Unique nativity

Nativity set in a tire at one of Belpasso's annual displays

thinking outside the box

Someone had a good idea to paint the normally bland and boring TV antenna and give it some character.  Would have missed seeing this entirely if I hadn't climbed a staircase to look in a shop window while in Taormina.

Check out the face!

This is over the main entrance to the Mother Church in Ferla.
I keyed in on the face at the bottom ... didn't even notice the one at the top.
Wish I knew the meaning is behind the emblem....

Birra ?

this is why I generally carry my camera ...
the tray was just sitting on the counter, waiting to be used ...
I like the glasses and bottle of wine in the background

Calcio rules!

Sign at the Belpasso Calcio Club (soccer club) office

"People of Liberty"

Posted in the main piazza here in Belpasso ...
 Berlusconi was the Italian Prime Minister until recently.

Etna's gift

Etna's ash and grit covers our terraza.

Cold flower ....

Gerianum plant on the terraza had a rough time the day it snowed.

another painting at Garibaldi

"We are the heirs of a great history ... the future of a grand country:

1861 was the unification of Italy as a single country

lobby picture at Garibaldi Hospital

One of many pictures in Garibaldi Hospital's lobby and waiting rooms  ...

all were painted by the students at a local school.

"Brothers and Sisters of Italy"

St James candlelighting - Caltagirone

This year's luminaria design on the steps of Sta Maria in Caltagirone (Catania province).
Each year a contest is held - the winner's design is re-created for the St James Festival (he's the patron saint for Caltagirone) held the 24-25th of July.
Made for a long day ... DH and I didn't get home until nearly 2am ... but it was worth it.

Yum ... roasted chicken!

Generally cooked on a brace over a wood fire .... good stuff!

DH and I could eat this just about daily.

Italian zodiac

It's been miserably hot lately here ...

DH picked up a pizza on the way home from the poker tournament.

The local pizza place has a new logo ...

haven't seen this version of the zodiac before.

Days gone by ,,,

Really hot here currently ... this was at a festival last fall

... the boy is wearing a folkloric outfit typical of 50 years ago or more.







Balcony Ironwork

Balcony detail in Ragusa Ibla.

Maletto Strawberry Fest

The main street in Maletto ...

 flag performers have finished one performance and are off to another. 

Door knocker

Saw this the other day while DH and I were out for a stroll ...

St Michael

St Michael on top the Mother Church in Piedemonte Etnea (northeast side of Etna).

Bear Bologna!

DH and I found this at a local super-market ....

got some just for the fun of it.

MORE FROM THE AMPHITHEATRE IN POZZUOLI

This was both close to the ticket office ... have to wonder who was honored with a statue ... nothing left but the feet.