7HDQ3wfBE5XRM9iqgsXw6cH9zKPLnaN1_xgVF_Iw1Q085UaJwCvztzwoyKEAXQOGDOrjtAU0TeiOsu/s320/P9260352.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Down the spiral staircase is our breakfast terrace.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHOZWS_3NZcMD3LBfWQA8zVrnniDUDkTloW-g0_6Dor-E-djjEACw2Zfl2OeWDA6eOnQ6DdaDyPhZPCdI4h-DVBWFdJPg16A8E6juIVMmb_duS763VLg9qzD-n-w4avEkzcJY78G3zRqv/s1600/P9260350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHOZWS_3NZcMD3LBfWQA8zVrnniDUDkTloW-g0_6Dor-E-djjEACw2Zfl2OeWDA6eOnQ6DdaDyPhZPCdI4h-DVBWFdJPg16A8E6juIVMmb_duS763VLg9qzD-n-w4avEkzcJY78G3zRqv/s320/P9260350.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZkblKjGeZ8-T9ttLZRGlJRKMHTyiUsiR1kDiCUAff6W_g2Su9AjQVb4hLooOZJt0Q8pYrTbVgTGoolnnuHXdXRsfQXvdDj796J2iDPeq_Kctf-q4p9ZfGfFGsStVztQGOvIucXJSnWKK/s1600/P9280398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZkblKjGeZ8-T9ttLZRGlJRKMHTyiUsiR1kDiCUAff6W_g2Su9AjQVb4hLooOZJt0Q8pYrTbVgTGoolnnuHXdXRsfQXvdDj796J2iDPeq_Kctf-q4p9ZfGfFGsStVztQGOvIucXJSnWKK/s400/P9280398.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Hmmm, maybe we can extend this! After settling into our very pretty but very cramped room we go out to canvas the neighborhood. Just down the street and around the corner, the Spanish Steps.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_v7pWFBtszGchc7K2Cszg5VDfgLeH11pP1QQGhkxUPyYv0jdX9X7ofwRBR3EuP7b_r54pub-ZKxV8XAF7rOK7gtsHg91LEUVQJRFM_X2Ww7k5PFnvDIA6pXrVfiFQ1YiI6YONAp65BaX/s1600/P9260337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_v7pWFBtszGchc7K2Cszg5VDfgLeH11pP1QQGhkxUPyYv0jdX9X7ofwRBR3EuP7b_r54pub-ZKxV8XAF7rOK7gtsHg91LEUVQJRFM_X2Ww7k5PFnvDIA6pXrVfiFQ1YiI6YONAp65BaX/s400/P9260337.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Pinch me, am I in a movie? I've seen this place sooooo many times and here I am. Marcello!!!!!<br />
<br />
We climb up and look at the views,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kWBB3KPtoH1dqtOsJF-CHdNMVj5ZA7QMxZ0OtnDBRWhLfxYxKTfTsDNC3SP7m-PVqB7qosNCTtJSROyuhxWyOAAg35Nw-CjBayQwkPsLimVjWbNlT7V9923LkykbYBog4bqfCD4qPa6B/s1600/P9260335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kWBB3KPtoH1dqtOsJF-CHdNMVj5ZA7QMxZ0OtnDBRWhLfxYxKTfTsDNC3SP7m-PVqB7qosNCTtJSROyuhxWyOAAg35Nw-CjBayQwkPsLimVjWbNlT7V9923LkykbYBog4bqfCD4qPa6B/s320/P9260335.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTjTo-he7VEv2Cw0UP0ta1mZ4nvJ2WmvaZfpwkDb0_kaFjBp3pORACTZ_lHbTk7FIcXXb9ilFXLwpYbvA6oIPny3PN5SBzMJExl3YQW835PVWd4fnWIZW3LYj2h5Hmh90cnSwx7tdnZWG/s1600/P9260338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTjTo-he7VEv2Cw0UP0ta1mZ4nvJ2WmvaZfpwkDb0_kaFjBp3pORACTZ_lHbTk7FIcXXb9ilFXLwpYbvA6oIPny3PN5SBzMJExl3YQW835PVWd4fnWIZW3LYj2h5Hmh90cnSwx7tdnZWG/s320/P9260338.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKaxjyBXJ-sDq8FSn9Vf0TtyD1JbRh3xy7Wq24nGjrfVrFieC5rME_R3lRh_ycUxW0EIdvfbT3b1gyRq7CrPg7qTqpEBI3OVvTOM0louSb1O3IcQ1Yb7KrXORm8_VI0VK4Uz1CPfD-0A9e/s1600/P9260343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKaxjyBXJ-sDq8FSn9Vf0TtyD1JbRh3xy7Wq24nGjrfVrFieC5rME_R3lRh_ycUxW0EIdvfbT3b1gyRq7CrPg7qTqpEBI3OVvTOM0louSb1O3IcQ1Yb7KrXORm8_VI0VK4Uz1CPfD-0A9e/s400/P9260343.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7O9-JlXzpTmvUv-47z5oa-wrLG3pRZmIwQX1OFbEePC6lanoUackFIjz7KGKxDyS6waKGI4hoIhDKDKscNy5BwLeL6vr9GxYUTfaw37Y55xvXP5Zzf8s0jfVFH4Vfcmm-sulY1ktmYC1m/s1600/P9260344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7O9-JlXzpTmvUv-47z5oa-wrLG3pRZmIwQX1OFbEePC6lanoUackFIjz7KGKxDyS6waKGI4hoIhDKDKscNy5BwLeL6vr9GxYUTfaw37Y55xvXP5Zzf8s0jfVFH4Vfcmm-sulY1ktmYC1m/s320/P9260344.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
not bad. We do a little more exploring and then some cafe life to take in some serious people watching. And there it is. You always hear how well Italian women dress and frankly I had not seen anything special at all anywhere. Venice has a ton of tourists but I was happy to see that people dressed up at night, especially at the opera which were mainly Italians. No shorts, no jeans thank goodness. Florence had a lot of Americans and Australians, the men seem to have a hard time grasping the concept of long pants so Frank and I were always overdressed. I have mastered high heels and cobblestones! The women in Rome are dressed to the nines; oozing style and confidence. The high heels will fit right in.<br />
<br />
I decided that while in Rome (when in Rome?) I would only eat Roman food so our first dinner on our first night we made a reservation at what is supposedly an iconic and very traditional restaurant, <a href="http://armandoalpantheon.it/">Armando al Pantheon</a>, walking distance from us (about 10 minutes!) and half a block from the Pantheon. I wasn't prepared. We walk a few blocks down a main street, make a right, walk down some very challenging cobblestoned streets, past a darling little square with a beautiful church and outdoor cafes and suddenly, Piazza de la Rotonda, and...the Pantheon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_wlcc7yVrywtCCpS4IMkgeOP8LuRhm6JuYG_uvHt7GAqXvWQp6aVPuFYqVlL01kkjMihUmqvhlD_8r6PW5w_oUxPuiNcjYCByo6so0cjob-1XGU4SPitkB_f9SZrKwo3TXUYcHHxjZnJ/s1600/IMG_20160926_224603334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_wlcc7yVrywtCCpS4IMkgeOP8LuRhm6JuYG_uvHt7GAqXvWQp6aVPuFYqVlL01kkjMihUmqvhlD_8r6PW5w_oUxPuiNcjYCByo6so0cjob-1XGU4SPitkB_f9SZrKwo3TXUYcHHxjZnJ/s400/IMG_20160926_224603334.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAgRQAwDFhTj6rhbd2KeGyoSwbFU_wlS-mTRsyQKG1EYzKVjB0bnruEuwS98R36F6yWPDaKtBXwx7e5416aueCIkgtcMvT_axoSdSFB4ndwb4kMOH3memr08mPQToB_GxGJWuUCH1Usgn/s1600/IMG_20160926_224623632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAgRQAwDFhTj6rhbd2KeGyoSwbFU_wlS-mTRsyQKG1EYzKVjB0bnruEuwS98R36F6yWPDaKtBXwx7e5416aueCIkgtcMvT_axoSdSFB4ndwb4kMOH3memr08mPQToB_GxGJWuUCH1Usgn/s320/IMG_20160926_224623632.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgIyBYTkO_Napw4-7nsXMotkYYvlEngWQsuEA2RzWk-lGWZbS_vnM1sXzuVaq0M4aWnnLX4e3doOVHWCaNmAKIagqUEjT5HWIXGMi8bMJNRwYRPCNwsIHU6LvabPT28YSNishOjtRC8WS/s1600/IMG_20160926_224856184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgIyBYTkO_Napw4-7nsXMotkYYvlEngWQsuEA2RzWk-lGWZbS_vnM1sXzuVaq0M4aWnnLX4e3doOVHWCaNmAKIagqUEjT5HWIXGMi8bMJNRwYRPCNwsIHU6LvabPT28YSNishOjtRC8WS/s320/IMG_20160926_224856184.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24jVwsLF_mkLoA8MZS2KUQ0m9AKkBt2bST2VkqHuYZXTlVpxjxxgdsLpwo-sP1DLWuHDXsxoLpEvJ6Lx8s_NsY4isP9EuM5g9hgh59mZWfnzgcZqgQJ75jUoDdUGlZg-ZOo9Bcmexkuh6/s1600/IMG_20160926_225219849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24jVwsLF_mkLoA8MZS2KUQ0m9AKkBt2bST2VkqHuYZXTlVpxjxxgdsLpwo-sP1DLWuHDXsxoLpEvJ6Lx8s_NsY4isP9EuM5g9hgh59mZWfnzgcZqgQJ75jUoDdUGlZg-ZOo9Bcmexkuh6/s400/IMG_20160926_225219849.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm in complete awe. It is a massive, magnificent structure. Beautifully preserved. It's late so there's hardly anyone around and the lights around the piazza give it an ethereal glow. Am I in a movie?<br />
<br />
Armando al Pantheon is a darling little restaurant just up the street with this view from the front door,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiB_UVx4cYS6_4KrTPq19auLHXk7KgqJpHzC7kFabxYk8AGMO7L6ABPl7Cr7egtlWWa8kjHY2hBrZc6Vs0XeetsfaMlSuTMYVlzUYo_HbN0s9K2etz_UOgO9Hla0q8FsxyMCjMsjnerWl/s1600/IMG_20160926_204709827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiB_UVx4cYS6_4KrTPq19auLHXk7KgqJpHzC7kFabxYk8AGMO7L6ABPl7Cr7egtlWWa8kjHY2hBrZc6Vs0XeetsfaMlSuTMYVlzUYo_HbN0s9K2etz_UOgO9Hla0q8FsxyMCjMsjnerWl/s320/IMG_20160926_204709827.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
crowded and happy. Reservations are essential, they're turning people away all night long. I can see why. Not only are they in a very coveted address, but the food...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZPLFw5Ju1iurIm58VUH9X3-gx0TM-_GG8RkLteuatF1j_LiGMg2WFy5XuhwtCZP8kwrbxpDEttl0ZixlluuaXxRed6g2UNQAunValhpd7aYbpM7Qal4FOFYiuvHC9WnrsWZm9sgeN3iy/s1600/IMG_20160926_212547359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZPLFw5Ju1iurIm58VUH9X3-gx0TM-_GG8RkLteuatF1j_LiGMg2WFy5XuhwtCZP8kwrbxpDEttl0ZixlluuaXxRed6g2UNQAunValhpd7aYbpM7Qal4FOFYiuvHC9WnrsWZm9sgeN3iy/s320/IMG_20160926_212547359.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I can still taste the mortadella in my antipasto, I've never had any like it. And my favorite...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgpQhdr87aBWavVytox25KsKWKht5wysmtSLu_yxEeP8f0SHukF9E9-RcNjlwQN_fhPTR9LpvaeCNw8oOaj5C2na1rpWuT-OCybACjhL0hpaaCzPEA5p-NXzVagltoud9gdfI7G8hOOks/s1600/IMG_20160926_214418986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgpQhdr87aBWavVytox25KsKWKht5wysmtSLu_yxEeP8f0SHukF9E9-RcNjlwQN_fhPTR9LpvaeCNw8oOaj5C2na1rpWuT-OCybACjhL0hpaaCzPEA5p-NXzVagltoud9gdfI7G8hOOks/s400/IMG_20160926_214418986.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Spaghetti a la Carbonara! Sublime. Now if I could only find a way to steal that plate!Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10548038213207928436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154626510210656833.post-54852157030192968542016-10-19T16:27:00.000-04:002016-10-20T08:11:10.995-04:00Under the Tuscan SunFor the most part we don't buy tours. If it's Tuesday it must be Belgium is not our cup of tea. We usually prefer to explore, get the feel of the place, the people, the culture by walking around on our on, living the cafe life and seeing the sights that either are very important to us or those we are able to visit without too much hassle. Traveling to another city alone is an education and an adventure/exploration so for the most part (and thanks to guidebooks and the Internet) we don't feel the need to join a group and follow the umbrella yielding guide to tell you about stuff as you bypass other stuff. What we usually do is take a day trip here or there, usually on the train, from whatever major city we are staying at. Florence affords a good number of day trips, Siena, Bologna, Cinque Terre, Pisa....But lo and behold, while researching our options we found this funky little <a href="http://mytours.it/en/tour/500-vintage-tours-and-chianti-roads">tour!</a> And no matter how much we kept looking at other options, we just kept giggling and going back. So we booked our first tour!<br />
<br />
A car picked us up at our B & B and drove us to the train station, which was chaotic at best. There were a couple of groups because there were two tours meeting there. We piled into two vans and drove out of Florence for about an hour into Siena to the very industrial looking garage where we picked up our vintage 1960's Fiat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqW0TMgGuHJh1PfxCJYYl4T1nCeZrXVsF_teOj1qZRC_cTZGTKZj8XbcLY6kU-O1GPw5FqinggxV3ZDL0jqBtjfJvYdfSL_ELeLEhNg5hMzzc3qH7D90fppTejRz5VHlRF0KfBKpwh8_9e/s1600/IMG_20160925_102201527_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqW0TMgGuHJh1PfxCJYYl4T1nCeZrXVsF_teOj1qZRC_cTZGTKZj8XbcLY6kU-O1GPw5FqinggxV3ZDL0jqBtjfJvYdfSL_ELeLEhNg5hMzzc3qH7D90fppTejRz5VHlRF0KfBKpwh8_9e/s400/IMG_20160925_102201527_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzXUh8bbtTnVf7MtN_GRSlkTz0uMhyphenhyphenkwFRpnVwG43P0gZvHDeMh9QjWvTSsNQdIkIacDcv13ViM7CdeBHbPv4MHwyf0wxlOQ_6g0qpSoYCZ6w_UEZAi6KcXV3lGOBQR2zkhAlKxZtSEPd/s1600/P9250296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzXUh8bbtTnVf7MtN_GRSlkTz0uMhyphenhyphenkwFRpnVwG43P0gZvHDeMh9QjWvTSsNQdIkIacDcv13ViM7CdeBHbPv4MHwyf0wxlOQ_6g0qpSoYCZ6w_UEZAi6KcXV3lGOBQR2zkhAlKxZtSEPd/s320/P9250296.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<strike><br /></strike>
<strike>I</strike> We chose the orange one! and everyone wondered if Frank would fit in it. Yes he did.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEzldaeWvPvofMEzLrR-KpP2IRTTT3tOaXFpkQR1IJHO6HobTti_x4MLJZzovnDCoIBodH6EIYPkXstPdXQ037zBbKad274E_VBNDAsXVTUltkhPybZt7jmYJ_NoA94kVvSKtZUPYF-_X/s1600/P9250297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEzldaeWvPvofMEzLrR-KpP2IRTTT3tOaXFpkQR1IJHO6HobTti_x4MLJZzovnDCoIBodH6EIYPkXstPdXQ037zBbKad274E_VBNDAsXVTUltkhPybZt7jmYJ_NoA94kVvSKtZUPYF-_X/s400/P9250297.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Driving was a whole other story since the gas pedal was size of a postage stamp and the gears were a bit .....shall I say, archaic. But off we went with our convoy of 6 including the tour guide, Stefano.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-68LgEIgScsDnhHtCRSw1oJYH6XUNugeCO3e3kPXKDsEqmKVtKzXPYrDQpjHJHKwWbjo2ARV25a0AyXa8d0KyWIwEbeYsAGYy67bC5_mOEFvpEBTXzCEyoeL2PA_nxPQ7Flv1v8eSm94/s1600/IMG_20160925_110118149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-68LgEIgScsDnhHtCRSw1oJYH6XUNugeCO3e3kPXKDsEqmKVtKzXPYrDQpjHJHKwWbjo2ARV25a0AyXa8d0KyWIwEbeYsAGYy67bC5_mOEFvpEBTXzCEyoeL2PA_nxPQ7Flv1v8eSm94/s400/IMG_20160925_110118149.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jEk690yyCwzlfEFFR9tKk9s1KidHQwxazruF1E86jxNXHK8cU0h2Vd2VH0-q02su08AZfpurZcHKdbIIxk9JbfJwx9fex65wouTSSFQkKPU1l6iyGyzGfdbRSs2DjrtWub9RR8QCfYEL/s1600/IMG_20160925_110227171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jEk690yyCwzlfEFFR9tKk9s1KidHQwxazruF1E86jxNXHK8cU0h2Vd2VH0-q02su08AZfpurZcHKdbIIxk9JbfJwx9fex65wouTSSFQkKPU1l6iyGyzGfdbRSs2DjrtWub9RR8QCfYEL/s400/IMG_20160925_110227171.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt62wcL3-bKVNNTAWqVKdtJV4IefzADN55hUMcPxYcVB7osBGovI-68-psh7ZSmmTe0j4kPA8WlEaDkBYfGTBOLV_9DGZX1Q7im5bM9v-tMFwjnWLC_jwT4rNSQfsHjQ377jqDxNLHM27j/s1600/IMG_20160925_111619697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt62wcL3-bKVNNTAWqVKdtJV4IefzADN55hUMcPxYcVB7osBGovI-68-psh7ZSmmTe0j4kPA8WlEaDkBYfGTBOLV_9DGZX1Q7im5bM9v-tMFwjnWLC_jwT4rNSQfsHjQ377jqDxNLHM27j/s320/IMG_20160925_111619697.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I will finally be going to Tuscany! We drive into the Siena province and right smack into Chianti and stop for a rest (after all that crazy driving) at Castellina in Chianti, the picture perfect Tuscan town.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6q5RGOgP4e-yXVlc7cHyOoktgOk6-Ro9tPg3BbolNWx2hC4cz1OfU0HYi5mxGlysp-c7tNwGjldi0lZ9Y5sDAD_iUSKQ-J6PxEHrhYcSgDlYnciNKu2tY61NUMQ8o27UCy0WDVHXURfb/s1600/P9250300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6q5RGOgP4e-yXVlc7cHyOoktgOk6-Ro9tPg3BbolNWx2hC4cz1OfU0HYi5mxGlysp-c7tNwGjldi0lZ9Y5sDAD_iUSKQ-J6PxEHrhYcSgDlYnciNKu2tY61NUMQ8o27UCy0WDVHXURfb/s400/P9250300.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UP3vgDF_YUABLW8PQnG7xKqiWeFsX5vW0H2HzOgkh7yOMpZipbuM1dd4i7Fxzy2PEqIowV6jP1_ZdzIWbSA77YEjbUbnS1rgBv8nKvQmEsnLD679cYle6XOJt1c7ZqoCP2CCX09gVex9/s1600/P9250305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UP3vgDF_YUABLW8PQnG7xKqiWeFsX5vW0H2HzOgkh7yOMpZipbuM1dd4i7Fxzy2PEqIowV6jP1_ZdzIWbSA77YEjbUbnS1rgBv8nKvQmEsnLD679cYle6XOJt1c7ZqoCP2CCX09gVex9/s400/P9250305.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQ4AwsS-hELezlz0OQuM_mxsoFVR4fyx7eky45QYFWjzybcGZewC-P_2HFV4iOCZPg234Q7Y0Mu7xADNpYqW9bmgMlIHI-L9fIeD1WBsmB0kdkGFQiO26rn6QInIBZx6NqzL8Gs7LTq05/s1600/P9250310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQ4AwsS-hELezlz0OQuM_mxsoFVR4fyx7eky45QYFWjzybcGZewC-P_2HFV4iOCZPg234Q7Y0Mu7xADNpYqW9bmgMlIHI-L9fIeD1WBsmB0kdkGFQiO26rn6QInIBZx6NqzL8Gs7LTq05/s320/P9250310.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2saWMl8RPHC8420s16XObPokS4eFGBVqETOiV74Ppqrg5dAF6UHc2tLCprnnTUCz1e3rOIelz9I3nOLseDvGr36Cl_F1iBCQ891T36vCj6kS7icUvJF6hm1eSjJloDIymQrcccGja1gva/s1600/P9250312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2saWMl8RPHC8420s16XObPokS4eFGBVqETOiV74Ppqrg5dAF6UHc2tLCprnnTUCz1e3rOIelz9I3nOLseDvGr36Cl_F1iBCQ891T36vCj6kS7icUvJF6hm1eSjJloDIymQrcccGja1gva/s320/P9250312.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTi9PjgJhyphenhyphenYPS_ZAQAXx_Hcf5S48C33EXlbUsUaPT32cln6NagmkxnQf-MyUTWZg9HeKYUD8UGfIgH2KlYS3ahj13NyeekphYVnBguHTVm_C2iHA9QpT8dcHQO0Rd6QW7vKm8XG37cJ4ck/s1600/P9250314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTi9PjgJhyphenhyphenYPS_ZAQAXx_Hcf5S48C33EXlbUsUaPT32cln6NagmkxnQf-MyUTWZg9HeKYUD8UGfIgH2KlYS3ahj13NyeekphYVnBguHTVm_C2iHA9QpT8dcHQO0Rd6QW7vKm8XG37cJ4ck/s400/P9250314.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After 45 minutes and the purchase of a lovely linen tablecloth we move on. Next stop,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibhyphenhyphenJv76r9SZGyWnDxlVct2MHN9J3uVJtcnZLH6Ny5-CMQpUUbJAak_Zba38MjcMzccgHUFwj6iulHb-zSy1tcWDimLp1MthiMlIGMrdjSpsCP0J3R7pj11G1P3eGdbp9e1TBLdMTHa7M/s1600/IMG_20160925_123454016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibhyphenhyphenJv76r9SZGyWnDxlVct2MHN9J3uVJtcnZLH6Ny5-CMQpUUbJAak_Zba38MjcMzccgHUFwj6iulHb-zSy1tcWDimLp1MthiMlIGMrdjSpsCP0J3R7pj11G1P3eGdbp9e1TBLdMTHa7M/s400/IMG_20160925_123454016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Poggio Amorelli vineyard, a family owned organic vineyard where after a great tour of the cellars,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1jBoqTDotOzilWSGbvMsdjrdVTWdFQu9b0vdAyzkwpA8wplz-URIlp1oUFv75FSKgZbKzrvZwpJl0b18IuzFNIVu95Tey_c4X3pM6QIU_xKRiV3x_4898MTkNVkEQ5R9BWq6ibOtgLfE/s1600/IMG_20160925_123230222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1jBoqTDotOzilWSGbvMsdjrdVTWdFQu9b0vdAyzkwpA8wplz-URIlp1oUFv75FSKgZbKzrvZwpJl0b18IuzFNIVu95Tey_c4X3pM6QIU_xKRiV3x_4898MTkNVkEQ5R9BWq6ibOtgLfE/s400/IMG_20160925_123230222.jpg" width="342" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4y2odm59DX4ciGAy3fjdR4i7IEQmzmVWODbxyFpXGX0cnvAK-ZycI1VgfbfEqjvcxMx9i9k-xAuNjMiPoJFZiEC6YY6x6Vd_51UqaGzJZtJYvql-79ZHgkbS2pek4HoJeo3SglDTLDVV/s1600/IMG_20160925_124917462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4y2odm59DX4ciGAy3fjdR4i7IEQmzmVWODbxyFpXGX0cnvAK-ZycI1VgfbfEqjvcxMx9i9k-xAuNjMiPoJFZiEC6YY6x6Vd_51UqaGzJZtJYvql-79ZHgkbS2pek4HoJeo3SglDTLDVV/s400/IMG_20160925_124917462.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYUky_DV1Lgs7TdF10bYdjvHuhMBtaGbPJ8RYrZD6ftaNrdj1OE8qJxLeCiecF_WvL8Cg6TeukOulvnr3f0kyEzlYKBlfSxBz-mjqKOnsKFQH9pnZm4-uVDh2are_lQtHQW6rvCKP6nfg/s1600/IMG_20160925_125402973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYUky_DV1Lgs7TdF10bYdjvHuhMBtaGbPJ8RYrZD6ftaNrdj1OE8qJxLeCiecF_WvL8Cg6TeukOulvnr3f0kyEzlYKBlfSxBz-mjqKOnsKFQH9pnZm4-uVDh2are_lQtHQW6rvCKP6nfg/s320/IMG_20160925_125402973.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydtcrC7m20_oc92el-O81TiwcM-kQCgU2qJSlupkYpSTlngDpOuBTHfdgjbEZmQTrunKqaROyW7KbMe88R25nBcEFPPAEL47QR21d1X_9Kdr_MABLrcpcEX25P0ew6cG_TyqDYWsos5Zr/s1600/IMG_20160925_125412275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydtcrC7m20_oc92el-O81TiwcM-kQCgU2qJSlupkYpSTlngDpOuBTHfdgjbEZmQTrunKqaROyW7KbMe88R25nBcEFPPAEL47QR21d1X_9Kdr_MABLrcpcEX25P0ew6cG_TyqDYWsos5Zr/s400/IMG_20160925_125412275.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
we will be having lunch in the terrace along with the Vespa tour.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tmz-EwaatY_oeVWl5phsCDKXHmu1cAAE_HoXC0RYIlKikoSe7VxJIsgkA7z9SccDnCffzwv7mRuwO_bUgQ4hIjzyqTPcysq6t7oe0ZUPWO2j5yU0T5UOw3AEaxo49QwlUJx7dSVm1T7v/s1600/IMG_20160925_125512794_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tmz-EwaatY_oeVWl5phsCDKXHmu1cAAE_HoXC0RYIlKikoSe7VxJIsgkA7z9SccDnCffzwv7mRuwO_bUgQ4hIjzyqTPcysq6t7oe0ZUPWO2j5yU0T5UOw3AEaxo49QwlUJx7dSVm1T7v/s400/IMG_20160925_125512794_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEds9hLssrpIJ1xlE7ifXV6aKz27HVCBoBmcDj_UCVK7v-2fm-RKFlvolVrTfwTZ7cpxNIoSjXt3Qy9qg9j9ZEX8f-sa8n-ePNBqPbxxA81eq60QC8i9aRvY-jtWQeXbENWwSHKjm0CsWR/s1600/P9250321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEds9hLssrpIJ1xlE7ifXV6aKz27HVCBoBmcDj_UCVK7v-2fm-RKFlvolVrTfwTZ7cpxNIoSjXt3Qy9qg9j9ZEX8f-sa8n-ePNBqPbxxA81eq60QC8i9aRvY-jtWQeXbENWwSHKjm0CsWR/s320/P9250321.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Lunch includes a wine tasting where they open six bottles including a marvelous super Tuscan of which they only have four bottles left. We feel special. After lunch we walk along the very ready for harvest grapes,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Sdmb8vgyWSYmjp6T2ujK71JGOeupGIB-gGHiWv6zDTXrAASVzDKeRzXNL7o1yKQ9KoMbHYjKpMmOiPiVS0ioVZ4EmH_odVr0IrIvUHd-4mZMaQqymYGJ8_wFsrqiO-CdShBwGkmY59tx/s1600/P9250315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Sdmb8vgyWSYmjp6T2ujK71JGOeupGIB-gGHiWv6zDTXrAASVzDKeRzXNL7o1yKQ9KoMbHYjKpMmOiPiVS0ioVZ4EmH_odVr0IrIvUHd-4mZMaQqymYGJ8_wFsrqiO-CdShBwGkmY59tx/s400/P9250315.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzK8Jk4Ky4JkXOu6nP_5N3ofhKiQYftYeGvMx1-_CzuUm4P91f5M92xXopOzbOmaOBxKeVUI2M7vfY5MFo5Yt9v6DcbzxlIsVawRMQCFgnjZb670JPCjIiZBsh7XdVs4PX3KnBcv-ByEqN/s1600/P9250317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzK8Jk4Ky4JkXOu6nP_5N3ofhKiQYftYeGvMx1-_CzuUm4P91f5M92xXopOzbOmaOBxKeVUI2M7vfY5MFo5Yt9v6DcbzxlIsVawRMQCFgnjZb670JPCjIiZBsh7XdVs4PX3KnBcv-ByEqN/s400/P9250317.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucV6mzUVaA3yfGWzMbaKpcg1pdDVP_WlHDkv3GPIP987Ee1hZVX_aFiz2hENOw4MHcgcZoqvkvR4JCJHvOCp6Si6efbHPFW8xsrl6ESDbiTqxE-e7HxrL6FMfSjQul9gD5xSkZbmlLK4z/s1600/P9250318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucV6mzUVaA3yfGWzMbaKpcg1pdDVP_WlHDkv3GPIP987Ee1hZVX_aFiz2hENOw4MHcgcZoqvkvR4JCJHvOCp6Si6efbHPFW8xsrl6ESDbiTqxE-e7HxrL6FMfSjQul9gD5xSkZbmlLK4z/s320/P9250318.JPG" width="311" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kESoLYq-EdW-tdPWQbO1F6b9PuY3g80WvLx25liD7xDPIgOOIi2gQIasJQoyhdxZKVGER1VKRSTKzGW6Gaocg8-0NW-JveCLDBwkcVs_Wnyo81aQ_o3afUUDlyXwct542tJZ9I51A46w/s1600/P9250320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kESoLYq-EdW-tdPWQbO1F6b9PuY3g80WvLx25liD7xDPIgOOIi2gQIasJQoyhdxZKVGER1VKRSTKzGW6Gaocg8-0NW-JveCLDBwkcVs_Wnyo81aQ_o3afUUDlyXwct542tJZ9I51A46w/s400/P9250320.JPG" width="243" /></a></div>
<br />
and admire the beautiful Tuscan countryside<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLT3PBQ-Xod9QgyD6eJKwJCwFNU8yKcQKv2ECO9TebHgw1HdVQBJUCegQOXVXZ1zhc3XJI6shgJ5W2TVdYQ1jgzbHipds6hvSGci_nbmdKbITQC6RP3yrjD9xzVzSDJJ7d1Qp6y2rD9wZc/s1600/P9250323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLT3PBQ-Xod9QgyD6eJKwJCwFNU8yKcQKv2ECO9TebHgw1HdVQBJUCegQOXVXZ1zhc3XJI6shgJ5W2TVdYQ1jgzbHipds6hvSGci_nbmdKbITQC6RP3yrjD9xzVzSDJJ7d1Qp6y2rD9wZc/s640/P9250323.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
from our tiny little car.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWkVuPzOiAHGy0lZhLJotlBKC4l_DYqV0lS87KpiyyJCmy7nRSYy_ezvzESchLT_OJr2ecZyx_6wkZAduUF95CesB6-kZ0UFo24tK3XfXejAfo7fiDtMarh9QVDlwG_BtrfZ9MC9g5vf2/s1600/IMG_20160925_123325272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWkVuPzOiAHGy0lZhLJotlBKC4l_DYqV0lS87KpiyyJCmy7nRSYy_ezvzESchLT_OJr2ecZyx_6wkZAduUF95CesB6-kZ0UFo24tK3XfXejAfo7fiDtMarh9QVDlwG_BtrfZ9MC9g5vf2/s400/IMG_20160925_123325272.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
