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.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

A Touch of Homesickness

Today I was missing Italy. Then I saw these beauties that now grace my counter.


They are lovely.

14 comments:

Vicky said...

How beautiful in your new kitchen! When are you heading off to Italy? Will you be traveling beyond the borders like you have done in years past?

Rebecca said...

Those are lovely! I saw some at our farmer's market last Saturday, and I never went back to get them. Now I wish I had since I have a LONG 13-month wait for the real deal.

Jane said...

Hi Vicky and Rebecca
We leave here June 29 but first we go to Nice and then to Morocco for 10 days. Guess I'll do a blog entry about that adventure. Then we have 5 weeks in Italy.

Yes, Rebecca, you should have taken possession of the flowers--13 months is so far away!

Melissa K. in Nebraska said...

Ciao!! I am planning to fulfill my lifelong dream of visiting Italy and in my research, I happened upon your blog. Not only do you have many musings about Italy, you are from San Diego! I am as well. I plan to read each of your posts. They are quite articulate and interesting. And your grandson is a beautiful young man. I believe he is lucky to have you both in his life. I wonder, do you have any thoughts on a single woman (40ish...) traveling to Italy alone?

Jane said...

Melbone99--an interesting monkier and I'm sure there's a story behind it. That might make a good blog entry.

You will LOVE Italy--of course, I am prejudice about the country. Researching and planning will fill hours and you will enjoy each one.

Thanks for the nice words about grandson, Casey--the light of my life these days.

Traveling alone in Italy? I know many women who have done that. I did for 10 days once--but I had friends along the way to meet up with. Check out this blog http://www.slowtrav.com/blog/girasoli written by a woman who has done a lot of single travel, including Italy. She lives in Hawaii.

Also, go to the Italy section of www.slowtalk.com and do a search for single travel or something like that and you will get some threads about women who have done this.

There is a woman named Marian who does it frequently.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane,
Lovely photo. I see it will be about 5 weeks and you are off to Italy again. I didn't realize that you were also going to France on the way.
I'll check in to see if you post about Morocco, a place I've always wanted to go.
chiaro

Jane said...

Hi J...yes, the time will go by quickly. It is strange that the older I get--or the more traveling I do--things are done at a slower pace. Need to start planning now. Yes, Morocco is on the horizon and we are quite excited but then, nothing equals are anticipation of returning to Italy.

Gil said...

Have a good trip. I'll be checking on the fun you are having as we are staying on the East Coast this year.

girasoli said...

Girasoli... my favorite!! :) They look beautiful on your new kitchen counter.

Thanks for the compliment about my blog and solo traveling. I can't wait to be back in Italy! Have been homesick also. You must be getting very excited about your trip!! You leave 7 days after I do. Am looking foward to hearing more about your plans.

I am also hoping to make it to San Diego. I still need to see what is happening with work first though. Our lovely (said in a very sarcastic way) governor is threatening us with all kinds of things if we don't agree to her idea of cutting our pay in a huge way. I would need to take off 2 days work to come and I would not put it past her to forbid us to use personal days if she doesn't get her way.

barb cabot said...

Jane, these sunflowers are so beautiful in your new kitchen. They would brighten up anyone's spirits. I'm so envious and happy for you that Italy is very soon approaching. It's getting closer and closer!

Jane said...

Gil, long time since hearing from you--wondered about that.
Girasoli, how excited are you? Not very? Don't think so. And...I sure hope you come to SD--you really must.
Barb, yes in just a little over a month and we will be there. Can't wait except that our plans hit a big snag today--the Morocco portion.

nancyhol said...

Lucky you for having an Italy trip so close at hand!

The sunflowers are beautiful. I don't blame you for being homesick for beautiful Italia.

Jerry said...

You'll be back soo enough! At least you don't have to wait another year like me. :-(

Jane said...

Nancy and Jerry--I know that I'm lucky--can't wait to be there and visit all of our haunts and find some new ones. And Jerry, you're right, it will be over much too quickly but I can't think of that now.