Whilst in sunny England I had my hen night. I didn't want a raucous affair like a twenty something, but a sedate and sensible evening. During the afternoon we had a belly dancing and burlesque lesson and then we went to Nandos for some food. Lovely. I had a smashing time and would like to thank everyone who came and to remind them that I have photographic evidence!!!

Mum's garden

I went back to England this weekend for my hen night and for once it was not raining. In fact the weather was lovely. It was hot, but you didn't melt like here. I forgot how hot Verona was actually in such a short space of time. Whilst at home I filmed some birds in the garden that were very cute. Enjoy

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Lago di Ledro

Verona is so hot. There is just no air and that makes it very miserable in the summer unless you have air conditioning. For today's jolly therefore we decided to drive north in search of cooler weather

Lake Garda is always cooler but for the same reason it is always packed. We decided today to go to Lago di Ledro. A smaller lake to the north west of Garda and relatively unknown and unspoilt. We have never been before but were told of it's beauty and it did not disappoint.

As you can see from the pictures very green and beautifully tranquil. A perfect way to waste a day, playing around on a lake.

Camping

Since moving to Italy and visiting Lake Garda I've had a romantic ideal of camping. To be honest I hate camping - I've always slept badly and got wet, but Italy is different to England. Firstly rain is less likely in the summer and I have an airbed!!

We bought ourselves a tent and off we went.

We chose an 'anti divorce' tent i.e. self pitching and were up and running in ten minutes. Simon has never camped before so I lied and told him he'd love it. We had a great pitch right on the lake and were able to watch the sun go down whilst having a BBQ.

I'd go again this weekend if we could. It was so relaxing and felt like a proper holiday even though we were actually away from home for less that 48 hours.

Mercatino Usato - Selling my old shit!

These pictures won't load bigger!!! :-(

Last sunday a colleague form work organised a yard sale at a beautiful villa not far from Verona. We all had the opportunity to get rid of our old junk and have a stall. Since Italy doesn't have charity shops, it seemed like a good excuse for a clear out. Faye and I also decided to make stuff as she is talented (I am not). We made a few beach bags and some carrier bag holders.

Fortunately after two weeks of constant rain the day was beautiful and we spend hours in a garden eating food and drinking local wine. Our junk wasn't much of a hit (it was junk) but Fayes bags were a hit and we sold them all and made orders for more!! The blue flowery bag is one of ours!! If anyone else wants one - let us know!!!!

Flowers

I've been adding flowers and plants to the balcony all week and took the opportunity to photograph some of them today. You can see that we have now a balcony guest. He is Gnorris the Gnome. Doesn't do much but is very happy.

Let me introduce you to...

DARREN

My friend suggested that I introduce some of the important people that are involved in the wedding on my blog, so that people will feel more involved. Cheesy or a good idea???

Darren Griffith is going to be Simon's best man. You can't miss him because he is about 6'7" tall. He is a great guy and he is going to do a great job at keeping Simon organised as the time draws nearer.

What would you like to know about Darren??