Great Christmas

Well dear friends, I'm home once again. I had a marvelous time with my brothers in Sparta, North Carolina celebrating Christmas. My first white Christmas since early childhood, to the best of my memory ----- those of you that know me personally understand that just because I don't remember something, doesn't mean it hasn't happened! Sam and I arrived in the late afternoon on Wednesday after a pleasant 11 hour drive. We had expected there to be snow on the ground, but didn't expect there to still be 12-14" remaining after the previous weekend's flurries. Because the driveways were snowed in, we had the pleasure of lugging our belongings up the rather long drive to Mike's house. (Notice the word "up" -- why is it always up?) It was hilarious smashing into the snow almost up to my knees. After 2 trips, we were able to get the house heated and settle in. Mike arrived early the next morning and commented, "I saw your footprints in the snow, but what was the square imprint on each side every 10 or 15 feet?" We realized that it was where I had needed to set down my bags every so often to catch my breath. Too funny! Hey, I'm short, not young, and was carrying a heavy backpack, two grocery bags (reusable, of course), and my purse. At least I made it up there successfully. Early Thursday morning, Sam decided to clear the snow off of the porch. We couldn't find a show shovel, but this one did the job quite successfully.

The three siblings at Christmas Eve dinner. I would tell you what we ate, but I truly can't remember. Mike made salmon one meal, so we'll pretend it was that night. It was good, whichever night we ate it.

Mike's house is very nice and we were able to relax. It rained steadily all day on Christmas, but we took the chance when it was barely drizzling to drive the 1 mile or so to the Blue Ridge Parkway -- which was closed for the winter. We parked as close as we could get, hiked the remainder of the way and just walked along the snowy roadway enjoying the cold air and the views. We didn't really enjoy the light drizzle, but it didn't dampen our spirits. (Did you get the pun?)

I was very excited to give Michael his gift -- a bound photo book of our time together in Italy. He really liked it and we had a good time reliving our trip of 4 weeks ago and sharing the photos and stories with Sam. Gifts were thoughtful and appreciated by all. My Christmas was special this year, and I hope yours was, too.

Tomorrow my family will gather here to celebrate Christmas together. I expect the 5 children that live locally, my new daughter-in-love, and Ken to be here for dinner and sharing gifts. I have unknowingly foound a way to stretch Christmas out -- I'm more clever than even I realized. Another day to look forward to........ yea!!

Please take the time to cherish those you love. Life is about people, not things. It's about love, not acquisitions; about giving of your experiences, your time, your talents.......... your heart.

Ready to go

My brother Sam is picking me up early tomorrow morning to drive to Sparta, North Carolina for the Christmas holiday. They've gotten lots of snow this week, so we're hoping we can get into the driveway. Mike says it's possible that we'll have to park at the driveway entrance and walk up to the cabin. That's just fine with me.

I really don't know what to expect up there, but I plan on relaxing and spending time with my brothers.

A Wishing Day

I have declared today my day to wish. I wish I was a better mother. I wish I was able to convey to my children how much I love them and how special they are. I wish I could get through life without ever hurting those I love. I wish the past hurts would go away and I could build on today without the baggage of yesterday.

I once heard someone say that we fall in love and marry so we have someone to witness our lives. They said that having a witness somehow validates who we are.

Christmas Plans

It's back in the United States once again. I'm all settled back in to home and work. Though I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Italy, it's always good to get home.

I don't know why it surprised me, but I'm struggling with the upcoming holidays -- my first without my mother. I completed the vast majority of holiday shopping before leaving on vacation, so that's taken care of for the most part. Plans this season include my brother Sam and I driving to North Carolina to spend a few days with our brother Mike at the cabin he owns there. Mike lives in Miami but has owned this cabin for a few years and goes regularly to restore it and enjoy the quiet. My mother had been able to visit it a couple of times, but it will be my first time there. Mike took a quick trip up there last weekend to winterize the house and sent me a couple of pictures of the first snow. (That's what the photo up top is) It's comforting to have something different to look forward to. My children and I will probably postpone our Christmas until Sunday.

Italy Day 14 - Final Day

My final day here in Italy. I didn't stay at the apartment and chill because I realized that I "needed" to buy more gifts........... after all I had money left! So, I drove towards Rome and found this place with lots of shops. Of course, I got there around noonish and they soon closed for siesta, so I drove back to my old favorite parking spot near the Piazza Mancini, hopped a bus and rode into Rome once again.

Via Nazionale became my favorite place to shop for two reasons -- 1) it has lots of neat shops and 2) I know my way there and back with no problem. Both of those are important, don't you think? I hadn't planned on going into Rome so I didn't have my map with me and it's quite easy to get turned around there, so staying on known turf was important.

