Happy Memorial Day and extended weekend! Hope you’re enjoying the day and maybe you are thinking of where your summer travels may take you. We have new artwork that will remind you of your past, present and future days in Tuscany. Ahhh, just as you may be enjoying a cookout or carefree time with family and friends, just think how nice it would also be to exchange that hot dog for any Italian delicacy. If you’ve ever been to Italy, you’ll know how easy it is to gain a few 
but thoroughly enjoy life, leisure and simple but gourmet food while doing so. We ate well while there and traveled extensively. Our new Tuscan Spring artwork by Katherine Jackson of the Katherine Collection reminds us of those good times.
We love how she expressively painted this original pastel in the vibrant colors of the Tuscan hillside and waterways. Although this title is “Tuscan Spring,” it recounts our fond memories of summer travels. We like to think it may memorialize a memory of your own travels as it does ours. Here are just a few actual photo memories that can be summed up in this painting.
Italian hilltop town
Orvieto Haystacks @ Dusk
Italian Cypress trees that dot the countryside
Surprise: lovebirds – how perfect in Italy + what a view!
A spectacular valley view from San Marino lookout. This is not a postcard but could be.
Tip, when you get lost (because Italian maps and signage are confusing) you can ask, “Dove” (dove-ay) whatever you are looking for? But remember if you start to get the same response, “Diritto, diritto, a destra” (straight, straight, then right), someone may be pulling your leg. We were duped many times until we finally discovered that this must be the catch phrase to give all tourists. It gets them out of your hair and on their way to the next vineyard — if they get there.
Italian signage is confusing
But if you get lost, there is always delicous Italian food and drink waiting for you right around the corner. This was one of our favorite “happy accidentally” discovered restaurants in Picenza with a glorious view of the Italian countryside.
Lunch in Picenza
Here are few travel trip sites that I found very informative if you are going to Italy, Italy Why Go and Life in Italy |Culture Shock give little known tips that you learn once you get there like: “Tipping is done with cash. ‘Servizio’ is included but a small tip is always appreciated” and “Children’s menus are almost unheard except in tourist areas. You must ask for a half portion” and if you’re traveling with teenagers (as we were), “there are few restrictions on alcohol. It can be purchased at any time on any day. Minimum drinking age is officially 16 but it is never enforced. Italians often start drinking wine mixed with water in their early teens, if not younger” but we knew this and liked Italy all the more.
While you’re visiting the Katherine Collection be sure to check out her Quickie on the Beach, if you might be going surf-side on holiday or for a family trip. We thought her title was a bit humorous now but very telling of another “vintage” era gone by.
Appreciating the freedom we have to be able to travel within our own and other countries, can be directly attributed to the many in our military who have fought and sacrificed so much for our country and our American values. Freedom and life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness ring true to many travels we experience.
Casart coverings gives thanks and gratitude to all those who have served so well in our military. Cheers and an Italian toast to La Dolce Vita — our sweet American life we love!
– Ashley and Casart Crew
