Giving You Castle Sammezzano, Florance, Italy.

The Marquis Ferdinando Paniciatichi Ximenes lived from 1813 - 1897. Although he was only an honorary architect, because he never graduated, he is responsible for much of the grand work done to Castle Sammenzzano over a forty year period. He would die before everything was completed, but his daughter saw the rest of the work to completion.

As one can see. It is grandeur upon an unprecedented scale to most of us, living in a normal household. What must it have been like to move about amid such grandeur? There must be an army of servants to keep such a place looking so resplendent and breathtaking.

The Marquis fought with bravery during riots for the Italian national cause in 1848. Much of Northern Italy was governed by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He later became the Councillor in Florance.

Giving You Winter Morning in the Fen

I tried to get the layers of red but it does not come out too well on the phone camera app. This mornings sunrise looked great and the sky looked tempestuous as there is a strong bluster across the Fens. I'm walking along the river into town where there is a Fish stall selling cockles, jellied eels, shrimps and a number of other delights.

I might pop into the Griffin pub for a Guinness. It will make the afternoon pass pleasantly. Carole will want to get her various bits and bobs too. We'll have a little wander about for Saturday afternoon.