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.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Tutto Un Sogno?

We've been home three days now and already the past two months have entered into that nether world of dreams and "were we really there?" I know we were. I can summon up views from Fattoria Viticcio, the visual charm of Sant' Antonio, the perfection of Genius Loci, the wild rides of Gardaland and so much more. But......it all seems so improbable. Is there really an Italy that we sometimes call home?

Casey is sick and has been since the last night in Italy where he awoke at midnight with a terrible stomach ache. He has slept almost non-stop since we arrived home Tuesday night. He has canceled play dates with friends he has not seen for two months and karate lessons. He manages about two bites of food before he pushes it away and returns to the couch and pillow. Drinking liquids is about all he accomplishes and not much of that. Yesterday we went to see the doctor who says it's a virus but I'm not too convinced of that as he is missing a primary symptom of a stomach virus. So, we will wait it out a little longer and hope it all goes away. If not, I guess a trip to the hospital is in store for this weekend. It is so hard to have a child hurting and not be able to fix it for him!

Then there is THE table--remember the one we ordered in Florence? The round one to match the rectangular one we treated ourselves to last year? The one we were so excited about? It was waiting for us when we returned and we were happy.

But, when we opened the crate on Wednesday, we stood and stared and cried--our beautiful table or, at least, what was meant to be our beautiful table. As you can see, if it were whole, it would be lovely. But, it isn't.

I e-mailed and sent the picture to Giotti Ceramiche in Florence, the creators of the table. They responded immediately and will be making a new table for us--no hassle, no fuss. They and DHL will figure out which of them is responsible. In this day and age it is so nice to work with a reputable business and people. If you are in the market for a lovely, beautiful piece of usable art, I can recommend someone to you.

It will be several weeks before we have our new table as the production department is on vacation until September 1 and then it will take 6 weeks to make it. Since these are individually designed tables, worked out between the artist and the buyer, there isn't a regular production line or supply on hand.

Lastly, time to share, I think that I may not have a complete mind--a thought I've entertained for a while now. Before we left for two months, it seemed like a very sound decision to have a barbecue/swim party for 40 people 4 days after returning. Now, the idea seems rather dumb; however, I would make the same decision again. We have dear, dear friends who are missionaries and this is their last weekend home on furlough. Typically we host a party for them and our friends and since we were gone all summer, this was the only chance.

And so tomorrow the grill will burn, the jacuzzi will bubble and the watermelon will drip and we will enjoy good conversation and fun. But, I do wish we had a lovely round table for people to admire.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

What Casy has sounds like Mono. Perhaps another check at the doctor?

Anonymous said...

Oh, Jane, what a mess.

I had this happen to clients once and they had a ceramic place in America come and cut the broken table for them. They made a whole bunch of hot plates which were mounted in ferro battuto. I think she wound up with about nine of them.

Just an idea.

Rita

Anonymous said...

Hope Casey is on the mend, plus I'm sure he really misses Italy already.

Jane said...

Good news.......Casey is thriving. After 20 hours sleep each of the last 3 days, he is rebounding. I am glad it wasn't mono--hadn't even thought of that.

Rita, I think we would have molto hot plates. This table has a circumference of 55 cm--quite large. What is ferro battuto?

Anonymous said...

Welcome home Jane,
I'm glad Casey is doing better already. You live the good life both in the States and in Italy. I admire your lifestyle.

I'm sorry about your table and glad that they're replacing it.

Question about Genius Loci.
Do you need a car to get around once you get there? I read that the closest airport is in Perugia and after one gets tranportation from the airport to there what means of transportation are there?
Do the owners provide transportation? Sorry to keep repeating myself. From the pictures it looks like heaven and I'm very tempted to visit in the future, especially with the great reviews from you and Barbara.

I hope you keep blogging, take it easy.

Carole in KC, MO.

Jane said...

Hi Carole, yes, a car is a must at Genius Loci--there is no way around that but, in my mind, that is pretty true of anywhere in Umbria.

Yep--I blog when not in Italy but entries are usually less interesting, at least in my mind.

Casey's in bed so he'll read your comment probably Monday.

Ciao

Anonymous said...

Dear Jane, I'm just catching up now. I'm glad Casey is feeling better. Seeing your table made me gasp but thank goodness the company is a reliable one and that a replacement is in the works. Welcome home! Travel in this day and age is sort of like Star Trek. You get "beamed up" from one place to another in no time. Kinda hard to think of really being in Italy or anywhere when you wake up and you're in another place. Anxious to hear more about your trip and to see photos. Take care and have fun at your party. Cheers, Barb Cabot

Chiocciola said...

Welcome back, Jane and family! It was lovely reading along and sharing your experiences all summer. Glad to hear Casey is feeling better!

Anonymous said...

Ferro battuto is wrought iron. I'm into recycling.

OK, so you can do you Christmas gift shopping early and get an outdoor plant stand, five or six hot plates and 11 coasters.

Rita

Anonymous said...

I am so glad to hear that Casey is on the mend! If only the same could be said of your precious table. How heartbreaking. I hope the new one arrives soon, safe and sound.

Anonymous said...

What a return you've had Jane! As always you handle it with grace and style.

I'm looking forward to visiting San Diego in 8 weeks - goodness, only 8 weeks!