To survive (with pleasure) I seek out a caffe shakerato alle Cantinetta dei Verrazano. It’s an iced espresso with a touch of milk.

Walking a bit took me by the Duomo, and today, in the heat and under that famous Tuscan sun, the campanile reflected to sun as if it were a mirror. I tried to capture it with my camera, but you may have to take my word for it.

And, back at home and thankful for the a/c, I bought some art supplies to fool around with. I’ll let you know if I have any luck painting!

Walking down certain streets in the historic center of Florence is a such a treat. The art that is available for sale just blows my mind.

In this western section of Florence’s historic center is another of the ubiquitous tabernacles. I have posted about these before. This one is particularly elaborate, with the use of sculpture surrounding the painted images.

It dates to 1731!

And finally, a walk along the Arno provides some nature to offset the manmade. I love the pretty blossoms on these caper plants that self-seed and grow on the stone walls in Tuscany.

These stunning flowers are from the volunteer caper plants that seed themselves in the crevices of stone walls. Their blossoms are a lovely sight this time of year.

Last night, as I strolled along the Arno after 9 p.m., when the heat of the day started to slip away, I was serenaded by the strumming of cicadas. That is the quintessential sound of high summer for me. High summer arrives sooner and lasts longer here than in the other places I’ve lived. And I don’t like it.

The sound of late summer in my mind is the churring of crickets. I love that sound and the signal it sends: autumn is coming. Soon nature will turn silent.

We have quite a ways to go first!