I spent all yesterday working with the photos from our weekend. The internet was not cooperating with the downloads etc. and the picture file to the right is somewhat large. I tried to trim it, couldn't do much. I hope you all have figured out the best way to view these slide shows is to click on them and get a bigger picture with some comments. As the pictures attest, the scenery was beautiful. We were hoping to find cooler air, which we did, but as you can see, it was still summer weather. Jeff and I both got a little sunburn on our faces. This was our first overnight trip, and we barely scratched the surface of what there is to do in this the smallest and least populated province of Italy. I haven't been to Switzerland yet, but I have a feeling these town had more in common with that country than with the rest of Italy. For starters there was no graffiti!!!!! The roads were quite good for mountain passes, never feeling like you could go over the edge, which is nice.

We probably will take it easy this weekend, and will be flying to Houston on the 10th. See you then.

So, here's my problem. So much to see, only have weekends with Jeff, and want to wait to do the big 3 with out-of-towners. Fortunately, in last week's shipment came a book Elizabeth and Danny got me for Christmas titled 101 beautiful small towns in Italy. I'm starting in the A's. This weekend will be our first overnight and we're headed to Aosta, in the smallest and least populated of Italy's regions. It also is very close to Europe's highest mountain, and to the Matterhorn, known here as Monte Cervino. So all week I get to plan our adventure! Stay tuned for more great pictures next week.

Yesterday the air shipment arrived, all 1100lbs.. I rearranged the kitchen and put the owner's stuff in the upper reaches that I am too short to get to without a step stool. That was the easy part. Next we approached the bed and bath linens. Fortunately there is storage under our mattress, no such thing as box springs here, to again put all of the owner's stuff. Now to my BIG problem, clothes, specifically those that used to hang. There is no more room in the guaderroba, or whatever they call their cross between a closet and a wardrobe. So, there are shelves in the hall, and in the 2nd bedroom and in the laundry room I will utilize, but I'm not quite sure how. We also received items that were meant for storage, and are pretty sure there are a few things that went the other way. Or, they could be in with the mess I shoved into the closet in the bedroom we used at the Linger's. At least we can check that out soon. The highlights of what arrived were the box of Splenda, and the Pampered Chef oil sprayer. We've searched high and low and can not find the Splenda or a pan spray of any kind. So, thank you Tricia for my Christmas gift that I will finally have great pleasure in using. Now I really am feeling guilty for not getting with the house work so...

The picture was taken last weekend on Islo Bella.
Good morning and happy friday. Good news of the day is I get my "stuff" all 1100 lbs on monday. that will keep me busy next week. I've gotten very tired of the clothes I packed, and had limited space when I flew over, so I have had few options. And the sales are on so I have had to do some window shopping. I know what I would like, but can't remember what I shipped, and don't want to buy anything I don't need. FYI, it can be 92 outside and you will still see jeans, alot of them down to the pubic bone. you will also see ladies shopping and going to market in skirts and dresses. I haven't seen 1 skort for sale, and they are my preference for a day of walking. I spent yesterday walking and exploring with Inga and Fredrik, from Norway, but presently on assignment in Spain. The husband is in charge of building 'the terminal' for this project, and was here for meetings and brought his family. Now when I tag along to Spain with Jeff, I'll have a friend!

What a weekend we had. who knew getting wired could cost so much money! Purchases this weekend included a TV, DVD player, TV stand, a couple of small carts for bathroom storage, misc. routers, splitters etc. for internet to computer and TV and that is just the furniture angle. July is sale month in Italy. From what we understand it is the only time stuff goes on sale. It's a good thing I only have cash to spent, or else I'd be walking south 5 blocks and hitting the stores. I still might. Our shipment is due this week, as soon as it is released from customs, and I honestly don't remember what is in there. Arranging all that stuff will keep mi busy for a while. My first attempt at adding pictures did not give the results I wanted. They are from Bergamo, where I visited 2 weeks ago with new friends. Jeff and I went to Lake Maggiore, visiting the town of Stresa, taking a boat ride to 2 islands, and touring a castle and gardens on Isola Bella. We left Stresa and wandered a bit then headed for Arona, the southernmost town. Not that much to see there. Will attempt to post those pictures later. It took only 2 weekends and Jeff is driving like Jeff. The Tom Tom navigation certainly helps.

July 7, 2006

Janet and Jeff are going on their first Road Trip. Driving in Italy is definitely different. Not sure if the driving is so much different, or if it just seems that way because there is so much to focus on. And, OH YEAH, all the signs are in Italian!!! I think one of the challenges is that there are not so many restrictive signs as there are permission signs. That being said, the signs are in Italian, so we're not really sure what they say. Anyway, we are going to Lago Maggiore, (Major lake, or I think the actual meaning is "The Most Important lake") It is an hour or so west of Lake Como, set in the foothill of the Italian Alps. We should be about 20 minutes from Switzerland, so we may experience our first border crossing as well... we'll see.