February 1 - 28, 2015 Napoli (Naples)
February 1, 2015, Sunday
February 1, 2015, Sunday
Time to start another post, or as usual, I will get behind and that makes it hard to remember details.
The usual routine this first of month Sunday, left at 9 instead of 8am since I was picked up by Luigi along with Freda, Crengutsa and Maria. Then us four ladies all stayed for lunch at Caputo’s with all their family and Massimo. Another wonderful meal and Cristina prepared a wonderful pasta and meat for first course. After lunch about 3pm, I went upstairs to Cristina’s for a bit of a nap. That only lasted about 15 minutes, but was enough to get me through the day. Only had about 3 hours sleep last night… just couldn’t get to sleep and then had to rise early, so made for a bit of a long day by the time I returned to my house about 8pm. Damiano was in Napoli, so did not come today. Always enjoy my Sundays. So restful and I don’t have to study!! Well I study some, but not as hard.
February 2, 2015 Monday
Routine, until the power went out! Was sitting with the heat turned up almost on high since it was raining and felt cold just sitting, so got up and put on the teakettle, and popped a piece of bread in the toaster oven, also on high and knocked out the breaker. I didn’t think it was anything else, and it wasn’t. First I checked my breakers, they were fine, but when I went downstairs to the main panel, I could see the red lights flashing on what I thought was my apartment. So I flipped it a couple of times; nothing seemed to happen, but went back up and checked. Still no lights. The panel said 4, and since it was the only one with flashing red lights, and my apartment is interno 4, my mind just assumed that was the one. Okay, now time to call the manager (Damiano). He told me to do what I had just done, but since it didn’t work, he said he would come by after a time. Anyway, he did and I felt bad having him make the trip over, since it was the breaker, except the one I was flipping was piano 4 (fourth floor). Anyway, good thing there was no one on the fourth floor or they might have been concerned when their lights kept flipping on and off!! Anyway, was simple and soon my heat and lights were back on. He then stayed and visited for about an hour about church. For now we will continue with one/one personal visits as he prefers the interaction instead of the passive (sit and listen) approach. Freda will join us hopefully from time to time.
February 3, 2015 Tuesday
Got an email from SSA, that when my name change happened many years ago, whom ever processed my new Social Security Card typed in my state of birth as MI instead of MO. Obviously they didn’t know their state abbreviations. Anyway, now that has become a problem, so I have to present my birth certificate and ID. Anyway, my first option is to try to do it through the American Embassy/ Consulate here in Italy, so planning a trip to Napoli on Friday. Hopefully that will resolve the issue, if not… I may get to America soon.
Prepared a wonderful American Breakfast/Lunch!!! When I took a nice long walk (since didn’t get to walk the day before), I stopped at the market. There I found some real Cheddar cheese!! It even said American Cheddar!! It was a big block, which he then sliced for me with a huge knife by hand and did an excellent job too! Anyway, my first cheddar cheese since I’ve been here. So this morning I made scrambled eggs with butter, garlic, onion, fresh tomatoes and real cheddar cheese!!! Oh yes, it was GOOD!!
February 4, 2015 Wednesday
Up early, as I needed to get studies done early, since today is lunch at Mafalda’s with the sisters. Freda waited at the bus stop for me, and walked with me to the house, as their bus arrived a bit before mine. Mafalda prepared fish which they eat a lot of being on the sea like this. It was very very good! I didn’t eat the pasta today… seems like when I eat pasta first, I get full too quickly. We had a great long lunch and visit (no nap for Freda and I this day), then about 4:30 walked over to Caputo’s. Marco took us all home this evening.
February 5, 2015 Thursday
Another early rise to get my studies done, as Giacinto is to pick us all four up at 11:30 at the sisters bach and take us to lunch with he and Tonya. I got my walk in early and just walked to their place (about a 25-30 minute walk). Also, wanted to get there about an hour earlier, since Freda needed me to look at her computer. Along the way I stopped at my favorite coffee shop and picked up some cannoli’s to go with our morning coffee. I Love those!
We then spent the day with G & T at their home and didn’t arrive back at my apartment until 7pm. Time to start packing a few things to take for the weekend in Napoli and also do a load of laundry, so another late night and again, I did not sleep well the night before, so perhaps I will have no problem getting to sleep tonight!
February 6, 2015, Friday
Off to catch the train at 1pm. It had rained in the night and was trying to sprinkle on my way to the station, but it held off and I did not get wet! Anyway, now on the train, killing time writing in this blog. It is overcast all along the way but the scenery is beautiful. Unfortunately I don’t have a window seat and the fellow beside me is sleeping, so he pulled the shade more than half way down. Not too convenient for me to take a picture out the window, but I would certainly love to!! Anyway, I’m sure I will get plenty of photos in Napoli to satisfy me.
