A walk in the park

Brilliant sunshine beckoned us out into this cold, but picturesque day, filled with wonderful light.
We followed our well known trails in the neighboring park and yet all looked so different under a blanket of snow. For me this place is always magically new!


The dog had a blast, running back and forth between us, covering the walking distance at least twice....






The sky was turquoise blue and the snow crunched under our steps. There was little wind, but oh, so cold! We bundled up and
marched on!








Although we walked together, the cold forbid much exchange and we enjoyed the quiet meditations and following our own thoughts as we trailed the dog along the winding path.
The virgin snow covered all unevenness and created a landscape filled with foot marks of people before us. I could not help but to think of life...




Wishing you all a peaceful week!

xx
Victoria




All pictures by V.Zlotkowski

Happy winter weekends

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Christmas seems so long ago and spring so far ahead, nothing better then to seize the moment and to enjoy the winter, which present itself so pleasantly these days around here!


Sledding and skiing is on our agenda and we will take full advantage of the near by mountains in the Berkshires and Upstate New York.


We will be returning to our beloved skiing designation in Woodstock, Vermont. We have grown so accustomed to spending some days in this picturesque village, it is nothing short of the perfect place to spend a few wholesome winter vacation days.


The homey, yet elegant Woodstock Inn resides on the Green, small artsy shops line Main Street and lovely cafes and restaurants offer delicious great American and International cuisine.




I love it to walk there, explore the neighborhoods and take advantage of the quiet afternoons I can spend reading near the fireplace in our hotel. A brand new spa has opened it's doors last autumn and I will try the chocolate wrap....
Still a couple of weeks away, but I can't wait!
In the meantime we will practice our turns closer to home and enjoy hot drinks and familiar winter joys!


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A happy winter weekend to you around the winter "hemisphere".... : )

xx
Victoria



All pictures by V.Zlotkowski and as indicated!

Trees

Today I woke to some morning fog and sunshine, what a brilliant combination. To see those trees reminds me always of rainforest images. It's just lovely! All shrouded in mystery. To see the day awaken from dawn to morning was beautiful!









And I had to sneak this in, since I am so in love with this pattern on my re-upholstered bench....


And it reflects the colors outside!




I love these autumn days.

XX
Victoria

Days and nights in Tuscany

Much life happens outdoors and we so enjoy exploring the places around us.
It is not just the small towns, but simply walking up the hill behind our house or the meadows, which have been cut and the fields have all been harvested and large rolls of aromatic hay are rolled up in huge bundles.


The white cows of Tuscany walking slowly in the evenings and we can hear their bells every night.
Just below the property is a large field, with a grove of trees. Every night a group of large deers appears. I captured these majestic animals, gracefully walking and grasing, not being really afraid, but watchful.




There is a trail going into the mountains and we have been trekking along for an hour and we perhaps could reach another hamlet, but the children are not used to such long walks and eventually we returned.


Around every bend we find something new, animals, vistas, stones and broken pottery!
I have picked greens and flowers along the path and the meadows. Its a paradise!
By now the house truly has our touch and we love sitting at night and watch the sunset. The house is perfectly suited for a larger family and cooking in this wonderful farmhouse kitchen is such a pleasure. At night we realize again and again how quiet it is up here, only the occasonal animal sound or the zicadas interrupt the silence. At night the sky gleams with millions of stars and we watch many shooting stars! And we share our wishes with the universe...
There is lots of room for everybody and everthing, a double stove provides ample space for preparing multi-course meals, we bake and we talk, eat and play games until late at night!



My little Ragazzo Italiano!


My oldest and his girl...


Well, we have made plans already to return here; we simply fell in love!


Soon more, there is much I want to show you! Today we are off to Arezzo, a wonderful town from ancient times with a church filled with the frescos of Piero della Francesca!



XX
Victoria



All pictures by V.Zlotkowski

Early summer mornings

I love the sun streaming through windows which have been covered with shades, the white gold filtered sunlight promises a day after my own heart. I love the morning sun on the brilliant dew drops on leaves and the early bird song too. An open door lets in the still cool air and a fan rattles somewhere in the house.


It has rained over night and the air is still full of evaporating mist in the trees...



My old friend is awake as well!


There is nothing lovelier than an early summer morning...except perhaps...


My new summer sandals!!! I love them! A little bling to pull me out of boring and give my outfits a tiny kick....

Happy day, darlings!


XX
Victoria



Pictures by V.Zlotkowski