4CarpenterHouse

        We escaped Sigonella to visits old friends who are stationed in Northern Italy and added a visit to Venice.  We flew into Verona, stayed at the Jackson's in Vicenza and flew out of Venice after exploring that city for a few days. Kids geared up 2016 The Jackson/Carpenter kids ready to play outside.  It was much colder in Northern Italy than we normally get in Sicily.  Our kids borrowed hats and gloves. The same kids in 2009 at our house in Virginia, minus the Jackson's little boy who came later. We have finally got to place in our life where we can have a adult table and a table for the kids.  Dining at a Chinese restaurant in the Jackson's neighborhood. We took a day trip to the surrounding town of Soave known for its castle and great tasting white wine.  We had a beautiful day to walk up to the castle and wander around.  View overlooking the town of Soave. The castle was open which ...

    We had a free Saturday without kids to return to one of our favorite wineries in Sicily.  We were there early last spring and yesterday we returned for a fall lunch with a new group of friends to experience one of the oldest winery on the island.  We had beautiful fall weather with Etna smoking above us during lunch. Mark and Deanna overlooking the vineyard and countyside.  Etna smoking away, she has been busy the last few days.  The girls happy to be out of the car and into the sun.        Alfonso was our tour guide to the winery.  We had him last spring and strangely enough he remembered Mark ( total joke most tour guides remember Mark).  He walked us threw the operation of the winery and gave us a nice tour of their process to make their wines. After the tour we were seated for a tasting of five wines and a nice lunch. Antipasta course. Past...

      We were able to visit a well known historic site that has the best preserved Roman mosaics.  Fun trip, went with new friends and had a picnic in the parking lot.  Its off season for the large crowds of tourists, but there were small groups of French, German, Italians and us enjoying the day. Kestrel and Laurel finishing up lunch.  The ever helpful Laurel, she is enjoying the new little ones in our neighborhood. Amazing site, huge and well preserved.  About a hour and half drive from our house.  Just amazing how big the villa is and every bit of floor has or had mosaics on it.  What saved this site from looters and damage was it was found in the 1930s and protected.  Dad and Kestrel having some time together.  Kestrel is such a gentle soul who is smart and has a good sense of humor. The Carpenter family, everyone is health and happy.  The girls are growing up...