Olive Tree of Vouves - Ancient Olive Tree - Crete
The Olive tree of Vouves is an a gorgeous tree I had the pleasure of visiting when in Crete. It's located in the village of Ano Vouves in the Chania region. It is one of the oldest olive trees in the world, and it still bears fruit. The true age of the tree can't be determined but tree ring analysis ages it to at least 2,000 years old, however locals claim it's between 4,000 - 5,000 years. Either way it's a gorgeous and worth the trip if you're interested in going out and exploring rural Crete. The tree has a girth of about 41 feet and a diameter of 15 feet.Besides the tree there's a museum in a quaint 19th century edifice, you can visit that houses traditional olive making tools, the courtyard the tree is housed in is surrounded by other olive making tools or presses and random stuff.
The most impressive is the tree itself. Crete has been inhabited since forever, and olives have been a staple food product for ages. Having the opportunity to sit for a few moments with a living piece of antiquity is something to behold.
The peaceful surroundings and landscape is an ideal place to sit and ponder the history this tree has "seen".
Falassarna Beach, Crete - Off Season, a (mostly) deserted paradise.
A while back...May 2014, I had the pleasure of taking a "girls trip" or "Mommy Get-Away" with some friends. My husband was recently returned home from a sixth month deployment and I was overdue for a little "girl time". We set off from the Venice Treviso airport on Mother's Day for a short flight into the Chania region (Chania International Airport) of Crete. Renting a car was easy, though slow going. We stayed in Kastelli, Kissamos, in a picturesque apartment/resort, where each night the Mediterranean sea sung us it's perfect lullaby. Although May is the off season, I thought it was a great time of year to visit this Grecian Island, because it afforded us more time with locals who were very welcoming and kind and lots of wide open space.We arrived in late in the afternoon, and enjoyed our first sunset. It was spectacular.Being the book nerd I am, I couldn't help but think of King Minos, his Minotaur and those many tributes from Athens, and though I found no labyrinth, I had a new appreciation and understanding as to why King Minos demanded tributes...
My first meal, a mojito and Greek Salad. On Our first full day, we set off to explore some of the beaches of Kissamos.Falassarna is a popular beach for tourists and locals during the summer months and because of the wind, it's a great place to wind surf.When we finally made it down we discovered it was deserted. (Another perk of the off season).While my friends worked on their tans, I sat beneath an umbrella, where I had my pick of umbrella and chair for €10,00.It was a windy day, which is not uncommon for this beach.After working up an appetite, we dined at Taverna Mouraki. Where we enjoyed this amazing view, and a free desert.We closed out our first full day, back at our resort with this sunset.Tomorrow I'll share, a tale about a 5,000 year old olive tree.
How To Make a Terrarium or Fairy Garden
A few years back, I visited a home of a friend of my mother's during the winter in New England and she had a lovely indoor garden made up mostly of terrariums I completely fell in love with. I asked her how to make a terrarium also known as a fairy garden; and discovered not only were they easy to make, they were super simple to care for. 
The best part about terrariums is that you can make them as big as you like or as small as you need. The only thing terrariums really require is a light spritzing of water and indirect sunlight. Uncovered terrariums will need a bit more work because you'll have to water them more than the covered type. Open or closed, you will need to keep in mind the type of plants you're using. Sun loving plants like cacti require have different soil requirements than say succulents, so doing a little research before hand will ensure you're terrarium will thrive.
Supplies You'll Need To Build Your Terrarium
- Clean, glass or plastic containers with a large enough opening to fit plants inside (unless you use long tweezers or spoons etc, you may be able to make a narrower container work.)
- Small stones is the usual fair, but gravel, pebbles, sea glass, pieces of pottery, mosaic tiles, would all work.
- Activated charcoal (not the kind you barbecue with). If creating a container with a closed lid - as it helps to keep the soil fresh.
- Sand
- Soil
- Plants - The size depends on how big your terrarium will be. Using plants of various sizes makes for a visually appealing terrarium.
- Moss to fill in any areas where soil is visible.
- Decorative stones, figurines, or small plastic items.
- Funnel if your using a container with a narrow opening.
- Long Tweezers, or ice tea spoons (for digging) etc. You can also purchase tools specifically made for terrarium building - like this one I found on Amazon.
Steps To Build Your Terrarium or Fairy Garden:
Because you're using a container with no holes for drainage, you'll need to create a space for excess water to collect. At the bottom of your container gently place a layer of stones or glass etc. Follow with a thin layer of charcoal if your container will be closed. 
Next lay a layer of sand, and then charcoal followed by soil. Pay close attention to how the layers appear from the outside of your container.
Gently remove the plant from the container and brush off an excess soil. 
Place your plants in a staggered pattern, being careful not to over plant. Gently pack the soil, then cover any open spaces with moss. Add in any decorative or whimsical items of your choosing. Spritz with water and you're done!
