Last day of September, but, it was still warm enough to end the day with a dip in the sea. Sam, the girls, and I enjoyed a evening swim in the sea and Anna took some amazing photos! Go here, and see the art!
My day started off with a visit from the dishwasher repairman. He finally came to see why our washer has been not working since we got back form NY. Seems if you do not use your dishwasher for 2 months the parts get stuck together. Blame the high calcium content in the water... Hopefully in a week or so it will be all sorted out and the days of dishpan hands will by far behind me.
After that exciting start to my day, it was a quick coffee in town with Sam and then a drive to Arenzano to catch up with the ladies from the American Women's Club and to drink more coffee. It is always nice to spend time with this bunch of characters from the States, UK, and Italy. I really love to chat and gossip with the girls and most of all....hear the NY accents of two of my friends. One from the Bronx the other from Brooklyn. And as anyone from NY knows, you can hear those dees, dems, and does....a mile away! In fact, I will tell you a great small world story. In 2002, some NY firemen where making a tour through Italy. It was part of a goodwill sort of thing that was done after 9/11 to give thanks for the worldwide support the firefighters received. As part of this roadtrip they made a stop in Genoa at the Christopher Columbus house. One of the firefighters happened to be born in Italy, the other, was a good Irishman from the Bronx. We, meaning the ladies from the club, were invited to attend the ceremony honoring the firefighters, who by the way survived the rubble of Ground Zero. As you do, you get talking, seeing that I, and, many other of the women from the club are originally from NY we were sharing our stories of friends and family members we knew who were there that fateful day. Back to my friend from the Bronx, her dad is a retired NYC firefighter and she came down to show her support. Turned out, the Irishman knew my friend's dad, they worked together at the same station house for many years, and were good friends. In a NY minute the cell phone was out and her Dad in the Bronx was talking to his buddy visiting Italy who was standing next to his daughter living in Genoa! Now how is that for a small world! I had to share that with you. You never know who you will run into sometimes, do you?
Pace! (Peace)
Krista
Friday, September 30, 2005
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Il Duomo!
After 5 long years, I finally made it to the city of Milano. I have been many times to the airport, but never got myself to the big city. Yesterday, Sam had a few meetings with bankers and accountants and I tagged along. I got to hit all the bright spots and luckily for me, Lehman Brothers Italia, where Sam had his first meeting, has their office conveniently located near Via Montenapoleane, the famous chic shopping street. I had a stroll, window shopped, and met Sam at the Armani cafe for an apperitivo. A prosecco later, we were off window shopping again. We had lunch at Paper Moon, which has to be one of the most posh places to grab a pizza in Italy. Unluckily for me, I sat across from a table of carnivores....I had to watch them eat steak tatare! Yuck! I like my meat rare, but, uncooked, that is like eating raw flesh. After lunch Sam and I dashed off for another meeting nearby. Upon the conclusion of that meeting, Yacht Plus became an official Italian company with an authentic director, that be Sam. Last stop, the Duomo. Unfortunately for us, it is under a major renovation and we could not get a good view of the exterior. We went in, took a look, said a prayer, and listened to the organ being tuned. Then it was back home and the girls.
One nice thing about yesterday, apart from the sightseeing, was I did not have to wash one dish or cook one meal!
Yes, we are working very hard!
Krista
One nice thing about yesterday, apart from the sightseeing, was I did not have to wash one dish or cook one meal!
Yes, we are working very hard!
Krista
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Oh Baby!
See what happens when a bunch of 40 year olds, well, some almost, have a friend who is having their third baby? We get giddy and have a party. Yesterday, the gang somehow got ourselves organized and in sync. An amazing feat when between us all, we have 14 kids at various schools and ages. But we did it, and managed to have a nice afternoon in honor of Nicole. She is due today and doesn't she look great? We threw a shower, Italian/American style, and since Nicole is Dutch, we made it a dutch treat. We all made a dish or brought something to the lunch table. Go here to see the fun.
