Windows and Shrines

Last week while it was sunny and warm, we took a drive to a nearby spot so Johnny could paint. I always have a book ready, but it was just so nice out, I walked up to visit a couple of my favorite ruins nearby. I never get tired of seeing them, and each year they are a little more....ruined.

On a blue day, seeing the sky through the open ceiling is spectacular. That color contrast and the texture of the bricks and stone really work for me.

There was a roof there at some point in time...

These old gals just become another place for weeds and fig trees to root. It's pretty great.

Often, the brambles won't let me get near. I'm ok with that.

I guess they will disappear at some point, becoming a pile of debris under brambles. In the meantime, I'll keep visiting and taking photos.

I've dubbed these "Ladies Of The Fields", and have several posts written about many of them. These old abandoned buildings are all over the countryside. I assume it's cost prohibitive to take them down. 

Some are used to house farm equipment, but so many are just....there. Empty except for birds and other critters.

 

On another day last week, we took an extra long morning walk, which took us by several shrines. Again, I've probably taken photos of most of these in the past, but they are so lovely. I like to share.

That detail on the side is nice.

"Can I offer you a plate of eyes?"

Someday, I want our bedroom ceiling painted this blue, with golden stars.

My favorite one that day...

Hope you enjoyed this post.

More Moments To Share

I'm posting so much more often these days on Instagram, but I know not all of my pals are there, so I want to share some photo moments here, of course..

We've been here now almost 3 weeks already. I can't believe it. The weather has been on and off, with some nice sunny and warm days recently. Rain is making a return tomorrow, though. Sigh. Such is March in Italy.

For the most part, we are in our routine of walking, painting and spending time in the places we love. 

I've been cooking a bit, and will share more of that soon. For now, enjoy these moments of beauty and life here over the past 3 weeks...

The always stunning view from the terrace.
Note the rain pouring down at the far right...

We love our little terrace!

Walking up from the driveway area to the house.
It's a nice hike.

Sunrise from the bedroom window.

I love getting my garden pots filled with color for the season. It's a good start, but I'll most likely add a little more..

One side...

...and the other side.
Those are solar twinkle lights on the railing.
They work great, and we love seeing them at night!

 

We try to take a walk every morning, and then another in the afternoon, weather permitting. It's just so pretty, I can't get enough of it. Watching spring come on so strong is amazing. Everyday it changes here. I can't wait for the wisteria to start blooming...soon!

These are shots from morning walks.

Well, this was an afternoon walk, I think.

We've had some really foggy mornings!

I mean, come on! 

Wildflowers in the woods...

I love these spent grasses along the lake.
The color combo is everything.

We had a load of wood delivered this past week, and spent the morning stacking it. A pretty big chore, but we made the best of it. Got it done in about 2 1/2 hours, I'd say. Then we had a nice pasta lunch!

BTW, that is 3 stacks deep...just saying.

We feel wood rich, and since it's still cold and even wet here, we're enjoying the fruits of our labor.

We are spending loads of time in the village, visiting friends and sipping local wine. It's what we do.

It's still quite in town, though Easter will be a madhouse.

Sunset from the village walls...

The village skyline on the right, from our driveway.

I'll keep posting, so please... stay tuned!

First Days In Umbria

Well, we've settled back in here at The Nut...for the most part.

The big question is....HOW MUCH LONGER CAN WE GO UP THESE STAIRS!?!

Especially with fire wood and groceries!

Thing is, when we get to the top, we feel like we're home.

Hi, Nut!!

We long for our "Long View" when we are in California. It really can be breathtaking. Watching the skies change and weather systems go through...it's just wonderful.

First evening back , we were blessed with this...

Looking the other way from the small terrace...

 

    

Heading down the garden path to hop in the car and go grocery shopping.
It's a must to get the basics for the first day or two.

The olive grove in early evening light.
We also park our car here.

View of the village from the olive grove.

We are so lucky to have a pal that gets the fire going to warm the place up before we arrive. We are having cold nights, so this is a pleasure. We try to keep the place warm 24/7 during these early days here.

The first visit to the piazza is always a blast. We love it here when there is no one around. It's so quiet and we can just enjoy the feeling of being in this historical place.

Add in a glass or two of local wine, some chatting with our local pals...it's heavenly.

A whole lotta nothin' going on.
Sweet!

On our first nigh back home, I made a quick and simple pasta. It was nothing really special, we just needed something in our bellies to conk us out and help us get a good night's sleep. Jet lag is always a problem for a few days.

On night number two, I turned the leftovers into a pasta frittata...A little butter and evoo, garlic and onion sautéed, then add the leftover pasta.

A few cherry tomatoes cut in quarters adds some freshness and color.

I used four fresh eggs and let it harden up, then some parmesan on top.

Tuck it all under the broiler for a few minutes and you're good to go!

We enjoyed this with a simple green salad and of course, some vino .

It's just a yummy meal.

Next morning (after a very good night of sleep!), we woke up early to a foggy view over the valley...

It was actually stunning, so I took a bunch of pictures.

Time for our first Morning Walk! We try to walk every day, sometimes twice. It helps with the eating and drinking we indulge in for the next several weeks.

A very familiar view...this time of year the leaves are all gone.

A frosty morning, indeed!

Farm House dreamscape, with the fog.

Looking towards home, over the fields.

It's always good to be back. Thank you, Powers That Be.