And then we go,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2CL3EMT4mt7abwwqiH2Lf9XX-sAqNUe21MJVCoYWXF6ZfMQr5dHchU3yK8pobaOvmbq3CRCXkxr4ClaSgWHHBo2xGfvGagcUCznx7MfeIJxz_jKGCe4rYVU6zwIuFEDbzVS-9TWhciBj/s1600/IMG_20160925_151540659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2CL3EMT4mt7abwwqiH2Lf9XX-sAqNUe21MJVCoYWXF6ZfMQr5dHchU3yK8pobaOvmbq3CRCXkxr4ClaSgWHHBo2xGfvGagcUCznx7MfeIJxz_jKGCe4rYVU6zwIuFEDbzVS-9TWhciBj/s400/IMG_20160925_151540659.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVAuor_B68alKCpmXwSQm3bJ-XZdC4Ios7RIEYA9IU4BltGs8SGpIg_N7PcFeh4uDIg-JkBf_Csc3Ku89mKOZBO619fgkv4StfTeiT3Pb_izWft1hgE8E1kX28ap4KCtq41Oxs2i6FfHV/s1600/IMG_20160925_151643438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVAuor_B68alKCpmXwSQm3bJ-XZdC4Ios7RIEYA9IU4BltGs8SGpIg_N7PcFeh4uDIg-JkBf_Csc3Ku89mKOZBO619fgkv4StfTeiT3Pb_izWft1hgE8E1kX28ap4KCtq41Oxs2i6FfHV/s320/IMG_20160925_151643438.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Four our last night in beautiful Florence,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQc_B5NIsvutP2-msM0EGjL8iAftUIrf5d6wVGX7dUgwJUt131S4XLro2bGWDCQkXXeuJVw8bNBuEJssJtk4cxweFPTwzYlqz_8YJrY43QWaSCH1jEpS4NjdSEiy1VXlZ9YoaqDslFFwY/s1600/IMG_20160925_235838673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQc_B5NIsvutP2-msM0EGjL8iAftUIrf5d6wVGX7dUgwJUt131S4XLro2bGWDCQkXXeuJVw8bNBuEJssJtk4cxweFPTwzYlqz_8YJrY43QWaSCH1jEpS4NjdSEiy1VXlZ9YoaqDslFFwY/s640/IMG_20160925_235838673.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
and our first ever, really awesome tour.Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10548038213207928436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154626510210656833.post-63719632680671068462016-10-16T16:17:00.000-04:002016-10-16T16:17:26.646-04:00L'arte di Firenze - dueUffizzi is Florence's largest and most important museum. Although there seems to be art everywhere,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWd2BvrL5d8E-dygWJ2OusQlCFtxqCUvXLcrHqgOrbVR4FoQinQ-HNCTNPPLO9VE-meRGzNVGqwTVIm32bcTVdgRFZ5cYuaegwRvhVwBdZqybXrlsz3u0Oo9bDRS1x5BoYI9xz91_oOAI/s1600/IMG_20160921_205105233.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWd2BvrL5d8E-dygWJ2OusQlCFtxqCUvXLcrHqgOrbVR4FoQinQ-HNCTNPPLO9VE-meRGzNVGqwTVIm32bcTVdgRFZ5cYuaegwRvhVwBdZqybXrlsz3u0Oo9bDRS1x5BoYI9xz91_oOAI/s400/IMG_20160921_205105233.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEG2qWzdtY3q0c8_zwkSt-RmLZAdSbEuHbwH9UU6lqXLXLQJhHH7vuRla0BRpMeXi17l0l1c_AnoE0vCGrsMEiY2Ae7P4j5geUyVzs8yJNQL29r1AexN0VQnKWTszU_Df42BAmB9R1rupy/s1600/IMG_20160925_222141008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEG2qWzdtY3q0c8_zwkSt-RmLZAdSbEuHbwH9UU6lqXLXLQJhHH7vuRla0BRpMeXi17l0l1c_AnoE0vCGrsMEiY2Ae7P4j5geUyVzs8yJNQL29r1AexN0VQnKWTszU_Df42BAmB9R1rupy/s400/IMG_20160925_222141008.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xVA1zq0PFj93hWbMNKuE51s6OJm7AIAJdkokErzNqEacVCKnZAC_jIoPKtODUqzjfcvFlsSpAqC9iMLpf6rTB4-nXNXmqXUCYO7ZZscXgnMTSGSuMBzRz6Cn1JtD5ZeqMaI4j1z3zUbQ/s1600/IMG_20160925_222629525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xVA1zq0PFj93hWbMNKuE51s6OJm7AIAJdkokErzNqEacVCKnZAC_jIoPKtODUqzjfcvFlsSpAqC9iMLpf6rTB4-nXNXmqXUCYO7ZZscXgnMTSGSuMBzRz6Cn1JtD5ZeqMaI4j1z3zUbQ/s400/IMG_20160925_222629525.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-KvLfrv2lveNDLwuHQwluikg9QYBxHNezgm0EZEBxjOWAQqYShh_LRNXcb3Que7CQOq2bt71WBq5t8PMOZzYX-AkSShIj8j_o_CcABfyOS1rfbF3pq9gy2E-EN2J1lGyK4-5GQnDw3rj/s1600/IMG_20160925_223113175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-KvLfrv2lveNDLwuHQwluikg9QYBxHNezgm0EZEBxjOWAQqYShh_LRNXcb3Que7CQOq2bt71WBq5t8PMOZzYX-AkSShIj8j_o_CcABfyOS1rfbF3pq9gy2E-EN2J1lGyK4-5GQnDw3rj/s400/IMG_20160925_223113175.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2We3la4T1KmHKpFjdlBWaaAO3Qx7hWePz386aUzOt0TRzSwCvOSzov3l3UOiLH-cx55h0MA93H5IeNByO3DfLO_KaB8AE0nEVZnt-l_X5nLETlbgypTWOY0Eqi36Yfb6RUBImXoOL1b08/s1600/P9210219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2We3la4T1KmHKpFjdlBWaaAO3Qx7hWePz386aUzOt0TRzSwCvOSzov3l3UOiLH-cx55h0MA93H5IeNByO3DfLO_KaB8AE0nEVZnt-l_X5nLETlbgypTWOY0Eqi36Yfb6RUBImXoOL1b08/s400/P9210219.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwJDrOy79Yt8qZahPfA87xeYqlhJrMLXiKmrjk7Jd5oiLCL3w-vNUh9JLxnGwbDjS95BZzo6pge9b5AtYtSFew4ACp2wlevSQEv2KRexldq3toeSoB4SvVqvnaGvCn6LOUGBfLYShG5-h/s1600/P9220248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwJDrOy79Yt8qZahPfA87xeYqlhJrMLXiKmrjk7Jd5oiLCL3w-vNUh9JLxnGwbDjS95BZzo6pge9b5AtYtSFew4ACp2wlevSQEv2KRexldq3toeSoB4SvVqvnaGvCn6LOUGBfLYShG5-h/s640/P9220248.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
in all manner imaginable, and some in the most improbable places. We did not get tickets to the Uffizzi from the US. A couple we met in line at L'Accademia told us they had gone the day before at 3:00-3:30 and only waited five minutes. We decided to try our luck this way. On the day we chose the lines were long and the waiting was over an hour, we were tired from doing something we never ever ever do on vacation. We had spent the entire day shopping. Florence has a magnificent array of stores, ranging from every high end designer to artisanal paper products and a dream of a shop devoted almost entirely to Pinocchio. Standing in line for an hour at 3:00 PM to get into a very large museum that closes at 5:30 PM didn't sound like the most appetizing thing to do. So we skipped the line, literally. Instead we opted to cross Ponte Vecchio the next morning and visit the not as popular yet extremely elegant Palazzo Pitti.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzktRnek11GL_5ti_btK0A1_BOZJ3rsQG52GcfhqWLSdSIE8d53zx5KbQiRqMwtxzv4crAuVqjjL9k7COMRi-V4MVXMCGXD7zH6Pjzxh6JDTefSEF_8aI5Qzt9mL_UL60REI4AxlmOe-lu/s1600/P9220240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzktRnek11GL_5ti_btK0A1_BOZJ3rsQG52GcfhqWLSdSIE8d53zx5KbQiRqMwtxzv4crAuVqjjL9k7COMRi-V4MVXMCGXD7zH6Pjzxh6JDTefSEF_8aI5Qzt9mL_UL60REI4AxlmOe-lu/s400/P9220240.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid99mBPb8bCCwlZnLx3k_NLvXSMz1Nhm2JO4GxKwFF9gq0DULAsBbBb_o_r4HBYrpv9f3zvwumvOq8Uw8QMdMIScp7jU8MPcZsEOG2Di_fymlgtDvBMS6LLgiAgjv8SbY0HLRj46csOzrY/s1600/P9240281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid99mBPb8bCCwlZnLx3k_NLvXSMz1Nhm2JO4GxKwFF9gq0DULAsBbBb_o_r4HBYrpv9f3zvwumvOq8Uw8QMdMIScp7jU8MPcZsEOG2Di_fymlgtDvBMS6LLgiAgjv8SbY0HLRj46csOzrY/s400/P9240281.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The permanent collection is exquisite,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJpS8ZALoHC7FNVqjcjDEn334pv6UcYi7zcWz9BNkNGITQ7SNzBzs1ZrtUzDezED1zf2pj9qHlb61gW5fbWOLCkMOogMY4tAsVJw2O6DHkRAppYQPaG04T5tnhgcBndJ1VcHc9OgkDflC/s1600/P9240293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="593" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJpS8ZALoHC7FNVqjcjDEn334pv6UcYi7zcWz9BNkNGITQ7SNzBzs1ZrtUzDezED1zf2pj9qHlb61gW5fbWOLCkMOogMY4tAsVJw2O6DHkRAppYQPaG04T5tnhgcBndJ1VcHc9OgkDflC/s640/P9240293.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
and had me staring endlessly at this stunning piece, "Primo Compleanno" by Plinio Nomellini. An artist I had never heard of. His way of painting the light was so amazing that as you stare in awe at this rather large piece there is a glare that makes you cover your eyes...and it's in the painting!<br />
<br />
The featured exhibit though was Lagerfeld fashion photography. He has never been my favorite but this was stunning.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLQLhICmhIpivbBfRCEu5PoGSve_ZQf-v6l24-tj31Z83NSuYyEgBAISPBD50kM70Fdn6AvKw5ECuRX9wbKar-IUjWn8hsdElTFVU9CSoj5e7qbjbGvKREl327VbzGDUEhxucjtnDgRAE/s1600/P9240269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLQLhICmhIpivbBfRCEu5PoGSve_ZQf-v6l24-tj31Z83NSuYyEgBAISPBD50kM70Fdn6AvKw5ECuRX9wbKar-IUjWn8hsdElTFVU9CSoj5e7qbjbGvKREl327VbzGDUEhxucjtnDgRAE/s400/P9240269.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1xB1Lkqi-b8KBK58AbFoM9FFRiKkjYCdbC40xgOdHAdOeqOChnfwl2N9b82MkpeO_HWqdonJ6jvF7AjBvb8OZANdAXq1TiuKcofJ2SeM4fP-nrsOl-hrjrfcb4UUKw_ZkVWRUUYgGcAg/s1600/P9240270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1xB1Lkqi-b8KBK58AbFoM9FFRiKkjYCdbC40xgOdHAdOeqOChnfwl2N9b82MkpeO_HWqdonJ6jvF7AjBvb8OZANdAXq1TiuKcofJ2SeM4fP-nrsOl-hrjrfcb4UUKw_ZkVWRUUYgGcAg/s640/P9240270.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiod6yH29-PMOaHmwfzNy9xRSwLiQjvxsQItfTrtU4aL3q_C03y-1dfq5ISV6wV0-bgD2X0QEx7KFxV2_QWRECw4UoBfGyhf3Wu_27nNfz3czqoLw4ukFE42OrfJYfXSoiTsBk4BNKHpTn3/s1600/P9240271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiod6yH29-PMOaHmwfzNy9xRSwLiQjvxsQItfTrtU4aL3q_C03y-1dfq5ISV6wV0-bgD2X0QEx7KFxV2_QWRECw4UoBfGyhf3Wu_27nNfz3czqoLw4ukFE42OrfJYfXSoiTsBk4BNKHpTn3/s320/P9240271.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbldq-wqewkos6OZEmF9OQfNpsDPuqOdnIIbPgvEPpCkF3vSHwpqCskc5Xf-u8MZp6h5SJQ0GxYxmL5fHiPbiTBSYfgKAe-3JVwRc9rs2WUjgslHqN2jW7Z8iHCYtP-wlOzlFvo2bPoC0/s1600/P9240272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbldq-wqewkos6OZEmF9OQfNpsDPuqOdnIIbPgvEPpCkF3vSHwpqCskc5Xf-u8MZp6h5SJQ0GxYxmL5fHiPbiTBSYfgKAe-3JVwRc9rs2WUjgslHqN2jW7Z8iHCYtP-wlOzlFvo2bPoC0/s320/P9240272.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikH6ja4NsgQG7xlnY3utT-tKh48Snl8hFT-Sqssf8LA6uiQhXGQxJpXuTakjCEYGnsLGsBZCjhJcQhkLxjzX7MonVFAiTkUeFI1W6Hjl8VBfSfO0vpdqk4uj5UcKXOKB2Quvyw5YKRqhVw/s1600/P9240273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikH6ja4NsgQG7xlnY3utT-tKh48Snl8hFT-Sqssf8LA6uiQhXGQxJpXuTakjCEYGnsLGsBZCjhJcQhkLxjzX7MonVFAiTkUeFI1W6Hjl8VBfSfO0vpdqk4uj5UcKXOKB2Quvyw5YKRqhVw/s400/P9240273.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OCHH8veKB8m4s7WsCrJlVWKCssCuJaF81fYFPqQYB38jW2j5pSLNaE2weiudu-yT3gtk5wLLYEft-OwTqNd6q-WV0s8Kb85YibVGAAwxYtouzdX_5phLdRCBHcDjYRMvRZkS-wmQ2pK4/s1600/P9240274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OCHH8veKB8m4s7WsCrJlVWKCssCuJaF81fYFPqQYB38jW2j5pSLNaE2weiudu-yT3gtk5wLLYEft-OwTqNd6q-WV0s8Kb85YibVGAAwxYtouzdX_5phLdRCBHcDjYRMvRZkS-wmQ2pK4/s320/P9240274.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxiC9WJm35VhKJRUyPCnod5NyK-zQ3eNxQjolxCStOAQ_i3ajBKDthD8dCU6gx0SIlwaFS_gSG5tzXTwu_tm2rTqrdvFdakpMub3_YOQi6LFUXJSi1km9OVKOvgbwH1M7nce6rJtIqjgdO/s1600/P9240275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxiC9WJm35VhKJRUyPCnod5NyK-zQ3eNxQjolxCStOAQ_i3ajBKDthD8dCU6gx0SIlwaFS_gSG5tzXTwu_tm2rTqrdvFdakpMub3_YOQi6LFUXJSi1km9OVKOvgbwH1M7nce6rJtIqjgdO/s320/P9240275.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmmc_LQRJutorjlFXL5Xxrv6O7Jd1Cs9KT63q9CrGqsRFkoxIZuiQNxJsIlz2uLsWczxdo4cq4hqXuQMljffeIqVumCOogcY-jtmRoNuHDjk1Lvo1WVX2fHLEanj4QxfecjHUFMsYHoPM/s1600/P9240277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmmc_LQRJutorjlFXL5Xxrv6O7Jd1Cs9KT63q9CrGqsRFkoxIZuiQNxJsIlz2uLsWczxdo4cq4hqXuQMljffeIqVumCOogcY-jtmRoNuHDjk1Lvo1WVX2fHLEanj4QxfecjHUFMsYHoPM/s400/P9240277.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xVIOrLkrUVSgowlFjs4RzkL8_0IKObgq7H6sIMRk5aWOpkGs3ZgqUTxv39klkAQnV4Gny4Psmfbc13a7SdTsTEohRummHOpX_gSQq6EuYji4yeu_HyqNUCv7jzZCD50shu_1cvVVxiag/s1600/P9240278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xVIOrLkrUVSgowlFjs4RzkL8_0IKObgq7H6sIMRk5aWOpkGs3ZgqUTxv39klkAQnV4Gny4Psmfbc13a7SdTsTEohRummHOpX_gSQq6EuYji4yeu_HyqNUCv7jzZCD50shu_1cvVVxiag/s400/P9240278.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtxZL7G-PamaJqG2oXZHYYIAZBKJFqqH3PKPcia0GqCIZRhjURnuEOvAox3rqTNfXpamzAFH3rIO-Zqb-YPQJhTdoEsqZeqYkGhyphenhyphenz9nRmhpM7fOhO1Jl5RlJVXzaGBEED9UCww-_szKVF/s1600/P9240279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtxZL7G-PamaJqG2oXZHYYIAZBKJFqqH3PKPcia0GqCIZRhjURnuEOvAox3rqTNfXpamzAFH3rIO-Zqb-YPQJhTdoEsqZeqYkGhyphenhyphenz9nRmhpM7fOhO1Jl5RlJVXzaGBEED9UCww-_szKVF/s320/P9240279.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOIfHARhRyeR4PYCR0DxnMBhzya4G-oQTxosynA-j62wTMRtDTEsOz37VuoR2ia-4oNlGGHyLObRK8h6rGQeHGH4QZ91ijQtu4R_lEzL7iCWH50mJjGYJuLfT1iPDQ66UtQIrXyfFNXQ3/s1600/P9240280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOIfHARhRyeR4PYCR0DxnMBhzya4G-oQTxosynA-j62wTMRtDTEsOz37VuoR2ia-4oNlGGHyLObRK8h6rGQeHGH4QZ91ijQtu4R_lEzL7iCWH50mJjGYJuLfT1iPDQ66UtQIrXyfFNXQ3/s640/P9240280.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
And of course, being that this is Italy there's the "food" art...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VbtKYtKqN2nbMWy9KDMGnRY5jR5yuv4A-OLEcYVcvt5FdUkKdr_wNTZ7UeOUXqfU-u8WXZdx5Jja7l14S8wdN9Si1nmcdzwBO1xWIqs21GeNTzpG2k6bDXYgCqCRnMu5RS4g54ARnvpG/s1600/IMG_20160921_214009762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VbtKYtKqN2nbMWy9KDMGnRY5jR5yuv4A-OLEcYVcvt5FdUkKdr_wNTZ7UeOUXqfU-u8WXZdx5Jja7l14S8wdN9Si1nmcdzwBO1xWIqs21GeNTzpG2k6bDXYgCqCRnMu5RS4g54ARnvpG/s400/IMG_20160921_214009762.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXYLSS6NTuHiDywFl3XdLlDFtp6V27MhKzo33-ufW8kcY-5uh5M9MFyOU4RcIsZM_kKsyGgd0DmyIpvcaJ8dSrn8rBl1isz9LlwOb_7meVcUDAqOKLdBuNWzG5ZqEzaZ9eR47DvddXnaO/s1600/IMG_20160923_134626958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXYLSS6NTuHiDywFl3XdLlDFtp6V27MhKzo33-ufW8kcY-5uh5M9MFyOU4RcIsZM_kKsyGgd0DmyIpvcaJ8dSrn8rBl1isz9LlwOb_7meVcUDAqOKLdBuNWzG5ZqEzaZ9eR47DvddXnaO/s320/IMG_20160923_134626958.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfonBioD-No3FoBfoalPNI3U-CBqHpyKMpd5cfkg3y2K3PxX5tD75gqLgLkt-tZQ2vNtWbdtIGNry6iP9hIEFWjrorCigGi5ad8vh5-fTa5blzVgszepAN4HlRImhBzuvnE_kyEB0lxjX/s1600/IMG_20160923_204804183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfonBioD-No3FoBfoalPNI3U-CBqHpyKMpd5cfkg3y2K3PxX5tD75gqLgLkt-tZQ2vNtWbdtIGNry6iP9hIEFWjrorCigGi5ad8vh5-fTa5blzVgszepAN4HlRImhBzuvnE_kyEB0lxjX/s320/IMG_20160923_204804183.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPfvPhmMRNKcA1wfHKW84wPWfTcaNC94eY7tf7uLmKG2U09irUaEL7TraKOFhSCYZggut4ySQm8y1ebyIgbskMEYiWSPQdRnWSZosQUipDNFry6Ltov9_X2fUdv1Yba1a4OkKu-WclFS7/s1600/IMG_20160924_214359407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPfvPhmMRNKcA1wfHKW84wPWfTcaNC94eY7tf7uLmKG2U09irUaEL7TraKOFhSCYZggut4ySQm8y1ebyIgbskMEYiWSPQdRnWSZosQUipDNFry6Ltov9_X2fUdv1Yba1a4OkKu-WclFS7/s320/IMG_20160924_214359407.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6bhzNRZE71Kb3DNEApM1WE9nT5XOpM5J6P9iKxF4-spKSNfRlh81fo7HmTchcyBFwmo5jXsN-ZPk86dbyAGshp59udd7oMkfFdTwXkEllGPnd_kldWJfj9X50MMIDCVAbLPgFndhnL1i/s1600/IMG_20160924_214847158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6bhzNRZE71Kb3DNEApM1WE9nT5XOpM5J6P9iKxF4-spKSNfRlh81fo7HmTchcyBFwmo5jXsN-ZPk86dbyAGshp59udd7oMkfFdTwXkEllGPnd_kldWJfj9X50MMIDCVAbLPgFndhnL1i/s400/IMG_20160924_214847158.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxXd3iiSMFyGXfr3SJmykMgp7ls5LlYPCypadOo3iPVtqmuBph6ZlAXYq5aPyIVWK3ezDfzRgskgr-YGUpzGFbnkZwIudnid3KPuhmCJABOdNvA6BiaKhuZE-Hit1OLCNEUHHZ4V-EDbH/s1600/IMG_20160924_220419838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxXd3iiSMFyGXfr3SJmykMgp7ls5LlYPCypadOo3iPVtqmuBph6ZlAXYq5aPyIVWK3ezDfzRgskgr-YGUpzGFbnkZwIudnid3KPuhmCJABOdNvA6BiaKhuZE-Hit1OLCNEUHHZ4V-EDbH/s320/IMG_20160924_220419838.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ljnc1i5BmYwDmIrubaaljJtOOtr3FIvklG0cdfHCknZdaiwgAsHvLTosv7k2mqLL0pLyEtczPPPRIaSpvWaLxiTo96D6iKj5yyhf0HsE9wZJ883bCOBadnQ47qSRMw5E4WKRt-7qIMYN/s1600/IMG_20160924_220430565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ljnc1i5BmYwDmIrubaaljJtOOtr3FIvklG0cdfHCknZdaiwgAsHvLTosv7k2mqLL0pLyEtczPPPRIaSpvWaLxiTo96D6iKj5yyhf0HsE9wZJ883bCOBadnQ47qSRMw5E4WKRt-7qIMYN/s400/IMG_20160924_220430565.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Culture overload....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZo2eJBv-8DtZHKlx__XRqHYcuyvN306TvYEUBkwDt_tO7TA6kL5dhN0cOH9LdHrZMDTYldJrm8VX8msrEAUJ9MUvjHszag_DKQmGHvS-4arVqu4keIVA-4BQ7nZIB3ZnDcsf6aFO1o2A/s1600/IMG_20160923_220645911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZo2eJBv-8DtZHKlx__XRqHYcuyvN306TvYEUBkwDt_tO7TA6kL5dhN0cOH9LdHrZMDTYldJrm8VX8msrEAUJ9MUvjHszag_DKQmGHvS-4arVqu4keIVA-4BQ7nZIB3ZnDcsf6aFO1o2A/s400/IMG_20160923_220645911.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
....no such thing...vintage Emilio Pucci!!!!!!Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10548038213207928436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154626510210656833.post-78635446305236837522016-10-14T13:34:00.001-04:002016-10-14T13:34:16.718-04:00L'arte di Firenze - unoWhen I was a kid and my aunt went on her 3 month whirlwind tour of Europe she returned with a book on every museum she had visited. She brought three solely on the David. I became obsessed. I pored over these pages with the closeups of all the different parts of that most perfect of statues. The curls in his beautiful hair, his perfect not quite aquiline nose, beautiful full lips, his too large hand with every vein and knuckle carved so perfectly human. The fingernails, his feet, his toes, the perfect body and tilt. The look in his eyes. How could a mere human (although Michelangelo doesn't fall into the mere category) carve something so magnificent with a hammer and chisel out of a big giant slab of marble? Regardless of everything else he did, this was his grand masterpiece! (And if you'd like to find out more you can find out <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/21/magazine/davids-ankles-how-imperfections-could-bring-down-the-worlds-most-perfect-statue.html">here</a> in this brilliant piece recently in the New York Times Magazine). So with all of the art that there is in Florence, and there's a LOT, if there was one piece I had to see was the David. In person, as close as I could possibly get without the alarms going off. Before we left for Italy we bought "skip the line tickets" for our first morning there for "Accademia dell'arte" where the David resides. This allowed us entry one hour before opening and the tour crowds with their umbrella yielding guides. We were to meet our tour operator in front of the "reserved" entrance at 10:00 AM to get our tickets. We walked over, a ten minute walk, (why is everything in Italy a ten minute walk? I could live with that!) found the woman in the yellow vest got our tickets and were told to go to the end of the line to the right, this was the "skip the line" line. Huh?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81rxBBUnry5bs9XJkyXibx8JATrbGelpjfqO_K6SPEP9IQ3MKCWpcf1W_ZLwrRDQHiwJhVDGPu_7S1i-j8sPRyHaGA0lk-jUExYkIUeBh5uZpPVvIS-ouheCX98RkGrflCpr-MQqR4u9B/s1600/P9220235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81rxBBUnry5bs9XJkyXibx8JATrbGelpjfqO_K6SPEP9IQ3MKCWpcf1W_ZLwrRDQHiwJhVDGPu_7S1i-j8sPRyHaGA0lk-jUExYkIUeBh5uZpPVvIS-ouheCX98RkGrflCpr-MQqR4u9B/s320/P9220235.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The line against the wall is the regular line, we're in the middle of the street and believe me I monitored our progress as to who got in first! It took 45 minutes and we did! Breezed through security (that was part of our exorbitant ticket price) and walked in. Where is he?????? He is not in the main room when you walk in, we looked at each other, FIND HIM, NOW!!!!! We moved into the room on our left and suddenly, in the distance, standing on a pedestal (well-deserved) with a skylight above him bringing in the natural light stands pure perfection.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIlLW7WtH9EhaN0FbQ7Lgrf1bdfMhHUH-d0bZB-eD4COWgLjhfS3fpRFxl4K4WBIpQkdjYJG-I0hzxVx0S1N4l1LiKFX04ItRtcWiv4mVZySmr85X3XGKMntik1-UHMW4V9Ru4K4vnVVD/s1600/IMG_20160922_111211090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIlLW7WtH9EhaN0FbQ7Lgrf1bdfMhHUH-d0bZB-eD4COWgLjhfS3fpRFxl4K4WBIpQkdjYJG-I0hzxVx0S1N4l1LiKFX04ItRtcWiv4mVZySmr85X3XGKMntik1-UHMW4V9Ru4K4vnVVD/s400/IMG_20160922_111211090.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
There are few people around him, other reserved entry holders, and I'm able to get close,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QnpG2_9hmjlMqZfPIyGYfFw8iPPENyxmNigjLVGVn65N51j2LGGlqWJgmgygqCs-i_Cbesr-anLvkY6rS2n_wPvZ9-WvheXSWI1Sjw-Z-5wcG7O5siWG71xqS39tW2DjdZOOzu31qC6d/s1600/IMG_20160922_122841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QnpG2_9hmjlMqZfPIyGYfFw8iPPENyxmNigjLVGVn65N51j2LGGlqWJgmgygqCs-i_Cbesr-anLvkY6rS2n_wPvZ9-WvheXSWI1Sjw-Z-5wcG7O5siWG71xqS39tW2DjdZOOzu31qC6d/s640/IMG_20160922_122841.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqC3PIEMWe31UtH2CmIREgwNG67aZmTJi0i_YiXGaJVNgnpgEGqMyBkruXbJPt7AKriw6OYv9jonyrcNrV-pu1eFLx2FkNagPFYGxbWvzlXeIKp-_NMUSyVJI6IyHEPCx9160S1k8HOFt/s1600/IMG_20160922_111409156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqC3PIEMWe31UtH2CmIREgwNG67aZmTJi0i_YiXGaJVNgnpgEGqMyBkruXbJPt7AKriw6OYv9jonyrcNrV-pu1eFLx2FkNagPFYGxbWvzlXeIKp-_NMUSyVJI6IyHEPCx9160S1k8HOFt/s400/IMG_20160922_111409156.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-rqMNQ_vQbAZYpiDh5ORAvLw5aSJYL9Ryai5OMXCjxP0QeC-wonOWjBWJGIWRvU44bdcInIlfQ46hQYnZXkHy0mysE4iEzSoF70QYp_UJNSFK2ElRTRNB2F4NB1pfd0sJi1Y0iZtYpKQC/s1600/IMG_20160922_111502013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-rqMNQ_vQbAZYpiDh5ORAvLw5aSJYL9Ryai5OMXCjxP0QeC-wonOWjBWJGIWRvU44bdcInIlfQ46hQYnZXkHy0mysE4iEzSoF70QYp_UJNSFK2ElRTRNB2F4NB1pfd0sJi1Y0iZtYpKQC/s400/IMG_20160922_111502013.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4tP2QtshbDM5pJCBtK26OvXMNXCyXT4ztz4BQGeCp2EFsOELrCFFsBuRFm_umGN6XhlY2Mx01NG_g-k7AQCTzEk-mIuTB7JKAGCVS_xNjr18OAcazPGS_1y-adOHLVVFSs5uGh3221HV/s1600/IMG_20160922_111555940_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4tP2QtshbDM5pJCBtK26OvXMNXCyXT4ztz4BQGeCp2EFsOELrCFFsBuRFm_umGN6XhlY2Mx01NG_g-k7AQCTzEk-mIuTB7JKAGCVS_xNjr18OAcazPGS_1y-adOHLVVFSs5uGh3221HV/s400/IMG_20160922_111555940_HDR.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNP_-gwPDUyJzNSvuoeP55QuMNBeI4TniIV32M8xsmNLjd2SDeOCplzrok8-b0IPn8G96FpXBlqWOIzlWevLRLz-YFs4tqKtxvSEZ4Phx7M3o-XpHJ4NqMPKHda7Tqsn856WCpwVoUug0/s1600/IMG_20160922_111612533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNP_-gwPDUyJzNSvuoeP55QuMNBeI4TniIV32M8xsmNLjd2SDeOCplzrok8-b0IPn8G96FpXBlqWOIzlWevLRLz-YFs4tqKtxvSEZ4Phx7M3o-XpHJ4NqMPKHda7Tqsn856WCpwVoUug0/s400/IMG_20160922_111612533.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvkHNQdmrVoLISp62Dhg1rnsbjOBQPOy7inLipqKVcW0urjnL4eyA7eDzLRDFWIZZpKZpahSWN0csKb-PikZiEHSIiTB7NirLqNUSZFamrTOt-opx9zCH8rDy6yAiHXZGgTBmU8tpUwGy/s1600/IMG_20160922_111625387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvkHNQdmrVoLISp62Dhg1rnsbjOBQPOy7inLipqKVcW0urjnL4eyA7eDzLRDFWIZZpKZpahSWN0csKb-PikZiEHSIiTB7NirLqNUSZFamrTOt-opx9zCH8rDy6yAiHXZGgTBmU8tpUwGy/s400/IMG_20160922_111625387.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
and walk around and stare in complete awe of this phenomenal piece of work. And up close I can see all that detail I had obsessed over in those beautiful books and he's absolutely gorgeous! I walked around and around, luckily was allowed to take pictures. (Because of phones they've changed this rule, you couldn't before, NO FLASH, NO SELFIE STICKS). I sat here there and everywhere and just stared. I don't remember how long but I finally tore myself away,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZJlbesEPZ7quYcws2mct98Gbkx5USLSDF4tRJ7iQlXtqnWsLcWgs3wCnlapjJZ8ydQALBi0a4joJ4bvDXQto_uP1xkLgO7VkKz9SLyByHhALATxzrq3jPgJixP-dbe5q1ZvpR1DnjZ_C/s1600/IMG_20160922_111725427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZJlbesEPZ7quYcws2mct98Gbkx5USLSDF4tRJ7iQlXtqnWsLcWgs3wCnlapjJZ8ydQALBi0a4joJ4bvDXQto_uP1xkLgO7VkKz9SLyByHhALATxzrq3jPgJixP-dbe5q1ZvpR1DnjZ_C/s320/IMG_20160922_111725427.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
