Be careful what you wish for, so goes the old adage. During my other life in California as a mum of three school-age children, meaning frequently run-off-my-feet, I sometimes joked that I would escape and be like the woman in a well-known TV Ad quoting the line, ‘She’s gone to Capri, and she’s not coming back’.
Ignoring the part about the cigarette, it promoted a glamorous image of a woman abroad, free from constraints, prancing around in a silky evening gown, osbensibly somewhere in Capri. The very idea of me a) wearing a silky evening gown, and b) going anywhere remotely close to Capri, was so ludicrous, that we all laughed our heads off.
But sometimes we do get what we wish for. Roll on twenty years or so, and would you believe, hubby won a random prize draw. The prize? A holiday for two on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Ever closer to Capri. Must be a scam, we thought. But it wasn’t. We took the holiday in July and have the pics to prove it.
The prize came with a hire car. Great. So far so good as hubby drove out of Naples airport and hit the open road and after Salerno, we entered the famed Amalfi coastal road, otherwise known as Amalfi Drive. With the Tyrrhenian Sea on one side, it clings to an open cliff face on the other, climbing ever higher on a narrow, one lane road with back-to-back hairpins for approximately 80 km (50 miles) to Positano. Buses, motorcycles and local drivers thinking nothing of overtaking on blind turns.
It took an hour to so to reach our hotel in Minori, some 20 km along, and after that, the car stayed in the hotel’s garage until our return journey. Hair-raising, but the views are spectacular, even if snapped from a moving car:
Minori is a delightful fishing village, our hotel just a 5 minute walk from the beach and a good choice of restaurants and cafes and a pretty harbour.
I warded off a nuisance head cold with siestas and lemons the size of grapefruits.
And then we took a boat trip across the Bay of Naples to the island of Capri. With clear blue skies and sea to match, we set out early in the morning for an hour and a half giving us fantastic views of Amalfi and Positano from the water:
We passed one or two rather expensive looking yatchts along the way:
And we got a great view of the beautiful coastline dotted with coves and beaches and one of Sophia Loren’s villas.
On land, we took a bus to the town of Anacapri at the top where it is less crowded and offers breathtaking vistas away from the madding crowd lower down, it being the height of summer.
On the way back down to the harbour, I couldn’t resist taking this photo of the cute cat window:
Designer shops line the path up to the top, cut into the rugged cliff side. Needless to say, it is not cheap in Capri. Being Brits, we sought out a cafe for shade and a cup of tea, at a cost of 15 euros (not far off fifteen pounds) for two cups of tea and a bottle of water. I watched valets haul luggage from arriving guests to a 5-star hotel and for a moment, imagined myself swanning around in one of their finest rooms wearing a silky evening gown…
The prize also gave us a meal at a 5 star restaurant. Perched high on a cliff side above a cove filled with millionaire yachts, we wined and dined in a setting so luxurious that I didn’t dare take any photos. Frankly, I was grateful to have survived the taxi ride there, a thirty minute drive hurtling us further along the Amalfi coastal road with a 70’s Al Pacino lookalike at the wheel, down to the pin stripe suit and gold medallion.
He chatted in Italian all the way, except for the repeated mention of Chaka Chan while fiddling with the radio, as he couldn’t get a good signal. And then, for no apparant reason, he stopped the car. He got out to check something in the back, leaving me and hubby in the back seat to wonder what he was looking for. His Chaka Chan CD? His lunch? A body? Worse? Maybe I’ve watched The Sopranos too many times, but although the sea sparkled far below us, I hoped we weren’t about to swim with the fishes.
The ride back later on had him stopping on the way to introduce us to various restaurant owners. And wouldn’t you know it, his radio got a signal, only to play the theme song from ‘The Godfather’.
The drive back to Naples airport one week later, took us far away from Amalfi Drive and past Mount Vesuvius, a still active volcano to this day. Hopefully it won’t erupt again any time soon.
A holiday to remember for all its twists and turns, and what a prize. Thank you, Classic FM!