We all wish Nicole and her husband, Bruno, an easy and fast delivery, a healthy fat baby, and a speedy recovery! Almost forgot, most important, a baby that sleeps through the night.
Tanti Auguri a Nicole e Bruno!
PS: I must brag. I made that quilt. Nicole, please use it - wash it - and let that baby wear it out. I made it with love, use it with love!
Krista
We all wish Nicole and her husband, Bruno, an easy and fast delivery, a healthy fat baby, and a speedy recovery! Almost forgot, most important, a baby that sleeps through the night.
Tanti Auguri a Nicole e Bruno!
PS: I must brag. I made that quilt. Nicole, please use it - wash it - and let that baby wear it out. I made it with love, use it with love!
Krista
Well almost.....
Last Sunday was our 12 year Anniversary! Sam summed up the riches of our married life in the most manly of ways, counting up our assets: 8 houses lived in, 4 cats fed and 3 dead, 6 cars (none Made in the US of A), and 2 kids. May I add one more thing? We actually have been together for a total 17 long years and moved house a total of 14 times! Yes folks. 14 times we have packed it up and changed residence! And here is the scary statistic. The house we have called home for the longest period of time is? Right here in beautiful downtown Chiavari. This Christmas will mark 5 years in this apartment, the longest stretch in one house to date.
Sunday was a warm sunny autumn day, just like the one we had 12 years ago on Long Island. After a lovely brunch Sam took the girls down to the garage and tuned up and washed up our bikes. Meanwhile I worked on the quilt I was making for my friend Nicole's new baby (see the next post), whose shower was the next day. As always I left finishing it to the last minute. In the afternoon we had an open invitation to clean house at our new friend's beach bar "Luna Blu" in Sestri Levante. Who would turn down an invite like that? Free drinks? Ice cream? Off we were, swim suits on and towels packed. We were joined by the Lewis family: Ian, Silvia, Matteo, and Chiara. Even Errol Rochester turned up, I did mention the free beer, didn't I? We drank mojitos, watched the sunset, and all in all, had a great time. So much so, Mark and his wife could not get rid of us, so, they made us dinner. Though we did get Sarah and Anna to help serve and clean up! Maybe the girls might have a future in tending bar, at least they can work their way through college.....see for yourselves here
Cin Cin!
PS You pronounce that chin chin, in English,
Cheers!
Sunday was a warm sunny autumn day, just like the one we had 12 years ago on Long Island. After a lovely brunch Sam took the girls down to the garage and tuned up and washed up our bikes. Meanwhile I worked on the quilt I was making for my friend Nicole's new baby (see the next post), whose shower was the next day. As always I left finishing it to the last minute. In the afternoon we had an open invitation to clean house at our new friend's beach bar "Luna Blu" in Sestri Levante. Who would turn down an invite like that? Free drinks? Ice cream? Off we were, swim suits on and towels packed. We were joined by the Lewis family: Ian, Silvia, Matteo, and Chiara. Even Errol Rochester turned up, I did mention the free beer, didn't I? We drank mojitos, watched the sunset, and all in all, had a great time. So much so, Mark and his wife could not get rid of us, so, they made us dinner. Though we did get Sarah and Anna to help serve and clean up! Maybe the girls might have a future in tending bar, at least they can work their way through college.....see for yourselves here
Cin Cin!
PS You pronounce that chin chin, in English,
Cheers!
Friday, September 23, 2005
Curiosity Killed the Cat
Do you think our cat has learned that lesson? She is very interested in this new office we set up at home and, I believe she is wondering when and if Sam will ever go back to his old routine so she can have me all to herself again.
Sam and I returned last night from Monaco. The Yacht show was all in all fun and interesting. Sam was working the crowd and handing out his new business cards. I was busy getting his clients onboard yachts and catching up with friends. People were quite enthusiastic and encouraging upon hearing the news of Sam's self employment and eager to find work for him. I also learned that many of Sam's former colleagues are having a bit of fun trying to guess how long before I kick Sam out of the house and back to the office. They might laugh and Gucci might be a bit unglued with the changes at home but, I must say... I am enjoying having Sam around. There is always the chance that one day he might rejoin the rat race. For now, I am going to savour the moment and make up for lost time.
