Today is my dear old Dad's 81st Birthday! Grandpa Jack is getting older and better.
Lets see....
Dad has survived...
1. Childhood. No easy feat growing up during the Depression. Irish Catholic Mom. Swedish Lutheran dad, families who didn't get on so well. Imagine that? 4 siblings, all healthy and alive - outliving their spouses. My grandma must have done something right.
2. WW II. Amazing how scoring in the top 3% on a math exam can change your fate. Dad managed to be in school for most of the war and ended up stationed on the only atoll in the South Pacific that the Japanese never bombed. How is that for luck? According to him, the biggest danger was chopping off your thumb trying to crack open a coconut. You could be court martialed for that!!! For the record, Jack still has 2 thumbs.
3. Divorce. Yes, the sixties came and went and left my dad a single father with an infant (that be me) at the age of 41. He raised my brothers and I the best he could and we all are doing just fine. You have to give credit where credit is due.
4. Sexual Revolution.. Not a topic I really want to talk about. Better to leave that discussion to "The Champ", according to him, that is his nickname. Wonder who gave him that? When Jack visits, this seems to be the one topic he likes to talk about the most with Sam and his friends. Leave me out of this one.
5. Giving away his daughter to marriage. Yup, that no good boyfriend of mine turned out to be a not so bad husband and father. Dear old dad has been nothing but a pillar of support and just thinks Sam is great. In fact, favorite past time of theirs? Making fun of me.
6. Grandchildren. 3 Gorgeous granddaughters. Not bad.
7. Bypass surgery. See if you live long enough anything can happen. Even being part of a trial for some newfangled procedure. Dad was lucky to live to see the day when you could have a bypass with out opening the chest. Age has its advantages.
8. Cars, furniture, kitchens, and dogs.... For the last 20 years, every time Dad buys a new car, improves the house, or even gets a new puppy.... First thing he says... "This one will take me to the grave". Hmmm. That was 3 cars ago, two new kitchens, 2 home remodels, and last week he bought a new recliner and sofa! By the way, he outlived all his dogs. Please dad, no more puppies. Lesson here. You can never plan your exit from this place. Live every day to its fullest. Make sure you drive in style and recline in comfort. And who needs to pick up poop from a dog anyway?
There you have it. Next milestone? I have no idea. Lets hope it is one of his granddaughters' High School graduations!
According to Hugh Hefner... Who, by the way, shares his birthday with "The Champ" and turned 80 today, 80 is the new 40!
Happy Birthday Dad!
Krista
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Here we go....
Tomorrow starts the voting for a new Premier in Italy.... Will it be 5 more years of II Cavalieri or a new dawn with Il Professore or Mortadella depending on who you ask about Romano Prodi?
As per ABC news.....
Weakened Berlusconi Faces Challenger
Click on the link to read the rest....
All that I can add... Is this should be a fun ride. The last election Berlusconi won hands down. But, the comments spewing from his mouth as the campaigning winds down indicates - this election should provide more drama than the recent Bush/Kerry showdowns and Bush/Gore chad drama.... I say - let the counting begin!
Divertiti!
Krista
PS.... If I had to place my bet on who will win.... I hate to put it in writing, but, I think Berlusconi is going to win. There I said it.
As per ABC news.....
Weakened Berlusconi Faces Challenger
Flagging Economy Puts Bush Ally Berlusconi at a Disadvantage As Italy Chooses a Premier
ROME Apr 8, 2006 (AP)? After a nasty election campaign, Italians are deciding this weekend whether to dump Premier Silvio Berlusconi and opt for his distinctly less flamboyant challenger.
Defeat for Berlusconi would end a five-year government that is Italy's longest-serving since World War II, and deprive President Bush of a staunch ally who has sent troops to Iraq.
If opponent Romano Prodi is slightly ahead and voters in the Sunday-Monday election are in a foul mood, they have reasons: The economy is going nowhere, jobs are scarce and the health system is in crisis.
But Italians don't seem too inspired by their choices: Berlusconi is a conservative media mogul and erstwhile cruise-ship crooner with a talent for saying outrageous things; Prodi is a center-left economics professor and former premier.
Both lead fractious coalitions of parties. Prodi's Union ranges from pro-Vatican moderates to Communists. Berlusconi's House of Freedoms coalition includes Christian Democrats, former neo-fascists and an anti-immigrant party.
