Dear Friends,

 

“Time around Tuscany” has put together a splendid tour for the Moss Society. Smiles abound as we walk around the Italian countryside, exploring and sharing the beauty of this country. As the saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words”, I will share this week’s journey through photographs.

 

I am in awe of the Colosseum in Rome every time I see it. It’s even more dramatic when toured at night.

 

This is the famous Fontana di Trevi, or Trevi Fountain, the largest Baroque fountain in Rome, Italy. It is said that if you throw a coin in this fountain, you will be sure to return to Rome. Well, here we are!

 

I love Cortona. My daughter Becky and her husband Roberto call Cortona home. The city is enclosed by stone walls which date back to Etruscan and Roman times. Cortona is situated on a hillside and provides a spectacular view of the surrounding valley and Lake Trasimeno. Frequently there is fog in the valley below.  Cortona is our home base for our day ventures out.

 

Here is a photo of our group in Cortona, shared with a few photo bombers.

 

Civita di Bagnoregio is known as the “dying town.” It acquired this distinction because the town is literally falling slowly down. A combination of erosion and the geologic structure that this town was built on, has created this slow deterioration. It is a small hilltop community that dates back 2500 years. There are less than 10 year-round residents here. We walked the steep footbridge and were treated to beautiful views of farms and olive groves.

 

To my surprise we ran into Tom Smith, previous Society board member, and his wife, while we were on the city bridge.  What a pleasure to see them!  It truly is a small world.  

 

Beautiful Tuscany!

 

In addition to our 30 year anniversary of the Society, we had other milestones to recognize.

 

We celebrated Ronnie and Faye Markham’s 50th anniversary. The big smiles and gold color are the result of “The Cortona Effect.”

 

We also had the pleasure of celebrating dear friend and Society member, Karen Morris’s birthday. Pictured with her is Don Morris.

 

I can feel the love of this group. Dave and Sharon Cubit had to miss the trip, but thanks to friends they’re lovingly remembered!

 

We all gathered for this fabulous feast at a winery in Tuscany. I overheard a few people commenting, “we must be in heaven.”

 

"Under the Tuscan Sun", Kathy Cassada Groves and I are deep in discussion about the red sun.

 

This magnificent Cathedral of Siena was constructed with the distinctive black colors that define this area’s architecture.

 

What a gift it is to enjoy this journey with friends. Siena, Italy.

 

Love,