Greetings from Ireland!

Karen has escaped to the enchanted Emerald Island to visit some Irish friends for 2 weeks.
Normally on a good day, you get 4 seasons in one day, however, Karen reported that it has been teeming since they arrived---a condition which the Irish refer to as "thrashing" rain not the usual soft drizzle.

Even the sheep do not look happy!

The beautiful Kylemore Castle. Under cloudy skies is looks lovely and lush but a bit surreal.

Surrounded by the Sea, the Irish landscape is a magnificant verdant carpet of rolling hills, forests and green, green, pastures. It exudes a romantic mysticism. It is not surprising that it is the land of leprechauns and magical rainbows

Taking refuge from the rain, Karen visits the local church bazaar and buys some delicious home-baked goodies.

The Irish countryside is dotted with quaint stone cottages all with delightfully painted doors in bright colours. Local legend has it that it makes it easier to distinguish one's own home upon returning from a night of indulgence at the local pub.

With the rain still "thrashing", its time to head into the local bakery for a hot cup of Irish tea and a sweet bun (or two).

Ashford Castle on another "soft" day in Ireland. You can't help but love the poetic nature of the Irish spirit. They use this expression to describe days that are not sunny and bright. One good thing about all that Irish rain---incredible green gardens and lawns!

Looks like another bout of thrashing rain! Where to go?

The local pub, of course! Nothing warms the spirit more than a tall glass of Guinness! Cheers!

Adventures in Tuscany

Arrived in Pisa. What a marvel! It really does lean over alot.


Up we go!


Climbed to the top. Incredible panoramic view of the surrounding area!


Discovered a charming shop just outside of Pisa on the road to the beach.

Shop done in a beautiful palette of soft greys, whites, creams and taupes. Great inspiration for our new fall looks!

The beach just west of Pisa Colourful umbrellas and chairs line the coast. For a small charge, you can rent your very own "space" for the day and enjoy the Italian Riviera.

Inspired by the colours of the buildings. New idea for a colour palette: truffle, taupe, cream mixed with vintage white.

Lunch in the beautiful town of Lucca.

A simply lovely shop discovered down one of the many widing streets of this mideval walled town. All the items sold in the store were varying shades of grey, blue, taupe, cream and white setting a mood of serenity. We fell in love with this combination of colours.

The beautiful tapestry of the Tuscan landscape. Grazing goats prized for their delicious creamy cheese.

Capuccino at one of our favourite cafes in the small town of Montespertoli. Only 1 euro ($1.65)for this incredible treat. Often we could not stop at just one!

Market day on Monday in the charming town of San Casciano. Beautiful fresh vegetables are piled high, set out in the open air.

Everything is for sale from the side of trucks that open to display their wares whether its meats, cheeses, household goods or clothing. These caravans travel from town to town with their goods opening for business at a new location each day of the week. It really is an amazing sensory experience. A veritable open air mini-mall of food and wares.

The magnificent Renaissance city of Florence. A beautiful city of winding streets opening up to spectacular piazzas lined with cafes. Every vista is shere delight to the eye. A shot looking down towards the Uffizi--a must see museum filled with incredible artwork.

Looking up the Arno River at dusk separating Florence from Pitti.

Twilight view of Florence high on the hillside across the other side of the Arno River.

Our last night in Florence, we began our meal with a delicious bottle of Chianti Wine-the preferred wine of the region.