Monday, November 29, 2004

SONGS AND CUCCIDATI AND SOCCER

Yesterday was a lovely day and we spent time reading on the terrace and taking walks. I heard singing in the distance, and then what sounded like a screaming contest, and then noticed some young girls up on the ridge. I figured it was a birthday party, so ignored the sounds and enjoyed the bright sunshine.
Later we noticed smoke coming from below, an indication that Emilio, the neighbor below us on the tennis court end, was in for the weekend, starting his outdoor forno for cooking something delicious. So after pranzo, Steve dropped down to say hello. But Emilio said others were coming later for dolci (sweets, or dessert) so to come over after three when they arrived. I assumed we would finally meet his sister-in-law from England, whose parents we had met and spoken with on the beach, and who was anxious to talk English with us.
I asked Steve to take a walk with me above the lighthouse on this fine day, so we set off to look at views. Suddenly, we heard the singing again, only much louder this time. And sure enough, a small band of Italian girl scouts came around the bend and happily posed for my camera. They asked us where we were from and I told them, mentioning that I had heard them all day from our house. They laughed sheepishly, but you could tell they were pleased at the attention.
We went down to Emilio and Mariarosa’s house and found to our delight that it was a cuccidati making party! I have had cuciddati just about every year of my life at Christmas because my mother and aunts make it. So not only did I know what it is, but I had helped make it, and in Sicily, I had helped at Ignatzia’s several times too. The women joked and gossiped and if they thought I did not understand explained things to me as best they could. Meanwhile, Steve got roped into going to watch the Inter-Juvenitus soccer game on cable at Angelo’s house down the street. He always cracks up at these games, as the ladie’s hen parties are more animated then the guys watching soccer. There is no beer or alcohol, and certainly no snacks after eating a meal. Maybe there is a hint at how Italians manage to stay so trim. At any rate, we came home with the start of our Christmas cookies, and I hid them to try to make them last.

Saturday, November 27, 2004

HOME SWEET HOME

It is good to be home. Our US trip was tiring, and our bodies have finally acclimated to being back. We have been taking daily walks and we have worked on the house and garden everyday and I have finished weeding the damn oxalis out of the garden-finally!! It rained a lot while we were gone but today was the first morning of rain since we came back. When the sun came out I managed to retrieve 42 slug/snails out of the garden and smash them in the driveway. Since they had feasted on my broccoli they were quite big. They ate so much that the broccoli was tiny, to the point where Franco upstairs said, “Che carina, bonsai broccoli!” (“How cute, bonsai broccoli!”). The magenta bougainvillea bush is huge and productive and big bees and wasps frequent it daily. And I take frequent cuttings of geraniums when we go for walks since it is the most reliable and constantly blooming flower here all year long. At last count I had two dozen pots of geraniums in various colors and styles. The basil is finally dying down, though I have mint, parsley, salvia, rosemary, chives, and lavender the whole year too. And Steve picked up my Christmas poinsettia for me today.
Thursday we spent a quiet Thanksgiving here, swimming in the therme pool, attending an art show, and eating a great dinner at a favorite restaurant. Our old kitchen sink was rusting and actually developed a hole, so we had a new one installed yesterday. We have seen Paolo busy with chores on his little farm here, and I took a few pictures of his ingenuity in keeping things handy and together by his Rube Goldberg-style methods. Steve dropped over to Agape, the sheltered workshop that Giusy goes to, to see the group making dozens of little rice balls (arancine). I am not sure what they do with them, but I bet it is for a party that they will invite parents and friends to.
Most days are in the 60’s to low 70’s, and nights get down to the 50’s. We have stayed comfortable despite the lowering temperatures and I have managed to sunbathe/nap in the backyard away from the sea breezes most afternoons. November is the first month of winter, so we count ourselves doubly lucky that we escaped a winter blast while in the states and that we can stay comfy in our summer villa here. Of course that means putting rugs down on the tile floors as well as using our heaters, dehumidifiers, and thermal curtains. I actually prefer these temperatures to the brutal heat of summer and the overheated dry houses in the states. It gives me have more energy to do all the things I want to do too.

Tuesday, November 23, 2004

TWINS

This is my twin brother Jack and me. We are obviously not identical, and we are about as different as night and day. Despite the fact that I look so much younger, I am actually 14 minutes older. Parents, if you have fraternal twins, show them this picture! See how different twins can be? And don't call your twins "the twins," as if they are one entity. We speak from 57 years of experience. Thanks, Jack!

Sunday, November 21, 2004

AND STILL MORE!

I found that I could retrieve some pictures that were on a "ruined" card, so here are more people and places. No sign of the "twin" picture yet. Come on Jack!

Saturday, November 20, 2004

PEOPLE AND PLACES IN STATES

Home sweet home. I am glad the trip went so well, but gladder to be here. We have enjoyed returning almost as much as seeing all our loved ones. But we do love our place and are so comfortable here in Sicily.
I lost many good shots, especially at the beginning of the trip, and despaired of having my camera fixed. But surprise, I did get a brand new more powerful Canon 5.0, plus enough change of credit for a new 512 MB flashcard (after the old 128 got busted taking pictures of a trip to Sciacca sign in the very Italian North end of Boston. Honest! That is how I lost everything). Bless you, Best Buy guarantee.
The family dinner was a high point, as was being with my daughter and son (for his 25th birthday). Enjoy the pix-more tomorrow! I may even send a picture of me and my twin brother if he ever sends it to me.

Sunday, November 14, 2004

In the US

It has been fun being here, and especially gratifying to get my damaged camera exchanged for a more powerful Canon Powershot! Thank you, Best Buy guarantee. We will return via Boston on November 18. Stay tuned.....