As for Capri, did it live up to my dream? If I were rich, maybe. If we had gone out of season without the throng of people and not so incredibly hot and humid, more likely. But, although I am thrilled to have visited, I think, perhaps, of other places where I would rather slink around in an evening gown. Funny how we change.
A View From My Summerhouse 
Hi Sherri, I loved your description of your trip, and all the beautiful photos. I had some quick flashes of the boat trip to Capri from Naples which I did with my parents and sister when I was six years old. So you can imagine there’s not much left other than fragments of memories. But thank you for taking me back there with you. Please tell us where you would like to slink around in a beautiful evening gown… Sending you hugs from here where I’ve had a tiring, complicated and non-writing summer. 😻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Juliet! Aww…thank you, and I loved reading that it brought back early memories of your Capri trip. You beat me to it, that’s for sure, but nice to travel back there with you 🙂 I’ve missed you…I haven’t blogged much at all lately, hanging on. So sorry to hear of your difficult summer…I do hope you can return to your wonderful writing and things ease… I always look forward to chatting with you. Take care, my friend, I’m sending big hugs right back. As for slinking around…ha, let me get back to you on that one 😉 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is fantastic – whenever I need to be cheered by the sun and romanced by the vitality of Amalfi during the dark English winter I can take a journey through your sun and sea kissed post!!! I can almost taste the lemons and the feel good sun!!! Thank you so much for giving us this sublime taste of the region.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, MM 🙂 ❤ And watch the suncream next time 😀 xxxxxxx
LikeLike
Ahh …, Sherri, I have enjoyed your wonderful pictures and your story. What a win!
Maybe you just wished hard enough. Your tale is both clear and very amusing, thank you.
I do understand that it was on the hot and packed side but you got to swan a bit on Capri.
Do you know the song about Capri?
Miriam
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did get to swan a bit, didn’t I?! Love it..I’m smiling at your words, thank you so much Miriam! Re the song…not sure that I do…?
LikeLike
Funny how fragments of dreams come back to us as real life experiences. I think of that being the Bond Country, but the theme to Godfather seemed more appropriate! What stunning photos and memories to cherish. And those lemons! Lovely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha, yes, Bond country indeed, fully expected to see Sean Connery burst around the next curve in his Aston Martin! And then we met our taxi driver and it had to be… 😀 Thanks so much, Charli, so glad you enjoyed the ride, not too bumpy from my pocket, I hope! 😀 ❤ 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Smooth as usual! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha…of course! 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sherri! I have been so absent from the world of blogging lately. It was such a treat to see your post pop up and have the time to sit down and read the entire thing! I’ve missed reading your words, my friend. I chuckled at the beginning of your post, because I feel like I’m in the thick of it with just ONE little one on my hands. A trip to Capri sounds like a dream! Maybe in 20 years I will be having an adventure of my own 🙂 Your trip sounds quite glamorous, what great fun! Life always keeps us guessing, doesn’t it?!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Heather, such a wonderful surprise to read your lovely comment, thank you so much for taking the time to visit me, really missed you here, thrilled you had the time to read it all, ha! Goodness, l I do remember those days so well, when even taking a shower in relative calm was a major accomplishment, never mind reading anything! You ARE in the thick of it with your delightful bundle of love and energy! 😀 ❤ The years with our little ones are so full on that the thought of travelling anywhere seems darn near impossible, and it certainly did to me twenty years ago! But you have the most important job of all right now, wonderful momma…with adventures galore to come, I know it! Take care, my friend! 🙂 ❤ xoxo
LikeLike
