VW: Second Life
Location: Venezia
Country: IT
"Postcard" to the Loredanii
From "Villa Torbiato", Franciacorta
March, year of our Lord 1780
Dearest Friends,
I thought it was about time I put Quill to Parchment, and hope this letter finds you all in good spirits and health.
Spring has come to Franciacorta, and the countryside is getting ready to bloom. Hopefully winter is well and trully behind us.
The renovations on "Torbiato" are progressing well. The ground floor is just about habitable, and I have finally been able to hang some of the paintings you so kindly gave me.
Undeniably life in the country is very different from court or town life, but do not be fooled! It is far from quiet!
Father has returned from his travels, and is very busy working in the cellar.
I have no idea what he is working on, but wish it didn't involve blowing up the house.
There are plenty of other distractions.
We seem to be overrun with Rabbits, so the hunting is good, and there seems to be no end to what Devi can do to a rabbit in a kitchen.
The weather is warm enough for us to end the day on the Terrazza, enjoying the view over the lake, whilst drinking a glass of Father's home made Grappa, though I swear it has a back taste of Saltpetre.
I look forwards to hearing from you soon, and remain your ever affectionate friend.
Elena Marina
dei Conti Foscarii 
Dear Contessa Foscari,
It is good to see how well you live at Villa Torbiato. I did enjoy the deerhunting under my last visit and your grappa is of the finest one can find. I look forward to my next visit and perhaps see a finished villa after the renovation. Lets just hope your father don't create a need for more "renovations"!It is always a pleasure to see you and your family Contessa!
With Warm Regards,
Conte di Loredan
My dear daughter in C. J.,
Word circulates that you have set up house at Villa Torbiato, and that your father has recently joined you there. My greetings to you both, with my apostolic blessing.
+Federico Maria
Patriarca di Venezia
Dear Monsignore,
Thankyou for your Greetings and blessings. We hope you will come and visit us, when your duties allow you to.
With kindest regards, you r daughter in C.J.
Elena marina dei Conti Foscarii
This is an interesting, short read and I really like that you paired it with pictures! IMHO, I think the BEST picture is the one of the men working (2nd) - with the little yellow cat doing what cats do.... sort of getting in the way while 'supervising.' The billowing smoke from the house in the third picture is humorous- I was not expecting that