Berlusconi was elected on high hopes that his knack for making money would translate into a business boom for Italy but economic growth has ground to a halt and even business leaders are turning their backs on him.
While only a faint echo of France's student protests over jobs, legions of young Italians express frustration over a work world that increasingly strings them along with short-term contracts instead of the "Perfect Job" their parents often found.
Income tax rates for many in the middle class are near 40 percent, but citizens see too little return on their tax euros. In the national health system, to cite just one example, waits for a routine mammogram or heart test can last months.
Berlusconi's critics accuse him of passing a raft of laws tailor-made to protect his business interests, and ignoring urgent issues facing the economy such as Italy's rapidly declining competitiveness, high public debt and growing job insecurity.
The premier has also been kept busy fending off prosecution over alleged corruption and conflict of interest in his media empire, which includes Italy's largest private television network, and his publishing, insurance and real-estate interests.
Click on the link to read the rest....
All that I can add... Is this should be a fun ride. The last election Berlusconi won hands down. But, the comments spewing from his mouth as the campaigning winds down indicates - this election should provide more drama than the recent Bush/Kerry showdowns and Bush/Gore chad drama.... I say - let the counting begin!
Divertiti!
Krista
PS.... If I had to place my bet on who will win.... I hate to put it in writing, but, I think Berlusconi is going to win. There I said it.
Meet the New Boss....
Yes, that is right, I am back.... Finally, I am blogging. Sorry for the hiatus, but, I have been busy busy busy.
Big news, I have been elected / chosen to be the new President of the American Women's Club of Genoa! Here is a photo of the coffee morning I had with them last Friday in my home. It was a great success and I was able raise over 130 euros for FAWCO, the Federation of American International Women's Clubs Overseas. For more info on who they are and what they do, click on the link found on the sidebar.
Sam's business is humming along and that has been keeping me plenty busy, though, I have managed to escape his tyrannical ways by going to the gym 3 days a week! Yup, I am a gym rat again. I moved all the way to Italy and I found myself, not a handsome Italian personal trainer, but, a fellow New Yorker! From Flushing no less. He spots and motivates me as I work out and while we talk, we are providing a free English lesson to his staff and other clients. The world is small, isn't it?
Post more later.... Off to purchase shoes for Anna. I desperately need to get ready for our trip to..... The Bahamas!
Cheers!
Krista
Big news, I have been elected / chosen to be the new President of the American Women's Club of Genoa! Here is a photo of the coffee morning I had with them last Friday in my home. It was a great success and I was able raise over 130 euros for FAWCO, the Federation of American International Women's Clubs Overseas. For more info on who they are and what they do, click on the link found on the sidebar.
Sam's business is humming along and that has been keeping me plenty busy, though, I have managed to escape his tyrannical ways by going to the gym 3 days a week! Yup, I am a gym rat again. I moved all the way to Italy and I found myself, not a handsome Italian personal trainer, but, a fellow New Yorker! From Flushing no less. He spots and motivates me as I work out and while we talk, we are providing a free English lesson to his staff and other clients. The world is small, isn't it?
Post more later.... Off to purchase shoes for Anna. I desperately need to get ready for our trip to..... The Bahamas!
Cheers!
Krista
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Simple Measures
Ok. To follow up on Sam's post below.
We did, in fact, have a rocking time Tuesday night. It has been far too long since I have been to see a live concert, my how times have changed.
Here are some of my observations.
1. I actually had to purchase this ticket. These weren't compted. Ahh those were the days when concert tickets were just a part of the job perks....
2. I had no backstage access. Back to #1.
3. There were far more grey hairs in the crowd than black. Definitely, not a mohawk in sight!
4. I didn't rush the stage.... I actually stayed in my seat. Though I did dance. First time I saw Simple Minds.... I had front row seats...
5. Cell phones have replaced lighters when the lights go out.
6. No one smoked. Anything.
7. There were no beach balls bouncing around before the concert. People just sat and read the free newspaper given out at the door. Not "High Times" or "NME", but, the Corrierre della Sera, the NY Times of Italy.