Oh, stunning!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Sue, glad you enjoyed! 🙂 xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊😊💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is so stunningly beautiful there! A pity about all the tourists 🙂 And it is always good to have a dream come true, even if it is just to find out it wasn’t all that great – you won’t die not knowing! I remember seeing ‘Shirley Valentine’ back whenever that came out and so wanting to go to Greece and sit at a table by the edge of the sea with an ouzo ……… Tom Conti wouldn’t have been ignored either 🙂 I never did it and it’s still a dream!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Haha…too true, Pauline! It was amazing to finally go to Capri after all this time, swanning or not, but yes, if not for the crowds and so darn expensive…lovely! Ahh…of course, the marvellous ‘Shirley Valentine’. Believe it or not, I had not seen the film until after I first went to Crete, but it didn’t stop me keeping any eye out for those little wooden tables by the sea! My long held dream was going to California and being whisked away by Steve McQueen on the back of his motorbike (and I am no biker chick, believe me!) ever since I watched The Great Escape when I was 12. My American dream was far from my imagination, and too late now, but you never know with Tom Conti, Pauline. Keep dreaming, that’s what I say 😉 ❤ xxx
LikeLike
dreams can come true, not always in the ways we think they might. My daughter’s partner bears the same name as your Californian beloved ……. and he is a biker too 🙂 Not quite the way I ever saw SM in my life 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
So very true, Pauline…and the story of your daughter’s partner bears witness to that…amazing! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! What a prize to win. Thanks for taking us along. I visited Amalfi many years ago and still remember the road from Naples and the drop on one side. All I can remember of the town itself was my surprise at St Andrew being its patron saint – I thought he was exclusively ours! Capri was expensive even then so I imagine it is prohibitively so now. I enjoyed visiting the blue grotto. It’s been great to re-visit. I also went to the top of Vesuvius.
LikeLiked by 2 people
And thank you, Mary, great sharing the ride with you! Ha…yes, that is a surprise about St Andrew! I would love to go back to Capri off season…with pots of money 😀 Sigh…a girl can dream, right? We didn’t have time to go to the Blue Grotto sadly, sounds amazing. And wow…you’re brave! Vesuvius is stunning isn’t it? Let’s hope it doesn’t blow any time soon xxx
LikeLike
Enjoyable read and after reading this we do need to go for a drive down southern Italy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Suzanne! I really hope you get your Italian drive soon! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
In December for Christmas and a couple more housesits throughout the year. Looking forward to it!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow…I bet you are, how wonderful! Apologies for my late reply, Suzanne, I was away and without internet access for about 10 days, catching up today 🙂
LikeLike
No worries Sherri 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Suzanne 🙂
LikeLike
We’ve never won any prize, let alone a trip for two on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, with a hire car! I would have checked again and again to believe it. It sounds like to fun and enjoyable trip. The photos are stunning. It’s such a memorable holiday!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We still can’t believe it, Miriam. As I said to Norah, maybe we should start playing the Lottery! I told hubby it was a scam when I first heard, and wondered what was the catch. But no catch, it was the real deal. We paid over the odds to extend it, but we would never have gone there in high season otherwise, as it would have been way too pricey. And busy! We did have a lot of fun, and so glad you enjoyed the pics, thank you, Miriam! Happy editing/writing, and I’ll catch up with you soon after a couple of weeks away from blogging… 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you had gone and had a good time. I’m coming to the end of the editing, and doing the odds and ends now. See you in a couple of weeks. 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Miriam…super job with your editing! Quick check in here, catch up properly soon! 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, running to the finish line is hard but you and I can make it ❤ 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Miriam! I’m still running, it’s in sight…and for you too! 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m still formatting into the 6X9 size Word, waiting for the second reader to return, and the book cover designer to give me the first review of the cover. ❤ 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Woo hoo…getting there Miriam! 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Almost. I’m preparing a PowerPoint presentation on how to create a WordPress blog. This week is very busy, but I’m getting there. ❤ 🙂 How is yours?! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow…sounds impressive! Very proud of you, Miriam 🙂 ❤ Yes, a crazy busy week here too…pushing hard with the rewrites, the last couple of chapters, going back and forth between the two, distilling 10K words into at least half that, then another cut and paste and to the final chapter. Then revisiting a couple of middle chapters, rewriting my first paragraph – still not happy it, arrrggh! Then a prologue of sorts and a wrap up. I know there is talk of a no no for a prologue, but I feel in this case I need it there. It's only short. But let's see…I can hardly believe I'm this close after so long, but still so much to do. Bet you wish you hadn't asked now, lol!! So onwards and upwards we both go…let's check in again soon! Hugs… 😉 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
