l'orto e il giardino

We are currently caring for the Orto (organic kitchen garden) and the flowers here.  It's HOT most days, up to 39 degrees (that's 104 f) in the valley and close to that hot here.

There are tons of vegetables and fruit trees- figs, kiwi, berries and currants, cucumbers, lettuce, chard, herbs, hazel nuts, chestnuts, and more tomatoes than we can harvest in a day, much less eat. pictures by Maddy and Tina

mangiare

We have been spending an inordinate time cooking and eating here, pretty elaborate meals at least twice a day.  Every meal is based on what fresh veggies and fruit we have from the garden (l'orto) or what is in season and available.  Personally, I could eat buffalo mozzarella, basil and tomatoes at every meal.  Another favorite has been cooked peaches from Rimini (on the Adriatic).

il blog di maddy

il blog di maddy

My brother, Gus, really likes chess, but lately he's been playing it more than ever, now that we've got the time. Gus challenges Mom at least every other day. Mom's just been looking at every thing with a dreamy look on her face. Dad? He has been tinkering on the computer, mowing the lawn, 

doing Sudoku puzzles, and making weird faces.(As always.) I have been catching grass hoppers,  

swimming at the pool, going to festivals, and blogging here, on the toilet. I know it sounds weird and gross,butt,(oops) we receive the internet the best here. Well, gotta go, happy holidays!    

il blog di gus

il blog di gus

the things I do every day are: waking the dog, catching grasshoppers. and going on the computer    

la vista

Ca'Lamma is most of the way up a tree-covered hill/mountain overlooking the Idice valley.  As we look out our bedroom window we can see a mimosa tree, covered with seussian pink puffs (imagine a makeup brush just dabbed in bright pink blush).  If we lean out of the window a little, we can see the hills on the other side of the valley- such a change from the flat landscape in Minneapolis.  As it turns out, it was foolish of us to think we might be able to use bikes- we'd have to walk them up the hill (WAY too steep to bike) and we'd burn through a set of brake pads every week getting down to the main road.  It's a lovely walk, however, and good for calves, thighs, and buns of steel.  If you visit, rent a car!