A little wink to the Mr. Incaos, I did run into our old friend Diane at the show. She attended the party onboard the 38 meter yacht, Light Blue, built by Sam's former employer. As Chris and Paul Incao know, Diane is the editor at the magazine "Power and Motoryacht" and about 20 years ago we all knew each other. Diane was at the event with her colleagues sipping champagne when I bumped into her. Here is the funny part. Seems our little "story" - that we both dated twins at the same time - has become a legend amongst her colleagues. We all had a great laugh telling the story again to my friends and good talk about Long Island and New York because the Editor in Chief of the magazine, Denis, his wife is also from Long Island. Isn't it a small world we live in? Here we are, in Monaco, talking yachts, and we are all from the same place. Lesson learned. Never burn your bridges. Why? Because you never know when you need good contacts with the press. I made sure to get Diane and her gang together with Sam and his new gang, Yacht Plus. Sam has taken them on as a client. Any press is good press with a new venture!
Sam and I are off for a bike ride to Carasco to have coffee with our friend Maurizio, then grab a bite to eat at an Osteria. After lunch, pick up the kids from school. Life is great, ain't it?
Ciao for now!
Krista
Sam and I returned last night from Monaco. The Yacht show was all in all fun and interesting. Sam was working the crowd and handing out his new business cards. I was busy getting his clients onboard yachts and catching up with friends. People were quite enthusiastic and encouraging upon hearing the news of Sam's self employment and eager to find work for him. I also learned that many of Sam's former colleagues are having a bit of fun trying to guess how long before I kick Sam out of the house and back to the office. They might laugh and Gucci might be a bit unglued with the changes at home but, I must say... I am enjoying having Sam around. There is always the chance that one day he might rejoin the rat race. For now, I am going to savour the moment and make up for lost time.
A little wink to the Mr. Incaos, I did run into our old friend Diane at the show. She attended the party onboard the 38 meter yacht, Light Blue, built by Sam's former employer. As Chris and Paul Incao know, Diane is the editor at the magazine "Power and Motoryacht" and about 20 years ago we all knew each other. Diane was at the event with her colleagues sipping champagne when I bumped into her. Here is the funny part. Seems our little "story" - that we both dated twins at the same time - has become a legend amongst her colleagues. We all had a great laugh telling the story again to my friends and good talk about Long Island and New York because the Editor in Chief of the magazine, Denis, his wife is also from Long Island. Isn't it a small world we live in? Here we are, in Monaco, talking yachts, and we are all from the same place. Lesson learned. Never burn your bridges. Why? Because you never know when you need good contacts with the press. I made sure to get Diane and her gang together with Sam and his new gang, Yacht Plus. Sam has taken them on as a client. Any press is good press with a new venture!
Sam and I are off for a bike ride to Carasco to have coffee with our friend Maurizio, then grab a bite to eat at an Osteria. After lunch, pick up the kids from school. Life is great, ain't it?
Ciao for now!
Krista
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
The Sam Chronicles.....
Poor Sam, he woke Sunday with the chills and a cough. By yesterday he was in bed with a high fever. And there he stayed, flat on his back till this afternoon. The only sound heard from him..... Tea...more tea...No one ever was this sick....hold me. Isn't it curious! He has been working in Italy and traveling non stop for 5 years. As soon as he slows down, BAM! He gets sick. I cannot remember the last time Sam was in bed all day for two days! Lucky for us, he seemed to rally this afternoon, for we are off to the Monaco Yacht Show tomorrow morning! We wouldn't want to miss that now, would we?.
Tomorrow at this time, we should be on a 38 meter yacht, built by Sam's former employer, sipping champagne, and making small talk. This should be the highlight for sure...for the rest of the time Sam will be shaking hands, making contacts, and spreading the good word of his new employment status. In other works looking for work.