I'm back at the apartment and have almost finished packing.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Italy. It's not possible to choose a favorite part of the trip. Our dinner "crashing" in Cortona has to be right up there. Or the first time I stood in Rome where you can see both the Colesium and the Roman Forum at the same time. Or my first glimpse of Civita di Bagnoregio perched upon that cliff. Experiencing the ballet with a live orchestra in that beautiful hall was another great adventure. I also enjoyed sitting at the apartment each night and going through the pictures to update the blog. It's given me a fresh perspective each day.

I'm glad I decided to rent a car because it gave me the opportunithy to go places I would not have felt free to go otherwise. I'm thrilled that I "conquered" Rome and am comfortable driving there and walking through the city. Perhaps during my next trip I'll conquer the train system and head off to Florence or Venice or..........who knows.

There is much of Italy that I've not explored --- another time, another trip.

Italy Day 13 - the Sea

This is my first picture of the Mediterranean Sea. (When Mike and I went to Porto S. Staffano last week, we were at the Ligurian Sea.) The day was not too cold and, in spite of the clouds, didn't feel gloomy. I just asked Jack (my GPS guy -- short for Jack-in-the-Box, because he's in a box, get it?) to take me to the beach and he did. That Jack....... he's so accommodating. Their beach is nothing like ours -- there are boulders, stone piers, and litter everywhere. In fact, litter and graffiti seem to abound here. After I walked along the beach for awhile, I drove south for about ten minutes and found a nice little coastal village. I walked along their pier, shopped in their shops and ate lunch.

This picture is of the street right across from the beach. I sat outside and had lunch at a seafood restaurant. I couldn't choose between ravioli or seafood and the waiter recommended a fried seafood platter. Now, just to be clear, if ever I order fried seafood again (or any seafood for that matter) I prefer the fish to not have heads, or tails, or bones. This taking a whole little fishy, dipping him in batter, and frying him up doesn't sit too well with me. Also, before one fries shrimp, I think they ought to pop off the head, peel him, and remove his little legs. I'm just sayin'. I am gateful that the calamari wasn't an entire fried squid.

There were a fair amount of people fishing from various piers at the beach. I am constantly pleased to find that no matter where I've gone, no matter what time of day, no matter what the temperature or climate, people are walking. Old, young, and in between -- they walk. Strolling along with coats, umbrellas, boots or whatever attire is necessary.... they walk.

Nicer restaurants here begin serving at 8pm. They're closed until then. Isn't that odd? But people go. The caffe's are open earlier. Most everything closes from 1 until 4 or 5. Siesta! I love that part of Italy. In Rome, you can find little eateries open, but most of the shops are closed for siesta.

Jack is having issues lately. His volume isn't working. He's stuck on 30% volume, which is extremely quiet. When Mike was still here, we would constantly make fun of Jack because he doesn't have an italian accent, yet he pronounces the letters like the italians do. That makes him sound a little bit like John Wayne speaking italian. Perhaps his feelings are hurt or he's angry at me because now he'll barely speak to me. I think I'll have to send him back for a replacement when I get home. That'll show him, won't it?

Well, everyone. Today was my last day of exploring Italy. I leave Tuesday morning and have plans to read, crochet, clean, and pack tomorrow. I'll do a bit of walking around Capena to be sure I've taken it all in, but probably won't drive anywhere. I so appreciate your taking this trip with me..... I feel like I'm sharing with friends each night. I mostly don't mind traveling alone, but it's great to have someone to share things with. The comments you've left have been enjoyable and have kept me company, as well.

My trip may be almost over, but my journey through life is still going strong. I determined when I began this blog to live life bodly and with purpose. I will continue to venture along that road, so check back with me as I will still post occasionally and let you know how it's going. I'll probably drop a little post tomorrow and another when I return safely home. I miss my family and will be glad for skin-to-skin hugs instead of just cyber ones. See you soon.

Italy Day 12 - Vatican

Good evening, everyone. It's another beautiful day here in Italy and my trip to Rome was beautiful, as well. I first went to St. Peter's Basilica. Wow. Magnificant. As has been the case with so much of my stay here, there was too much to take in.

There were many different areas in the basilica. Each area more interesting than the last. The church is open and easy to manuever. I was free to browse and move around as I desired. It wasn't too crowded and everyone had plenty of space to focus on their area of interest.

The courtyard was huge and had fountains, statues, and interesting architecture to experience.

