We’re back. And I swear to you, even my eyelashes are tired.

I was excited to go, of course. I can recall two years ago, sitting on our back deck at the end of each work day. We would talk about the trips we’d take once we moved over here. Then, when we were so thoroughly filled with hope, thrilled with the wild opportunity stretching out before us. Italy was at the top of every list.

I wasn’t prepared, however, for the reality we’d encounter once finally there. It’s like every dream, every romantic movie – a perfectly described paradise brought to life in literally endless rolling hills of green and gold, green and gold. Always topped with a forever blue sky.

I left a little part of what’s left of my tattered old heart in Tuscany. Tell me I’m cheesy and I’ll tell you I’d guess you haven’t been. And that you should.

There is a thoroughly peaceful feeling in many, many corners of this place:

My forever and ever best travel partner:

I’ll sort out the considerable number of pictures I took and get some more up over the coming days.