Saturday, October 22, 2011

Return From Italy


We have returned from our wonderful trip to Italy!



 From Rome...








To Naples...



To Pompeii...



 To Capri...


  

To Venice...


It was all so incredibly fabulous...
especially to be together with my lovely sister Lynn, 
her patient and oh so generous hubby Steve, 
my very own ...the infamous Mr. Flea...
and...


Dad...
...wearing the Target hat I bought him before we left.
He usually sports a baseball cap
 to protect his head from the sun...
but I thought he needed something a bit more styling for Italy.


Oh what fun we had!
 He was such a good sport and amazingly at 84...
was able to keep up as we enjoyed all the tours and activities
 Steve and Lynn had planned for us.


Sigh...
I am in love with this beautiful country,
 the kind and welcoming people we met
 and the delicious food...yum.

I have so much to tell you...
including the story of meeting a very special blog friend
 who took us to a wonderful flea market in Venice...
and...
Hundreds and hundreds of photos to share...
What do you want to see first?

It may take some time as life here at home is a bit crazy right now.
I have missed you all.
What have you been up to?
I want to know!
:)

at

58 comments:

  1. It's meOctober 22, 2011 at 5:11 PM

    Welcome home darling !! i miss you !!...wow....Italy...i am curious who you met their from the Italien girls.......come and tell me please !!!..love from me...xxx.....

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  2. Le StyleOctober 22, 2011 at 5:14 PM

    What a beautiful pictures of Italy.
    So enjoy!
    Have a great Sunday!

    Warm greetings

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  3. LizlovesVintageOctober 22, 2011 at 5:19 PM

    I'm so glad you had a great time. The photos are grand and I can't wait to see and hear More!! Not much going on here, other than a great yard sale this am. I think your adventure was more thrilling than my yard sailing!!! So, happy you are home.
    xxx Liz

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  4. Sandi @the WhistleStop CafeOctober 22, 2011 at 5:22 PM

    Bellisimo~
    I can't wait to see every last picture! I would be that person that you could invite for pizza and I would happily watch your slide show. (and even ask you to hit replay!!)

    Were you planning your next trip on the flight home? I will be back in May... and counting the days.

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  5. Gina at Vintage Junk in My TrunkOctober 22, 2011 at 5:33 PM

    Wow, fabulous photos, especially the one of your dad covering the numbers away from the 52! Can't wait to see all the pics and hear all your stories!

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  6. JunkStuffTreasuresOctober 22, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    What beautiful pictures of your trip! So many fabulous locations- lucky you! Your dad looks dapper in his hat. I'm sure it was a special trip for all.

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  7. DortheOctober 22, 2011 at 5:39 PM

    Welcome back Laura---OH yes beautiful, beautiful Italy- your photoes are all fantastic, I can`t wait to see more, I`m in love with this country ,too.
    Hugs,Dorthe

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  8. ReneeOctober 22, 2011 at 5:48 PM

    So jealous (but in a good way)! I've always wanted to travel to Italy. Someday; until then I will live vicariously through your photos. Would love to see the flea market pictures and finds first!

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  9. **Anne**October 22, 2011 at 5:59 PM

    Your photos are beautiful. I'm visiting Italy next year so your photos have made me very excited. Enjoy those memories and pouring over your photos.
    Anne xx

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  10. Glenda/MidSouthOctober 22, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    Thanks for sharing your wonderful trip with us. Great photos ! Looking forward to seeing and hearing more about your trip.

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  11. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeOctober 22, 2011 at 6:36 PM

    Oh my, sounds like the most fabulous trip ever. I would love to take the same trip, all of the places that I long to see. I can't wait to see all of the pics and hear all the stories. Hugs, Marty

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  12. Egretta Wells blogOctober 22, 2011 at 6:57 PM

    What gorgeous photos so far....can't wait to see more! I just dream of going on a painting trip to Italy and maybe I will one of these days. And the food looked marvelous and your Dad looked like he was having such a good time, too. Nice to have you safely back. Egretta

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  13. GìoOctober 22, 2011 at 7:10 PM

    Thanks for the compliments in our beautiful Italy, have turned her in long and in wide!!!!!
    I hope has had a good time and you still return to find us.
    You greet Gìo

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  14. AnonymousOctober 22, 2011 at 7:47 PM

    Wow Laura...lucky you!! Wish I was there too!! Beautiful pix and I can't wait to see more.
    Blessings~
    Sandi@Wayside Treasures

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  15. AnonymousOctober 22, 2011 at 7:48 PM

    Oh Laura, What a grand trip. Pops is looking good too. So happy he went with you. Can't wait to see more beautiful pictures. Smiles, Susie

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  16. NellyOctober 22, 2011 at 7:57 PM

    Amazing pics bet you could even feel the history of it all.Love dads pic how cool is he?

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  17. UnknownOctober 22, 2011 at 8:00 PM

    Can't wait to see more pictures ! So beautiful ! So much history ! What a grand opertunity !

