Now and then

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surprise regret

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brimming with good feeling

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reflect the characteristics

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how to adjust

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they didn’t mix

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it throws off the balance

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becoming more diverse

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few are standouts

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As it turned out

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of drought and deluge

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Coming of Age

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the process step by easy step

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Without a guide

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take care of this

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tree map

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Piazza della Sala, Pistoia

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December Travel Show

Afternoon sun - Piazza San Michele

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This open piazza next to the San Michele church was often included in our walks around the town.  The late afternoon sun made interesting jigsaw shapes of light and shade on the surrounding buildings.

Ristorante Giglio - w/c 7x7in

Just off the Piazza Napoleone, this little restaurant was protected from the sun by its neighbor. 

The gate at Porta San Pietro - w/c 7x7 in

Late in the afternoon, the low sun made a halo of color around the traditional entrance to the walled city.

Morning on Via D. Caserma - w/c 11x15 in

When we took our early morning walks along the fortified walls, I was often attracted by the fresh, almost washed appearance of these nearby buildings.

Boat ride on the Arno  - w/c 11x15 in 

We walking along the far side of the Arno in Florence when we saw the small boat being prepared for launch under the gaze of the crowd near the Uffizi.

walking Via delle Mura Urbane - w/c 7x7 in 

This is a view of the road that runs along the top of Lucca's walls.  A wide, tree lined lane that gently circles the entire old city.

Waiting outside Buccellato Taddeucci - w/c 7x7 in

People gather outside the little shops in the old part of Lucca.

From Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence

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We crossed the Arno, and walked up the steep hill to a fine view overlooking Florence and, off to the west, a view towards a 14th century fortress.

Round the corner in Florence

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This a view of the center of Florence, looking away from its principal monuments.  The morning sun highlights the narrow streets that disappear into busy commerce.

Lucca Alleyway

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Although certain streets were always busy, away from the center, the streets of Lucca become quiet corridors of hidden doorways and medieval windows.

Lucca collection

Saturday Afternoon on Via Pozzotorelli - w/c 11x15 in 

On the weekend, people come from out of town to walk slowly up and down the streets of the old city.  It is a little looking and a lot of being seen.

Florence shopping - w/c 11.15 in

Fred Nuttal imitation - w/c 9x12 in 

morning walk on Lucca walls - w/c - 7x7 in

Views of interlocking shadows were one of the benefits of walking high above the street level as we walked.

Out on the Via Santa Lucia - w/c - 11x15 in

With our rented apartment just inside the walls, it was a pleasant, short walk to go to a nearby cafe for an espresso.

Pisano fountain - w/c 7x7 in

by the river near Ponte San Pietro   - w/c 8x6 in 

the bicycle near the Via del Moro - w/c 7x7in

With the meanderings of the narrow streets, I would often be surprised by a view through an archway to an interior courtyard, like this one.

warehouses near the Serchio - w/c 7x7 in

Riding our bikes near the river, a glance to the side revealed carefully constructed barns that may been there for centuries.

A Viale Giosue Carducci address

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Walking along the elevated walls around the town, there are variety of stately homes just outside, built as Lucca expanded in the late nineteenth century.  This was one.

The playing field near Viale G. Carducci

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Just outside the walls, there is a large playing field where soccer tournaments, and, during our stay, concerts were played.  Men in the shadows watched the activity there.

Serchio River view

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In the fifteenth century, the Serchio river was a nuisance to Lucca when it flooded.  Now, with the advance of age, it has a attractive bike path along its length with views to villages along its western bank.

Pietrasanta lunch

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Early in our visit, we stopped in the town of Pietrasanta where we had a choice of outdoor cafes.  The Tuscan reds were in full display in the town square.

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at the entrance of the Duomo di San Martino

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The entrance to the Duomo was a contrast of light and shade as people gathered about the doorway.

Walking the Via Beccheria

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With the buildings of the Renaissance layered over a medieval town, itself built on a Roman village, a walk along the streets provides a constant reminder of the length of history and the brevity of the individual.