A Day Out, Finally

  For the last week and a half, I've been up and down with the sinus infection/cold from HELL.

  I swear, every year it's something...I was starting to think I'd slip by this trip without getting sick, but alas, no.

  We did manage to keep our reservation for a night in Florence this past Wednesday, but it was a tough go for me. So sad to be there with low energy and a lack of an appetite, but we did see two good exhibitions and we managed to visit our favorite spots anyway. 

  It did take it's toll, and I spent an entire day in bed after we came back to The Nut.

  So...today, Saturday, I actually felt good enough to do some morning exercises, make coffee and clean house a bit. Afterwards, we decided to take a drive around to enjoy the very beginning of what appears to be Spring. Yeah!

  First off, we stopped in the nearby village of Paciano. We heard from pals that we just had to see the small church there... I think it is the 'Chiesa di San Carlo Borromeo'... which is hardly ever open, but for Easter weekend they have it filled with candles, as well as a beautiful Jesus 'laying in state'.

  It was well worth visiting. I believe it is open through Sunday.

The candles were so beautiful, and the only light in the small chapel.

  Next, we took a drive to another nearby hill town, Citta delle Pieve. Every Easter weekend, they have a festival which features lots of local and regional food treats.

  There are also lots of hand made crafts, which are fun to see. 

  Usually there is an art exhibition, too. This year it features photography. 

  We like to just cruise around and see the sights...I saw these openings and the light was pretty good.

  The town colors were really blowing in the wind...

  

  

  After buying our cheeses, we enjoyed a glass of wine while people watching, then hoofed it back to the car to take the scenic (it's all scenic...) route home.

  With the clouds whipping by, and moments of brilliant sun poking through, it made for some great photo opportunities.

I am pretty damn proud of this one.
Just a split second of pure sun made it happen.

Same field, different angle.

I call this "Through The Windshield".
I just didn't want to get out of the car.

Still waiting for spring to arrive!

I love the curvy road.

A favorite spot for painting and photos.

  We actually had some nice blue skies near Panicale...

  Back at The Nut we decided to grill one of the cheeses we had bought, along with some good 'Lia' bread.

The fellow we bought this cheese from recommended grilling it, so....
Plus, I'm up for grilling pretty much anything.

It got all oozy on the inside, still held it together on the outside.
But...I'm glad I pulled it off the grill when I did!

A perfect early dinner...oozy cheese, toasty bread, fig jam and a slice of goat cheese.
The apples didn't make it in the shot, but they were part of this meal, too. 

 And what better way to end the early evening but having a laugh with Eddie and Patsy.

  Thank you, YouTube! It was Absolutely Fabulous!

Honestly, we don't ask for much...

  Buonanotte, Dear Readers. Off to bed early... Hoping to feel even better tomorrow.