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  18. UnknownOctober 22, 2011 at 8:16 PM

    soooooooo jealous! i visited Italy with my Mum 4 years ago and will never forget its majestic beauty! sigh...can't WAIT to see and hear more about your trip there! how wonderful! (your dad is adorable!)

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  19. Heaven's WalkOctober 22, 2011 at 8:22 PM

    Oh Laura - what an experience! I can't even imagine the fun and adventures you all had! Hurry up and post those photos ---- we're all waiting to live vicariously through you, girl! lol!

    xoxo laurie

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  20. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereOctober 22, 2011 at 10:08 PM

    Welcome Home, Laura! I have been thinking of you and wondering how the trip was going. Sounds like everyone had a great time. Didn't you just love Pompeii? I can't wait to see all your pictures.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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  21. Holly Loves ArtOctober 22, 2011 at 10:18 PM

    Oh how wonderful! Looks like an amazing time. We went to the SAME places in 2006. All so wonderful and different from each other. My favorites were Venice and the Amalfi Coast. Thanks for sharing all the gorgeous photos.
    Ciao Bella!
    Holly

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  22. UnknownOctober 22, 2011 at 10:55 PM

    Wow, wonderful places and with the best of company...glad you had a great time.

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  23. Dawne Boynton PolisOctober 22, 2011 at 11:12 PM

    Hi Laura,
    I started following you just before you left, so I've been checking my blog roll to see when you'd return with all the marvelous pictures of my second favorite European country[ next to France ]. Love all of Italy, but especially Venice. Your pix are super. especially since you said you were taking a small point and shoot. It proves the point that the photographer makes the photos good, not the camera.
    Come and visit! I live in upstate N.Y. too!

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  24. BleudelavandeOctober 23, 2011 at 2:24 AM

    Ooooohhhh you where in Italy????? I'm afraid that I can't meet you!!!But I'm so glad you had a great time in my country!!!!!
    Warm hugs Laura.

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  25. Andi's English AtticOctober 23, 2011 at 4:50 AM

    What do I want to see first? The flea market of course!

    So glad you had a wonderful time. Italy is so full of beauty. I was there in 1984 and went to a lot of the places in your pics. Brought back memories.

    The pic of the blue grotto is absolutely fantastic. xx

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  26. Linnelle et AdrienOctober 23, 2011 at 5:27 AM

    que de belles photos
    merci pour ce reportage ...

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  27. Laura - DecoranticArtOctober 23, 2011 at 5:47 AM

    beautiful pics! ;-)
    I'm waiting for the other ones :-))

    Baci e a presto!

    Laura

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  28. DarlaOctober 23, 2011 at 6:29 AM

    It all looks so beautiful and sounds so interesting, get started anywhere you want! Your Dad sure is a handsome chap.

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  29. UnknownOctober 23, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    I'm so happy to hear you had a good time, I miss my family (they all live in Italy) so much Maybe some day I will be able to go back and see them. I'm sure you are glad to be home as well thanks for sharing such wonderful photos with all of us.

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  30. Heather RobinsonOctober 23, 2011 at 10:27 AM

    Welcome back! I don't always leave comments on your posts but I sure did miss them while you were gone. Your trip looks absolutely wonderful and I can only imagine how special it was that you were able to go with your Dad. That is so wonderful. I am thinking of a trip with my honey to either Rome of Venice for Christmas so can't wait to see what you have to say!
    PS. Great call on your Dad's hat!

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  31. SHUG IN BOOTS {Beth}October 23, 2011 at 11:21 AM

    How positively GORGEOUS! I LOVE that picture of your dad using his hat to cover everything but the "52". I love that you can see his wedding band. <3 The hat itself is cool too, may have to head to Target. ;)

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  32. Andy's AtticOctober 23, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    Laura, so glad you are home safely and had such a wonderfu trip. Your father looks so great in his hat!!!! My favorte picture, out of all the super beautiful pictures, is the spotlight on the water at night. Maybe because I love that blue. Annette

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  33. EviOctober 23, 2011 at 12:03 PM

    love the pictures, please show us tons of them! Italy is soooo beautiful. Want to see more of the fun you had...and of course the fleamarket peaked my curiosity.
    Your Dad looks very good and very stylish in his hat. Even so you all had such a great time, I am VERY happy to have you back.....I missed you lots!!!! But hopefully I will see you soon....
    Lots of love to you all, greetings to your Dad too,
    Evi and Ebbie

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  34. Beach House LivingOctober 23, 2011 at 1:07 PM

    Gorgeous photos! You should make one of those calendars you can order on line so you can enjoy them every month.

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  35. Tina October 23, 2011 at 4:15 PM

    Love your photos - LOVE Italy.
    I was at naples, Pompeii and Capri last year - so so beautiful.
    Thanks for sharing.

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  36. AnonymousOctober 23, 2011 at 5:30 PM

    You're photos are fantastic!!! Looks like you had a Grand trip - can't wait to see more!!! Thanks for allowing me to travel vicariously through you!!!

    Kris Shedarowich

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  37. Sandi~A Cottage MuseOctober 23, 2011 at 5:50 PM

    Welcome home Laura...you've been missed!
    Glad you had fun with your family ~ that hat looks great on your handsome Dad!!

