Monday, November 17, 2008

THE GRAPE ESCAPE

I want to take this opportunity to thank Cynthia at MuseSwings and Lavinia at Birdbath Chronicles for hosting this elegant event. Cynthia is taking us to her vineyard for some grape stomping and we will be staying at Lavinia's villa. I knew these were classy ladies, but my, my, Avery and I were taken aback by the splendor. We were picked up in this cute little yellow number by Cyn. We didn't realize we would be riding to the vineyard in a Lamborghini so of course, we packed like we would be in a limo. Cyn said, "No problem", and whipped out her cell and called for one of her 'people' to pick up our luggage.
We had to stop downtown for a minute. She had a few last minute things to pick up for the party. We were quite excited to be on our way to this festive occasion with so many of our bloggy friends awaiting us at her estate. I had a surprise for the group. My friend Yo Yo Ma was in the area and said he would love to drop in for a few numbers for the group. It was lovely to have a nice meal and have his soothing cello music. I believe he was a hit.

After such a formal night our dear Cyn and Lavinia had us get casual before we went off to the grape stomping and we had a divine brunch with so many interesting foods it was delightful. I just couldn't believe it. Yo had a surprise for us. He had James Taylor drop in and as we ate our brunch they sang. He and Carly used to be dear friends and it was wonderful to see him after so many years. He's still the same mellow guy.


Cynthia will show and tell all the wonderful fun we had at the stomping. Then it was off to the Modern Art Museum. They closed down the museum so our party could have an intimate stroll through and not be bothered with others. I believe everyone enjoyed this little treat.

I had to point out the grand picture of Leonardo da Vinci. How can one go to Italy and not look upon Leo?

Next we were off to see Raffaellino del Garbo's Madonna and Child with St. Joseph and An Angel. I am not Catholic, but I do love paintings of the Madonna and Child. I just love this one and had to point it out to the gang.
We then went to look at this Italian High Baroque Writing Desk. Stevie Wren tried to bargain with the museum folks so she could take it back to the states, but they didn't seem to think that was such a good idea. She kept asking us if we thought it was too gaudy. Of course not.
Then we were off to the entrance to Quartiese Coppede`. I was so glad the girls had rented the tour bus. No limo would have held our gang.
We had to stop in town and Lavinia and Cynthia just surprised us. We ducked in a little alley and they instructed us to come on in for a quick bite. Avery and I were a little hungry at that point. We had some grand pasta and listened to this fellow play his music. Great fun.

We left out of the little restaurant and there in the street were some musicians playing some happy Italian tunes. This all felt like a movie. Great food. Great art. Great music. What a day!

Next we were off to an old friend's house for a private concert. My friend Mario Cecchetti is a fabulous tenor and he sang like an angel. Avery was in awe and told me this was beginning to seem like a trip of a lifetime. I agreed. Mario isn't very fond of children, but I think he made an exception because, of course, he is an old dear friend.
As we headed back to the villa Cynthia squealed that we had to ride by and see the Christmas lights already decorating the city. This was such a fun trip. I hope you enjoyed some of the highlights. My bloggy friends are so special and it was a Grape Escape we'll always remember.
Don't forget to drop over and visit some of the other folks that made this a spectacular memory. Go see MuseSwings for the list. Ciao!!!












17 comments:

Maggie May said...

Beautiful pictures of a beautiful trip!
You put a lot of work into digging out those photos!
Good fun!

Anita said...

What elegant fun! Thanks for sharing with us.

ChaChaneen said...

Hic-cup) I must advise you that we have a security breech on the Mojo deck and surveillance video shows we have a double agent on board, could be Sparky! (Hic-cup) My newest agent, Pierce, is currently enroute... I will keep you advised as we monitor the situation here at Headquarters.
Cha Cha

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Ciao Bella
Your trip was molto fantastico!
Arrideverci Amica!

MuseSwings said...

Bellisomo! I'm so glad you let Avery join us today! Your itinerary is marvelous and the music!!! I am speechless! I'm going to just snatch another of those teeny tiny cocktails and have a little chat with Janeen about Pierce. See if she'll maybe let me show im Lavinia's etchings...Lovely dahlink!

Lavinia said...

Nana darling! You've added that touch of class and elegance to our Italian escapade. Yo Yo Ma no less, how wonderful. And the other musician, folksy but adorable! I am so glad that you and Avery are having a grand time. You know they love children in Italy, so everywhere Avery goes, she is given the royal treatment.

