When In Rome.....

MyTreasure and I took a three city intro-level tour to Italy a couple of years ago, and had a wonderful time. Italy is wonderful, and even though I haven't seen most of the rest of the world, I hope to get back there again. We did make one big mistake though, which would be easily remedied the next time we go. I love to shop, and MT HATES to shop. I learned early in our marriage that if I wanted to buy something, MT was an enormous hindrance. Whenever I am in the store, I hear conversations going on around me: wife "Oh, this is nice!" husband "What do you need that for?" Oy! Leave him home, for heavens sake!

When MT and I are traveling together, we make time apart so that I shop a little, and he goes and looks at whatever amuses him. I love to see what they are selling in different places--even the grocery stores. Most of the time I pick up something small, just to remember the trip--I'm not big on buying a lot of stuff that will just sit around the house, along with the stuff that is already sitting around the house. I keep my eyes open and try to pick something that I will be able to use, or enjoy over the long haul.

I didn't find anything that I wanted in Venice, but there were vendors selling beautiful burnout velvet scarves in Florence, and in Pisa there were all sorts of Pinocchio ornaments and toys. MT said "Don't buy it now--you'll only have to carry it." Well, the carry part is true--luggage is heavy enough without the extra purchases, so I waited until Rome.

Italy is not like the US. Things are very regional, even though the country is a lot smaller than here. S0--what you see in one city, you will not see anywhere else. We got to Rome, and the souvenirs were nothing like what we had seen along the way. I ended up empty handed. That's okay--nothing was there that I really needed. I came home with some tubes of tomato paste, and a jar of truffles. But, I did pass this tidbit on to our neighbors before they went on their trip, and they thanked me when they got back.

I came across a doll pattern for a little Pinocchio, and I finally got around to making him up. I think he came out well, and here he is--not as traditional as the ones in Pisa, but nice enough for our next doll exhibit next month.

Sunny Day Blues

Yesterday I was out on the sidewalk walking along, and oddly, the sun was shining. Flowers were blooming, the temperature was just right and I felt like I had been let out of jail. We have had such a stretch of rainy days, alternating with days that have no rain, but look like it it will any minute. The temperatures have been moderate, but not all lovely and warm like June is supposed to be. Who would have wanted to have a wedding in this June? (When I was playing weddings at our church, back when people actually got married, the most popular month had switched from June to October.)

I was surprised to find that my disposition was so affected by the sun--and how glad everyone was to have it back. Of course, it seems to have lasted for one day in a row--again. Thunder storms are predicted for this afternoon. As I write, it is growing darker and darker. Back to square one!

Aftermath

Our choir director's wife is having their first baby, so it was only appropriate that all the choir mothers should get together and have a baby shower for this new mother. The director thought it should be a surprise, and so a fake string orchestra rehearsal was arranged at our house, and they arrived at our door, cello and viola in hand. Well, the mom was surprised, and took it very well. We all had food and great games (thank you Garden Fairy!) and I think we all had a great time. Sometimes you just have to celebrate, and what better occasion than a new baby, being born to a great couple.

My daughter (Mother Necessity) came to offer spare hands for the kitchen, and my granddaughter wanted to come as well--she is eight, and this was her first baby shower. MN baked the beautiful cupcakes in the picture, and handled the food details that often bedevil a hostess--get it out hot, and get it all put away at the end.

Several guests lingered, much to our pleasure, as we could have good conversation after most of the food was over, and the other guests had taken their leave. I think it was a pleasant afternoon for everyone--all in all a successful party. Thanks so much to MN and GF. Yu'all come back another day!

The Fam

Memorial Day came and so did the fam. But, we decided to forego the traditional backyard bbq and have brunch at a nearby restaurant. My Mom and Dad came in from Florida, and since it was within a few days of their 65th wedding anniversary, we decided to celebrate more formally. 65 years is definitely a day to be marked, especially in these times of easy in, easy out. Look at us, all dressed up. Good lookin' bunch, don't you think? Congratulations, Mom and Dad!