Changes

It often amazes me, how quickly the years seem to pass. Take my daughter for example. She'll certainly have something to say when she sees this post. I had hoped to do one with recent pictures, but have not had an opportunity to obtain any. Maybe she'll send me some from college (that's a hint baby).

Here she is...at 3-4 months, almost 3 years...and nearly 18. She's beautiful...and I, of course am biased.

So, the funny thing is that I have been contemplating how to do a post about her. Just today my sister-in-law mentioned that I should do one...so here it is - with what I had to work with.

Sweetie, please don't be angry - ah, how could such a happy girl be angry...just look at her wonderful smile...at least these aren't really BAD pictures. ;)

So, how about it? Are you going to send me some pictures, or will I get to take some new ones soon? I could always dig up something interesting...saw a good one - you sitting on a rock in Cefalu...the look on your face is priceless.

Piazza Duomo, Catania

Here are a few pictures from Piazza Duomo in Catania taken the same day as those at Bellini Park. A piazza is a square. Piazzas vary in size and shape, some are very small and others are very large; this one happens to be on the large side. Sometimes they are surrounded by homes, sometimes the have benches, fountains, statues, or cafes...and of course any combination of the above. Piazza Duomo has a variety of buildings surrounding it; restaurants, shops, pastry shops, banks, a cathedral, and a road. It also has a fountain and a monument (an obelisk with an elephant) and is often referred to as elephant square.

Bellini Park, Catania, Italy

As you enter Bellini park from Via Etnea you are met with a large, wide, staircase. I have included several views of the fountain from various areas around the park. There was more to it, including a long row of busts, but naturally my battery was not fully charged...sorry.

The day was mostly cloudy, but the temperature was still moderate. I wore a sleeveless mock turtleneck sweater under my leather jacket and was warm just walking from my car to the Piazza Duomo (which is not shown in this posting). It was less than a two minute walk. It is difficult to believe that it is mid January and the temperature is still so warm. I am concerned though, because we really have not had much rain yet this season. We really could use it, as the summers are long, hot, and very dry.















The grounds keepers change the date every day. There is another park in Acireale that has a similar date display.

The sunrise is always worth a post or two

I was standing on my balcony, just outside the kitchen early on the morning of January 2nd and simply had to document the sunrise although still a little dark.

Okay, so I didn't stand out there the whole time...I was in and out...and the sun snuck up on me.

I knew this was one of the last pictures for this segment, as the brightness of the sun crept over the roof lines of nearby homes, I decided to swing to the left and get a close up of the palms.

I am going to make it a point to post something about the island next time...maybe a sunny walk in nearby Taormina, or an adventure in Ragusa which I have yet to visit.

Gambino Winery

I recently had an opportunity to purchase some wine from the Gambino Winery in Linguaglossa, Sicily. I had such a hard time choosing which kind to buy...so, I bought a box with one of each; 2 rosso, 2 bianco, and 2 nero d'avola. One of the whites is made from a red grape...how do you suppose that happens? Oh well, it is good nonetheless. How do I know? Well, as it is with all (most?) of the wineries, and local vendors, you can taste what ever you want before you make a decision. Check them out at www.agricolagambino.it -- for those of you in the states...you can order it online, although you have to buy in quantity. Salute!

Oh yeah, it wouldn't be right if I didn't mention that the weather here has been unseasonably warm...it hit the low 70s today when it is normally in the low 50s if not 40s. Absolutely beautiful.