OH, I’m glad you let me know the nitty gritty of the final steps since I’m doing the same thing. The intro or the first chapter is so important, especially if your book is on Amazon that give the “Look Inside.” I know that’s how I decide whether or not to buy that book even for Kindle download. The prologue is good whether you put in some insight of your story that doesn’t get embedded or you want to write something to invite the readers to look forward to your next book. ❤
I'm doing self-publishing. Create Space is merging with KDP which would do both e-Book and paperback. My publishing tech is transitioning from Create Space to KDP. So I don't have to rush. ❤ 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for this Miriam, I feel encouraged reading about a prologue with your feeback. I agree, I’m the same with that first ‘look inside’. It’s so important to grab the reader with the first chapter. No pressure then, lol! I’ll let you know more about this nearer the time. I read somewhere the merge with Create Space and KDP. Sounds good! Sounds like we’re both making good progress, Miriam…and now hopefully we can both enjoy a good weekend, ready for the next steps! Great chatting with you this week, look forward to lots more! Take care. 🙂 ❤
LikeLike
Yes, Sherri. Good to chat with you who is at the same stage of finishing a book. I was going to do more formatting, but my editor just took the book. I’ll wait for her feedback before doing some more. I’m also waiting for one more reader and the book cover design.
I told them “no hurry.” I don’t have a deadline. ❤ ❤
Have a wonderful weekend. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Miriam! You’re on a roll, that’s great. Apologies for my long delay in replying, finishing my memoir has taken over my life lol. Difficult when there’s so much to do. I’ll reblog the Carrot Ranch Rodeo posts but that’s it until early November while I chase to reach my deadline with my editor. So near…yet so far… arrgggh!!! You’re well on the way…fantastic. I’ll see you over at the Ranch and here and there as I write through like a mad woman this month…and we’ll keep talking! Have a great week, Miriam! Hugs! 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Sherri, good to hear from you. I know exactly how it goes and understand. Don’t worry. My editor is great. I gave her the paper form of my poetry because she likes to mark on it. There’s a book signing event on October 4 and my publishing person wanted me to do pre launch promotion. I told everybody who is helping. They all rushed to finish the reading. I’m just waiting for the cover design. Now I have my part to do!!! I’ll have a Cover Reveal post when the cover is done. ❤ 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Miriam. It’s great knowing you understand. Wow…you already have a book signing lined up? That’s great! How exciting…you’ll do it, sounds like everybody is rallying. I’m getting exhausted with the concentration but doing what needs to do. As you say, just have to do my part! Let me know when your Cover Reveal post is out, as I’ve turned off all blog notifications at the moment so I don’t get distracted from my memoir. Proud of you, my friend! Talk soon! 🙂 ❤
LikeLike
You tickle me with your descriptions, Sherri. I would have had my heart stop on some of the roads there. My daughter won a prize from a radio station many years ago. Little did she know that she would be required to pay taxes on the prize. I think places like that are beautiful but the way everything is placed on hillsides so precariously, scares the dickens out of me. Your beautiful photos are travel enough for me. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha…it’s great knowing you enjoyed the trip without the scares, Marlene! Yes, it was precarious indeed. That was an ouch for your daughter…so unfair to pay taxes on a prize, yikes. We didn’t have to pay any taxes, but it was for 3 days and we paid to extend it for another 4 to make it a week. The hire car was included, but we didn’t know we had to pay to keep it in the underground garage, charged by the day and not cheap (parking anywhere along the Amalfi Coast is premium as there isn’t any!). We also paid an extortionate amount for the taxi ride. But…all in all, it was a lovely break and we still can’t believe we won…anything! We wanted to get a sunshine break, but ironically, we left the UK in the midst of a highly unusual heatwave to temps in Italy not much different, and sooooo humid. I was never so glad to get the chance to rest in an air conditioned room and read every day as then! Lovely to see you, as always, my friend, thank you! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
