Vanquishing the Tramontana
Fiendish Wind We’ve been having a struggle with the weather this week. We started the week with snow, which was beautiful and magical and we loved it. Then the sun came out and it was clear and bright and we loved it. With the sun came the wind. It...
Seasonal Perspectives
One of the things we were looking forward to when we moved here was to experience the seasons. We’ve been coming to Italy for 25 years, so we’ve seen snippets of every season, but to witness the changes crosses a threshold between visiting and living. We got here in...
Happiness is a Warm Radiator
I’ve become a radiator fan. After many years of living with forced air heat, I love the radiator. I never thought that it would warm the room – only the area just in the immediate area of the radiator. But I was wrong. A radiator will warm an entire...
Peace on Earth
Christmas is always a special time – you feel a sense of renewal, of peace, and of hope. This year has been especially meaningful for me. So many things have changed for me this year, not the least of which is that I don’t go to work every day...
It Came to Pass in Arezzo
Arezzo is about 30 minutes away and is the biggest city near us. It’s about 100,000 people and we go there for many things. It’s where we both got our booster shots, we spent many happy times in the Questura (police headquarters) there trying to get our permesso di...
The Ice Road to Boosterville
Steve had his booster shot yesterday compliments of the Italian health care system. His appointment was at 10:30 in Arezzo, which is about 30 minutes away. There’s a good road to Arezzo which goes through a ravine in the mountains so it’s not hilly. But because it goes through...
The Homecoming and an Italian Christmas Miracle
Steve went to Atlanta for 10 long days and came back home on Monday. He flew into Rome and took the train to Arezzo where I skillfully drove to pick him up. Millie and I were waiting in the car when I saw his beautiful silver hair appear from...
Thanksgiving in My Heart
Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday. And as with all uniquely American holidays, it’s not without its controversies. Regardless, it’s a day where we pause to gather around a table with friends and family while giving thanks for the blessings that we have received. It’s also a day that...
The Baths Up the Road
We visited Bagno di Romagna recently, a small village near here known for its thermal springs. Bagno di Romagna is a Roman town and became an important stop on the route between Rome and Ravenna. The thermal springs are a cozy 116 degrees year round. I can imagine that...
A Food Review
We’ve had many great meals that I would like to share with you. Some of them have even been at home. We’ve been cooking a lot as we start our winter hibernation. Hope you enjoy! Dinner at Michelangelo and Rossella’s This is always a treat, but this time was...