8. No security at the door. Seemed like everyone brought their camera but me! What was I thinking?
Overall. It was a very civil experience. Though I must admit, it was strange to hear Jim Kerr speak Italian with a Scottish accent. Sharon, eat your heart out. The band rocked and sounded very good. They sang all the hits, plus a few surprises. The audience was enthusiastic. There was even a guy in a full scottish get up, kilt and all, waving the Saltire - St. Andrew's Cross! It was odd to hear New Gold "Drim" shouted instead of Dream. Ahh those Italian accents. But, the crowd knew all the songs, new and old. I fit right in, these were my people!
By the time the night ended, I was back in touch with my old groupie self. Life was great. Now where are they playing next? I'm ready to rock and roll.
And I will let you in on a little secret... Sam sang and danced the whole night too. Shhh. Don't tell anyone.
So in the words of Jim Kerr.
Don't you forget about me......
Krista
We did, in fact, have a rocking time Tuesday night. It has been far too long since I have been to see a live concert, my how times have changed.
Here are some of my observations.
1. I actually had to purchase this ticket. These weren't compted. Ahh those were the days when concert tickets were just a part of the job perks....
2. I had no backstage access. Back to #1.
3. There were far more grey hairs in the crowd than black. Definitely, not a mohawk in sight!
4. I didn't rush the stage.... I actually stayed in my seat. Though I did dance. First time I saw Simple Minds.... I had front row seats...
5. Cell phones have replaced lighters when the lights go out.
6. No one smoked. Anything.
7. There were no beach balls bouncing around before the concert. People just sat and read the free newspaper given out at the door. Not "High Times" or "NME", but, the Corrierre della Sera, the NY Times of Italy.
8. No security at the door. Seemed like everyone brought their camera but me! What was I thinking?
Overall. It was a very civil experience. Though I must admit, it was strange to hear Jim Kerr speak Italian with a Scottish accent. Sharon, eat your heart out. The band rocked and sounded very good. They sang all the hits, plus a few surprises. The audience was enthusiastic. There was even a guy in a full scottish get up, kilt and all, waving the Saltire - St. Andrew's Cross! It was odd to hear New Gold "Drim" shouted instead of Dream. Ahh those Italian accents. But, the crowd knew all the songs, new and old. I fit right in, these were my people!
By the time the night ended, I was back in touch with my old groupie self. Life was great. Now where are they playing next? I'm ready to rock and roll.
And I will let you in on a little secret... Sam sang and danced the whole night too. Shhh. Don't tell anyone.
So in the words of Jim Kerr.
Don't you forget about me......
Krista
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
La la la la la la la la la la la
And so sang Jim Kerr et al last night.
Not to be outdone by Ed and Ieva in the "ageing rocker most likely to have a hip replacement" contest, Krista and I went to Verona (note to aspiring tourists: forget the balcony from Romeo and Juliet...it's a tourist trap) last night to see Simple Minds.
Ironically enough, we had similar seats to Ed and Ieva in that they were great, close to the stage and off to the side...albeit in different countries, arenas, etc.
So we danced, sang along and generally had a great time. To be honest though, the crowd reflected the times, i.e. no bouncing beach balls, no whiff of the good lord's herb, no nothing....in fact, they were handing out complimentary newspapers at the door!
So, as Someone, Somewhere, in Summertime once said, as they went down to the Waterfront to reflect on a New Gold Dream...time to go and read the Book of Brilliant Things.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
A Lazy Saturday Afternoon....
It has been a while since I posted a photo of Gucci. Today you get a bonus, Sam and Gucci!
With Anna banana off learning how to snowboard - report just in, Anna said her bum is sore because she kept falling and it is very hard to do, skiing is much easier. And, Sarah off at school. This morning Sam and I found ourselves alone with glorious weather. Though Sam's leg is badly bruised his summoned up his Finnish Sisu and dragged me out for a morning hike in the hills of Chiavari finished off with a delicious cappuccino. On the way home we strolled through the market, did some shopping for lunch, and got home just in time for Sarah. A truly busy morning. After lunch the Sarah and Vi went off to play and Sam and I retired to the couch. Who did the miserable cat choose to snuggle with? Surely not the one who feeds and cleans up after her!
