Silent scream

This is DH's artistic interpretation of my encounter with a very large green snake that flopped itself at my feet on the second day of our hols. I have to say it isn't a terribly accurate impression as I neither screamed nor ran because I was paralysed by fear on both counts!! I've never seen a real snake outside of the Zoo and of all the things I expected to come crashing out of the bushes it wasn't that. I rang the host who said so long as it's not grey with a triangular head it's ok, just try not to antagonise it! Fortunately it wasn't one of these but it still left the problem of a seven year old boy and his natural ability to seek out trouble wherever it may be. Consequently I didn't have my Alice and Camilla moment sitting under a tree drinking Italian wine and crafting while the kid's played quietly in the garden, more like me shrieking (had already practised on hill) have you got your shoes on, don't go in the garden alone, don't climb the stone walls, if the bush rattles keep away etc etc

On the plus side of the unexpected I discovered Italian Decoupage mags, wow! what a find, especially this one called 'di Casamia' which was packed full of vintage illustrations

I also found a treasure trove of wrapping paper, boxes and boxes of the stuff to choose from