The idea was to go snow shoeing Sunday but when we got to our destination, Gran Paradiso National Park, it was raining, (the first we've seen in ages), and there was no snow, only ice and puddles.  It felt just like March in Maine.  We backtracked half way down the mountain to a wonderful hike along the edge of a very deep and narrow valley between two mountains.  There are tiny enclaves, reachable only on foot, that are still inhabited!  They are mostly second homes now but still!  How DO they carry in their cases of wine?  The rain had stopped but it was misty and grey at times.  We hiked as far as a teeny tiny village center composed of a church and a town hall with a minuscule square between them.  They serve the houses scattered around on the mountainsides.  By this time the sun had come out and it was gorgeous.  A hint of spring.  Next Sunday Grace's oldest and dearest is coming to visit for a week and we should finally get some snow which is fortunate as I've rented an apartment in a ski area for 3 nights.  This has been the driest January in 215 years.   (Evidently the church has been keeping track of the weather for much longer than the American Weather Service)  While on our hike we passed a large dry lake bed well known for windsurfing in summer.  Don't see much of that happening unless it really starts coming down.  Then I'll be ready for beach weather.  xxoo me

we saw this guy when stopped for a coffee.  he didn't move once.

flowers January 31st in the Alps!

kiwis growing on a light pole.

tiny village square

a view from the path