God sometimes gives us unexpected gifts. Our gift has been a grandson who enlivens our lives and makes retirement very different than the one we anticipated. He is a special joy. And that's "Casey." In 2006 we fulfilled our dream of living in Italy for a year. It was every bit as wonderful as anticipated. This blog begins in 2005 as we prepared for that experience. Since then we have explored many places together. That's the "Travel." And finally, I am a person of opinions--spiritually, politically, on just about anything and that's the "Other Stuff." Welcome to my blog.

Monday, December 03, 2007

Tonight We Had Tacos!

Yes, it was taco night and we had them last week, too. That equaled the total number of times we had them all last year--as Casey dutifully pointed out. Somehow Mexican food, that which we thought we could not live without, faded into the culinary background when competing with the delicacies of Italy.

I so often write of what we miss which isn't quite fair as there are things that we treasure here--now, if I can think of some of them. Let's see--
  1. Tacos, burritos, red curry, kung pao, huge artichokes and......corn on the cob.
  2. Our church fellowship--somehow Baptist churches are few and far between in Italy-or actually in most of Europe.
  3. Our friends of years. New friends are wonderful but can never replace those that have traveled life with you.
  4. Scratch--our dog--or rather Casey's dog.
  5. Being able to talk with teachers sans interpreter.
  6. A big, big refrigerator and freezer.
  7. Meat cuts that I understand.
  8. Finding clothes that fit my non-size-6 frame.
  9. Spending time with our son.
  10. Browsing book stores which have books I can read.
  11. $'s not €'s.
  12. Target for Casey's clothes and Costco jeans for me.
  13. Canned music (scherzo).
  14. Air America.
  15. The desert.
  16. Dungeness crab.
  17. Ability to read and comprehend directions on soap boxes--or anything.
  18. Having groceries bagged for me.
  19. Freeways rather than toll roads. (I do miss the Auto Grills).
  20. Big Christmas trees.
  21. Heated swimming pool.
  22. Honey Bunches of Oats
  23. Heat or a/c that isn't on a schedule.
  24. And............how about some suggestions from fellow travelers?
  25. A fellow traveler addition--and rightly so: The beautiful Pacific Ocean
So, have I redeemed myself in the eyes of those who think I spend too much time remembering and wishing? Probably not, as somehow a list doesn't really equate with narratives. But, the simple truth is, Italy demands the rhapsody that the USA has not yet found.

5 comments:

Barbara said...

Oh we understand far too well! We've been enjoying the refired beans you left us! Mexican night is a areal treat here, but as you said, it's just a small part of our life here.

We hope that once we're back in the states we don't turn into whiny people who seem to think everything in Italy was wonderful...but when it comes to the food.....it's a winner in every way!

Jane said...

Barb, it's not that everything is wonderful there but that you miss a way of life that is so different than here. I

know what you mean about being whinny--I have consciously worked on not being that (sometimes it's hard). Blogging has kind of become an outlet for those feelings.

Anonymous said...

I'm, still chuckeling about the Italian bandaids. I ALWAYS bring them back, and I used one last night that STICKS!

How about the Pacific Ocean? As beautiful as the Med and Adriatic are, the Pacific is stunning and amazing!

Jane said...

You're right--the Pacific Ocean must be added. I will do that right now.

So--another Italian bandaid fan! Wonder how many of us there are

Anonymous said...

Happy Holidays to you and your family, Jane! And thank you for the link..that was sweet of you :)