These last two photographs are in the Sistine Chapel - the end of the museum tour of the Vatican. I'm sorry to say that I found the Vatican to be too much sensory overload for my taste and way too crowded. Perhaps I went at a poor time. There is room after room of statues, tapestry, frescoes, paintings, etc. I had an audio guide and found it very helpful. I heard many interesting tidbits and facts about the origin and meaning to each room. It took a couple of hours just to walk through all of the rooms at the Vatican museum. After an hour or so, I started to feel guilty for walking past so much without being able to process it all. How can you look at everything in a room that has over 100 statues? Or notice all of the tapestry when each one is the size of a room? Or keep looking up at all of the ceiling paintings when the walls and floors are each artistic, as well? I think it might be nice to have about 2 days to walk through alone and really focus on some of the items. Everything, the ceiling, floor, and walls is fabulously done.

This is an idea of how crowded it was during my tour of the Vatican. This, as I stated earlier, is the Sistine Chapel. By the time I got here I was having an anxiety attack and could only think about getting out and having fresh air in my face. Isn't that sad?

After my time at the Basilica and Vatican, I walked for a couple of hours through the city once again. I am pleased to say that I no longer feel overwhelmed in Rome. I am comfortable with the drive into the outskirts of the city and using the bus system to get around. With the help of a detailed map, I can pretty much find where I want to go -- even though most of the streets do not have signs!

Tomorrow I plan to head west to the coast to explore that part of the country. I'll let you know how it goes.

Italy Day 11 - Capena

Today was my vacation from exploring. I lazed around all the day long and loved every minute of it. When I went out to get dinner supplies, I noticed that the Christmas lights, which have been up since I arrived, were on for the first time. It looked lovely, so I thought I'd share a couple of the night time, rainy, photos of Capena with you.

The lights looked quite festive reflecting off of the wet streets, I think. The weather isn't very cold, considering the wetness of the night.

This is the fountain at the end of my street. When my balcony door is open, I can hear the water flowing and it's quite calming.

I did learn to crochet today -- well, I'm beginning to learn, anway. Here's a photo of what I accomplished. It's just to the point where it's relaxing since I don't have to concentrate so hard to make the stitches.

Tomorrow, it's off to Rome again. I have to see the Vatican -- it would be wrong to visit Rome without seeing it, don't you think?

Italy Day 10 - Viterbo

Today was clear and cold. It's about 48 degrees at 6pm in Capena right now. I drove aboout 1 hour today to Viterbo, the capital city of the Lazio region. This first picture is of the cathedral of Saint Lorenzo. I am constantly in awe of the churches here in Italy because, not only are they beautifully designed, they are majestic in a way that a newer church simply cannot be. To think of the years and years of worshippers gathering inside is inspiring. It is difficult to capture the feeling one experiences entering these buildings. It causes me to quiet my soul and be respectful in a deep way. The longer I'm here, the more I wish I was a better photographer and the more I realize I need to learn more adjectives! lol

In each city I've visited, looking down the side streets is one of my favorite past times. The archways, the metal work over doors and windows, the laundry hanging seemingly haphazardly from windows and balconies, the stone streets.... all of these things tells a story of the inhabitants behind the walls of each place I encounter.

I found a map of Viterbo and followed it to the various parts of the city. I also met a couple of American girls who are exchange students here in Italy. Their italian was excellent and they were sweet and willing to share their experiences here. I met them in a little place I stopped for lunch. It was a Turkish place that sold something called a Donar Kabob. Yum! They said they have a "bob" about once a week to break the tradition of having pasta as the first course of every meal. It was good stuff. The gentleman who ran it was very patient and kind. It amazes me that here in Italy, when you order food at a little place like this one, they never want you to pay at first. Just relax and enjoy your food, then take care of the money. He told me to sit, sit, enjoy and eat. When I was finished, he was more than willing to wrap the rest of my sandwich (it was huge) and then asked me to remind him what I ate. It was relaxing as well and pleasing for my stomach.

The weather forecast for tomorrow calls for 90% rain so I plan to stay put and just be. Take a vacation from exploring. I will read and try to learn to crochet. I actually brought yarn and a crochet hook in hopes to figure it out via youtube instructions. It'll be interesting to see how that goes.

Italy Day 9 - Villa d'Este

"Villa d'Este at Tivoli, with its palace and garden, is one of the most significant and complete examples of the culture of the Renaissance in its most refined expression. Its innovative concept, the creativity and ingenuity of its architectural works constitutes an incomparable example of the Italian Garden of the 16th century."

That's the intro the guidebook I purchased today. I couldn't find a way to describe the gardens, so I "borrowed" from the book. To think this was created in the mid 16th century boggles the mind. In the first picture, I chose the one that I'm in because I figured it was time to prove that I'm actually here!

The avenue is flanked by the streams of the Hundred Fountains, although in reality there are more than three times that number of spouts. It was difficult to get them all in!

