Been to Tuscany and Florence twice. Bet I couldn't tell you anything you don't already know, researched or booked. What I can tell you is just soak it in. Get lost in the streets. Eat local. The best restaurants we found were in the countryside, small (8-10 tables) family run, everything fresh. Amazing. Tuscany is gorgeous. And yes, it does get hot. Second time there our villa had a pool, spent one whole lazy afternoon just lounging. Wineries are awesome, if you like chianti.
Re: books - my all around favorite author is Ken Follett. He writes everything from medieval trilogies about churches and treachory to WWII spy novels. Everything is well researched and historically accurate. I've read them all. If you're a first timer, I recommend Eye of the Needle, Jack Daws, or The Key to Rebecca for WWII genre. My all time favorite is Pillars of the Earth. Totally different story and time. If you don't have a kindle get one and load it up. You don't want to be lugging books half way around the world. Enjoy!
Ditto on "The Gentlemen in Moscow" also East of Eden. I'm currently reading Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb. He also wrote Violin Conspiracy which I enjoyed.
Re: LIV- Unlike you and the majority I can take or leave golf on TV. I usually watch the last round of the majors but no longer.... I will not support any tour which is financially supported by murderers. I'm done with pro golf. Finally back on the course myself after 2 years recovering and that's more than enough for me. Yes it's all about the money.....BLOOD MONEY!!!!!
FYI- Needed to buy some grass seed today and out of respect for you purchased Pennington rather than you know who.
I really enjoyed the game last night, like I've been enjoying this year's Reds. All the guys coming up this year seem to be as advertised, are ready when they arrive, and fun players to watch as well. This will be a fun stretch. Going to catch them next week in KC.
I don't watch golf on TV, so not really concerned about this unfortunate development. But the Saudis have also been waving money at Formula 1 (unsuccessfully, so far), and that would make me unhappy. I already don't trust John Malone, so more of the same, I guess.
I made the switch to a battery mower last year when the carburetor on my fairly-new gas mower apparently baffled the local small-engine guy. Couldn't be happier, and bought a matching hedge trimmer this week.
Coincidentally, I've had the Best of Santana CD in the Commuter Chrysler this week. Good call!
The best fiction I've read so far this year ... "A Gentleman in Moscow" by Amor Towles. Or maybe go old school with one of the classics ... I've never read "East of Eden" before now and it reminds me why they call them classics.
As for TV, "Shrinking" captivated us - Co-written by Brett Goldstein, the dude who plays grumpy Roy Kent on "Ted Lasso." Great characters.
Italy eat the local diet. North is different that south, etc. I use electric for lawn work. I own a Ryobi electric riding lawnmower. It’s 30 inches wide and can drive through a standard size pedestrian gate. Cuts good and is controlled with a joystick. 80volt duel batteries. Doc your answer to Yoda is spot on.
So glad you're partaking in international exploration, Doc. I'm a huge fan of seeing much of what this globe has to offer. Hope it's the first of many more.
Hey Paul! I am a 77 year old woman and while we used electric lawn equipment several years ago I bought a battery powered lawn mower and now all of our outdoor work is done with batteries. They are awesome and I wouldn't change for anything. Home Depot sells a product that the same battery will work on any of the equipment. Of, course, I didn't realize it at the time so we now have 3 but it works great, if the old week wacker battery dies I just go and get another one to finish the job! You might want to think of it for the future...no cords to deal with! Enjoy your posts...go Reds and Bengals!!!
Last night was magical for so many reasons. I follow the Reds religiously and love the game of baseball (even last year!). Sometimes, I wonder if I do it out of principal rather than enjoyment. Last night was the first night in a LONG time when the non-diehards were all calling me trying to figure out Bally Sports so they could witness ELDC. He is clearly a talented player but he also brings a swag factor that also generates excitement, especially with younger kids. I love Joey Votto but only 40-70 year old stat geeks feel the juice when he steps up to the plate. I don't know how to describe it but he has a presence and it isn't just because of his bling.
