Last Days of Summer

Here in Umbria the warm weather can continue into November but since we're leaving for Scotland in 10 days this is the last of the summer for us. We're trying to make the most of it by spending as much time out of doors as we can, soaking up the sun to see us through the winter. After last weekend's storms the air is fresher and cooler meaning we can enjoy plenty of walks in the countryside around the village. 

 We discovered loads of blackthorn bushes on our walk today. I didn't have anything with me to collect the sloes in so I'll have to return another day to pick some for making sloe gin.

 Figs, one of my favourite fruits, are in season now too. 

 Near the village live two old bachelor brothers. I'm always in awe of their perfectly kept garden, everything neatly planted in precise rows like these tomato plants. 

I'll never tire of this view of our village.

How did you spend your weekend?

Love,

Sarah Elizabeth

x

Ferragosto

The 15th August in Italy is 'Ferragosto', a holiday dating back to Roman times when they would celebrate the 'Feriae Augusti' in the middle of August, days of rest after a period of intense agricultural labour. In our village it is celebrated with a big dinner in the village square followed by music and dancing then a bonfire and fireworks. People stay up all night to welcome in the day of Ferragosto and then everyone enjoys cappucini and cornetti for breakfast at dawn. We didn't make it to dawn and so missed the breakfast but we made up for it by having another huge meal with family later in the day. Then we spent the afternoon at the nearby lake, visiting the little island, Isola Polvese, in the middle. That night there was a huge storm and so now the weather is finally cooler and there is the first hint of autumn in the air. The next few weeks we're going to be preparing for a 2 month long trip to Scotland and enjoying the last of the summer sun. 

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend

Love

Sarah Elizabeth

x

A walk around Badiola

On Saturday we finally had a dry day to get out for a decent walk around the village. It was a perfect crisp winter's afternoon, the light from the low winter sun bathed everything with a warm orange glow - perfect for taking pictures.

At the moment we are living with my in-laws just outside of the village of Badiola. The house we are renovating is in the centre of the village, near the church you can see in the pictures.

Have a good week everyone x x

Abandoned Houses

It has always been a dream of mine to renovate an old derelict property and I still can't believe that this particular dream is turning into a reality. I love our house and I relish the task of turning it into a beautiful home. Our house is not the only one around which needs a bit of TLC. Every day I spot another beautiful property which has been left to rack and ruin. I wish I could buy them all and restore them to their former glory. The house in the picture is just along the road from us and every time I pass it I have to stop and have a look and imagine what I'd do with it if it was mine. Maybe one day.............