Romantic Roma

To ensure that we return, Steve and I tossed the appropriate amount of coinage into the appropiate fountain.


The olive trees were beautiful


The forum - in the very way back is where Julius Ceasar was stabbed.


The Coloseum


Needless to say, these are not all of the pictures that we took - just the tip of the tip of the proverbial iceberg!

Andiamo (let's go) to Pisa and Orvieto!

I realize this is not the greatest picture in the world of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. However, it was the best I could do under the conditions!


Yep. Still leaning.


Here are beautiful olive groves along the way to Orvieto


Orvieto is charming. It is a town carved into a "mountain." I would go back here in a heart beat.


While in Orvieto, we had lunch at a wonderful restaurant in a grotto. The truffle pasta might have been ONE of my favorite dishes!

Forever Florence

The beautiful countryside.


the city bathed in the warm glow of a sunset (do I wax too poetic?)...


and the promise that if you touch a certain pigs nose you will return.


We also saw the tomb of Michaelangelo.


The inside of the duomo of Santa Maria was magnificent.


I have no idea the name of this statue but my husband has decided it should be called "Unfair Fight."


I think that Dante (as depicted in stone here) would agree that flying for 11 hours jammed in a too small seat should be added as one of the circles of hell.

Ah, Venice

Home of Carnival and mysterious masks....



Charming canals...



Winding, narrow streets lit from above...


Romantic gondola rides...



St. Marks sqare that features a statue of St. Theodore slaying a dragon (I wonder if his Mimi called him Theodorable?)...


Oh yes! And that dashing young Italian chef who is planning on opening a restaurant in Alexandria VA


This is the one to whom I promised Erin's hand in marriage. I don't think that it would hold up in a court of law because there was molto wine and limoncello involved in the entire conversation. That and my Italian was about as good as his English.

Frankfurters in Frankfurt

In Frankfurt, one eats the frankfurters presented without a bun - just two little pieces of baguette. That of course did not bother me one iota.

Caio my little friends

We are home and very very tired. But we had a fabulous time! I have so many favorites that it will take me a day or two to sort them all out.

I can tell you that my first meal in Europe was in Frankfurter and I had....(wait for it)....frankfurters. I of course took a picture and will share soon.

Bon Voyage

My next post will be filled with giddy descriptions of our trip to Italy - we leave tomorrow! To say that I am excited would be a gross understatement.

Please pray for our safe travel.

I have decided to Knit

Yes, just like that, I have decided that I am a knitter. No-I have decided I want to be a knitter. Hence the fearless knitting in 2008 button there at the right.

I am in the process of knitting a red scarf in a basket weave pattern. I have no idea upon whom I shall inflict said scarf. It's not the greatest in the world, but I am having a good time doing it! My friend Sue knit me a darling purse for Christmas and inspired me. She assures me that I can do this so: onward!

I am better....I think

I think the strep part is fine - now it seems to be the antibiotic that is getting to me! I have not been able to sleep at all since I have been taking it. Weird.

Today I started my list for packing. As we all know, I love a good list. For that matter, I love a bad list; I just love lists. I have my carry on packed with one outfit and jammies in case my suitcase ends up in Iberia (even though Spain is close by) and I have to punt the first night. How horrible would it be not to get my suitcase and have to buy all new stuff?!?!?

I have not yet picked out my reading material for this trip. The problem is that I read too darn fast. I can knock off a paperback or 3 on the way to Oklahoma! I really do not want to have to cart that much reading material with me. I am downloading a book from iTunes (THANK YOU MAUER FAMILY) for my iPod. Please suggest something to read on the trip/and or listen to...I need lots of suggestions!

Once again, Life proves to be unfair.

I leave for Italy in 6 days.

I have strep throat.