Henry James once said that these two words, summer afternoon, are the most beautiful in the English language.  I agree.

I have a lovely Florentine friend who has an amazing home in the picturesque hills just outside the city.  I had the great pleasure of joining her for lunch recently, and here are some pictures of her beautiful home and gardens.  I am very comfortable saying: I am green with envy! Maybe in my next life, I will be so lucky…!! What a gorgeous summer afternoon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arianna tole me her wisteria vine is at least 30 years old.  It is fabulous!  Luckily for me, it was on its second bloom of the season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To lounge on a recliner under an umbrella tree and listen to the cicadas is about as close to heaven as I’ve ever been!