OH Sher, magnificent photos and a trip of a lifetime possibly. I’ve been to beautiful Italy twice and it is one of my favorite places in Europe, just hoping to get back and take more in. I’ve been to the Adriatic cost and all the historic cities but my yearning to visit Capri still awaits. Thanks for sharing what I imagine is only a glimpse of the great time you had. ❤ Hugs xoxoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love talking to you about Italy, Deb 🙂 I would have liked to have posted more, but ran out of time, as per. I was glad to get the chance to take these pics, remembering my better camera this time (left it at home last time, typical!) as my phone isn’t working as well lately. Oh I hope you get to visit Capri one day Deb, and I’m sure you will and all the travels you desire. I have so many places I yearn to visit too, time, money and health allowing…those little chestnuts 😉 Always wonderful to share the journey with you, my friend, thank you for coming along, hugs back! 🙂 ❤ 🙂 xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing. Yes, we must always have dreams to keep us going. And now I’ll live vicariously through you and your trips. I await to hear all about your Nordic cruise. Enjoy every minute!!! Have a blast and forget the computer. 🙂 ❤ xxxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Deb, and yes, so very true! Ha, yes, thanks for the reminder to forget the computer! Just as well, as I could only get wifi on land at snatched moments, just enough to check in with the kids. I love that we can share one another’s travels vicariously lol…places we otherwise might never go. Just back now after Norway, so a quick catch up…and Deb, oh, I can’t adequately express how utterly magical and breathtakingly beautiful it is in the Fjords. It was the best holiday for hubby and me, so relaxing and the views from our balcony were stunning, way over and above our expectations, which we really had no idea of so went completely open minded. We did have a blast,it was fantastic from start to finish (apart from rough seas crossing the north sea the night of my birthday so I couldn’t eat my surf and turf 😦 But the rest of the day was wonderful! I’ll be posting pics on FB and hopefully here too as soon as I can get caught up with other things. Lovely to return to your beautiful smile and lovely words, my dear friend, thank you so much , as always 🙂 ❤ 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome back!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, I’ve heard from many cruisers how beautiful the Fjords are Sher. Now I am looking soooooooo forward to your sharing of that trip so I can feel as though I’ve seen it vicariously again through your descriptions and photos! I have no doubts that you will give us a beautiful guided tour. Hugs my sweet friend. xoxoxo 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Deb! Phew…it’s been a whirlwind since getting back and know I’ll never forget the magic of Norway. Can’t wait to share the trip with you, my sweet friend 🙂 Just gotta get through the last of my memoir rewrites…the finish line is in sight, can’t believe it! Will be sketchy here and there…but it’s happening! And will tread water here and everywhere else in the meantime lol! 🙂 ❤ 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well it sounds like despite the busy catch up, you’re feeling refreshed Sher. Take your time, we’re not going anywhere! I look forward to your next post and so proud of you in the last stretch of your book!!!!! ❤ Hugs and more hugs! ❤ ❤ xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww…thanks so much Deb, your encourgement and support means the world to me!! 🙂 ❤ I do feel really refreshed which never happens lol! Long may it reign! See you soon my lovely, sweet friend and big hugs back! ❤ ❤ ❤ xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Refreshed! Now that’s a word I long to say for myself LOL. You go girl! Take advantage while the momentum is with you! Huge hugs!!! ❤ ❤ xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know…it’s a great word, but one we so rarely get to use lol! I know it won’t last long though! Oh well…gotta keep at it, right? This is one momentum I’m not going to slow down for love nor money…exhausting, but baby, I’m on a roll!!!! Thank you so much dear Deb for your amazing support…and I hope that it won’t be too long before you’ll be using the ‘R’ word too! Love & hugs sweet friend! 