Forget that spring is springing here comment.  I don't know what I was thinking, believing the weathermen and their predictions for the end of winter.  Silly me.  They've never gotten it right before, why would they this time.  I was hoping against hope.  Anyhow, we are supposed to have snow and rain all up and down the country over the next few days with cold air blowing down from the north.  Of course that means our trip south may well be marred by intemperate weather!  Today it was quite chilly and a strong breeze has come up that makes the views incredible.  I had to pick Grace up at 6pm, (at a parking lot here in our city outside of the city), as she had a school ski trip today.  The sun was just setting as I headed out and the mountains were black and tall against a pale blue sky.  Sometimes I forget how close we are to the Alps and then BOOM, there they are. 

We are meeting the sisters in Rome on Saturday, spending the weekend there, then heading to Pompei and then to Amalfi.  I only hope it doesn't pour so we can do a lot of walking along the coast.  I miss the water!  Southern Italy, (south of Rome specifically), is considered no-man's land by northern Italians.  Where the north is run by local and national governments, the south is pretty much run by diverse "families" who have their own territories.  Crime is very high, everyone is either on the take or paying.  The two career choices are a cop or a mobster.  I don't know which is more dangerous.  Though I know Rome and have visited Pompei once, I don't know other areas of the south at all.  It will be interesting but I won't be able to write about it until I get back as we aren't taking any electronics for risk of having them stolen.  At least the food should be good.  Naples is "home of the pizza".  xxoo me