Wings drying in the sun

Posted on March 23, 2019 by Debra Kolkka

If you look closely at this photo you will see 2 birds standing on the wall in the river at Ponte a Serraglio.

One is a cormorant (I think. I am happy to be corrected) The black bird was drying his wings in the sun. He wasn’t there long before he flew off, no doubt looking for lunch.

It always surprises me to see seagulls on our river, but I suppose it is not all that far as the crow (or seagull) flies from the sea.

Green buds are beginning to appear on the trees. Spring is underway.

The sun is shining, but there is a fierce wind blowing.

High water

Posted on February 3, 2019 by Debra Kolkka

The Lima River is running high after heavy rain in the mountains.

Let’s hope the surging water doesn’t cause damage.

Thank you Chris for the photos.

Snow at Ponte a Serraglio

Posted on January 31, 2019 by Debra Kolkka

A friend has just sent a photo and short video of the view from my apartment.

I wish I was there. I love it when it snows in Ponte a Serraglio!

2018 in Bagni di Lucca

Posted on January 1, 2019 by Debra Kolkka

Looking back on 2018

January.

Bar Italia has a party to celebrate its renovation. Congratulations to Annalise and her crew for a job well done.

February.

Winter at Montefegatesi.

March

The chestnut forest on the way to Orrido di Botri in winter.

April.

Spring appears quickly.

The wonderful new fruit and vegetable shop opened in Ponte a Serraglio.

May.

Frassino trees put on a spectacular show for a few weeks.

June. Geraniums thrived at Ponte a Serraglio.

July.

The stunning pool reopened in La Villa after extensive renovations.

August.

People gather at Villa Web to celebrate the poet Shelley.

September.

Chestnuts begin to ripen.

October.

The leaves begin to change colour.

November.

Golden autumn.

December.

Christmas at Ponte a Serraglio.

I look forward to a brand new year in bella Bagni di Lucca.

Merry Christmas from Ponte a Serraglio

Posted on December 24, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

Susanna from Bar Italia, with help from her friend Dome has created a beautiful Presepe in the old news kiosk beside the river.

It looks wonderful. I wish I was there to see it.

Thank you Dome for the photo and to Elizabeth for sharing it with us.

Merry Christmas to everyone.

Autumn in the chestnut forest

Posted on November 27, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

Just before I left Italy in early November I drove up to Montefegatesi hoping to see some autumn colour in the forest just outside the village. I was a bit early, but I could see the changes.

It is always good to stop at the little church beside the road on the way down the mountain.

By now the leaves will probably be gone and the scene will be wintery. That is wonderful too.

A change in the weather

Posted on October 30, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

We have had a dramatic change in the weather. The lovely sunny days gave way to torrential rain, howling wind, thunder and lightning in the last couple of days.

The river has turned brown and is moving quickly.