after all there are other works in this museum! Mostly religious and other unfinished Michelangelo works,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpkkZlegWMwtJH4cBLg8t5PVVfIHyt678ClpP8UNru0_gAnZh4g_I9tl4YyVBSdMgXFXGI7iilW9LAHqK79b_LnijXrqtV5MuKE5T0PWdSJAW9XYw86y2HkRebk4vBY9XhYN6mqRFwXMyt/s1600/IMG_20160922_112613403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpkkZlegWMwtJH4cBLg8t5PVVfIHyt678ClpP8UNru0_gAnZh4g_I9tl4YyVBSdMgXFXGI7iilW9LAHqK79b_LnijXrqtV5MuKE5T0PWdSJAW9XYw86y2HkRebk4vBY9XhYN6mqRFwXMyt/s320/IMG_20160922_112613403.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3pG90-n7GlP6saRw6FgfNZ5XMYyNBuk6YS9BZ-vJSr2Qb0Mdgxq7e9mbQjX8igEtTlkrCLm5t7SnTsQPwyW07EM7tfiMMsgTRyZcRJMc3u1uAMmZ1YBceBNejZplGmOFJXkGfFqWFzKp/s1600/IMG_20160922_112728830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3pG90-n7GlP6saRw6FgfNZ5XMYyNBuk6YS9BZ-vJSr2Qb0Mdgxq7e9mbQjX8igEtTlkrCLm5t7SnTsQPwyW07EM7tfiMMsgTRyZcRJMc3u1uAMmZ1YBceBNejZplGmOFJXkGfFqWFzKp/s320/IMG_20160922_112728830.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
which pale in comparison, but they <i>are</i> unfinished. There's also a beautiful section on musical instruments in this very small and intimate museum. Hard to concentrate on anything else though so we're finished with art for today.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We'll just traverse through the nooks and crannies....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfMztklsRN3_EpeEFN3NnNJ_f1mNAyL6KIUS-3XAceWoFg0S3bP5P7rjFE_hhkWKHsPicxFjDloARHviMEoTSqMJARlQ8baxzV_HWgFbxDgrerHK-zwfeLTUPqH_573BggWXSlCjzO-hr/s1600/P9210220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfMztklsRN3_EpeEFN3NnNJ_f1mNAyL6KIUS-3XAceWoFg0S3bP5P7rjFE_hhkWKHsPicxFjDloARHviMEoTSqMJARlQ8baxzV_HWgFbxDgrerHK-zwfeLTUPqH_573BggWXSlCjzO-hr/s400/P9210220.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PuS62vxtcaAJFD9OgXDPrNEqNaV12GyJ8N5yPtRHTzvJ0RT4Sbqf2rYk2bk-VvveFK5VNj0KG35q2gaSmXqkx0mvtG7H6MJj-9551B8LXrzVG-ykC5V0YOvpeajkkvAo_OJDlPGfNPcR/s1600/P9210221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PuS62vxtcaAJFD9OgXDPrNEqNaV12GyJ8N5yPtRHTzvJ0RT4Sbqf2rYk2bk-VvveFK5VNj0KG35q2gaSmXqkx0mvtG7H6MJj-9551B8LXrzVG-ykC5V0YOvpeajkkvAo_OJDlPGfNPcR/s400/P9210221.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikY5uJkNeO5aV3rjza5I806giPvWTXU0UnMUiKLQPBg3tvW8TMeC_u-42gJKjf7vHQRhEp3BfFmnVhs2BB6VeQiL8gbK8_n93Qeg516wl_f6LoL4Qj8XgLjNbrvgVZtW1_mFp9lDwTEybM/s1600/P9220225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikY5uJkNeO5aV3rjza5I806giPvWTXU0UnMUiKLQPBg3tvW8TMeC_u-42gJKjf7vHQRhEp3BfFmnVhs2BB6VeQiL8gbK8_n93Qeg516wl_f6LoL4Qj8XgLjNbrvgVZtW1_mFp9lDwTEybM/s320/P9220225.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUvZKJe7AtVK5mWF1fMCrmw3tS-CDMMq6TZ71Kbee5LPxebJQANT3bJWZNUVoohYwSeUZb93CofEKwmxt_eoixEnRQSe2ssM7nmZFsDSorjmXX3PRL9Nw37tG0hpr872ojGFpeYtIkwHE/s1600/P9220243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUvZKJe7AtVK5mWF1fMCrmw3tS-CDMMq6TZ71Kbee5LPxebJQANT3bJWZNUVoohYwSeUZb93CofEKwmxt_eoixEnRQSe2ssM7nmZFsDSorjmXX3PRL9Nw37tG0hpr872ojGFpeYtIkwHE/s320/P9220243.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTX3GFdEy1acbn16Yy40sl301czekrDcI9Yg6HfZMVKhgiAooeaSLRRjHWaJgeZRD9OM3kkQPbPHbGzrP12NXrnOq8tl0RqLDFFvq7MZu0Mqm2ZB3X80dcPSDB9A5WObJY6ROBWZlTYsEp/s1600/P9220244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTX3GFdEy1acbn16Yy40sl301czekrDcI9Yg6HfZMVKhgiAooeaSLRRjHWaJgeZRD9OM3kkQPbPHbGzrP12NXrnOq8tl0RqLDFFvq7MZu0Mqm2ZB3X80dcPSDB9A5WObJY6ROBWZlTYsEp/s400/P9220244.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbHvCDGXed_N3i9EI-V4cwEnQJEGbjyH3upMPpwe0vBank2VGtuJgVZdQLe0p9wbSv6JPu0s1TM_AkUAyDY2clvUUW3LrDDBCCUbbVkE28sGWLPxsKSn1vjSofg_fQPkLPpQDtWi-Wypc/s1600/P9220246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbHvCDGXed_N3i9EI-V4cwEnQJEGbjyH3upMPpwe0vBank2VGtuJgVZdQLe0p9wbSv6JPu0s1TM_AkUAyDY2clvUUW3LrDDBCCUbbVkE28sGWLPxsKSn1vjSofg_fQPkLPpQDtWi-Wypc/s320/P9220246.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1DUtAm4RVWJlGaEZaRJcrP-z7BG50YFlRM0Wv68Mll2YNAsg0dLAzbZrjj-Dzu2ueMC_cz93Up-E1ElpU1rVlrhGuJxo1u-kOtvaQUtQunJ9Kh5TKvHFrWyTgaxQtNLgfo62VRPeJOb1/s1600/P9220247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1DUtAm4RVWJlGaEZaRJcrP-z7BG50YFlRM0Wv68Mll2YNAsg0dLAzbZrjj-Dzu2ueMC_cz93Up-E1ElpU1rVlrhGuJxo1u-kOtvaQUtQunJ9Kh5TKvHFrWyTgaxQtNLgfo62VRPeJOb1/s400/P9220247.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPxVzx_L4VFvWFWtKPph1apEESvtUtYIQFTZ5F-dhrBbt9eb8Owpr-NcQP4gkxml3qR9KBop_JKVlqf5TezbautUMy_AbX6Q1NgPPSTRGdSec6Ydjs8JuKvISLFqp-wB7voUWjioZKNoS/s1600/P9230255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPxVzx_L4VFvWFWtKPph1apEESvtUtYIQFTZ5F-dhrBbt9eb8Owpr-NcQP4gkxml3qR9KBop_JKVlqf5TezbautUMy_AbX6Q1NgPPSTRGdSec6Ydjs8JuKvISLFqp-wB7voUWjioZKNoS/s320/P9230255.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuy5Oqll3WmkqPoLD0N0A6EK8yzfPQrQNtUbfRA6ThYNiOinrcbOdCf7B50nZInhSXnO9t_jlfCtBpawChGD7ej2Z6hbGbxF5t_6aAVwuk1AV-H3sWemxkaR7vbfUkqoRHCaMUwFZ2yTnI/s1600/P9230264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuy5Oqll3WmkqPoLD0N0A6EK8yzfPQrQNtUbfRA6ThYNiOinrcbOdCf7B50nZInhSXnO9t_jlfCtBpawChGD7ej2Z6hbGbxF5t_6aAVwuk1AV-H3sWemxkaR7vbfUkqoRHCaMUwFZ2yTnI/s400/P9230264.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
...and enjoy the great work of art that Florence is.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fXHc2KP3j9MjAMl-aywo1HvZe2t0b2KI1BORFi2TejeiIMt12s7cBlk6FDkQpqxlnLWYKizYfiX14KT8oQqtAuCrV7R_38VgeX4SRnIoP33Dxt01Zhb8yMZKR7JSP7SWG13RfERJXttJ/s1600/P9240292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fXHc2KP3j9MjAMl-aywo1HvZe2t0b2KI1BORFi2TejeiIMt12s7cBlk6FDkQpqxlnLWYKizYfiX14KT8oQqtAuCrV7R_38VgeX4SRnIoP33Dxt01Zhb8yMZKR7JSP7SWG13RfERJXttJ/s640/P9240292.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10548038213207928436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154626510210656833.post-4694348609566984252016-10-12T13:06:00.001-04:002016-10-12T17:10:56.514-04:00Firenze-Florentia-Florencia, etc. etc. etc.Whenever we go to Europe we always take the train somewhere. Whether a day trip or if transferring from one city or country to another it always needs to be a part of the plan. Eurail is a joy to ride. Some are high speed trains, some not. The service is old fashioned; they bring newspapers, magazines, drinks, snacks all with the price of the ticket. If you're in first class it's sparkling wine and a meal, better than flying I would say. There's also and old fashioned bar car, and it's hard to beat the scenery. Both Frank and I had heard a myriad of awful Italy train stories: <i>Somebody else was in our reserved seat and the conductors did nothing, we couldn't find the platform and nobody helped, we bought a sleeping berth and people were in it and the conductors did nothing, we found another berth but it was bunk beds and that's not what we paid for, nobody helped with our luggage and we had to sit next to it so it wouldn't be stolen, the conductors are rude and inattentive, blah blah blah blah...</i>So after climbing into a very crowded waterbus (it was rush hour and people were going to work!) in Venice to make our way to the very lovely Santa Lucia train station, where after four days I was shocked to see cars as the bus station is across the canal, we were ready for our first horrifying Italy train ride. Other than the fact that it was 45 minutes late (another in the mountain of complaints) and having to lug and store our own luggage (which we've done every other time by the way) everything was peachy keen. We had very comfortable seats, newspapers so we could practice our Italian (per the conductor's suggestion) snacks, salty or sweet?, and a small bottle of wine. It was a high speed train, the ride from Venice to Florence was a bit over an hour so we arrived at the bustling station, Santa Maria Novella, somewhere before noon. We had walking directions from the train station which seemed pretty direct and short of distance so we pulled our luggage into the very crowded streets of Florence and pushed through. Again we were in the center of everything, a mere two tiny windy blocks from Il Duomo, a magnificent structure<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-GXwB2n_dfjgH2GFEBrVxeCtpuIk63M7Lg9yb1ycKjdCTDtVtZMb8d3n5MxrlhNpn5YKQZP6cxj6g1uZ1EMupy00SQ-xzxq3c45cDVC3iWwhyphenhyphenxZtOJ7GLu4a7DsU-5WyrIhMRmk-gFIy/s1600/P9220226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-GXwB2n_dfjgH2GFEBrVxeCtpuIk63M7Lg9yb1ycKjdCTDtVtZMb8d3n5MxrlhNpn5YKQZP6cxj6g1uZ1EMupy00SQ-xzxq3c45cDVC3iWwhyphenhyphenxZtOJ7GLu4a7DsU-5WyrIhMRmk-gFIy/s400/P9220226.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpw1qz310yd20q7VoQPyQ7Xy5-1cc6RSCsRdx-kaQyGeiri1pVn0AdUt2o05t8-PGjeZbXYtPIB6w9v4BHvmrGe6cbpOR_Wrilo2Ew4ukTmpgOol1NBNGcTngQN_fCdG9Wurb3isEIstS/s1600/P9220228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpw1qz310yd20q7VoQPyQ7Xy5-1cc6RSCsRdx-kaQyGeiri1pVn0AdUt2o05t8-PGjeZbXYtPIB6w9v4BHvmrGe6cbpOR_Wrilo2Ew4ukTmpgOol1NBNGcTngQN_fCdG9Wurb3isEIstS/s400/P9220228.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseNJB0PcaZVUV_RREwN47q0xdDAIQekaWVca56phLvGtxgZsde_vnmuZR7LxCyB5Fi9iVF1m-auJUlN0U7QumqphGeMRsZ6unHYSCrF-R2g_Jay6YSGzJUEphl3GGmBmalaYbhRMaNz2K/s1600/P9220230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseNJB0PcaZVUV_RREwN47q0xdDAIQekaWVca56phLvGtxgZsde_vnmuZR7LxCyB5Fi9iVF1m-auJUlN0U7QumqphGeMRsZ6unHYSCrF-R2g_Jay6YSGzJUEphl3GGmBmalaYbhRMaNz2K/s400/P9220230.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52Ft-37ZRWlD9SM04VJxztGQhvuEnmpynfx8ybinFH2pgHD_ii-N9FAWCpibn4MRzV33BYU6J_mNse3W2VT_IS1KCUpMWXToWFIVBIclCMDPCJZn38GQ1WcJS7csxHqEoqPC1vVedsG7t/s1600/P9220233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52Ft-37ZRWlD9SM04VJxztGQhvuEnmpynfx8ybinFH2pgHD_ii-N9FAWCpibn4MRzV33BYU6J_mNse3W2VT_IS1KCUpMWXToWFIVBIclCMDPCJZn38GQ1WcJS7csxHqEoqPC1vVedsG7t/s400/P9220233.JPG" width="323" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFYfNjg17kXo9nDl9GEm81pytFxQ8VfR5DYys7ot9pod8imJ7X73dtyczscDF7OuwTSkmVKfen-RvE8o21-dJ3YYoU6oXQWfF_-JsSDpoCAOqlal3gugcTYPxTHpxwA8tagM9uFcAkkMI/s1600/IMG_20160923_222534449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFYfNjg17kXo9nDl9GEm81pytFxQ8VfR5DYys7ot9pod8imJ7X73dtyczscDF7OuwTSkmVKfen-RvE8o21-dJ3YYoU6oXQWfF_-JsSDpoCAOqlal3gugcTYPxTHpxwA8tagM9uFcAkkMI/s400/IMG_20160923_222534449.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLX7wJP4ooNHY5X6O6xN9uq2kMBiJn9l7YQTWDWV2CmowieI5t8E8UyqApqHSWDhmBQBnEDnlcrZMTCh4PQGjO5q1iDMDdpgOs-nTBoLN-zh184xyTJqNsXGuHzLDtjTZ7Pj3rUOzd0LSD/s1600/IMG_20160923_223100492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLX7wJP4ooNHY5X6O6xN9uq2kMBiJn9l7YQTWDWV2CmowieI5t8E8UyqApqHSWDhmBQBnEDnlcrZMTCh4PQGjO5q1iDMDdpgOs-nTBoLN-zh184xyTJqNsXGuHzLDtjTZ7Pj3rUOzd0LSD/s400/IMG_20160923_223100492.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
with very long lines to get in, and just around the corner from Piazza della Signoria with the Palazzo Vecchio, the fake David<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSrRpsgdhctG3YipN-z_z7jjkRMaI3-5FDyFhLJT5erJyYEzTs639EU9RK318RO5Tg-FdMYIlyp7xPSFizvbGUd7_l225MBx18J0-SgRWBBMeV4arCS5Y5auTI514oi_I5_PKW_l_OULe/s1600/IMG_20160921_225815767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSrRpsgdhctG3YipN-z_z7jjkRMaI3-5FDyFhLJT5erJyYEzTs639EU9RK318RO5Tg-FdMYIlyp7xPSFizvbGUd7_l225MBx18J0-SgRWBBMeV4arCS5Y5auTI514oi_I5_PKW_l_OULe/s320/IMG_20160921_225815767.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5giQSL9pbgoLD8QD8iAXISnOjOINmYCdR1t7Sd6Py9OXk4dthXd1Po6b_orTatmlK4FhLbuyGxcBr2tJhXFG4QXCva43JlUMvcHo7rFH0jA0KQ4Nxre0PAexFUPuqBmN63wGbrl4eznya/s1600/IMG_20160921_225835525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5giQSL9pbgoLD8QD8iAXISnOjOINmYCdR1t7Sd6Py9OXk4dthXd1Po6b_orTatmlK4FhLbuyGxcBr2tJhXFG4QXCva43JlUMvcHo7rFH0jA0KQ4Nxre0PAexFUPuqBmN63wGbrl4eznya/s320/IMG_20160921_225835525.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
and a passage to the famed Uffizzi museum. The crowds were massive and what I remember most is the tour groups with their umbrella holding guides coming at us in tides. Aaaaargh! On a narrow cobblestone street with no sidewalk and the only car traffic allowed, yikes!, we found our lovely little B & B, Badia Fiorentina,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7R4d4ba26CWqZFFhK63PtwI6oY2a7TU1fO9gXpCukN5q7o9dDqkTXpo5EDA_1PnKJw14_KzzSam16JoYVkjv3utYMlgaDwBdJzRlU9FtJ6MTo_NDxrCfop3XiACKMAglQuS8zOhYmq8e/s1600/IMG_20160923_102951964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7R4d4ba26CWqZFFhK63PtwI6oY2a7TU1fO9gXpCukN5q7o9dDqkTXpo5EDA_1PnKJw14_KzzSam16JoYVkjv3utYMlgaDwBdJzRlU9FtJ6MTo_NDxrCfop3XiACKMAglQuS8zOhYmq8e/s400/IMG_20160923_102951964.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Zbrz4KC42LfzFQTugBynKsBH0A249_7F1C2CLFOwAzYLbxWcT0fHK8gXa9vHr3SPwTMtg4r28iOWXX7eJCZtRvXz8cbcEu3K4cP_jEoYFKybv84tPNBn20pEYvDlzpWNBEghxpjtT7iv/s1600/IMG_20160923_102959248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Zbrz4KC42LfzFQTugBynKsBH0A249_7F1C2CLFOwAzYLbxWcT0fHK8gXa9vHr3SPwTMtg4r28iOWXX7eJCZtRvXz8cbcEu3K4cP_jEoYFKybv84tPNBn20pEYvDlzpWNBEghxpjtT7iv/s320/IMG_20160923_102959248.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0PBRrsVmpZfflAWyAfAdgE9M9DRH6xJ9wvwQFyXMBmWG-mkNzCg_MqZp53ci_f4E5Xxfkd7SejkYB_wtKUF1pX0SMpu8P5gIIBXuNg0bjQtmSDsmQEQ7-13kwQuHkyJE6A3eydQlIuUI/s1600/IMG_20160923_103015606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0PBRrsVmpZfflAWyAfAdgE9M9DRH6xJ9wvwQFyXMBmWG-mkNzCg_MqZp53ci_f4E5Xxfkd7SejkYB_wtKUF1pX0SMpu8P5gIIBXuNg0bjQtmSDsmQEQ7-13kwQuHkyJE6A3eydQlIuUI/s400/IMG_20160923_103015606.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
the only bad thing being that we were on the first floor (European translation, 2nd) and being a very old house, no elevator and these were the stairs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwA5sJ-707P1tqva7W82ATqkJfrFSGQsU9xWj3M59-cDizpZvO9eFqF_8dLyv27m_0HdSTywcYoUPCZK-8HTte-Jzpj2Af6WdJghfUzZWBLGIXRsObaafSBF4bP_DZBS6-cl7uSiG22Dz/s1600/IMG_20160922_130749759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwA5sJ-707P1tqva7W82ATqkJfrFSGQsU9xWj3M59-cDizpZvO9eFqF_8dLyv27m_0HdSTywcYoUPCZK-8HTte-Jzpj2Af6WdJghfUzZWBLGIXRsObaafSBF4bP_DZBS6-cl7uSiG22Dz/s400/IMG_20160922_130749759.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bienvenuto a Firenze! (Florentia-Florencia, etc. etc. etc.) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After carting our luggage up and getting the grand tour from the lovely girl at the desk who we never saw again and a map with all the highlights we ran out to explore, as is our wont to do. We quickly found the elegant Uffizzi just around the corner,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYcEnIXyUCqQtKiW39TmsQd47isTpEtAjSQUD6mNX-dt4t9hvb0Fg_aovTrFx3RVRMaNEMaaY6NgF2A53yTa7IrglNdwHyZ7OzUj3aRStwwaX0XQL9EBv89MERKP1vSItNwkwhIGN2jTS6/s1600/P9210208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYcEnIXyUCqQtKiW39TmsQd47isTpEtAjSQUD6mNX-dt4t9hvb0Fg_aovTrFx3RVRMaNEMaaY6NgF2A53yTa7IrglNdwHyZ7OzUj3aRStwwaX0XQL9EBv89MERKP1vSItNwkwhIGN2jTS6/s400/P9210208.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
pushed through the crowds in the plaza waiting to get in and walked towards the very adorable Ponte Vecchio,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStGW_BmPZCEBixsofSDwYhuw2TUC1_bulhRURupIBbgjgKrnkqRYJvuT1ABOHp1otEMM_8QG_BKwgHay6gW-7ykZxFTXn4bnZYhRiFSXdTKChAokKhlI0DRJQzR__SKs8HFfZDN8Czr43/s1600/P9210206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStGW_BmPZCEBixsofSDwYhuw2TUC1_bulhRURupIBbgjgKrnkqRYJvuT1ABOHp1otEMM_8QG_BKwgHay6gW-7ykZxFTXn4bnZYhRiFSXdTKChAokKhlI0DRJQzR__SKs8HFfZDN8Czr43/s400/P9210206.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxad7kATueVp7GMklRBA0TpbHqvmk0dCCPsMBCIn7Nh6QYJf_zFHImPb3XDH1m8_RNnEggYvR2u2i59xx__bkOe19pOhYgZ_TOxp6sGLXlIpYupymhDNjQigo76xT0V9SoO5LbSM1ZJcWl/s1600/P9210214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxad7kATueVp7GMklRBA0TpbHqvmk0dCCPsMBCIn7Nh6QYJf_zFHImPb3XDH1m8_RNnEggYvR2u2i59xx__bkOe19pOhYgZ_TOxp6sGLXlIpYupymhDNjQigo76xT0V9SoO5LbSM1ZJcWl/s400/P9210214.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRet0E48pbZC8Gmo05NffaGtnouK9rBmvbxEmPbjGGFY-Ix-bDCgcRaDYsrc1lrLumrsci12bYH691xH6BqLfs9cGW6KLGYd1-Qk81RC4arPQxXCo2-3whQhoKeUtTHAWPs4mF9UdMLTE/s1600/P9210215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRet0E48pbZC8Gmo05NffaGtnouK9rBmvbxEmPbjGGFY-Ix-bDCgcRaDYsrc1lrLumrsci12bYH691xH6BqLfs9cGW6KLGYd1-Qk81RC4arPQxXCo2-3whQhoKeUtTHAWPs4mF9UdMLTE/s400/P9210215.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
and crossed to the other side.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsKYslE8sGnlYepL1zcWT18AlAT3e1XtIsV3HP4922LPEue2gRFro-m1tdpjpbSNFYhTy5vTlJlo9XcNxGAZZG4J1cFH7slAB9PShj6Psyd1Y0wgmhfIZYKyx2mKv0yn4M5eBFaSwwJxM/s1600/P9210212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsKYslE8sGnlYepL1zcWT18AlAT3e1XtIsV3HP4922LPEue2gRFro-m1tdpjpbSNFYhTy5vTlJlo9XcNxGAZZG4J1cFH7slAB9PShj6Psyd1Y0wgmhfIZYKyx2mKv0yn4M5eBFaSwwJxM/s400/P9210212.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5d2w4RTGVsO_-NlNu0mcinvZ6a_ankwFjBt6RZzBHOq_91ttA5D3Qwog2VuzCQCQAfJ99HIfLWOch7mKFnhhi9_PYHI6JTu3xNbJEhNlal83l2mi3QJyQbc-LncK3SEsANhO2L-zwD9a/s1600/P9210213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5d2w4RTGVsO_-NlNu0mcinvZ6a_ankwFjBt6RZzBHOq_91ttA5D3Qwog2VuzCQCQAfJ99HIfLWOch7mKFnhhi9_PYHI6JTu3xNbJEhNlal83l2mi3QJyQbc-LncK3SEsANhO2L-zwD9a/s400/P9210213.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Where we found lesser crowds, just as much beauty and our go to lunch place for our time in Florence.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Iarpv7asBoc-x7jvNjj0OYaKuecNyMRflP55hACutsLlFFiENdGBDbyFYWbjrs41RNPIUm0utb7u60Wx8eUHVtb32qlthNAPPFMTatQqWsHtslQSJ0xyYLlpd2_w6Ro-qu3RYoouvXGw/s1600/IMG_20160921_150624821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Iarpv7asBoc-x7jvNjj0OYaKuecNyMRflP55hACutsLlFFiENdGBDbyFYWbjrs41RNPIUm0utb7u60Wx8eUHVtb32qlthNAPPFMTatQqWsHtslQSJ0xyYLlpd2_w6Ro-qu3RYoouvXGw/s320/IMG_20160921_150624821.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hWlOc5TeVpSYyOakjFAkDjWbZlXt9ib53wmDP9Nkjh3ptZfLlcNDeIuUXFUmVjaathdHnuqMYaw-O5nVF1zDzuTV9DyMT5dndWH9Xj5KnYYdLBNwPsR6tQuZOfNxffclGpp8OwbHTWDf/s1600/IMG_20160921_150636477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hWlOc5TeVpSYyOakjFAkDjWbZlXt9ib53wmDP9Nkjh3ptZfLlcNDeIuUXFUmVjaathdHnuqMYaw-O5nVF1zDzuTV9DyMT5dndWH9Xj5KnYYdLBNwPsR6tQuZOfNxffclGpp8OwbHTWDf/s320/IMG_20160921_150636477.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCe1ANmIHJ93LeXd_4aTELaDW98G594Qe_mGrHMusRBbHQeP19FylNCklJGB8Sanc-hgpytjGQ11B-RGHm4RSq9tbX2QmSSJijSS9k-xtTa11ZLkkyToJ11XVmFRTSNWrvwIHqsd6ruRH/s1600/IMG_20160922_143429715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCe1ANmIHJ93LeXd_4aTELaDW98G594Qe_mGrHMusRBbHQeP19FylNCklJGB8Sanc-hgpytjGQ11B-RGHm4RSq9tbX2QmSSJijSS9k-xtTa11ZLkkyToJ11XVmFRTSNWrvwIHqsd6ruRH/s400/IMG_20160922_143429715.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZJJPgUBENWjSCFdrKeJmn-ATQ566gvBjnRVudzeepg0tI5-wA7LyF6L1tRWaoEkXPj1NXSzcej2nGyl1cuNTaDZf_kmJZ5Bv6Gr6nXAkOi9mruIkP8twehNnAHPSZWEbrUT_zr0icyKd/s1600/IMG_20160922_143602692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZJJPgUBENWjSCFdrKeJmn-ATQ566gvBjnRVudzeepg0tI5-wA7LyF6L1tRWaoEkXPj1NXSzcej2nGyl1cuNTaDZf_kmJZ5Bv6Gr6nXAkOi9mruIkP8twehNnAHPSZWEbrUT_zr0icyKd/s400/IMG_20160922_143602692.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Signorvino! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A view of the bridge across the Arno and the rowers from the rowing club across the way!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirYITBl0Za0xOu_7OJTBEK5wWi0FKNjblJtwD62svOkPlEbMWOOTzS0r-HGPZHwdBtaYj2rfwGlposPm0RdmDTUBv4x0cX3Ejg93T1FFeMu9yXeWhIW5ULtL7pIhGuJxDq1ut8z5H5LWh/s1600/IMG_20160921_155940259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirYITBl0Za0xOu_7OJTBEK5wWi0FKNjblJtwD62svOkPlEbMWOOTzS0r-HGPZHwdBtaYj2rfwGlposPm0RdmDTUBv4x0cX3Ejg93T1FFeMu9yXeWhIW5ULtL7pIhGuJxDq1ut8z5H5LWh/s400/IMG_20160921_155940259.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaF1j4ludPc-fY_S6uZj1MtvfiWJTtUHnjfT6_TLHVTfyneuVfnbEk8J-hIWTmj46t85Y-lNtPRTG6YqLM5wOcJxV-O7DoxWBMaqtLd3Xt2MCnKiomPo0mt3D-g_8ZLsOvVVl-Gv-RDwv/s1600/IMG_20160921_160003399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaF1j4ludPc-fY_S6uZj1MtvfiWJTtUHnjfT6_TLHVTfyneuVfnbEk8J-hIWTmj46t85Y-lNtPRTG6YqLM5wOcJxV-O7DoxWBMaqtLd3Xt2MCnKiomPo0mt3D-g_8ZLsOvVVl-Gv-RDwv/s400/IMG_20160921_160003399.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Florentine adventure begins.</div>
Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10548038213207928436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154626510210656833.post-73269216931118872742016-10-06T09:55:00.001-04:002016-10-06T09:55:51.458-04:00Perso a Venezia - tre<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Everybody kept <i>warning</i> us about two things, constantly.<br />
<br />
