Imports/Exports Parker Style

The prevailing thought regarding treasures to bring home from bella Italia involves:

Wine-of course,

Olive oil-newly harvested/cold pressed,

Ceramics of all kinds—mostly expensive,

Pashmina-a cashmere stole,

Leather—jackets and purses,

Spices—for pasta and bruschetta,

Art books—where to stop? and

Pictures by the thousands.

But, eventually the draw of all these things fades or at least becomes resistible—except, maybe, for olive oil and ceramics.

When we returned after our wonderful year there, we not only brought home less than we filled suitcases with on previous shorter trips, but for the most part what we brought was slightly odd. Let’s see there was:

00 flour—the key to light, crisp fried vegetables

Forno paper—similar to our parchment paper but better and cheaper

Sheets—far nicer and comfy than Bed, Bath and Beyond

Shoes—wonderful sport shoes, not sexy Salvatore Ferragamos

Coffee candy—espresso filled

Tomato seeds—Sicilian and others

Band aids—they actually stay on through a shower

Odds and ends—that remind me of our home there as I use them at home here.

Memories—magical slideshows at unexpected moments.

Ceramics—a beautiful bowl that graces my kitchen

Plastic wine stoppers—everyone wants one, far better than the fancy ones.

Gifts—for friends and family

Pictures—by the thousands.

Oh—yes!. We did have one very big, major, expensive purchase--one that gives constant pleasure and not a moment’s regret.—an exquisite, painted for us, ceramic table from Florence. We had eyed these for years and so decided to take the plunge.

So, what’s on this year’s export list?

Powdered sugar in a shaker—Casey’s request for pancakes

Forno paper—I love it

00 flour—yummy veggies

Wine stoppers—from the Saturday market

Shoes—maybe another pair of sport shoes

Pictures—by the hundreds (it’s only 2 months this time)

Memories—to last until next time

Oh—yes! Another big, major, expensive purchase—a round table to match last year’s acquisition. It will make our back yard complete. The butterflies, bees, dragonflies and lady bugs that grace it are from fairy tales.

And then---what are we importing?

Pancake flour for Casey’s friend Tommaso

Ziplock baggies for my friend Nicoletta

Surprises for Sara

Oven gloves for Casey’s friends at La Cantinetta di Ragnana—with scenes of San Diego

Treats and party favors for Casey and Camilla’s big birthday party

English books for Casey’s Italian friends

Gifts for others of Casey’s friends

Chocolate chips, liquid vanilla and brown sugar for much sought after cookies

More…….

Actually there is one suitcase with nothing but gifts and “stuff.” Do you suppose we will fill it on our return? Give me your odds.