We were very fortunate to have a wonderful Christmas. I have had some reflective time and truly feel so blessed that my family is healthy, happy and gainfully employed. We have a roof over our heads, children to love (and who love us). Santa made a stop at our house and we broke bread with some dear friends. Truly, truly, how blessed I am.
We are pretty isolated from what is happening in the states. I can't imagine what it must be like.
Santa brought the girls the dollhouse I grew up with. They can't stop playing with it. It did receive a few updates by the elves. It's been so fun watching them play with something I received such joy from when I was a child.
We received a true miracle later in the evening via big snowflakes. We had had a warm sunny day to enjoy and then this gift. Jacqueline was out early the next morning in her pj's making snow angels. She finally got in appropriate clothing and sledded down our little hill. The squeals were so much fun as was the watching. Julia wanted nothing to do with sledding or the snow. She also couldn't really walk to well in her snow boots. I ordered them a size too big I think. She looked cute though!!!
We were bums the rest of the days and enjoyed every minute of it. Now, we are off to the races with my parents arrival in a few short hours.
Monday 29 December 2008
Friday 19 December 2008
The week
I really love being in Italy for Christmas. There is none of the madness of home - no commercials for my children to watch and get "ideas." I am a little stressed as I have been under the weather as have my children and I need to get baking. I know my dear Italian neighbors will be bringing me Panatone soon and Grappa (yikes). I like to give back.
Jacqueline broke one of her nativity kings the other day b/c she was playing with it. I love that she plays with her nativity - that is what she talks about more than anything this season - Jesus' birth. Since she goes to a religious school here, she actually does a Christmas play. Two of my girlfriends have told me this week that Christmas is not discussed at all at school and the kids are pretty much reprimanded if they discuss Jesus. I am thankful Jacqueline knows the true meaning of Christmas - the celebration of our Lord's birth. She may not be able to comprehend it all, but we are getting there. Believe me, I'm a constant work in progress. I am thankful I have two girlfriends with whom I do Bible Study with every week. It keeps me fed and accountable.
Since I am on bigger topics today - did you know that on the military bases they play the national anthem daily? You stop whatever you are doing and face the flag even if you are driving. I wonder what our country would be like if this happened every day at 4:45? Also, when I went to the movies last week, they played the national anthem and you stand before the movie starts. The individual I was with said if someone cut her she would bleed "red, white and blue." Isn't that terrific? I wish the same for us all. I treasure our freedom and so much about our country. I am more patriotic living here than ever before. We are all rich for being Americans.
Jacqueline broke one of her nativity kings the other day b/c she was playing with it. I love that she plays with her nativity - that is what she talks about more than anything this season - Jesus' birth. Since she goes to a religious school here, she actually does a Christmas play. Two of my girlfriends have told me this week that Christmas is not discussed at all at school and the kids are pretty much reprimanded if they discuss Jesus. I am thankful Jacqueline knows the true meaning of Christmas - the celebration of our Lord's birth. She may not be able to comprehend it all, but we are getting there. Believe me, I'm a constant work in progress. I am thankful I have two girlfriends with whom I do Bible Study with every week. It keeps me fed and accountable.
Since I am on bigger topics today - did you know that on the military bases they play the national anthem daily? You stop whatever you are doing and face the flag even if you are driving. I wonder what our country would be like if this happened every day at 4:45? Also, when I went to the movies last week, they played the national anthem and you stand before the movie starts. The individual I was with said if someone cut her she would bleed "red, white and blue." Isn't that terrific? I wish the same for us all. I treasure our freedom and so much about our country. I am more patriotic living here than ever before. We are all rich for being Americans.
Tuesday 16 December 2008
Mad rush
Well, we got a beautiful new piece of Italian furniture - thanks Mom and Dad - made in Verona. Due to this piece, my house was totally rearranged - thanks Kristianne. Yes, totally rearranged, just before T'giving. We redid 5 of the 7 rooms in the house. Our living room upstairs had one sofa, two wing chairs, the dining room table and some book cases. Well, now the bookcases are where the table was, another sofa was moved in from the garage and the leather chair is up from the play room.
We moved the girls in together and brought all of the playroom stuff up (and yes, I will paint another mural). Julia's room is now the arts and crafts room plus two shrunks are in there for their clothes.
We brought a table down from the attic and it is now in the kitchen.
The playroom is now the dining room with our hutch,the wing chairs, the new piece and the table. I had to paint over the mural. We hung curtains too.
I have to say, it look AWESOME and I love the way our house functions now. Michael though, has banned Kristianne from coming back. Our hat is off to Dave for moving the furniture with Michael and for Dawn hearing me moan and groan about all the work. Don't worry - we left the guest room intact.
It wasn't finished when we left for T'giving. I finished it hours before we had Michael's office - 30 people over for dinner.
Also during this week Jacqueline decided to become a "Poopcaso" Because she didn't use her brain (her words), she decided to draw on the wall with her poop. Needless to say, Michael came home for lunch so I could walk around the block a few times. I had 3 Christmas parties in 24 hours this same week. All were terrific!!! One was at a Villa built in the 14th Century and we had a melt in your mouth souffle, mustard pork, vegtable risotto and tiramsu plus wine and prosecco!!! Ahhh. I can still savor all those flavors. Raffa catered our JAG Christmas party and we had beef, lasagna, her famous tomatoes and spinach.
JDWs school has a sale to raise money and I bought a beautiful nativity set. It was built by one of the nuns brothers. It will truly be a treasure.
It's been wonderful having Jacqueline speak Italian. She loves to show off how much she knows - just spouts it off now everywhere. The Italians eat it up. This is of course on a day she isn't writing all over the walls with poop.
We moved the girls in together and brought all of the playroom stuff up (and yes, I will paint another mural). Julia's room is now the arts and crafts room plus two shrunks are in there for their clothes.
We brought a table down from the attic and it is now in the kitchen.
The playroom is now the dining room with our hutch,the wing chairs, the new piece and the table. I had to paint over the mural. We hung curtains too.
I have to say, it look AWESOME and I love the way our house functions now. Michael though, has banned Kristianne from coming back. Our hat is off to Dave for moving the furniture with Michael and for Dawn hearing me moan and groan about all the work. Don't worry - we left the guest room intact.
It wasn't finished when we left for T'giving. I finished it hours before we had Michael's office - 30 people over for dinner.
Also during this week Jacqueline decided to become a "Poopcaso" Because she didn't use her brain (her words), she decided to draw on the wall with her poop. Needless to say, Michael came home for lunch so I could walk around the block a few times. I had 3 Christmas parties in 24 hours this same week. All were terrific!!! One was at a Villa built in the 14th Century and we had a melt in your mouth souffle, mustard pork, vegtable risotto and tiramsu plus wine and prosecco!!! Ahhh. I can still savor all those flavors. Raffa catered our JAG Christmas party and we had beef, lasagna, her famous tomatoes and spinach.
JDWs school has a sale to raise money and I bought a beautiful nativity set. It was built by one of the nuns brothers. It will truly be a treasure.
It's been wonderful having Jacqueline speak Italian. She loves to show off how much she knows - just spouts it off now everywhere. The Italians eat it up. This is of course on a day she isn't writing all over the walls with poop.
Monday 1 December 2008
Pictures of Praha
Astronomical Clock
Yummy. All the desserts were good especially at the Christmas market.
On the train
The Magic of Prague
Okay. I will admit that I am a bit of a snob. I like good things, good wine, good friends and chips and salsa. What a surprise to find the first and last one is Prague of all places.
Last week, I was wondering if we should really go. The tickets for the overnight train were expensive and everyone kept telling me how awfully cold it is there and I wouldn't sleep on the train. There are two things I don't tolerate well at all: being cold and being tired.
I also wondered if I would miss Thanksgiving dinner. Last year, we went to the club on base and then left for our trip (what a memory that is with JDW throwing up all over the place as we walked in).
But we went even though Julia had had a 104 fever the day before! We drove 15 minutes to the Pordenone train station and hopped the 9 o'clock train to Udine where we took the 11 o'clock pm train to Praha/Prague. Our steward was fabulous and brought the girls souvenir tickets. He was from Vienna. A friend of mine warned me the cars were dirty, but I was pleasantly surprised. I was glad she suggested pillowcases and blankets as the pillowcases were lacking the blankets scratchy. The car really was clean - just old. We also received 4 bottles of free water. WOW. I truly deserved a whole case after what we paid plus dinner, drinks and b'fast, but alas, we didn't get any of that. The girls quickly conked out, but Michael and I were up as Julia coughed most of the night.
The next morning we arrived in Prague around noon with the sun shining! Yeah. The lady whose apartment we were renting sent her driver to pick us up at the train station. This was so much better than figuring out public transportation after no sleep. Our apartment (found through Rick Steves) overlooked the River in the Jewish Quarter. Jacqueline quickly spied the ice skating rink also in front of the building. Lidia walked us over to a sandwich shop for lunch. It was hard getting use to their currency since lunch cost 500 crowns (100 = 5 dollars). As you can see, food wasn't cheap. Lidia was stunning - She had long dark hair, slimly built and tall with a stunning red coat on. I know my mouth was hanging open when she came out of the door. I expected someone who looked German.
We came home after lunch and slept. It felt so good. We then headed up the street to another Rick Steves recommendation: Bohemian Bagel. Now, I know we should have eaten Czech food, but we didn't. After eating as much pizza and pasta as we do, we craved American food. I was absolutely thrilled to see a turkey sandwich with stuffing and gravy on it and a side of cranberry sauce. Hallelujah! I had my turkey in Prague. It was so decadent with the stuffing on the sandwich. There was also a playroom for kids. Michael and I also got to have a conversation along with him eating a Philly Cheesesteak (surprisingly good). Whoo Hoo! We sat near some Americans who just moved to Prague and we spoke with them a bit about living abroad. Oh. And I had Bailey's cheesecake for dessert. It melted in my mouth. I want to go back just to eat here again.
The next day we toured around Old Town and Wenceslas Square (which isn't a square) and yes, had a coffee drink at Starbucks. We happened to sit down by some Texans from Katy. We just wandered around the city looking at the sights and walked along the river. Jacqueline and Michael went ice skating that evening.
Okay, so we had to finally get a move on the next day. We hit the Castle Quarter - on a hill in Prague you see a church standing out above the city - it is a magnificent sight. I really enjoyed the architecture of Prague and all the windows dressed for Christmas (especially Louis Vitton as it had crystals suspended from the ceiling with the purses dangling in between). It was kind of like being in NYC to look at its windows as many of the stores are the same.
We also saw a wedding at the Town Hall. The girl was wearing a 1980's wedding dress - pouffy for miles and miles and miles. We also enjoyed watching all the barely there mini-skirts and lepoard jackets and fur coats (my gosh, I couldn't believe the number of furs).
Back to Castle Quarter, we walked over to catch the tram up to the castle. Well, we got on the tram going the wrong way. We didn't get off either as Rick Steves said this tram was a good way to see the city for cheap. Well, he was right, but I don't recommend it! We saw the suburbs and everything in between. I do have to say it was worth it for one thing. As we changed trams there was a drunk guy on the tram behind us. The conductor got on board and literally drug him down the stairs by the lapel of his coat. His head went thwap, thwap, thwap against each step. We all just stood there with our mouths hanging open aghast. Jacqueline asked me what was wrong with him. I told her he was drunk and explained to her what that was. She looked at me shaking her head and said "I am NEVER getting drunk." I will forever reminder her of this story.
We really enjoyed the church and the quarter once we got there. I can't imagine what Prague is like in season. It was pretty crowded out of season. It was interesting seeing the tomb of Wenceslas as I love that carol. We also loved the Loreta church with the frescoed courtyard. It also helped that the organ was being played.
We walked back down the hill to our apartment as there was a Mexican food place across the street from where we were staying! The chips (very salty) and salsa were terrific as was the guacamole. I had nachos while Michael had a burrito and the girls a quesadilla. The food was all good and plentiful. I washed it all down with a margarita, of course.
After our dinner, we went to Bethlehem Chapel for a concert by the Royal Prague Symphony. The girls lasted 30 minutes, which was great! I didn't bring anything for them to do or else they would have lasted longer. I wanted this Chapel to be beautiful, but it wasn't. It was a white square with some frescos. Prettier on the inside than out.
