Were my eyes deceiving me?

This morning I made a quick trip to town in the rain and as I passed a bookshop I saw this !!!!**??

People knitting in a shop window complete with knitting books all around (not worth buying unfortunately) Now to other members of the Ravalry knitting community this may seem rather normal but in Italy I have never ever EVER seen people knitting in public.

Naturally, as is often the case in these parts, there has been no publicity in the newspapers, I read them everyday. But after some searching on Internet I found out the following.

REMIDA day. For the 11th year running the city council together with the electricity board and local schools dedicate a month (May) to raising ecological awareness and recycling materials. This year the day is called World in Progress. Rather strangely titled in English with no explanation or English text given!

Followed by a whole list of admirable engagements, initiatives and projects for the month of May, dedicated to making the most of materials, creative and ecological recycling, environmental respect, waste reduction (the city is already a European leader in separating waste)

But the most interesting project for me is MADEAMANO (handmade) and I've already missed the first day of public knitting. Several corners have been set up in the city where people are invited to knit recycled wool which will eventually be made into an art installation to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Italian Republic. Other aims include lessons, teaching in nursery schools (again Reggio is world famous for its nursery school system), passing on traditions, getting people to meet up etc,...the last point makes me rather mad because I would have been the first if I'd known.

All culminating with REMIDA DAY, next Sunday, another knit together in the park and a second hand market in the centre. Italians do not usually have boot or garage sales like Uk and USA. It's all so innovative for these parts, I've been waiting for years for such a chance BUT!!!!! I shan't be here next weekend. Da..................!.

Mayday and May Day

A sunny May Day walk in the upper Enza valley, no worries about getting lost as this was a return trip.
The area is called the Valley of the Knights and refers to a medieval family who ruled over the area. Two rivers meet up here, Enza and Cedro, and separate the province of Parma and Reggio. The area is quite cut off, in fact we were the only walkers out and about. Started out at a height of 650 metres above sea level.
Shrine between Taviano and Camporella.







View of Camporella with some snow still on the mountains behind. Looking towards the Lagastrello Pass leading to the other side of the Apennines, Tuscany and the Tyrrhenian Sea











Half way point. Still striding along after two hours. Down towards bridge over river Enza and then back along the other bank.










Not for the sqeamish. I don't know what he was doing in the middle of the road. Never seen one so big before in Italy. About 1 and a half inches but V wouldn't put his hand down to give an idea of the scale.










Thank goodness for this bar, for some strange reason I was exhausted. Forget the coffee, had to have a pint of lager. The last 250 metres (upwards) were the worst.

up bright and early

Every now and again its worth getting up really early for a walk.
Magical.
For the first time this year I decided to take the muddy way, I needed to work out my anger by fighting with the elements.

Not only muddy but also pretty steep.

Looking back down

View from the top. One ridge over from the castle

And after a morning with just the cuckoo, my thoughts and a few passing deer for company I felt much better

And here's one I made earlier.....

.....but only blocked out this afternoon.

'At the Market' by Ilga Leja in Araucania Ranco multi yarn, it's got pink and grey flecks in and is a super size rectangle.

Think a black one would be just right for Linda when she's singing in the choir.

It's knitted on the bias to drape better.

Lazy afternoons

Well the Wisteria has finally caught up with spring. We have had some glorious afternoons lazying on the patio and just drinking in the perfume.

The perfect peaceful setting for finish off my CALAIS shawl, made of the softest imaginable Silk Dream yarn (Australia wool + Thai silk), a lovely gift from Barbara (Bellarine Queen) from way down under.

And when I say WE, my fluffy pals, exhausted after their springtime friskiness, have also given up, and in, to the inebriating scent.

Naturally the king of the jungle/park gets the throne complete with cushion

Whilst Tigs opts for a freshly washed and beaten carpet drying in the sun

Finally left alone, even Mimi - the only girl (naturally seen to) - managed to grab a pew

Constantly bothered by Less, Rudoplf sticks to his outdoor 'igloo'

Last but not least Killer - the only real macho of the bunch - takes a kip on the bench and waits for V to light up the barbeque.

And for those of you thinking what a boring old soul I must be with my cats and knitting...well I also started step class this week...

Avoiding knitting sleeves!

AVIGNON in thick cotton, Knitted sampler t-shape

from Rowan mag. n. 45

(and yes I am wearing a bra!)

Swallowtail lace shawl by Evelyn Clark. My first real lace weight shawl. Beautiful wool bought in Yarn Forward Eastbourne. But I can't remember the name...yarn candy perhaps?

Actually its only a 'shawlette' as I hate pinning out and blocking.

Showing it off on a prickly hedge was not a good idea. Took ages to unhook afterwards!

Ready for next lace shawl. this gourgeous 45% lace, 55% merinos arrived this morning. I fell for the name 'chocolate and orange'. I am often drawn to these colours, even the cat blends in well.

Easter Monday walk

What about this for a view from a restaurant?
The square mountain is Bismantova, mentioned in Dante's inferno if you're interested. In the back ground Monte Cusna still covered in snow.
Fortunately it wasn't too cold because we just had to sit outside and eat.







But age is a funny thing. All that eating (cured ham, 3 pastas, grilled lamb and battered veg, wine but no dessert-I'm on a diet) tired me out far more than the one hour slog up a mountain side to get to it.










PS Walk from pietranera on Tassobbio up to Castellara