Me, I will visit with the friends I have made through the years of following Sam to these things. The girls, they will be staying overnight with their best friends. This is a rough life, I know, but, hey, someone has to live it.
Salut!
Krista
Tomorrow at this time, we should be on a 38 meter yacht, built by Sam's former employer, sipping champagne, and making small talk. This should be the highlight for sure...for the rest of the time Sam will be shaking hands, making contacts, and spreading the good word of his new employment status. In other works looking for work.
Me, I will visit with the friends I have made through the years of following Sam to these things. The girls, they will be staying overnight with their best friends. This is a rough life, I know, but, hey, someone has to live it.
Salut!
Krista
Sunday, September 18, 2005
And greetings on a Sunday evening.
Here I am sitting at my desk, Sam in front of the TV watching Top Gear on the BBC, the girls asleep, and the cat happy and fed. My legs are tired, my tummy full, and life is good.
Today the weather in Liguria took a turn toward Fall after many days of warm sticky tropical like weather. We woke up to wind, cool air, and the threat of more rain. After a leisurely English Breakfast, a quick read of the headlines on CNN.com, or in my case the Drudge Report, and downloading music off the net. Which, by the way, did you know that Simple Minds has a new album out? Neither did I. Sorry to all of you over 40 who do not know who Simple Minds are, but, this was my favorite band circa 1984. I have grown up a lot since then and so has my musical taste. Anyway, I downloaded the music, listened to the songs, and decided, not bad. Hey, if the Rolling Stones can put out new music, why not a band from the eighties? Isn't technology great? News, music, and communication.... All on a Sunday morning. How did we ever live without the internet?
Having enough excitement for one morning, we decided to get ourselves out of the house for it wasn't going to rain and the sun was trying to shine. Sam has been feeling poorly, fever last night and again this evening, must be all this "hard work" he has been doing, and we thought a little fresh air would do him good.
We packed up a light snack, for the outdoors is always better with a little something to nosh on, then, Sam, the girls, and I, set off for Sestri Levante for an afternoon hike. If you would like, you can see the evidence for yourself here.
The wind was strong, air fresh, but no rain in sight. Amazing thing, since we have had so much wet weather mixed with sunshine lately, the wildflowers are blooming again. The hills were alive with color instead of dull, brown, and ready to burn. The show won't last, the days are already getting noticeably shorter. It won't be long before the trees start to give up their leaves and Autumn officially arrives.
Wish you were here.....
Krista
Today the weather in Liguria took a turn toward Fall after many days of warm sticky tropical like weather. We woke up to wind, cool air, and the threat of more rain. After a leisurely English Breakfast, a quick read of the headlines on CNN.com, or in my case the Drudge Report, and downloading music off the net. Which, by the way, did you know that Simple Minds has a new album out? Neither did I. Sorry to all of you over 40 who do not know who Simple Minds are, but, this was my favorite band circa 1984. I have grown up a lot since then and so has my musical taste. Anyway, I downloaded the music, listened to the songs, and decided, not bad. Hey, if the Rolling Stones can put out new music, why not a band from the eighties? Isn't technology great? News, music, and communication.... All on a Sunday morning. How did we ever live without the internet?
Having enough excitement for one morning, we decided to get ourselves out of the house for it wasn't going to rain and the sun was trying to shine. Sam has been feeling poorly, fever last night and again this evening, must be all this "hard work" he has been doing, and we thought a little fresh air would do him good.
We packed up a light snack, for the outdoors is always better with a little something to nosh on, then, Sam, the girls, and I, set off for Sestri Levante for an afternoon hike. If you would like, you can see the evidence for yourself here.
The wind was strong, air fresh, but no rain in sight. Amazing thing, since we have had so much wet weather mixed with sunshine lately, the wildflowers are blooming again. The hills were alive with color instead of dull, brown, and ready to burn. The show won't last, the days are already getting noticeably shorter. It won't be long before the trees start to give up their leaves and Autumn officially arrives.
