About Me

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I am a retired English teacher and department head, the mother of three grand mother of four, and have been married to the same man for 52 years. I subscribe to Dr. PM Forni's concept of Civility. I was born in South Philadelphia and grew up in the 'burbs. I love soft pretzels and cheesesteaks, the Phillies, the Eagles, and San Diego. I love being Mom, Aunt Kathy, Nona Kathy, and Teacher. I spend a lot of time in my gardens in the spring and summer, and in the winter I plan what I'm going to plant. I also am an avid reader and photographer.

Translator!

Monday, May 21, 2012

Ciao, Bella Canne!

Our first stop was Livorno/Pisa -- Tuscany.  The mountains we saw on the way to Lucca (a beautiful walled city) are where the famous Italian carrera marble is mined.   






Inside the walls is a bustling community with squares and shops.





Of course I had to include the local pooch!


And a break for two espresso and rice cakes...

And then on to lunch at a local winery and olive oil orchard...






And a visit to a 15th century villa and grounds (complete with a yellow lab and lots of cats)




When I said hello to this Lab, I got no response....  So I tried again,  "Ciao, bella canne."  With that I got a wagging tail and a big smile!  Of course he spoke Italian!!



14 comments:

Sally Wessely said...

I loved these photos. I would love to go to Tuscany someday. It must have been so awe inspiring to be there. Was the food absolutely wonderful?

Love that you spoke to the dog in Italian. You never know when those skills will come in handy.

Forsythia said...

Lovely photos, including the poochini.

Theresa said...

Beautiful!!

Sweet Virginia Breeze said...

Lucca is a beautiful place, and it even has pretty cats and my favorite breed of dog. Can't wait for the next stop.

Barb said...

I really like that misty shot! Good that you knew the language.

Linda Reeder said...

Oh, fun! I'm ready to go!

George said...

Your photo of the misty landscape is beautiful. I'm glad you could speak to the Lab in Italian. It sounds as if you made a friend.

Kimberly said...

Beautiful! Can't wait for the next port of call!

happyone said...

Beautiful country.

Mage said...

What a wonderful tour you took. I'm charmed by the scenery and the colors. Magic stuff. I so wish I could have snuck aboard with you all. Delightful.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Wow Kathy... What a fabulous trip you all had... I'd love to go there sometime. The countryside is gorgeous and I love the architecture...

I laughed at you having to talk to the dog in Italian... How funny!!!! Love it.

Thanks for sharing.
Hugs,
Betsy

cri said...

che meraviglia! Belle foto. Brava kathy!

Kay said...

Oh what fun! Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos.

Cobalt Violet said...

How fun! I am so behind on my visits! How long were you gone? Lucca looks so charming. I'd love to go some day. I guess it makes sense that the dog knows Italian. :) So cute! Hope you are well!