Safe and Sound

Storms really are beautiful.

It's easy for me to say that, safe at home, un-flooded, and with underground power lines that *should* (fingers crossed, knock wood and all that) keep me warm and bathed in the safe glow of modern life. I know for others this means danger, deprivation, and destruction, and I don't mean to downplay that. But here? Gorgeous, at least so far.

I was supposed to work an 11-hour shift today, but when it was revealed that the MBTA was shutting down service to my area of the state, the practice owner for the clinic I was at admitted that (even though this was "just a nor'easter") maybe it was best to let me go early. So I am home now, with a mug of hot tea, and contemplating an unexpected afternoon sifting through vacation pictures, baking, and catching up on TV.

Right now, though, I am watching the leaves dance and the fascinating play of light and cloud in the sky, and the way the sidewalk has turned orange with fallen maple leaves, and listening to the winds gust, and taking what enjoyment I can from the world as it is right now....

Italy, Day 1

So a week ago Friday, umbran and I set out for an 8-day vacation in Italy. I had been longing for this trip for years, and at the start of the year I finally stopped daydreaming and decided that, come hell or high water, we'd make it happen this year. And, much to my surprise and delight, we did.

( Hidden, for length and pictures.... )