🙂 ❤ 🙂 xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Enjoy the roll Sher. You are going to be busy soon again with the Rodeo challenges and before you know it, it will be Christmas! Lol! More hugs coming you way! ❤ ❤ xxxx 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha…too true, Deb! The shops are already full of Christmas…arrrghhh!!!!!! I will…still rolling, and hopefully can squeeze in some rocking too, lol!! Busy days ahead, for sure. Take care, my friend! Happy Friday with another wave of love & hugs across the shining sea! 🙂 ❤ ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you my Lovely. Enjoy the weekend! ❤ ❤ ❤
LikeLike
Wow! Just wow! That was a prize worth winning, Sherri. Loved touring with you. Your photos of the scenery are stunning!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Norah, loved taking the tour with you, so glad you enjoyed the pics, especially since most were on the move from a car or boat, and I didn’t get time to edit/straighten them! Maybe we should start playing the Lottery…. 😉 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
You might be onto a winner! Good luck! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha…maybe, Norah, maybe! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful to win a prize and I’d like to drive that road if it was completely empty!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We couldn’t believe it, Gilly! We extended it from the original 3 days and paid for the remaining 4, otherwise it would have been out of our affordibility in the high season. Yes, empty that drive would be amazing, but in the summer…yikes! xxx
LikeLike
Sherri, I’m glad that taxi driver didn’t take you guys somewhere to snuff you out!! Whew!! I love The Godfather! So glad you had a wonderful adventure. Gorgeous photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too, Patsy! It was so funny…lovely guy…but still, yikes! Haha…glad you enjoyed them, thank you, my friend! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry it wasn’t stupendously wonderful for you, but your photos are gorgeous, Sherri! These days, many people who travel by plane seem to end up with a cold or flu. Hope you recovered nicely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Cynthia! I hope I didn’t sound ungrateful or underwhelmed…I think the fact I had that darn cold, travelled exhausted after a very stressful time and it being so hot and crowded, skewed my overall opinion. There is no doubt that Capri is stunning beautiful…and we didn’t get to see the blue grotto unfortunately which seems to be ‘the place’ to go. But…I had my escape…and there’s always next time, right? 😉 I agree about plane travel…and yes, thank you, after a few days I felt much better 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The prize couldn’t have gone to two nicer people. Thank you for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww…what a lovely thing to say…thanks so much, Denise ❤ And huge apologies for my very late reply…will catch up soon! xxx
LikeLike
Congratulations to the both of you! What a wonderful gift and a little adventure. Not ever having been out of the States, it looks to be a quaint and luxurious area with gorgeous views. What fun to get a chance to get away like that together. Love and hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, dear Pat! Huge apologies for my late reply. I love your pics from your beautiful Colorado, so it thrills me to share these photos with you. Quaint is a good word for the area – and so far as Capri is concerned, definitely luxurious! It was wonderful to escape together, still can’t believe we won it! I am still pinching myself, as we have just returned from another adventure, a week on a cruise to the Norwegian Fjords, something we booked early in the year before we had any inkling about Italy, and promised ourselves we would one day do. Two trips away for us in one year is unheard of! Italy was beautiful, but the fjords…oh Pat, I can’t get ever over how utterly magical and stunningly beautiful it is there. I’ll post pics on FB asap and hopefully here too. It was the most relaxing holiday ever for us both, and no crises back home while away, which made it all the more wonderful. I hope all is well with you, my dear friend. Lovely to find your beautiful smile lighting up the Summerhouse this morning. Take care…love and hugs right back to you 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved hearing about all these new adventures you guys are getting to go on. What a treasure, for sure, and memories of a lifetime no doubt.
I’m so happy for you, Sherri, and hubby to get to make these trips together. Sounds heavenly and beautiful. Must feel like falling in love all over again.