Number one: you WILL get lost! Hence, the titles of my posts about Venice. I suppose though that I should change that now to "Non ha perso a Venezia!", because we didn't get lost once. As I mentioned earlier, Venice is small, so you really don't go too far. We kept our bearings always knowing where the the lagoon and the basillica were and with our trusty map finding our way through the maze was simple. After our first experience finding our way to La Fenice in a snap on our first night we had no problems finding our restaurants in the Castello district every other night. Every place was practically a 10 minute walk.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyCTuG5PKFbM7DhUmMHN_Fw7bjCjj39uzo-diifa8Ggq7gpPMLXQUkLG5W2Ocqzvve_eALlwAel1irbaqbVRRxBC77-Dt1YMjNZW1E1dec9yFxp2pI_nYDi2Qy6zrGEJrrUPV3W3YxoHz/s1600/IMG_20160918_201639458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyCTuG5PKFbM7DhUmMHN_Fw7bjCjj39uzo-diifa8Ggq7gpPMLXQUkLG5W2Ocqzvve_eALlwAel1irbaqbVRRxBC77-Dt1YMjNZW1E1dec9yFxp2pI_nYDi2Qy6zrGEJrrUPV3W3YxoHz/s400/IMG_20160918_201639458.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0j1voR1jDD6xfppUG9NuPVjtLkguCkD86_r1eHE9JGKATUJoHWQAPLb4rtP3CxyTovdfYreP2WaQbF1f9K_JNHIwscGVzk7YyjGMwOm4OI83GcMXMKAJcFf7O6laIUxAekVKk1dXZkMt/s1600/IMG_20160918_201649223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0j1voR1jDD6xfppUG9NuPVjtLkguCkD86_r1eHE9JGKATUJoHWQAPLb4rtP3CxyTovdfYreP2WaQbF1f9K_JNHIwscGVzk7YyjGMwOm4OI83GcMXMKAJcFf7O6laIUxAekVKk1dXZkMt/s320/IMG_20160918_201649223.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrJwe-QzUtuIkD643B6z-YaFVULIxAVDGDHr_Q9tYPt4VAHjE2szynb8M-KBFhdViIqhGqTdTR4MpebF4o9G4AvF1nPq2b-ok1qU9oQbb3ToPuL1oenvRQkSSOWKT4rRMehDVT2Oth0_I/s1600/IMG_20160918_203811012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrJwe-QzUtuIkD643B6z-YaFVULIxAVDGDHr_Q9tYPt4VAHjE2szynb8M-KBFhdViIqhGqTdTR4MpebF4o9G4AvF1nPq2b-ok1qU9oQbb3ToPuL1oenvRQkSSOWKT4rRMehDVT2Oth0_I/s400/IMG_20160918_203811012.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIQYW6oj6cM1NSJwxC3WHM94Ou7NJj0Qv0j59a2-hH5Gjbyh7yZPDuaEzpBsfNC7ry6Wcq6laQhCLGv0V-LlF6IWlOtqS0zWk5nTOGngEaWs7khRUNWOvooNSdIcb85dsYM7qmlVDkKfK/s1600/IMG_20160919_205702333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIQYW6oj6cM1NSJwxC3WHM94Ou7NJj0Qv0j59a2-hH5Gjbyh7yZPDuaEzpBsfNC7ry6Wcq6laQhCLGv0V-LlF6IWlOtqS0zWk5nTOGngEaWs7khRUNWOvooNSdIcb85dsYM7qmlVDkKfK/s320/IMG_20160919_205702333.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgX844MI0ECysCGoJWfXQDOFQAPdu76KAVyBaHyZY3ET4njRECCRKe917DhuMNjpBInLbOFEDSZq0seKIfC9UsJzFGBjP8m0AA7Lclk5qwENSXoSSUTRM6NNsJPvm4nK_vDZ32z-3u8tu/s1600/IMG_20160919_211656487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgX844MI0ECysCGoJWfXQDOFQAPdu76KAVyBaHyZY3ET4njRECCRKe917DhuMNjpBInLbOFEDSZq0seKIfC9UsJzFGBjP8m0AA7Lclk5qwENSXoSSUTRM6NNsJPvm4nK_vDZ32z-3u8tu/s320/IMG_20160919_211656487.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGf0l4d062V-HfDsB51Q3gprlmGIZBaBG9cEcfV30MSLtfHTwthCnWUoLddnIF1-C6ia2pqFwDzyIWt3ZC_CyXFKnFOOoc5PCLVSt37kyLo8y6J8SPjDkpGpX4VAsLCPyOsjH-LFY_xeUH/s1600/IMG_20160919_214216932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGf0l4d062V-HfDsB51Q3gprlmGIZBaBG9cEcfV30MSLtfHTwthCnWUoLddnIF1-C6ia2pqFwDzyIWt3ZC_CyXFKnFOOoc5PCLVSt37kyLo8y6J8SPjDkpGpX4VAsLCPyOsjH-LFY_xeUH/s400/IMG_20160919_214216932.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmF84BxKAnyOPeRGDVu5kKtD8R-cT0q4GROxVpD1RV-HpvWW2U9myw5bAV8G3Rpp3Yv_O8PC6YOJ1plxm6Q2UmN_RS7b5rgzXjvp4Ifmr6gMXF5fbT5EuaFunjoSaCPM3BIGZrY1nFNIeJ/s1600/IMG_20160920_204825129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmF84BxKAnyOPeRGDVu5kKtD8R-cT0q4GROxVpD1RV-HpvWW2U9myw5bAV8G3Rpp3Yv_O8PC6YOJ1plxm6Q2UmN_RS7b5rgzXjvp4Ifmr6gMXF5fbT5EuaFunjoSaCPM3BIGZrY1nFNIeJ/s320/IMG_20160920_204825129.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMiUJS7wwP8Q4vHL3f8vv56lL-RiyXhl9CARuTspztRN-lJSEdtJ9ouWrPKeo1XXPf6xFBdDzxJDSGhQcRGMz2RHXBIl4vMJqWTIza46AH3EU97NhzZkLmVSsfg0zvJkluERERzaNdwN0z/s1600/IMG_20160920_221657613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMiUJS7wwP8Q4vHL3f8vv56lL-RiyXhl9CARuTspztRN-lJSEdtJ9ouWrPKeo1XXPf6xFBdDzxJDSGhQcRGMz2RHXBIl4vMJqWTIza46AH3EU97NhzZkLmVSsfg0zvJkluERERzaNdwN0z/s320/IMG_20160920_221657613.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKrDjMKOkcZ9SrX_aowhYl05QXj1TcDeQd116Nv4bV6d5DATQELoc8d59ppyTJOX_j-uLxFOVAqKW2jotzy-gP4FjKKwdumjyDbF33j5crdX5U2cD6Io4wO13ZbhUnjYu8hmV2wYcLX-M/s1600/IMG_20160920_221709630.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKrDjMKOkcZ9SrX_aowhYl05QXj1TcDeQd116Nv4bV6d5DATQELoc8d59ppyTJOX_j-uLxFOVAqKW2jotzy-gP4FjKKwdumjyDbF33j5crdX5U2cD6Io4wO13ZbhUnjYu8hmV2wYcLX-M/s320/IMG_20160920_221709630.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We crossed the Grand Canal to Dorsoduro, walked to San Polo, Santa Croce, parts of Cannaregio...always knowing exactly where we were going, even while wandering about, and how to make it back easily. Getting lost was highly exaggerated.<br />
<br />
Warning number two (and the one that people seemed to revel in!): "Oh the crowds everywhere, you're going to hate it!" After our initial shock of the wall to wall people in the semi flooded Piazza San Marco, and thinking "Oh boy those well wishers (ahem) were right :(" that warning also went out the window. First I'll explain the flooding because the following morning, even though it had rained that night, it was gone completely. A gondolier explained, it is attributed to high tide, so if the tide is high that day it comes through in certain spots if not then no flooding.<br />
<br />
Now on avoiding the crowds. Venice has museums but they're nowhere near as famous as the ones in other parts of Italy. Maybe it's because Venice itself is such a piece of art, I don't know. There are no lines or crowds at the museums (at least not in mid-September) but the Basillica of San Marco, the Doge Palace and the Campanille which are all in the Piazza San Marco seem to be the BIG tourist attraction and the lines are endless therefore wall to wall people covering the square. This is during the day. A lot of the tourists seem to be earlybirds because here it is at night.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67tDWBaugk0qpwAC49o4HjMZ2tjto0xJ6v95DafqmFE9iYp7-zYsiLiTJuzH3snCQGT7jrjr5nCgHaitf_GwW0pP2TJwO4pp6YVxlvxfvw9EQuYkP_TqWqXzYqSGxNb8LSg5CxQM_8m8W/s1600/IMG_20160918_233220680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67tDWBaugk0qpwAC49o4HjMZ2tjto0xJ6v95DafqmFE9iYp7-zYsiLiTJuzH3snCQGT7jrjr5nCgHaitf_GwW0pP2TJwO4pp6YVxlvxfvw9EQuYkP_TqWqXzYqSGxNb8LSg5CxQM_8m8W/s400/IMG_20160918_233220680.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVg5iHZPI1X6QCirhyphenhyphenFq83OLkzhUuoNDkTPem8mbfakwbOAVpD1wcTq1zUTfC6LRc9_jIe2PThbJdWk9Tifxwwz4NpgE2ZyicQEeQRrSSzFQ4p_c5wdRcB3gLu5CY1o-OdcsYbHboSAH2G/s1600/IMG_20160918_233232052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVg5iHZPI1X6QCirhyphenhyphenFq83OLkzhUuoNDkTPem8mbfakwbOAVpD1wcTq1zUTfC6LRc9_jIe2PThbJdWk9Tifxwwz4NpgE2ZyicQEeQRrSSzFQ4p_c5wdRcB3gLu5CY1o-OdcsYbHboSAH2G/s320/IMG_20160918_233232052.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeJoZ2jwbT47ePwcbnUpTZ2CRe6g5vA2oaeri7G1bw3K3qCa4vJJ9FE3Cd7uSIw_iBYCaSrkFYbPUJMRDkdGLTwpXTRhRbMkDmWkzxdf2MmFZbK-Tt-S_PiFBmcgGGSOHEt1VlRaA4TJT/s1600/IMG_20160918_233430559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeJoZ2jwbT47ePwcbnUpTZ2CRe6g5vA2oaeri7G1bw3K3qCa4vJJ9FE3Cd7uSIw_iBYCaSrkFYbPUJMRDkdGLTwpXTRhRbMkDmWkzxdf2MmFZbK-Tt-S_PiFBmcgGGSOHEt1VlRaA4TJT/s400/IMG_20160918_233430559.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbddSBAZlIDRhiFtFAXL6a1I_fY4rPE_mqPPKMNo1o8HPkzT5udf-_lBQ5DjQpl0LjTWOiCjcwzRCGA7jyE7OL7BvRJccnUasepLT7zsi4WAnGet_OuTdoGNTJf26Fwhl950Wrx8uTDQT/s1600/IMG_20160918_233847137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbddSBAZlIDRhiFtFAXL6a1I_fY4rPE_mqPPKMNo1o8HPkzT5udf-_lBQ5DjQpl0LjTWOiCjcwzRCGA7jyE7OL7BvRJccnUasepLT7zsi4WAnGet_OuTdoGNTJf26Fwhl950Wrx8uTDQT/s320/IMG_20160918_233847137.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OrA7KwY0eyTqoWVlddMgsjMBjI-QtzJvVcaxpuEzT-i7LjLoGPRQXLutw8dEV77sFbU9FjofD7RHYASz-N-0XLTVaOF9s8WSbVHq3-kgX65Doy26HQD-jDYtWqNLyHtctbg1YRpNr8-R/s1600/IMG_20160919_235126291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OrA7KwY0eyTqoWVlddMgsjMBjI-QtzJvVcaxpuEzT-i7LjLoGPRQXLutw8dEV77sFbU9FjofD7RHYASz-N-0XLTVaOF9s8WSbVHq3-kgX65Doy26HQD-jDYtWqNLyHtctbg1YRpNr8-R/s640/IMG_20160919_235126291.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Beautifully lit up and practically empty. It is also like this early in the morning.<br />
<br />
When we were doing our research on Venice I read an article in Food and Wine which suggested a website called <a href="http://www.frommydiningtable.com/">From My Dining Table</a> by a British woman who has lived in Venice all her life. In it she has a section called "Secret Venice". We chose a few places to go from here but what I remember most is that she says once you move in a couple of blocks from the big tourist attractions, i.e. Piazza San Marco, Rialto Bridge (which wasn't bad at all) you could find yourself on empty streets.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-VEz66NSnnkPCh1KsZQMCEycl_ZCMfV2fT8NWNu4qcjWZVB-o8OZOm0GvYP-QyVMXy4lwdA34lGhJ40MMYKKTPTsrgWrlqXRX6C9pFG40HPmuLoVqK0dHFpfcoGk7sPBbBX13FYIgGU0/s1600/IMG_20160919_143838963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-VEz66NSnnkPCh1KsZQMCEycl_ZCMfV2fT8NWNu4qcjWZVB-o8OZOm0GvYP-QyVMXy4lwdA34lGhJ40MMYKKTPTsrgWrlqXRX6C9pFG40HPmuLoVqK0dHFpfcoGk7sPBbBX13FYIgGU0/s320/IMG_20160919_143838963.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZE7-k53Uq-YTVA11X1lzApoOZ-cRBAEQjMBcN_0P6sV7M_MyQXg7d7XGvcQiJvjNst1gRz72J_2uBpcgdtP57kVxrEz8SiasFFS1YeD0JcEml8555YGxsQ7vXKywXAdVdBrfmQWvFkTe/s1600/P9170056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZE7-k53Uq-YTVA11X1lzApoOZ-cRBAEQjMBcN_0P6sV7M_MyQXg7d7XGvcQiJvjNst1gRz72J_2uBpcgdtP57kVxrEz8SiasFFS1YeD0JcEml8555YGxsQ7vXKywXAdVdBrfmQWvFkTe/s400/P9170056.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXGgwD2o1aYNgSxu9zRSn2Y6ckXGFcTyEFNDyIWrG1eNcrCnUtnLT_hL_5GoYMr-tEGiTY9An0Scug7FZM9514CcEtjR3b991c01YH1TBsYmgR18GrzqzvnJQyJi5UEL25oaWzT1TzVJW/s1600/P9170076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXGgwD2o1aYNgSxu9zRSn2Y6ckXGFcTyEFNDyIWrG1eNcrCnUtnLT_hL_5GoYMr-tEGiTY9An0Scug7FZM9514CcEtjR3b991c01YH1TBsYmgR18GrzqzvnJQyJi5UEL25oaWzT1TzVJW/s400/P9170076.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFwlCnZ5yJexE0A2w4GlhtsOSTZDyVMJAfhOZJUnfeR43V4Hwh2bbuDtcEBr8s0p8ncEIAbBw4IhCH8qUPXzZhDTK8McR-gqoXd8XTgGwi5UvkYxcbyz-aQFIHzEGC61IPMWzAKzKJ1f2/s1600/P9180092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFwlCnZ5yJexE0A2w4GlhtsOSTZDyVMJAfhOZJUnfeR43V4Hwh2bbuDtcEBr8s0p8ncEIAbBw4IhCH8qUPXzZhDTK8McR-gqoXd8XTgGwi5UvkYxcbyz-aQFIHzEGC61IPMWzAKzKJ1f2/s400/P9180092.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-5bZmDpcOJYDdii-bSKwxe4O8QiQdE86uGu8yyx0rVjX-eslYXnLaSObQuvWmSk1Tgc5bgXlf6WiQA16vu2st42NBWovFtkNT6ByGlloj4zbjbxjk0kSxQ3dl-y28fKy3e6yBy3Vtwyc/s1600/P9180097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-5bZmDpcOJYDdii-bSKwxe4O8QiQdE86uGu8yyx0rVjX-eslYXnLaSObQuvWmSk1Tgc5bgXlf6WiQA16vu2st42NBWovFtkNT6ByGlloj4zbjbxjk0kSxQ3dl-y28fKy3e6yBy3Vtwyc/s400/P9180097.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzhCiFifCkd3Sj0AeHGAlJJ2FjPj8PXPapWlTrDW95OU-p-dA0mqbjRZxOv-WqyUcEm8JMpDOtPRx_p6UANjZd1Q3BBKIhwRNfcCyaSz_C_YcuK9OsWZQFQJIuxzdI58EflSjd0mrAWpL/s1600/P9180099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzhCiFifCkd3Sj0AeHGAlJJ2FjPj8PXPapWlTrDW95OU-p-dA0mqbjRZxOv-WqyUcEm8JMpDOtPRx_p6UANjZd1Q3BBKIhwRNfcCyaSz_C_YcuK9OsWZQFQJIuxzdI58EflSjd0mrAWpL/s400/P9180099.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAuaZyEN_A1il3EbUESocVA-35PXqhV3iko1TjUhx4oFMLxH2hGkQPeq3-bJbCYvz-p_QMWGzjPJMQmVnZ8DwdA0geMgwdHZQsC3NJf_3iRt1rnzxi_GUKZkkMfFyqse8qdr_qBEOIA5h/s1600/P9180100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAuaZyEN_A1il3EbUESocVA-35PXqhV3iko1TjUhx4oFMLxH2hGkQPeq3-bJbCYvz-p_QMWGzjPJMQmVnZ8DwdA0geMgwdHZQsC3NJf_3iRt1rnzxi_GUKZkkMfFyqse8qdr_qBEOIA5h/s400/P9180100.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ufxD9K7CtDkqqnqzhm5ohsHcWsGOXP2xvx2GgRK4z6sK4KmzaPQDDNzGN0G8TZ6bEP_WxrqMYdS4z4bc68_Bu8min7MjPK5IIok4W6eJ_0-DQyBwFREvzM3lWqZTOyzeK6o5Wnm26Qe9/s1600/P9180102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ufxD9K7CtDkqqnqzhm5ohsHcWsGOXP2xvx2GgRK4z6sK4KmzaPQDDNzGN0G8TZ6bEP_WxrqMYdS4z4bc68_Bu8min7MjPK5IIok4W6eJ_0-DQyBwFREvzM3lWqZTOyzeK6o5Wnm26Qe9/s320/P9180102.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-Ve53DRmAKcMV2gtYruTDKtmlOpwVl58Vju73alswjq73AnPEHNZ8wBNEE8r4SjWPB2hW-DKj1SfM9SvNZPUPj0UhtJ6Ly7izs9idK6EIZMXHs2Ly9l1oxHmKlhz0jnyUitH4M5EC6mQ/s1600/P9180103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-Ve53DRmAKcMV2gtYruTDKtmlOpwVl58Vju73alswjq73AnPEHNZ8wBNEE8r4SjWPB2hW-DKj1SfM9SvNZPUPj0UhtJ6Ly7izs9idK6EIZMXHs2Ly9l1oxHmKlhz0jnyUitH4M5EC6mQ/s320/P9180103.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIaKJWkbBgBX6k4fR2UmvOglJ7vJW3KeDgpyyEcDRqt1rTfDoSzfESLH1RjHFNKqSfbeo07XyhEiQX3CjxBvcqOAM7NwEcVqpcCraYJiCl0_TeySpQUrUsSl6_-EQkQyRRaX99aeipih6N/s1600/P9180110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIaKJWkbBgBX6k4fR2UmvOglJ7vJW3KeDgpyyEcDRqt1rTfDoSzfESLH1RjHFNKqSfbeo07XyhEiQX3CjxBvcqOAM7NwEcVqpcCraYJiCl0_TeySpQUrUsSl6_-EQkQyRRaX99aeipih6N/s400/P9180110.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaxIJ24dnUM_-VC0OsiTkYf4Yc_4mNoK88izcd6PlG3IgA5NPBmZepBhPMVtGpISeQ1nvJ3EYpQHnibBk2siTqo30_6JVZdwqwjcQ0_qYK0guKq_tAcyw_ualHMwVHPJd6vQpqBOCv08u/s1600/P9190154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaxIJ24dnUM_-VC0OsiTkYf4Yc_4mNoK88izcd6PlG3IgA5NPBmZepBhPMVtGpISeQ1nvJ3EYpQHnibBk2siTqo30_6JVZdwqwjcQ0_qYK0guKq_tAcyw_ualHMwVHPJd6vQpqBOCv08u/s400/P9190154.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It seems the crowds were also highly exaggerated.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UGHZSY2IHdM5gAuoluvGmuxBiDChyphenhyphenXjRWjYgxZsu0ZFWVxiCMl7YDEev6yuyXzvoN_iCbsIaHIIYJRJDToDXr6tIFSEbcL1PDTOaFFGpeir6atkiAt3AxKwuLsRy3yrrlNlcQYdaQIso/s1600/IMG_20160919_234801240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UGHZSY2IHdM5gAuoluvGmuxBiDChyphenhyphenXjRWjYgxZsu0ZFWVxiCMl7YDEev6yuyXzvoN_iCbsIaHIIYJRJDToDXr6tIFSEbcL1PDTOaFFGpeir6atkiAt3AxKwuLsRy3yrrlNlcQYdaQIso/s320/IMG_20160919_234801240.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIAklmlbxoGuKAVQHNE9gIyyCjUWc9PXRfbbHeWhqJv5mDJWFA7He438TpnBKeiTI1RUR59RiQKmZieF4JlRbDp6soH9zbR1rE1pKua55JPDPAS1ULTXviR1xHebj9DAiu7nj_0Nxdzvv/s1600/IMG_20160919_235200933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIAklmlbxoGuKAVQHNE9gIyyCjUWc9PXRfbbHeWhqJv5mDJWFA7He438TpnBKeiTI1RUR59RiQKmZieF4JlRbDp6soH9zbR1rE1pKua55JPDPAS1ULTXviR1xHebj9DAiu7nj_0Nxdzvv/s320/IMG_20160919_235200933.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Ciao bellissima Venezia. Grazie mille.</span></div>
<br />Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10548038213207928436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154626510210656833.post-90009319702102724712016-10-04T09:07:00.001-04:002016-10-04T09:07:49.356-04:00Perso a Venezia - due- AcquaVenice is blissfully car less. The streets are tiny cobblestone mazes turning this way and that usually ending in a charming plaza which usually house outdoor cafes. Luckily Venice is also quite small, it doesn't take very long to go anywhere on foot. Which is quite nice because the little cobblestone streets are filled with all manner of shops, from cheesy carnival masks,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVg8-CwYBT-WN0hawRBi9CzBzAxnZhf-UbpU7SHWZZUlf_Puecl-mrqcqnFBqAUKN1E5WVcRdghRa6_tdy6RNm1o_x1uNK_oX0nMoTyU06V8cCGam6NtJfU540n4iIJ3smtKnWNNvIKFM/s1600/P9170063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVg8-CwYBT-WN0hawRBi9CzBzAxnZhf-UbpU7SHWZZUlf_Puecl-mrqcqnFBqAUKN1E5WVcRdghRa6_tdy6RNm1o_x1uNK_oX0nMoTyU06V8cCGam6NtJfU540n4iIJ3smtKnWNNvIKFM/s320/P9170063.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcwzC5NxxJkRh2-cRTmMYcC6Fi2UxETQgeUfZFhgu-MJHHnpDGWPgyCc5-vee6o4Kwc2xZeDwXMjFBvCL9qQt117FhRSzo-Vrj8U1rnMxsqkiovu_DLvNXgA3GCy4P4mGTQz7f2kjqRX5/s1600/P9170064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcwzC5NxxJkRh2-cRTmMYcC6Fi2UxETQgeUfZFhgu-MJHHnpDGWPgyCc5-vee6o4Kwc2xZeDwXMjFBvCL9qQt117FhRSzo-Vrj8U1rnMxsqkiovu_DLvNXgA3GCy4P4mGTQz7f2kjqRX5/s320/P9170064.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
to high end fashion shops and Venetian delicacies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bgg1ej2RPHTB6IctisMC3FXcHQF_NRF_KItO6JupU60kQ_r35SuI2-9b-P8c0vLjChHNlFPBKAy4VHEUjvW8CQ0wmvoeLTUU9L1fcxo60WgUXy5Y6ava3KFf_WjPbE4KS2qKby7BvIYa/s1600/P9190171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bgg1ej2RPHTB6IctisMC3FXcHQF_NRF_KItO6JupU60kQ_r35SuI2-9b-P8c0vLjChHNlFPBKAy4VHEUjvW8CQ0wmvoeLTUU9L1fcxo60WgUXy5Y6ava3KFf_WjPbE4KS2qKby7BvIYa/s320/P9190171.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Obviously we're not going to eat puppy, but I couldn't resist)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TgkVothFGkwfW1_BYJKdTy4EUT9ZnyTZCRbcrtY4p_DJatW4tnrF6Xt1my4AQViB3bHfJxA0W7MuJ46tp9O-TsA1pYdBtA1w1yVrjkPG5UUJpUalNWmSk220HseHsxZ_V__uunIGUNPP/s1600/P9190172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TgkVothFGkwfW1_BYJKdTy4EUT9ZnyTZCRbcrtY4p_DJatW4tnrF6Xt1my4AQViB3bHfJxA0W7MuJ46tp9O-TsA1pYdBtA1w1yVrjkPG5UUJpUalNWmSk220HseHsxZ_V__uunIGUNPP/s320/P9190172.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And as famously known, the other street options are canals.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihARb_9yro8cHfErolGYOyKe0LTcc85Ie85xZcUOielwjQcYpEh1FUSm-mqrFMhDGrf6MRic_u81TdUWqZmj9sxcepzR46BqbcuPwXkVm2VbUfAEj61qjCW7oAQPkyl2uBsgxebSdW0Xzx/s1600/P9190139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihARb_9yro8cHfErolGYOyKe0LTcc85Ie85xZcUOielwjQcYpEh1FUSm-mqrFMhDGrf6MRic_u81TdUWqZmj9sxcepzR46BqbcuPwXkVm2VbUfAEj61qjCW7oAQPkyl2uBsgxebSdW0Xzx/s400/P9190139.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6DSLbkKEmdNbSa-ubvVf9VhkfdYZYwtGO5H6-UkZUNy1cBLXo0CErROIkqyMJII1iUyYWkm6grLtjbjqReOlbLbYqZkU77VDTQKimmuYyBiqM3E5xFOJHAhAkSI3nazwhI_mA4gqyV_L/s1600/P9200193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6DSLbkKEmdNbSa-ubvVf9VhkfdYZYwtGO5H6-UkZUNy1cBLXo0CErROIkqyMJII1iUyYWkm6grLtjbjqReOlbLbYqZkU77VDTQKimmuYyBiqM3E5xFOJHAhAkSI3nazwhI_mA4gqyV_L/s400/P9200193.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
This is the Grand Canal which is quite wide and circles the city; it is flanked on both sides by grand palazzos of yesteryear, Throughout though there are hundreds of charming little canals traversing the streets.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWXfQS9M8XxoWT8NRTOsd4jPtxOJClTkI0xWpkT34ZJ5B2obdIvnYU8VElVgjpki9_eCiqtcQpdC9E2ETC_bwytNpYZwoOzt_Aqs_YnUM7WqIWk7M17qsWJghr7Db0HDZ0WqUFzSkoRuB/s1600/IMG_20160919_143806585_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWXfQS9M8XxoWT8NRTOsd4jPtxOJClTkI0xWpkT34ZJ5B2obdIvnYU8VElVgjpki9_eCiqtcQpdC9E2ETC_bwytNpYZwoOzt_Aqs_YnUM7WqIWk7M17qsWJghr7Db0HDZ0WqUFzSkoRuB/s400/IMG_20160919_143806585_HDR.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yfEPTlFOkZBF9Dedo8l_ej5h-2SevqDirjSaylDeI5CqGqlMroyYsvkmWOKrcP1RSV9LNDRKbSDZqQo7mMS_d0gvoN5mNwyRuTqN6m3UvOVruhMj-1VQBw0nJoF9DDub06EEznhd1cFT/s1600/IMG_20160920_133652573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yfEPTlFOkZBF9Dedo8l_ej5h-2SevqDirjSaylDeI5CqGqlMroyYsvkmWOKrcP1RSV9LNDRKbSDZqQo7mMS_d0gvoN5mNwyRuTqN6m3UvOVruhMj-1VQBw0nJoF9DDub06EEznhd1cFT/s320/IMG_20160920_133652573.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFofB4vJ1Wy1YN1sTiIV3gP6zpDiEH4TmKclsS6ohuD96x2h19FKRlSwdk6vs-V-lL3T-TpTnlRACaeEG_rq3ewn5evB478hl-fNnmX2PMckrNpugm-9iIzEg2Csqk8_53d9SyiWxHv404/s1600/IMG_20160920_133720464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFofB4vJ1Wy1YN1sTiIV3gP6zpDiEH4TmKclsS6ohuD96x2h19FKRlSwdk6vs-V-lL3T-TpTnlRACaeEG_rq3ewn5evB478hl-fNnmX2PMckrNpugm-9iIzEg2Csqk8_53d9SyiWxHv404/s400/IMG_20160920_133720464.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98ddOU2nZdNgZgTZXl87kagO47EJ0NSz-aD0fp3WIEGlaBeGkpLJzrLp2FTnGR0RD1CLemZFXJZ60211Glzvttdx4RON6UF4LiC1P5mrK9dSPeYCJnBkIzer4KcqWmR-29cMek6JLxz3K/s1600/P9170047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98ddOU2nZdNgZgTZXl87kagO47EJ0NSz-aD0fp3WIEGlaBeGkpLJzrLp2FTnGR0RD1CLemZFXJZ60211Glzvttdx4RON6UF4LiC1P5mrK9dSPeYCJnBkIzer4KcqWmR-29cMek6JLxz3K/s400/P9170047.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhojmXxOxIzCDGxC9ypXYV0FO6i1PAZfT6Xh34GvLRE0yY2mCrfDna7eMb8fc88hT-CBzspiRnkPwt8NzG5DWVoo9fDN-rEPwX03j_NkiteG7IagBfHZ4YAUy45kbQaPAE7l19S8ITZI8FT/s1600/P9170052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhojmXxOxIzCDGxC9ypXYV0FO6i1PAZfT6Xh34GvLRE0yY2mCrfDna7eMb8fc88hT-CBzspiRnkPwt8NzG5DWVoo9fDN-rEPwX03j_NkiteG7IagBfHZ4YAUy45kbQaPAE7l19S8ITZI8FT/s400/P9170052.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6ZeEOGpzp_PTA8Jrb79zgA111aiT57z_-s_vbGDpIXKqqpffYtxLNAa9g_ii5_dSXLIkLKrv9_zpsh8k5OvoYIG0KD7NCFz47tqyXHIkTRmwN4ktbtU88YiOIa8Z7MqQp6J9-xcxNYOo/s1600/P9180089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6ZeEOGpzp_PTA8Jrb79zgA111aiT57z_-s_vbGDpIXKqqpffYtxLNAa9g_ii5_dSXLIkLKrv9_zpsh8k5OvoYIG0KD7NCFz47tqyXHIkTRmwN4ktbtU88YiOIa8Z7MqQp6J9-xcxNYOo/s400/P9180089.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3zmZLnqFHZX1i9KUzDwF2SMRS57rUFQ4LD1FdF5MThIxpZgiOQ-REcxTY9TOWRXn1VEHwOCr2BJisqQhduKV6qpUvvd7_P1fXZlas21sS2Yby8bwByKXEBFADt86lrUHTcj5bEUb6eJ_/s1600/P9180094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3zmZLnqFHZX1i9KUzDwF2SMRS57rUFQ4LD1FdF5MThIxpZgiOQ-REcxTY9TOWRXn1VEHwOCr2BJisqQhduKV6qpUvvd7_P1fXZlas21sS2Yby8bwByKXEBFADt86lrUHTcj5bEUb6eJ_/s400/P9180094.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTHp4utC4ZEBjUXgxRX2bhlxGXKntY4SN0YyCk7lQbVRlHKi30ztIDxe_sYLfQ2i5t0E2h_CJwWmy3rA9c4moRauW8xmeVJFNFBMHwjpynAyMdrZmwxY-H17kDnLXn-HMEKa0yPZq2YOq/s1600/P9190158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTHp4utC4ZEBjUXgxRX2bhlxGXKntY4SN0YyCk7lQbVRlHKi30ztIDxe_sYLfQ2i5t0E2h_CJwWmy3rA9c4moRauW8xmeVJFNFBMHwjpynAyMdrZmwxY-H17kDnLXn-HMEKa0yPZq2YOq/s400/P9190158.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjWxWO3Sqs0xWKZmCXrwRVB8nOglA9US73qJPdTYA4gI0u_iffiqBWERvzmTQjQWmju1eHyAb69I-6ao4BARq8j8Vfhex8wtzg8HUBoBDF-EFCiqbF2tmPratvGe8RgLU6iCq-uFJ1Up4/s1600/P9190166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjWxWO3Sqs0xWKZmCXrwRVB8nOglA9US73qJPdTYA4gI0u_iffiqBWERvzmTQjQWmju1eHyAb69I-6ao4BARq8j8Vfhex8wtzg8HUBoBDF-EFCiqbF2tmPratvGe8RgLU6iCq-uFJ1Up4/s400/P9190166.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's where the traffic happens,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhb-s3s5Y-dZgrX_po5r_ecFZxmbKEzlJoNX9sOljRUn89LzsRjSFbwRRN_9UT6pcLtCSdJi28VZZ35dVFfY78D11z5Z2U89X49co0PP2oKiGEMFx2rAFyYTij-21CgCLrEidWYB_3Ovu/s1600/P9170053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhb-s3s5Y-dZgrX_po5r_ecFZxmbKEzlJoNX9sOljRUn89LzsRjSFbwRRN_9UT6pcLtCSdJi28VZZ35dVFfY78D11z5Z2U89X49co0PP2oKiGEMFx2rAFyYTij-21CgCLrEidWYB_3Ovu/s400/P9170053.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yl6ZZWW37Q1EYG-0EMNk5QOGgQqFhhytpj-XroAVmAalGdO3SzChB9EF4Uy9CH8avtwZ_hIh7tAQxdK1nTgpPwskORQAMmYGNdQyorPCmdNBgUqnMy6vyF9DDBsHaYJgCiMBC0u12h5A/s1600/P9170067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yl6ZZWW37Q1EYG-0EMNk5QOGgQqFhhytpj-XroAVmAalGdO3SzChB9EF4Uy9CH8avtwZ_hIh7tAQxdK1nTgpPwskORQAMmYGNdQyorPCmdNBgUqnMy6vyF9DDBsHaYJgCiMBC0u12h5A/s400/P9170067.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhds4nomsv4KhyphenhyphenqjilnhckhH3jx9prwZkVaEz9ulzAGKbAlIKTx5CubJ-pWWwQoqor2ffan4Qduc3h9PUvn6NQHGxKtmlbos1ayMNtcmy5COPvyCmtbgXD6bLl0OHi-d-vlqHptIOQat11i/s1600/P9170070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhds4nomsv4KhyphenhyphenqjilnhckhH3jx9prwZkVaEz9ulzAGKbAlIKTx5CubJ-pWWwQoqor2ffan4Qduc3h9PUvn6NQHGxKtmlbos1ayMNtcmy5COPvyCmtbgXD6bLl0OHi-d-vlqHptIOQat11i/s400/P9170070.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXEIpaNU4mXgx5FUL4PphpFiY-x_XIx5ycuVpKaTVqMGZxL7EO46D4zEswlk3LtDs3WX5EPV1uFyK7zd6DkxBikcL5tqzpqJPGJKlQa-0YlfOrAeuXrmfyVvCVrEd0f7rYFj2znQHd46u/s1600/P9170071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXEIpaNU4mXgx5FUL4PphpFiY-x_XIx5ycuVpKaTVqMGZxL7EO46D4zEswlk3LtDs3WX5EPV1uFyK7zd6DkxBikcL5tqzpqJPGJKlQa-0YlfOrAeuXrmfyVvCVrEd0f7rYFj2znQHd46u/s400/P9170071.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
