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.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

A Sleepy Day at Viticcio

Things are quiet here today. The sounds of the vineyard are muted, the air is quiet, the birds seems subdued in their calls to one another and Casey is taking his first nap in six years. The children spent their energies yesterday and last night.

Their birthday party was the success it was meant to be even though Camilla’s day was last November and Casey’s is not until next week. The reunion with classmates and friends from last year abounded with laughter, joy and just plain fun. Watch for Casey’s blog entry complete with pictures and a slide show—coming soon. For now, enjoy this sneak preview of some of the fun in the sun.


Ken and I have spent the day so totally lazy that I am bored—a state of being I didn’t think possible here in the land of dreams. Maybe a trip into town for gelato will help—I think so.
It’s worth a try—don’t you agree? Time to round up Casey and Camilla, giving an excuse to go….

********

We’re back and yes, gelato helped—a lot. I had albicocca and fiordilatte, quite good! Of course, since the children came with us a stop at L’Edicola was necessary in order to inspect Gromiti and animal cards which in turn meant spending vacation money—his not ours. For the uninitiated, these are Gromiti—previously only in Italy but lately migrated to the US. These, of course, are Italian.

I read today that creative, imaginative play is vital to growing up healthy. Clearly, Casey has no problem in this area and, with such criteria, will grow to be a very, very healthy man. I can relax.

Tomorrow he will spend the day at his friend Tommy’s house. This gives Ken and I time to do what we spent so many days doing while he was in school here—aimlessly driving, just to see. We have traveled many kilometers in such exploration but there are still a multitude of white roads to explore, little borgos to investigate and, of course, new places to find for lunch. This time I think we will go to Osteria le Panzanelle, a little place in Lucarelli, loved by many but, surprisingly, escaped by us before. This is good as "new" always holds anticipation. And..I will have another place to add to my Chianti recommendations of fine eateries.

Tomorrow will be another domani--a new day with much to stir the heart and share. I suspect there will be a country chapel, maybe some sheep, an evocative shrine, a curve with a surprising treat, something wonderful. Till then......time for a glass of chianti, fresh pasta and music.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

I hope this posts - I am truly enjoying your blog, Jane. Thank you for keeping it going and sharing your days and moments. Continue to enjoy each and every one. Wendy and Rob

Jane said...

Hi Wendy, I am complimented that you are enjoying the blog. It's fun to do. The reason comments don't post right away is that I have it set up so that I review them before posting them--maybe I will change that as there hasn't been a need for that for quite a while. There used to be some weirdos out there.

Nancy said...

What a wonderful lazy day, complete with gelato! What could be better!

nancyhol

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane - I have been reading your blog for 2 years now and finally decided to say hello. Casey is a very lucky boy indeed - as are you and Ken to be enjoying Italy together!! We have a house in Tuscany and also Southern California so we are almost neighbors on 2 continents - but we are never in Italy in the summer. During the summer, I read your blog to enjoy the summer in Italy. Thanks so much for writing!
Bob & Harriet

Anonymous said...

Ciao Jane,
I'm following along with your blog as you travel this summer, as well as Casey's.
Sounds like you are all having a wonderful time.
Your new patio table is beautiful and oh to have that real gelato!
Can't wait 'til Sept. when it's our turn to be there.
Enjoy every minute. I know you will.
ciao,
chiaro di luna

Anonymous said...

Jane, it all sounds wonderful and I'm enjoying following along with you, Ken and Casey.

He will grow up a healthy, happy man ... in part because you won't relax!

ellen (ellens)

Anonymous said...

The perfect way to travel - aimless wandering! It is a treat to read about your adventures.

Jane said...

Grazie mille--once more. And Bob and Harriet, welcome aboard. Where in Tuscany and where in So.Cal? I have an e-mail address that I use for posting so if you write to it, I can respond with my "real" address. It is jane@janeandken.com

Yes--being lazy in Tuscany is a nice way to be!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane,
I too have been reading your blog from time to time. We corresponded about 3 years ago and you were kind enough to give me the list of requirements from the LA Consulate. My husband and I have a condo at the beach in San Diego and have been living happily in Rome for the past 3 years. Elaine

divinacucina said...

Enjoy le Panzanelle, Nada is fabulous and I don't get there enough!

if there is the rice pudding crostata with the creme caramel top... save room!

Jane said...

Elaine, in Rome 3 years? Time does fly!! I am envious as it is a great place to be living. Maybe when you are in San Diego, we can meet.

Judy, I read this too late so next time! Had a great pranzo there.

Anonymous said...

Jane, you are fanning the "longing for italy" flames!

They only started smoldering recently but the news that you have screens AND AC made them serious! :)

Lucky you. Savor these times.

Casey is looking so grown up in your photos!

Pat