Sicily - Beautiful Countryside and Wine Tasting. . . . . . . . .

May 9, 2017, 7 AM - Docked in Licata, Sicily

You may need to put your sunnies on for this post!

The landscape of central Sicily is spectacular. So many shades of green

 draped across the rolling hillsides reminded me of exquisite appliquéd fabric.

For our visit on this bright, warm day, wildflowers were woven through the

 fields like necklaces. . . . . . red poppies, yellow daisies, yarrow, cow parsley,

 acanthus, and huge sprays of bronze fennel waved in the breeze from the hillsides. 

Acres of olive, almond and fruit orchards, and vines of the many vineyards could

 be seen for miles.

 Described as "an island within an island", this region is Sicily's larder.

This is also wine making country, recognized today as one of the best wine regions

 in Italy thanks to its production of high quality, prestigious red wines. . . . .and I assure

you the whites we tasted were excellent also.

The 320 hectare estate of Feudo Principi di Butera includes over 180 vineyards

 in an exclusive terroir, thanks to a warm and dry climate, optimizing the development

 of perfect ripening of the grapes, a sea breeze which carries all its benefits to the vines,

 and the warm strong sunlight which is typical of the southern areas of the island.

It was here we had another quite amazing lunch - delicious freshly prepared food in

 huge quantities served at table, along with copious bottles of their world class wines.

 Paula, dear friend who has shown me so many wonderful places in the world,

 taking a break at the winery before lunch was served.

Above, Babs, Sharon, Kim, Paula, Michelle and Mary - the feminine side of our

 travel group - after lunch with a lot of great wine tasting. . . . . . . . 

. . . . . . . . and here below, our entire lovable and fun group!

. . . . . .behaving. . . . . 

. . . . . and misbehaving for our 'silly picture'.

I'm at a loss for the right caption here!

A memorable day in Sicily.

Erice, Sicily - Part II. . . . . . . .

Venus Castle

The Castle of Erice was built during the Norman domination in the place where there was already a pagan temple dedicated to Venus.

Looking out across the beautiful panoramic landscape of the island.

The small cobbled streets were lined with shops, restaurants and cafes.

High above that magnificent blue Mediterranean Sea looking down on Trapani.

Here you can see the winding road our tour bus took up the hillside -  cable car

not running in early morning - however we did return by the cable car so

 had two very different journeys, both of which were spectacular.

The wildflowers were magnificent here.

Coming soon - the olive oil farm and a delicious lunch.

Flower power. . . . . . . .

For a pretty weekend display on the dining room table I was able to keep some 

of last week's Trader Joe 'wildflowers', also a few of my garden tulips from the previous

arrangement.

A quick stop at Trader Joe's on Friday found me battling a 

small crowd in the floral department for these amazing sweet smelling

 purple stock. I love these flowers but, unfortunately, have never been able 

to grow them successfully here in Summer because it's too hot. They require 

temperatures below 65F.

 This beautiful bunch of five stems of stock was just $2.99!

I then cut a few more of my double tulips and a tall spray of variegated

privet to finish the arrangement.

I know many of you do not have a Trader Joe's nearby - but hopefully

you will some day! Their flowers are so wonderful - always fresh and reasonably

 priced. One of the employees told me they actually have professional florists buy

 flowers daily from the shop for their own arrangements.

I do love to have fresh flowers in the cottage.

This Spring I'm enjoying mixing some from my garden with others from the store.

Good news:  The predicted below freezing temperatures did arrive 

overnight BUT thankfully all in the garden looks unharmed this morning.

Perhaps the brilliant sunshine from around 7 AM assisted in warming

the chilly air and saved the blooms and buds from damage.

Hope your area is now welcoming Spring in all its glory.

Tiptoe through the parrot tulips. . . . . . .

In a recent post I shared these lovely tulips purchased a week ago from Trader Joe's.

 I must say they really have been beautiful, bringing happy, strong color to my dining room.

On Thursday, I trimmed the stems which had grown much longer as tulips

 do once in water. As the blooms were full-blown and hanging down, I used

 a taller vase, and then added a fresh bunch of "wildflowers", also from Trader Joe's.

I never really 'arrange' flowers. I don't especially like formal displays, much

 prefer loose, casual, natural beauties from nature, placed in lovely yet simple

 shaped containers which don't detract from the flowers.

Next time I'll share my flowers for this new week - I made a few changes
 yesterday using blooms from my garden.

When life is full of disappointments, bad news, and sadness, flowers

 certainly brighten the day. . . . . a little bit anyway!