because other than on foot the only other way to get around is on a water vessel. And there is no more iconic a water vessel in Venice than the gondola.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg883PJ4HXg54XKtLRu0BcgzF_vCuBIu085KrXgFvwpvtmlOHnyweFqgrUDw3yBYAJJ4Gji-7SMgfWl_l-AwF7Kq77qrC5vW7OYVobe0vBTTvGsZ7jfJcoJPXhd5mga5RnL7Db2V754k916/s1600/P9190147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg883PJ4HXg54XKtLRu0BcgzF_vCuBIu085KrXgFvwpvtmlOHnyweFqgrUDw3yBYAJJ4Gji-7SMgfWl_l-AwF7Kq77qrC5vW7OYVobe0vBTTvGsZ7jfJcoJPXhd5mga5RnL7Db2V754k916/s400/P9190147.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And as touristy as it is and it sounds there was no way we were leaving here without a gondola ride.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3v8Ehsb2C83CsU2TzP8TuWmzoDgnFwe6oOUZJivT1bQ9sQYdf44_5MDV6TsWB7gFUKNkdyUw3vsulfdvWyN6NOR3fZgbRCsblaOepRcog5yL4zlm5U2h91c5qhrlzhFC4i3lPRF7o_l9/s1600/IMG_20160920_141006785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3v8Ehsb2C83CsU2TzP8TuWmzoDgnFwe6oOUZJivT1bQ9sQYdf44_5MDV6TsWB7gFUKNkdyUw3vsulfdvWyN6NOR3fZgbRCsblaOepRcog5yL4zlm5U2h91c5qhrlzhFC4i3lPRF7o_l9/s400/IMG_20160920_141006785.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyx9qhpDRjwxhywgAStYU338pcAtuOE1kVUaXVYUxuykrt8hqdpJZLkLjh-oyETsAMK8IpWXA84JKZzAGWNB0ikIjHtq-sutED-JHaK9Tj9SXF7CvRfXaxNjfZApSETfT4reIFkluqIEC/s1600/IMG_20160920_141330762_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyx9qhpDRjwxhywgAStYU338pcAtuOE1kVUaXVYUxuykrt8hqdpJZLkLjh-oyETsAMK8IpWXA84JKZzAGWNB0ikIjHtq-sutED-JHaK9Tj9SXF7CvRfXaxNjfZApSETfT4reIFkluqIEC/s400/IMG_20160920_141330762_HDR.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_R3Jap8IXOTM6xuxCtv8Ki3PRfMQx2qAsK2UFKP4_iv66fxT20enZG7luhAN2a__4hgUZ_bJxn3j73dI96vka2cy25LrIGCQEoNFw2zQRtgfIduhk4549UHeItea_TaBOEtqdDqoghT_/s1600/IMG_20160920_141748222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_R3Jap8IXOTM6xuxCtv8Ki3PRfMQx2qAsK2UFKP4_iv66fxT20enZG7luhAN2a__4hgUZ_bJxn3j73dI96vka2cy25LrIGCQEoNFw2zQRtgfIduhk4549UHeItea_TaBOEtqdDqoghT_/s400/IMG_20160920_141748222.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy81fXbvnwG5GlhcUUJTtE6uYFoXBn0RpoXqWrz7Y8_4oK_OBgFEmyiR-ox-zKQKu_cdG2goHeTgFEEr666yaW6TVm-ZdN8FjcHEZnHzQxCHDgIYFsroqS3bWQBy1ZM9BErmFthhxByboW/s1600/IMG_20160920_142313811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy81fXbvnwG5GlhcUUJTtE6uYFoXBn0RpoXqWrz7Y8_4oK_OBgFEmyiR-ox-zKQKu_cdG2goHeTgFEEr666yaW6TVm-ZdN8FjcHEZnHzQxCHDgIYFsroqS3bWQBy1ZM9BErmFthhxByboW/s400/IMG_20160920_142313811.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fUWUbEccSzdvIAyRHJZ_dsiP8xuH1U7kYgSs0f7aECCtXGej4P2Ud2ODY4gz_aunupSFpiQuxYgb1rEGXwaD9ak3Qm-N7FJ6l1R-itubS9uvU7Eutul4H7wIn6xyWGRRAd_eEHGd724m/s1600/IMG_20160920_142643934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fUWUbEccSzdvIAyRHJZ_dsiP8xuH1U7kYgSs0f7aECCtXGej4P2Ud2ODY4gz_aunupSFpiQuxYgb1rEGXwaD9ak3Qm-N7FJ6l1R-itubS9uvU7Eutul4H7wIn6xyWGRRAd_eEHGd724m/s400/IMG_20160920_142643934.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NQMY0Y06bNfsnxRW0VbH3DgBiKZPsQJEn8bv6eqLsHGnc-njjYJT1Al7fZEaXzU4hkp5ro4gRz2xnJh6ooVghoY80EIJoQOc0TD3vOEgVNav6aFenjlaR1uPG6wxRNShm5aPET81O8Z0/s1600/IMG_20160920_142732128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NQMY0Y06bNfsnxRW0VbH3DgBiKZPsQJEn8bv6eqLsHGnc-njjYJT1Al7fZEaXzU4hkp5ro4gRz2xnJh6ooVghoY80EIJoQOc0TD3vOEgVNav6aFenjlaR1uPG6wxRNShm5aPET81O8Z0/s400/IMG_20160920_142732128.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoR4ps_VyHr9E0GV1SseRmjWsqSqT2Y2eFzCEMvoAQqTxMqIp8hAfeqonPwBS1SILRgLEBFHP1Qo7vUn6AAohCUQ2W-LiDRxzhOOc3zSF9QNPFmxVGzulxqI3xgqeHvXF-RWB_TE3MZhOi/s1600/IMG_20160920_142844093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoR4ps_VyHr9E0GV1SseRmjWsqSqT2Y2eFzCEMvoAQqTxMqIp8hAfeqonPwBS1SILRgLEBFHP1Qo7vUn6AAohCUQ2W-LiDRxzhOOc3zSF9QNPFmxVGzulxqI3xgqeHvXF-RWB_TE3MZhOi/s400/IMG_20160920_142844093.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm beginning to believe this magic business!Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10548038213207928436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154626510210656833.post-32827230185530073602016-10-02T10:16:00.000-04:002016-10-02T11:42:05.158-04:00Perso a Venezia- uno- (Lost in Venice)I have an Italy story. For years I had this grand scheme/vision/dream that one year we would rent a villa in Tuscany during Thanksgiving. I would bring my Mother and the rest of the family would join us for an unforgettable holiday. Apparently I was the only one who thought it would be unforgettable, whenever I would bring it up I was met with silence or just plain ignored but I persisted year after year. I was certain that this would take place so we never planned a trip to Italy in the mean time. Then my Mother died and there went my dream of a Tuscan Thanksgiving and I never thought about Italy again, it was a bad omen. Then a couple of years ago while reading Paul Theroux's "The Pillars of Hercules" where he travels throughout the Mediterranean as cheaply as possible and has nothing positive to say about almost every single place he visits...until he arrives in Venice: "Venice is magic, the loveliest city in the world...." Really? If someone so ornery can say that then there must be something to it and right then and there I decided, I need to see Venice! We began to plan. Taking into consideration the over crowded conditions that one always hears about we decided it would be best to go in September where the weather would still be nice and the crowds would be somewhat diminished. We arrived on a cloudy Saturday morning and lugged our luggage to the "vaporetto" stand. The water bus. We pull out into the lagoon into the water traffic and suddenly there it is,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwIC_X9Nlr5Pc1ATkJiqhvIObS7DbY8o2z2qGbcxaLNSLP6pGgOEl4Z0eQoYZSGmlSf8s6sE3j44DY_Mt4ypenI9BmRDJ8itHetwNy9DNsjDN-hDcsNwZ4bOz794HPQPakHKEXfP0ql2i/s1600/P9170009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwIC_X9Nlr5Pc1ATkJiqhvIObS7DbY8o2z2qGbcxaLNSLP6pGgOEl4Z0eQoYZSGmlSf8s6sE3j44DY_Mt4ypenI9BmRDJ8itHetwNy9DNsjDN-hDcsNwZ4bOz794HPQPakHKEXfP0ql2i/s400/P9170009.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEw2GzBfIKrE3SBjn3c5eJcWIA6Btq9P_L1j2-JYl1kLvWQFnIxXC_cLqPd1RsPledNZWcs5lD8uUxKEeF4-fmQ3eig1hIrNTDPFOizw6oaDIJyA18PVuru_Q2Kr5ei1PmnnFcuR0rJse/s1600/P9170011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEw2GzBfIKrE3SBjn3c5eJcWIA6Btq9P_L1j2-JYl1kLvWQFnIxXC_cLqPd1RsPledNZWcs5lD8uUxKEeF4-fmQ3eig1hIrNTDPFOizw6oaDIJyA18PVuru_Q2Kr5ei1PmnnFcuR0rJse/s400/P9170011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha020EQAt-LexL_cmvrwezwq33ziSPgcHXZ-R2dnSgTRIUK3v_39_tHyzgW6uYMyu-oDxUlNVFQphFTLHKqm0jxE_hb2ajp1qn7dVWv8RjbbuKjq0o_CyQAk5HrkXY1BvNGYGvLthBqdEE/s1600/P9170016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha020EQAt-LexL_cmvrwezwq33ziSPgcHXZ-R2dnSgTRIUK3v_39_tHyzgW6uYMyu-oDxUlNVFQphFTLHKqm0jxE_hb2ajp1qn7dVWv8RjbbuKjq0o_CyQAk5HrkXY1BvNGYGvLthBqdEE/s400/P9170016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxgZyljG4jId4aKI_6Im3bua9G5cdJ55KqdSiwLZ5S9hk3MtGlRuD9wNI8F7-FzONFoowp7eKLZ8p421X43hDjn_SR9RyUH7OnDZeg00DtN4631PAsvZxC2etwIjIl1tmybUN0V72JQnS/s1600/P9170017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxgZyljG4jId4aKI_6Im3bua9G5cdJ55KqdSiwLZ5S9hk3MtGlRuD9wNI8F7-FzONFoowp7eKLZ8p421X43hDjn_SR9RyUH7OnDZeg00DtN4631PAsvZxC2etwIjIl1tmybUN0V72JQnS/s400/P9170017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZYcOQIb5DVxEqADf3z6eQUYHs5hBLaRK6rJojWS6jFiNnkp6hIoJyI2ZbM2TGb_Y7A1MY22ge-ZVMIxx_giaMD6W6LeoitcX8mIwEVbGzeEDAY0PIRLMgHpxpOnhcqYgXuCGviCksRs-/s1600/P9170023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZYcOQIb5DVxEqADf3z6eQUYHs5hBLaRK6rJojWS6jFiNnkp6hIoJyI2ZbM2TGb_Y7A1MY22ge-ZVMIxx_giaMD6W6LeoitcX8mIwEVbGzeEDAY0PIRLMgHpxpOnhcqYgXuCGviCksRs-/s400/P9170023.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
with its canals for streets, all manner of boats as transportation and distinct European facade. And magic it is. However, our awe is soon transformed as we disembark at our stop at noon, "Piazza San Marco", the heart of the city where the Basilica stands along with the Doge's Palace surrounding a very large square which is filled with wall to wall people and is partially flooded. Our mission is to drag our luggage through these throngs (lifting it through the flooded spots) across the square and then find our hotel. This is not fun, the masses do not move, they can't. So we push, pull, lift, push, push, push our way through and suddenly I hate Venice. People told us not to stay in this area but being that it's the center it made sense, now not so much. We get across finally intact and I follow my map reading, go one block, make a right at a main street (it's a little wider than the rest) go one block and turn left on a VERY narrow street, go about twenty feet and there's our hotel. We are on the top floor and barely fit in the tiny elevator. I open the window and breathe. What have we gotten ourselves into?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMabNfzB3dkZLBRpsYlPbVc3HZHpghxX8yaJ0-RBrqZ_-R7glY_OIxeMZJG38dj81oexyYjsChvVluVlNME3vq36Ea-CHYIC36cbXiobF4BbSWdh70FtGIlI_9t1a9WH68kMUs0xmCnZtS/s1600/P9170032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMabNfzB3dkZLBRpsYlPbVc3HZHpghxX8yaJ0-RBrqZ_-R7glY_OIxeMZJG38dj81oexyYjsChvVluVlNME3vq36Ea-CHYIC36cbXiobF4BbSWdh70FtGIlI_9t1a9WH68kMUs0xmCnZtS/s400/P9170032.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlwKcULQ-FKEZnK3VqoFhxjttH0BRucrk8kEmxfTYucdH2fC5Kx0F6IScsaS8xh0JJ-QOtYr9ZFyqHpZWjFqEAQXxZNqAF6SS7SgNLLEB86rQgmLoC3oWJhCWof3jper96QC5QDSffy1t/s1600/P9170034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlwKcULQ-FKEZnK3VqoFhxjttH0BRucrk8kEmxfTYucdH2fC5Kx0F6IScsaS8xh0JJ-QOtYr9ZFyqHpZWjFqEAQXxZNqAF6SS7SgNLLEB86rQgmLoC3oWJhCWof3jper96QC5QDSffy1t/s320/P9170034.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqh73uciK8ITgMdAAPvtZUZYmuFebUaBdvo_HHrZ744xZW9ebny3wcBqRZPjQQnKUjAQ2B9b3rSKv2LT-IiQyTE0QmDkEsLzdjSg5C_ZBkkl6fMTyv7-mhBsNRBW-cBuXwakAqR5vWqLO/s1600/P9170036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqh73uciK8ITgMdAAPvtZUZYmuFebUaBdvo_HHrZ744xZW9ebny3wcBqRZPjQQnKUjAQ2B9b3rSKv2LT-IiQyTE0QmDkEsLzdjSg5C_ZBkkl6fMTyv7-mhBsNRBW-cBuXwakAqR5vWqLO/s400/P9170036.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Our first mission is to find our way to the opera house because I was able to snag tickets to the famed Venice opera house La Fenice, something that made me start a bucket list, for a performance of La Traviata. My directions from google maps are complicated. The guy at the desk takes one look and shakes his head, "no, just go across the square and then go straight, there will be signs." Only one problem, big parts of the square are flooded and while it is possible that I can get through by tiptoeing on my ballet flats it will not work tonight in my high heeled sandals. There's got to be another way! My map reading mind starts to work. I know, we go one block over from the plaza and walk straight towards the lagoon, make a right on the main walkway with all the tchotchke stands walk a bit past the square, pick a street, make a right, go a couple of blocks, make a left, then a right and there it is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBG9IaZ4jbt1Uuo_mVMKLihyphenhyphen5TfipqLTqW4_F5Kc0GaiaWKmfP1D_chGPE1i_5Up56OcMwmD3AEmu7MeAo5WeAVgQq0WSA31yz8knTZBnpCMUXyqDUoSyTk7a08kv0OJ_0vv1U8y6rbtww/s1600/P9170043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBG9IaZ4jbt1Uuo_mVMKLihyphenhyphen5TfipqLTqW4_F5Kc0GaiaWKmfP1D_chGPE1i_5Up56OcMwmD3AEmu7MeAo5WeAVgQq0WSA31yz8knTZBnpCMUXyqDUoSyTk7a08kv0OJ_0vv1U8y6rbtww/s400/P9170043.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Smaller than I pictured, in a small elegant little square and barely any people around! That was easy. We're exhausted. We flew out of Newark Friday night at 6:00 PM, it is now 2:00 PM on Saturday, 6 hours ahead, and we've been non stop since landing. Time to relax with a little vino and my first pizza in Italy<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTaQPtKx5n6Pw1hPG9qcrGAy4ISFMoSqR25uhPnjGCDDe7oDVZxBjv2NHfWeCVqNP_16OjOefC6IunZRRP0Crv8PNDjwU3zPg5BCATp8uPf9_1kosG8PMCWFZY-Rnetp5_y4GWYMe7oBN2/s1600/IMG_20160917_084359865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTaQPtKx5n6Pw1hPG9qcrGAy4ISFMoSqR25uhPnjGCDDe7oDVZxBjv2NHfWeCVqNP_16OjOefC6IunZRRP0Crv8PNDjwU3zPg5BCATp8uPf9_1kosG8PMCWFZY-Rnetp5_y4GWYMe7oBN2/s320/IMG_20160917_084359865.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgWnS9KGzHbx7ENAbx0oj9LZW4tMrlTwWaKGvxeouXWc2DFOOfDiZms86RiyLlVbPd14km7B7JGMtoUejIuZMf30ZH8FVU55I0sEgdO4EeZE1wmH6Az-dH1RW9XwRzWPBI1mvmApb01OU/s1600/IMG_20160917_132624817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgWnS9KGzHbx7ENAbx0oj9LZW4tMrlTwWaKGvxeouXWc2DFOOfDiZms86RiyLlVbPd14km7B7JGMtoUejIuZMf30ZH8FVU55I0sEgdO4EeZE1wmH6Az-dH1RW9XwRzWPBI1mvmApb01OU/s320/IMG_20160917_132624817.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
in an outdoor cafe just steps from Le Fenice and just across a bridge from tonight's dinner reservation. We keep walking straight, make a left, then a right and we're on our street. Easy peasie!<br />
<br />
The opera is an unforgettable experience,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9esmrXRafxelHks8_lWpt6n1w-4jSRzKbTFEnQUV7I9_Mufgw5sBSQLFP01HEStIScA5aw-dM63cY3DMIxszZ-H5WsJKE6-pge18MQZ2Z7VSUSo83xXSJ_HpCgvTdoAsmWKt51bEBjxg3/s1600/IMG_20160917_134312598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9esmrXRafxelHks8_lWpt6n1w-4jSRzKbTFEnQUV7I9_Mufgw5sBSQLFP01HEStIScA5aw-dM63cY3DMIxszZ-H5WsJKE6-pge18MQZ2Z7VSUSo83xXSJ_HpCgvTdoAsmWKt51bEBjxg3/s400/IMG_20160917_134312598.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOk725h_C0Cuz7mt5xaK4y6ofjXWsrLx-CezdzD2FMGT3EUhhK2Uonirw9Jscg8iI1fKu7V1eXLrQkU6Ru9RGCv8GblgJFzVGhMKqMUKrG702DRGASWomCMGaSBHbU4BgauxzXeYSRR5A/s1600/IMG_20160917_134325941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOk725h_C0Cuz7mt5xaK4y6ofjXWsrLx-CezdzD2FMGT3EUhhK2Uonirw9Jscg8iI1fKu7V1eXLrQkU6Ru9RGCv8GblgJFzVGhMKqMUKrG702DRGASWomCMGaSBHbU4BgauxzXeYSRR5A/s400/IMG_20160917_134325941.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Unp9mjCr_domY0o9cqCgPZIE0wNuFgeaFo7gLewZYblES_c7BfpBNsgEUGtg15S54a7Vt2EcJuCE7lx4eA1vdplxPVZO0VlTvjFBxuSsB-GRLshapY-6FbU0dpDsEzbAjxv7k7P8Gfcs/s1600/IMG_20160917_134347270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Unp9mjCr_domY0o9cqCgPZIE0wNuFgeaFo7gLewZYblES_c7BfpBNsgEUGtg15S54a7Vt2EcJuCE7lx4eA1vdplxPVZO0VlTvjFBxuSsB-GRLshapY-6FbU0dpDsEzbAjxv7k7P8Gfcs/s400/IMG_20160917_134347270.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
and we have magnificent seats. We walk over for dinner at Caffe Centrale,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiST1rRmKak_iK18a5IqYIpjD8QY8BDx7NCjRjtWbN3IQ4zzK6kYpPnXXY4IKvJgoje-1u3YSbrGHFa17dK7K11IR-X31m7hFM4ChqzMkIzn-BUNMj8pw6P4Mf7ARTWCpCBIplPCYJKAsBS/s1600/P9170080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiST1rRmKak_iK18a5IqYIpjD8QY8BDx7NCjRjtWbN3IQ4zzK6kYpPnXXY4IKvJgoje-1u3YSbrGHFa17dK7K11IR-X31m7hFM4ChqzMkIzn-BUNMj8pw6P4Mf7ARTWCpCBIplPCYJKAsBS/s320/P9170080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQhqVhaM8ewFu_YoHwLi4SZImytVqswZcAZ154-_h2WLy3l1RFZIv3BTZbeFjayLGBb4zYBcGe9vyXsMZWfuF4jSGdzE-xI7Ruj6vfQJeQlkXO5II_zO9AZhDgyF8CxI5PZIm4i43OFfD/s1600/P9170083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQhqVhaM8ewFu_YoHwLi4SZImytVqswZcAZ154-_h2WLy3l1RFZIv3BTZbeFjayLGBb4zYBcGe9vyXsMZWfuF4jSGdzE-xI7Ruj6vfQJeQlkXO5II_zO9AZhDgyF8CxI5PZIm4i43OFfD/s320/P9170083.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnz8oJWIqJ230JHa1QY6ggw0LiDpyXuFjoTNB6pGOteWQ5zYrfV3I3t7xIZ5ubKzd8vZo3mDywrI2o2hoY8hcSY22IIhjk_9yL-zERTS7A6Yb0m_6rMtdAaKtF3cyfrf1lb0wHqPlE-ii1/s1600/P9170085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnz8oJWIqJ230JHa1QY6ggw0LiDpyXuFjoTNB6pGOteWQ5zYrfV3I3t7xIZ5ubKzd8vZo3mDywrI2o2hoY8hcSY22IIhjk_9yL-zERTS7A6Yb0m_6rMtdAaKtF3cyfrf1lb0wHqPlE-ii1/s320/P9170085.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZzKBzS89hahUucvD74rav82PJ588SheONvW-JmedlGycuP-46GCf7CD7kAL88_9IxSfe1r2xYPmznaD-cWVkzw9ZXDO3B7VTPDGL3_ofFs6cOvMc1oNBrydTkcEYx0Z2fsqIWtabmIK4/s1600/P9170086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZzKBzS89hahUucvD74rav82PJ588SheONvW-JmedlGycuP-46GCf7CD7kAL88_9IxSfe1r2xYPmznaD-cWVkzw9ZXDO3B7VTPDGL3_ofFs6cOvMc1oNBrydTkcEYx0Z2fsqIWtabmIK4/s320/P9170086.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tCA7a6UnxYqihj2xmpc3xMNz7TCCdngG9NDS0FC5r1F2m7MCIfvSCoG2spBVaSOunbqsRf_QhBVEGHCo8GK4hq4_R_IURgzhdEoCwP3-5PI4R69J8sng6Sv-voIt0oJVaO_c4mDxNIyn/s1600/P9170087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tCA7a6UnxYqihj2xmpc3xMNz7TCCdngG9NDS0FC5r1F2m7MCIfvSCoG2spBVaSOunbqsRf_QhBVEGHCo8GK4hq4_R_IURgzhdEoCwP3-5PI4R69J8sng6Sv-voIt0oJVaO_c4mDxNIyn/s320/P9170087.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
the soprano from La Traviata walks in and sits two tables away. We walk home in a cloud. Day one is in the books...and suddenly I love Venice.Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10548038213207928436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154626510210656833.post-57484114580021123302016-09-09T13:41:00.001-04:002016-09-10T08:59:40.359-04:00Summer's EndI've never dreaded the end of Summer. Growing up in Miami that was the perpetual season, hot, humid, hot, a cool day here or there, hot, rain in the afternoons, hot, bad hair thanks to the humidity, hot...did I mention hot? Having lived in the Northeast for over 30 years though I've learned to appreciate the fun in the sun season a bit more. I look forward to being able to go outdoors and spend time just lazying about after being cooped up during the Winter, watching the garden bloom into color, taking leisurely walks and practically living on the porch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8c5qp9kDZGZ9V1RAGy5SslnR4OeN7pmunsrGW7X9icrL1Uh7B-scELZ4Nq7sJFfx_X_b6qzQCgmZ6nkjgnORyKhfw_pu7s6RNHAvp24dXztHmU4q2u7JliYiRjssE2wdIHZ-_-1FUFQT/s1600/P6040181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8c5qp9kDZGZ9V1RAGy5SslnR4OeN7pmunsrGW7X9icrL1Uh7B-scELZ4Nq7sJFfx_X_b6qzQCgmZ6nkjgnORyKhfw_pu7s6RNHAvp24dXztHmU4q2u7JliYiRjssE2wdIHZ-_-1FUFQT/s400/P6040181.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We pretty much did that during the Labor Day Weekend. The official end of Summer when the beaches shut down, not really just no lifeguard, the town pools close and....most importantly...you can't WEAR WHITE! Well the beaches were closed by Friday thanks to Hurricane Hermine wreaking all kinds of havoc on the riptides, temperatures were cool, in the 70's, and the wind picked up making the crepe myrtles beat constantly on the windows. It was humid due to the storm so the bugs were out big time. Sitting on the patio was a danger zone regardless of how many citronella candles or bug detectors were put out. The porch was somehow a refuge and works well for lazy meals,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJD0h9sJcXp8Mn9NfmKH3SvkRV-t513qQundsVUDETaqKbAQki6Zm3ZFWixqu1TQVcKPH1UchxRqxkBOGXDpqyfAJ_F4f5xqRaqEMvX6lm9G52k3mfJqk3tKfI4hlOuRVavMs3ofL44I-s/s1600/brussel+sprout+bacon+guac+9.2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJD0h9sJcXp8Mn9NfmKH3SvkRV-t513qQundsVUDETaqKbAQki6Zm3ZFWixqu1TQVcKPH1UchxRqxkBOGXDpqyfAJ_F4f5xqRaqEMvX6lm9G52k3mfJqk3tKfI4hlOuRVavMs3ofL44I-s/s400/brussel+sprout+bacon+guac+9.2016.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(That's a roasted brussel sprout, bacon guacamole I stole from a Mexican restaurant we just discovered! Brussel sprouts, who knew? Scrumptious.)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNo4KHNrBelEf3XuMOrIFkf2p_Iw-Ud7ZykACYdbmiZnAe68YyNdL3JBhLYxP7vIUUgf__z2tQTTYFFFPDB7Mmht9UI1O1Lu6BcZdAjeW2PiW3XIaQdSdhxRieG1S3F-3tgXXsmlHoE5de/s1600/brussel+sprout+bacon+guac%252C+corn+chips%252C+pico+and+shrimp+9.2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNo4KHNrBelEf3XuMOrIFkf2p_Iw-Ud7ZykACYdbmiZnAe68YyNdL3JBhLYxP7vIUUgf__z2tQTTYFFFPDB7Mmht9UI1O1Lu6BcZdAjeW2PiW3XIaQdSdhxRieG1S3F-3tgXXsmlHoE5de/s400/brussel+sprout+bacon+guac%252C+corn+chips%252C+pico+and+shrimp+9.2016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
like above mentioned brussel sprout, bacon guac, pico de gallo, steamed shrimp and homemade corn tortillas. I could do this forever!<br />
<br />
The wind died down by Tuesday and the temperatures shot up into the 90's. Suddenly it was mid August again. The AC went back on, I live in flip flops and shorts....and yes WHITE! (<span style="font-size: xx-small;">but not white linen)</span>.<br />
<br />
Today is a scorcher but nature knows the date, my flowers are fading fast so I cut a bunch of rubdekia to keep Summer indoors.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFUMoUK0UyduQn398RET3NNRn94LUr4mcPaA_7aDBmf2g5AXGpelxtDcEvaWzMY9oR-YuauiYegZJngu5FP90o6afLLjhurBp0JsQSX01La6zwS_6sEp1jxUMVyPiui8GF6_Wo9eTAKoM/s1600/P9090006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFUMoUK0UyduQn398RET3NNRn94LUr4mcPaA_7aDBmf2g5AXGpelxtDcEvaWzMY9oR-YuauiYegZJngu5FP90o6afLLjhurBp0JsQSX01La6zwS_6sEp1jxUMVyPiui8GF6_Wo9eTAKoM/s320/P9090006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5VOrETRGrAdTvdne3_momyjMtnzW_MFha9k-Pt69jZ6G4AaQwYDV8FvjoSovLeMbml9UleGUmbUKx344sUsxnUrDiMrFLhMMhiBUPK4hZrOPNHxhyZA_TK4ibEGf6ckJ1YP6lg50vN2F/s1600/P9090008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5VOrETRGrAdTvdne3_momyjMtnzW_MFha9k-Pt69jZ6G4AaQwYDV8FvjoSovLeMbml9UleGUmbUKx344sUsxnUrDiMrFLhMMhiBUPK4hZrOPNHxhyZA_TK4ibEGf6ckJ1YP6lg50vN2F/s320/P9090008.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm making one of my favorite Summer dishes, an aioli platter, which reminds me of late Summer days in France,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjyEiYJu0glvS1V0VrG-k7QLe2PBOOJC56-D99wjpalu-3YCH-esuBw6BSKDQjP7_5iLMrWQ5sHN1kUJvk4pY2XsA2PhOalOS59nojOAJnhsqOup8uaCc2pYGYhVYp9axZ9t2lbV4P-tj/s1600/Corsica-Marseille-avignon+182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjyEiYJu0glvS1V0VrG-k7QLe2PBOOJC56-D99wjpalu-3YCH-esuBw6BSKDQjP7_5iLMrWQ5sHN1kUJvk4pY2XsA2PhOalOS59nojOAJnhsqOup8uaCc2pYGYhVYp9axZ9t2lbV4P-tj/s320/Corsica-Marseille-avignon+182.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(that's not mine, it was in Marseilles)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
and dream of far away places....</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<img alt="Image result for venice" height="248" src="https://www.travelmoodz.com/uploads/content/image/venice,%20Italy.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Then I remember! The last day of Summer is September 21st! Fun's not over. And, I can still wear white!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10548038213207928436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154626510210656833.post-25762116020554694932016-08-23T13:10:00.000-04:002016-08-23T13:10:15.956-04:00MeanderingWhat have I been doing with myself the last two weeks? Well, mostly learning how to fill and pass the time while avoiding pangs of guilt every....15 minutes or so. I'm getting much better at it, I guess practice does make perfect. I can say that my house has never been cleaner. I go around wiping every thing down so that the dust doesn't accumulate. My bathroom gets cleaned every couple of days. I've gone through every closet, every drawer and cleaned out all that stuff that I haven't worn in two years or just doesn't fit anymore, size wise and age wise. The jewelry boxes, scarves, makeup and just plain junk drawers are neatly arranged and missing the garbage. Hemmed a skirt. Went through the library shelves and filled three shopping bags with books that will either wind up at the train station for commuters to take or the veterans or the library. Went to the unemployment office in beautiful downtown Newark and showed them piles of identification which took all of 5 minutes. Filed my first unemployment claim. I am now earning something. I'm almost caught up with the weeding, it had been terribly hot so after a couple of pulls I was done, the last two days have been perfection.<br />