The following morning the kiddos and Michael went to b'fast at Bohemian Bagel. I ran over to St. James Cathedral. Absolutely incredible fresco's again. The hanging hand was a nice touch. I went over to the Mucha Museum too. I gathered the troops and we watched the Astronomical clock chime on the hour. We then headed over to Little Quarter again to take the funicular up to the Perin hill where there is a mini Eiffel tower. The view was incredible. The weather was warmer on Sunday and we had blue skies. We also hit the mirror maze. JDW and JLW loved it, but it only had two rooms and was short - we were there maybe 15 minutes. We headed back down the Hill, picked up some artwork and walked across the beautiful Charles Bridge as the sun was setting. What a sight. It will forever be ingrained in my head since my camera died.
Last week, I was wondering if we should really go. The tickets for the overnight train were expensive and everyone kept telling me how awfully cold it is there and I wouldn't sleep on the train. There are two things I don't tolerate well at all: being cold and being tired.
I also wondered if I would miss Thanksgiving dinner. Last year, we went to the club on base and then left for our trip (what a memory that is with JDW throwing up all over the place as we walked in).
But we went even though Julia had had a 104 fever the day before! We drove 15 minutes to the Pordenone train station and hopped the 9 o'clock train to Udine where we took the 11 o'clock pm train to Praha/Prague. Our steward was fabulous and brought the girls souvenir tickets. He was from Vienna. A friend of mine warned me the cars were dirty, but I was pleasantly surprised. I was glad she suggested pillowcases and blankets as the pillowcases were lacking the blankets scratchy. The car really was clean - just old. We also received 4 bottles of free water. WOW. I truly deserved a whole case after what we paid plus dinner, drinks and b'fast, but alas, we didn't get any of that. The girls quickly conked out, but Michael and I were up as Julia coughed most of the night.
The next morning we arrived in Prague around noon with the sun shining! Yeah. The lady whose apartment we were renting sent her driver to pick us up at the train station. This was so much better than figuring out public transportation after no sleep. Our apartment (found through Rick Steves) overlooked the River in the Jewish Quarter. Jacqueline quickly spied the ice skating rink also in front of the building. Lidia walked us over to a sandwich shop for lunch. It was hard getting use to their currency since lunch cost 500 crowns (100 = 5 dollars). As you can see, food wasn't cheap. Lidia was stunning - She had long dark hair, slimly built and tall with a stunning red coat on. I know my mouth was hanging open when she came out of the door. I expected someone who looked German.
We came home after lunch and slept. It felt so good. We then headed up the street to another Rick Steves recommendation: Bohemian Bagel. Now, I know we should have eaten Czech food, but we didn't. After eating as much pizza and pasta as we do, we craved American food. I was absolutely thrilled to see a turkey sandwich with stuffing and gravy on it and a side of cranberry sauce. Hallelujah! I had my turkey in Prague. It was so decadent with the stuffing on the sandwich. There was also a playroom for kids. Michael and I also got to have a conversation along with him eating a Philly Cheesesteak (surprisingly good). Whoo Hoo! We sat near some Americans who just moved to Prague and we spoke with them a bit about living abroad. Oh. And I had Bailey's cheesecake for dessert. It melted in my mouth. I want to go back just to eat here again.
The next day we toured around Old Town and Wenceslas Square (which isn't a square) and yes, had a coffee drink at Starbucks. We happened to sit down by some Texans from Katy. We just wandered around the city looking at the sights and walked along the river. Jacqueline and Michael went ice skating that evening.
Okay, so we had to finally get a move on the next day. We hit the Castle Quarter - on a hill in Prague you see a church standing out above the city - it is a magnificent sight. I really enjoyed the architecture of Prague and all the windows dressed for Christmas (especially Louis Vitton as it had crystals suspended from the ceiling with the purses dangling in between). It was kind of like being in NYC to look at its windows as many of the stores are the same.
We also saw a wedding at the Town Hall. The girl was wearing a 1980's wedding dress - pouffy for miles and miles and miles. We also enjoyed watching all the barely there mini-skirts and lepoard jackets and fur coats (my gosh, I couldn't believe the number of furs).
Back to Castle Quarter, we walked over to catch the tram up to the castle. Well, we got on the tram going the wrong way. We didn't get off either as Rick Steves said this tram was a good way to see the city for cheap. Well, he was right, but I don't recommend it! We saw the suburbs and everything in between. I do have to say it was worth it for one thing. As we changed trams there was a drunk guy on the tram behind us. The conductor got on board and literally drug him down the stairs by the lapel of his coat. His head went thwap, thwap, thwap against each step. We all just stood there with our mouths hanging open aghast. Jacqueline asked me what was wrong with him. I told her he was drunk and explained to her what that was. She looked at me shaking her head and said "I am NEVER getting drunk." I will forever reminder her of this story.
We really enjoyed the church and the quarter once we got there. I can't imagine what Prague is like in season. It was pretty crowded out of season. It was interesting seeing the tomb of Wenceslas as I love that carol. We also loved the Loreta church with the frescoed courtyard. It also helped that the organ was being played.
We walked back down the hill to our apartment as there was a Mexican food place across the street from where we were staying! The chips (very salty) and salsa were terrific as was the guacamole. I had nachos while Michael had a burrito and the girls a quesadilla. The food was all good and plentiful. I washed it all down with a margarita, of course.
After our dinner, we went to Bethlehem Chapel for a concert by the Royal Prague Symphony. The girls lasted 30 minutes, which was great! I didn't bring anything for them to do or else they would have lasted longer. I wanted this Chapel to be beautiful, but it wasn't. It was a white square with some frescos. Prettier on the inside than out.
The following morning the kiddos and Michael went to b'fast at Bohemian Bagel. I ran over to St. James Cathedral. Absolutely incredible fresco's again. The hanging hand was a nice touch. I went over to the Mucha Museum too. I gathered the troops and we watched the Astronomical clock chime on the hour. We then headed over to Little Quarter again to take the funicular up to the Perin hill where there is a mini Eiffel tower. The view was incredible. The weather was warmer on Sunday and we had blue skies. We also hit the mirror maze. JDW and JLW loved it, but it only had two rooms and was short - we were there maybe 15 minutes. We headed back down the Hill, picked up some artwork and walked across the beautiful Charles Bridge as the sun was setting. What a sight. It will forever be ingrained in my head since my camera died.
Wednesday 19 November 2008
Lunch
Today Dawn and I hit a store for Christmas shopping and we both scored big! I can't put what I got b/c it is my sweet nieces Christmas present nor can I put Dawn's down b/c it is for her gift for their squadron Christmas party. We were smiling when we left the store b/c neither realized we'd come out with these awesome gifts.
Then, since we had some time to spare, we tried to go to lunch. We went to 4 restaurants. At the fourth, the man delivering bread started asking me if we were looking for a lunch place (except he used a different word than I knew) and I told him yes. He told me to follow him - we could barely keep up with him.
He took us to a restaurant I had been wanting to go to and Dawn had been once (but for dinner). The lady at the counter was none too pleased we were there at 11:45 - she kept saying to me "Presto. Presto." So we sat down and had a glass of Prosecco until they were open. We had a delicous crepe filled with cheese and speck (ham). Yummy! I love watching the Italians come in and eat. Most of them are dressed so nicely especially the older men - usually in a sport coat.
The days are getting crisp again and winter is definitely in the air. We had 10 straight days of rain and one day it didn't get any higher than 48. It's difficult for this Texas girl. The following morning though we woke up to snow on the mountains.
Julia turned 2 on Monday. I can't believe it. She is getting big, but thankfully can snuggle right down in my arms still. I'll post pictures of her party next. We just had a few friends over for dinner to celebrate. I'm not sure I really want to celebrate 2, I'd just like to fast forward to 4!
Then, since we had some time to spare, we tried to go to lunch. We went to 4 restaurants. At the fourth, the man delivering bread started asking me if we were looking for a lunch place (except he used a different word than I knew) and I told him yes. He told me to follow him - we could barely keep up with him.
He took us to a restaurant I had been wanting to go to and Dawn had been once (but for dinner). The lady at the counter was none too pleased we were there at 11:45 - she kept saying to me "Presto. Presto." So we sat down and had a glass of Prosecco until they were open. We had a delicous crepe filled with cheese and speck (ham). Yummy! I love watching the Italians come in and eat. Most of them are dressed so nicely especially the older men - usually in a sport coat.
The days are getting crisp again and winter is definitely in the air. We had 10 straight days of rain and one day it didn't get any higher than 48. It's difficult for this Texas girl. The following morning though we woke up to snow on the mountains.
Julia turned 2 on Monday. I can't believe it. She is getting big, but thankfully can snuggle right down in my arms still. I'll post pictures of her party next. We just had a few friends over for dinner to celebrate. I'm not sure I really want to celebrate 2, I'd just like to fast forward to 4!
Friday 14 November 2008
so many things...
Today, my neighbor frantically came over as I was leaving telling me an animal was in our yard. I freak b/c what animal is in our yard? Our yard is completely fenced in. I am communicating 1/2 in English and 1/2 in Italian. She shows me - a sweet little hedgehog is stuck in our badminton net (it was put properly away too). It looked up at me with it's little brown eyes crying "Help me." So I pulled out the cell and called my husband because I could.
You have got to be kidding me that I was going to get it out just then with the two girls running around and I was suppose to be at a friends house setting up for a party.
Michael came home and thankfully our wonderful landlord, Gisueppe, pulled up at the same time. They were out there for almost an hour cutting it out of the net. Michael said he kept kissing and talking to the hedgehog in Italian. He then was very excited and Michael had absolutely no idea what he was saying - he ran off and then ran back with a head of lettuce for this sweet animal. We hope and pray it is okay.
Michael just got back from the states. It was a wild week without him of course. The rain has been non-stop! Not just a light rain, but the type of rain that gets you wet no matter how big the umbrella. My wellies came in super handy this week as did my new umbrella. It was only 49 yesterday! The week of no sunshine was difficult for this Texas girl. As you can see, the girls had some fun, painting their feet with pink toenail polish. Julia contracted an ear infection and a stomach bug. This is when I cry uncle and say parenting is for the young.
Alas, with the rain, we did get a break today. The sun shone on our beautiful mountains, which had a very good dusting of snow. The next landscape I go to will seem so plain to the beauty I face every day. I do appreciate every moment of it. Tonight Jacqueline told me she threw the stars in the sky. I just love that.
The past two days I have participated in Operation Yellow Ribbon. I hadn't done this at all before. Volunteers at our base prepare food (sandwiches, baked goods etc.) and drinks for all the people headed downrange or coming home. One Colonel I spoke with was making his fifth trip. I am so blessed we've only had to do one (albeit it was for a year). It was so moving being able to do something "hands on" for our troops. It also brings the stark reality home about the war and not just some image on tv. There are so many people that pass through our midst that we serve. I do plan on keeping this up so I can give them a little slice of home and show my appreciation for the sacrifice they are making for all of us. I hope God blesses and protects them as I wonder which one won't make it home.
You have got to be kidding me that I was going to get it out just then with the two girls running around and I was suppose to be at a friends house setting up for a party.
Michael came home and thankfully our wonderful landlord, Gisueppe, pulled up at the same time. They were out there for almost an hour cutting it out of the net. Michael said he kept kissing and talking to the hedgehog in Italian. He then was very excited and Michael had absolutely no idea what he was saying - he ran off and then ran back with a head of lettuce for this sweet animal. We hope and pray it is okay.
Michael just got back from the states. It was a wild week without him of course. The rain has been non-stop! Not just a light rain, but the type of rain that gets you wet no matter how big the umbrella. My wellies came in super handy this week as did my new umbrella. It was only 49 yesterday! The week of no sunshine was difficult for this Texas girl. As you can see, the girls had some fun, painting their feet with pink toenail polish. Julia contracted an ear infection and a stomach bug. This is when I cry uncle and say parenting is for the young.
Alas, with the rain, we did get a break today. The sun shone on our beautiful mountains, which had a very good dusting of snow. The next landscape I go to will seem so plain to the beauty I face every day. I do appreciate every moment of it. Tonight Jacqueline told me she threw the stars in the sky. I just love that.
The past two days I have participated in Operation Yellow Ribbon. I hadn't done this at all before. Volunteers at our base prepare food (sandwiches, baked goods etc.) and drinks for all the people headed downrange or coming home. One Colonel I spoke with was making his fifth trip. I am so blessed we've only had to do one (albeit it was for a year). It was so moving being able to do something "hands on" for our troops. It also brings the stark reality home about the war and not just some image on tv. There are so many people that pass through our midst that we serve. I do plan on keeping this up so I can give them a little slice of home and show my appreciation for the sacrifice they are making for all of us. I hope God blesses and protects them as I wonder which one won't make it home.