I had a bitter OG rant on golf yesterday. I live a blessed life if one of my biggest triggers is the current state of golf. Simply put, the PGA tour looks pathetic. They brainwashed me along with so many others on how they were taking the moral high ground - shame on me.
On the TV front, I would recommend watching The Wire.
Surprised no one seems to have mentioned this well-worn book ... A Year in Tuscany. A bit predictable, but hits all the high notes.
Narcos and Narcos: Mexico if you "enjoyed" the Wire. Fantastic acting and writing, never know who's going to get it next!
Enjoyed watching the end of the Reds game (an increasingly rare happening) right after seeing FCC crush P-burgh. Ah! Nothing beats a winner.
Venice, Venice, Venice. Getting off the vaporetto on our first visit, you'd think you were in Disneyland ... only realer. Go there and get lost walking the streets, discover a piazza, ride a gondola.
Dang, lost my comment. Jealous of the trip. Uffizi needs to be booked immediately upon arrival in Florence (hotel clerk great for that). So many Mary and baby Jesuses 😁. Massive place.
To pretend I live in Venice I read one of Donna Leon’s books featuring Guido Brunetti. Police procedural, but Venetian.
Never been there. I understand they don’t allow cruise ships in the canals now. Came to their senses during pandemic or something.
Hard to go wrong just enjoying it all as long as it lasts. I started reading a book left behind in the apartment where we stayed. Felt bad about pilfering and left behind. Library had it here. Hotel Paradise by Martha Grimes. Story told by a twelve year old girl.
Reds are going to make me interrupt Fringe rewatch on Max. Lunching with friends in Burlington tomorrow. Probably need to wear a Reds shirt.
Been to Tuscany and Florence twice. Bet I couldn't tell you anything you don't already know, researched or booked. What I can tell you is just soak it in. Get lost in the streets. Eat local. The best restaurants we found were in the countryside, small (8-10 tables) family run, everything fresh. Amazing. Tuscany is gorgeous. And yes, it does get hot. Second time there our villa had a pool, spent one whole lazy afternoon just lounging. Wineries are awesome, if you like chianti.
Re: books - my all around favorite author is Ken Follett. He writes everything from medieval trilogies about churches and treachory to WWII spy novels. Everything is well researched and historically accurate. I've read them all. If you're a first timer, I recommend Eye of the Needle, Jack Daws, or The Key to Rebecca for WWII genre. My all time favorite is Pillars of the Earth. Totally different story and time. If you don't have a kindle get one and load it up. You don't want to be lugging books half way around the world. Enjoy!
Ditto on "The Gentlemen in Moscow" also East of Eden. I'm currently reading Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb. He also wrote Violin Conspiracy which I enjoyed.
Re: LIV- Unlike you and the majority I can take or leave golf on TV. I usually watch the last round of the majors but no longer.... I will not support any tour which is financially supported by murderers. I'm done with pro golf. Finally back on the course myself after 2 years recovering and that's more than enough for me. Yes it's all about the money.....BLOOD MONEY!!!!!
FYI- Needed to buy some grass seed today and out of respect for you purchased Pennington rather than you know who.
I really enjoyed the game last night, like I've been enjoying this year's Reds. All the guys coming up this year seem to be as advertised, are ready when they arrive, and fun players to watch as well. This will be a fun stretch. Going to catch them next week in KC.
I don't watch golf on TV, so not really concerned about this unfortunate development. But the Saudis have also been waving money at Formula 1 (unsuccessfully, so far), and that would make me unhappy. I already don't trust John Malone, so more of the same, I guess.
I made the switch to a battery mower last year when the carburetor on my fairly-new gas mower apparently baffled the local small-engine guy. Couldn't be happier, and bought a matching hedge trimmer this week.
Coincidentally, I've had the Best of Santana CD in the Commuter Chrysler this week. Good call!
The best fiction I've read so far this year ... "A Gentleman in Moscow" by Amor Towles. Or maybe go old school with one of the classics ... I've never read "East of Eden" before now and it reminds me why they call them classics.