Lots of fun sightseeing here. A word about that desk....it was very nearly the cause of an Italian 'scene' but luckily, la polizia standing not too far off were able to intervene and keep it all from turning into an Italian opera of drama and mayhem!!

Anonymous said...

I am on the Escape too. Great pictures and post. Mary Lou

ChaChaneen said...

Headquarters has received a tip that Madame Lavinia's Red Ruby is perhaps in Melia's kitchen. The Cardinal came by to bless the Osso Buco meal...

Barb said...

Hi Nana Trish,

You sure do know how to plan a trip. I Loved it! The pictures were fab.

Sparky said...

Sorry to be late, but a secret agent's life is never a dull one. Enjoyed your post! You brought elegance to our day. Gotta run. I hear my shoe phone ringing. Just hope I can find Gregory to fly me home again ...

Sparky ♥ ∞

steviewren said...

Trish, I may never get over the disappointment of having to leave the fabulous Italian High Baroque Writing Desk behind. I mean, I really don't know why the museum director wasn't willing to let it go to a good home...mine! And of course I wasn't too gaudy! It would have fit right in with my French rococo pieces.

ChaChaneen said...

Well I think the day was a success even though all the *guests* were all over my agent ~Pierce. He'll need to go back to Basic Training tomorrow. Since you'll be on your on until the next mission I will leave you with the following information decide to accept a position on our next detail:

As an Agent of Cha Cha Security, you must work under these guidelines to be an effective operative:

Protect your identity at all costs, never de-mask during a mission, don't get followed home or to identifying vehicles, do not wear any clothing or items that may aid in identifying you.

Stay cool. Stay cool, especially when harassed. You are an ambassador of Anonymous. Although individuals trying to disrupt your mission will get on your nerves, you must not lose your temper. Doing so will threaten the mission and tarnish the reputation of Anonymous.

Always be across the street from the object being protested.
In the absence of a road, find another natural barrier between yourself and the target of the protest. Doing so will make it more difficult for individuals hostile to your cause to come and harass you.

Stay on public property. You may be charged for trespassing if you do not.

No violence, our missions are not "hot".

No weapons. This is a psy-op mission; you will not need weapons to complete your objectives. Play with their minds!

Anonymous is legion. Never be alone. Isolation during a mission marks you as a target for handlers who wish to provoke an angry reaction from you and other friendlies.

Bring water. A dehydrated, thirsty Agent is not a useful Agent.

Wear good shoes. You know, those cute strapy ones you bought today in Italy will be puuuuurfect! Following these rules will assure your comfort during the mission.

Document the mission. Videos and pictures of the event may be used to corroborate your side of the story if law enforcement should get involved. Furthermore, posting images and videos of your heroic actions all over the internet is bound to generate win, exhorting other Agents to follow your glorious example. Intelligence gathered during this mission will be extremely helpful for future engagements.

If you are captured or identified, Headquarters will deny knowledge of your existence.

If enemy operatives identify you, stay calm and call a lawyer. Document any confrontations as soon as possible for legal proceedings.

The enemy is everywhere. MOLES are among our ranks so trust no one.

Now go snuggle up with your secret agent and enjoy the crackling fire and more of Museswings vintage vino!

Commander of Headquarters
ChaChaNeen

Technonana said...

Love this!!
Call me Friday and we will check our calendars!!!
Maybe we could lunch in Lexington, that would be about half way between our two homes!!
and maybe you could meet Karen!!
Can't Wait!!
Love you, sister!
Sharon

Maree said...

Looks like you have been having lots of fun! Sounds lovely, wish I could have gone....I was in the trenches.

Gorgeous picture of Avery...a girl for all seasons!

Blessings!!
PS Earl Grey is my fav!!

Lavinia said...

Hi Nanatrish. I just popped over to give little Avery one last goodbye hug before you two board your Alitalia jet back home. It was so nice having you at my place in Rome. I hope Avery enjoys the little marzipan treats I tucked into her little valise. She is such a doll, a bella bambina as the Italians say. Have a good flight and see you soon!

sandy said...

stopping in quick to wave hi, will be back for catch up. Love that banner photo!

MuseSwings said...

Trish! What a wonderful day it was and even more so with you and Avery in the midst of our traveling bloggies! Yo Yo Mas was wonderful about everything and has agreed to join us again on a holiday. I am pleased you took Avery on so many site seeing tours and did not subject her to the wine celler and apartment goings on. Thank you again for your wonderful blog addition to our day!