Wish you were here.....
Krista
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Krista's Big Day
Yesterday I was on my way to buy foccacia for an apperitivo at our house with Silvia and Ian Lewis and I bumped into Maria Carmela Valente, Anna's logopedista (speech therapist). She was on her way home from the printers with this flyer. Quick translation for my non Italian speaking audience, it is an invitation for the Italian Dyslexia Association Conference being held in Chiavari on October 8th. The reason it is such a big deal for me? My name is inside! I have been invited to be on a panel with the president of the Genoa chapter of AID. The both of us are parents of children with dyslexia and we have been asked to give a small speech answer questions about this journey we have been on with our children. The title of the the discussion, "Dislessia: un ponte tra L'Italia e America, "Dyslexia: - a Bridge between Italy and America.
At this conference, there will be all sorts of education professionals, psychiatrists, including another American, Pam Kvileval, who has a special education center in Rome, and of course parents. Pamela has written many books and developed a reading method that has been very successful here in Italy, and I might add it has been used with great success with Anna. She and Carmela will conduct separate panels as well. Also Dott. Federica Rossi, who originally helped us getting Anna on the right road to reading with be there too, in addition to many other prominent people in the special education field.
Anna, when she saw the flyer (and I also have the poster that will be plastered all over Liguria), gave me a look and smiled as if she was saying, "Oh no, here goes my mom again". And she is probably right. I think I have become a bit passionate about the topic. But how could I not be. I do it for the light of my life, my daughter, Anna, and if I can help anyone else.....all the better. No one should suffer just because they need to learn to read in a different way.
If you are interested in learning what dyslexia is all about. Click here if you read Italian, click here if you read English.
All in all the day should be quite interesting and hopefully my Italian will be in top form. I will be sure to take lots of pictures and blog all about it.
Wish me luck!
At this conference, there will be all sorts of education professionals, psychiatrists, including another American, Pam Kvileval, who has a special education center in Rome, and of course parents. Pamela has written many books and developed a reading method that has been very successful here in Italy, and I might add it has been used with great success with Anna. She and Carmela will conduct separate panels as well. Also Dott. Federica Rossi, who originally helped us getting Anna on the right road to reading with be there too, in addition to many other prominent people in the special education field.
Anna, when she saw the flyer (and I also have the poster that will be plastered all over Liguria), gave me a look and smiled as if she was saying, "Oh no, here goes my mom again". And she is probably right. I think I have become a bit passionate about the topic. But how could I not be. I do it for the light of my life, my daughter, Anna, and if I can help anyone else.....all the better. No one should suffer just because they need to learn to read in a different way.
If you are interested in learning what dyslexia is all about. Click here if you read Italian, click here if you read English.
All in all the day should be quite interesting and hopefully my Italian will be in top form. I will be sure to take lots of pictures and blog all about it.
Wish me luck!
Friday, September 16, 2005
Working Hard
Or, hardly working. Whatever it may be. Here is Sam my man, in the office after a long morning slaving away. What has he been doing? Funny you ask. Sam started off the morning helping get the kids ready for school. He walked Sarah to school and met Anna and me outside. After kissing Anna good bye, Sam and I were off for our morning swim in the sea. I might want to add, the temp in Liguria has dropped and the air was a bit brisk. After his 100 strokes, we were off for a cappuccino and brioche, a chat with the gang of parents from school, and home for "work". What was Sam doing in the office? Instant messaging with Ed, his brother in Latvia, who by the way works from home too and was still in his jammies, while taking phone calls and asking for back rubs. All this was followed by a nice lunch in a local trattoria, where we dined on fresh pasta with sugo di funghi, red wine, and apple cake for dessert. La vita é dura! Life is hard, isn't it? It is sure nice to have Sam home working hard!.
A presto!
A presto!
Vive la France!