As for TV, "Shrinking" captivated us - Co-written by Brett Goldstein, the dude who plays grumpy Roy Kent on "Ted Lasso." Great characters.
Wouldn’t a 200-ft hickory tree be a world record? That’s a house full of rustic hardwood flooring.
Certainly know who JR Ewing is... never missed an episode of Dallas.
Absolutely agree with your comment on Phil Mickelson...if he is for it, I am against it. I really enjoyed NOT having to watch him on the PGA Tour.
Succession replacements:
Ted Lasso
Schitts Creek
Book - Straight Man by Richard Russo
Absolutely! They hit the opposite way and are aggressive on the bases. Get them on. Get them over. And get them in. Great fun!
Come on, Doc. If you can afford 2 weeks in mafia land, you can afford to have a dangerous tree removed……that and your wallet “ain’t” that thin.
Italy eat the local diet. North is different that south, etc. I use electric for lawn work. I own a Ryobi electric riding lawnmower. It’s 30 inches wide and can drive through a standard size pedestrian gate. Cuts good and is controlled with a joystick. 80volt duel batteries. Doc your answer to Yoda is spot on.
So glad you're partaking in international exploration, Doc. I'm a huge fan of seeing much of what this globe has to offer. Hope it's the first of many more.
Hey Paul! I am a 77 year old woman and while we used electric lawn equipment several years ago I bought a battery powered lawn mower and now all of our outdoor work is done with batteries. They are awesome and I wouldn't change for anything. Home Depot sells a product that the same battery will work on any of the equipment. Of, course, I didn't realize it at the time so we now have 3 but it works great, if the old week wacker battery dies I just go and get another one to finish the job! You might want to think of it for the future...no cords to deal with! Enjoy your posts...go Reds and Bengals!!!
A lot to unpack here today Doc - great effort.
Last night was magical for so many reasons. I follow the Reds religiously and love the game of baseball (even last year!). Sometimes, I wonder if I do it out of principal rather than enjoyment. Last night was the first night in a LONG time when the non-diehards were all calling me trying to figure out Bally Sports so they could witness ELDC. He is clearly a talented player but he also brings a swag factor that also generates excitement, especially with younger kids. I love Joey Votto but only 40-70 year old stat geeks feel the juice when he steps up to the plate. I don't know how to describe it but he has a presence and it isn't just because of his bling.
I had a bitter OG rant on golf yesterday. I live a blessed life if one of my biggest triggers is the current state of golf. Simply put, the PGA tour looks pathetic. They brainwashed me along with so many others on how they were taking the moral high ground - shame on me.
On the TV front, I would recommend watching The Wire.
Surprised no one seems to have mentioned this well-worn book ... A Year in Tuscany. A bit predictable, but hits all the high notes.
Narcos and Narcos: Mexico if you "enjoyed" the Wire. Fantastic acting and writing, never know who's going to get it next!
Enjoyed watching the end of the Reds game (an increasingly rare happening) right after seeing FCC crush P-burgh. Ah! Nothing beats a winner.
Venice, Venice, Venice. Getting off the vaporetto on our first visit, you'd think you were in Disneyland ... only realer. Go there and get lost walking the streets, discover a piazza, ride a gondola.
Dang, lost my comment. Jealous of the trip. Uffizi needs to be booked immediately upon arrival in Florence (hotel clerk great for that). So many Mary and baby Jesuses 😁. Massive place.
To pretend I live in Venice I read one of Donna Leon’s books featuring Guido Brunetti. Police procedural, but Venetian.
Never been there. I understand they don’t allow cruise ships in the canals now. Came to their senses during pandemic or something.
Hard to go wrong just enjoying it all as long as it lasts. I started reading a book left behind in the apartment where we stayed. Felt bad about pilfering and left behind. Library had it here. Hotel Paradise by Martha Grimes. Story told by a twelve year old girl.
Reds are going to make me interrupt Fringe rewatch on Max. Lunching with friends in Burlington tomorrow. Probably need to wear a Reds shirt.
The reluctant Tuscan by Phil Doran ...