How to Care for A Terrarium
- Closed terrariums require very little water. In the beginning water once or twice a week with a light spritzing of water. If condensation collects on the sizes of the container you're over watering. Open the lid for a while to allow for some evaporation. When watering if you've added in moss, try to avoid getting it wet. Open terrariums, will require more frequent watering, your goal being to have it slightly damp and never totally dry.
- Trim dead leaves and collect any foliage that over grows or leaves that die and fall.
- Terrariums do best in natural, indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight so as to not burn your plants as the glass acts as a magnifier to the sun's rays.
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Living in Italy - A Few of My Favorite Things: Part 1.
It's hard to believe nearly three years have come and gone since my family and I moved to Italy. We've just over a year left and though I'm excited for our next adventure there is a very big part of me that will be sad to say "Arrivaderci" when the time comes. Over the next year, I will be sharing all the little things I love about living in Italy (and perhaps some of the things I don't.) because living in a foreign country as opposed to visiting one on vacation allows one a rather unique perspective.In years to come, when I think of Italy, I'll think of their amazing coffee. It truly is a major part of the makeup of this land. Coffee bars, cafes, and even vending machines can all provide a delicious cup of caffeinated dreaminess.
The quintessential cappuccino, sprinkled generously with unsweetened chocolate or as it's often referred to "cacao" Is one of my most favorite things about Italy. I don't think I've traveled, or toured, or simply experienced any place more aware of art. Everywhere you go, even in the most humble of places there is some form of art, or at the very least a beautiful natural landscape. Italians enjoy beauty, and even when they don't mean to, they make things beautiful. From the way they package gifts you buy, or box sweets from a bakery, or go for a picnic. Which isn't how you or I would. No, these can be large affairs full of multiple course meals, and of course wine and things to beautify a picnic table...
I encountered this simple flower bouquet at a park one summer afternoon, a previous visitor, had left it to be enjoyed by the next person to dine. I'd be remiss if I were mentioning coffee, to not remark about gelato. Gelato is delightful any time of year, but especially in the summer months. When I visit my local gelateria, I may, take home one of these other - non "ice cream" deserts. My favorite - the meregata. If you've ever the chance to try this desert. Go for it! It's meringue, whipped cream, and a fruit, usually a berry. Yum!
Italian deserts, aren't they pretty?All of these photos were shared on my Instagram- follow me!
Postonjna Cave & Predjama Castle
. The first portion of the tour takes place via the world's only double track railway system within a cave. This railway carries you in part of the way. The guided walking tour takes up much of your time, and allows for and up close view of some of the most beautiful formations. Please keep in mind that you shouldn't touch any of the rocks. The path is paved, but the cement can be slippery at times, as the climate inside the cave is damp and humid. The path consists of various inclines, some at times can be steep. Your tour guide will explain part of the history of the cave, and it's hard to imagine that humans were able to enjoy this cave, and even build a bridge (pictured below).The tours are offered in a variety of languages. Be prepared to wait in lines to purchase tickets and upon entering the cave for the tour.
Cinque Terre, Italy Is As Charming As You Think It Will Be
Best Sites for Free E-Books
Oh how I do love to read and e-books are just wonderful. As you can see behind me I'm just as big a fan of traditional paper books, but sometimes an e-book is much more convenient, especially if you like to read anywhere or at anytime. I frequently get asked where I find my books. Usually I say Amazon, but that can get pricey so I do hit up these free sites on occasion when I need a new book fix, or sometimes to discover new authors.
Here are my favorite sites for free ebooks.NetGalley Librarians, booksellers, bloggers, authors, and some of the best publishers are available. These are usually new ARCs (advanced reader copies) unpublished or just published novels. You are expected to review the book, which can easily be done from inside their site.Edelweiss Tons of books. Some even hard-copy. Same with NetGalley a review is expected in exchange for the book.If you want to get into reviewing books NetGalley and Edelweiss are excellent places to begin. FreebookSifter I like this site's search feature which allows the user to search under genre, or author etc.Free Books Blog - Lists mostly free Kindle books.
eBooksRead - This site offers more than 3o0,000 ebooks, as well as classic texts, dictionaries, manuals, statistics and essays.OverDrive Great site to link up to eBooks from your local library or school. This also includes audio files and other media depending on your library system. Using an App makes it easy too available on iTunes and Android.Book Yards - This website boasts that it's the library to the world. Not sure if it is, but I like websites that aspire to great things and in my opinion there are few things greater than libraries, let alone "world" libraries.Goodreads - Goodreads is probably one of my favorite sites for connecting authors to readers, and people in general to books. They have a great selection of e-books a lot of which are free to download.Feedbooks - Excellent selection of e-books but this link takes you to the free-domain ones.
Please note: This post was originally posted on December 10, 2013. I update it as I find new places for free books.