We are finally here in Italy, touring the country again with Marco and Claudio, but this time from their home in Viareggio. We awaken to church bells and cafe Americano in the garden. Flowers are blooming amid buzzing Vespas and even the sidewalks are arranged like quilts. A baby girl, Bianca, was born next door the day before we arrived and so her front door is festooned with pink ribbon.
We stroll just a few blocks to the Ligurian Sea where the sand is not too hot, yet. Only the Pumpkin has jumped in the gentle waves. We visit ancient cities and discover small, Bronze Age statues of people in a province of Lucca. Castle walls surround this whole town in Tuscany, as if to say we value every one of our people, not just royalty. Art is everywhere.
Did you know that because of the Spanish Inquisition (1478-1834), Jews brought the tomato to Italy?
Of course we are learning to cook the traditional food. Yesterday we made green lasagna noodles with two different sauces – a Bolognese and a Bechamel. The grands are enjoying the desserts, tiramisu and bignes, like profiteroles only better. Today Bob and I finally ordered a pizza for lunch on the Promenade, but it was like no other with fresh prosciutto and funghi.
If I were to define happiness, it would be now, this time with my whole family. Watching the Bug fill tiny ravioli while the Pumpkin works the dough through a pasta machine. Sitting on the sofa with Pietro, the truffle/rescue dog, and discussing design with Kiki over an Aperol. Walking in the rain with the Bride and Groom, and suddenly the Rocker takes my hand.
And Bob, forever mi amore, celebrating today our 45th Wedding Anniversary by doing laundry and caring for me. This cold I brought with me has turned into an infection. It’s OK. It’s life, I guess even this virus wants to survive in this beautiful country.
MountainMornings 
It sounds wonderful, and I am so jealous! Chris and Bob, Happy 45th! Chris, I hope you get over the infection soon. You are lucky to have the Nashville’s finest Docs traveling with you!
Thanks so much Yoko! I am taking it easy for now and feeling much better. Hope all is well back home! Hugs
Thanks Yoko! Finally feeling less jet lagged and happy to be home. Let’s get together soon ❤️
I think of you and Dr Bob every day and have been meaning for ages to reach out.
Im in Wilmington NC now with my daughter and granddaughters. Jen has Lupus and is not doing well and Grammy Pat is here to help. I’m doing quite well for 80 but sadly, we lost Midge in February to cancer. Gwyneth had a massive heart attack, coded three times but is now doing well.
I’m going to Va in a few weeks and will visit Gwyneth and Deb Griffith. Love to you both! Such great memories!
Pat Ivey
It’s so good to hear from you Pat! And thanks for following along on this blog journey of mine.
How in the world are you 80? Don’t we forever stay middleaged. So sorry to hear about Jen, we wish her health improves over the summer with sun and rest. Jess has decided that sleep is a wonder drug and now will only work day shifts.
Please give Gwyneth our very best.
You are lucky to live by the sea! That is my next goal. Love Always, Chris
Lovely. You all are blessed. Kb
Thanks Karen! How the heck are you? What’s your summer travel schedule like, road trip to Nashville?
Lovely read, Chris, thank you. We miss you guys. Send everyone our best. You have a beautiful family.
Aw thanks Marco! We miss you too, tell Nancy I want to be her friend. Love always