Another sign of spring

The first flowers of spring are popping up everywhere around beautiful Gangivecchio and reminding us that all of the rain over the last month was necessary and good. The picture above was taken by GV residents Dr. Charlie and Shirley Sacamano and shows the early flowering of scientific name Calendula Suffruticosa. Its Italian common name is "Fioranncio Fulgido" ("Pot Marigold" in English).

A New Partnership

Gangivecchio is excited to be working with the US-based Women Chefs & Restaurateurs and adding to their scholarship offerings. One scholarship recipient chosen through the application process will have the opportunity to stay at Gangivecchio and experience seven days of cooking, gardening, shopping at local markets and soaking up all that Gangivecchio and Sicily have to offer. The WCR will offer up to $500 for travel expenses and Gangivecchio will provide room and board at no cost to the recipient. The 2008 WCR Member Guide dedicates a full page to Gangivecchio and it is beautiful! The online version can be found here.

Good luck to all the applicants. We can't wait to welcome one of you to Gangivecchio!

A Presto!

Buon Anno! Happy New Year!

Snow has fallen on beautiful Gangivecchio a few times already this winter but RAIN is the big story these days. The first picture is of the Tenuta--looking west from the (winter!) garden of GV residents Dr. Charlie and Shirley Sacamano--and the second shows the fountain. Thanks to Charlie and Shirley for these and many other photos posted on the GV website.

There is one more Italian holiday tomorrow and then 2008 will officially begin. The registration of the Gangivecchio Foundation in Sicily will be complete within the month and we hope to finalize things in the US by the middle of February. Work on the nature trail continues and plans are coming together for the kitchen garden to ensure plenty of very local ingredients for the Gangivecchio kitchen. 2008 at Gangivecchio is certain to be a year of reflection and discovery. The past will guide us in our restoration and preservation efforts and be honored as the new Gangivecchio Foundation charts its course. Mille Grazie to our dear friends near and far for caring so much about our little part of Sicily. We hope to see all of you here in 2008!

A Presto!