Sunday 26 October 2008
Preschool Festa
Today Jacqueline and I headed to the fall festival at her preschool. We made Halloween cupcakes with black and orange sprinkles. The festival started at 2:30 and we got home at 5:15!
They had a pumpkin and you could guess it's weight. I am not great at the metric system so I didn't guess. I did buy lottery tickets (all the money raised goes to buying new playground equipment) and a few Halloween items. Well, when I bought the lottery tickets, I didn't think about them calling the numbers out in Italian and the paper was different colors. I went and found an Italian who spoke English to help me out. I did okay with the numbers and it was a fun numbers quiz. YIKES. We won a dog mail holder and a temp. gauge. They even had a couch you could win!
I brought our cupcakes and set them with the rest of the goodies from the parents. Mine, needless to say, weren't as pretty as all the fruit tarts etc. I spoke with one of the Italian moms thinking (and hoping) the food came from one of the bakeries. Alas, it was not the case. They were all made at home and the mother looked horrified that I would even ask the question. I will say, my cupcakes were devoured. I also like these Italian school gatherings as they serve wine! Wonder how that would go over in the States?
They had a pumpkin and you could guess it's weight. I am not great at the metric system so I didn't guess. I did buy lottery tickets (all the money raised goes to buying new playground equipment) and a few Halloween items. Well, when I bought the lottery tickets, I didn't think about them calling the numbers out in Italian and the paper was different colors. I went and found an Italian who spoke English to help me out. I did okay with the numbers and it was a fun numbers quiz. YIKES. We won a dog mail holder and a temp. gauge. They even had a couch you could win!
I brought our cupcakes and set them with the rest of the goodies from the parents. Mine, needless to say, weren't as pretty as all the fruit tarts etc. I spoke with one of the Italian moms thinking (and hoping) the food came from one of the bakeries. Alas, it was not the case. They were all made at home and the mother looked horrified that I would even ask the question. I will say, my cupcakes were devoured. I also like these Italian school gatherings as they serve wine! Wonder how that would go over in the States?
Saturday 25 October 2008
Venzone
We had a surprise BLAST today going to the town of Venzone about 1.5 hrs north of here, close to the Austrian border. The town, destroyed in the 1976 earthquake, holds a medival pumpkin festival. The town is walled (and rebuilt obviously) and has many squares. Flags are flying everywhere and the town is decked out with pumpkins and mums. We just loved it. Plus it is circled by the Alps.
I don't know if Jacqueline liked watching the sword fighting or the fire eating more. Sparks were flying off the swords and Princesses were everywhere. They had old-style arts and crafts plus everything pumpkin to eat. I didn't feel like trying the pumpkin grappa, but I will next year. I bought a few ceramic pumpkins too.
Julia is talking up a storm. She's been saying Jacqueline's name for about 3 weeks. She says jack-a-LYNNNNN. It is so funny. I doubt I'll get her on tape doing it. If Jacqueline is doing something she doesn't like, she'll say "jack-a-NO." We are enjoying watching their relationship develop as sisters and friends. She has to do whatever her older sister is doing. Yesterday, we were washing dishes. Julia went and got a small chair and stood on it to help.
We are mourning the loss of our dear neighbor, Rico. His heart hasn't been well as of late and he's been in the hospital alot this summer. I brought a Dallas Cowboy t-shirt back for him. It turned cold too soon for him to wear it, but he liked it. The last time I was over there checking on him, he had to tell me my butt was cute. Typical Italian male for you, even at 85. I will miss his often repeated story of Jackie Kennedy coming to his hotel in Trieste. We muddled through our languages together and found a way to communicate.
I carved 4 pumpkins for Jacqueline's Asilo. All the kids would run towards me yelling "Zucca!Zucca" Then they would figure out what I carved and tell me what it was called in Italian.
Our run of good weather has continued. We are blessed the rain and cool weather has held off. Right now, we are trying to decide where to go for T'Giving. I am also trying not to get depressed over my many friends leaving this coming summer. We are also trying to decide whether or not to send Jacqueline to Kindergarten on base or keep her in the Asilo next year. I just want to keep her 4, but I guess that won't happen.
I couldn't believe my eyes the other day. Even though some would beg to differ, the Italians, in the north, are very hard workers. A seventy-yr old woman (at minimum) was out hauling large tree limbs around in her skirt and twin set! I am serious. This tops off how a few weeks ago, I saw another woman, in a skirt, about the same age, working the fields of hay with a sickel. I hope I have that much gumption and health at that age. My genes are with me thus far!!!
I don't know if Jacqueline liked watching the sword fighting or the fire eating more. Sparks were flying off the swords and Princesses were everywhere. They had old-style arts and crafts plus everything pumpkin to eat. I didn't feel like trying the pumpkin grappa, but I will next year. I bought a few ceramic pumpkins too.
Julia is talking up a storm. She's been saying Jacqueline's name for about 3 weeks. She says jack-a-LYNNNNN. It is so funny. I doubt I'll get her on tape doing it. If Jacqueline is doing something she doesn't like, she'll say "jack-a-NO." We are enjoying watching their relationship develop as sisters and friends. She has to do whatever her older sister is doing. Yesterday, we were washing dishes. Julia went and got a small chair and stood on it to help.
We are mourning the loss of our dear neighbor, Rico. His heart hasn't been well as of late and he's been in the hospital alot this summer. I brought a Dallas Cowboy t-shirt back for him. It turned cold too soon for him to wear it, but he liked it. The last time I was over there checking on him, he had to tell me my butt was cute. Typical Italian male for you, even at 85. I will miss his often repeated story of Jackie Kennedy coming to his hotel in Trieste. We muddled through our languages together and found a way to communicate.
I carved 4 pumpkins for Jacqueline's Asilo. All the kids would run towards me yelling "Zucca!Zucca" Then they would figure out what I carved and tell me what it was called in Italian.
Our run of good weather has continued. We are blessed the rain and cool weather has held off. Right now, we are trying to decide where to go for T'Giving. I am also trying not to get depressed over my many friends leaving this coming summer. We are also trying to decide whether or not to send Jacqueline to Kindergarten on base or keep her in the Asilo next year. I just want to keep her 4, but I guess that won't happen.
I couldn't believe my eyes the other day. Even though some would beg to differ, the Italians, in the north, are very hard workers. A seventy-yr old woman (at minimum) was out hauling large tree limbs around in her skirt and twin set! I am serious. This tops off how a few weeks ago, I saw another woman, in a skirt, about the same age, working the fields of hay with a sickel. I hope I have that much gumption and health at that age. My genes are with me thus far!!!
Friday 24 October 2008
more pictures
Hiking in the mountains behind our house in Dardago.
Mangia, Mangia, Mangia!!!!
First Day of School at the Asilo in Vigonovo for 2008-09 school year.
Pictures
I am going to add some pictures from our recent Lake Bled trip. For those of you that live here, you must go!!! Although you have missed the incredible fall colors. I bet winter is spectacular with the churches and castle covered with snow.
The one sunflower pic is on our porch with the mountains in the background. JD and I grew these from seed and they were huge!!!!!
Tuesday 21 October 2008
Visitors continued
Okay, it is Colombus Day and we take everyone to Venice (but leave Michael and Julia at home as changing diapers in Venice is challenging). I am in short sleeves just shaking my head at the weather these Texans brought. We stumbled accidentally into a store a g'friend had told me about. The woman who owns it is British and gives Americans a ten-percent discount on anything in the store. She was wonderful to chat with. Trish stocked up on Christmas presents and the others, including myself, bought a few things. We parted ways with Adriana and Claudia since they left their kids at home and didn't need to be bothered with ours. We had fun watching all the boats bring merchandise to the docks and unload it. Who knew that could be so interesting?
We found a good place to eat sandwiches except I needed some caffine and a Diet Coke was 3 euro! YIKES. We met up with Jan Benson from KBH's office at San Marco and then went around the corner to get her something to eat. Her hubby couldn't believe we found each other since the crowds were pretty thick with 5 cruise boats being in port.
We all enjoyed getting on the Vaparetto back to the train station.
Monday night the 8 adults went to Raffa's to eat. They had to experience her cooking and personality! We ate polenta with Mantasio cheese, zucchini crostini (and something else) then her famous bruschetta. She made melt in your mouth pumpkin risotto. Our main course was lemon chicken -oh so easy to make. For dessert, tiramisu with limoncello to top it off. Claudio and Raffa enjoyed the evening, which was full of much laughter at Patrick's expense as they know Spanish and three of the women at the table speak it fluently. Patrick only knows how to speak Tex-Mex...terribly.
Tuesday I took Trish et al to the train station to go to Sorrento and Rome then Jan and Butch to Sacile so they could head back to Venice. Jan, Butch, the girls and I sat at a nice cafe across from the train station sipping our coffee's and hot chocolate. A man sitting there just loved the girls and gave them candy. This happens often. I try to steer clear of candy, but people are just always handing it to them b/c they are so darn cute.
Julia is adorable right now with her little "ciao." I can't believe she is 2 next month. I am afraid, very afraid! Plus sad at losing my baby to toddlerdom.
Adriana and Claudia went into Venice on Tuesday. They had another terrific day there falling in love with Venice as I have.
Wednesday I put them on the train to Florence very early! Then back to "real life for a few days." I had key spouse training (helping out other spouses in our FW) then Love and Logic, spouses club, and a dinner over the next days.
Love and Logic went out the window on Wednesday as I went to p/u JDW at school. I was thrilled to see her then stopped in my tracks. She was wearing my brand new Murano glass ring! At school! On the playground. I was so shocked I just told her the answer today is no to everything! I couldn't remember any Love and Logic gems. She saw a little girl getting in trouble later in the day and she said, "look Mommy, she's in trouble too." At least she got that part.
Now she says she can't hear me sometimes b/c her ears are too small. Ohhh. Can't wait for those teenage years since this reasoning is pretty good now.
The guests came back and on Saturday we went to Padova (barely making it). One of us was in charge of getting the tickets, which must be validated before getting on. I was standing by the train getting on with the girls when we discovered they weren't validated. The ticket puncher made Claudia run back downstairs instead of using the one on the platform. Everyone is yelling at her about where it was. Thankfully, they held the train for us or we wouldn't have been going. Let's just say it took awhile for all of us to calm down. We also barely made the train leaving Padova too!
Another beautiful day. We walked down to the cathedral of San Antonio which was built in the early 1200's. It is a place of pilgrimage for the sick. It was very crowded. Now, if you read this regularly, you know Italian art is not my thing; however, this church is spectacular. The frescoes, statutes, and mosaics are beautiful. Jacqueline throughly enjoyed seeing the relic of his tongue and vocal chords. A priest also saw JDW and sprinkled holy water on her and gave her a blessing. Out of all the churches we've been in, I've never seen a priest and at this one, I couldn't keep track of how many we did see!
We had a good lunch at a place where Rick Steves recommended. My bean soup hit the spot. We then headed to the Botanical Gardens, which is the oldest in Europe. One of the trees was placed there in 1640 and I can't recall how old the palm tree is/was/
The girls insisted on the pizzeria - 3x in a week!
Our house is now sadly quiet, which is probably why I haven't minded JD missing school these past two days.
We found a good place to eat sandwiches except I needed some caffine and a Diet Coke was 3 euro! YIKES. We met up with Jan Benson from KBH's office at San Marco and then went around the corner to get her something to eat. Her hubby couldn't believe we found each other since the crowds were pretty thick with 5 cruise boats being in port.
We all enjoyed getting on the Vaparetto back to the train station.
Monday night the 8 adults went to Raffa's to eat. They had to experience her cooking and personality! We ate polenta with Mantasio cheese, zucchini crostini (and something else) then her famous bruschetta. She made melt in your mouth pumpkin risotto. Our main course was lemon chicken -oh so easy to make. For dessert, tiramisu with limoncello to top it off. Claudio and Raffa enjoyed the evening, which was full of much laughter at Patrick's expense as they know Spanish and three of the women at the table speak it fluently. Patrick only knows how to speak Tex-Mex...terribly.
Tuesday I took Trish et al to the train station to go to Sorrento and Rome then Jan and Butch to Sacile so they could head back to Venice. Jan, Butch, the girls and I sat at a nice cafe across from the train station sipping our coffee's and hot chocolate. A man sitting there just loved the girls and gave them candy. This happens often. I try to steer clear of candy, but people are just always handing it to them b/c they are so darn cute.
Julia is adorable right now with her little "ciao." I can't believe she is 2 next month. I am afraid, very afraid! Plus sad at losing my baby to toddlerdom.
