Saturday night, July 20, 2013

It is nine in the evening and it is still incredibly light outside. I love summer days that linger almost forever. The sky will turn a royal, then navy blue and the twinkle of the traveling cars and of a life on the lake will be invigorating, even in its evening.

I had a great day. Decided that because shops are closed tomorrow, that I needed some supplies: IE: milk for frothing in my morning coffee was the FIRST MUST. Started with a passagiata..... walking the pedestrian street with 'take out' offerings. That is how I eat.I get pre made food from local cooks. I got rice salad that I always AMERICANIZE with gobs of mayonnaise and balsalmic vinegar. I got a cooked chicken breast and ENSALATA RUSSA: potatoes, mayonaise, carrotts and peas.

Then, I was inspired to complete my week end menu by going to the local grocery store. Where, I might add: I got everything stupidly heavy I could muster: jar of mayonaise, 2 bottles of wine, 2 bottles of milk, 2 bottles of water, 2 bottles of iced tea. And, did I mention 5 tins of tuna and a jar of spaghetti sauce.???

I am sure that my arms were at least a centimeter longer when I arrived at the villa. Of course, one of the bags broke! I bought a trolley for such spontaneous and stupid shopping. I learned my lesson: I will take it with me BEFORE going to the grocery store.

Had a surprise visitor for lunch... Dining on a Take Out lasagne, burnt just enough on top to make it crunchy, I was told in typical Italian style that "to make GOOD food, you need time". Food and Italian palate is impeccable. And the topic in every conversation- during the morning, afternoon or evening. It is more than a sport: Italians breathe in their food. It is the center of their life. It is around which all things happen: conversations, important and trivial, is where the stories of their lives unfold. It is ART and a science.

Had a great chat with a dear friend stateside, then had to get dressed for the festival. I got stood up for a village festival 2 KM from here. Not really stood up. I am not getting my IM. Nadia sent one to confirm and when she didn't hear from me, she went right to the fest. I am so fine with that. I have been to dozens over the quarter century I have lived on the lake. Each village has their own rendition: always involved some sort of hand made paper ticket, salsicce, ribs of some sort, red & wine wine..... picnic tables with paper table clothes, grand parents, babies and friends of family of all ages, mingle and are joyful. There is always music where you see babies dance on the floor along side pubescent teenagers and grandparents. It is multi-generational and just plain normal. No Italian would even write about as if it was something to write about.

Daily, I see young folks go for a walk - a passagiata with their grandparent or parent. Daily. The young taking care of their elders. It is the cycle of life.  It is a beautiful thing because it is as natural as a baby crying. It just is the way of life.

The mountains are getting a darker shade of grey, and the blue in the sky is turning a hazy grey. The sunset is behind the mountains.

ciao for niao
Judy, and always with a smile