The weekend was a mix of running around and relaxation for us.  Saturday started with us having to run down the lake shore to the Villa d Este luxury hotel to try and sweet talk them into printing some legal forms that I needed to sign, scan, email, and Fed Ex back to the Houston.  We got the printing part done and were told where we could get the Fed Ex sent but it would have to wait until Monday.  The Villa is unbelievably posh and gorgeous and beautiful and any other over the top word you want to throw in.  Laura is quite certain that we saw Helen Mirren having coffee on the terrace out in front. The personel were wonderful and very gracious and helpful.  It is good to have a friend who stays here every year that can tell you to go see “Vera and she will take care of you.”

Since the hard work was taken care of and the weather was perfect we decided to rent a boat agin in the afternoon and tour the southern end of Lake Como and its sights.  Yes we saw George Clooneys house/villa but he was not home.  Lunch and wine were served on board by my trusty first mate and the day went well with Laura lounging in the front, directing me to the sunny side of the lake as we returned to the marina at 5pm. The sun was dipping below the western shore mountains and casting shadows across the water which were cutting into her sunbathing time allotment.  I dutifully obliged.

Sunday we took the ferry up the lake to the town of Lenno in the early afternoon and had a wonderful lunch with lots of locals in a small place back off the water and all the tourists at the shore side eateries.  Lots of families and little kids to watch and listen to.  Afterward we got the obligatory gelato and headed toward the dock to catch the last boat back home for dinner in the apartment.

The Villa d Este is a pretty fancy place. Woo Hoo!

Churches and bell towers abound on the shoreline of the lake. Being in the right place and time with the best light is a challenge.

The muted colors of weathered paint in older parts of towns.

Beach space around the lake is at a premium as a result of the extremely steep banks. This little flat spot is situated directly in front of one of the local churches. A quite unique juxtaposition.

And if there isn’t a handy church yard around the dock at the little local boat harbor will have to suffice.

Checking in with Michigan and seeing how my dad is doing. Much better today.

I told this guy to stand there and watch my car and make sure there were no nose prints on the windows. Then the alarm went off and woke me up from the dream! Damn!

Checking the ferry schedule or it is a long walk back.

A small local fishing boat that would look darn good on the swim pond at the ranch. Don’t you think?

Trying so hard to relax….. and look Italian! Perfetto!! Perfect on both points!

Just a part of the charm found here.

As is this.

And this little walk way up from the beach.

Did I mention I like the little wooden boats around here?

Hold that table we will be back in 45 minutes.

Gelato cups Italian style. Two scoops please.

Ready to tie up the ferry at our stop. The end of another wonderful day. Thanks for following. Ciao.