Cristina’s sister now lives in Napoli, so I will spend the weekend with them there. Will be nice to have someone who knows the area a bit to show me around. My appointment at the Embassy isn’t until Monday, so will have all weekend to check out Napoli! More about all this as it happens.
Ciao for now, as the train will be at my stop in about 30 minutes. I will catch another train for a short ride. I love the high speed trains. They ride very smooth, have comfortable seating and make the trip in a lot less time! I am getting so used to riding trains, that it seems like an expensive way to go to take a car and also, this way, I can just sit and do whatever I want. Today is the first day that there have been very small children, that are a bit more active than usual, but even so, they are not bad, and the parents are trying at least. They are obviously going on to Rome, as the children keep saying it over and over.
Well that was interesting. I arrived in Caserta and needed to change trains there to for what should have been a 45 minute ride on a regional train into Napoli. However, after scurrying to make it to the next Binario (track) I was a couple minutes late, and at first thought I had missed it, but it was still posted, so I asked and those standing there said no it had not arrived yet. We all stood there in the rain for about 20 minutes, then one of the nice boys went and checked, came back and told all of us that it had been cancelled, along with 4 others going into Napoli Centrale. Finally we found one that was going on another track, so we all went down the stairs, then up the stairs to that track. After some minutes the train arrived. We were waiting for it to depart, then at the last minute, this nice young many motioned for me that this train now was not going to Napoli, but another one on a different track!!! I grabbed my bag yet again and down the stairs, raced over to another track, back up the stairs just arriving in time to get on the train before it departed. I really got quite a workout this time! Up and down stairs 8 times to catch that train. Then because it was now late, I phoned the friends who were to pick me up and got off at a different station, which made it easier for them. Anyway, all was well in the end.
While I was standing there waiting, this train came through. There were 75 train cars all completely full of these vehicles. All the vehicles were the same make.
February 7, 2015 Saturday
Stayed up way too late last evening so we all slept in then headed out for some sight seeing. It rained off and on all day on Saturday, but the dampness didn’t dampen out spirits any.
Panos and Alexandra are from Greece and he was transferred to Italy last September. He works for NATO, and they live in a gated community just for NATO employees.
A very modern building in a very old city!
There are 28 countries in this Alliance: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, the United States, Greece, Turkey, Germany, Spain, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Albania and Croatia.
Couldn't get any very good pictures, it was guarded and fenced.
There is an American group here and they even have their own supermarket, however, only NATO employees are allowed to shop there. Almost everything in the store is imported from America!!! I could only wish I could. There are a few things I would really have liked to have.
Panos had to get new tires for his car, so Alexandra and I spent some time in the mall. We went looking for coffee filters... never found any. Asked several people in the store and several directed us to where they thought they might be, however, we finally spoke to the manager and after he went looking... no luck. They don't use them here in Italy, because 99% of coffee here is espresso. To get a brewed cup of coffee is a rare event! Even to make your own is hard, since unable to purchase filters. I brought a few with me when I came from the US, however, they are gone now :( Too bad I couldn't have gotten into the American NATO market !
After all that, of course we had to stop and get a coffee :) errr, I mean an espresso. We did however, take ours to the table and drink it... all one swallow!!! After that we sat and chatted while we waited for Panos to return from getting the tires.
They did have a great way to keep the children entertained while they shopped though.
When Panos arrived, we went out for pizza. Wood fired oven. These make the best pizza!
Panos and Alexandra
Alexandra and I
After we ate, we went down to the main part of Naples and along the sea.
Castle Del Ovo
Mount Vesuvius
steep and uneven and no hand rail.
Mount Vesuvius. It is the only active volcano in continental Europe. I took more pictures of this mountain the next afternoon, posted under Sunday.
From Wikipedia: Eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79
In the year of 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted in one of the most catastrophic and famous eruptions of all time. Historians have learned about the eruption from the eyewitness account of Pliny the Younger, a Roman administrator and poet.[32]Mount Vesuvius spawned a deadly cloud of stones, ash and fumes to a height of 33 km (20.5 mi), spewing molten rock and pulverized pumice at the rate of 1.5 Mt/s, ultimately releasing a hundred thousand times the thermal energy released by the Hiroshima bombing.[1] The towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum were destroyed by pyroclastic flows and the ruins buried under dozens of feet of tephra.[1][32] An estimated 16,000 people died from the eruption.
Someone had a nice yacht moored here.
I got a picture of the American Consulate where I had my appointment on Monday. It was heavily guarded so I took this picture from a distance! and did not take one on Monday in the daytime when I was there ! Even though I'm an American, I think they might shoot first and ask questions later!
When we arrive home we played some games and stayed up way too late!
February 8, 2015 Sunday
Sunday was a beautiful sunny day and in the afternoon we did more sight-seeing.
At first some stormy looking clouds appeared, then it cleared off and we had a lovely afternoon.
More touring and walking around the centro.