Sam and I enjoyed our short stay in Cannes. We were there for Sam to work and make contacts at the annual boat show, and of course, to see all the pretty boats floating in the water. We arrived Wednesday afternoon, toured the show, and Sam shook many hands and spread the news of his new self employment. I got to stop by the Princess Yacht's stand and visit with my good friend Cristina, Virginia's mom, who was working as well. She is the marketing director for Princess Yachts in Italy and was helping out her colleagues at the show. Sam and I wrapped up the evening with a complimentary glass, or two, of Champagne from the British Maritime Association, thank you very much, and a gorgeous sunset. Click here and you can see for yourself. We followed the apperitivo with a delicious dinner with some former work mates of Sam's in a posh restaurant along the sea. We ate steak au poive, drank vin rouge, and had a wonderful time.
Thursday morning was another glorious day on the Cote d' Azur and once again we made the rounds at the show. We left about lunchtime to make our way home. There was a landslide on the autoroute and it was closed. We found ourselves driving on a very winding road overlooking Monte Carlo, all I could think of - this is how poor Princess Grace died, on a road just like this. One wrong move and you are in the sea! By this time, Sam and I were hungry. We stopped for lunch in a lovely mountain village above Monaco called La Turbie. We ate sandwiches and enjoyed the view.
I must add this. I often find myself on the French Riviera, I know, poor me. But I have to say for all the hype, there is not much to see. In fact, all the big cities, Cannes, Nice, or Monte Carlo all suffer from the same faded opulence and too many refined old ladies with little dogs who leave little packages of merde for you to step in. My first impression many years ago was - Is that all there is to the Cote d' Azur? And after many more visits. I still haven't changed my mind. What the area does have, is the weather. The sunshine is endless and the sea blue. The French....that is whole other blog entry.
Oh, I almost forgot. A few of you, who I know follow the Cannes film festival, might recognize the photo. It is the grand staircase all the movie stars use to enter the festival. It isn't the same without the red carpet and paparazzi, is it?
Au revoir!
Thursday morning was another glorious day on the Cote d' Azur and once again we made the rounds at the show. We left about lunchtime to make our way home. There was a landslide on the autoroute and it was closed. We found ourselves driving on a very winding road overlooking Monte Carlo, all I could think of - this is how poor Princess Grace died, on a road just like this. One wrong move and you are in the sea! By this time, Sam and I were hungry. We stopped for lunch in a lovely mountain village above Monaco called La Turbie. We ate sandwiches and enjoyed the view.
I must add this. I often find myself on the French Riviera, I know, poor me. But I have to say for all the hype, there is not much to see. In fact, all the big cities, Cannes, Nice, or Monte Carlo all suffer from the same faded opulence and too many refined old ladies with little dogs who leave little packages of merde for you to step in. My first impression many years ago was - Is that all there is to the Cote d' Azur? And after many more visits. I still haven't changed my mind. What the area does have, is the weather. The sunshine is endless and the sea blue. The French....that is whole other blog entry.
Oh, I almost forgot. A few of you, who I know follow the Cannes film festival, might recognize the photo. It is the grand staircase all the movie stars use to enter the festival. It isn't the same without the red carpet and paparazzi, is it?
Au revoir!
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
School has started!
And not a day too soon! Sarah and Anna were up at a shockingly early 7 am and off to the first day of school! Anna's backpack was so heavy Sam had to carry it, and Sarah was so independent she would not even give me a kiss goodbye!
Sam and I are so happy to see them go off, we are already getting away! We are off to Cannes for a little work, rest, and play. Well, mostly work, but we will find time to play!
A presto!
Krista
Sam and I are so happy to see them go off, we are already getting away! We are off to Cannes for a little work, rest, and play. Well, mostly work, but we will find time to play!
A presto!
Krista
Monday, September 12, 2005
Weekend in Toscana
We were off in Tuscany visiting with the Costa Family this past weekend. And once again, we were overwhelmed with their hospitality. We ate and drank too much, but is that ever a bad thing? The kids played, ran around, and when it rained - created movies on the computer.