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  38. judiOctober 23, 2011 at 7:51 PM

    yes, welcome back! oh the pics are beautiful and i want to hear it all...as time allows my friend.
    judi

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  39. sweetpeaOctober 23, 2011 at 8:39 PM

    welcome back! looks like a fabulous family trip. can't wait to see your pics. hugs to lynne.

    hugs,

    shelley

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  40. JenneliseOctober 23, 2011 at 11:30 PM

    Absolutely spectacular photos! I'm so jealous :) To have seen those things up close would be amazing.
    Jennelise

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  41. Maison BeldecorOctober 24, 2011 at 4:05 AM

    Hello and welcome back dear Laura!
    I also looove Italy, it is one of our favorite holiday country... You have visited some of the place I did 'nt see until now, Capri is still von my wishlist... Next year I want to visit Rome with my mother, we have to wait if it works...
    I love to see many many of your wonderful pics... I'm looking forward to see them
    xo Bine

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  42. jacklynn4October 24, 2011 at 6:41 AM

    I want to see the flea market stuff!!!!

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  43. summersoulOctober 24, 2011 at 9:48 AM

    Wow! I love that country too with the lovely people and the food. I am looking forward to all of the pics. But i have never been to a flea market there. So I vote for those first!

    Michele

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  44. SuzOctober 25, 2011 at 8:58 AM

    Incredible! Travel is so wonderful. We just returned from Barcelona and the south of France. It was also wonderful...but my photos aren't quite as good!!!
    Hugs,
    Suz

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  45. All SeasonsOctober 25, 2011 at 11:07 AM

    If I see this, I will go to Rome. Two years ago I was there, I was in love, what a great place to be, wonderful...
    And when do you come to the Netherlands?

    Thank for this wonderful trip, Laura.

    Hugs,
    Patricia
    ♥

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  46. for the love of a houseOctober 25, 2011 at 12:51 PM

    Welcome home!! What stunning photos. I am so jealous, I have never been. So happy you and your whole family had such a great trip! Cherish your sweet memories!

    joan

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  47. Julie@beingRUBYOctober 25, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    Hi Dear Laura
    So lovely to have you back.. Of course I love all your shots. and all of Italy.. It's hard to be back isn't it? Where was that gorgeous angel .. the one in the statue's palm.. I didn't see that.. must have been inside a museum which I really was to lazy to line up for.. haha..

    Have fun settling in.. and can't wait to see what you show us.. ciao xxx Julie

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  48. JadeOctober 26, 2011 at 2:22 AM

    Your Dad looks so great, dear Laura....very italian!!!!! We have been in Venice last week and i have posted some pictures........i´m looking forward to see yours!!!! Have a wonderful week,

    Hugs Jade

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  49. Curtains in My TreeOctober 26, 2011 at 11:20 AM

    Oh Italy is sooo beautiful I just love seeing all your pictures so keep showing them so I can dream

    so glad you still have your fun Dad to go with you

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  50. AnonymousOctober 26, 2011 at 7:41 PM

    I There. this is Paola. I'm Italian and I moved to California 1 years ago...I just wanna say "thank you" for this wonderful pictures...they make me feel at home ! I'm from Verona, it's 60 minutes from Venice....I saw you missed my beautiful historical town !
    Ciao!!!

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  51. okcampOctober 26, 2011 at 7:47 PM

    Thank you for posting such beautiful photos. Italy is now on my short list of places to visit.

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  52. Miss HollyOctober 26, 2011 at 11:37 PM

    So happy to find a site in the adirondacks!! Your trip looked to be fantastic...I just adore Italy....So lucky your dad is so good....I would have loved to have gone to europe with my dad...love your site!

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  53. BubbealiceOctober 27, 2011 at 10:54 PM

    I can hardly bring myself to make a comment. There were 52 comments. I really should delete this.

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  54. Les CotrionsOctober 28, 2011 at 7:08 AM

    Ciao Laura!!!! Welcome back form Italy!!!!
    I'm happy you enjoyed your trip with your family and I'm so happy you love my country!!!
    I'm fine and I'll surely post sometimes! I missed you!!!
    Big hugs!
    Vale

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  55. French-KissedOctober 28, 2011 at 1:31 PM

    Just wonderful to hear that you all had such a fabulous time and that your adorable dad in his oh so stylish hat also enjoyed the tour. I will be thrilled to see any and everything you post and to hear all of the details...Italy stole my heart long ago and I can't wait to experience it once again through your eyes. Welcome back!

    Jermaine

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  56. AnonymousOctober 28, 2011 at 5:14 PM

    So glad you had such a wonderful time. Pics are amazing!

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  57. AnonymousOctober 28, 2011 at 8:25 PM

    Ooohhh, it looks like you had a wonderful trip, Laura! Your pictures are fabulous, and your dad looks quite handsome in his new hat from
    Target! :)
    xo,
    Jo

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  58. UnknownOctober 28, 2011 at 9:12 PM

    Beautiful pictures!! Thanks for sharing! I just recently followed your blog and I just love it here.

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