Sarah just left for an other pajama party at Virginia's, this time their new classmate Julia will be joining them. Can you picture 3 screaming boy crazy almost 12 year olds? I can and so can Virginia's mom, Cristina, she has a babysitter to stay with them, she is going out! Sam is busy working doing his magic with yacht drawings. Me? I am blogging again.
Sam and I once again find ourselves alone on a Saturday night. How lucky is that? We are on our way to meet up with Mark and Cristina who have made reservations for dinner this evening for the four of us at an African Restaurant in Genoa. Should be interesting. I have never had African cuisine before, but a continent with so many countries and so many peoples with various customs and cultures must have some excellent food. Though when one thinks of Africa and food, only famine comes to mind. I will let you know tomorrow how African food rates.
A dopo!
Krista
With Anna banana off learning how to snowboard - report just in, Anna said her bum is sore because she kept falling and it is very hard to do, skiing is much easier. And, Sarah off at school. This morning Sam and I found ourselves alone with glorious weather. Though Sam's leg is badly bruised his summoned up his Finnish Sisu and dragged me out for a morning hike in the hills of Chiavari finished off with a delicious cappuccino. On the way home we strolled through the market, did some shopping for lunch, and got home just in time for Sarah. A truly busy morning. After lunch the Sarah and Vi went off to play and Sam and I retired to the couch. Who did the miserable cat choose to snuggle with? Surely not the one who feeds and cleans up after her!
Sarah just left for an other pajama party at Virginia's, this time their new classmate Julia will be joining them. Can you picture 3 screaming boy crazy almost 12 year olds? I can and so can Virginia's mom, Cristina, she has a babysitter to stay with them, she is going out! Sam is busy working doing his magic with yacht drawings. Me? I am blogging again.
Sam and I once again find ourselves alone on a Saturday night. How lucky is that? We are on our way to meet up with Mark and Cristina who have made reservations for dinner this evening for the four of us at an African Restaurant in Genoa. Should be interesting. I have never had African cuisine before, but a continent with so many countries and so many peoples with various customs and cultures must have some excellent food. Though when one thinks of Africa and food, only famine comes to mind. I will let you know tomorrow how African food rates.
A dopo!
Krista
Friday, March 10, 2006
Why we live in Chiavari
Life in Italy, at the best of times, can be a challenge, and that is not including the challenge of speaking the language. At it's worst, like this morning with Sam and his bike, life can be a horror and you wonder why you even bother living here at all. At times like these you need to find what it is that sustains you through the rough patches in life, no matter where you are. Today Sam and I needed to remind ourselves of just why it is we love living in Chiavari.
This evening, Sam and I met Ian down on the passagiata for a little stroll and apperitivo. The sunset was glorious, the air, dare I say, had a touch of spring in it, and all seemed right with the world. Isn't this photo proof positive of how beautiful Chiavari can be? Yes, Sam refused to go to the hospital, against my better judgement, in his opinion if he can walk, he must be fine. The apperitivo we had was divine and when we went to pay the bill, we ended up having a long discussion with the bar owner over the quality of the wine, a Nero D'Avola, and learned that Sam and I are well known in his bar for ordering our Mojitos senza zuccero, in other words, without sugar. He can't get his head around that. Oh well, as he said, to each his own. As we left, we felt a part of something... life in Chiavari, and isn't that what life is all about? Feeling like you belong and people know your name? Hey, they made a TV series about that!
Cheers!
Krista
Off to cook dinner for the family, or that is, Sam and Sarah....
This evening, Sam and I met Ian down on the passagiata for a little stroll and apperitivo. The sunset was glorious, the air, dare I say, had a touch of spring in it, and all seemed right with the world. Isn't this photo proof positive of how beautiful Chiavari can be? Yes, Sam refused to go to the hospital, against my better judgement, in his opinion if he can walk, he must be fine. The apperitivo we had was divine and when we went to pay the bill, we ended up having a long discussion with the bar owner over the quality of the wine, a Nero D'Avola, and learned that Sam and I are well known in his bar for ordering our Mojitos senza zuccero, in other words, without sugar. He can't get his head around that. Oh well, as he said, to each his own. As we left, we felt a part of something... life in Chiavari, and isn't that what life is all about? Feeling like you belong and people know your name? Hey, they made a TV series about that!
Cheers!
Krista
Off to cook dinner for the family, or that is, Sam and Sarah....
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