Xmas pics

 
top L-R cookie decoration making with theh kids, Marian, Steve (Scots) & Rowland
bottom L-R Gordon-(Brit), Gareth& Brendan (Aussies), my Xmas Eve table 

My Friends

 
top l-R Erin, Leanne, Brendan (Aussies), Ellie and Lesley(from Texas living here 20 yrs)bottom l-R Norbert, Prisca & kids-owns the airplane and took me up for fotos, me and Carlo, il postino 

Toni & Perry

 
Now you can match faces with names. Toni and Perry are my dear friends-Toni is in charge of my hair and Perry is in charge of my house, doing all the work, repairs, building things, etc. Spent Xmas and New Years with them and their family. 

Marco and I at Xmas

 
Marco is the gallery owner in Cortona. I spent the day after Xmas (feast of St. Stefan) with him and his family. His mom actually made an entire vegetarian meal in my honor!!! 

Another Tree Monster

 
He really needs to trim those nose hairs. 

Umbria Bike Tourists in Cortona

 
Met these guys while on their bike tour and now they want me to take photos of their tours in Cortona (for hire!) Maybe I should take up riding a motorbike! 

Shadows of Paciano

 
Here is a palazzo on my street-capturing the shadows of the chimney tops of the houses in the village. I have yet to duplicate this since I can't remember the time of year or time of day I took this! But I keep a watchful eye. 

Olive ET

 
I have collected many Olive ETs and here is one of my favorites. 

My Darling Jessica

A recent picture of my sweety! Even tho she just gave me her cold (hope it is as little as hers), it was well worth the kisses and hugs! 

The Doors of Giglio

 
These are doors from the Island of Giglio which is a small, unspoiled island off the west coast from Paciano. It takes about 2.5 hours to drive then a 1 hour ferry. This was just chosen to be published in the International Library of Photography-spring issue of The Best Photos of 2005. It will also be entered in their annual contest. 

Edinburgh Castle-Scotland

 
I took this of the Edinburgh Castle in Scotland at night with no flash and a tripod which produced interesting colors. Scotland has really grown on me and look forward to going back. 

Grape-picking Harvest

 
The Grape harvest is called Vendemmia and Keith, Maryalice's husband and I are showing our pickings. It is a great experience and I have done it for the past 3 years for my friends Tim & Yvonne. 

Along the Zambeze River

 
Our first day in Africa we took this boat down the river and saw elephants, crocs, exotic birds, impalas, wart hogs, hippos and more along the shore and in the river. 

Buns of Stone

 
Nice buns!!! This statue is centuries old-found in a village called Tuoro which is across Lake Trasimeno. Now if only I could have such buns of steel! 

Paciano from above

 
My friend, Norbert, took me up in his small plane to take some photos of villages. Even tho it was a bit hazy, I was able to capture Paciano along with many other villages. What an experience to fly over Umbria and Tuscany.The thick cluster is the walled area where I live. 

TIred and Hungry

 
I waited for 10 minutes to catch this leopard yawning and finally he obliged. The giraffes ate these very sharp, thorn-like projections from these trees. These thorns made great toothpicks! 

Herd of Wildebeast-Africa

 
This was in Botswana-there were not many Wildebeast to be found but this was just as the sun was rising-colors were gorgeous! 

African Safari 2005

 
We were so close to these 2 lions who didn't seem to mind our interrupting their nap! 

Typical Signage in Italy

 
Cousin Ken and Toby visiting Paciano 

Just me and the Olive trees-2003

&nbs
These trees are anywhere from 500 to 1000 years old and this was only 1/2 of the trunk!!! 

Paciano Sunset

 
Another amazing sky in Paciano. 

Jane & baby Jessica

 
Here is my dear friend, Jane,and the latest love of my life, Jessica. Each day "Auntie Margaret" must have a Jessica 'fix'. I adore this baby and it is so enjoyable to watch her change as she is growing. She is 4 1/2 months here. 

Decorated Me!

 
Here I am at the local 'bar' being decorated and also helping Simona decorate the bar for the holidays. 

This is why!!!!

 
Some ask me why I am in Italy and this is the reason! 

2004 Winner

 
This was 2004 winner-a homeless man on the Grand Canal in Venice taking his daily nap. This was given Honorable Mention-top 100 out of 19,000 entries and was published in the Canon/Photographer's Forum Best of Photography 2004 edition.