Adriana and Claudia went into Venice on Tuesday. They had another terrific day there falling in love with Venice as I have.
Wednesday I put them on the train to Florence very early! Then back to "real life for a few days." I had key spouse training (helping out other spouses in our FW) then Love and Logic, spouses club, and a dinner over the next days.
Love and Logic went out the window on Wednesday as I went to p/u JDW at school. I was thrilled to see her then stopped in my tracks. She was wearing my brand new Murano glass ring! At school! On the playground. I was so shocked I just told her the answer today is no to everything! I couldn't remember any Love and Logic gems. She saw a little girl getting in trouble later in the day and she said, "look Mommy, she's in trouble too." At least she got that part.
Now she says she can't hear me sometimes b/c her ears are too small. Ohhh. Can't wait for those teenage years since this reasoning is pretty good now.
The guests came back and on Saturday we went to Padova (barely making it). One of us was in charge of getting the tickets, which must be validated before getting on. I was standing by the train getting on with the girls when we discovered they weren't validated. The ticket puncher made Claudia run back downstairs instead of using the one on the platform. Everyone is yelling at her about where it was. Thankfully, they held the train for us or we wouldn't have been going. Let's just say it took awhile for all of us to calm down. We also barely made the train leaving Padova too!
Another beautiful day. We walked down to the cathedral of San Antonio which was built in the early 1200's. It is a place of pilgrimage for the sick. It was very crowded. Now, if you read this regularly, you know Italian art is not my thing; however, this church is spectacular. The frescoes, statutes, and mosaics are beautiful. Jacqueline throughly enjoyed seeing the relic of his tongue and vocal chords. A priest also saw JDW and sprinkled holy water on her and gave her a blessing. Out of all the churches we've been in, I've never seen a priest and at this one, I couldn't keep track of how many we did see!
We had a good lunch at a place where Rick Steves recommended. My bean soup hit the spot. We then headed to the Botanical Gardens, which is the oldest in Europe. One of the trees was placed there in 1640 and I can't recall how old the palm tree is/was/
The girls insisted on the pizzeria - 3x in a week!
Our house is now sadly quiet, which is probably why I haven't minded JD missing school these past two days.
Sunday 19 October 2008
So much to do and so little time left
We are close to our 1.5 year point here in Italy. I made a lengthy list of all the "big" places to go, but there are so many little villages and hill towns to explore here in Italy too! So needless to say, I am FREAKING OUT.
We just said good-by today to our last guest until December. Michael asked why we have everyone come at the same time. I told him, I just told everyone to come.
Trish and her family came almost two weeks ago now (she lives in Austin and we met as single gals at church), then my college g'friend, Adriana, and her sister, who was a sorority sister at AC of mine, came a week ago Friday, then Jan, from KBH's office, came last Monday. One night we had 8 people here. Now, I have terrific friends here too. One friend put two of them up in her house. Others gave me cots and blow-up mattresses plus sheets to sleep on. One friend even drove people to the train station as I had 3 trips to make in one day. We all had a ball needless to say. I am grateful for the wonderful friends from my life who trek over here to visit us. The laughter and memories are just terrific. Plus I get to make new memories here in Europe with them, which is the cherry on top.
The day after Trish and her kiddos plus hubby arrived, we headed to the medival town of Gorizia. We went to a castle built in 1001. It was just as you would picture a castle to be - the gray stone with all the towers. They also had some of the weaponery of the time and it wasn't pretty to say the least. The kids loved it especially gathering rocks and throwing them. We were the only people there most of the time.
Now, we did stop in the town for an absolutely delicious lunch.It was hole-in-the-wall restaurant. The waitresses mother was the chef and the special of the day was homemade pumpkin gnocci (little pasta dumplings). Oh my, my tastebuds just exploded as there was smoked ricotta on top too! Jacqueline had vegtable soup with orzo and ate it up. The server suggested it as her 3 yr old loves it. Julia had a penne with ragu. We had polenta with the local Montasio cheese melted on top and sipped Schipotto (I have to check the spelling) wine outside. Oh, we also were treated to homemade olive bread. I gained 10 pounds just from that!
The next day, Michael headed to the airport to p/u my fellow Roos while the Raglin's and I plus Jacqueline headed to the mkt in Congleiano via the train. It was a delight of the senses especially in the seafood section of the market. Most of the fish are completely intact - you should have seen the kids eyes. Then, there was a bag full of live crabs and we watched one escape. One of the shop keepers picked it back up and threw it back in the bag, but not without taunting the kids with it. We ate gelato twice, I think.
The Texans brought unseasonably warm and sunny weather with them.
Our other guests arrived and we sat on our porch drinking prosecco and eating cheese on a glorious fall day.
Saturday morning we all packed up and headed to Lake Bled. Trish was a real trooper b/c the front door to the BMW isn't working and she crawled in and out the window anytime we stopped. Oh...it was funny. Before we went off to Bled, we had a tour of the mosaic school in Spilimbergo. It was enjoyed by all. The drive to Bled through the Alps was spectacular. The fall colors were in full display. Last time I went to Bled, it rained most of the time so it was great to go in perfect weather. Claudia said it was one of the most beautiful places she has ever been - just out of a storybook.
We all got to ring the bell of the church again. We also ate dinner at the same place we did in June. Everyone's food was delish and a nice change from pasta. Patrick couldn't believe the beer. Our meal was only 108 euro for all of us (and on Thursday lunch was 90 euros) so as you can see, Slovenia is a much better deal than Italy! The next day, we all did our own thing. Michael and Jacqueline did the luge (pics to follow) down a mountain side. She was screaming with delight all the way down. I was so proud of her as I would have been screaming something else.
We all piled back in the cars and headed home. We went to eat pizza again in Dardago as no one could get enough on Friday night.
Okay, it's beautiful outside again, so I will continue this post later.
We just said good-by today to our last guest until December. Michael asked why we have everyone come at the same time. I told him, I just told everyone to come.
Trish and her family came almost two weeks ago now (she lives in Austin and we met as single gals at church), then my college g'friend, Adriana, and her sister, who was a sorority sister at AC of mine, came a week ago Friday, then Jan, from KBH's office, came last Monday. One night we had 8 people here. Now, I have terrific friends here too. One friend put two of them up in her house. Others gave me cots and blow-up mattresses plus sheets to sleep on. One friend even drove people to the train station as I had 3 trips to make in one day. We all had a ball needless to say. I am grateful for the wonderful friends from my life who trek over here to visit us. The laughter and memories are just terrific. Plus I get to make new memories here in Europe with them, which is the cherry on top.
The day after Trish and her kiddos plus hubby arrived, we headed to the medival town of Gorizia. We went to a castle built in 1001. It was just as you would picture a castle to be - the gray stone with all the towers. They also had some of the weaponery of the time and it wasn't pretty to say the least. The kids loved it especially gathering rocks and throwing them. We were the only people there most of the time.
Now, we did stop in the town for an absolutely delicious lunch.It was hole-in-the-wall restaurant. The waitresses mother was the chef and the special of the day was homemade pumpkin gnocci (little pasta dumplings). Oh my, my tastebuds just exploded as there was smoked ricotta on top too! Jacqueline had vegtable soup with orzo and ate it up. The server suggested it as her 3 yr old loves it. Julia had a penne with ragu. We had polenta with the local Montasio cheese melted on top and sipped Schipotto (I have to check the spelling) wine outside. Oh, we also were treated to homemade olive bread. I gained 10 pounds just from that!
The next day, Michael headed to the airport to p/u my fellow Roos while the Raglin's and I plus Jacqueline headed to the mkt in Congleiano via the train. It was a delight of the senses especially in the seafood section of the market. Most of the fish are completely intact - you should have seen the kids eyes. Then, there was a bag full of live crabs and we watched one escape. One of the shop keepers picked it back up and threw it back in the bag, but not without taunting the kids with it. We ate gelato twice, I think.
The Texans brought unseasonably warm and sunny weather with them.
Our other guests arrived and we sat on our porch drinking prosecco and eating cheese on a glorious fall day.
Saturday morning we all packed up and headed to Lake Bled. Trish was a real trooper b/c the front door to the BMW isn't working and she crawled in and out the window anytime we stopped. Oh...it was funny. Before we went off to Bled, we had a tour of the mosaic school in Spilimbergo. It was enjoyed by all. The drive to Bled through the Alps was spectacular. The fall colors were in full display. Last time I went to Bled, it rained most of the time so it was great to go in perfect weather. Claudia said it was one of the most beautiful places she has ever been - just out of a storybook.
We all got to ring the bell of the church again. We also ate dinner at the same place we did in June. Everyone's food was delish and a nice change from pasta. Patrick couldn't believe the beer. Our meal was only 108 euro for all of us (and on Thursday lunch was 90 euros) so as you can see, Slovenia is a much better deal than Italy! The next day, we all did our own thing. Michael and Jacqueline did the luge (pics to follow) down a mountain side. She was screaming with delight all the way down. I was so proud of her as I would have been screaming something else.
We all piled back in the cars and headed home. We went to eat pizza again in Dardago as no one could get enough on Friday night.
Okay, it's beautiful outside again, so I will continue this post later.
Sunday 7 September 2008
Yes, this is my life
I just got home - 10 o'clock Sunday night when I was suppose to be home Friday night at 7. What happened you ask? or maybe not, but I'm telling you anyway.
We had a very long wait at BWI, but the USO was terrific and stayed open late for our flight.
We trekked to our terminal at 10 to see if we would get on our military hop back to Aviano. They started calling names as to who got on and at 11:15 they said the flight was closed without calling our name. I thankfully found a terrific woman who is married to a man stationed here and she and I remained optimistic that we would get on. The scoop was that 50 active duty members didn't show and if they didn't come by midnight, we would get their seats. Sure enough, they called our name at midnight. We cried "YIPEE" and got on the plane and left. All probably within 45 minutes of our name being called.
The flight was good until the last 2 hours. I had a wonderful active duty member going to Doha sitting by me. Please pray for her as she is leaving behind her young family until February and her youngest just started Kindgergarten. God knew to put her by me.
What happened you ask? Jacqueline started throwing up - out of nowhere. I grabbed the blankets, anything I could find as I was pretty bleary-eyed. I'm handing Julia to my fellow passenger. I get Jacqueline cleaned up. I think we are okay the she starts again. Julia to the passenger next to me and everyone handing blankets again. This time her clothes are a mess. I only put Julia's clothes in the backpack at my feet and Jacqueline's are in her suitcase above our heads. Well, I can't get the bin open. No one can get the bin open. We'll have to smell this until we land. The wonderful flight attendant brings me washcloths, water, blankets etc. and I discover she has also pooped all over the seat.
No, it's not over. Julia has to join the act and throw up too! Then just before we land or maybe as we land, Jacqueline throws up again!!!!!!
Someone finally get the bin open after we land, we change her clothes and are the last ones off the plane. I am apologizing and thanking everyone. At least this happened on a military flight and everyone was soo good to us. Except "the man." I get off the plane and am directed to a room for a briefing for those going on to Aviano. I am sternly talked to b/c I missed the briefing. Well, I sternly told him back that my daughter had been throwing up and I thought it would be a good idea to get her cleaned up as they didn't want throw-up all over the room or maybe even on them.
Okay, we are an hour away from getting back on the plane. Jacqueline and Julia haven't thrown-up in the last 15 minutes. SCORE.
I am so wrong.
I get it, but, out the other end. Sorry, I know, not polite, but it's part of this saga. I seriously was just standing there watching them play. Thankfully, I am wearing black knit pants. Try cleaning yourself up in a bathroom with two small children when you hope they aren't calling your flight to be boarded.
Except... this isn't what happens. No. No. Instead, your flight gets delayed for an undetermined time and they are going to shuttle all 300 of you to a nearby hotel and take you to dinner.
You just have to laugh at this point. I don't have any Prosecco or Linda or Dawn or Amy or Jen or Tina or anyone - so I just keep laughing.
But the heavens part and the angels sing as I am waddling to the buses, Michael has sent his counterpart at Ramstein to save me. He tells me a hotel reservation on base has been made and he had snacks and drinks for the girls in his van..just right there. Michael doesn't know I am sick or the girls have been sick - we haven't spoken.
Jeff drops me off wanting to take me to the Commissary etc., but I beg off. I just want to get cleaned up and the girls cleaned up and sleep...forever. I walk in the door of our place get cleaned up and go to bed. I put the snacks and drinks where the girls can reach them and put a movie in. Jacqueline told me in the morning how she took really good care of Julia. I saw them both in bed at one point. I was horribly ill all night and in a fetal position when Michael came in. He drove up to Ramstein (9-10 hour drive) to get us.
