A bit of History and Horses on the roll

Since yesterday the temperatures went up by 10-12 degrees Celsius. The skies turned grey and the air humid. Funny how humidity can change the experience of temperature. To be honest, I like the colder and drier air much better, I suddenly remember.......after 20 years in warm climates. So for now I will dwindle in a last dreamy, wintery landscape, while I am tempted to stay inside and dive into the history of Badia del Borgo, right where the development of this area began in the early ages of 1000 AD through the establishment of a Benedictine Monastery (Santa Reparata in Salto). This little river with no name, springing a few kilometers up our road, runs along our daily path to Marradi, and passes 'the Badia' as it is locally called, about halfway our home and the village.

We found out that our home was part of the Monastery's domain, most likely one where food was grown and cattle held. Recently a small group of Marradi citizens has started a study into the history of the Monastery being brought out in a series of books lovingly called: Pagine di storia della Badia di Santa Reparata di Marradi. In volume 2 our home Val di Nibbio is mentioned as being 'rinovata adeguatamente da una distinta famiglia Olandese'. I have to admit it fills us with pride to feel appreciation for the way we renovated the house. 

As a little reminder of this rural past and present, I was alerted this morning by stomping sounds near my front door and jingling bells. I opened one of the upstairs windows to see my neighbour trying to chase their horses away from the house and back on their trail.......apparently they broke out somewhere along the mountain and went their own way. I watched for a while outside enjoying their naughty attitude.....the grass was definitely greener on the other side of the fence today!!