Always enjoy connecting with you again and getting a chance to catch up a little no matter how long. Looking forward to seeing the photos. Love and hugs, my friend. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, my dear friend. I always love hearing from you and catching up with you whenever we can. I’m reaching the finish line of my memoir and pressing in hard, so I’ll be sketchy here and there, keeping things afloat as best I can. I hope all is well with you, Pat. Sending lots of love and big hugs across the shining sea, to you from me 🙂 ❤ 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m happy to hear your memoir is almost finished, Sherri. No doubt it must feel good to have it almost accomplished. I’m so proud of you to put something together and out into the world that’s a piece of your soul. Way to go, my friend. Clap, clap, clap. Job well done. ❤ Love and hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your amazing support from day one means the world to me, Pat, I can’t thank you enough. I’m so close now, yet it can’t be rushed, if that makes sense. So I’m ploughing through at the speed it allows me to…it really is a piece of my soul, so I am both elated and terrified at the thought that after 5 years of book writing graft I’m almost there. Of course, it’s going to a professional edit and I know there will still be work, but hopefully just minor details, not a major reworking since that’s what I’ve been doing all this time. Oh dear Lord, please not! But…it has to be right, as you well know. Bless you my lovely friend…have a beautiful week and love and hugs right back to you for this gorgeous autumn season 🙂 ❤ xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Must feel so fulfilling, Sherri, to have almost accomplished something like writing a book. I can imagine it would take on a life of it’s own and can’t be rushed. I’ve only had moments like that, at best, when I’ve written a post that was screaming to come out. Even then, it was like pulling teeth, as the words were hard to find and didn’t always match what I was writing.
Once it done and out there it will always be something you can look to, as I’m sure it will have launched you down new roads to explore. Love and hugs always, my friend, and best wishes on your new journeys.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww…thanks so much , dear Pat. Yes, I do feel the same way about a post too, everything I write in fact. Sometimes you’ve just gotta get it out, but the words just don’t come. I find that now in editing and rewriting my book, paragraph by paragraph. I read through and change just a single work or sentence and then find I’ve said teh same thing in another chapter. It really is like pulling teeth. Going through it systematically now is the first time since I’ve been going back and forth from beginning to end, to middle and then back again. I can’t wait to get it done…but today I was out in teh garden in the glorious autumn sunshine planting bulbs and plants ready for the winter. I had to…! Back to work tomorrow. I hope things are going well for you, dear Pat. Take good care of yourself and have a beautiful week in your beautiful home 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Can understand, Sherri, only from a post writing perspective and how writing it is like pulling teeth.
I can only imagine what writing a book would be like. Only had a small experience with that in publishing a short e-book. It was so involved in getting the format correct and a professional e-book cover photo and that was for only 15 pages.
So, bravo to you on this major project. Couldn’t be more proud of you, my friend. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww…thanks so much, dear Pat. I’m trying very hard not to get overwhelmed. It really is like pulling teeth in the rewrites. Bashing out a first draft is one thing…but the rewrites and edits????? Arrrghhhhh!!!!! Your support through the good the bad and the ugly helps me more than you know…and I am so very proud of you too, my dear friend. You inspire me greatly. Have a wonderful week, with love, hugs and blessings from me to you always… 🙂 ❤ 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ll get through it, my friend. Easier for me to say – I’m not writing a memoir like you. But, I can only imagine how it’s going to be so worth it on the other end just to know you’ve put a piece of yourself out into the world. You’re doing it! Baby steps — almost there. Love and hugs always . . . from across the pond. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, dear Pat. I really needed to read this today…I’m working furiously, yet it can’t be rushed. That writing paradox, ha. I had to get a short post out today, to wrap things up at the Ranch with the contests and update my readers, although not so many as before since I can’t visit anyone at the moment. But as we always say, we do what we can, right? Take care, my lovely friend. It’s cold here now, as I’m sure it is there too. Happy Halloween! Love & hugs always back to you, coming across the pond the other way 🙂 ❤ 🙂
LikeLike
What a great prize and very serendipitous for you to finally run away to Capri. The photos are wonderful – lovely views. I’ve never been to Capri, but I remember my mother often mentioned going there when she was young and visiting the blue grotto.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha…yes, it was a lovely escape while it lasted 😉 How wonderful for your mother…would have loved to have visited the blue grotto…maybe next time, ha! So glad you enjoyed the pics, thanks Andrea! 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just discovered your blog. Oh my gosh, you won this amazing trip? Good for you! Best prize I ever won was a pair of shoes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Michele, thanks so much for visiting the Summerhouse, lovely to meet you 🙂 Still can’t believe we won this prize…but a pair of shoes isn’t too shabby as a prize either! I told my husband we need to start playing the lottery! 😉
LikeLike
Absolutely gorgeous photos. That is a wonderful prize, it beats a trip to Skegness! I want to go to Capri now but will bring my own water and teabags.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha…yes, and go off season… to Capri, not Skegness 😉 Thanks, my friend, glad you enjoyed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Travel to the Rodeo « Carrot Ranch Literary Community
A mythical city, right? I remember a French song about Capri that played when I was a kid: Capri C’est Fini.
