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...
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...
The Clutch is My Friend
Our first day in Anghiari was July 28. That means that today is my four month anniversary of living here. For three-and-a-half of those months I did not get behind the wheel of a car. Steve has chauffeured me around like I’m some kind of royal in our 15-year-old...
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...
A Place for the Soul
Last weekend Anghiari hosted a great celebration of the food of the area, called the Centigusto, or One Hundred Tastes. As part of the festivities, there was a nature walk through the forest and countryside around here. We joined our friend Rossano, who guides these walks, and three other...
A Celebration for the Senses
One of the things I love about living in Anghiari is that it’s a small town with a big city vibe. It’s rare to go for more than a few weeks without some event or celebration. And they almost all center around food, which makes it even more appealing...
Ghouls, Goblins, and Church
Halloween has its origins in ancient Celtic traditions concerning the end of the year and the disposition of souls to the otherworld. Eventually, the Catholic church got on board and moved their All Saints Day to November 1, making Halloween All Hallows Eve. Then November 2 is All Souls...
Germans and Italians
Germans and Italians have a history. Well, Germans and a lot of people have histories, but the one with Italy is complicated. They’re neighbors, but completely different in their worldview. They’re both European, but with very different sensibilities. They both flirted with Fascism, then took very different path forward. ...
A Perfect Sunday
Late summer and fall are prime festa times in Italy. This year, however, COVID has put an end to the festas. It’s very sad for us, but I’m glad they’re taking things so seriously here. Festas are celebrations, usually to mark the harvest of some crop or to honor...