Jail Break

Annamaria on Monday

After months and months in solitary confinement, I have been venturing out more and more over the past several weeks.  I have even managed to cross a couple of nearby rivers. I have also been facing some challenges that have lead to accommodations in my (ahem) accommodations:

This, above is what my formerly comfortable workspace now looks like.  The empty space will soon (I pray) be occupied by an ergonomically designed adjustable desk and a chair that promise to allow me to type for more than a few minutes at a time.  In the meanwhile, I am taking Stan's advice and working standing up.  Sort of. 

As the God of Irony dictates, not long after I have finally arranged my digs to allow me to to work comfortably, I will be leaving.

Yes, look-out world, here I come.

As Brother Jeff announced here on Saturday, the mystery writing and reading tribe will be gathering in New Orleans in late August, the first Bouchercon conference in nearly two years.  The warmth of our reunion will be the only NOLA temperature ever to challenge the heat of August.  

Then, shortly afterwards I will be heading to my country house (it's in the country of Italy). I apologize.  I gloat.  I understand full well what a lucky woman I am.

While there, I am hoping to take some side trips from my beloved Florence. I have developed a yen to revisit the province of Lazio, the part north of Rome.  I have been there once before. There are beautiful, fascinating things to see, off the usual tourist routes.

Here'a little taste of what I hope to revisit.

Caprarola and the Villa Farnese.

It was built in 15th century to show how powerful Cardinal Farnese really was.  I would imagine it worked.  It is filled with gorgeous frescos, eg.this ceiling.

The medieval town of Civita di Bagnoregio.  These remains of a Medieval walled town are astonishing to visit.

Of course, there will also be the usual delights.  As I said, I understand how very, very lucky I am.