On the way home we saw three spectacular rainbows in the Alps. All is well and we are safe at home again.
We had a very long wait at BWI, but the USO was terrific and stayed open late for our flight.
We trekked to our terminal at 10 to see if we would get on our military hop back to Aviano. They started calling names as to who got on and at 11:15 they said the flight was closed without calling our name. I thankfully found a terrific woman who is married to a man stationed here and she and I remained optimistic that we would get on. The scoop was that 50 active duty members didn't show and if they didn't come by midnight, we would get their seats. Sure enough, they called our name at midnight. We cried "YIPEE" and got on the plane and left. All probably within 45 minutes of our name being called.
The flight was good until the last 2 hours. I had a wonderful active duty member going to Doha sitting by me. Please pray for her as she is leaving behind her young family until February and her youngest just started Kindgergarten. God knew to put her by me.
What happened you ask? Jacqueline started throwing up - out of nowhere. I grabbed the blankets, anything I could find as I was pretty bleary-eyed. I'm handing Julia to my fellow passenger. I get Jacqueline cleaned up. I think we are okay the she starts again. Julia to the passenger next to me and everyone handing blankets again. This time her clothes are a mess. I only put Julia's clothes in the backpack at my feet and Jacqueline's are in her suitcase above our heads. Well, I can't get the bin open. No one can get the bin open. We'll have to smell this until we land. The wonderful flight attendant brings me washcloths, water, blankets etc. and I discover she has also pooped all over the seat.
No, it's not over. Julia has to join the act and throw up too! Then just before we land or maybe as we land, Jacqueline throws up again!!!!!!
Someone finally get the bin open after we land, we change her clothes and are the last ones off the plane. I am apologizing and thanking everyone. At least this happened on a military flight and everyone was soo good to us. Except "the man." I get off the plane and am directed to a room for a briefing for those going on to Aviano. I am sternly talked to b/c I missed the briefing. Well, I sternly told him back that my daughter had been throwing up and I thought it would be a good idea to get her cleaned up as they didn't want throw-up all over the room or maybe even on them.
Okay, we are an hour away from getting back on the plane. Jacqueline and Julia haven't thrown-up in the last 15 minutes. SCORE.
I am so wrong.
I get it, but, out the other end. Sorry, I know, not polite, but it's part of this saga. I seriously was just standing there watching them play. Thankfully, I am wearing black knit pants. Try cleaning yourself up in a bathroom with two small children when you hope they aren't calling your flight to be boarded.
Except... this isn't what happens. No. No. Instead, your flight gets delayed for an undetermined time and they are going to shuttle all 300 of you to a nearby hotel and take you to dinner.
You just have to laugh at this point. I don't have any Prosecco or Linda or Dawn or Amy or Jen or Tina or anyone - so I just keep laughing.
But the heavens part and the angels sing as I am waddling to the buses, Michael has sent his counterpart at Ramstein to save me. He tells me a hotel reservation on base has been made and he had snacks and drinks for the girls in his van..just right there. Michael doesn't know I am sick or the girls have been sick - we haven't spoken.
Jeff drops me off wanting to take me to the Commissary etc., but I beg off. I just want to get cleaned up and the girls cleaned up and sleep...forever. I walk in the door of our place get cleaned up and go to bed. I put the snacks and drinks where the girls can reach them and put a movie in. Jacqueline told me in the morning how she took really good care of Julia. I saw them both in bed at one point. I was horribly ill all night and in a fetal position when Michael came in. He drove up to Ramstein (9-10 hour drive) to get us.
On the way home we saw three spectacular rainbows in the Alps. All is well and we are safe at home again.
Monday 18 August 2008
Yes, there is still life in Italy
Okay. Every day I see this woman - she's at least 65, if not 70. She rides everywhere on her scooter. I've never seen her walking. I saw her last night at 11pm and today at 9am. She is always wearing a navy blue windbreaker. I must know who she is although she always seems to be scowling.
Jacqueline and I have had some unexpected magical evenings. Last Monday night she and I went for a walk in our village after we had dinner. We happened to stumble upon a bocce ball tournament (where the throw the balls at a smaller red ball). It was high excitement in our little town. They had a little food court with watermelon, cheese and wine! We enjoyed sitting on the benches and walking the determination of the players. Jacqueline was in her Cinderella dress. All the Italians had to speak with her and she spoke right back with such confidence! They thought it was incredible.
Last night (it's a holiday here this weekend) there was a festival in Dardago. I went up to get our pizza's as Michael was busy with fantasy football. There was a donkey in our square, a photography exhibit and they were hitting pinatas at the school (made out of terracotta pots). The kids had to wear bicycle helmets and all the Italians were yelling very loudly which way to go to find the pot. It was hysterical. Jacqueline and I came back up for a concert in our 700 yr old church. I try to find any excuse to go in it b/c it is breathtaking. A quartet of women were singing. Their voices with the acoustics were mezmerizing. I have really missed music. We just sat in the crowded church with our eyes closed and listened.
Jacqueline and I then headed to the Asilo to see an art exhibit and for her to play on the playground. We always walk by the Asilo and she always wants to play. I haven't figured out why the Italian slides hurl the kids down at such a fast speed, but they DO.
Jacqueline, Julia and I planted sunflowers earlier this summer and they are blooming. Some are 8 feet tall and the heads weigh 5 plus pounds. Our Italian garden looks terrific. I will post pictures soon.
Our landlord was coming over to our house every day at 8:15. He usually needed to get into the house too. Two of the times I am trying to get the girls out of the house to go to the beach. I don't have the language skills to tell him this and rushing an Italian just doesn't occur. He also seemed to know when my house wasn't picked-up. He doesn't have children nor is he married so...
But our a/c is installed and we can sleep at night. Three cheers for a small victory.
I can't belive I almost forgot to write about my adventure last week - all in one day. Do you ever have one of those days? Well, now that I am 40, I have to get a mammogram annually so I went for mine. I knew the tech b/c her daughter had recently pummled Jacqueline at a birthday party. Thankfully, all is well (with myself and Jacqueline). After this, I went to the post office at the other area of the base and none of my credit cards would work. I went to the three ATMs and they were all out of order. Sooo... I went to get money from Michael and, seriously now, right when I drove up, Michael cut his hand open on a piece of glass. I rushed back over to the hospital with him where I had just had my boobs squished. He is fine by the way.
You think the day would end there, but no, it is only 11:30. I pick up Jacqueline from the sitters and all she does is scream for the next 2 hours at me. Your guess is as good as mine.
Finally, Michael gets home and I am off to Linda's for Bible Study. Well, on my way there, I get lollipop'ed. This is when the the Italian military police stop you by holding out a red circle on a stick. I am thinking, "what have I done?" Absolutely nothing. Yes, absolutely nothing.
What do I do next? If you've been reading my blogs, you know.
I walk into the door at Linda's, fall on the floor, and yell: "Prosecco."
Jacqueline and I have had some unexpected magical evenings. Last Monday night she and I went for a walk in our village after we had dinner. We happened to stumble upon a bocce ball tournament (where the throw the balls at a smaller red ball). It was high excitement in our little town. They had a little food court with watermelon, cheese and wine! We enjoyed sitting on the benches and walking the determination of the players. Jacqueline was in her Cinderella dress. All the Italians had to speak with her and she spoke right back with such confidence! They thought it was incredible.
Last night (it's a holiday here this weekend) there was a festival in Dardago. I went up to get our pizza's as Michael was busy with fantasy football. There was a donkey in our square, a photography exhibit and they were hitting pinatas at the school (made out of terracotta pots). The kids had to wear bicycle helmets and all the Italians were yelling very loudly which way to go to find the pot. It was hysterical. Jacqueline and I came back up for a concert in our 700 yr old church. I try to find any excuse to go in it b/c it is breathtaking. A quartet of women were singing. Their voices with the acoustics were mezmerizing. I have really missed music. We just sat in the crowded church with our eyes closed and listened.
Jacqueline and I then headed to the Asilo to see an art exhibit and for her to play on the playground. We always walk by the Asilo and she always wants to play. I haven't figured out why the Italian slides hurl the kids down at such a fast speed, but they DO.
Jacqueline, Julia and I planted sunflowers earlier this summer and they are blooming. Some are 8 feet tall and the heads weigh 5 plus pounds. Our Italian garden looks terrific. I will post pictures soon.
Our landlord was coming over to our house every day at 8:15. He usually needed to get into the house too. Two of the times I am trying to get the girls out of the house to go to the beach. I don't have the language skills to tell him this and rushing an Italian just doesn't occur. He also seemed to know when my house wasn't picked-up. He doesn't have children nor is he married so...
But our a/c is installed and we can sleep at night. Three cheers for a small victory.
I can't belive I almost forgot to write about my adventure last week - all in one day. Do you ever have one of those days? Well, now that I am 40, I have to get a mammogram annually so I went for mine. I knew the tech b/c her daughter had recently pummled Jacqueline at a birthday party. Thankfully, all is well (with myself and Jacqueline). After this, I went to the post office at the other area of the base and none of my credit cards would work. I went to the three ATMs and they were all out of order. Sooo... I went to get money from Michael and, seriously now, right when I drove up, Michael cut his hand open on a piece of glass. I rushed back over to the hospital with him where I had just had my boobs squished. He is fine by the way.
You think the day would end there, but no, it is only 11:30. I pick up Jacqueline from the sitters and all she does is scream for the next 2 hours at me. Your guess is as good as mine.
Finally, Michael gets home and I am off to Linda's for Bible Study. Well, on my way there, I get lollipop'ed. This is when the the Italian military police stop you by holding out a red circle on a stick. I am thinking, "what have I done?" Absolutely nothing. Yes, absolutely nothing.
What do I do next? If you've been reading my blogs, you know.
I walk into the door at Linda's, fall on the floor, and yell: "Prosecco."
Thursday 10 July 2008
4th of July etc.
We went to Croatia - Porec is the town. It was terrific. The water is truly turquoise. The beaches were rocky so it was a little bit of challenge with kiddos. We spent most of our time in the pool anyway. The food wasn't nearly as good as it was in Slovenia. We took a ferry ride to Porec from our hotel and it was fun being out on the Sea. I threw caution to the wind and wore a bikini.
Most of the people wear them in Europe. When I went to the beach the previous week I was the only person in a one piece. I love how the Europeans just don't care. The 70 yr old women were all in bikinis. The men, needless to say, were all in speedos. Yes, even the 70 yr olds. It was not a pretty picture. The Germans, who rarely see daylight, really really needed more fabric. I didn't see any black socks with sandals thankfully. And much to Michael's chagrin, only a few topless women.
Where did we get so hung up on body image? Celebrity? I don't know.
It finally cooled off this week. On Tuesday, it never got out of the 60's. Whoo hoo. I am still going and bugging the guy at housing to call my landlord to get a/c.
I'm back to my Italian tutoring - acccck. I have homework and all I want to do is play.
We are dog sitting for some friends. Jacqueline keeps walking the dog around the outside of the house. She had to eat lunch outside today with the dog and sleep with the dog on her bed.
4th of July was interesting here. It was like being in a small town. Michael played in a baseball game and then we had a dinner that evening with our Italian counterparts. We missed the fireworks as we drove on to Croatia. The girls looked cute in their 4th of July outfits. We certainly did miss being in the parade back at the lake in Dallas.
I ate lunch at Raffe's this week. One of the best meals I have had. We started with Prosecco. I can just stop there, right? We had her famous bruschetta, she fried zuccini flowers (one of the best things I have ever eaten - like the fried sage leaves), then orchetta pasta with zuccini and alot of garlic, turkey with a caper sauce along with sauted yellow peppers (and something else), and to top it off, homemade tiramisu.
Yes, Cheryl is working on a cookbook with Raffe. And, you must have it. It will be ready by Christmas. Start the drooling now.
Most of the people wear them in Europe. When I went to the beach the previous week I was the only person in a one piece. I love how the Europeans just don't care. The 70 yr old women were all in bikinis. The men, needless to say, were all in speedos. Yes, even the 70 yr olds. It was not a pretty picture. The Germans, who rarely see daylight, really really needed more fabric. I didn't see any black socks with sandals thankfully. And much to Michael's chagrin, only a few topless women.
Where did we get so hung up on body image? Celebrity? I don't know.
It finally cooled off this week. On Tuesday, it never got out of the 60's. Whoo hoo. I am still going and bugging the guy at housing to call my landlord to get a/c.