Gorgeous photos for a trip that sounds fabulous, too, Sherri.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right! Although I have never heard that song…fascinating! So glad you enjoyed the pics, thank you Evelyne, always a pleasure to read you, I will catch up with you very soon. Happy Fall, my friend! 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a terrific prize. My three sisters have all visited the Amalfi coast. For me I would need the company of a nice man which has eluded me…
I love your photographs. It is such a stunning coastline. 🌼
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww Brigid…never say never, that’s what I always say 😉 Wow…three sisters! I never had a sister, never mind three, but do have a lovely brother 🙂 Thank you so much for popping over to the Summerhouse, I’m thrilled you enjoyed the pics, it really is quite stunning 🙂 x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved your post, Sherri. I was sure I’d already commented on it, but it must have been someone else’s Capri post. We were fortunate to stay two nights in Capri when we did an Italian tour in 2011. I think that was definitely enough time there unless one had the money to shop up a storm. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I could have sworn you did too, Sylvia, how strange. Thinking of it, it was probably on FB, as I remember we had a conversation about the Blue Grotto. But I love that you came back here! Yes, Capri does seem to be all about the shopping, doesn’t it? Oh to spend, spend, spend, ha! How lovely to spend 2 nights there though, it is so beautiful. Hopefully when you visited, it wasn’t so crazy busy and so hot. Although, I think I’ve got out of the way of hot weather since living back in the UK for 15 years. our recent heatwave was too hot, not helped by the humidity and no air con. Loving the cooler autumn weather, with a touch of ‘Indian Summer’ about it 🙂 Thank you for popping over, dear Sylvia. I am so neglectful of blog visits at the moment, as finishing up my memoir has taken over my life, literally! Aiming to have it to the editor by early November….I’m both elated and terrified at the thought! Have a wonderful weekend 🙂 xxx
LikeLike
Pingback: Rodeo #3: Travel with a Twist « Carrot Ranch Literary Community
Wow, how lucky is that! I’ve hardly ever won anything and certainly nothing as wonderful as a holiday abroad. Maybe I should start going in for raffles and holiday competitions! Just shows you some lucky person has to win. Glad you got to go and took so many fabulous photos even if it was somewhat spoilt by a head cold. Here’s to many more foreign adventures. 🙂 x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Marje! Yes, same here, we honestly couldn’t believe it! I told Mike maybe we should start playing the lottery lol 😀 Seems a long time ago now…can’t believe it’s almost Halloween! Lovely to see you at the Summerhouse again, my friend, glad you enjoyed the pics 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Time is certainly marching on. Sounds like a little flutter on the lottery might be in order! Nice to visit you at your lovely Summer house Sherri.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love Your Capri photos – they are gorgeous. Thank You.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad, thank you so much, Sartenada 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person