Villa d'Este is a palace, as well as the gardens. The palace is phenomenal (of course) and had beautiful frescoes in every room. There are explanations of the story told by each room, so it was really quite interesting. This was in the center of the ceiling in the first room and depicts God appearing to Noah.

More pictures of the water features. The sound of the water flowing was quite soothing. I can't even tell you how many fountains were in the garden area. They were all unique in their own way.

This is up and beside the top area of the main fountain that you see in the first picture.

Market day in the city of Tivoli -- where the Villa is.

Today actually began quite disappointing. I got up early, made it to Tivoli without incident, found a parking spot (thank you, God) and entered the Villa only to be told that the water wasn't working and they weren't sure when (if) it would be repaired that day. I chose to enter anyway, and soon realized that the garden area wasn't a garden with a few fountains in it............ it's fountains placed in a garden setting. It looked incomplete and that, coupled with the workers using power tools to cut branches and having equipment spread around, made for a rather unpleasant experience.

When in doubt, shop. The town of Tivoli is beautiful and I had already paid for parking, so I explored the town. I found it very enjoyable and it had some unique shops to explore. I had my first cappuccino in Italy, found a gelatorria (actually I've found them pretty regularly here!), and bought some lovely little Christmas-y decorations. I came upon a church and when I went in I realized they were having mass in Latin. Cool. I'm rude enough that I took a couple of pictures (my camera is pretty silent and I don't use flash in churches, so I don't think anyone noticed) while standing in the back of the church.

After a few hours I headed back to the Villa d'Este and was thrilled to find that the water was working again! Yea!!! They allowed me back in without re-paying and I really enjoyed it the second time. The weather was beautiful -- sunny and pleasant --- as opposed to really, really cold in the morning. I skipped the palace since I had already explored that in the morning and headed straight for the gardens. There were only a few people there, so it was very peaceful. I was able to sit and read for an hour or so while listening to the water and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. (By the way.... I'm reading "Same Kind of Different as Me" which is a true story by Ron Hall and Denver Moore ----- exceptionally good.)

It was somewhat of a melancholy day for me, though, because I was really missing my mom. (For those of you that don't know, she passed away October 18.) I kept thinking how much she would've liked it there. Though I know she's in a much more beautiful place than those gardens, I still would liked to have shared it with her.

Anyway, I haven't decided what tomorrow holds. I've got a few possibilities. I guess it'll be a surprise to us all!

Italy Day 8 - Orvieto

Bueno Sera! It's a clear, cold evening here in Capena. A crisp ending to a truly phenomenal day. It was about an hour drive in the rain up the autostrada to Oriveto. The rain ended just as I was entering the city. I parked in a parking garage, figured out how to manipulate the ticket, walked up (always up) lots of stairs, and entered the city. Wow! This first picture is of the cathedral, which was begun in 1290 on the foundations of an Etruscan temple. I wish I had been able to take a photograph that adequately conveys its size and glory. It is truly an amazing structure. Take a minute and notice the group of people on the bottome left side of the photo -- it will give you some indication of how enormous this building is. I took some photos of the front later in the day when the sun was reflecting off the gold in the paintings and it truly glowed.

This is one photo of the inside of the cathedral. There are 144 chairs set up in front of the altar. Behind the altar are numerous paintings on the walls and about 24 stained glass depictions in the center. My neck got sore from straining to see all the way up at the paintings and sculptures inside.

I just love all of the intricate round windows I've seen on many of the churches here in Italy. So much work on a seemingly insignificant part of the buildings. This particular one was in the church of Sant'Andrea.

This is one of the windows in the cathedral.

This is one of the many pictures of the walkways in Orvieto.

I took 96 pictures today and still only captured a fraction of what I saw. I bought a very informative guide book to Orvieto and it had itineraries which I followed throughout the city. It gave great tidbits and interesting facts that I would have missed. I spent about 5 hours here and could have easily stayed busy for 2 days learning about its history and seeing the many churches and museums. There is even an underground tour available which I didn't have time to take advantage of.

When I was talking with Pucci last night, while she was giving me ideas of places to visit, she said I could stay 2 months and still not see all there is to see right in this region -- let alone all of Italy. I certainly believe her. When my 2 weeks is finished, I will go home with tons of pictures, untold memories, and the knowledge that I've barely seen a small portion of what there is here.

After my day in Orvieto, I got home, walked to the butcher and ordered a chicken breast, which he sliced very thinly for me. I dipped it in an egg/milk mixture and coated it with some bread crumbs (which I made, thank you very much) combined with shredded fontini cheese, salt and pepper. I cooked it in olive oil and served it with spaghetti that I tossed in equal parts olive oil and melted butter seasoned with garlic and pepper. Stupendous!

I plan to read for a little bit, then head off to bed because I plan to get an early start tomorrow. Thanks for visiting with me again.