We were very good tourists and between gorging ourselves with food and wine managed to get out and see some of the surrounding area. Saturday we went to Pienza, on the way stopping to taste and purchase cheese. After walking through the village we stopped for lunch at Monticchiello and had an outstanding meal at a table with a fantastic view. The kids managed to eat a whole Fiorentino steak, a kilo in fact! Though it rained on and off all day, the thunderclouds managed to stay away till we were done eating. Sunday we were off to see a monastery near Chiusure were were treated to a full tour of the library. We had a supposed "light" lunch where the kids again ate another kilo of beef!
If you would like to catch up and see some more photos of what we we up to click here.
Wednesday the kids are finally back to school! And not a day too soon! The summer vacation in Italy seems to go on and on and on and on......
Ciao!
We were very good tourists and between gorging ourselves with food and wine managed to get out and see some of the surrounding area. Saturday we went to Pienza, on the way stopping to taste and purchase cheese. After walking through the village we stopped for lunch at Monticchiello and had an outstanding meal at a table with a fantastic view. The kids managed to eat a whole Fiorentino steak, a kilo in fact! Though it rained on and off all day, the thunderclouds managed to stay away till we were done eating. Sunday we were off to see a monastery near Chiusure were were treated to a full tour of the library. We had a supposed "light" lunch where the kids again ate another kilo of beef!
If you would like to catch up and see some more photos of what we we up to click here.
Wednesday the kids are finally back to school! And not a day too soon! The summer vacation in Italy seems to go on and on and on and on......
Ciao!
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Festa del Fungho
Sunday was the last day of the Festa del Fungho in Lerma. Sam and I were missing Sarah, for she had been up in Piemonte since Tuesday, we decided to hop in the mini and see what all the fuss about a mushroom was.
We caught up with Sarah slaving away, as she had been since Thursday - bussing tables with Virginia and Alice. Anna thought it looked fun and she joined in! Vi's mom and dad, Cristina and Jacapo, also joined us, as well as, our friends Marco and Natalie. Marco, I might add, biked all the way from Chiavari, 110 kilometers, most of it up hill. At 52 years old. He is our hero.
We spent a leisurely Sunday, eating, drinking, and strolling. Sam and I were also introduced to a local Canadian living and working in Lerma. He had 15 years ago decided to take his wine making hobby large and buy a vineyard. After a few tastes of his delicious wine, he grabbed my hand and read my palm. Normally, I do not believe in the para normal, but, he was so accurate, I had chills. By the end of the day he had read all of our palms! Needless to say, we all came home with bottles of Moscato and something to think about!
We caught up with Sarah slaving away, as she had been since Thursday - bussing tables with Virginia and Alice. Anna thought it looked fun and she joined in! Vi's mom and dad, Cristina and Jacapo, also joined us, as well as, our friends Marco and Natalie. Marco, I might add, biked all the way from Chiavari, 110 kilometers, most of it up hill. At 52 years old. He is our hero.
We spent a leisurely Sunday, eating, drinking, and strolling. Sam and I were also introduced to a local Canadian living and working in Lerma. He had 15 years ago decided to take his wine making hobby large and buy a vineyard. After a few tastes of his delicious wine, he grabbed my hand and read my palm. Normally, I do not believe in the para normal, but, he was so accurate, I had chills. By the end of the day he had read all of our palms! Needless to say, we all came home with bottles of Moscato and something to think about!
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Piemonte
I am not sure if anyone noticed, but, I had my first comment from someone I do not know. An Italian too. He asked me to say nice things about his country. So I will.
So lets talk for a moment about Piemonte. If all goes to plan, see the previous posts on Sam's new career. We have our hearts set on buying and restoring a rustica or cascina in the heart of the wine producing region of Piemonte. We have spent time in Tuscany, Liguria, Sicilia, Emilia, you name it, and we have fallen in love with Piemonte. The food, the wine, landscape. It speaks to us. And don't forget the skiing. The 2006 Winter Olympics will be in Torino, also known as Turin. Click here if you want to learn more about the region.
