Lunch in the Country

Todd's friend and his wife invited us out to their country home for lunch one Sunday. Of course the food was fabulous, all local and super fresh.
They had a beautiful old home, well renovated, with a knock-your-socks-off view. A wide patchwork valley surrounded by wooded hills, complete with castle. Yeah, castle. And in their backyard was a sweet church with a crucifix from the 1500s and bells that go off on the hour & half hour. Lovely. And down the street is another church that is being renovated. I loved the frescoes in different states of 'decay'. Todd calls it opulent decay. Maybe Euro shabby chic?
We went for a walk in the woods but had to cut it short due to veeeerry muddy paths (rain, rain, rain!) and a roll of thunder in the distance.
We had a great afternoon and I hope we get to see all of these new friends before we leave for home!