I braved the freezing wind today to plant pansies on the bridge at Ponte a Serraglio. The bridge will be closed for a week from tomorrow so I wanted to get them in first.
The magnolia tree in the background will be in bloom soon.
I am expecting several plants to be stolen, it happens every year. Last week a miserable grub chopped off some lovely little daffodils and placed them carefully in the pot.
Anyway, I love to see flowers on the bridge…spring is on the way.
Rain has returned after a run of sunny days. I think our mountains look great in this weather.
After a month of sunny days we have rain. This is beautiful too and we need rain to help the soon to arrive spring growth.
It is also Valentine’s day with all the expected flowers and red hearts. Bar Italia is full of good things.
Happy Valentine’s Day in the rain.
On a cold and frosty afternoon Ponte a Serraglio was full of Christmas fun and frivolity.
Santa was there in a couple of forms.
Who doesn’t love a Christmas alpaca?
Fun for children.
Things to eat.
Happy faces.
Merry Christmas from Ponte a Serraglio. Thank you to the traders in Ponte a Serraglio for organising the Chrismas party.
Ponte a Serraglio is very lucky to have a wonderful fruit and vegetable shop owned and run by the lovely Piera. She and her husband come from Sicily where they still have a farm.
This Christmas they have selected some delicious treats from Sicliy to sell in their tiny shop. It is now brimming with great Christmas gifts or special things for feasts with friends and family.
Of course they still have their regular supply of excellent fruit and vegetables.
Christmas is not far away!
The heat of summer is behind us and the days are cooler, especially in the mornings and evenings. We have had rain and storms and I often wake up to mists rolling over the hills around Ponte a Serraglio.
The river is full of water after the low levels of summer. After heavy rain it turned brown with mud.
One morning I watched a fisherman hoping for a catch below my balcony.
Trees are beginning to change colour.
The magnolias on the bridge that didn’t do well over summer began to thrive once the weather cooled.
Bees and other insects love the flowers.
I hope the flowers last a bit longer.
All seasons are beautiful in Bagni di Lucca.
Today was glorious in Bagni di Lucca. I went for a walk from Ponte a Serraglio to Fornoli to make the most of the warm sunshine.
I think we will have rain again tomorrow…all the more reason to get out and enjoy the winter sun when it shines.
I returned from an overnight trip to find the Lima River turned into a raging torrent. Heavy rainfall and melting snow have sent huge amounts of water down the river. The level of the water went from about 1.5metres to 4.7 last night. It has dropped a bit today but it is still rushing past my window carrying logs and other debris with it.
…further down river.
I hope the high water doesn’t cause damage.
I awoke to snow falling at Ponte a Serraglio. It started slowly and it looked as though it would melt before it hit the ground, but it gradually became heavier and began to turn everything white.
Ponte 
By the late afternoon the snow was mostly gone, but it was lovely while it lasted.
Lately we have had snow in the higher villages in Bagni di Lucca. Along the Lima River it has mostly been raining. In a brief sunny time I drove up towards Montefegatesi to see some snow. It had melted in the village but the mountains around it looked gorgeous. The blue sky made a beautiful backdrop. In fact I think it was the star of the show today.
I drove through heavy fog on the way up. From above you can see it settled in the valleys.
Bare trees look wonderful.
Montefatesi always looks spectacular from any angle.
We have had some sun by the river. It doesn’t last long, but it is most welcome when it appears. Time to go for a walk or just to enjoy being outside.
It has been an interesting year, one which most of us will be happy to say goodbye to.
I wish you all a Happy New Year with health and happiness.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 