Goodbye 2008, Hello 2009

Sam, the girls and I, would like to wish you a safe and happy new year! 

Shortly, we are off for dinner with friends and Sarah is up in Lerma getting reading to go to a big party in Tagliolo Monferratto. I won't sleep till she gets home. How easy was life when they girls came everywhere with us or stayed home safe with a babysitter. Those were the days. Teenagers are way worse than toddlers.  The terrible two were soooo much easier to navigate that this hormonal soup we live in now. Ah, to think that up to now the worst out of Sarah and Anna's mouths was "No, don't want to!". Today, goodness, where to start? Boys, discos, make-up and a host of other words I refuse to post on my blog! Adolescence... the start of the long road to adulthood or the loss of innocence. Is there a pause button I push?

(to those in the know, this was the photo from our Christmas Card)

Krista

Another day, another evening sunset walk in Chiavari. 

After our romantic stroll, we hit the caruggio in Chiavari, the main street or high street depending on which side of the Atlantic you grew up on, and it was full of people window shopping because the stores are gearing up for the much anticipated post Christmas sales. I know all you Gringos and Brits have already emptied the stores and contributed your bit to save the world economy over the last few days, but here in the very controlled overly protected retail market of Italy, sales are only permitted by decree and the merchants are only allowed to mark down goods - all at the same time - when the state goverment says they can, and in these parts that is the 3rd of January. But, you would never know that if you were out browsing today, all shops are in full discount mode and the merchandise is all out ready to go. Those in the know - good steady clients - are taking first pick before the "real" sale begins.  

After a much needed day of catching up on bills and year end organizing of the office, we are gearing up to ring in 2009 tomorrow night. We will be spending it with Anna's friend Denise and her family who live in the Val Graveglia, one of the valleys behind Lavagna famous for mining. After all these years living here this our first invite for the traditional Italian New Year's Eve dinner, lentcchie & cotecchino - lentils and pork sausage - eating this dish is suppose to bring you good luck. Lets see if that is true. Shall we keep track?

Auguri!

Krista

My Baby

is now a teenager. Sigh. 

Anna rang in her 13th year with our long time friends the Misleys and Carrot cake... Betty Crocker, only the best for my girl, after a round of Happy Birthday followed up with Buon compleano a te, my baby took one more step in her journey to becoming a young lady. 

She thanks everyone for their calls and gifts. Especially Grandpa Jack!

A presto!

Krista

Merry Christmas! Buon Natale!

Sarah helped usher in Christmas at midnight mass along Joanne and Chiesa San Giovanni's chorus! With only a few rehearsals under their belts, the group sounded quite good and surprisingly in tune. Last song played.... "Do They Know it Christmas" yup, that oldie from Geldof and Bono... Feed the world.... let them know its Christmas time... Who says church in Italy is overly traditional!

We had a very hectic start to the Christmas season, shopping, wrapping, cooking, baking. As much as I love Christmas and look forward to the season, I am glad we are no longer climbing uphill and, gliding downhill. 

After midnight mass we were tucked into bed and asleep by 2 am but, Sarah was still running around putting her last minute gifts under the tree. She, like her father, is enchanted by the magic of the season. 

Big difference this year compared to those past.... We ALL slept till 10 am! No ridiculous wake ups for teenage girls. I don't think Sarah and Anna believe in Santa anymore.... A bit sad isn't it?

Sarah is up in Lerma which has a fresh coating of snow this morning. I can't wait to read the poetry the dusting inspired. 

Next party, New Year's Eve!

Merry Christmas!

Krista

Happy Birthday Anna

No better time to get blogging than the holiday season! And povera Anna, whose birthday falls between Christmas and New Year's Day, turned 13 today! 

Now that Santa left me a new camera for Christmas I shall be back blogging. I mean, what is the use blogging if there are no pictures to tell the story? Last camera bit it the day I took those photos at Jones Beach. I was sitting in my chair close to the surf and well... if you grew up on Long Island, you know what happened - 

So, my dear Anna, may you have a happy birthday you mod teenage girl.