The city of bicycles (and balloons)

Ferrara is known as the city of bicycles and so when we visited Ambra and Paola there we had to get some too. With all the bike paths (often cobbled ...ouch!) and lovely weather it was the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

The old Jewish ghetto. The city had one of the largest Jewish communities in Italy reaching a peak of over 2,000 inhabitants. 96 were deported during the 2nd WW










Via Volta (archway)








And there was also a balloon festival going on in the skies above the city.








But the fun didn't end there . Ambra also treated us to a special vegetarian lunch of local specailites including farainata (chick pea batter), pumpkin souffles (recipe please) and even a cake without sugar, butter or eggs which still managing to be rather tasty (and probably just as fattening!).

We also had a bit of 'yarn' talk. Rav pals might like to visit her on the community. She does some lovely crocheting too.

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Ambra/amigurumi-penguin

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Ambra/grant-park-pullover

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Ambra/sagrantino-shawl

My idea of bliss.....

Knitting on the beach at Cesenatico.
Seascape stole.












On a near empty beach at the end of the season whilst the rest of the family caught up on sleep.

With a stroll to the port and back.

I even managed to finish this hat made from Noro Kureyon. A wonderful knit, pity it doesn't really suit me !

Medieval maidens

Back in 1077 the local queen, Countess Matilda, brought peace to troubled Europe by inviting the German emperor, Henry IV, to beg pardon of the
Pope of the time, Gregory VII.
Apparently the poor king waited three days in the snow before the pope gave in and let him in!

The village's claim to fame is celebrated on the first Sunday of September (when temperatures are decididly higher) with a medieval pagent.
Lindy and all her friends dressed up for the day and they looked so pretty I thought I'd dedicate this week's bulletin to them.














Silvia














Enza














Sana














Laura

And where did this one creep in???

As they say in Italian L'ABITO NON FA IL MONACO !!!! (Don't judge b y appearances) - our cheeky nextdoor neighbour Pelle disguised as a monk.

Across The Enza

Well on Sunday the weather finally began to change with the arrival of light drizzle and I realised that if we didn't cross the river this weekend it might no longer be possible this year.

In fact it is really a torrent and in the summer bone dry, whereas in the winter it can flood and cut out new banks.

As usual we missed the easy path up the other side and ended clawing our way up the clay slopes to the top. The ridge at the top separates the provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia. There is a lovely view in both directions and we could easily pick out the aforementioned easy path just 50 yards away.

Half hour's walk along top of ridge

Walk back down road before crossing over into familiar territory. As you can see the village is overlooked by two castles. The nearest is Rossena and the other is the more famous Canossa.

Finished off with a cappucchino in the centre before reaching home.

What is this??

I am NOT happy with my Christmas tree, and neither is Lessie. It looks more like a yeti or a dollop of ice cream. Where are the branches? I followed the pattern methodically through.

Perhaps with 24 decorations on it'll look better.

Anyone out there fancy contributing an ornament or two? I'll send one in return to anyone who sends me one.

I like the ideaof a tree (or dollop of ice cream) decorated with trinkets from all around the world.

PS What book am I reading?!

Camminate delle pinete

With summer neverending this year, we decided to esacpe the heat by joining in the afternoon fun run around the pinewoods of Castelnovo ne'Monti. (700m). The capital of the Appenines of this area. We saw nothing of the original Castrum Novum built by Matilda in 1111 on top of the pine covered slopes but the place was idyllic all the same.

I don't know where all these people got their energy from. We tagged along at the rear with the other keen walkers to complete one 4km lap whilst the serious competitors ran round twice.

Lovely shady woods to beat the heat.

Everyone who completed the circuit was awarded a free packet of spaghetti and a plate of pasta!

Just to make sure that nobody confused me with a real runner, I left my knitting poking out of my bag. And in midsummer my mind naturally turns towards the winter with a project which can't slip by unnoticed...a christmas tree made of imitation fur yarn.

A knitting PS

Dedicated to Bob Marley and a bit of 'jammin'....

Grapevine Shawl in Fleece Artist Blue Face Leicester 2/8.

Pattern by Robyn Gallimore Reb Bird Knits.

Judged a success although the last rows took ages to knit.

Can't exactly say what this is but piccy taken in front of Pania Di Corfino. A limestone massive with one face turned to the sea the other to the Apennines.

PS Last weeks 'spaghetti tree' was in fact untreated hemp which I have challenged Ambra to so something with...