Everything's a Bloomin'...

The welcoming sunshine has provided some long overdue nourishment (it's not all about water, you know).  The garden has come alive.  

Birds start their chirping before sunrise, but I am not bothered.  

Instead, I wake with a smile on my face.

There is the buzzing of bees in the lavander which is like the music of spring to me.

I even got to play hooky from work today for a hour of soaking up some rays 

on this extremely white body of mine!

Now if it would just stay this way for the next 6 months...

Please tell me it's official...

That spring has finally arrived?!  Today we woke to beautiful, blue skies and the sun rising above La Rocchetta.  What a glorious feeling to walk outside into the sunshine!  Even the plants seem to have awaken...

Hard to believe that in two months this entire pergola will be covered and budding with fragolina grapes.

How bout them orchids!

Ok, there is more rain in the forecast, but only for a day or so.  Then "they say" things will be taking a turn for the better.  I know, I'm obsessed, but this has been a long winter.  Pray to the sun gods!

Random (and somewhat unimportant) Thoughts of the Day...

1) Berlusconi has been made Prime Minister of Italy for the 3rd time.  Hmmmm, guess this really is the essence behind the sayings "Third time's the charm" or "Three strikes, you're out". Let's hope the former for Italy's sake.

2) It did not rain today.  A miracle.  But it's cold.  A bummer.  It's suppose to rain again by Thursday.  An "incubo".  When will it end???

3) I had my hair done today at a place that nearly ripped my hair out 3 years ago.  Why go again? They did the color really well and my husband convinced me to give it another try (wonder if they're playing him under the table?).  Truth is, hair looks great, but the torture contraptions they use are still here.  Has anyone out there had their highlighted at a Maurizio Serretti salon where they use these plastic clips things to pull (and I mean pull) your hair through? Then they leave them on for 30 minutes and your head is about to fall off.  Guess this is the essence of "No pain, no gain."  What was I thinking?

4) Someone asked me today if the Cinque Terre was in Rome or Venice.  They also asked me if there was a MacDonald's there.  I'm serious.

5) Montalbano is on TV tonight.  Love it, addicted and makes me want to move to Sicily (even if the stories are crime ridden).  Wanted to include a link, but could not find one (sad face).

6) I heard one of my favorite songs today on the radio and it's been stuck in my head ever since, so I've decided to share the video with you all.  Not to mention, he's not bad to look at either. 

7) Tonight is mexican food night...I'm making huevos rancheros...ole!

Buona serata tutti...

BUON COMPLEANNO LUCYLU!

Today our dog, Lucy, has turn the ripe old age of 10. She has been a complete joy since day one, and I pray for many more years of her unconditional love and companionship

AUGURI!!!

Come Sei Bella, Val D'Orcia...

Lui and I spent the better part of the last in Tuscany with clients. It was a whirlwind trip through Florence, Chianti and the area known as Val D'Orcia. It wasn't my first time there, but maybe due to the fabulous weather and the "prima verde" of the spring, I was enchanted by its natural beauty, which almost seemed fake at times. Here are just a few shots from our excursion, although not sure they really do the place justice:

P.S. Excuse my lack of "wordage" in this post.  I've been working way too much and lacking any creative writing ability!