<br />
Watched as my garden filled up,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-nxG5Zm4CDR6YMjWW-IHaceK0hIhHfYoNOB-CMr11SCochVxojoiIKsn7mPaH-kpdenYYPGPE1ChnpgybU97PVvL5xhj8vTJKfJghVOYQ_X6I_ddfSD5ckyP4_tEq4_n4OeKSeyXC34r/s1600/P8200008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-nxG5Zm4CDR6YMjWW-IHaceK0hIhHfYoNOB-CMr11SCochVxojoiIKsn7mPaH-kpdenYYPGPE1ChnpgybU97PVvL5xhj8vTJKfJghVOYQ_X6I_ddfSD5ckyP4_tEq4_n4OeKSeyXC34r/s400/P8200008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzR5NrkVlNpoynzCar9j2KObg-PzVfVfQJHIY18UD6Ki_5R3nap3pcuEQqbkZohKouGiYFcaNUQSOjHZPiWKkOeyJb5KOd-1f0rakYwlcfXVjNCfyyF0olAZjv3MeVhKtFzlzReRqJWOPR/s1600/P8210018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzR5NrkVlNpoynzCar9j2KObg-PzVfVfQJHIY18UD6Ki_5R3nap3pcuEQqbkZohKouGiYFcaNUQSOjHZPiWKkOeyJb5KOd-1f0rakYwlcfXVjNCfyyF0olAZjv3MeVhKtFzlzReRqJWOPR/s400/P8210018.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
then cut some flowers to fill the house---(cue <a href="http://flwrjane-smallbutcharming.blogspot.com/">Jane</a>)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33A9AOgABODMqdOuJfsK8FO9CPkspytZYS6Fo5e80m99fglMyx8GIcV8blis8Rnk7xr6TwsUxwp7Zfe7SFq1mp5GvdwOXj5nngqNQv93Zdfa36kDu5zGgE5kEywkf98BHPBw5lWu-ZZ7q/s1600/P8180004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33A9AOgABODMqdOuJfsK8FO9CPkspytZYS6Fo5e80m99fglMyx8GIcV8blis8Rnk7xr6TwsUxwp7Zfe7SFq1mp5GvdwOXj5nngqNQv93Zdfa36kDu5zGgE5kEywkf98BHPBw5lWu-ZZ7q/s400/P8180004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XoRxIezHGgeRseOCvGdcwWYlaBPoQHc5X3zFjNBUBqZJlnmrDM_MuTnULnu3oRV2ijUpgLwPP69wAk_50f57N3T3ukRDHnths68rm9UkHoZ1WwyWqKxvAodN6uZYye9OigJtVfcQnkqw/s1600/P8180005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XoRxIezHGgeRseOCvGdcwWYlaBPoQHc5X3zFjNBUBqZJlnmrDM_MuTnULnu3oRV2ijUpgLwPP69wAk_50f57N3T3ukRDHnths68rm9UkHoZ1WwyWqKxvAodN6uZYye9OigJtVfcQnkqw/s400/P8180005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8C1dtO1wDJZ-NOKyl9n0sDFwGsVfg7yccGvYPa0r5h5Ahd7_r3ZwfB6E5OFDNpSHgbcobWGPsPwMjGrBrMtszMITUCMBqXKwvdUPOr6Jolm44F0qkn8B5QDdaxS5AsBO0MgLO9aXS_N1o/s1600/P8180006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8C1dtO1wDJZ-NOKyl9n0sDFwGsVfg7yccGvYPa0r5h5Ahd7_r3ZwfB6E5OFDNpSHgbcobWGPsPwMjGrBrMtszMITUCMBqXKwvdUPOr6Jolm44F0qkn8B5QDdaxS5AsBO0MgLO9aXS_N1o/s400/P8180006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIsXo2In-mnVCq2iR2Ta4iT6ana7lDPc9aiWjLTCwphkoc4mCsVEHyQbJlv5Mm1GCuqMWcv7Raps9iIQAkpq4dfTFnUufS_Bl3F4pYjruN2NwC9YVCjabsQcdA-XcXGMy7T8v2gXcOvNu/s1600/P8180007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIsXo2In-mnVCq2iR2Ta4iT6ana7lDPc9aiWjLTCwphkoc4mCsVEHyQbJlv5Mm1GCuqMWcv7Raps9iIQAkpq4dfTFnUufS_Bl3F4pYjruN2NwC9YVCjabsQcdA-XcXGMy7T8v2gXcOvNu/s400/P8180007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Bought tickets to two plays and the ballet. Read three books (this is the best part since my reading had suffered badly, now I can't stop, thank goodness!) For those who are interested: Good as Gone by Amy Gentry (not out yet but I have a source :)), The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Steadman and The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins. My stack awaits for the choosing. Bought some watercolors and brushes to see if I can remember how (I'm nervous and haven't dove in yet, there's just so much failure I can face at once). Met my husband for dinner in NYC at this adorable Basque place in Chelsea:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjse3rXjL5FgVH21BFqLT5wOeODYncF2tbU4mIuCCMSpHy2AkfHm8pSJddtjiT-Aw1Hcr78TrvaB4XOwPyhdOW76PRCzeYiVqqs663uBUUYTeb90k2ju38R_HUhqSZxcQLcRI556vDFVceT/s1600/080416190722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjse3rXjL5FgVH21BFqLT5wOeODYncF2tbU4mIuCCMSpHy2AkfHm8pSJddtjiT-Aw1Hcr78TrvaB4XOwPyhdOW76PRCzeYiVqqs663uBUUYTeb90k2ju38R_HUhqSZxcQLcRI556vDFVceT/s400/080416190722.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhMPHzrMmkp0qkoVqQBvvtVlWBayvzAxeHeZEKVaiG-nl9SeZkbgiR-jeE59eGV0D1WN_JAdVo6KudTksh04dZqf-IxYkw4Nd914lpDf1IZ8-1NVm3UAmu_goAHBEXUpLTPAJIfnUai3h/s1600/080416190935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhMPHzrMmkp0qkoVqQBvvtVlWBayvzAxeHeZEKVaiG-nl9SeZkbgiR-jeE59eGV0D1WN_JAdVo6KudTksh04dZqf-IxYkw4Nd914lpDf1IZ8-1NVm3UAmu_goAHBEXUpLTPAJIfnUai3h/s400/080416190935.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsN8ILl7J3i4ufgPtFZ2Okz2lVLtouz_mibpB1-UMnO2Bhn3pCOIJU-FuD4Lo6qVgsXMzKXHiMakfI6IGDngBaEhVCvq7GYVic98OIksrtBzwMLBeV3czhx4Uw5IOLCrs-8v6Ji8p7n55/s1600/080416193212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsN8ILl7J3i4ufgPtFZ2Okz2lVLtouz_mibpB1-UMnO2Bhn3pCOIJU-FuD4Lo6qVgsXMzKXHiMakfI6IGDngBaEhVCvq7GYVic98OIksrtBzwMLBeV3czhx4Uw5IOLCrs-8v6Ji8p7n55/s400/080416193212.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNF4SDo4rJWtx4BqQTl2_ttWYqOBThkZc1RTv3QGkEQfwAX4qucyfF2ahuAcOhFouyJKY7c7_Dplk2ho7WpYUu95XOMgFj2-TO8_9wbUbwUIdyE3AdX1X_NsUdhTGy6R4SQ2gQ82kuB_sb/s1600/080416195835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNF4SDo4rJWtx4BqQTl2_ttWYqOBThkZc1RTv3QGkEQfwAX4qucyfF2ahuAcOhFouyJKY7c7_Dplk2ho7WpYUu95XOMgFj2-TO8_9wbUbwUIdyE3AdX1X_NsUdhTGy6R4SQ2gQ82kuB_sb/s320/080416195835.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Planning for the next date this Friday. What to wear!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Spent loads of time cooking,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAEBcTCycx2AAei8idGG4f0vP2QeDlsXMTyJH-CRuv1KFcmJLhEJOs1FrBNxr2A0kPlNTRvkTfD8d3GTbEgKCvwpo0VeGxeamvlLeUkE8Dtn4Gbf8sLPjZIx38j3ZNJ_Jvo10ZaLf5ALY/s1600/P8120001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAEBcTCycx2AAei8idGG4f0vP2QeDlsXMTyJH-CRuv1KFcmJLhEJOs1FrBNxr2A0kPlNTRvkTfD8d3GTbEgKCvwpo0VeGxeamvlLeUkE8Dtn4Gbf8sLPjZIx38j3ZNJ_Jvo10ZaLf5ALY/s400/P8120001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crab Louis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zmzKc6iVieb6FSRDNhfZpcGWK-79ZfyV8TQmZ4lM-9OhaNH10lLWNbnoHFl-L95DDtcajvzuKoKjQFzFN6-4q1_EI_ZmWkBe6u9f7NbLgNyGNYQZZ9O5Y2nF8bX_X-0XvD8H8ZFafKYc/s1600/P8140005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zmzKc6iVieb6FSRDNhfZpcGWK-79ZfyV8TQmZ4lM-9OhaNH10lLWNbnoHFl-L95DDtcajvzuKoKjQFzFN6-4q1_EI_ZmWkBe6u9f7NbLgNyGNYQZZ9O5Y2nF8bX_X-0XvD8H8ZFafKYc/s400/P8140005.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roasted Shishito Peppers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBNlf3i_HGI3Tald2GEfZwAC69qQfGzRwDSO9DpE46bijFt_AVDvM4P8SsIUetuEPWckT3nL3s-KXlTcTRJ_yiNYv2d95zrfMyoxuuLLXjl9M7pL_nACoAEbY48mRJiYGgW9o8qZetsZ6/s1600/P8140008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBNlf3i_HGI3Tald2GEfZwAC69qQfGzRwDSO9DpE46bijFt_AVDvM4P8SsIUetuEPWckT3nL3s-KXlTcTRJ_yiNYv2d95zrfMyoxuuLLXjl9M7pL_nACoAEbY48mRJiYGgW9o8qZetsZ6/s400/P8140008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fried Chicken with Potato Salad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaa5duN5oeCIgQIebeQE-GTRkxU65ap4Q4qQGKHTP5Ev5LSxVUwbAb96REWUQEKcuWa2TWpZq9KcjJTDQ9ICCl8oExtOexkCb1cQVO1oguzZte2ZF7Y4F0CsNEcrd1fXkfVabuQSrGtwq4/s1600/P8170002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaa5duN5oeCIgQIebeQE-GTRkxU65ap4Q4qQGKHTP5Ev5LSxVUwbAb96REWUQEKcuWa2TWpZq9KcjJTDQ9ICCl8oExtOexkCb1cQVO1oguzZte2ZF7Y4F0CsNEcrd1fXkfVabuQSrGtwq4/s320/P8170002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCd_XcaLwKITND7xkxkdjahZI_JYgT3mvvwbfwmZEFIKori8Z2hMSHrKwDaaqegG4Je9Da72pvkyBLU0ZbPbqDBBPhq8kCVWe5k06oGZ0AiZenaFXhrt_T85KrtgjRq83tPuv9rlLBl0_A/s1600/P8170003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCd_XcaLwKITND7xkxkdjahZI_JYgT3mvvwbfwmZEFIKori8Z2hMSHrKwDaaqegG4Je9Da72pvkyBLU0ZbPbqDBBPhq8kCVWe5k06oGZ0AiZenaFXhrt_T85KrtgjRq83tPuv9rlLBl0_A/s320/P8170003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer vegetable gratin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
...and eating on the porch.<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjork7S62UnnhneEzkVAaq9_EGqoA_Pb_FV7N2mzSs_CHsumZnK3vPXlZlU5MOEHJBxgcJmnk8ka_dg_4wAbNxu9yAqbrZehMjQ4ER0JchEnTsj3CbJq3AFbKS-5-rJy9TzB-RAcw7-pVMI/s1600/P8210009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjork7S62UnnhneEzkVAaq9_EGqoA_Pb_FV7N2mzSs_CHsumZnK3vPXlZlU5MOEHJBxgcJmnk8ka_dg_4wAbNxu9yAqbrZehMjQ4ER0JchEnTsj3CbJq3AFbKS-5-rJy9TzB-RAcw7-pVMI/s400/P8210009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYrKeTKmrBC8edBG88VI6Lv7oFXi3kOhAlJM0lgGsCGNl8oYlWyNRf_N1QYIVW_nqXFLt9mbuI0YjxfiEQ8tXXUVpc9b1UxY1uCC23CZuoRrqkgO73Y9RUNx0LYLVcB5nO8uh3yVIS0pr/s1600/P8210013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYrKeTKmrBC8edBG88VI6Lv7oFXi3kOhAlJM0lgGsCGNl8oYlWyNRf_N1QYIVW_nqXFLt9mbuI0YjxfiEQ8tXXUVpc9b1UxY1uCC23CZuoRrqkgO73Y9RUNx0LYLVcB5nO8uh3yVIS0pr/s320/P8210013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXjkDbSedtvsFUjJBs50OwdPjntA87qV7ujXaavfThPgBRpE0ItJlO4GMm2zHoJdOedS0oH8RTUZNaMGTXoY5wQLsRHA_nPfVMTGFl3Xev9ArG4IU5-PjtMKkd_odePnH4cAF0lscjLAo/s1600/P8210015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXjkDbSedtvsFUjJBs50OwdPjntA87qV7ujXaavfThPgBRpE0ItJlO4GMm2zHoJdOedS0oH8RTUZNaMGTXoY5wQLsRHA_nPfVMTGFl3Xev9ArG4IU5-PjtMKkd_odePnH4cAF0lscjLAo/s320/P8210015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLK_u3Uxza49IcPSRJasRgisxMFbGBMeA5DouMUm-rbUbKzew5WaDzZaEEJMcHU9q1qaEF52byfWej3C6iJaYTO11C4gC_PuUbj_1UFXDESTB_idw93SfniYlaiL3rP1D83V3tdQOWehnJ/s1600/P8210016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLK_u3Uxza49IcPSRJasRgisxMFbGBMeA5DouMUm-rbUbKzew5WaDzZaEEJMcHU9q1qaEF52byfWej3C6iJaYTO11C4gC_PuUbj_1UFXDESTB_idw93SfniYlaiL3rP1D83V3tdQOWehnJ/s400/P8210016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Always in the company of this little guy,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58RvnhMn48zzktM57BV9PfiPUOuiY2Db1tV4c6JLVvFsFqxUS_1TD86-ivup3_ag4g2erVg8-5W-XGZIFa0jkliejVW3ZmydvO8M6e1Gw7F7R2yESBcCNylP2-UilERrhCqs3d47va-QJ/s1600/P8210017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58RvnhMn48zzktM57BV9PfiPUOuiY2Db1tV4c6JLVvFsFqxUS_1TD86-ivup3_ag4g2erVg8-5W-XGZIFa0jkliejVW3ZmydvO8M6e1Gw7F7R2yESBcCNylP2-UilERrhCqs3d47va-QJ/s320/P8210017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
who's just about to chase after a motorcycle.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well gotta go. Need to make some panzanella before the bread gets too hard.</div>
</div>
Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10548038213207928436noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154626510210656833.post-44626146366522188452016-08-09T15:47:00.000-04:002016-08-10T12:29:17.444-04:00Pretty in PinkAs I'm walking towards the front door to go out and sweep the porch I see the car slow down in front of the house. What's this, I'm not expecting anybody, why is she staring like that? Her head sticks out the window as she looks up, her mouth a perfect little round "O". She turns to her husband and then she points, he leans over and looks, nods, speeds up a little, she keeps looking back. Huh? I walk out with my broom and start sweeping up all the little pink flowers...Oh yes now I get it! It's the crepes!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeN224jAyTsBh7eNoA9Zpzw9Vfjhr5nmI-TkH-uQEOVrdnPVsqN4xPhfux8M7vlvdCPSGnxxiips4WEJNiUw6yW1WLmLO_HXSMSVXIhNMy7tKOaSyA5UXcxisj1lBtb0e1MytYH93HEqCC/s1600/P8060024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeN224jAyTsBh7eNoA9Zpzw9Vfjhr5nmI-TkH-uQEOVrdnPVsqN4xPhfux8M7vlvdCPSGnxxiips4WEJNiUw6yW1WLmLO_HXSMSVXIhNMy7tKOaSyA5UXcxisj1lBtb0e1MytYH93HEqCC/s400/P8060024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1q2iNGaD6G0ulxJyZmHEXSR9PBMYhix2vlD_x8CZiebraQIEVzuic5Fal0SVpJKGxWfiPTCC4iN1Je3PuIFJKJU7WkJqB1S_FjagA14U78oU6xwYCUywavwkUSfPPn0p98qgLMV2PKE9u/s1600/P8060023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1q2iNGaD6G0ulxJyZmHEXSR9PBMYhix2vlD_x8CZiebraQIEVzuic5Fal0SVpJKGxWfiPTCC4iN1Je3PuIFJKJU7WkJqB1S_FjagA14U78oU6xwYCUywavwkUSfPPn0p98qgLMV2PKE9u/s400/P8060023.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
They start to bloom sometime in June with little clusters here and there which keep multiplying and multiplying, next thing you know it's an explosion of shocking pink that...well literally...stops traffic. When we first moved in their height was just to the top of the first floor windows and frankly I had no clue what they were. These funky little spread out trunks with branches full of round little leaves and clusters of some kind of berries at the end. Then the little berries started to bloom, I saw the first and second cluster of tiny hot pink flowers forming cones...hm mm, something's familiar. Then it hit me! I ran in the house and immediately called my mother...."MOM, WE HAVE JUPITER!!!!!!!"<br />
<br />
When I was a little girl in Cuba we had bunches of them. Most I remember were purple, which I think is their most known color, and there were or was a light yellow. There was a big white one by my grandmother's bedroom window. I remember staring at those large trees with the big clusters of tiny flowers and I couldn't get enough of them, especially the pale yellow. My mom, aunt and grandmother would go on and on about the Jupiters (hoopeeter) and then we moved to Miami and I never saw them again. Out of sight out of mind. They grow all over the Carolinas and Texas but not Miami. So imagine my pure 7 year old delight when I figured out that those guys in my front yard were...JUPITER!!!!!!<br />
<br />
They've grown quite a bit since we've been here, almost as tall as the house as evidenced above. We're always saying we're going to trim them but then we look out our bedroom window,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFAQp7441iARrYtCKHeIOQRdMOmBZgHlaH2Tnovd14Km8RizoP7bCf3Zfk_thueki092dSYfRi412TOGPP0_4zaXnWqxtuERaCmCpkhMjErakRcEyXDwFZzUNkG2ts_1IRjh7hqQmXcNH/s1600/P8050004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFAQp7441iARrYtCKHeIOQRdMOmBZgHlaH2Tnovd14Km8RizoP7bCf3Zfk_thueki092dSYfRi412TOGPP0_4zaXnWqxtuERaCmCpkhMjErakRcEyXDwFZzUNkG2ts_1IRjh7hqQmXcNH/s400/P8050004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfs4CRUWsnlwPloa4VDJLip5WJqaHTBNrZLoeFbbXZ6MxSOWFKPxftoV5mrIXBlI_JFvqVxplN7KBzCPkbeNE271KyFAexoXAblklg-huiMUpAx0yYGGB4ztdb4FV3U_Ck0opLvmqRkuwv/s1600/P8050005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfs4CRUWsnlwPloa4VDJLip5WJqaHTBNrZLoeFbbXZ6MxSOWFKPxftoV5mrIXBlI_JFvqVxplN7KBzCPkbeNE271KyFAexoXAblklg-huiMUpAx0yYGGB4ztdb4FV3U_Ck0opLvmqRkuwv/s400/P8050005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncbIYiHl_8wcm6BAZlHhcNYvqzET5yX_GXdfE3_pq1Qkw33M7bbL_RbuXPZlhTgUmQ1XKQKZyR-dxierZB_wYjDcAZT0LvNVV6AcwxDUkJa09z_PaV3vwmT1j3EpSLPHAribrSeg5ivTY/s1600/P8050006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncbIYiHl_8wcm6BAZlHhcNYvqzET5yX_GXdfE3_pq1Qkw33M7bbL_RbuXPZlhTgUmQ1XKQKZyR-dxierZB_wYjDcAZT0LvNVV6AcwxDUkJa09z_PaV3vwmT1j3EpSLPHAribrSeg5ivTY/s400/P8050006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7_fDFhP3HwNnWYNKzKQOk987pfqFXMy3yg6MOo7S_ziaTZAD5ws-z5rircsheliJXSAplplSzenAFdgTJNT9nPow3JwAK524C-oN7oUXaRur1ImiOkvUTfaMj6RCRGsw2KaBYkza9fIU/s1600/P8050007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7_fDFhP3HwNnWYNKzKQOk987pfqFXMy3yg6MOo7S_ziaTZAD5ws-z5rircsheliJXSAplplSzenAFdgTJNT9nPow3JwAK524C-oN7oUXaRur1ImiOkvUTfaMj6RCRGsw2KaBYkza9fIU/s400/P8050007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
and the TV room window,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5pLhAFZm66taVjcm8phffFHXHQMtIg6WM5PaF4zMWMb2PnbG0MslB8sT6Hg5tkCS9MPPrNRHnXt-ek08YDPx1blpzi9FkxlQi5efD1OU2sk4MlVHyw_3pyvMZ5-G7ccqavgkkPkLlGpi/s1600/P8050001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5pLhAFZm66taVjcm8phffFHXHQMtIg6WM5PaF4zMWMb2PnbG0MslB8sT6Hg5tkCS9MPPrNRHnXt-ek08YDPx1blpzi9FkxlQi5efD1OU2sk4MlVHyw_3pyvMZ5-G7ccqavgkkPkLlGpi/s400/P8050001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_cHynkNoRfIasHvMa4n2O3c5MIkjpb1AXm2izWtuQP45Oad7Mh0D3vAz290mv1lCVKCUJt2GVkDtP6ASQtRYT5ZZiG7KALRTFVSGSzOwcEu506e3bABOKIx4pMIbpK6j4vW2Q4l4mnT6/s1600/P8050002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_cHynkNoRfIasHvMa4n2O3c5MIkjpb1AXm2izWtuQP45Oad7Mh0D3vAz290mv1lCVKCUJt2GVkDtP6ASQtRYT5ZZiG7KALRTFVSGSzOwcEu506e3bABOKIx4pMIbpK6j4vW2Q4l4mnT6/s400/P8050002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIbSmjlKTMk4gVUWVxkxzv7_uOcive4oABKOhkO2ALnkYf0BfdTC-CV5yNgVi_TKfeuOuAMsRdnZDM-oSbWcY9SBrsfNdWM_0GWsQl5NgFe6FyzxXEIR6c5jzEuX8e_P_7gj4Jy4LSTxI/s1600/P8050003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIbSmjlKTMk4gVUWVxkxzv7_uOcive4oABKOhkO2ALnkYf0BfdTC-CV5yNgVi_TKfeuOuAMsRdnZDM-oSbWcY9SBrsfNdWM_0GWsQl5NgFe6FyzxXEIR6c5jzEuX8e_P_7gj4Jy4LSTxI/s400/P8050003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
the living room,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDN-AaHMprAkG0I7FRm8ZsJpqTLsnfHRw42bGpwvStzamige4tr144JELn1WHvWKgkuUAEsLi__yCNwWTmTPIF3ncGmzouytAoIrS-Vdqu9XEaVGWFcRxTNGBuPvmsKnxS5VN26yxrKr9U/s1600/P8060030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDN-AaHMprAkG0I7FRm8ZsJpqTLsnfHRw42bGpwvStzamige4tr144JELn1WHvWKgkuUAEsLi__yCNwWTmTPIF3ncGmzouytAoIrS-Vdqu9XEaVGWFcRxTNGBuPvmsKnxS5VN26yxrKr9U/s400/P8060030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMWEHSXTOAE2ODiaJCOumJmfJQY2dOztMNgzWyzGazuMt1jBneHfETKO9TYwb_aNdbi1Ucq5HcK4dASDUrLEUG-nMndxCLrk-0iLH-o7Lys1Be47gCT6wf_JwizO7TdpvMbco7Rn3rSg7/s1600/P8060031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMWEHSXTOAE2ODiaJCOumJmfJQY2dOztMNgzWyzGazuMt1jBneHfETKO9TYwb_aNdbi1Ucq5HcK4dASDUrLEUG-nMndxCLrk-0iLH-o7Lys1Be47gCT6wf_JwizO7TdpvMbco7Rn3rSg7/s400/P8060031.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
and as I'm walking from the front yard to the side yard,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVmfsrgUoKD8QvL_DLAh-g8JnvU-re6ofKN-vOR_gvCxYGrJXZK4K7RX1T6lXaci41S4tjpl-VyAhyAJqwk_0kk0eDKHJiEBa1cIGRuMiqmWMAwf8ywwlBjZrIEm0fuERvUQ9gLUx14ZH/s1600/P8060026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVmfsrgUoKD8QvL_DLAh-g8JnvU-re6ofKN-vOR_gvCxYGrJXZK4K7RX1T6lXaci41S4tjpl-VyAhyAJqwk_0kk0eDKHJiEBa1cIGRuMiqmWMAwf8ywwlBjZrIEm0fuERvUQ9gLUx14ZH/s400/P8060026.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYn8z_NQuvycbAQpT3pPJFdNQwsArJIg_YXvEwqhuleVX_o3fkHQhdT64Hf7JZsriQMH3vtjo8Xi0zXf1klvTS8UPL_96MzDfbGC8TAp40ez37XqP2_ml8by67SJ-M7hgzyf4BUbKKAzFs/s1600/P8060027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYn8z_NQuvycbAQpT3pPJFdNQwsArJIg_YXvEwqhuleVX_o3fkHQhdT64Hf7JZsriQMH3vtjo8Xi0zXf1klvTS8UPL_96MzDfbGC8TAp40ez37XqP2_ml8by67SJ-M7hgzyf4BUbKKAzFs/s400/P8060027.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfw8aPGD_koTd5J0MQaw4OYQ9pirQpU_L-d2ccU3tAj7nGx3NrHgdU_HAQ0Wl2TEBOCs_XlYCaG7TY3awk5y2q7dEH9JsPxg-PjdOqttU2FyWscWntNJrJg_uAHezUF6OjQFCYKLKWUPJ/s1600/P8060028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfw8aPGD_koTd5J0MQaw4OYQ9pirQpU_L-d2ccU3tAj7nGx3NrHgdU_HAQ0Wl2TEBOCs_XlYCaG7TY3awk5y2q7dEH9JsPxg-PjdOqttU2FyWscWntNJrJg_uAHezUF6OjQFCYKLKWUPJ/s400/P8060028.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
in a sea of pink cotton candy! It's blinding but I'll take it for a while. Even though,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtOZpLPBDyayyk5P7HM0bT8J9SzCe3VQ96ENcffxheDsNzj_oWLy7YBJQsXtA5LNjPXMcYjPxITjY1XEBl68qsTPlRKrswv4rDkjeHAT99wXNuT8guh-Q5nT562CgzTEgBgqPgf4g3ZwR/s1600/aug+6+%252C+16+2+pink.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtOZpLPBDyayyk5P7HM0bT8J9SzCe3VQ96ENcffxheDsNzj_oWLy7YBJQsXtA5LNjPXMcYjPxITjY1XEBl68qsTPlRKrswv4rDkjeHAT99wXNuT8guh-Q5nT562CgzTEgBgqPgf4g3ZwR/s400/aug+6+%252C+16+2+pink.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I see everything through pink colored glasses.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9OPc7MRm4Y8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9OPc7MRm4Y8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10548038213207928436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154626510210656833.post-20377532688281474442016-08-02T13:34:00.002-04:002016-08-02T13:34:41.406-04:00An the living is easy...I'm sitting in my back yard on this hot and humid Tuesday lunching on some very refreshing leftover cucumber salad and a glass of wine.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnQeq3MAPBkxZh_2CzI1fdyEKoNflqSKI24q7zaifBZ6VQfIWejxSKibpBPMngF8UI_UUZPtKZf7asd0hb8MH8AHEslbznnJDjOY_IaOu-cgB49_O1qQ4oqw-gjIjQDmGzETKf9wAFs1z/s1600/P8020014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnQeq3MAPBkxZh_2CzI1fdyEKoNflqSKI24q7zaifBZ6VQfIWejxSKibpBPMngF8UI_UUZPtKZf7asd0hb8MH8AHEslbznnJDjOY_IaOu-cgB49_O1qQ4oqw-gjIjQDmGzETKf9wAFs1z/s320/P8020014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After all, it is 5 o'clock somewhere and I am on a bit of a hiatus. Yesterday was my first official day of being unemployed after the three week grace period/notice that I was so <i>generously </i>granted. So I applied for unemployment, cut the wisteria back before it chokes us all, did some weeding because they never stop, changed and washed the bedsheets and towels, ran errands all over town, came home and prepared a fancy bean salad for Frank's lunch and started marinating chicken breasts for another lunch, decided to invent some mac and cheese for dinner since it's meatless Monday...at least for dinner anyway since Frank's lunch consisted of leftover country ribs from Saturday...Didn't fare too well on the meatless side, blue cheese mac and cheese sprinkled with chunks of hickory cured bacon which I can't resist since buying the pack at the Wine Library...all to keep myself from thinking too much. Started a new book, hoping I'll race through it since I have more time now, we'll see since my attention span is rivaling that of a three year old.<br />
<br />
After walking Max this morning,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAP6oyl67QyUUQan9JDOCF0xJAszAff3pkjUjjVcVNVq8GFfZIyqMWyOoijzMavi7QivGzZf2zI6KQeveicjHTSugQqPguleVwtPI7lR8lOq5Y8uO67Xme0kxkaw3RtKgLxDE3N8P-fsZ6/s1600/August+28%252C+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAP6oyl67QyUUQan9JDOCF0xJAszAff3pkjUjjVcVNVq8GFfZIyqMWyOoijzMavi7QivGzZf2zI6KQeveicjHTSugQqPguleVwtPI7lR8lOq5Y8uO67Xme0kxkaw3RtKgLxDE3N8P-fsZ6/s320/August+28%252C+13.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
