July 1 A Perfect day in Paradise

July 1

A Perfect day in Paradise

Today dawned cool after rain in the night.   Low lying clouds hung on the mountains revealing the contours of previously unnoticed foothills. 

After first and second breakfast we were out on the hunt for the 4th Annual Campionato Regionale di Mietitura a Mano. After last year’s search for the competition in the sweltering sun, this year we were confident we knew where to go. Luckily it was cool and cloudy because we did not know where to go and took the “long” way to get there. Sadly no food was promised on the flyer, but in fact there was food and everyone was eating bowls of beans cooked in tomato sauce, rosemary and carrots. 

Jim and I were urged to get bowls, but we protested that we had already eaten. The man pressuring us said that he had already eaten too and what was my point. So I got a bowl, but Jim continued to resist. My bowl was not full enough, so our friend added a big ladle of beans to it. Then he served Jim a bowl of beans. There was also homemade bread from the local Solina wheat, prusutto that men were taking turns finely slicing, and what would the morning be with out wine? 

sickle and finger protecters

This is how you wear your sickle when you are not using it: from a metal hook on your belt.
It is best not to sit down.

There was music

What we didn’t know is that a decision had been made not to do the harvesting by hand competition today, because the wheat was too wet…so there was no reason not to go ahead and eat and drink. No one’s fingers would be at risk. Finally as more and more people drifted away (the food was consumed) I asked it the competition would start soon. No it will not start until next Sunday. So we drifted away as well. I am hoping that there will be more food next Sunday. (this is now confirmed: there will be food) 

And dancing

and wheat

Not too long after that it was time for second lunch. We have been enjoying bruschetta with chopped up fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, olive oil, balsamic, and basil along with slices of a cheese sort of like Jalsburg and watermelon for desert. 

The clouds lifted after our nap revealing a perfect day. We headed up to a new painting spot and things went very well. I have quite a few things started so I have to get down to the business of finishing them. 

Today's start. 

In my spare time I am churning out the watercolor portraits. I was able to take a lot of new portrait photos today. 

For now we are relaxing on the terrace waiting for it to get late enough to respectfully eat dinner.