Arrivederci!
So lets talk for a moment about Piemonte. If all goes to plan, see the previous posts on Sam's new career. We have our hearts set on buying and restoring a rustica or cascina in the heart of the wine producing region of Piemonte. We have spent time in Tuscany, Liguria, Sicilia, Emilia, you name it, and we have fallen in love with Piemonte. The food, the wine, landscape. It speaks to us. And don't forget the skiing. The 2006 Winter Olympics will be in Torino, also known as Turin. Click here if you want to learn more about the region.
Arrivederci!
Where's Sarah?
She is with her best friend, Virginia, in Lerma, a little village in Piemonte. Virginia's nonni, grandparents, have a small villa there and this weekend they are celebrating the Festa del Fungho! That is right folks, summer is almost drawing to a close and the Italians are heading to the mountains to pick mushrooms! Sarah left us on Tuesday in order to help out serving food at Vi's cousin's restaurant! News is, on Wednesday the kids made enough in tips to actually go out for pizza! They all paid their own way and went without any adult supervision! My baby, she is growing up too fast. She will be there till the end of the weekend. And I miss her so.
Where It All Began!
And now we begin again!
A new chapter for Sam and I. Here we go on a new adventure, but, this time instead of moving to another part of the world. Sam is embarking on a solo career! After many years of racking up frequent flyer miles, vacations on the fly, conventions and conferences counting as holidays, Sam decided, Basta, enough. Get me off this crazy train! And now having what the kids and I always wanted, Sam at home more. The only worry I have. No, it is not him chasing me around the desk all day, for his desk is now adjacent to mine. It is the daily question at about noon. You know, the one all wives of retired husbands begin to dread........ "Honey what are you making for lunch today?"
Wish Sam luck on his new endeavor! And feel free to send work or donations this way!
Oh, I almost forgot the meaning of the photo. Here are Sam and I at the City Dock in Annapolis, MD. We lived for the first year of our marriage in Annapolis and Sarah was born there. Get it, where we began as a family. Behind us in the photo is the Naval Academy. Our home (small cottage was more like it) was on the opposite side of the academy with a dramatic view of the Severn River, a septic system that was prone to overflow, and our aging hippie landlords as neighbors. My oh my, how far we have come!
Ciao!
Krista
A new chapter for Sam and I. Here we go on a new adventure, but, this time instead of moving to another part of the world. Sam is embarking on a solo career! After many years of racking up frequent flyer miles, vacations on the fly, conventions and conferences counting as holidays, Sam decided, Basta, enough. Get me off this crazy train! And now having what the kids and I always wanted, Sam at home more. The only worry I have. No, it is not him chasing me around the desk all day, for his desk is now adjacent to mine. It is the daily question at about noon. You know, the one all wives of retired husbands begin to dread........ "Honey what are you making for lunch today?"
Wish Sam luck on his new endeavor! And feel free to send work or donations this way!
Oh, I almost forgot the meaning of the photo. Here are Sam and I at the City Dock in Annapolis, MD. We lived for the first year of our marriage in Annapolis and Sarah was born there. Get it, where we began as a family. Behind us in the photo is the Naval Academy. Our home (small cottage was more like it) was on the opposite side of the academy with a dramatic view of the Severn River, a septic system that was prone to overflow, and our aging hippie landlords as neighbors. My oh my, how far we have come!
Ciao!
Krista
Friday, September 02, 2005
What I Wanna Be When I Grow Up...
So, my five year plan at Rodriquez has come to an end and I am now self employed. Just to make sure you are all aware, my new email address is now samcrockford@mac.com but my my other details stay the same, mainly because we are not moving yet from Italy.
I do gently remind myself that Bill Gates started in a garage so my prospects are good!
I do gently remind myself that Bill Gates started in a garage so my prospects are good!
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