and he ran around chasing after the scent of all the creatures who have been out and about at night, I came home, read the paper (yes I still do that...every day) went down to the basement and ironed a bunch of stuff, there's nothing I hate more but it's got to be done! We now have starched, pristine cloth napkins and place mats! I continued on my purging quest and tried on a few more "dressier" outfits to see if they needed to go and was surprised to find that most of them fit, and nicely too. A couple didn't and are no longer appropriate for me; I started a new bag for the veterans' collection drive. I cleaned the bathroom...again. Rearranged and cleaned out all the drawers in my dressing table, did a little more weeding while admiring the sole little anemone peeking through the wild rubdekia, coneflower, daisy border,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4cycRLNsPCieC1AsRd02Ba3vO6o5EPx42WDcQrYkxIkLBeCzUBSITFQuClsAkKNi-yjH5mGaDTIBS5dPmuJ51yohr-ZQ9v3-SuXTx2kl3Mxr8JGaOpfOYaRoIYMdz64P-_MevGDpvH8X/s1600/P8020007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4cycRLNsPCieC1AsRd02Ba3vO6o5EPx42WDcQrYkxIkLBeCzUBSITFQuClsAkKNi-yjH5mGaDTIBS5dPmuJ51yohr-ZQ9v3-SuXTx2kl3Mxr8JGaOpfOYaRoIYMdz64P-_MevGDpvH8X/s320/P8020007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUk7I5d_8QAzFzKST-_GjsxtzSdUsJC56o5tMgMBL_CFmLUDtaPaTT1Mwjysp0VgXrhmC8AubLiTyr1-6rV1OlyLTHj-scRhbZQ10HcjJnuVClYQ-wtmx3FrtKtVztKHyblVNhlUsUqg9/s1600/P8020008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUk7I5d_8QAzFzKST-_GjsxtzSdUsJC56o5tMgMBL_CFmLUDtaPaTT1Mwjysp0VgXrhmC8AubLiTyr1-6rV1OlyLTHj-scRhbZQ10HcjJnuVClYQ-wtmx3FrtKtVztKHyblVNhlUsUqg9/s320/P8020008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrYeoZGB_3sUKF_DXLeKC_izNSCBbB82EIe6mEFbl50xlSkyuOec_PrffnzJl56Y6izKGBaHOpRQLi0aBnAkLhE1cxvkV1UC-EBA4k21a3GVF13q8Nm3wtweD00sSg8dFcUiruRa_3McX/s1600/P8020011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrYeoZGB_3sUKF_DXLeKC_izNSCBbB82EIe6mEFbl50xlSkyuOec_PrffnzJl56Y6izKGBaHOpRQLi0aBnAkLhE1cxvkV1UC-EBA4k21a3GVF13q8Nm3wtweD00sSg8dFcUiruRa_3McX/s320/P8020011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
and the one hosta that's hidden enough where it is still flowering.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRVqWMNK6iONnsShOrw54yzkOnJuv_-8sYxyadl8Nc1INV4GUjJ_-92Tf0tZw5WpyzzBUCB6akaDGtt0J-oFz2VviTioR7emIUCV6xp4gmKYQI-Fbdyc394cTsBa_73eIAePmVgzqnnu7/s1600/P8020009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRVqWMNK6iONnsShOrw54yzkOnJuv_-8sYxyadl8Nc1INV4GUjJ_-92Tf0tZw5WpyzzBUCB6akaDGtt0J-oFz2VviTioR7emIUCV6xp4gmKYQI-Fbdyc394cTsBa_73eIAePmVgzqnnu7/s320/P8020009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFeLW-OXpudW9YVYgkhVx3bsa9tUYFkb-dpJn4fFHYXWrrz7D5RosvEsC6DZQlpJyM8MIQB-W7W-fsVJF5pH40Z9mVW99gKbw5aXnfCmP3cXb4QcLqoiY_faOA-taNWxR3wltMTV5gtKg/s1600/P8020010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFeLW-OXpudW9YVYgkhVx3bsa9tUYFkb-dpJn4fFHYXWrrz7D5RosvEsC6DZQlpJyM8MIQB-W7W-fsVJF5pH40Z9mVW99gKbw5aXnfCmP3cXb4QcLqoiY_faOA-taNWxR3wltMTV5gtKg/s320/P8020010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then it was lunchtime. So here I am with my cucumber salad and glass of wine staring at the pretty little gladiolus bloom I planted in the herb garden,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhan9_PhlrLEGF88wp9DlB4rEQJdQEJjpvZAOshwBnLiwWpZKRaorkasz_-tLCj5P4fxtYBBM2Ev3KQ1y4HAfiwq6CP-SkffgB-lvlVIruqCR2IjjrU3NxoxxaYFgZhhhj7XljhgVpLwGk0/s1600/072616151042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhan9_PhlrLEGF88wp9DlB4rEQJdQEJjpvZAOshwBnLiwWpZKRaorkasz_-tLCj5P4fxtYBBM2Ev3KQ1y4HAfiwq6CP-SkffgB-lvlVIruqCR2IjjrU3NxoxxaYFgZhhhj7XljhgVpLwGk0/s320/072616151042.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaGrdCRyRLzl2haS_Nk0Yv24e0ntoV7TGSKg6vtZJUVTbKjgZeWUKZei1rkkwWi7VGxq7ybX_Hra9O-idfVjgH0aaqcIhVe0iDnnklTAJYBLKFgiWeJlHFukpL9ZvKrHktIUCwDH4O3-K/s1600/P8020017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaGrdCRyRLzl2haS_Nk0Yv24e0ntoV7TGSKg6vtZJUVTbKjgZeWUKZei1rkkwWi7VGxq7ybX_Hra9O-idfVjgH0aaqcIhVe0iDnnklTAJYBLKFgiWeJlHFukpL9ZvKrHktIUCwDH4O3-K/s320/P8020017.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3sFkMquahMQSfQEiLs0E5ZIjJWC-ROOd2eAXR1Ez5W1ehOcCvAqv7ZIRQXnEN58I7UxGYGlQVHEUYvfRPjSLrqwL9zP5wQ-fDBikaX1X2ASo7snztx-1lrCinXlHOhq8pUZaY9abg5g-/s1600/P8020018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3sFkMquahMQSfQEiLs0E5ZIjJWC-ROOd2eAXR1Ez5W1ehOcCvAqv7ZIRQXnEN58I7UxGYGlQVHEUYvfRPjSLrqwL9zP5wQ-fDBikaX1X2ASo7snztx-1lrCinXlHOhq8pUZaY9abg5g-/s320/P8020018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
wondering what I'm going to do with the rest of my life.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I know! I'll finally replace the button that came off that sweater Frank got for Christmas 2 years ago and never wore cause it was on the first day...and then I'll hem that skirt that's just a smidgen too short...and then...and then...</div>
Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10548038213207928436noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154626510210656833.post-24735818874090590492016-07-24T09:02:00.002-04:002016-07-24T09:02:14.713-04:00Summer Days......drifting away...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EGdJwareS17Ag2BZQ5rjiXvpSDZkbnT-Hwwl2js20puGpUwxhZqssktZewjjUSVvpSsQufBXPnEhSlR_DUqC0K7k0mxBJOVRXVgDegcJZOdu_LG49pylD4H1m9mGOki6bWNvRU7IPnYb/s1600/P5300147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EGdJwareS17Ag2BZQ5rjiXvpSDZkbnT-Hwwl2js20puGpUwxhZqssktZewjjUSVvpSsQufBXPnEhSlR_DUqC0K7k0mxBJOVRXVgDegcJZOdu_LG49pylD4H1m9mGOki6bWNvRU7IPnYb/s320/P5300147.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Frank keeps telling me to relax, enjoy my days, take my time. Easier said than done. I'm trying, getting better at it, pushing further from the bad stuff. Watching the flowers bloom...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1vVus8X_M1j839eutyvULwyYSOpEsyHInmw35jeor-7LTpbG0nivkKBse53mfBeKlYFz1zqRStQWOPQa7M2xj2CkZAP0w8AhSZR4iWy_1y1ZODmg-6AHkrO3K40PBrc-PgzwRDHAQ_pB/s1600/P7240010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1vVus8X_M1j839eutyvULwyYSOpEsyHInmw35jeor-7LTpbG0nivkKBse53mfBeKlYFz1zqRStQWOPQa7M2xj2CkZAP0w8AhSZR4iWy_1y1ZODmg-6AHkrO3K40PBrc-PgzwRDHAQ_pB/s320/P7240010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3Rhs12HEVRekZ2yyMkzYiF8e0pO3hiZFyFWS7ADJTVevYA2VOODzaVSy2oMbiCXtGVNapx9WnIaZbMVIuzJnzb207GoTCstxO_PQJIEFPSB2UgMeHaH_R_G20PHoyC9TjDw0fLOYZtUW/s1600/P7240011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3Rhs12HEVRekZ2yyMkzYiF8e0pO3hiZFyFWS7ADJTVevYA2VOODzaVSy2oMbiCXtGVNapx9WnIaZbMVIuzJnzb207GoTCstxO_PQJIEFPSB2UgMeHaH_R_G20PHoyC9TjDw0fLOYZtUW/s320/P7240011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
...rubdekias finally bursting into the scene. And the mint just growing in between everything, I like the wildness of it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3nbtNxDpJ4MQtRuThenHPT_eit7CZTpBaZ3Q5j_L34ENQRdP5m5Uj20DB_cxtAW5Sa9arwAjz11IyLFi-pKB6UwZsr95oTAVqa6rb0Dhv5LzzpOj6HI10Am1nr0sC9vQ7bmBIAhLI5Zc/s1600/P7240012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3nbtNxDpJ4MQtRuThenHPT_eit7CZTpBaZ3Q5j_L34ENQRdP5m5Uj20DB_cxtAW5Sa9arwAjz11IyLFi-pKB6UwZsr95oTAVqa6rb0Dhv5LzzpOj6HI10Am1nr0sC9vQ7bmBIAhLI5Zc/s320/P7240012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QaLBI0yIStVaAXBF7Kf3xX0zEqPAfcfPOHjvUw3HlWcmKfZYafBb6F_cZls659tr7CnIxjly6XeLol3Vjqhw7VJeLnP4gIL6Op5YmWdeUu-7fNAX_SCnRJzMcGPA5YmXphyQ1VAz-zCJ/s1600/P7240013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QaLBI0yIStVaAXBF7Kf3xX0zEqPAfcfPOHjvUw3HlWcmKfZYafBb6F_cZls659tr7CnIxjly6XeLol3Vjqhw7VJeLnP4gIL6Op5YmWdeUu-7fNAX_SCnRJzMcGPA5YmXphyQ1VAz-zCJ/s320/P7240013.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEu0fDDtEQLRSaw_A3aR9nw-E1d-oU7_QJmTyzv08tvoxw_IgUNHj1vZAK-HdZRDOr-8A37D5OjuG_eIaP0Yr1D6JyAwGsJRrBxohU9ItKLaxr_TY1qgPFVR-8tV9TdvJUJE3U4Xmd6OB/s1600/P7240014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEu0fDDtEQLRSaw_A3aR9nw-E1d-oU7_QJmTyzv08tvoxw_IgUNHj1vZAK-HdZRDOr-8A37D5OjuG_eIaP0Yr1D6JyAwGsJRrBxohU9ItKLaxr_TY1qgPFVR-8tV9TdvJUJE3U4Xmd6OB/s320/P7240014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The wisteria which barely bloomed this Spring is coming on strong all of a sudden, go figure. Will need to cut it back soon before it pulls a Stephen King and takes over the patio chairs. Maybe we'll finally build a pergola over the patio for it to climb onto this year; she says again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRP8sHfYQ_Uaq5hyphenhyphenLTrvhbzPrKAhsrrfd54pmRnEqbR50OWEXTWWd0ihGmj5gMMS8jI7eeKyNgZ2fvXgtmmCIuGxs7h07zvHa6cKsJBQvLL21ErYHfoU2BQ2DNLCOGOQXTrj16skUNKITq/s1600/P7240016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRP8sHfYQ_Uaq5hyphenhyphenLTrvhbzPrKAhsrrfd54pmRnEqbR50OWEXTWWd0ihGmj5gMMS8jI7eeKyNgZ2fvXgtmmCIuGxs7h07zvHa6cKsJBQvLL21ErYHfoU2BQ2DNLCOGOQXTrj16skUNKITq/s320/P7240016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The begonias on the porch are getting leggy and the vinca is wrapping itself on everything, an unruly mess, just my style.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjO3KrFtrv6nBe4OO7EcKqkPzBclFJ6ZAATTxAROKj-dHl06e-7p-zIfcQeURNSM-7psmu9Wz32Dzy5by-42sJFP4XrnjaV5RrNLmCze3ZDQAr_GfTp996H-36GrwWa9Lt9k9mYr82JtYw/s1600/P7210003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjO3KrFtrv6nBe4OO7EcKqkPzBclFJ6ZAATTxAROKj-dHl06e-7p-zIfcQeURNSM-7psmu9Wz32Dzy5by-42sJFP4XrnjaV5RrNLmCze3ZDQAr_GfTp996H-36GrwWa9Lt9k9mYr82JtYw/s320/P7210003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cool food. Lentil and sausage salad...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ki8n6eP8CHOWaxb28SNKDzT5udySNCiccr0HrG5BFkaCGFB9AM606bvGvEjo6raaE42T2_WYCBovlk-CGIVHTVh7YsUEVhmZn72-Z4oBbVKZu5o9qWaIfEMGQY7KDvWoUrwXtbjuYY_4/s1600/P7220004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ki8n6eP8CHOWaxb28SNKDzT5udySNCiccr0HrG5BFkaCGFB9AM606bvGvEjo6raaE42T2_WYCBovlk-CGIVHTVh7YsUEVhmZn72-Z4oBbVKZu5o9qWaIfEMGQY7KDvWoUrwXtbjuYY_4/s320/P7220004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoYmMJwC8LDh2gWfEeAigFyAaikKWhbv4aQnRg5157Z6y53O36fzfU2F40QrFWOyjm83smfmIn90eQEpo70nw56gE75cweP_abldNqJt80DDHmu-WeVJSuSIFkN3F1-kfYHB20PJhxXQ0/s1600/P7220006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoYmMJwC8LDh2gWfEeAigFyAaikKWhbv4aQnRg5157Z6y53O36fzfU2F40QrFWOyjm83smfmIn90eQEpo70nw56gE75cweP_abldNqJt80DDHmu-WeVJSuSIFkN3F1-kfYHB20PJhxXQ0/s320/P7220006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
roasted corn and chipotle salad...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIDrvOgMAOIWIr5jq9acWBqSf_doe8yEIWzVdwE5XENXiTenUpwBWrWOPE1QKVGsf1fm2opryJDZZ9rNJC9kzUGIc4gf5kQSsubvx3rTK90ZPXftubdBzbs9emmXwi9lTNqlibhy8V8Ou/s1600/P7220007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIDrvOgMAOIWIr5jq9acWBqSf_doe8yEIWzVdwE5XENXiTenUpwBWrWOPE1QKVGsf1fm2opryJDZZ9rNJC9kzUGIc4gf5kQSsubvx3rTK90ZPXftubdBzbs9emmXwi9lTNqlibhy8V8Ou/s320/P7220007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
stuffed branzino.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLo8NyC9GMRAz_gWGb0FtCqoNj_4pzsZwJpU-cvaCVJlsLzoDcz0gSgSJ0ixG4fKoPkjoEaZpfFWmtisM3Fo8WyeORcEMewQpddr8sxphfUCM5ptXrolC3XMNizajFWcXoAL8syDdk8a1-/s1600/lilac+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLo8NyC9GMRAz_gWGb0FtCqoNj_4pzsZwJpU-cvaCVJlsLzoDcz0gSgSJ0ixG4fKoPkjoEaZpfFWmtisM3Fo8WyeORcEMewQpddr8sxphfUCM5ptXrolC3XMNizajFWcXoAL8syDdk8a1-/s320/lilac+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
...drifting away....</div>
Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10548038213207928436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154626510210656833.post-2056457084415856752016-07-18T16:35:00.000-04:002016-07-18T16:35:22.264-04:00Week OneMy first week of unemployed life was not at all what I expected it to be. Considering that there was quite a bit of relief in not having to go back to that place I thought I would do a bit of relaxing, gardening, reading, listening to music, and just plain breathing. On Monday I went to the local Stop & Shop and took my time walking up and down the aisles in a leisurely pace that I normally don't have time for. Not the brightest of ideas, when the bill totaled up I had spent way more than I had anticipated or even thought I had in my cart. I had a couple of calls from ex-colleagues shocked at my sudden departure and a few text messages, I got depressed. The next day I hit the garden for some serious weeding that was very necessary, filled up one bag and I had had it. It will have to be done in spurts. Wednesday I did four loads of laundry. Thursday Frank worked from home and even though he's mainly in his office on the third floor I paced around all day jittery and anxious, why I don't know. Friday I called a friend and rejected her invitation to spend Saturday down the shore because I am a miserable wreck and it's best I stay home this weekend. Then I decided to do what always makes it better...other than looking at this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRsr1vUbFENTx-Hx5T2aoA-g7DXr3aXFIszmnR7cAsFuZS-yZiapoSCoiliZBogP04GtXKfI3QWE-NSDlHA-2Ekp3lwzBiAeB1zYDeJbgcIX2M348MA4mItZXmdg5F5BpSckWtAqFwVqf/s1600/P7150015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRsr1vUbFENTx-Hx5T2aoA-g7DXr3aXFIszmnR7cAsFuZS-yZiapoSCoiliZBogP04GtXKfI3QWE-NSDlHA-2Ekp3lwzBiAeB1zYDeJbgcIX2M348MA4mItZXmdg5F5BpSckWtAqFwVqf/s320/P7150015.JPG" width="221" /></a></div>
<br />
Dinner on Friday should always be fun so I pulled out that ripped page out of a magazine with the fun eggplant dip and piquillo peppers. As instructed I roasted the eggplant on the stove just as I always do for roasted peppers. Wow! first time I've ever done that,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_D7oguN7kvwSWLs43woMCIPVbdLQI2dNa3-8Neq3TVW6ZXalA6laFzzDY6hgRderucc2AY2zLENJe5a4Mmm8oAzk_zCHABd86MMgZlGdQEZjSAE_K2UuLEZ0BzdvmPcAncnopeZxZ1gcf/s1600/P7150002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_D7oguN7kvwSWLs43woMCIPVbdLQI2dNa3-8Neq3TVW6ZXalA6laFzzDY6hgRderucc2AY2zLENJe5a4Mmm8oAzk_zCHABd86MMgZlGdQEZjSAE_K2UuLEZ0BzdvmPcAncnopeZxZ1gcf/s320/P7150002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
and I'm in awe. It took all of 10 minutes, if that. After letting it cool in the strainer I just pulled the skin off and there was this soft smoky perfection. Chopped it into chunks, dropped it in the food processor with about a cup of goat cheese<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPvscOzUcjFNM2s2f69dUZvql8q9CagjoIOMsfuTwqkICBlYI7dz1BYVyQx582iEuvzAvpLespEUXJXHuXzJ5a-PGMzYV_QVfj0hROTZT73rQBOzEk_3NfkEB-BoUFlqqF6FS8XXUbMOo/s1600/P7150006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPvscOzUcjFNM2s2f69dUZvql8q9CagjoIOMsfuTwqkICBlYI7dz1BYVyQx582iEuvzAvpLespEUXJXHuXzJ5a-PGMzYV_QVfj0hROTZT73rQBOzEk_3NfkEB-BoUFlqqF6FS8XXUbMOo/s320/P7150006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
until smooth, added some pepper...and voila!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheyT_yDoL5ynoJ4tqS0rV38WGP0OctZgkA2FCuv2V_uX0TCQHz3AKdaw3vhosASUboXaSYQ5oMHBxjOEBxrOAGRkUtSSJbmSdtyCUSYEBWgj15gHpSpn7hQLXjhwwag0YXyhLNIrb7oQGd/s1600/P7150007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheyT_yDoL5ynoJ4tqS0rV38WGP0OctZgkA2FCuv2V_uX0TCQHz3AKdaw3vhosASUboXaSYQ5oMHBxjOEBxrOAGRkUtSSJbmSdtyCUSYEBWgj15gHpSpn7hQLXjhwwag0YXyhLNIrb7oQGd/s320/P7150007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Eggplant cheese spread. I then pulled out my last jar of piquillos that I brought from Spain,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiryZGWFSXkqd8YG9TW2tU1v7sFcgjcbsdxXZ6Vk4I8w-8S3TQBhMIjRT92mF8ZJnATo3C2KwBCslW0BoZrcrbMUY-FqgtIsY1J0Icmsgjszyh8mt7ip4jodHkpVuc79ayUCXBlwTPMxuy/s1600/P7150004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiryZGWFSXkqd8YG9TW2tU1v7sFcgjcbsdxXZ6Vk4I8w-8S3TQBhMIjRT92mF8ZJnATo3C2KwBCslW0BoZrcrbMUY-FqgtIsY1J0Icmsgjszyh8mt7ip4jodHkpVuc79ayUCXBlwTPMxuy/s320/P7150004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvOpcwKCJeYHkLl8Hbd5XPSCQ2OItLPYnY_H_tcOssy9nuD7-TYD4uxA9RJ3MhQBMwAx1ETNpOcBeWegxR5xbvJDdsd08Cg44RP3OEt_QbFIbzuYf_Oc0MqMJW1i1Y8GqSkCGDX90V8wj/s1600/P7150005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvOpcwKCJeYHkLl8Hbd5XPSCQ2OItLPYnY_H_tcOssy9nuD7-TYD4uxA9RJ3MhQBMwAx1ETNpOcBeWegxR5xbvJDdsd08Cg44RP3OEt_QbFIbzuYf_Oc0MqMJW1i1Y8GqSkCGDX90V8wj/s320/P7150005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
blackened them in a cast iron pan and dropped them into a warm vinaigrette,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyl1Yig4LlbV8ZzX_tcxH2Wrl9P-bOg-W1S_lAHWsa3lzljp5cauOzricZeBpCUnzNXQ9ljBquDfVBJwcq_mQrSbldfvQEg5b6OAkAK5jCaEFu4VpGDp7mxlLN4sS-5NVDT5KPQC78Hdj/s1600/P7150008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyl1Yig4LlbV8ZzX_tcxH2Wrl9P-bOg-W1S_lAHWsa3lzljp5cauOzricZeBpCUnzNXQ9ljBquDfVBJwcq_mQrSbldfvQEg5b6OAkAK5jCaEFu4VpGDp7mxlLN4sS-5NVDT5KPQC78Hdj/s320/P7150008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
toast some slices of baguette and our appetizer is ready to go. Main dish should be just as much fun,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCC9AYQ9fxQHzP7rNdgJs-oHhZpBV0_SgW_mgVLYrRDYMpvUEslPoWsoo_C4d0jI_UyQMnhDWAWyGFYgSbRX5kGwjwKfLOlwZarBwSqDSg4Bj7H3DnI4JgmlmXH7v2891cg-jJxCAfpsbr/s1600/P7150011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCC9AYQ9fxQHzP7rNdgJs-oHhZpBV0_SgW_mgVLYrRDYMpvUEslPoWsoo_C4d0jI_UyQMnhDWAWyGFYgSbRX5kGwjwKfLOlwZarBwSqDSg4Bj7H3DnI4JgmlmXH7v2891cg-jJxCAfpsbr/s320/P7150011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7pnksuFVpg1IRhToHpYSkPFyNrXT-WH9tFmcktURMCXgNAnWw6ix2mleQziBjOmFcOmLmkuCiEXglL2zZON1duNhVAbV_z9nggMPKRpBkOgmWlj6YcqtRNKrEEOF_e1E2L5mrvL8gGzi/s1600/P7150013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7pnksuFVpg1IRhToHpYSkPFyNrXT-WH9tFmcktURMCXgNAnWw6ix2mleQziBjOmFcOmLmkuCiEXglL2zZON1duNhVAbV_z9nggMPKRpBkOgmWlj6YcqtRNKrEEOF_e1E2L5mrvL8gGzi/s320/P7150013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cobb salad, without the hard boiled egg because by the time I thought of it the eggs wouldn't have been cold. Yummy just the same.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Saturday was a soupy muggy day. We did some work in the yard, sat outside sipping Cava to toast my new found freedom. Max lasted a half hour,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ivodmXXCZb3MizUUSq_VF3N42M7innarVZgfZ26aZ4SnlXoa7qEg26aOoTESphLwYbDkcX04ffMchdj9kmNwM6AE5w3HWybe2tV0iC0qi6KppFPR-bSU8uePYeworQT-y2y0qgxi3E3m/s1600/P7160019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ivodmXXCZb3MizUUSq_VF3N42M7innarVZgfZ26aZ4SnlXoa7qEg26aOoTESphLwYbDkcX04ffMchdj9kmNwM6AE5w3HWybe2tV0iC0qi6KppFPR-bSU8uePYeworQT-y2y0qgxi3E3m/s320/P7160019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_2N4H_6nMfoNlu0hDGjWpsBphKK-UG1X_A67eZ9dq8WLlFGxbXKQ9UMsgnxsNpkmjzSVqIku05TtodPoD3_qlvdMNXM6k4sweI40GIUa35XSkrJgOAJF8qhziRY5kBnC2nNNjyvYIWm6/s1600/P7160021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_2N4H_6nMfoNlu0hDGjWpsBphKK-UG1X_A67eZ9dq8WLlFGxbXKQ9UMsgnxsNpkmjzSVqIku05TtodPoD3_qlvdMNXM6k4sweI40GIUa35XSkrJgOAJF8qhziRY5kBnC2nNNjyvYIWm6/s320/P7160021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQemDUEXnUdi_V40O58oibMAyvvdphST8KvD0gydnTP02ky_pLa7pdJRJS-a4-RPyMbmz84OP-5Nqsv6xXlhd8y4pMk8KrlX0XBs_Pl0QlRRLjoz5SST7XuFXLDixLN2Um5O5iA5diAzQN/s1600/P7160022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQemDUEXnUdi_V40O58oibMAyvvdphST8KvD0gydnTP02ky_pLa7pdJRJS-a4-RPyMbmz84OP-5Nqsv6xXlhd8y4pMk8KrlX0XBs_Pl0QlRRLjoz5SST7XuFXLDixLN2Um5O5iA5diAzQN/s320/P7160022.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
no better day to make pulled pork! I pulled out my little jar of green curry paste from my <a href="http://trytheworld.com/">Try the world</a> subscription Thai box and slathered it all over a big hunk of pork shoulder,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6yVJbxpFwFdzKSxdiKalH2CeuQolmgk_GM_bSrzAv_6Gooyf_2D4VCnheDWWLcrYAdQ8nbsWu6pYar08FiRa9Mj51uAE9LqxGEIPRL4RHBjxyxXIytUHLLTjdEcDdYTv7P109FpzDNR6/s1600/P7160017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6yVJbxpFwFdzKSxdiKalH2CeuQolmgk_GM_bSrzAv_6Gooyf_2D4VCnheDWWLcrYAdQ8nbsWu6pYar08FiRa9Mj51uAE9LqxGEIPRL4RHBjxyxXIytUHLLTjdEcDdYTv7P109FpzDNR6/s320/P7160017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
cooked it on top of the stove at low for about 3 and a half hours (should of been in the oven but that's a whole other story), let it cool a little then pulled it apart. Served it with some refreshing coleslaw and cucumber salad,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJqeL-Ec97dmuEN_1EuW_PC8ADgea0H4R6EMUPK9vCrTJg4MPxMswZ2PmgHQPdW6dMO4XWjKtJqdC7I7AKWJ50Eb03-7f1Yx5dqrWk9cG8IiNzRhFRC-EUEMsCIRBhwFq-fanLA_I3Nvz/s1600/P7160025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJqeL-Ec97dmuEN_1EuW_PC8ADgea0H4R6EMUPK9vCrTJg4MPxMswZ2PmgHQPdW6dMO4XWjKtJqdC7I7AKWJ50Eb03-7f1Yx5dqrWk9cG8IiNzRhFRC-EUEMsCIRBhwFq-fanLA_I3Nvz/s320/P7160025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
that curry paste is hot and spicy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sunday Max got a much needed bath,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoy-SigmDShMXQhnM0CubgqyDqEMgWFRWVgEMG2fPyexuFZnwkx2K0qlDt81eZOf3l8Gtioak0XbIyqHjUEmgwW4lyGzyXtAfCCAV-1fMiOUZ6bfN9TxcW_VFysyhLxCZNKC09NxjFd5z/s1600/051015152441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoy-SigmDShMXQhnM0CubgqyDqEMgWFRWVgEMG2fPyexuFZnwkx2K0qlDt81eZOf3l8Gtioak0XbIyqHjUEmgwW4lyGzyXtAfCCAV-1fMiOUZ6bfN9TxcW_VFysyhLxCZNKC09NxjFd5z/s320/051015152441.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
