Last day in Sorrento

Buongiorno from Sorrento! Today is our last full day in this beautiful city. Tomorrow, we're off to Rome for four days then back home.

Our stay is Sorrento has been wonderful in every way. We played tourists just enough while finding time to relax and enjoy the moments. One morning, we sat on one of the outdoor couches of the hotel property and fell asleep, so deeply that we didn't notice the staff moving some of the outdoor furniture around right in front of us!

On Monday, we went to Ischia. It didn't disappoint. Unlike Capri, it is an island that has the feel of a resort, in some ways similar to Barbados. It is not commercial and crowded. We had a four hour tour, "tuk tuk" style and it was great. We got back to our hotel just in time to watch the sunset. We then had a late dinner at our hotel. 

The rest of the time, we spent walking the streets of Sorrento. One day, we went to Marina Grande for lunch. We had grilled sea bass and a cherry tomato salad. The cherry tomatoes here are to die for. I've been having some for breakfast every day.

The staff of the hotel has been wonderful and very attentive. The weather has been spectacular with an average day temperature of 21 Celsius. 

Russell's knees are absolutely perfect and he feels so grateful to have had the knee replacement surgery in December. There are lots of steps and cobblestones which can make it more challenging to walk. We've been doing our 10,000 steps a day no problem.

Our boys are doing well. They have been spending a lot of time outside, running in the fields. Today, our little Merlot gets his teeth cleaned as well as OFA testing since he is now two years old. Our little Sherlock, who is 18 months, will go along with his brother and get a thorough physical exam (pattelas, heart) including dentition.  His OFA testing and teeth cleaning will be done when he is two also. We miss them a whole lot and have been showing their pictures to all dog owners that we have met....and there are lots in Sorrento!

We're having breakfast now. Later we will walk to a local lemon grove and take in the aroma of that wonderful citrus. Our last dinner will be at Dona Sofia at 9 pm but not before we admire our last Sorrento sunset.

I leave you with some photos taken throughout the past few days. Have a good rest of the week and I will write again from Rome.

Fine dining in a grotto at Il Buco...
a Michelin Star awarded restaurant.

A perfect sunset cocktail hour at our hotel...
complete with water pistol for warding off
winged intruders.

A blue hour photo with the final golden rays
of the sun kissing the sea at Bellevue
Syrene hotel.

One of the many pretty sandy beaches 
on the island of Ischia.

The sea is a spectacular blend of blue and green 
hues and crystal clear.

The famous mushroom rock on Ischia.

Ischia cathedral....magnificent.

The famous Boccia bakery with the famed
best bread in Italy...it tasted wonderful with a 
thin slice of mortadella on top.

Fresh loaves of Boccia bread.

A perfect 'guard' dog at a jewellery
store in Sorrento.

A picture perfect start to the day...the view
from our balcony this morning as another
cruise ship anchors in port, with Mount
Vesuvius in the distance under an azure sky.

Greetings from Sorrento!

Buongiorno and Buona Domenica! It's a beautiful morning in Sorrento, blue skies although very breezy. I'm writing this blog at the breakfast terrace overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and Mount Vesuvious while being serenaded by a pianist. Beautiful setting!

Our travels to Italy were uneventful. The flight was on time and our luggage made it out of the plane in record time. Our driver Giovani drove us to Sorrento. It was a three hour drive, very pleasant and comfortable. Upon arrival at our hotel, we were greeted by the same staff as two years ago. It was truly nice to see them again. We got the exact same room as last time...the more things change the more they stay the same LOL! We can't say enough about this hotel. It is so beautiful with the most gorgeous view. 

We spent the past few days walking through the streets of Sorrento. Russell's new knee is putting on a lot of mileage. We've been eating well. Everything is so fresh here. 

We plan on going to Marina Grande today. It will be a nice walk there, with steps and cobblestones involved. It is a lovely area to visit with lots of fishing boats, little shops and restaurants.

