Clearing through photos this morning at Bellaugello Gay Country House I came across this set which brought back memories of just how the house was and all the effort we put into restoring it to make what you see today.

The south elevation of Bellaugello 2009 – 2015 enjoy!

I really cannot believe it. Here at Bellaugello Gay Guest House the weather continues to be unseasonably warm. Yesterday I spent a delightful afternoon pruning olive trees. I dressed warmly, it is February after all, but within a few minutes As temperatures hit the low twenties I had to strip off to a rugger shirt.
Back in the garden the first fruit trees are flowering…

No, I do not only mean only the crazy yellow plum tree that has been in flower since mid-December, but as you see from the photo it is the apricot trees, and yesterday I noticed the almond is about to burst forth, along the road one of my farming neighbours has already an almond in full bloom. Wild violets strew the banks below the fig tree and the daffodils- those remaining not eaten by the istrice are in full flower.
So now I am off to cut the lawn. Generally the lawn cutting period is from late March to end June, then the heat slows down growth, I have to cut the lawns only every ten days or so until the autumn when they put on a final spurt before winter. This year I am having to start a month early, I just hope we are not in for a nasty cold spell in April.
Not that I am complaining about the warmth, it is delightful, and quietly pruning olive trees is most therapeutic….

Utter silence, guys still sleeping, outside it is warm, sunshine, blue skies, harmony, a gentle breeze not even rustling the few remaining leaves hanging so tightly to the naked tree branches, so quiet even the bird song is faint and intermittent, a bee bumbles over the rosemary flowers, otherwise nothing, hardly a sound.
Way below in the valley the distant sound of water rushing over rocks as the river Chiascio heads downstream to begin filling the lake that will be in front of Bellaugello Gay Guest House.
The sauna is lit, time to work up a sweat and rid our bodies of the bacchanalian excesses of last night…

Happy New Year, Felice Anno Nuovo a tutti !

Autumn doesn’t cease to amaze, a glorious sunrise snapped by iPhone on my way down to serve breakfasts to the guys at Bellaugello Gay Guest House

I have the fire lit in the dining room, not because it’s cold but because it adds to the glorious golden reds and oranges here

yes, roses in flower in the garden, a mild autumn so far. The guys have been out every day hiking, and trekking through the quiet trails and paths of the Monte Cucco Regional Park. I know a great knowledgable guide and puts me in mind to organize a hiking week next April based here at Bellaugello Gay Resort

On a fine but slightly overcast autumnal day here in Umbria a sunny pic! Many thanks to Antonio for permission to use his great photo of Monica and myself – the two cooks at Bellaugello Gay Guest House this summer