oat and aboat in Milan

I went into the center today to see the street antique market that was always there on each 2nd Thursday. But they don't do it anymore :(    So I looked around a bit before heading back home.  These are the  HUGE doors of the Duomo cathedral

You must rub the calf of this detail and say a prayer.

Also at the Duomo gallery, you MUST do a full spin on this bull's balls for good luck during your visit to Milan.   

You CANNOT leave Milan without eating a panzerotto from  Luini's!!  Also located at the Duomo. I guess they can be compared to our calzones but that offends my taste buds just to think of comparing them.

this is the original with tomato and mozzerella

Easter time

What is Easter without flowers? Lillies symbolize new life and the resurrection of Christ.

Purple lilac symbolizes the first emotions of love

I would guess this a variation of forget-me-nots

This is a camouflaged bird watch. The old stone tower of our house used to be where hunters would trap the local birds to sell them for food. Thank goodness they are protected now and can only be lovingly observed :) 

next project :O

the view from the Capriolo trattoria

they make THE best panna cotta I've ever had, there is a hint of hot pepper in the chocolate sauce, simply divune

cute little old metal playset on their lawn

the front door (me with the doors again)

We love to take a long hike up the mountain to arrive at our favorite place called Capriolo. A little gem owned and run by a lovely couple where everything is homemade.  The menu depends on what is fresh and in season.

On Good Friday fish is traditionally eaten.  This sloppy concoction is called Chitarre con nero di seppie ( Long square pasta or with squid ink.  Chitarre meaning guitar because guitar-like strings are used to shape this pasta.)

It is really good and SO much fun to clean up after!

The Easter version of panettone, a Colomba or Dove

grilled cheese sandwich

I live in Italy and I know it's shameful but I could LIVE on grilled cheese sandwiches!!  Now.....you MUST use Kraft cheese slices and you MUST use real butter and lots of it!!!  You just can't skimp with the butter, you know you can't. So that's what I served my guest for lunch.

April Fools in the mountainsI

local mountain spring water fountain 

we thought we'd go super healthy this weekend

grilled everything....chicken, artichokes, leeks, zucchini

roasted peppers 

I was never happy with my old toggle closure so I took advantage of my weekend guest's sewing skills to help me with the toggle closure.  Now I'm happy :) 

These are local lovlies that I transplanted 

I do not have a green thumb, but I always try. I saw a huge beautiful blue hortensia in full sun growing beautifully up here, so I read online about hortensia care and decided to give 'er a try. I put this simple white one on the corner of the house in hopes it will grow big. Partial sun -check, not too much wind - check, fertilizer - check. I'll keep you posted. 

Design Supermarket

The famous Duomo in center Milan

and just next to the Duomo is a big department store called Rinascente, it has a fun Design Supermarket on their basement floor, here are some the items

Pick Your Nose paper cups change your nose shape when you drink 

love these accordian type decorations, put it around any vase and it takes it's form while giving it texture and fun

mountain house ideas

Had to have it

You can see why......

Antique market Milan March 2012

I made it to the antique market this month! Yay! I went a bit early to avoid the crowds.

A bocce ball 

I LOVE these 60's Italian ceramics

this is too cool

Arnaldo and Gio Pomodoro candle holders , circa 1958

80's ceramic egg with a gold sun motif

Vincenzo Dazzi Menhir 45