The pleasant suprises of life.

I really don't spend much time on this blog. Other stuff, like my new grandchild Alma, and a feeling of being, but an atom in the Internet Big Picture has kept me from it, but I can see the value of being connected to others and sharing thoughts, feelings and information., so maybe I'll update it more often.

Milestone events of the past few years, top down in order of importance: my 1st grandchild, my kids growing up and leaving the nest, my increasing love of life and decisions concerning what to do with what there is left of it for me.

Passport photos 1978 ´88 ´98

For 2008 photo, see above for doting grandfather version.

Where is this door?

This door opens to a wonderful villa within the old city walls of Rome. The place isn't for sale - and if it was , not many people could afford it. It's called the Villa Hapsburg and has fascinating history behind it. Worth looking into for a stay in Rome. Here's a photo of the place.

After a number of trips to Italy I have decided that it's going to be my future escape from the dark Danish winter. If things work out I might make it a permanent move.

I've been looking into Italian real-estate in various areas of interest and have narrowed my search down to Liguria, Toscana and Piemonte. I'm sure this comes as no surprise to anyone who knows a little about the country. Prices are high and there are plenty of people who would love to sell you the ruins of a medieval pigsty for a small fortune - especially in Toscana/Tuscany - where a large UK expat community has gathered.

As in most real-estate markets the more you buy the less you pay. Price per sq. meter falls, and the over all state of the property improves drastically when you can afford a villa to a million Euros - simply because there aren't that many buyers and there are a lot of attractive properties. What I would like to do is buy and reasonably well kept old place with a couple of acres of olive trees, wine stocks... a small park like garden would be nice, too... but that elusive million just keeps ... uhhh ... eluding me.

Property costs are lower at higher altitudes and the Liguarian climate is ideal at an elevation of between 200 to 400 meters above sea level - not as hot during those sweltering summer months and with cool evening breezes. There are some beautiful and surprisingly unpopulated locations in the mountains along the this coastline. Far from the stress and hassle of raking in the cash to keep the wheels turning.

Oh ,well... dreams are good therapy.