Another great book read and enjoyed! Highly recommend.

Such a joy it is to have time to read. Now that winter has set upon us with its cold temperatures, and occasional snow, I’m reading around the clock. You know that ideal: a quiet room, a great cup of something hot (for me it is orange pekoe tea with thin slices of fragrant Meyer lemon), and a tome you can get lost in. Ah! Such joy.

I just finished reading this:

I enjoyed every minute of the book and wished it wouldn’t end; full of wisdom. Edna Ferber, an often overlooked American writer. Highly recommend!

Two years ago, Florence looked like this at Christmastime. My friends in Florence tell me that this year the lights are on for a shorter time each day due to the energy crisis created by Putin’s war.

Let’s celebrate with an image from Florence, which is absolutely heavenly at Christmas!

From Edna Ferber, So Big:

Well, the color of Miro’s dreams anyway.

I actually enjoy it when Facebook gives me reminders of what happened several years ago. I like the prompts. Good inspiration for reflection.

I visited Milan for a few days in early December of 2019. I loved seeing the Last Supper fresco again and many other incredible sights around this amazing Italian city.

But, that’s where the outbreak of Covid first started in Italy and, sure enough, I caught it there. I had Covid before we knew what it was. I was incredibly sick, but fortunately I recovered.

I recall this beautiful paper shop not far from the Santa Maria Delle Grazie, where Leonardo’s masterpiece is housed. I loved the bright, warm light emanating at twilight within the dark, cold stone palazzo.