Mom's and my excellent adventure

There have been three constants on our trip. Beauty, fun and rain. The variables? Gale force winds, lightening and a bit of sun in some of the right places......
We started Sunday afternoon and surprised my friend Dora in Garmisch. She and mom hit it off fantastically.

We made it to Vicenza later Monday than I cared for. The drive was gorgeous but made a bit longer by a closed road with no detour indicated. Several of us ended up on this closed road together so at least I know it wasn't just me....

It was pouring in Vicenza. A little windy too.

Venice started off a bit shaky for me. I was not happy with the weather. Mom was game though and I think her positive attitude brought the sun we had in the afternoon! I went up into the cappelle and took this photo. I didn't know but mom ran around to this side to try and see me. I actually got her in the photo. She's in the lower left side of the square by the chairs.

When the sun came out in the afternoon, we took the opportunity to sit in the San Marcos square and have a snack. We really enjoyed the small orchestra. It was a fantastic way to end the day. It was the Florian and the waiters all wore pristine white jackets. (Carol you should have been with us, you would have loved it!)

Our host for the two evenings we were in the area were a lovely couple, Gail and Stew. They shared the 500 year old restored villa they call home while they live in Italy. The villa has a name, I forgot it in the car. Their landlords are a count and contessa who live down by the main house. I regret that the weather really prevented us from getting decent pictures. It is a beautiful place and they are wonderful hosts.

This is Bella. I didn't get a good photo of her brother Duncan. They were hilarious. Bella is huge and she's just a baby.

A veiw from the dining area to the living room.

Right now I am posting from a gorgeous hotel, San Simeone in northern Tuscany. For our drive down here we had all of the afore mentioned weather. As I write it's hailing. I can't think of a more spectacular place to watch a storm roll through. In a few minutes we are walking down around the corner for a fantastic dinner. Life's good.

Getting ready to go

What do you do when you are getting ready to go on a big trip? I choose not to do the normal things like, say, pack. I take the day off and do things like share a huge hunk of brie and yummy jelly with my mom. This was a gift for us from Mary. Mary, it was perfect. We ate it all. We didn't share.

Next on my list is of course sewing. I simply couldn't pack until I made us these bags! I tried using the iron on vinyl Jennifer let me try. Yikes, that stuff is not made to be flipped back and fourth as this bag has to be. I was very dissappointed, Mom grabbed it from me, running to her room, saying mine mine. It's the one with the dots.... Mine is, yes, the purple one. The last is a gift.

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Ok. I even managed to get myself mostly packed and some chores done. We head out this afternoon. Hopefully we will find connectivity somewhere. Otherwise you will know we are somewhere between Stuttgart and d'Orcia, Italy. We'll be home next Saturday, unless we buy a villa.....

Memory lane

Spending a very quite Sunday. My DB is hard at work on his class. It causes him pain and I hate that. So, I quietly sit looking at who knows what on the computer. I started going through our pictures of our "Big Trip". This is the one we took when we thought we were leaving Germany. A road trip in our Mini for I forget how many miles. You would be amazed at what I can fit in a Mini. The convertible top was helpful! This is a favorite picture from a market. I don't think I have ever seen a mushroom this big before or since. Hmmm, I could kidnap him and take off on another trip! No one would miss us...........

Oregon here I come!

Well, I leave for the states tomorrow morning. Getting ready for our Arts and Crafts Event, and I do mean EVENT, was awesome, I have hardly had time to think. I am torn because I hate leaving my husband, a lot. Then there is my work family.... I'll miss you guys too, but, I get to see my sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew who I haven't seen in three years! I cannot express how much I have missed them! I am getting to do this in conjunction with going to quilt market in Portland OR. This both intimidates and excites me! I am also touring the Bullseye glass company. We get some of our stained glass from them. (If only they were offering a class.....) I hope to write as I go along but since I am the unblogger, don't hold your breath!