which he hated every minute of. Dinner was an old Cuban staple,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHZw_rqUgP46uHtYLTyZ2HMF4ZL4oC7cWbt9J4-n_LspM3b6aaVo6rOdlMB3yOij_Irw5q7NqCNwvi6G1hKedcmLCbmyYTqyLCghCNDeYmTfddZP8phXxVkQYZjtJ0IDRbj75fPewp3ee/s1600/salt+cod+drained+for+gomes+da+sa+apr+6.12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHZw_rqUgP46uHtYLTyZ2HMF4ZL4oC7cWbt9J4-n_LspM3b6aaVo6rOdlMB3yOij_Irw5q7NqCNwvi6G1hKedcmLCbmyYTqyLCghCNDeYmTfddZP8phXxVkQYZjtJ0IDRbj75fPewp3ee/s320/salt+cod+drained+for+gomes+da+sa+apr+6.12.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MdfftgHVM5sWGjzSs3ENM6Q0nHphFwu9JPIz_baSlKoCWTUooZlEgSzVH5du9W27MH-MosPRzx0JgT2vdk4N_7hFfR5KSdzaf_JMnCqrerPpsikvr_mPdtfhTJve2WRnwlvZzOGB-p7j/s1600/salt+cod+onions+for+gomes+da+sa+apr+6.12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MdfftgHVM5sWGjzSs3ENM6Q0nHphFwu9JPIz_baSlKoCWTUooZlEgSzVH5du9W27MH-MosPRzx0JgT2vdk4N_7hFfR5KSdzaf_JMnCqrerPpsikvr_mPdtfhTJve2WRnwlvZzOGB-p7j/s320/salt+cod+onions+for+gomes+da+sa+apr+6.12.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Salt cod, Bacalao a la Vizcayna which I don't have a photo of. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I feel better now. And look at my greeting this Monday morning!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiila5bCZwBZCLXAYBQdAkDt8Qa3Pm83Frx8zZ1qyZfzZ3_rygOpT_SlUHir8ZTaxErf-8D96moYxFYarqNm3gPp1pSKcRtlyvM3Gn4hK12KGEx7LExSxOgb3b6HnmFgrYNDoAFD2ZrzFxt/s1600/P7180001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiila5bCZwBZCLXAYBQdAkDt8Qa3Pm83Frx8zZ1qyZfzZ3_rygOpT_SlUHir8ZTaxErf-8D96moYxFYarqNm3gPp1pSKcRtlyvM3Gn4hK12KGEx7LExSxOgb3b6HnmFgrYNDoAFD2ZrzFxt/s320/P7180001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyD0lk_tBCxsXVS9M-ynYjEOo7i5rZqwEH2BTIBXv6hAYetpOQVJFJSeGCBa6lxt_0tV5tmOHW4hLEFHe6CCfRaygKqSiDSjaw2TX42BVwi5F3FADvJOxnO8Cif45LgMYV6scNcg_YznA0/s1600/P7180003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyD0lk_tBCxsXVS9M-ynYjEOo7i5rZqwEH2BTIBXv6hAYetpOQVJFJSeGCBa6lxt_0tV5tmOHW4hLEFHe6CCfRaygKqSiDSjaw2TX42BVwi5F3FADvJOxnO8Cif45LgMYV6scNcg_YznA0/s320/P7180003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Those are my neighbors' flowers he's feasting on. I told her rotten eggs an hot sauce will keep them away, she didn't listen.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOCbiIzuGfoFyVl0jUQ1pnIXo3RcwNIlV99n6m3n-Zqay54HJz2O-Pwh4wQqRmuq_rE4o6Pc_CnCmmskat8uptcs_8RM-9gpKbgtpRM68teIkos24w29zCY0dPp9776C1gkMIhhssXDOq/s1600/July+29%252C+2013+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOCbiIzuGfoFyVl0jUQ1pnIXo3RcwNIlV99n6m3n-Zqay54HJz2O-Pwh4wQqRmuq_rE4o6Pc_CnCmmskat8uptcs_8RM-9gpKbgtpRM68teIkos24w29zCY0dPp9776C1gkMIhhssXDOq/s320/July+29%252C+2013+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10548038213207928436noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154626510210656833.post-88795678169532320422016-07-12T22:00:00.001-04:002016-07-12T22:00:47.328-04:00Pushing DaisiesI hate to admit it but for the last couple of years I have neglected my garden. Not totally mind you in that Grey Gardens sort of way but letting it go a bit. The left side by the driveway that I've struggled with for so many years got to the point that I don't even want to think about it...or at least didn't. My neighbor on the other side pulled out a giant kiftsgate rose which stood at the front of the back side bordering our properties. Turns out there were about five of them and three were on our side and to top it all off the guy she hired just chopped them down which means there are a bunch of stumps, no rose, no barrier. Something else to come up with.<br />
<br />
And then there are the weeds, and weeds, and weeds, and weeds. They never seem to end. They're like grey hairs, pull one three more come out. Out of control!<br />
<br />
So since I have a little time on my hands what better way than to try and get things back into shape.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubt6UREoC1POurbObu7JjcrUy4DtXZwc-UZWVynCD_XhYQI_2uzhizgKKQtNFfLzBLH0Z6Aa5tOkgaeuF4kGAww4umQF_4HI9bN0ThvnKb6jGIu1EqBA3vsvUgsYVXnhVlH1Ylf9rpOE5/s1600/P7120006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubt6UREoC1POurbObu7JjcrUy4DtXZwc-UZWVynCD_XhYQI_2uzhizgKKQtNFfLzBLH0Z6Aa5tOkgaeuF4kGAww4umQF_4HI9bN0ThvnKb6jGIu1EqBA3vsvUgsYVXnhVlH1Ylf9rpOE5/s320/P7120006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XWAwFQfbNUQ6ogeeOvhuwFeSgwip3Nqg0O-FuiTG9wPk9JvG4r9EbB4aXSBj_NBrIkDgUgyHQgpJ7TwAObx29DD_fBXGne01W8GUpzfTEKrNei__WyarHlddsDOiGPb_Ucm3qYClhHUD/s1600/P7120007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XWAwFQfbNUQ6ogeeOvhuwFeSgwip3Nqg0O-FuiTG9wPk9JvG4r9EbB4aXSBj_NBrIkDgUgyHQgpJ7TwAObx29DD_fBXGne01W8GUpzfTEKrNei__WyarHlddsDOiGPb_Ucm3qYClhHUD/s320/P7120007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The pots on the patio by the back porch have really come into their own and require little maintenance. The hostas and ferns come back every year and now all I need to do is maybe add two pots of annuals. This year, white begonias (my Mom's favorites) some lavender and potato vine. Simple and sweet. I love all the shades of green and different leaf textures.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicznJLP1G5MkGe1UT6STGvbNIJ1tCZqQB2QK-OZskH7Or1qWO2S7rRn5vOmMydRQOfVvmGd_gVPBp0uZbM2eknnRxQbKkqG3zQx1pWec1Af28Jcsj3spR6ZCa_SKUgRAMuxQ74AD4N7VG6/s1600/P7120023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicznJLP1G5MkGe1UT6STGvbNIJ1tCZqQB2QK-OZskH7Or1qWO2S7rRn5vOmMydRQOfVvmGd_gVPBp0uZbM2eknnRxQbKkqG3zQx1pWec1Af28Jcsj3spR6ZCa_SKUgRAMuxQ74AD4N7VG6/s320/P7120023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The side that's always given me so many headaches is being taken over by goosenecks. Fine with me, I love mass planting and these guys look really good here. On the opposite side of this bench towards the front of the planting bed there are a couple of new columbines, several astilbes and more goosenecks; although not as many as here. I may add more goosenecks, keep the astilbes towards the front and move the columbines. Simple and sweet.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXSbSVHP_AsfMJJnNv_ti9rezQLsqKzKn3_phCuSk9VI80M1z31PmW7Os68aQUSE_WkchPd2FlNo-w1n4KSpzj9aCiUqQI-6JAeocD3dXHlAKHi7bMD5jPmjuJjAAhmc4peS7uLAigbaM/s1600/P7120020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXSbSVHP_AsfMJJnNv_ti9rezQLsqKzKn3_phCuSk9VI80M1z31PmW7Os68aQUSE_WkchPd2FlNo-w1n4KSpzj9aCiUqQI-6JAeocD3dXHlAKHi7bMD5jPmjuJjAAhmc4peS7uLAigbaM/s320/P7120020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJLcbNBLcTo8NjuyTFhCKO3qZmhHqo9LoMeUfGNWDXB14P7dKBn9S2Grgpm3X8uJt_99EY5hFGQNoz6Mv-Y0YY8rXbJcQ4PvbMMnbID4nnPW-BEQTGi525cq8NoXjgPWqzS2hkG2HMzGg/s1600/P7120022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJLcbNBLcTo8NjuyTFhCKO3qZmhHqo9LoMeUfGNWDXB14P7dKBn9S2Grgpm3X8uJt_99EY5hFGQNoz6Mv-Y0YY8rXbJcQ4PvbMMnbID4nnPW-BEQTGi525cq8NoXjgPWqzS2hkG2HMzGg/s320/P7120022.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The side of the porch is overrun by a profusion of hostas which keep multiplying except for the center of the row. I noticed the whole under the porch...groundhog! Extremely destructive little critter but it's hard to despise something so damn cute.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img height="216" src="https://timedotcom.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/groundhog.jpeg?quality=75&strip=color&w=1100" width="320" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(That's not him, he's elusive, editorial license, close enough)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
By the side of the back porch is where our color comes in,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5UP5AiKYFuJeT5gdDi1Kqa3hiUU5IHo1WGlPypvGaS8EmRBFho8lB3REs-5TzBuhxSsCQjDlk14IBSFwfCCel9SQ4iLHWcJZmJTldLw_YWvXLIqZNd3Nad3v4XDV7X3Mh7dksi7YJWLTp/s1600/P7120008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5UP5AiKYFuJeT5gdDi1Kqa3hiUU5IHo1WGlPypvGaS8EmRBFho8lB3REs-5TzBuhxSsCQjDlk14IBSFwfCCel9SQ4iLHWcJZmJTldLw_YWvXLIqZNd3Nad3v4XDV7X3Mh7dksi7YJWLTp/s320/P7120008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL49vsuXUNKpPmFEet-1LQWRye8sebpfug30rghPhD05n8iOHTbFtLtWpZ1xYpiCX8khhL0Yu6rL6v8xGp9y__ebt_Ru5VOtkT6IAfufGzC85qeFZgtWrOg1cHUam7GU8zAL9vZMeEZXcq/s1600/P7120009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL49vsuXUNKpPmFEet-1LQWRye8sebpfug30rghPhD05n8iOHTbFtLtWpZ1xYpiCX8khhL0Yu6rL6v8xGp9y__ebt_Ru5VOtkT6IAfufGzC85qeFZgtWrOg1cHUam7GU8zAL9vZMeEZXcq/s320/P7120009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStDJBimoHcxi9ED_1rgTqufYXbAGm7lNnWZotpQ_yDfP3t78OC_1FlQ0Qxv-PQ4IQWpwjp084C5XY-DOv8zzcapAMalpG2uh6LV4aorMACWg8DfFcf5F0ZwJ3XRo61txoa_vZGwf8tacf/s1600/P7120010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStDJBimoHcxi9ED_1rgTqufYXbAGm7lNnWZotpQ_yDfP3t78OC_1FlQ0Qxv-PQ4IQWpwjp084C5XY-DOv8zzcapAMalpG2uh6LV4aorMACWg8DfFcf5F0ZwJ3XRo61txoa_vZGwf8tacf/s320/P7120010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
even though the bright yellow rubdeckias are just starting to show, there are only a few coneflowers but soon there will be an explosion of yellow and purple to compliment the new addition of Shasta daisies.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFdXo-_gXvbgBCQv-ZLk8ngduPZJIM4PlAzRhd-pGlRz6OBb8v3pc0paEP_qEnISKQM6w6kGffMcwYHIjXaOzICvl9a4cs5aw_qKsHqUOK_aADNxDbs6RQKYZGdCZb_iMuNjm7-V7_4yo/s1600/P7120012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFdXo-_gXvbgBCQv-ZLk8ngduPZJIM4PlAzRhd-pGlRz6OBb8v3pc0paEP_qEnISKQM6w6kGffMcwYHIjXaOzICvl9a4cs5aw_qKsHqUOK_aADNxDbs6RQKYZGdCZb_iMuNjm7-V7_4yo/s320/P7120012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The daylilies are putting on their show</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLo6LVoU_14JJm3R3U01iI33V4N6rkZsCMeEA2PVlzKxfoqB3J8MobvA80YkMiTCJqc1JGjC8k1GW_0zS94b2-5yjlg-jSlRZpGIeoyaY1BwFNCm1MEVFqkzbQbN6Z4fWfll2pTTeXdPoP/s1600/P7120015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLo6LVoU_14JJm3R3U01iI33V4N6rkZsCMeEA2PVlzKxfoqB3J8MobvA80YkMiTCJqc1JGjC8k1GW_0zS94b2-5yjlg-jSlRZpGIeoyaY1BwFNCm1MEVFqkzbQbN6Z4fWfll2pTTeXdPoP/s320/P7120015.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQ6BEYYKwZN77nM0P3UrBKc-KEr5J9ktA2rVxZ5gvz_v3HEkTt7MdEAxToVcney8fk7_Qq7G9BLFrxmKgzwewA5vozudBhn70GLuk5tYXRXjHRTA_jKzcAcr-Y0SjI4nrVrdiQ3h1ZZ6m/s1600/P7120016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQ6BEYYKwZN77nM0P3UrBKc-KEr5J9ktA2rVxZ5gvz_v3HEkTt7MdEAxToVcney8fk7_Qq7G9BLFrxmKgzwewA5vozudBhn70GLuk5tYXRXjHRTA_jKzcAcr-Y0SjI4nrVrdiQ3h1ZZ6m/s320/P7120016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
despite the dreaded deer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAM5VvXsDrO7Vt64jf3w0gdqgiu7sMC_ykWBGvgGnq1_0hlNTIuWe8FHQ9-MNGxlXUXpBqohxpzVdqzEy_RyI4amv1OW3VFG1zMXVINh67GjYDdQDNWDD_Ly4kMI0mf4litYuk66teATbj/s1600/aug+28+13+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAM5VvXsDrO7Vt64jf3w0gdqgiu7sMC_ykWBGvgGnq1_0hlNTIuWe8FHQ9-MNGxlXUXpBqohxpzVdqzEy_RyI4amv1OW3VFG1zMXVINh67GjYDdQDNWDD_Ly4kMI0mf4litYuk66teATbj/s320/aug+28+13+006.JPG" width="229" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We're very excited with our new additions,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-shfv0p6Auq5nfjF1nHyz-ySHsHC5n5gsDgRc5DmogKa1n3VB5mdToYgto1QHicVQYB8N643Dmsv973CSHWTiW4F8joptCH3wNaA2ofmqPrjTu5gikYcinbcjvqxXaMn5TXi8oxF-RAD-/s1600/P7120025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-shfv0p6Auq5nfjF1nHyz-ySHsHC5n5gsDgRc5DmogKa1n3VB5mdToYgto1QHicVQYB8N643Dmsv973CSHWTiW4F8joptCH3wNaA2ofmqPrjTu5gikYcinbcjvqxXaMn5TXi8oxF-RAD-/s320/P7120025.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
two baby clematis and several golden cypress by the garage.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So after an afternoon of pulling and cutting and digging and sweating and raking and filling two bags with stuff...I'm still not finished but we're getting there.</div>
Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10548038213207928436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154626510210656833.post-38278336681523572512016-07-09T09:51:00.000-04:002016-07-09T09:51:00.354-04:00Rainy Days and MondaysI've been a bit MIA lately, an occasional post here and there which I attributed to a lack of ideas, imagination, God knows what. The truth is my brain has been in an atrophied stage to some extent for the last several months. The job that I raved about in this same forum a couple of years ago turned into a living nightmare starting about a year ago or so due to that lovely corporate word "reorganization". A term and practice that brings nothing but discord, tension & backstabbing. I hoped it would run its course, things would stabilize and we would go back to our lovely little happy selves. A fantasy if ever I heard one. Reorganization means complete overhaul and upheaval. Most of the people I started out with, who I enjoyed seeing every single day and even socializing with, regardless of whether they were company events, were let go or left with only a handful of the originals remaining. They were replaced with badly trained pit bulls and fire breathing dragons with little decency and regard for employees and absolutely no idea what teamwork meant. They didn't last long but the damage had been done, the top brass took on these same qualities. Replacements have been found, they seem like a definite improvement on the first bunch but the atmosphere remains the same and since the company hasn't been doing well the culture is that of fear and trepidation. I never knew when the wrath would fall on me for something as stupid as dropping a paper clip (exaggeration for dramatic purposes). A few months ago while driving to work I experienced what I can only describe as a panic attack, my heart was beating so hard I thought it was going to jump out of my chest and I felt as if I couldn't breathe. Who knows maybe I was having a mild heart attack, either way these symptoms became frequent, daily in fact. I would also wake up in the middle of the night with the same feelings which meant constant sleepless nights. This clearly had to stop.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyT3Rj30iRUEG7m2OmXSFavh4hSQqrLA7aqK6WFDIjwPNXBnCGfC9TeFg8BkCXhO2np84STh9qDyxg2HhJwJiytqeY1kb6O_W3OZq6zK0ZIRdeaSy_w2uoROm2QwYchnXr8CSym_mrB-q/s1600/1.1.14+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyT3Rj30iRUEG7m2OmXSFavh4hSQqrLA7aqK6WFDIjwPNXBnCGfC9TeFg8BkCXhO2np84STh9qDyxg2HhJwJiytqeY1kb6O_W3OZq6zK0ZIRdeaSy_w2uoROm2QwYchnXr8CSym_mrB-q/s320/1.1.14+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
(gratuitous pic of Max to lighten up a bit)<br />
<br />
I started to look for another job but it's hard when you have a job since you need to come up with all kinds of lies to interview. My anxiety escalated, I was in a constant state of panic. This doesn't bode well for...anything. I was miserable, made Frank miserable, looked miserable, you get my drift.<br />
<br />
Then this week something glorious happened. I won the lottery! Kidding, I wish. Due to some uncomfortable situations, decisions and trumped up lies I was fired on Thursday. Friday was my last day. In my exit interview HR actually said "you seem 1000 pounds lighter". Yes, I am floating in fact. Driving out of that parking lot was pure ecstasy.<br />
<br />
I will take a week to learn how to breathe again. Then its time for a reinvention. That's fine. I am free. While doing that I can spend more time with this little munchkin,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBuyBWRi4PsBlPfZ-JyjTuhP_FcetdXTyWLuMlYLYG1zktes1tzdw6QqE3VAwDj0btjnQ5gx1ZooH1eWSh2KRHbqC0x5WMSVQmk2a2tkrUzHURqj_chyphenhyphenmrNxR3-mkTK1gqgpXK9nGpCoAJ/s1600/July+21%252C+13+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBuyBWRi4PsBlPfZ-JyjTuhP_FcetdXTyWLuMlYLYG1zktes1tzdw6QqE3VAwDj0btjnQ5gx1ZooH1eWSh2KRHbqC0x5WMSVQmk2a2tkrUzHURqj_chyphenhyphenmrNxR3-mkTK1gqgpXK9nGpCoAJ/s320/July+21%252C+13+026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
which brings me tremendous joy. I will cook more, garden more, write more (you'll be sick of me).<br />
<br />
My first day of full freedom is a rainy Saturday, usually a downer in the Summer, not today. I couldn't be happier. Can't wait for the dreaded Monday!<br />
<br />
As always, thank you for indulging me.Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10548038213207928436noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154626510210656833.post-52746903706464357832016-06-24T21:43:00.000-04:002016-06-24T21:43:03.829-04:00Brooklyn DreamsDid you think I was dead? Understandably. Well I'm not...clearly. Just a bit preoccupied and down in the dumps, my job/company has turned to shit which has me a bit anxious and none too happy, very unlike me, I barely have time to think let alone think of something to write. This too shall pass.<br />
<br />
Anyway, we were trying to plan a long weekend and didn't have the mindset to come up with a place so we decided to take a Friday and a Monday piggyback and do some New York stuff, after all it is the greatest city...<br />
<br />
First stop, Brooklyn!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1RH5SH8lKnbAPI_rfJ9ATrotVDjYxxO3ZoaB6nswMxnxuCivii_WUCeEjmwXKxGOa3hIxmTwj3HE45NWTBCXveI8XuB9V71x7KdjXg1Lx4wrKc-d0xZIew0sGcKEprW0ReAOlT1LxKm4d/s1600/P6240046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1RH5SH8lKnbAPI_rfJ9ATrotVDjYxxO3ZoaB6nswMxnxuCivii_WUCeEjmwXKxGOa3hIxmTwj3HE45NWTBCXveI8XuB9V71x7KdjXg1Lx4wrKc-d0xZIew0sGcKEprW0ReAOlT1LxKm4d/s320/P6240046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I've been wanting to go here forever, finally! A stunning oasis in an urban jungle...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCXJUexEq7jGkkeQ9rSrbyEr_pQVl3jMmSWKcH_wmLTpHd_DNDDzX9tHJTJGPuQBhi2gO5M2viB-8A5dSwyx74jXc2ROazl_LwttzIHz8sb5QqBJDS3fzpkNtRYUUVYYMLQKl6S8PavTm/s1600/P6240016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCXJUexEq7jGkkeQ9rSrbyEr_pQVl3jMmSWKcH_wmLTpHd_DNDDzX9tHJTJGPuQBhi2gO5M2viB-8A5dSwyx74jXc2ROazl_LwttzIHz8sb5QqBJDS3fzpkNtRYUUVYYMLQKl6S8PavTm/s320/P6240016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BZifpDgovDsl5Mz3r4Azgb2uzo6YAzaXUP7TyHWJH_GYGs0-bIeopVWWnJTBrIR73Fa-svOBRUcd_fF8Qozof-nOgyxsDWUetdV8aTzDan5j29BOdIu0VqVLj30qiswfyR8WrQ9jurNI/s1600/P6240019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BZifpDgovDsl5Mz3r4Azgb2uzo6YAzaXUP7TyHWJH_GYGs0-bIeopVWWnJTBrIR73Fa-svOBRUcd_fF8Qozof-nOgyxsDWUetdV8aTzDan5j29BOdIu0VqVLj30qiswfyR8WrQ9jurNI/s320/P6240019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXj-vHJ_emFULpb9KB7OdkGSVKzfrDvhhQtHheuoBKCMtxKiAxfz7mQipwMg7Y7wmSunxYlbWp7lVQD9NSMNlidIifMHPpT9m_qEBIYp6LtYkmaDp0MtImxLU1yG9yAW5akOJEnLhbfPJ/s1600/P6240020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXj-vHJ_emFULpb9KB7OdkGSVKzfrDvhhQtHheuoBKCMtxKiAxfz7mQipwMg7Y7wmSunxYlbWp7lVQD9NSMNlidIifMHPpT9m_qEBIYp6LtYkmaDp0MtImxLU1yG9yAW5akOJEnLhbfPJ/s320/P6240020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMXOUXd5j_LiQ2e5oLmpRYE4UMMcWPjkRFuHH5H0pauKoLYpCifFr_BdhhuXpl3lWxZI7ozP36Hh9aHSjRl6vrT2JIcXsP4Zxci4hAZ0cm3G-QW9cbS3mB8hEfuFScdjVezivme33E55i/s1600/P6240033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMXOUXd5j_LiQ2e5oLmpRYE4UMMcWPjkRFuHH5H0pauKoLYpCifFr_BdhhuXpl3lWxZI7ozP36Hh9aHSjRl6vrT2JIcXsP4Zxci4hAZ0cm3G-QW9cbS3mB8hEfuFScdjVezivme33E55i/s320/P6240033.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2bRrxg6H0mViRTGoOJtIgqip9Jv1YYKZ7Vke0EUAqweV1MVZF89li-d4RmG5VPR4mNiC3tSq6oV6Ww_vWpMRV_F8NsPtiy6oy3vN7gPatHozPnKkruwdjkPyLwGSkecccMCHJ_S7t30J/s1600/P6240034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2bRrxg6H0mViRTGoOJtIgqip9Jv1YYKZ7Vke0EUAqweV1MVZF89li-d4RmG5VPR4mNiC3tSq6oV6Ww_vWpMRV_F8NsPtiy6oy3vN7gPatHozPnKkruwdjkPyLwGSkecccMCHJ_S7t30J/s320/P6240034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViJPhMs3n6rdXosYQle-nzvJg9sz4JXLAfyR8SDWmwuFvUp9a1ZEvNYz049jhR8ebIiQDHSDz_9m7HSn48hcmb0tvRMHkYlv3fseVLzGdIyDYw2eJmaBc82Ud6qO6PCGJsPyh9y7K3dF8/s1600/P6240035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViJPhMs3n6rdXosYQle-nzvJg9sz4JXLAfyR8SDWmwuFvUp9a1ZEvNYz049jhR8ebIiQDHSDz_9m7HSn48hcmb0tvRMHkYlv3fseVLzGdIyDYw2eJmaBc82Ud6qO6PCGJsPyh9y7K3dF8/s320/P6240035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXwlZVKv1uYPJxFZgSLI55L4lRSnMC20-whpS1jV2pTEr5tUB3gCA0aV3fcIj6KnCqvOipPKx5ThLvIe69C08XOrLHcSOcczCIMSqxxEX21-JSvn_M2-eHQtxckTdk-L4UI4kZe2_tYEk/s1600/P6240049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXwlZVKv1uYPJxFZgSLI55L4lRSnMC20-whpS1jV2pTEr5tUB3gCA0aV3fcIj6KnCqvOipPKx5ThLvIe69C08XOrLHcSOcczCIMSqxxEX21-JSvn_M2-eHQtxckTdk-L4UI4kZe2_tYEk/s320/P6240049.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBOvEeQ4PUsHTuMzxf1gdT0jXSP5TWhxIb2qLVfKgrqt9jOzKEralvDab6PzLkiwRxO2a2Tvu3NxY7P70RqMgr71guFDwBemfqZVOXFHaivPC1siMBVevIrBHeKFIoDpSlMoer528puF5/s1600/P6240054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBOvEeQ4PUsHTuMzxf1gdT0jXSP5TWhxIb2qLVfKgrqt9jOzKEralvDab6PzLkiwRxO2a2Tvu3NxY7P70RqMgr71guFDwBemfqZVOXFHaivPC1siMBVevIrBHeKFIoDpSlMoer528puF5/s320/P6240054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTX1ICCnSeXM_u9h8L8iiGbgd35kfEdbHLc5gDz1_NEpdYnhYSMtvwgEi6IeNvkFRY2lPERCZtMFQ3FNnfcz_V0CXYovjP7N7UqSGPtCJ_shVG0ItfJqcp2o2DpXpJXJLAeDZ_eL5j0IVc/s1600/P6240062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTX1ICCnSeXM_u9h8L8iiGbgd35kfEdbHLc5gDz1_NEpdYnhYSMtvwgEi6IeNvkFRY2lPERCZtMFQ3FNnfcz_V0CXYovjP7N7UqSGPtCJ_shVG0ItfJqcp2o2DpXpJXJLAeDZ_eL5j0IVc/s320/P6240062.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz203i9fiu4PG29k1XWKuG14VX47G2FdbDvRc96LG9ZH8VWOi8LFBkqiLFaIfgMxoE56P79ZwOKHTxzS9-0NkrygEPCH7Gno4Cw06_n2_GtF2J5dYg-rdovhX-Bheb_aYcR1NB3dxaspHW/s1600/P6240071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz203i9fiu4PG29k1XWKuG14VX47G2FdbDvRc96LG9ZH8VWOi8LFBkqiLFaIfgMxoE56P79ZwOKHTxzS9-0NkrygEPCH7Gno4Cw06_n2_GtF2J5dYg-rdovhX-Bheb_aYcR1NB3dxaspHW/s320/P6240071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
and suddenly I could breathe again. Amazing what nature can do...and food. Lunch?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxHDBIoMwmdFg3Rx-3KraK_u33FNSyIGSWFxCN_osLJrGsIg-ZM0W_uMwvNRwrDlEmkdAf3ilpiAxaxTC7k9Mei-6wZ2YVbXztt2NuRjJzu6HcMqg18eN9aVVDrBwjMBwdg6eBYg5AP-q/s1600/P6240077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxHDBIoMwmdFg3Rx-3KraK_u33FNSyIGSWFxCN_osLJrGsIg-ZM0W_uMwvNRwrDlEmkdAf3ilpiAxaxTC7k9Mei-6wZ2YVbXztt2NuRjJzu6HcMqg18eN9aVVDrBwjMBwdg6eBYg5AP-q/s320/P6240077.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Hill Country BBQ! at Borough Hall. I never have this stuff, it was delicious. Then home...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPslrt0l6_qxcHEb9xLpBuOOMLrdPHXbkLwnWKouPwzDZVO04EwDjT5gl6iCveAaNBZcQ76yCEnDoN34E75za8YyD5v33Tw-pbxeJMSnaVjSaMqIFY1F4iNTJqWGStp9xLkrJZzxbZPHHV/s1600/lilac+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPslrt0l6_qxcHEb9xLpBuOOMLrdPHXbkLwnWKouPwzDZVO04EwDjT5gl6iCveAaNBZcQ76yCEnDoN34E75za8YyD5v33Tw-pbxeJMSnaVjSaMqIFY1F4iNTJqWGStp9xLkrJZzxbZPHHV/s320/lilac+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
hmmmm, it was a good day!Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10548038213207928436noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154626510210656833.post-27458924884104500972016-04-21T18:32:00.001-04:002016-04-21T18:37:27.905-04:00Prince Rogers Nelson 1958-2016Sleep well sweet Prince.<br />
<br />
Innovator, genius, musician, musician, musician....unparalleled...2 young 2 die<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKKrFvqnJOmOcIg-Skq-EETJIk9cCzy47Ov3z9CmK04yilwvGwuXkb24Ft9F8CRfTJhTO_E4FFCtWWh97L4ID9LxvhHlVtez_5X1eU82n62rTOk72j0DjC2oGTt2ooljlR_rCGWIcmS7_/s1600/Prince.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKKrFvqnJOmOcIg-Skq-EETJIk9cCzy47Ov3z9CmK04yilwvGwuXkb24Ft9F8CRfTJhTO_E4FFCtWWh97L4ID9LxvhHlVtez_5X1eU82n62rTOk72j0DjC2oGTt2ooljlR_rCGWIcmS7_/s320/Prince.jpe" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
...see me crying in the purple rain.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 many lost this year. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Let the music play...</div>
Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10548038213207928436noreply@blogger.com2