REALLY old books.

Okay last post of the day (make sure you scroll down to see the first two).

We went to the city library which is completely under construction, but they were nice enough to bring out some of their most important books to show us. Some of these were written before the printing press, others are from the Renaissance era.

These next for pics are from an astrological book, it was pretty amazing.

These circles MOVED to tell the astrological time. How awesome is that?

I really love how this picture came out. None of these were too easy to take because she was moving the pages so quickly. All of these were taken inside without a flash *hugs Zeus*

The oldest book in the library with gold leaf illumination and hand written script.
Obviously its a Bible because that was what the monks wrote mostly.

By the way, do you like my new header? Laura insisted I needed one with Italy pics so she made me this. I think it looks awesome! Thanks so much!

Italian Art

Now off to one of the biggest palaces in Macerata. Most buildings here actually are renovated palaces. This one is currently under restoration to become a museum but we got the inside scoop.

Zeus chilling out in the middle of the ballroom ceiling:

All the rooms have different themes, this particular one was the trials of Hercules.

Look Renaissance cartoons!Roman dude out on the balcony overlooking the courtyard.

This one isn't from the palace, it is from one of the local theaters. We were totally talking about how one of these days we want to get a group together and buy out one of the like 100 balconies. Even if we won't be able to understand a word of it, how awesome would an opera be under this ceiling? Pretty much the entire room looks like this.

Italy!

Well I have now been in Macerata, Italy for over two weeks and I am FINALLY updating my blog. I know everyone has been dying to see pictures of all I have been seeing so wait no longer! This is going to take me three posts to get everything on here so bare with me.
Lets start out with random pictures taken throughout Macerata.

This is a view from above of one of the many Piazzas throughout the old walled city.

This was originally built to be a sports stadium (post gladiators) but is now an outdoor theater. I so wish I was going to be here during the summer, this place is host to the second best outdoor opera in all of Italy.

Your basic Medieval city roof tiles.
These next two pictures were taken from the top of the clock tower. Unfortunately, I was too overcome by the beauty that stupid me forgot to take my camera off indoor settings so the pictures aren't the best at all. Oops!
The bell rang while we were up there. Have you ever had a giant bell ring about a foot behind your head? Cuz I'll tell ya, not so easy on the ears.
Oh yeah, I know you're jealous.

Down-Town Christmas

Last week I took a little strole down Main Street and took pictures of all the decorations, and in true lazy fashion I am only now posting them.

Welcome to the North Pole!

This is the Santa House. In the brief time as a child that I actually believed (about age 2, pathetic I know but I was a very realistic child) I thought it was so cool that of all the fake shopping mall Santas in the world we had the real one, and his house stood there year round as proof (of course he only lived there during December as the rest of the year was spent making toys at the North Pole).

50ft Santa anyone?

How about a 20ft snowman?

The Court House really needs to get some more attractive looking decorations, the building itself is pretty interesting though.

I have a feeling not many Court Houses have a baby Jesus sitting in their front yard.

As you can also see I finally got around to making a new header, which I must say is growing on me, I originally hated it but after Laura gave her positive opinion I decided to give it a go along with new template colors to match. I also added a bit of music because I thought it would be nice and relaxing. If I get annoyed by it it might not last very long, so feel free to let me know if you find it annoying as well.

Well that's about it... kind of light on the explanations tonight. I'm fighting to stay awake at least until the ball drops. Only one hour to go!

Happy New Year to all!

Merry Day After Christmas!

As promised, a few more shots of our Christmas tree.

Dad opening up his second pair of gloves. Apparently this year what had already been bought hadn't been communicated very well. At least now he won't be able to complain that he can't find his gloves.

Okay, I know this isn't the most enthralled face, but she really was happy... the only pictures that really showed that were very comical expressions and she would kill me for posting (though I have threatened to show Grandma).

This is pretty much the least blurred pic I have of my brother that's not completely unattractive. It was hard to even catch him opening anything, he is one of those rip it open and be done with it people.

And this is what happens when your brother finds your camera and decides to experiment. You get this and about 50 blurry pictures of yourself, dad and ESPN.

My brother gave me guitar hero for Christmas and we actually got the 'rents to play!

Moms turn! She was so amused by her lack of rhythm.

Rock'em Sock'em Robots... need I say more?

Here is the rest of my loot:

I got new luggage for Italy and these handy (and cute!) luggage tags so I can actually find them in baggage claim.

That's it for now, though more will be posted shortly ( I am trying to update more often, I know I've been slacking horrible lately).

I hope you and yours had a very merry Christmas!

Let It SNOW!!

We are almost done decorating, and I finally got around to taking and posting some pictures. I can't believe Christmas is less than a week away!

It was so cold hanging lights, and of course there are a few sections highest up that aren't working :P I still need to get a night picture, these were taken as the sun was about to set so they aren't the best.

You can't decorate without festive socks! And these ones are my absolute faves:

I made this sled ornament when I was six, its still one of my favorites!

And of course, you have to end with Santa Claus.

I have more, but this is all I have the attention spand to edit and post for the moment. Oh and did I mention its snowing like crazy? As of noon we had about 12 inches total, 8 of which was from today (some of that might just be drift though because its been pretty windy). I am so excited to have lots of snow for Christmas, here's hoping it doesn't melt!