These days we are experiencing an unusual heat for the season here in Northern Italy. During the day we are way over the 85°F and we have started air conditioning. I like warm rather than cold, and considering that we have mostly cold months, I really enjoy this climate and I am trying to take advantage of this moment.
First of all, I must say that I have put lots of efforts to cure and display all the plants on our balcony to make it cozy and perfect to stay out and enjoy it. We bought new cushions for the chairs and new candles and lanterns to light up just before the sunset and enjoy a warm atmosphere also by night. The result of my cures and attentions really makes me proud of myself. I couldn't expect better flowers and I love love love the scent of my jasmin flowers, expecially when it comes dark and the breeze of the night is full of this flowers' odors. I have also planted some herbs to use for cooking, such as rosemary, basil, parsley, sage, thyme and mint. I love our little green angle of the house. It's made with love. Furthermore, our little furry friend - Rufy Pissy the cat! - loves to stay out and watches the world from a height. He usually doesn't like to go out (probably he associates going out with going to the veterinary!), but staying on the balcony is his new delight. Right now, while I am writing, he's enjoying the summer breeze and the light of the candles outside.
One of my favorite activities on the balcony - as well as Ely's - is eating outside. We have a little table with a coordinated cover with the cushions and a vase with peonies or lavender. This evening we have planned a romantic dinner on the balcony. We stopped at the grocery shop and we bought some fantastic mozzarella and fresh tomatos to make a caprese salad. We added only some basil (from our balcony!), some toasted bread, some olive oil, black salt and pepper and....voilà! La cena è servita. It was super yummy and so fresh and juicy. Candles are still burning outside and I am finishing my drink before to clean the table and just relax under a sky full of stars.
I love early summer. ;)
