September 25, 2019
We had planned this day to be a day of rest, after a rather active week exploring Ireland, Venice, and a long day of travel to San Lorenzo di Lerchi - the rented farmhouse near Lerchi in Umbria.
And a day of rest it was, especially since the meal I had at McDonald's the night before was anything but a Happy Meal.
It's a warm, sunny sunrise at San Lorenzo.
Perfect time to do some laundry with the clothesline in the vineyard...note the structure at the top of the hill in the middle of the photo....Monte Santa Maria Tiberina, which we would visit in a couple of days...
In fact, we would stand on the wall inside the yellow circle, looking back towards San Lorenzo...
This farmhouse has an interesting history. It was purchased by the current family that owns it in the 1960s. The father had a strong interest in researching fruit varieties that were disappearing in favour of more commercially attractive varieties. His daughter has taken over that vocation and has travelled throughout Italy in order to bring those fruit tree varieties back to the farm. There are now over 40 varieties of apples growing here, along with the grapes, pears, almonds, pomegranates, and more.
"The Nature of Things" even did a program about her and the farm, in two parts....our house is shown at 6:35 of the second video here...
An enjoyable walk around the orchard & vineyard...
Mela Limoncella (mela means apple)
Pera del Curato...
Quince....
Almond...
Mela sona o batocchia...
dangerous wildlife lurking....looking for prey, or a handout...
and of course, grapes...which we would help harvest - and eat! - in a few days...
The owner's house nearby...which originally was a chapel.
the front door to our house....and our Fiat 500 rental car...
the fireplace in the kitchen dates back to the 16th century...
the stove doesn't go quite so far back but perhaps the method of making coffee does...
the house is full of old books, tapestries, knick-knacks, and even an ancient olive press...
the patio at the rear of the house, overlooking the orchard...
a rather steep climb to the upstairs bedroom....better take it easy on that Italian wine....
and with clothes ready for more exploring the next day - including a ride up a mountain on what can only be referred to as a large birdcage - we end our day of rest in San Lorenzo.
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