Author Archives: volovecto

St. Valentines Day, Lupercalia, and Unrequited Love

Posted on January 31, 2016 by volovecto

Having just experienced a break up, I thought this a good time to explore the origins of Valentine’s Day, another holiday on our calendar that has been sanitized and commericialized to the point of nonrecognition. Many sources reach back to … Continue reading →

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Happy Thanksgiving

Posted on November 25, 2015 by volovecto

Thanksgiving is all about the celebration of a bountiful harvest, and giving thanks for the past year, either to your God or the earth for what has been provided.  In any case, it is a joyful gathering of people celebrating … Continue reading →

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The Hunter’s Moon

Posted on October 27, 2015 by volovecto

Tonight is a full moon.  It is October, so that makes the full moon a “Hunter’s Moon.”  According to the website earthsky.org: The Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox. The Hunter’s Moon is the full … Continue reading →

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Another Oregon October

Posted on October 21, 2015 by volovecto

Last year for my mother’s 80th birthday we were so lucky with the weather on the Oregon coast that we thought we’d push our luck and try it again.  This Summer and Fall have been warmer than usual, no freezes … Continue reading →

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Florence to Milan, with an accidental side trip through Rome

Posted on September 13, 2015 by volovecto

Friday was my departure day and I already had a prepaid train ticket from Fiesole/Caldine through Florence and on to Milan.  But that wasn’t until the afternoon, so we decided to take the rental car out onto some of the … Continue reading →

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Farewell Florence

Posted on September 12, 2015 by volovecto

My last full day in town we decided to go back into Florence, via the easy 15 minute train ride.  From the train station we took a bus up to the Piazzale Michelangelo.  For 1.20 euro you can ride the … Continue reading →

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On the trail of the black rooster in Tuscany

Posted on September 6, 2015 by volovecto

After spending the previous day pounding the hot streets of Florence, we took a day to drive into the countryside.  We headed south out of Fiesole, skirting just around Florence and picked up a narrow road leading to the town … Continue reading →

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Florence, Italy

Posted on September 4, 2015 by volovecto

Waking up to the sound of birds and nothing else really made me glad to be in the hills above Florence for my last four nights here.  Augie and Teresa are staying longer in the area after my departure.  Andrea’s … Continue reading →

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Strada Del Prosecco; Valdobbiadene, Follina, Conegliano and then southward to Fiesole/Caldine

Posted on September 3, 2015 by volovecto

Monday morning we bid farewell to Annalisa and Primo Franco and started driving along what is known as the Strada Del Prosecco,  the wine route.   The small winding road runs along the foothills of the Treviso province, through gently … Continue reading →

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Provincia Di Treviso

Posted on September 2, 2015 by volovecto

Walking around the Villa Barberina estate in the early morning, I ran into Primo Franco, the owner, and his grandson.  Primo introduced his grandson as “Generation Five” and a future winemaker.  The Franco’s are a lovely couple who consider themselves … Continue reading →

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