So Close I Can Touch It

  Yeah, so anyway, I'm ready.

  All in order, we prepare to depart. 

  And none too soon, let me tell you.

  This year, just to make things extra stressful, we have decided to have our bathroom remodeled while we are away. Madonna. What are we thinking.

  It will be a grand surprise upon our return.

  It's been one hell of a year. Without going into details, let's just say that I am one thankful girl. Things on the family front have evened out health wise, so we feel confident that we can leave without too much drama. 

  I hope to be blogging much more from this point on…fingers crossed! I've been spending a lot of time  away from my normal life, so Live Pronto has had to take a back seat this past year. I hope to be here more often, and especially while we are away.

  As always, we tip our hats and raise our wine glasses to James and Anna, our lovely house sitters. We don't know what we would do without them! Keep an eye on things, dear ones!

  PS….Please…dig up some potatoes…there are tons!

  

  This post is just a bit of fluff…some travel porn for those of us who have been there, are ready to be there, or are dreaming to be there. 

  As for me, I can't wait another f***ing minute.

  Good thing we don't much have to.

  

  We can't wait to see this view…and watch it change over the weeks we are there….

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  Being in the piazza is heaven. Whether there is no one around, or the place is packed, it's the heart of the village, no doubt.

  

Just me and my parents, video chatting away.
What an amazing world we live in.

A busy day in the piazza…perhaps the day after Easter, when
the famous "Cheese Rolling" contest takes place.

A classic scene in Panicale…..

  One of our very first trips will be to Fontemanna, to buy little jars of the best sheep's milk yogurt ever. We'll also get some lovely pecorino cheese, and just enjoy saying hi to the family….and kitties...

Best cheese shop…ever.
Small, but mighty.

My pals.

  

  I love watching Johnny paint…either just outside of town, as below, or away…a drive through the country is a blessing….

Mr. J painting just down the hill from Panicale.

  We both enjoy taking day trips….These can be as close as a twenty minute drive, or as much as a couple of hours. We never know what we'll see, or where we'll end up. 

  It's always an adventure…..

I'm almost certain this is Chiusi, but I can't remember where I shot it from.
I just love it when the sun hits like this, showing off the hill towns...

Dreamsville.

The amazing central "piazza" of Bagno Vignoni.

Along the way to Bagno Vignoni, a fantastic view of
Castiglione d'Orcia.

A bucolic scene.

  Then there's the food….I won't go on. There will be lots more of this coming soon.

Heavenly Parmesan.

You can just tell this is fresh, made by the hand.

Yes. I think I will.

  The colors, and how they will change in the time we are there…I love it.

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  Lago Trasimeno is a constant delight for us. Talk about color changes…we have become more and more inclined to spend time at the lake. Whether painting, taking long walks, or enjoying a glass of wine on a warm day…the lake is magic.

  She shows off the sunsets pretty well, too….

  Since we are serious walkers in our life here, at home, we carry this over the pond, too. It's a must, considering our love of all the fine pasta, cheese, bread, wine, etc….

  I always like to have the camera. Things change so fast, I don't want to miss the wildflowers, or clouds, or moss…..

Just another morning walk in wonderland….

  We have been so fortunate to have had the opportunity to make friends with some of the loveliest and most generous people. I love being invited to their homes, and get the chance to "play" in their gardens, especially. What a joy. 

  I miss my own garden when I'm away, so having the fun of digging in the dirt while we are in Panicale is just what I need. Plus, what better way to enjoy some time with a garden loving pal? We gardeners are a very cozy bunch.

A very special garden, indeed.
A collaboration of artists/gardeners. Beauty.

A favorite of mine, and I hope I can pull weeds here again this year.
Love it.

Stew's beautiful banksia roses going off,
as well as the much photographed wisteria….

My very favorite garden to play in, this one holds a special place in my heart.
See you soon!

  We have a few favorite four-footed friends, of course…..

Dear Zaza….what are you dreaming about?

And Micha, are you dreaming, too?
We will be giving you some love soon!

  I so look forward to setting up my home away from home…especially planting pots and pots of flowers and herbs for the steps. It's so fun visiting all the local nurseries.
  Then I'll get my kitchen all ready, and start cooking!

  Yep. It's so close…so close.

  See you soon, Artisan's House…!