Tomorrow, we will go to Ischia by ferry. Once there, our hotel has arranged for a guided Ape Tour, a three-wheeled vehicle called an Ape Calessino. It will be a cool and unique way to explore the local sights of Ischia. It will be a full day. We will be back in time to watch the sunset from our hotel.

On Thursday, we will make our way to Rome for four nights before returning home. Time is going by quickly. Our pooches are doing well, playing their hearts out. We miss them a whole lot 💕

That's my blog for today. The next one will be from Rome. I leave you with some photos taken during our walkabouts. Photos of doggies will resume when we get home. Have a great week!

View from our balcony.

Via Capo as seen from Piazza Tasso.

A majestic azalea in full bloom.

Early morning fishmen going for the catch 
of the day right in front of our hotel.

A breakfast scene repeated daily...
these fellows are ever optimistic - 
a lesson to be learned!

Mount Vesuvius as seen across the Bay of 
Naples from our balcony.

The Cathedral bell tower of
 Sorrento as seen along one of the
many narrow streets.

Three more sleeps

Happy Sunday everyone! It is the first holiday of the warm season called National Patriots' Day if you live in Quebec...or Victoria Day in all other provinces. We like to be different LOL! It is not the warmest and sunniest weekend though. Yesterday, we had a very strong thunderstorm and lots of rain. Our grass is super green!

This past week was good and very busy. I got all my planters done, front and back. They will be taken care of by the nice man who will look after our house during our absence. Russell cut the grass, twice in one week. He also seeded everywhere. Thankful for the rain!

Our apple trees were cut down, as well as two ugly shrubs that we had by the garage door. Yesterday, the trunks were grinded. We were very impressed by the crew that did the job. We now have more sun in the backyard. It makes such a huge difference. It's a good job done.

Our weather last week was beautiful and so warm. We enjoyed every second of it and spent some good time on the deck. Our boys also enjoyed running around in the yard. They have resumed their favorite pastime....eating grass. Both have perfected their retrieve game in the basement. Now to do it outside with all the distractions. 

Three more sleeps and we will be off to Italy. We aren't packed yet, haven't even quite figured out what we will bring other than shoes! But everything will come together in due time. 

Sherlock and Merlot got a bath yesterday. We will drop them off at Myriam's on Wednesday morning. We will miss them a whole lot but we know they will be in good hands. It will be a vacation for them also. 

Yesterday, we remembered our Cooper, who would have turned 14. He was truly a special boy 💝 

That's my blog for today. My brother is coming over for coffee then I have to go to Fairview to look for a crossbody handbag....last minute shopping, no time for online ordering LOL! Have a great week everyone! I will write from Sorrento next Sunday!

Merlot and Sherlock love to shower
us with love and affection...

Merlot thinks he might like a sip
of Perrier!

Sherlock is a little soggy but enjoying
his favorite chair.

Merlot must have found something that tasted
good...as he licks his chops!

The Boys holding their "stay" 
position at the top of the stairs
before the play session. Huge 
impulse control by these fellows!

Sherlock taking a break on the cool grass
after the game of chase with Merlot.

Merlot catching some morning sun in the 
kitchen after breakfast.

The crabapple tree in full blossom.

A birthday celebration for Cooper with his BFF
Spicy...it was his last birthday with us -
May 17, 2023.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Sunday everyone! We want to wish a wonderful Mother's Day to all the moms out there, including all pet moms. May this day be special in every way. Russell and I also have heartfelt thoughts for both our moms who are watching over us. We miss them always.

This past week was good and quiet. Our weather was not the best, especially the past few days so we didn't get anything done outside. The forecast for this week is spectacular, lots will get done. First item on the agenda is to cut the grass....it is so long!

I plan on buying my garden herbs in the next few days. Due to our upcoming landscaping work, I will not plant them in the VegTrug this year. I'm not sure whether I will do our front planters before we go to Italy ... still thinking about that one. 

