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Thursday, August 8, 2013

Barbie reigns with coniglio and Mancala

Giovedi, Thursday

Had another great day in paradise on the lake. I was picked up at 9:30am to go to the top of the mountains.... to visit my mountain man + Barbie and Gesu.

It was simply grandiose. The view from mountain man's rustic one room stone home was breathtaking, even with clouds hovering overhead. You could see the lake almost to Lecco, and the way to Como city. It is what Lake Como is about: the mountains, which were visible from this height - to Bergamo and beyond.... and everything in between, including the lakeviews. The boats seemed like tiny toy boats from this altitude.

We dined on rabbit which was cooked with wine and carrots to be TENDER and sweet. Polenta via the brass pot and stirring machine was also on the menu. Home made torte, lots of wine beginning at 10:00am and finishing at 7:30pm.... kept flowing, along with bresoala, incredible local cheeses, roasted pork and ..... did I mention: lots of wine, kept us all laughing and enjoying each others' stories.

There was an eight year old with him mom: and it was GREAT to see how he was a welcome part of the day. The old men were so natural, and at ease.... and it is the way that the Italians sew together the various generations so effortlessly. It is a beautiful thing to see and to be a part of. That was the greatest gift we were given when we moved here with our 3 and 6 year old: they were a part of EVERY day. And welcomed as such. It is not the same as it is at home. Kids are either included, or not. In Italy, kids are ALWAYS included and never considered a nuisance.

Arrived home and played MANCALA- an african bead board game. Last night, Carlyle and I played backgammon.... a game learned in her childhood in Italy. It is a game, like Mancale, where you can have a dialogue and still play. It is a way of being intimate, because you are looking at the board.... and feel anonymous: so great conversations can arise along with the fun of playing a game.

Diego stopped by.... Carlyle and Casey hadn't seen him yet this year. He brought along a friend, and it was a delight to visit and meet a new friend, and greet an OLD FRIEND. It was heart warming to see Diego relate to Carlyle now as a woman. .... as she has been a timid little girl.

It is breezy and delightfully cool and a delightful respite from a day of HOT. I am not speaking as a Floridan.... in terms of heat: but as an Italian, who doesn't suffer heat well.

smiles
Judy

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