See that window with the open shutter? That was my room in a 300 year old farm house in the middle of a vineyard, in the Chianti region of Tuscany, Italy. The name of the house  is  Casavecchia.  We had all of the newest amenities in the farm house.  Plus, the most fabulous view of the valley separating us from the most gorgeous, and my favorite town in Tuscany, Radda.
 When I looked out my bedroom window, I saw rows of vineyards, blue skies, and Radda on top of  the hill.
I didn't know it, but lavendar grows like crazy in Italy, too. We picked it every day, and set it on our windowsills. We also had a prune plum tree full of fruit to eat.   I have so many pictures to show you.
Here are some more.

This plum filled colander  is from one,yes, one branch of our neighbor's tree.  The biggest harvest of the last 10 years. I will bring some into the mart, to give away.  I'll be there next wednesday.

Well, everyone, I know it's kind of early to say Happy 4th  of July, but, I don't want to forget. The next two weeks are going to be hectic. We have Eric, my stepson, coming  in from Arizona, for Father's day.
Then, the next week, is my sister's and her husband's 20th. anniv. party. Whew,  the time is racing by.
This pic was taken  about 5 years ago. It's at my friend's Bern's sister's house in New Jersey. Her whole family was there.  Tons of people. I love large reunions with babies, kids, middle aged and older folks. So much going on.
 The large flag was actually a huge cherry cobbler. It was so delish!!!
Again, Happy 4th.

"More, more, more...how do you like it?"

Here's more stuff from our yard.
Ten years of swap meets, garage sales,  estate sales, and just finding stuff by the side of the road.

Our home is our haven. We live up a dirt road, and
feel like we're in the country. People walking up here, with their dogs, say they are happily surprised by the "stuff" we have.
We also "have" squirrels, skunks, tons of birds (Guy feeds them), snakes (thank goodness no rattlers), owls, and lizards with irrid. blue bellies.
Our kitty,BooBoo,(alas, Tarzan, his brother passed away), is in heaven. He gives us presents everyday, via his excellent hunting skills.
I know, icky!!!

these pansies grow in my in-law's front yard. The yellow and purple ones are my computer wallpaper. They are so bright!