I'm back to my Italian tutoring - acccck. I have homework and all I want to do is play.
We are dog sitting for some friends. Jacqueline keeps walking the dog around the outside of the house. She had to eat lunch outside today with the dog and sleep with the dog on her bed.
4th of July was interesting here. It was like being in a small town. Michael played in a baseball game and then we had a dinner that evening with our Italian counterparts. We missed the fireworks as we drove on to Croatia. The girls looked cute in their 4th of July outfits. We certainly did miss being in the parade back at the lake in Dallas.
I ate lunch at Raffe's this week. One of the best meals I have had. We started with Prosecco. I can just stop there, right? We had her famous bruschetta, she fried zuccini flowers (one of the best things I have ever eaten - like the fried sage leaves), then orchetta pasta with zuccini and alot of garlic, turkey with a caper sauce along with sauted yellow peppers (and something else), and to top it off, homemade tiramisu.
Yes, Cheryl is working on a cookbook with Raffe. And, you must have it. It will be ready by Christmas. Start the drooling now.
Tuesday 1 July 2008
Summer in Italy
Okay, so things have been busy, but that has come to a halt with our stifling 90+ degree temps. I guess people adapt to having no a/c, but it's hot. And why come to Europe in the summer? I don't get it unless you have school aged children. We sit in our house in the afternoon with all the windows shut including the blinds with the fans blowing on us. We also jump in and out of the pool or the slip n slide. I can't believe it is so hot b/c 2 1/2 weeks ago we still had snow on the mountains and our high was only 60. I had to pull my sweaters back out. One evening I couldn't believe my eyes that I saw snow on the mountains in Slovenia and I mean it was covered. The next morning our landlord confirmed that it had snowed over there (this is mid-June hello) and in Austria!
My partner in crime and her family left a few weeks ago. I miss you - it's too quiet here without you!!! Another friend left today and another will leave in August.
Okay, so in the middle of May we started having friends and family come. We had a terrific visit with a friend of mine from Austin and her new hubby. We did Prosecco Road one day and found a fabulous cantina. The woman was a riot. I took my parents back there. They did Venice and then moved onward.
My parents came in at the same time and we threw them in the car the day after they arrived. We headed to a very rainy Tuscany and then, thankfully, a very sunny Cinque Terre and Genova. Tuscany is incredible. The rain put a little damper on it (and it was very cool). We had one winery where the rain literally stopped when we drove up. The vinters are the 31st generation growing grapes here. Francesco was an excellent tour guide and host. The grandfather maintains the American cemetery in Florence either once a week or once a month. We sat overlooking the vineyard eating salami, olive oil, bread and cheese; and of course, drinking a very fine Chianti. It was just one of those amazing days you have in your life. We also went to Siena, Volterra, Lucca, Montepulciano and some villages in the Chianti region. I ran into a Texas Tech person who was in DC the same time I was! We ran into him again in Cinque Terre. A friend of mine said the light is different in Tuscany. It is true. Add some poppies in with the blossoming grapevines and... whew.
We moved onto Cinque Terre and stayed in a 14th century farmhouse near La Spezia. We headed to Cinque Terre which are 5 towns on the Mediterranean protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site. You can easily walk between the first two towns (along and sometimes over the sea). Breathtaking!!! My daughter decided in one of the villages that she had to swim - she ran in with all of her clothes on and entertained the crowd by jumping up in down in the water. I will add as an aside that we went to a terrific beach on the Adratic last week so JD went swimming in the Adriatic and Med within 5 weeks. Pretty cool! We also visited the aquarium in Genova. It is a huge city especially when driving a Tahoe. It was a great aquarium (of course, not like the one in Atlanta etc.) so we were pleasantly surprised. JD is really missing "museums." We ate dinner in Santa Margaurite Ligure. It is a beautiful town also on the sea. Mom and Dad enjoyed getting their fill of seafood.
The last day we traveled to Portevenere, another seaside town. It was so different than the others, b/c it had some old fort ruins. It definitely wasn't as touristy so I think it ended up being all of our favorites'. We took a boat ride too.
I took mom and dad to Prosecco Road and then Mel and family came in too so we had a house full. We took a short trip to Lake Bled in Slovenia. I highly recommend Slovenia as the food is great and most of the people speak English. Over 55% of the country is forested. The only new drawback is they are making you buy a toll tag to drive on the autostrada for 35 euros (it lasts for 6 months). We took the boat out to the island with the little church on it. The girls all took turns ringing the bell 3 x for good luck. We took a horse drawn carriage up to the castle the following day. It was the only time it was sunny during our whole trip!
We also ventured to Sacile, Trieste, and Venice. Plus we took the girls to the butterfly house in Bordano. This town was destroyed by the 76 earthquake and they rebuilt it. The townspeople built the butterfly house in honor of their town in symbolizim. Many of the houses had butterfly murals painted on them.
I know there is more and I will publish pictures of our terrific trips soon. We are headed to Croatia. YEAH. I'll have to start planning where we go next.
Oh, and yes, this Dallas shopping girl is very excited that the new mall in Pordenone opened. It's terrific (okay, not by Dallas shopping standards) for us.
Michael threw a great surprise 40th celebration for me while we had all the company here. He did a terrific job. I am still in awe that my g'friend, and fellow Texan, had it as her hubby just returned from Iraq the week before. It's that military/Texan combo.
WOW.
It isn't letting me edit the post so please excuse the spelling - I am typing while I have 5 minutes!
My partner in crime and her family left a few weeks ago. I miss you - it's too quiet here without you!!! Another friend left today and another will leave in August.
Okay, so in the middle of May we started having friends and family come. We had a terrific visit with a friend of mine from Austin and her new hubby. We did Prosecco Road one day and found a fabulous cantina. The woman was a riot. I took my parents back there. They did Venice and then moved onward.
My parents came in at the same time and we threw them in the car the day after they arrived. We headed to a very rainy Tuscany and then, thankfully, a very sunny Cinque Terre and Genova. Tuscany is incredible. The rain put a little damper on it (and it was very cool). We had one winery where the rain literally stopped when we drove up. The vinters are the 31st generation growing grapes here. Francesco was an excellent tour guide and host. The grandfather maintains the American cemetery in Florence either once a week or once a month. We sat overlooking the vineyard eating salami, olive oil, bread and cheese; and of course, drinking a very fine Chianti. It was just one of those amazing days you have in your life. We also went to Siena, Volterra, Lucca, Montepulciano and some villages in the Chianti region. I ran into a Texas Tech person who was in DC the same time I was! We ran into him again in Cinque Terre. A friend of mine said the light is different in Tuscany. It is true. Add some poppies in with the blossoming grapevines and... whew.
We moved onto Cinque Terre and stayed in a 14th century farmhouse near La Spezia. We headed to Cinque Terre which are 5 towns on the Mediterranean protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site. You can easily walk between the first two towns (along and sometimes over the sea). Breathtaking!!! My daughter decided in one of the villages that she had to swim - she ran in with all of her clothes on and entertained the crowd by jumping up in down in the water. I will add as an aside that we went to a terrific beach on the Adratic last week so JD went swimming in the Adriatic and Med within 5 weeks. Pretty cool! We also visited the aquarium in Genova. It is a huge city especially when driving a Tahoe. It was a great aquarium (of course, not like the one in Atlanta etc.) so we were pleasantly surprised. JD is really missing "museums." We ate dinner in Santa Margaurite Ligure. It is a beautiful town also on the sea. Mom and Dad enjoyed getting their fill of seafood.
The last day we traveled to Portevenere, another seaside town. It was so different than the others, b/c it had some old fort ruins. It definitely wasn't as touristy so I think it ended up being all of our favorites'. We took a boat ride too.
I took mom and dad to Prosecco Road and then Mel and family came in too so we had a house full. We took a short trip to Lake Bled in Slovenia. I highly recommend Slovenia as the food is great and most of the people speak English. Over 55% of the country is forested. The only new drawback is they are making you buy a toll tag to drive on the autostrada for 35 euros (it lasts for 6 months). We took the boat out to the island with the little church on it. The girls all took turns ringing the bell 3 x for good luck. We took a horse drawn carriage up to the castle the following day. It was the only time it was sunny during our whole trip!
We also ventured to Sacile, Trieste, and Venice. Plus we took the girls to the butterfly house in Bordano. This town was destroyed by the 76 earthquake and they rebuilt it. The townspeople built the butterfly house in honor of their town in symbolizim. Many of the houses had butterfly murals painted on them.
I know there is more and I will publish pictures of our terrific trips soon. We are headed to Croatia. YEAH. I'll have to start planning where we go next.
Oh, and yes, this Dallas shopping girl is very excited that the new mall in Pordenone opened. It's terrific (okay, not by Dallas shopping standards) for us.
Michael threw a great surprise 40th celebration for me while we had all the company here. He did a terrific job. I am still in awe that my g'friend, and fellow Texan, had it as her hubby just returned from Iraq the week before. It's that military/Texan combo.
WOW.
It isn't letting me edit the post so please excuse the spelling - I am typing while I have 5 minutes!
Thursday 15 May 2008
I will write more later, but you have to see my SCORE at Nove. I got this same platter for 5euros - http://www.tiffany.com/Shopping/Item.aspx?sku=15251646&mcat=148208&cid=316225&search_params=s+5-p+1-c+316225-r+-x+-n+6-ri+-ni+0-t+
It has a very very tiny flaw that isn't noticeable. It does say Tiffany on the back. You know I am a Harvey shopper. Whoo Hoo.
Amy and I went to Nove on Friday so she could get a last few things. We saw a Prosecco sign and immediately had to stop! We went in and for the first time I saw where you go get your bottles filled up. It was a riot watching the guys come in with their gas cans filling them up with wine. I got a fairly big size bottle for 3 euros. It looks like a gas station for wine (about 8 different kinds).
We had a terrific pasta lunch with some more Prosecco.
Mom and Dad arrived today and some friends from Austin arrived the other day. We had a great time again on Prosecco road and ate at a terrific restaurant around the corner from me. I had pork with a red pepper sauce.
Monday, for my 40th, we ate dinner at Raffe's. It was delish! She made a terrific appetizer with eggplant. I am loving eggplant here as they just season it so differently. She made a pork dish with mustard glaze. Yummy.
Amy and I hit the mall in Udine.
It has a very very tiny flaw that isn't noticeable. It does say Tiffany on the back. You know I am a Harvey shopper. Whoo Hoo.
Amy and I went to Nove on Friday so she could get a last few things. We saw a Prosecco sign and immediately had to stop! We went in and for the first time I saw where you go get your bottles filled up. It was a riot watching the guys come in with their gas cans filling them up with wine. I got a fairly big size bottle for 3 euros. It looks like a gas station for wine (about 8 different kinds).
We had a terrific pasta lunch with some more Prosecco.
Mom and Dad arrived today and some friends from Austin arrived the other day. We had a great time again on Prosecco road and ate at a terrific restaurant around the corner from me. I had pork with a red pepper sauce.
Monday, for my 40th, we ate dinner at Raffe's. It was delish! She made a terrific appetizer with eggplant. I am loving eggplant here as they just season it so differently. She made a pork dish with mustard glaze. Yummy.
Amy and I hit the mall in Udine.
Saturday 3 May 2008
It doesn't stop raining
Rain, Rain, go away, come again some other day. I can't tell you how much it has rained. Even Jacqueline lamented, "I wish it would stop raining." My rain boots, I must say, have been the best shoe purchase I have ever made.
We haven't done much of anything due to the immense amount of rain. Now, I wish I had a rain gauge! I can't even get our playground put together. We did have a few pockets of sunshine. Jacqueline and I planted sunflowers along our fence. You must have sunflowers if you live in Italy, right? We'll see how they do! We did discover the biggest earthworm I have ever seen and can't believe exists. I wish I had taken a picture, but we were so entranced by it. It was at least a foot and a half long and about as wide as two of my fingers.
You also must have geraniums. Supposedly, they repel mosquitoes, but with all this rain, we'll see about that!
We've discovered how superstitious the Italians are. And furthermore, it really isn't superstition, it's just they follow the moon. A friend of mine's husband explained to me, if I get a green tomato, it's b/c it was planted at the wrong time (according to the lunar calendar). You want to plant certain things while the moon is rising, not going down. It is why my neighbor, Angelo, told me not to plant my tomatoes until the 5th of May. You also couldn't put out your geraniums until a certain day. And supposedly, you must bring them in on All Saints Day. I am enjoying learning the rhythms of Italian life and discovering there is a little more reason behind their choices.
