0 All Soul's Day

Today is Halloween, also known as Dia de los Muertos, and All Soul's Day.

I am reminded of the old cemetery in Cloverdale that has been abandoned for almost a hundred years.

Most of the tombstones are toppled over and broken. It's really quite spooky!

It is very intriguing to visit this deserted place and see the names and dates of the souls who are buried here.

However, I would not want to visit at night! Especially tonight on Halloween!

Wishing everyone a Spooky Halloween!

Also known as All Soul's Day!

Also known as Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.....

BOO!

0 A Fall Day in the Tuscan Countryside

We are on our way home tomorrow.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy some of the images from our time in the Chianti region, just outside of Florence.

I'm joining Susan at A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday.

0 Eat, Pray, Love

Eat, pray, love! Or in Italian: mangia, pregare, amore!

MANGIA!

Chefs prepping for the evening meal.

Fiocchi, delicate pear "purses" with gorgonzola sauce at Ristorante Natalino

Spinach tortelli with sage and parmesian at Ristorante Natalino

Fresh, hot waffle sandwich with vanilla gelato and drizzled with chocolate!

Dinner with "the boys" at Buca Mario!

PREGARE!

Niche on the corner of a building.

The sun lighting up a vignette on the Duomo.

Saint Margaret Church, built in 1032. Also known as Dante's Church because this is where he first saw his beloved Beatrice, whom he fell in love with at first sight. His love for her inspired his "Dolce Stil Novo," or Sweet New Style, leading poets and writers to discover the themes of love, or amore.

AMORE!

Love!

0 Sunset on the Arno

We made it to the bridge in time to capture the setting sun on the Arno River.

It was a sight to see....

0 A Few of My Favorite Florentine Windows

Looking up, there are so many windows or finestras. Most of them remain shuttered, but I'm on the lookout for the pretty ones. Windows that have been decorated with plants or beautiful curtains. Windows that speak to me, like the one above.

And this funky window with the ivy climbing up and around.

A lovely arrangement in a window box looks quite elegant in front of this ancient window.

A winning combination: stone and flowers!

What a surprise to look up and see this window at night with the celestial painted ceiling!

Back to my favorite window and balcony.

There is so much inspiration here, and it's nice to slow down and really take it all in. When we traveled before, we were always on the go. This time, we are just relaxing and enjoying our stay. Also, having a camera forces me to see what I might not have noticed before--like these beautiful windows!

I'm joining Laurie at Bargain Hunting With Laurie for Favorite Things Saturday!

0 Friday in Firenze

Friday was a great day to do a little shopping with #2 Son Alex. Since his birthday is in November and we won't be with him to celebrate, we treated him.

Alex has had phone issues since arriving in Italy. Here, Mr. A and Alex attempt to solve the problems. It was all beyond my attention span!

Meanwhile, I'm posing with a couple of clowns!

0 Florentine Dogs!

Florence has "gone to the dogs!"

Seriously, there are so many cute dogs here!

I felt so sorry for this little guy in the pouring down rain.

How beautiful is this dog with her blue eyes? I could take her home!

No need for a leash for this old fellow. He didn't get too far from his master's side.

Neither did his brother with the lampshade on his head.

There are stubborn dogs...

...and dogs in full rain gear!

Even a little homeless dog begging for food. Poor thing!

I can't help noticing though that all these dogs are well loved!

Looks like the feeling is mutual!

(Can you tell I'm missing my Dexter Dog?)

0 An Evening in Firenze

As the sun set on The Duomo, we walked the narrow cobblestone streets, exploring Firenze.

We were so lucky that today was a beautiful warm and sunny day and evening.

We walked and walked. . .

. . .and shopped.

All the stores are open for business at night, and it was fun doing a little evening window shopping.

This store had the most amazing wedding dresses!

We worked up an appetite, searching for the perfect restaurant. There are too many to choose from. This one looked good!

After dinner, we walked around The Duomo some more. . .

. . .and had dessert at this cafe.

Our first evening in Florence was a blast. We met up with #2 Son Alex. He couldn't join us for dinner though as he had a date with an Italian family tonight. He teaches their children English, and they cook a pasta dinner for him! It's a program through his school called "English for Pasta"