Monday, March 27, 2017

ROAD TRIP SOUTH, ITALIAN STYLE



ROAD TRIP SOUTH, ITALIAN STYLE.......Part 1


We were on another wine tasting road trip with our friends 
Paul ( a wine importer) and Betty. This time we headed south. On our first day our destination was 
 Roseto, a seaside town in Abruzzo and  as we later found out it was formerly known as Rosebergo...but that
 is a story for Paul to tell.




We checked into a lovely seaside boutique hotel, Mane, and were very happy to find there was Risorante Manetta on the premises since, as everyone knows, road trips can make a person hungry! After a long and superb lunch of local seafood, James and I tagged along with Paul and Betty to taste
 a few wines at the Orlandi Contucci Ponno vineyard.

After tasting a few newly bottled wines and getting more educated on the qualities  of wine and growing of grapes. The question put forth on Montepulciano d'Abruzzo grapes versus the wines of the Tuscan city of Montepulciano. Two different grapes, with the Abruzzo grape being the Montepulciano grape. Who knew?

 Back at the hotel, we took a much needed walk on the beach promenade  to offset our lengthy car ride and luxurious tasting  of wines from the  Abruzzo region. We all agreed on pizza for dinner before returning to the hotel 
for a good night's sleep...




....The next destination was Puglia and a town called Alberobello.




You have to admit these small dwelling  called Truilli, are cute, as they recall storybook
tales.
It was in the 17th Century that these trulli were first built
in accordance to a decree  and to avoid paying taxes, it stated all dwellings must be built from the local limestone
without the use of mortar.




The flat sone stone, conical shaped roofs are left without the white-wash that coats the
body of the building. Some have symbols painted onto the roofs, for religious or mystical
purposes.





The 'Rione Monti' area is the most visited and touristy district with vendors selling
an array of cheesy trinkets and souvenirs, which takes away from what would be a much more
interesting visit without all this distraction.






These dwellings are unique and the countryside surrounding the town is a beautiful pastoral landscape with well crafted dry stone walls surrounding houses, olive orchards  and trullis. 

This area is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and worthy of a visit.






Our visit here was rather short, since our real destination was Matera in Basilicata.
We all get back into the Guilietta .........
.........On to Matera.











Wednesday, March 22, 2017

THIS MAN WANTS TO HURT YOU {A Year In Painting}


JAMES APONOVICH
A YEAR IN PAINTING


LA VITA E BREVE
L'ARTE E LUNGO



As our planet makes its journey around a star we call the Sun, I make my own 
journey in painting. Each week I present some aspect of our shared
life experiences through the medium of paint on canvas.



"Old men ought to be explorers"
-T.S. Eliot. The Four Quartets

_________________________________________________________




THIS MAN WANTS TO HURT 
YOU





James Aponovich
Detail, Oil on canvas
Untitled


His name is Scotty but they call him Suds. That's because he drinks too much.
He likes to hurt people and he became pretty good at it.
He was a Boxer, a Champion once, Lightweight Division, now his brain is broken.
He goes from bar to bar where  they give him free drinks.




James Aponovich
Untitled ( in progress)
Oil in canvas, 32" x 24"


We'd better go now
We don't belong here.





Copyright 2017 James Aponovich
all rights reserved








Monday, March 20, 2017

PRIMAVERA IN OUR UMBRIA GARDEN


PRIMAVERA 

Today is the Vernal Equinox.  I know that in New England 
there is  deep snow and damage from high winds, resulting from a recent storm. Here in Panicale it is truly Spring, and as as we much
love our home in the States, we are very content to be here in our other home.



The lilac in the garden is leafing out and the flowers are getting ready to burst.
I planted a few pots of sunny orange and yellow pansies, a combination that I am particularly
fond of.
James and I make more than a few visits to the local nursery!








This enormous rosemary grows just outside the door. There is also sage that is in competition for the biggest herb here. The thyme, oregano, Roman mint and chives we planted last year returned, so we only needed to plant parsley, marjoram, and a different variety of sage. We are waiting on the basil until the nights warm up.





To balance all of the yellow and orange we needed some blue and purple.
Complimentary colors, it's just a natural for artists!







I filled several of the pots with geraniums since they will last into the heat of the Italian Sun.
The pots create a pretty edge along the yard.
There is an olive tree along with four fruit trees. There is an apricot, plum and an apple, the other is a mystery.



But, what I didn't show in the above photo.....



Our freshly washed laundry hanging out to dry ! Life is not all
cappuccino, wine and art here! This is a multi-use garden!




The sun rises on this side of Panicale making a good place for a cup of morning coffee, that is after a cappuccino at Bar Gallo. And, in the evening we occupy those chairs for glass of wine or apertivo before dinner.


A View Up Our Street



There is wisteria along the wall that will flower with a beautiful perfume later in the Spring, and in a short time the trees lining the Viale Margherita will be green with leaves.
Umbria is agricultural. The fields that surround Panicale are green, bright Emerald Green. The trees will soon catch up. The almond trees are flowering, soon the apples and other fruit trees will blossom. The wild red poppies won't be denied their time to be headliners in the coming weeks!



Spring in Umbria is a glorious show and we are happy  and fortunate
to be here once again to witness and enjoy it.


Welcome Spring!







Wednesday, March 15, 2017

A HEARTFELT VACATION {Episode 8} }

A HEARTFELT VACATION
{Episode 8 }




B. Buntline Production



The Heartfelts live in the loving community
of Heartdale Falls.



But every now and then, no matter how nice a place is
everybody
needs to
get away.



