The words "Buon Anno" are the equivalent of "Happy New Year" in Italian, and for sure living in Ohio thus far we could use some words of encouragement...this has been the most blistering Autumn around here in more than 20 years, while Winter just arrived!

So, this time I decided to 'think positive" and ignore the daily low records we have been reaching, and instead go back at least visually, to better moments, while we await for a new year to begin...

Images of colorful places and situations should help to lift our moods, somehow...

Above, the picture of a wonderful cottage I once saw while walking on a quiet street in Florida, and a countryside view captured while in Umbria few years ago. Below, a scene from Key West, with a typical white fence surrounding the home; next, a remote Italian village with its sleepy square, where the locals usually meet to discuss the important (!!) events of the day, while drinking a perfect cappuccino!

The magical sunset moment on Lake Erie was captured a few Summers ago, with a couple of sail boats slowly coming back home.

Below, a campground with permanent trailers, often seen in the South, which I enjoyed taking pictures of, since it seemed to bring me back in time to a much slower pace; these "homes" were fully functional, but seemed so "old fashion" and really captured my interest!

Then a close up of a tropical flower, and a red barn from an Amish settlement in Southern Ohio.

Below, a "pop up" Summer market typically found around Italian villages on any weekend, where you might find infinite choices of clothing, ladies shoes and bags usually copied from the better known brands seen in city stores...

A fair weather view of downtown Cleveland, with some more water scenes...

An impressive storm hitting Clifton Beach, with giant waves and fortunately no boaters out there on that day...

And finally, a street vendor with unusual balloons, a wine shop in Italy selling the product of local harvestings by the liter(s)... yes, you could bring your own bottles there and they'll fill them up with your choices of red or white!

The last image is one of my favorites, titled "a new day": the perfect sunrise welcoming the new year, which hopefully will carry good health, good fortune and happiness for all!

BUON ANNO to you, your loved ones and your friends!