I also found out two more interesting factoids. The mountains behind us were all "skinned" not too long ago. It was farmland, but when the farms weren't being productive, they turned the mountain back to itself and it became forested.
I can see the beautiful town lights of Mezzamonte from my bedroom (well, in the winter). I met someone who grew up in this town and he told me the true story (and not the American version). During WWII, the Nazi's were getting raided by a group of people whose name starts with a "P." They would bomb the Nazi's in the flatlands, then run into the mountains. The Nazi's thought the town of Mezzamonte was hiding the people so they went to the town and gathered the people up (Including this friends parents) and took them the cemetery. They had their truck full of guns to execute them, but a lone captain came forward and said that "these people had nothing to do with the group and weren't hiding them." The Nazi's released the people. This event is frescoed on the ceiling of the church. I can't wait to go see it.
As I said, yesterday it did stop raining. We were over at Amy's as the girls didn't go to school. Gabby had slammed her fingers in the car door and Jacqueline didn't want to go to school w/o Gabby. Of course, this has to happen as we are leaving. Jacqueline takes her final run around the house and slams into an open shutter. Their son was a hero yelling for us. She came around the corner bleeding from her head profusely. I just stopped as it looked horrible. Luckily, Amy has been through this a time or two, including the previous day, so she gave me good direction. I seriously got down on my knees for a long time last night thanking God that this happened at her house b/c she called one of their friends who came over to look at it (his daughter went to school with Jacqueline). He took her up to the hospital on base and stitched her up. She was so brave. I would have had to have driven her to Pordenone ER and waited for who knows how long and had to wait for a translator. Plus they wouldn't have stitched it up as well as he did. He was very concerned about it leaving a scar. Guess who gets to take them out? Yes, me.
The poppies are blooming and the tulips are slowly returning back to earth. Irises are everywhere. Spring is beautiful. I will become a convert here and say spring is my favorite season.
We haven't done much of anything due to the immense amount of rain. Now, I wish I had a rain gauge! I can't even get our playground put together. We did have a few pockets of sunshine. Jacqueline and I planted sunflowers along our fence. You must have sunflowers if you live in Italy, right? We'll see how they do! We did discover the biggest earthworm I have ever seen and can't believe exists. I wish I had taken a picture, but we were so entranced by it. It was at least a foot and a half long and about as wide as two of my fingers.
You also must have geraniums. Supposedly, they repel mosquitoes, but with all this rain, we'll see about that!
We've discovered how superstitious the Italians are. And furthermore, it really isn't superstition, it's just they follow the moon. A friend of mine's husband explained to me, if I get a green tomato, it's b/c it was planted at the wrong time (according to the lunar calendar). You want to plant certain things while the moon is rising, not going down. It is why my neighbor, Angelo, told me not to plant my tomatoes until the 5th of May. You also couldn't put out your geraniums until a certain day. And supposedly, you must bring them in on All Saints Day. I am enjoying learning the rhythms of Italian life and discovering there is a little more reason behind their choices.
I also found out two more interesting factoids. The mountains behind us were all "skinned" not too long ago. It was farmland, but when the farms weren't being productive, they turned the mountain back to itself and it became forested.
I can see the beautiful town lights of Mezzamonte from my bedroom (well, in the winter). I met someone who grew up in this town and he told me the true story (and not the American version). During WWII, the Nazi's were getting raided by a group of people whose name starts with a "P." They would bomb the Nazi's in the flatlands, then run into the mountains. The Nazi's thought the town of Mezzamonte was hiding the people so they went to the town and gathered the people up (Including this friends parents) and took them the cemetery. They had their truck full of guns to execute them, but a lone captain came forward and said that "these people had nothing to do with the group and weren't hiding them." The Nazi's released the people. This event is frescoed on the ceiling of the church. I can't wait to go see it.
As I said, yesterday it did stop raining. We were over at Amy's as the girls didn't go to school. Gabby had slammed her fingers in the car door and Jacqueline didn't want to go to school w/o Gabby. Of course, this has to happen as we are leaving. Jacqueline takes her final run around the house and slams into an open shutter. Their son was a hero yelling for us. She came around the corner bleeding from her head profusely. I just stopped as it looked horrible. Luckily, Amy has been through this a time or two, including the previous day, so she gave me good direction. I seriously got down on my knees for a long time last night thanking God that this happened at her house b/c she called one of their friends who came over to look at it (his daughter went to school with Jacqueline). He took her up to the hospital on base and stitched her up. She was so brave. I would have had to have driven her to Pordenone ER and waited for who knows how long and had to wait for a translator. Plus they wouldn't have stitched it up as well as he did. He was very concerned about it leaving a scar. Guess who gets to take them out? Yes, me.
The poppies are blooming and the tulips are slowly returning back to earth. Irises are everywhere. Spring is beautiful. I will become a convert here and say spring is my favorite season.
Friday 11 April 2008
Rainy weather, gardening and fun
We haven't had the Internet for 10 days, and I was in serious withdrawal. So much has happened and spring has finally sprung here (still with much rain). And no, I still don't speak Italian.
Highlights:
Jacqueline turned 4!!!! I use to pretend cry when she was 3 saying, "you'll be 4 soon." She would say in return, "but I'm not 4 yet so you can't cry." Well, I did my pretend cry the other day about her turning 4, and she said to me, "it's okay, you can cry all you want now."
My college roommate and dear friend, Jennifer, and her husband and 8 yr.-old came to visit for a week. I hate to tell everyone this, but they have set the bar for visitors insurmountably high. Terrific guests - Drew did the majority of the cooking, they learned the important Italian words, game for anything, loads of fun and my house was so much cleaner than it has been, and much much more. We had a ball and discovered a few gems around here. And Drew, remember it's Grappa not Groppo (which is what Italian men do to women). I'll drink a sgropino and think of our visit and your eventual return. They (Jennifer and Drew and Benjamin) will tell you that you are missing out on not coming (and don't fly into Milan and don't bring travelers checks).
The Easter Bunny here doesn't bring toys per se, he brings big chocolate eggs filled with toys. The chocolate was incredible and the eggs so beautiful.
We went to Lake Garda last weekend for JD's birthday. We take her to an amusement park for her birthday so this time it was Gardaland! I have never walked right into an amusement park, but we did this time and on a Saturday too! It was nice and clean, but my heart still belongs to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. Next year, we may head to Legoland. We certainly enjoyed a terrific dinner at Lake Garda and tasting the Bardolino wine.
My g'friend is leaving soon, and has depleted her wine cellar, so we went wine tasting on Wednesday in the Collio region of Italy (an hour from here on the Slovenian border) to replenish it. It was a fabulous day with some terrific wine! I did Prosecco road with Jennifer and Drew, which was just beautiful. One of the cantinas/wineries this old Italian woman, straight out of the movies was there assisting us. She took care of Benjamin, giving him juice and crackers then, of course, she had to pinch his cheeks. It was so quintessential Italy.
Oh, and when we went to Prosecco Road, in the Veneto region, their culinary specialty is horse. Yes, we all had a bite of horse for lunch. It was okay, a bit tough. Drew's cheese that was made at the restaurant was spectacular as was the risotto with white asparagus. Wednesday, Amy and I picked up white asparagus that had been picked 2 hours previously. I cooked it that night and it was delish!
I met another neighbor this week. Angelo lives near me and has a terrific vegetable garden. We spoke of the delights of minestrone. The next day, he came over with incredible veggies to make minestrone with! He is 75 and spoke English better than I speak Italian! The men here dress so dapper. Angelo was wearing a hat like my g'father wore with a nice shirt, sweater and pants. You rarely see men in jeans or tennis shoes.
My landlord came over the other day to trim the trees. We had a big pantomime act going on b/c the Italians just lop off the trees on top, on the side, and down below. Sometimes, they don't even resemble trees after this massacre. Can you tell I have a thing about trees? I didn't want him to trim too much as a) it looks bad, in my opinion and b) Julia is very fair skinned so I'd like some shade. I "won" on some of the trees, but not the others. He did, however, plant 5 rose bushes!
Oh, and my funny story of the month is that I made cupcakes for Jacqueline's class the day of her birthday. I put them in the front seat of the car. Now, I am not a baker and this is not my thing, but we as moms make certain sacrifices for the love of our children. As I was saying, I put them in my front seat. Well, Jacqueline is so excited to see Gabby on her birthday that she unbuckles herself and climbs into the seat and proceeds to sit on the cupcakes. Gabby's Mom, who has a wonderful Southern accent, asks me if they are salvageable. As my eyes are turning red, I open the door, and she says, "Oh my, I guess not," since the pan is totally demolished. I had to laugh all the way to school b/c of the way it was said in her accent. I gave them to her class anyway, but didn't know how to tell the teacher that Jacqueline sat on them. Probably a good thing.
Highlights:
Jacqueline turned 4!!!! I use to pretend cry when she was 3 saying, "you'll be 4 soon." She would say in return, "but I'm not 4 yet so you can't cry." Well, I did my pretend cry the other day about her turning 4, and she said to me, "it's okay, you can cry all you want now."
My college roommate and dear friend, Jennifer, and her husband and 8 yr.-old came to visit for a week. I hate to tell everyone this, but they have set the bar for visitors insurmountably high. Terrific guests - Drew did the majority of the cooking, they learned the important Italian words, game for anything, loads of fun and my house was so much cleaner than it has been, and much much more. We had a ball and discovered a few gems around here. And Drew, remember it's Grappa not Groppo (which is what Italian men do to women). I'll drink a sgropino and think of our visit and your eventual return. They (Jennifer and Drew and Benjamin) will tell you that you are missing out on not coming (and don't fly into Milan and don't bring travelers checks).
The Easter Bunny here doesn't bring toys per se, he brings big chocolate eggs filled with toys. The chocolate was incredible and the eggs so beautiful.
We went to Lake Garda last weekend for JD's birthday. We take her to an amusement park for her birthday so this time it was Gardaland! I have never walked right into an amusement park, but we did this time and on a Saturday too! It was nice and clean, but my heart still belongs to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. Next year, we may head to Legoland. We certainly enjoyed a terrific dinner at Lake Garda and tasting the Bardolino wine.
My g'friend is leaving soon, and has depleted her wine cellar, so we went wine tasting on Wednesday in the Collio region of Italy (an hour from here on the Slovenian border) to replenish it. It was a fabulous day with some terrific wine! I did Prosecco road with Jennifer and Drew, which was just beautiful. One of the cantinas/wineries this old Italian woman, straight out of the movies was there assisting us. She took care of Benjamin, giving him juice and crackers then, of course, she had to pinch his cheeks. It was so quintessential Italy.
Oh, and when we went to Prosecco Road, in the Veneto region, their culinary specialty is horse. Yes, we all had a bite of horse for lunch. It was okay, a bit tough. Drew's cheese that was made at the restaurant was spectacular as was the risotto with white asparagus. Wednesday, Amy and I picked up white asparagus that had been picked 2 hours previously. I cooked it that night and it was delish!
I met another neighbor this week. Angelo lives near me and has a terrific vegetable garden. We spoke of the delights of minestrone. The next day, he came over with incredible veggies to make minestrone with! He is 75 and spoke English better than I speak Italian! The men here dress so dapper. Angelo was wearing a hat like my g'father wore with a nice shirt, sweater and pants. You rarely see men in jeans or tennis shoes.
My landlord came over the other day to trim the trees. We had a big pantomime act going on b/c the Italians just lop off the trees on top, on the side, and down below. Sometimes, they don't even resemble trees after this massacre. Can you tell I have a thing about trees? I didn't want him to trim too much as a) it looks bad, in my opinion and b) Julia is very fair skinned so I'd like some shade. I "won" on some of the trees, but not the others. He did, however, plant 5 rose bushes!
Oh, and my funny story of the month is that I made cupcakes for Jacqueline's class the day of her birthday. I put them in the front seat of the car. Now, I am not a baker and this is not my thing, but we as moms make certain sacrifices for the love of our children. As I was saying, I put them in my front seat. Well, Jacqueline is so excited to see Gabby on her birthday that she unbuckles herself and climbs into the seat and proceeds to sit on the cupcakes. Gabby's Mom, who has a wonderful Southern accent, asks me if they are salvageable. As my eyes are turning red, I open the door, and she says, "Oh my, I guess not," since the pan is totally demolished. I had to laugh all the way to school b/c of the way it was said in her accent. I gave them to her class anyway, but didn't know how to tell the teacher that Jacqueline sat on them. Probably a good thing.