TIME TO SAY GOODBYE


We left the Heartfelts enjoying a spectacular fireworks show......


It has been a dream vacation and yet, it's best to hold on to Yello-Hoodie Boy, we don't 
need any last minute accidents. Sadly, tomorrow they must leave Panicale.





Paul The Wine Guy and Betty Heartland have been great hosts and they drive 
The Heartfelts to the airport to return to Heartdale Falls. This time, Red Polka Dot Girl
 made sure that 
Yello-Hoodie Boy has a valid Passport and a ticket.





Back in Heartdale Falls they are all gathered in the kitchen. Red Polka Dot Girl couldn't be happier testing out
a recipe she learned in Italy. Daddy B.B. is at the computer and about to go play catch with
 Hootie The Sports Guy. The kitchen is decorated with treasures brought back from Italy.
Only Yello-HoodieBoy is grumpy because for his punishment of  stowing away 
he has to do chores forever!





Later that night, Daddy B.B. says that there is an important email from Italy.
All of a sudden Yello-Hoodie Boy is interested. What can it be?







Translation...


      Dear Ones,


I write with most urgent news. A family here in Panicale
 needs a house in 
Heartdale Falls to rent for one year.
 Do you know of any or would
     you be willing to trade houses for a year?
 We all love you so much
and would love to see you again!
Maybe not so much the little Yellow Boy. He is always in trouble!


Katia




Hmmmmmmmmmmmm!







Or is it just a new beginning?


Stay tuned!



Wednesday, March 8, 2017

A HEARTFELT VACATION {episode 7}



FESTA DELLA FESTA
Part 2



A HEARTFELT VACATION
B. Buntline Production




The Hearfelts live in the loving community of Heartdale Falls.


But, every now and then, no matter how nice a place is
Everybody
needs to
get away.





FESTA DELLA FESTA
Part 2


In the last episode we left everybody enjoying a lunch 'al fresco'!.......



......while the adults relax after lunch, the kids gather at the theatre for a show!




On the bill, a production of Cinderella with puppets!


THE OPENING ACT.....


The opening act is Amazing Marco the Magician. Finally Yello-Hoodie Boy 
is seeing art he can relate to!


THE MAIN EVENT


O.M.G.! The kids are shocked by Cinderella and the Prince. 
They look soooooo weird!
Bumps on their faces, five fingers and stringy stuff coming out of the tops of their heads!
Only Yello-Hoodie Boy is cool......
He knows people don't really look like that. 
They are just make believe puppets!






Every festa has to have a Jazz Band, and its no different here.





Even though everybody has been snacking all day, there's always room for a bite at Simone and Lorena's Osteria. Lorena presents the Heartfelts with her pizza 'Margherita' while Simone takes orders from the hungry customers.




The night ends with a spectacular fireworks show over the lake. 
Better hold on to Yello-Hoodie Boy !
Tomorrow there's a plane to catch because sadly it's time to leave Panicale.


.....To be continued.




Copyright2017 B.Buntline Production
all rights reserved






Monday, March 6, 2017

ABANDONED FARMHOUSE, PANICAROLA {A Year In Painting}


JAMES APONOVICH
A YEAR IN PAINTING


LA VITEA E BREVE
L'ARTE E LUNGA


As our planet makes its journey around a star we 
call the Sun, I make my own journey in paintings.
Each week I present some aspect of our shared  life
experiences through the medium of paint on canvas.


"Old men ought to be explorers."
-T.S. Eliot, The Four Quartets


_______________________________________________



ABANDONED FARMHOUSE, PANICAROLA

FROM THE TRASIMENO SERIES




James Aponovich
Abandoned Farmhouse, Panicarola
Oil on canvas, 13" x 21"


You see them everywhere, they await the English, German or North Americans to 
'fix' them up. They will be beautiful, but the one thing they will never be is
what they were......Italian. So it goes.

Umbria is called 'The Green Heart of Italy' and it seems even Nature cannot stand so much
verdant color. To balance it She sows beautiful crimson red poppies 
that when they are in bloom.....are amazing!







Copyright 2017  James Aponovich
all rights reserved



Wednesday, March 1, 2017

A HEARTFELT VACATION [episode 6]


FESTA DELLA FESTA

Part 1



 B.Buntline Production






After an exciting day in Siena.....


...The Heartfelts head back to Panicale for a good night's sleep.
Tomorrow is a Festa!




Any excuse for a party!




On the morning of the Festa the main piazza is decorated and polished clean. Potted flowers are for sale to support a worthy cause and people begin to gather. Katia is there with Massimo and their boys. She is the rental agent for properties in Panicale and is showing Red Polka Dot Girl what is available. The Heartfelts have fallen in love with Panicale and are looking forward to returning ( without Yello-Hoodie Boy!)
Daddy B.B. has just bought a bowl of strawberries from Ruth Roots and Tonino Cuoco, freshly picked from their garden at Sticky Farm.





The Festa begins with a Marching Band and a concert in the piazza.




No Italian Festa is complete without a political speech...or two, or three.




As lunch time approaches, so does the white 'Porchetta' truck. Everybody gathers to buy Porchetta sandwiches, cheese, or salami. Stew Bayou was first in line and is now ready for the first bite. After lunch it's time for rest and to get ready for what the rest of the day will bring. 
A special thanks to Paul The Wine Guy for sharing this wonderful photo of Betty Heartland.




To be continued.
Stayed tuned for Part 2 of Festa della Festa!







Copyright 2017 B. Buntline
All rights reserved