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

Lazy Summer Days

It's really really hot here at the moment. The countryside is so dry and burned out, in desperate need of rain. Our days are slow and lazy. We spend the hottest part of the day indoors. Alba spends her time creating either drawing and cutting out paper dinosaurs, painting or making clothes for her teddies. 

In the late afternoon when it's cooler we finally escape outdoors to the pool............

 for a leisurely stroll.................

or to find a shady spot in the park.......

How are you spending your summer days?

Love

Sarah Elizabeth

x 

Camping with a Baby

It is very very hot here, at least 40°C and with a horrible hot wind. So at the weekend we decided to escape the heat and head off into the fresh air of the mountains. My husband and I both enjoy camping but were nervous about taking a 10 month old. We needn't have worried. It was really easy and Alba took it all in her stride as if she was already a seasoned camper. She loves being outdoors and was restless at home being stuck inside because of the heat. 

Bed time stories in the tent..........

Raring to go as soon as the sun was up......

 The field where we camped.

Ready for a hike in the mountains

We were joined by some cows for part of our walk

And some ponies much to Alba's (and my) delight!

Playing outside the tent

It was such a great weekend, I wish we could go back every weekend until this heat passes. We are positively melting at the moment. I'm usually a sun worshipper but the heat is not so much fun when you have a baby. Next year we'll be spending our summer in Scotland!

For those of you living in hot climates how do you survive the heat?

Homemade Bag

A few months ago my mum gave me this beautiful bag she'd made for me to keep my knitting in. She also made a matching roll for keeping my crochet hooks in. What a clever mummy I have!

It's very hot here in Umbria at the moment and for the first time ever I'm longing for the end of summer. It's too hot to go out so I've been indoors most of the time sewing and knitting next to the fan! 

There are only 4 weeks to go now until our baby is due. Apart from being a bit hot I'm feeling really well and I could quite happily stay pregnant forever!!  

Lazy summer days.....

The days here are very hot and long. I've been getting up early to make the most of the cool mornings to get things done before the sun rises high in the sky. Then it's time to close the shutters and rest in the cool shady house. When evening comes and the fireflies come out I'll go out for a walk, look at the stars and enjoy the fresher air. 

During the hottest hours, when I'm hiding inside from the sun, I'm managing to get quite a few things made for the baby. 

It's wonderful to have these final few weeks completely free to prepare for our little one, to relax and make the most of this special time.