Saturday 15 March 2008
Flower show
Last Sunday, Jacqueline and I went to the Pordenone flower show. It was just like a home and garden show back in the states. She had to dress the part including flowery underwear! Thankfully, you won't be seeing that. Note the flower shirt, flower coat, flower shoes and flower skirt!
She sat on tractors, looked in motorhomes, had a butterfly land on her and we got shoved around a bit (the Italians don't like lines). We purchased a lemon tree, some strawberry bushes and a basket.
Yesterday, one of my girlfriends who is leaving this summer took me a on a field trip. We went to a bunch of stores and saw a terrific artist who paints easter egg ornaments and the like. Easter Egg trees are big here. I now have one, thanks to another friend. My other girlfriends took me to a store in Sacile that will stuff a big chocolate easter egg for you! Yum and fun all at the same time.
We also had a fabulous lunch by a stream. The rosemary bread was fresh and tasted just like rosemary bread should (we also had good cheese and eggplant on the sandwich along with a bottle of prosecco). Yummmm.
Friday 7 March 2008
Friday - snow
The day after our beautiful day on Monday, it snowed. I was out trimming the roses lamenting that the snow on the mountains was gone.
I went to Italian the next morning then to a friend's house. I was only in there 2 hours and when I walked outside it had dropped 10 degrees and it was snowing about 3/4 the way down the mountain. I was just in disbelief and hadn't dressed the kids accordingly. This is what happens when you don't have the weather channel.
Yesterday, my girlfriend Cheryl, who speaks fluent Italian, took me to the big supermercato (grocery store) to show and tell me what to buy. Let's just say at the end of my shopping trip, I had 151 euros worth of groceries in my cart! Julia, pictured above, is enjoying the Nutella, which is available is the states. If you haven't had it, get it. Today. Like Bridget, another friend says, it is like crack for chocoholics. It is made in all sorts of containers here for portability.
My girlfriend Amy came over today and really helped make my house a home. I am going to miss her when she leaves this summer (as many of my terrific friends are). We drank Prosecco and hung pictures - kind of dangerous, but they look straight and no one was injured.
The other day my neighbor's dog got out. He is such a sweetie, but has a really big bark. I was yelling at him to go home etc. for at least 5 minutes then I realized, I was yelling at him in English. Ummm...yeah... he's an Italian dog like that was going to work. I really hope none of my neighbors saw this.
The same night I had taken Jacqueline's headband (hot pink and orange) from her, but I had no where to put it but on my head. Yes, I went around talking to people the rest of this night with the headband on my head.
Where is that Prosecco?
I went to Italian the next morning then to a friend's house. I was only in there 2 hours and when I walked outside it had dropped 10 degrees and it was snowing about 3/4 the way down the mountain. I was just in disbelief and hadn't dressed the kids accordingly. This is what happens when you don't have the weather channel.
Yesterday, my girlfriend Cheryl, who speaks fluent Italian, took me to the big supermercato (grocery store) to show and tell me what to buy. Let's just say at the end of my shopping trip, I had 151 euros worth of groceries in my cart! Julia, pictured above, is enjoying the Nutella, which is available is the states. If you haven't had it, get it. Today. Like Bridget, another friend says, it is like crack for chocoholics. It is made in all sorts of containers here for portability.
My girlfriend Amy came over today and really helped make my house a home. I am going to miss her when she leaves this summer (as many of my terrific friends are). We drank Prosecco and hung pictures - kind of dangerous, but they look straight and no one was injured.
The other day my neighbor's dog got out. He is such a sweetie, but has a really big bark. I was yelling at him to go home etc. for at least 5 minutes then I realized, I was yelling at him in English. Ummm...yeah... he's an Italian dog like that was going to work. I really hope none of my neighbors saw this.
The same night I had taken Jacqueline's headband (hot pink and orange) from her, but I had no where to put it but on my head. Yes, I went around talking to people the rest of this night with the headband on my head.
Where is that Prosecco?
Monday 3 March 2008
Nothing much - again
It is finally sunny and about 60 degrees! I trimmed my roses today and I've been cleaning out the garage. We've truly been in a fog here for two weeks along with some drizzle. My neighbor told me today that it is suppose to rain tomorrow and get cold (I thankfully understood it - whew!). Well, I'm glad we took the girls to the playground yesterday.
Julia is loving reading. She woke up this morning and did the sign for books and pointed to her shelf. I love love love that is all she wants to do. It's terribly pathetic as she crawls around the house with a book in her hand looking for someone to read it to her. Awww.
Jacqueline has announced that she will never kiss a boy because it is too slobbery. Michael was glad about this pronouncement. She is wrapped up with turning 4 this month. Jacqueline and I love pulling over at the flight line and watch the planes take-off. Last week, we watch a plane take off full of men and women going downrange.
She wears her princess dress G'ma Cercone gave her everywhere. It's now ripped so I must become a seamstress so the princess can wear it again. It's pretty funny watching the Italian's expressions when she goes everywhere (including the pizzeria) in this dress and tiara with matching shoes, of course.
We had a welcome home party for two people in Michael's office who just came back from Iraq. Please remember those who are serving - I can't even begin to tell you how hard it is. Both of these terrific people have kiddos they left behind for four months.
I'm signing up for ItalianIII. I have no reason why I should be doing this since 1/2 the time I can't remember how to ask "How much does this cost?" or I speak in French. Still tutoring, but I must try since I live here and Jacqueline will be fluent soon enough.
Julia is loving reading. She woke up this morning and did the sign for books and pointed to her shelf. I love love love that is all she wants to do. It's terribly pathetic as she crawls around the house with a book in her hand looking for someone to read it to her. Awww.
Jacqueline has announced that she will never kiss a boy because it is too slobbery. Michael was glad about this pronouncement. She is wrapped up with turning 4 this month. Jacqueline and I love pulling over at the flight line and watch the planes take-off. Last week, we watch a plane take off full of men and women going downrange.
She wears her princess dress G'ma Cercone gave her everywhere. It's now ripped so I must become a seamstress so the princess can wear it again. It's pretty funny watching the Italian's expressions when she goes everywhere (including the pizzeria) in this dress and tiara with matching shoes, of course.
We had a welcome home party for two people in Michael's office who just came back from Iraq. Please remember those who are serving - I can't even begin to tell you how hard it is. Both of these terrific people have kiddos they left behind for four months.
I'm signing up for ItalianIII. I have no reason why I should be doing this since 1/2 the time I can't remember how to ask "How much does this cost?" or I speak in French. Still tutoring, but I must try since I live here and Jacqueline will be fluent soon enough.
Thursday 21 February 2008
strawberries and mexican food
Okay, who would have thought a trip to Slovenia would have yielded delicious strawberries and terrific Mexican? We are so fortunate to border Slovenia (the former Yugoslavia). It is just a beautiful country and we are already making plans to go back.
We traveled there with some friends for the President's Day weekend. It is a two-hour drive away on the Autostrada (the Capitol, Lbjuilana). We stayed at a very pleasant Best Western, but when we checked-in we had a tiny room. The folks at the front desk upgraded us to a suite! YEAH.
Lbjilana is an interesting architectural mix of very old baroque style architecture and 60's architecture. Let's just say the 60's buildings aren't kind to the skyline.
It was extremely cold so we bundled up and headed out to the market. It is a huge market in the Old City. It unfortunately closes up at 2 so we only had a little while to wander around. Most of the vendors spoke English and the prices were so much cheaper than here. Jacqueline trained her eye on a huge box of strawberries - about the equivalant of two pints in the US. The box was only 4 Euros ($6.75). These strawberries were heaven. We couldn't keep our hands out of them b/c they smelled so much like.... strawberries. They also just burst in your mouth. We had to buy more so we did.
For lunch I had pizza - it was a layered pizza with the sauce etc. inside the flaky crusts. Michael and the girls had hot dogs. We loved the way they made them - they took a long roll, shoved it on a steel round thing to make a hole, then put your mustard inside the hole, then, the dog - NO MESS! I still can't believe we ate outside b/c of the cold.
We wandered around the Old Town some more then went shopping! The shopping is so great (and it is sale time). I had just tried to buy a sweater or two in Sacile. I couldn't bring myself to purchase them b/c they were no less than 85 Euro ($150). There was an H and M, Zara, a big mall and lots of little shops with terrific prices.
We then headed back to the very dangerous pastry shop on the bottom floor of our hotel. Jacqueline ordered some lemonade with her strawberry cake and it was that - lemon juice only with no sugar. Puck up. I think that was the only bad thing we had (yes, we tried adding sugar).
We wandered around some more and rested. We headed to Joe Pena's.
Chips and salsa, the true test. Delish and much better than our old Mexican place in Virginia.
I had a quite tasty margarita. Everyone's food was so good we decided we just drive here for a day for the Mexican food.
The next morning we headed up to the castle. It was a clear day so we had stunning views of the Julian Alps. Jacqueline headed up to the turret. There is evidence the castle was intially built in the 12th century B.C.
We wandered around the city some more. Looking at the river and the buildings. We were a little curious why on one side of the river there was no grafitti while the other walls were covered with it.
Later in the day, we hopped in some taxi's and went to the huge American styled movie theater to see "Enchanted" in English! It was too cold for more exploring. They have assigned seating in the theaters, which we thought was ingenious. None of our cell phones would work to call another taxi so the very sweet guys at the coffee bar called us one.
We ate at the hotel - one of our friends had "roasted kid" just b/c we were pretty curious as to what they would bring out. We also drank Slovenian wine. Michael enjoyed his steak. Again, another great meal.
We left for our quick drive back home on President's Day. What an unexpected treat.
Monday 11 February 2008
yes, we are still here
Okay, It's been awhile, but I went to Texas for the holidays (3 weeks) and then Mom came back with me for 3 weeks and just left! Yowza, how time flies.
Well, I am totally in love with Venice. Mom and I went twice during her time here. It is just empty in January and February. We walked straight into St. Mark's with no wait. We also found a church, which Jacqueline made us go into, that took our breath away. I've figured out the vaperetto system a little better. We went one time on Fat Tuesday with Jacqueline in costume. She posed with everyone. I now understand why people love Venice. It is so different than any other city in the world b/c of the water.
Our whole family went to Garmisch, Germany for a conference. We stayed at a U.S. facility there and I heartily enjoyed a margarita and Starbucks coffee. The highlight was going to Cinderella's castle. We had to go in horse and carriage. I still can't believe I went and the inside is just as beautiful as the out. We throughly enjoyed our drive on the "Romantic Road." We also went to a monastary where they brew beer and had some delicious cheese. Jacqueline also went skiing for the first time!
Mom and I traveled to Aquilea about an hours drive from here. The mosaic floor, constructed in 313, is the largest mosaic in the Western Hemisphere.
I've been getting yelled at (one time by the nuns) for not dressing the girls warm enough. I just though, "and you don't put your kids in car seats and your giving me a lecture?!!!"
Julia is on the verge of walking, but believe me, I am not pushing it with my tile floors and marble stairs.
Mom enjoyed her pizza and had her first taste of gnocci.
I am back to Italian classes tomorrow - ugh. Just pray for me that I have some breakthrough. I am so far behind.
Well, I am totally in love with Venice. Mom and I went twice during her time here. It is just empty in January and February. We walked straight into St. Mark's with no wait. We also found a church, which Jacqueline made us go into, that took our breath away. I've figured out the vaperetto system a little better. We went one time on Fat Tuesday with Jacqueline in costume. She posed with everyone. I now understand why people love Venice. It is so different than any other city in the world b/c of the water.
Our whole family went to Garmisch, Germany for a conference. We stayed at a U.S. facility there and I heartily enjoyed a margarita and Starbucks coffee. The highlight was going to Cinderella's castle. We had to go in horse and carriage. I still can't believe I went and the inside is just as beautiful as the out. We throughly enjoyed our drive on the "Romantic Road." We also went to a monastary where they brew beer and had some delicious cheese. Jacqueline also went skiing for the first time!
Mom and I traveled to Aquilea about an hours drive from here. The mosaic floor, constructed in 313, is the largest mosaic in the Western Hemisphere.
I've been getting yelled at (one time by the nuns) for not dressing the girls warm enough. I just though, "and you don't put your kids in car seats and your giving me a lecture?!!!"
Julia is on the verge of walking, but believe me, I am not pushing it with my tile floors and marble stairs.
Mom enjoyed her pizza and had her first taste of gnocci.
I am back to Italian classes tomorrow - ugh. Just pray for me that I have some breakthrough. I am so far behind.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
