PLAYHOUSE IN KANSAS

We had a playhouse built for the grandkids and while we were in Kansas this time they delivered it. It is a toss up though as to who is having more fun in it. Grandma or the grandkids. I did not know you could order so much fun stuff off the internet in playhouse size.

All three of the granddaughters playing on the front porch. Unfortunately Miles is too small right now to join them, but it will not be long before the playhouse takes on some masculine decor. Grandpa will make sure it is NOT all pink.

MANTUA - THE CITY

The Rotonda di San Lorenzo is the most ancient church in Mantua. It was built in the late 11th century. The construction is in brick, with marble in the interior. At one point, it was deconsecrated and used for shops. But later it was restored back to a religious building.

Mantua park

I can not resist taking pictures of the flowers over here.

MANTUA - THE BOAT CRUISE

We took the advice of some of our friends here in Italy and went to Mantua for a weekend. Everyone told us it was a very pretty area and we were not disappointed.

The following are pictures of our river cruise.

We were fortunate enough to get seats at the front of the boat. Our view during the entire trip was spectacular.

This is the view as we were leaving the dock in Mantua. Mantua is a beautiful city.

Going thru the lock from the lake into the river. The temperature this day set a record. It was hotter than it had been there in over 100 years.

It did not seem nearly as hot once we were on the river and the breeze off the water cooled things down.

ISLE OF CAPRI

We spent a day on the Isle of Capri during our recent vacation. Capri is an island that is 3.8 miles long and 1.7 miles wide at its widest point. The elevation changes quite dramatically so we decided to rent a scooter for the day. The scooter was not nearly as comfortable as our touring bike, but it made exploring every inch of the Island a lot easier.

The sea from the top of a castle on the Island.

Another view from the castle

The opposite side of the Island.


As most of you know, I have always been fascinated with (and collect) lighthouses. Here I am in front of the lighthouse on the Island.

Here is a picture of Alan and I at the base of the lighthouse.

SUNSET ON THE MEDITERRANEAN

No words necessary!

THE RUINS OF POMPEII ITALY

One of the stories that always fascinated me as a child was the story of Pompeii. Alan and I decided that while we were in Italy we would take the time to go and see the ruins. It is quite amazing to see how much of the city survived. After the eruption, Pompeii was covered by 30 feet of volcanic ash. I can not imagine the amount of hours that went into excavating this site.



I think this was the entrance to one of the more wealthy homes.




The above picture is a building of importance. Comparable to a modern day court house.

This was the bakery. The 4 stone structures are what remains of the grinding mills. They would tie slaves or mules to the wheels and have them turn the stone all day to grind the grains.

This was the Egyptian temple.

THE HIKING TRAILS OF CINQUE TERRE

Over Easter weekend Alan and I took a few days to do some hiking in Cinque Terre. This has to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. The trails worm their way up and down the mountain along the sea.


We came around a corner and the trees just seemed to frame this view. You can't help but take lots of pictures.


Look closely and you will see one of the trails pretty much in the center of the picture. At times the trail was very easy to walk but at other times it was either straight up, straight down or really narrow with a drop off the side straight into the sea. (Or should I say straight into the rocks along the sea)

ARTS AND CRAFTS FROM THE PAST

We spent a day in Verona last weekend and they were having a festival out in the square representing arts and crafts of the past. They certainly were accomplished artists to create the things they did when you see what little they had to work with.


If I remember correctly, this man was making tools.


Here the artist is working on a brass piece. You can see some of his work in the background of the picture.

I would love to see this picture when she is finished. It was beautiful. I watched her for quite a while and never did figure out just exactly how she was making the stitches. It was definitely not the way I learned to do needlepoint.

COPPER COLLECTION

One of our favorite pastimes here in Italy has been going to the outdoor antique and flea markets in the different towns around Bassano. Unfortunately, I think we have acquired a bad habit. There is an amazing amount of copper in this area and we can't seem to leave it at the markets. Here are a few of the pieces we have purchased.

We have had a lot of fun finding each piece. We don't even mind cleaning them and getting them back to a nice copper shine.

AND AGAIN THIS MORNING

It snowed again last night so early this morning Alan walked downtown and to the bridge to take these pictures. PS: These were taken at 4:30 in the morning with long time exposures

RARE BASSANO MORNING

This morning we woke up to a rare sight in Bassano. It had snowed during the night and then an early morning fog added to the winter wonderland. These pictures were taken from our deck.