Our boys are doing well. They now get the retrieve game completely. They retrieve, bring back and drop the toy, both individually while the other waits patiently. That in itself is amazing! It is not easy to train two young pooches at the same time so the "wait your turn" training is crucial LOL!

In 10 days, we will be on our way to Italy. Lots to do between now and then, including a few appointments for both of us. Yesterday, I brought up the suitcases. That's a good start. We also have to get Merlot's birthday pics done before we go. Our sweet boy will be two on May 22.  I will post his birthday pics from Italy. 

As my Mother's Day treat, the boys got me chocolate covered strawberries from Becky's Berries. They are so delicious and juicy! I might just have one for breakfast 🍓

That's my blog for today. We might go for a walk later then Russell will cut the grass after lunch. Can't do it before then as per the city's bylaw. Our dinner will be easy, my favorite ground chicken burgers on the barbecue. 

Have a wonderful week and Happy Mom's Day!

Happy Mother's Day - me and my Boys!

Becky's Berries, a perfect Mother's Day
treat and so delicious!

Always time for to play and rough
housing - even in the kitchen!

Do we smell dinner about to be BBQ'ed.
Looks like some hanger steak for the grill.

The Boys laying down on the job....
wonder what is going on inside?

The morning patrol....Sherlock with his bull
toy and Merlot his constant companion as they
do laps around the kitchen.

Mother's Day May 13, 2023....Cooper and Spicy
always in our hearts.

Hello May!

Hello everyone and happy Sunday! I'm amazed at how bright it is now early in the morning. I just love it! Russell and I seem to have a new internal clock...5 am is our wake up time. Not sure if it's an age related thing LOL! Of course, our boys wake up when we do and they love it.  Let the fun begin early they say!

This past week was good and hectic. Two major events took place: the Canadian Election and the season ending for our glorious Montreal Canadiens. Although the Habs loss was crushing, I couldn't be more proud of what they accomplished this season 👏 See you in the Fall boys!

We are busy getting ready for our Italian getaway, just 17 days away now. We are taking care of a number of things outside in preparation for the landscaping work later in June. We got approval from the city to take down the two apple trees that we have on the side of our house. Those trees have been nothing but a nuisance. We will also remove two shrubs by our garage door and replace them with something nicer. That work will be done before we go away, likely this coming week.

Our outdoor coffee table arrived and Russell put it together...it was as easy as putting together Ikea furniture LOL! We are quite pleased with it, especially the storage space that it offers. Merlot was quick to jump on it and make himself comfortable. Our boys are happy that deck time has arrived. Not too many squirrels around these days but plenty of birds. They are fascinated by them!

In between being busy doing stuff, Russell smoked his first batch of cheese of the season. It will be all mellow and ready to eat when we return from our trip. We smoked Gouda, mild Cheddar and Provolone. Yummy!

Russell got himself a few pairs of shoes for our trip, all Birkenstocks. They are comfortable. I also got myself a new pair of Birks, with a bit of a platform heel. High heels are a thing of the past for me. We started figuring out what clothes to bring...I think that Russell's suitcase will weigh more than mine!

Those are my little news for today. Have a great week everyone! 

Ding dong...delivery and the Boys
are on alert....must be more shoes
for Russell!

Merlot likes the new coffee table
with built-in storage...he thinks
it make an excellent lounging spot.

Sherlock has found his 'spot' on the new sofa!

Room enough for all three of us...
these guys need one cushion each!

Early morning kitchen sunshine and 
Sherlock is parading around with his
bully toy!

Merlot loves to find a spot in the 
sunshine and have a little snooze!

Hey Mom, what is cooking -
smells great from down here!
Got any samples? Nope!

White smoke rolling! And
notice the temperature.

Not a new Pope... but, applewood
smoked cheeses...
Cheddar, Gouda and Provolone!

Paws up for treats...these two precious souls
always rose to the occasion...June 8, 2022.