The rivers and streams are full of fast flowing water at this time of year. It is heartening to see that it is clean and clear.
The colour of the water changes, depending on melting snow and the amount of rain. There are some amazing colours in the river on the way into the Garfagnana.
I pass this river every time I go to our mountain house. It is always beautiful.
It is raining today, more water to fill the rivers.
There is a neglected magnolia in the neglected car park of the neglected Villa Fiori. It still manages to look beautiful.
With a bit of luck a buyer will turn up in April when the building goes on sale.
The exhibition celebrating women has opened at the Casino at Bagni di Lucca. The opening ceremony was very well attended.
There were too many people there last night to allow me to get reasonable photos, so I went back this afternoon. The theme for artists was The Dreams of Women…interpreted in many ways.
A highlight was Maureen Halson’s white horse. The animal is huge and very impressive.
In another room was the photography area.
As well as current photos there is a lovely collection of photos put together by residents. It is fun to see scenes from times gone by.
The exhibition continues until Sunday.
The weather has been a bit crazy lately. We have had days of rain, howling winds and some lovely sunshine.
Spring will soon be here. I can see a tinge of green appearing on the trees.
The last days of winter are looking good….
Spring is just around the corner.
Between rain showers I planted the pansies on the bridge at Ponte a Serraglio.
It is raining heavily today…I hope the poor little things don’t drown.
I chose the smaller flowers this year as they put on a great show last year. Here is a reminder of what they will look like soon if the weather cooperates.
I arrived from Australia to find my daffodils have appeared on the balcony. I planted a couple of bulbs a few years ago and they have multiplied.
They are such cheery little flowers and have clearly been enjoying the rain.
Soon I will plant pansies on the bridge.
It is almost time for the festival to celebrate women at the casino in Ponte a Serraglio.
In a week of events there will be something for everyone…see you there.
Most of the villages in Bagni di Lucca have monuments to fallen soldiers from WWI and WWII.
Ponte a Serraglio is no exception.
I think the statue is very stylish. It looks a bit Art Deco to me. What do you think?
It has been an eventful year in Bagni di Lucca. It is interesting to look back.
Click the highlighted words to see the original post.
There was a tornado early in the year which caused lots of damage. Our lovely park in La Villa was devastated, with wonderful old trees wrecked by the wind.
Many houses suffered with damaged roofs and other property damage. I hope we don’t see a weather event like that again.
Late winter is the time to plant pansies on the bridge at Ponte a Serraglio.
You can see some green appearing around Lucchio in early spring.
Gorgeous yellow forsythia appears to brighten up the cool days.
Then wisteria shows its lovely lilac face.
The beautiful house where the Barrett Brownings stayed in La Villa was lovingly restored.
Circolo dei Forestieri reopened and began serving delicious food…lucky us.
Soon on it was time to replace the pansies with geraniums. This year I had help in the form of Paul and Sheila.
In May there was much excitement, and some new roads, when the Giro d’Italia came through Bagni di Lucca.
Not long after the magnificent Mille Miglia graced our streets.
May was also the perfect time for a lunch at Rifugio Fiori in Pieve di Monte di Villa, followed by a walk down to Ponte a Serraglio along the forest walk.
…and a stroll through Monti di Villa.
There was an art gallery showing.
…and a religious procession.
The annual crossbow competition took place in June.
Followed by Art in the Park at Villa Fiori.
A a swim in the cool waters of the Lima River is the thing to do on a hot summer day.
For those wanting a bit of adventure the exciting Canyon Park opened.
Ponte a Serraglio looks pretty in the summer sun.
Trattoria Borghesi reopened its doors to the delight of the locals and visitors alike.
Giuliana opened her new shop in Fornoli.
Pinocchio visited La Villa with some fun for children.
I discovered the monument to the soldiers shot by Nazis in WWII in the cemetery at Ponte a Serraglio.
Autumn began to appear with mists swirling through the mountains.
Paul Davies shared his beautiful photos of San Cassiano in autumn with us.
…and 3 local photographers, including David Bonaventuri shared the Presepe Vivente in Monti di Villa.
The year has flown by…there is always something wonderful to see and do in Bagni di Lucca. I look forward to much more in 2016.
There are two sculptures in the church yard at Ponte a Serraglio. They are in the garden beside the road, tucked quietly under trees.
I wonder if anyone notices them.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 