INTRODUCING SOME FRIENDS!

I've just added a new section in the right hand colum, and I just wanted to let everyone know. It's called "Blogroll" and it lists the blogs of friends, mostly expats living in Italy, and a few other special treats. (Special thanks to Annika for helping to set this up, and to Cyndi for making changes that allow the links to open in a new window, keeping my blog still open.)

To introduce you briefly, here's the rundown on the blogs and their authors:

At Home in Piemonte is Diana's blog. She and her husband quit their jobs and bought an old property to renovate into a bed and breakfast. (Baur B&B )They've made quite a success of it, and I don't know where she finds the time to write a blog!

Alpine Settler is written by Carole, an English woman who lived in Italy many years ago and has now returned, living in one of the most beautiful areas of Italy.

Bill Thayer's Gazetteer of Italy For those of you who'd like to know more about the history of Italy, Bill's site is a good place to start. It's loaded with information and pictures, as well as links to other sites.

Casey, Italy and Other Good Stuff is written by Jane and Ken, a retired couple who are raising their young grandson and living for a year in Chianti.

Chocolate and Zucchini is the food blog of an amazing young woman who knows about good food! You've read about her on my blog before, and I've shared many of her recipes.

dove mi porta il cuore is written by Annika, a Swedish girl who must have been Italian in a past life. Her young son 'remembers' sharing this life with her, and we hope one day they have the chance to live here again!

If not now, When? is the story of our friend Kellee who's been blessed with the opportunity to house-sit in Tuscany.

KZ in Toscana is the blog of Jane and Ken's eight year old grandson! He's learned Italian and now attends the local school. His perspective is unique!

La Cucina di Cristina is written by our very own Cristina from Expats in Italy. She's promised to give us all a sneak preview of some of her favorite recipes before she publishes her own cookbook!

Live Cheap and Make Art chronicles the two year period our friends Bob and Rosemary have spent in Italy. They've stayed six months in four different areas, and Bob's captured everything so beautifully with his camera, while Rosemary's watercolors add a beautiful touch.

Over a Tuscan Stove is the blog of Diva Cucina, also know as Judy Witts. If you're ever in Florence you can sign up for one of her cooking classes, but until then check out her blog for great recipes and food news.

Pecorino e Miele follows the adventures of a shy girl from Seattle who is drawn to Italy and her Italian roots. (The part about her being shy isn't true!)

Re-boot: A New Life in Italy is the story of Cyndi who fell in love with an Italian and moved to Italy! Follow Cyndi as she follows her heart.

The Traveling McMahans is the blog of fellow Louisvillians Brian and Dana. Although they're still in the states they love to travel, and their blog chronicles their trips, both in the states and abroad.

The View from Il Loggino is about Joanna's journey to Italy. She lives in the val d'Orcia, a beautiful area of Tuscany in a house she's renovated over the last few years.

Think on it! is written by our friend Judith who lives just north of us. She's a designer, a fabulous cook, and as our friend Tina described her" spunky'! Check out her blog for fashion news as well as her latest culinary delights! I've posted many of her recipes here before, and now you can have immediate access!

2 Baci in a Pinon Tree is the blog of Valerie, who along with her husband decided to pack up and leave New Mexico for a year in Italy! Great idea, don't you think?

Travel Sweeps is a blog written by a woman who loves to travel and who hopes to win some of the fantastic trips offered by various organizations. Somebody has to win, right?

Wandering Italy is the blog of James Martin who also writes for about.com. Enjoy his observations about life and food in Italy.

So there you have it....certainly not a complete listing, but a start. Take a look and if you find one (or more) that you really like, I'd suggest using Bloglines to keep up-to-date. I've also posted a link to Bloglines in the right hand column, and as I wrote before, it wasn't the easiest set-up to understand, but if I can figure out I guess anyone can! Bloglines will let you know when the blogs you're interested in have posted something new.