Then we went to the Castle St. Elmo and had a 360 degree of the city. I don’t think I’ve ever been in a bigger castle than this.
There was a nice little restaurant close to the castle that was open at this time of day, so we popped in there for our meal of the day. It was very good and only 15 € each.
Did a little more driving around seeing a few more sights.
We had a wonderful great day and returned back to the house about 7:30. Played a few more games, then to bed a little earlier, as I needed to get up early Monday.
February 9, 2015 Monday
Panos gave me a ride to the nearest Metro station, and from there I caught the train down close to the Consulate. Walked the rest of the way, however, it was very windy and the wind was very cold. I was early for my appointment, so I stopped and had a coffee and croissant on my way.
My original plan was to spend some time in this area again in the daytime (we were here after dark on Saturday), but the wind quickly changed my mind on that. Did however, take a couple of pictures.
I arrived an hour early, but had no problem getting in early and was out of there in about 10 minutes. Now I just hope this is all the documents they need to process my paperwork. Because it was so cold and windy, I decided to head on to the train station and see if I could change my ticket to an earlier departure, however, that was not possible, so I did a little shopping in the mall at the train station. Did find a couple of nice tops on sale, so was happy about that.
Since I had had so much trouble with the Caserta/Napoli connection on Friday, decided to go ahead and catch an earlier connection to Caserta/Napoli where I would catch the high speed train back to Bari. Paid the extra 3 euro and caught that train a couple of hours early. No problems this time. But did have to wait 2.5 hours at the Caserta train station and it was very very cold.
It was snowing for about 4 hours today and the man at the Stazione said it is the first time it has snowed in over 20 years at this time of year. Anyway, I drank plenty of coffee today trying to stay warm! So glad I brought my ski coat!
On the Frecciargento high speed train headed to Bari now. Will have a walk from the stazione when I arrive there, but hopefully it is warmer there that it was in Napoli! Had a lovely time getting to see Napoli and with wonderful young couple! They are such a lovely young couple and gracious hosts!! Was great spending time with you! Thank you!! Not enough time to make it to the Amalfi Coast, but I did get to Naples finally! Next time...
February 10, 2015, Tuesday
Well so much for Bari being warm! Last night when I arrived here, the wind was still blowing strong in off the sea and it was cold. There had been a storm here the night before and it was still showing it's teeth. I walked the 20 minutes from the Station with my luggage at a fast pace you can be sure! When I arrived home, I cranked the heat on high, climbed in the shower at near scalding temperature and stood there until I had drained the whole tank! Then I put on warm pajamas, over that I put on sweats and wool socks. Piled an extra blanket on my bed and climbed in! Been a long time since I had gotten that cold. Felt like my bones were frozen! In Naples it is very damp and that penetrates more than a dry cold, and then too, I had been many hours (8+) in the wind, and even on the train, it was warmer, but I never took my coat off the whole trip. Temperature wise, it really wasn't too bad in Bari, about 47 degrees, but with the wind and me being already frozen from being in it all day it may as well have been zero C.
Anyway, I'm all thawed out this morning and now to get back into my routine. My studies always suffer when I am away from home. Also, I need to probably go to the market, as I always empty my frig before I leave for any length of time, so the cupboard it bare! Will make do today, as I really don't feel like going outside today.
February 11, 2015, Wednesday
Back to my usual routine, up early, study, catch the bus, church, catch a ride home, then because I really needed to do some laundry, from having been gone, did a load before I retired. Now, it is quite late, so Goodnight!
February 12, 2015, Thursday
Same o, same o, with a few extra phone calls, emails, and a lovely visit thrown in today. Actually I forgot to mention yesterday when I went to catch the bus, several of us got on the bus that had #19 displayed in the reader. However, after waiting about 20 minutes for the driver, we were all wondering why we hadn't left yet. The driver then shows up, turns off the reader and takes a paper sign and sticks it in the window. The bus route had just changed from #19 to #71, so now, guess what... we were all on the wrong bus!! Off we went in search of the next #19 and waited another 20 minutes. Anyway, I am 'on to them now', as I've had a few other times when the bus wasn't there, so I always go early to allow me ample time to catch the next one. Made it to Nicola's in plenty of time.
Picked up a couple things for dinner, but will wait until tomorrow to do more shopping as it is a bit rainy out today.
February 13, 2015, Friday
Had a sweet singing Valentine from my Moses Lake friends in my in box when I checked my email this morning! Cute, cute, cute one too! "When the moon hits your eye like a big-a pizza pie That's amore That's amore When the world seems to shine Like you've had too much wine That's amore That's amore When you walk in a dream And you know you're not dreaming signore 'Scusami, but you see Back in old Napoli, That's amore That's amore Have a Happy Valentine's Day and many amore! " Thank you Cindy!!
A gorgeous sun-shiny day here! Couldn't wait to get outside and walk. So as soon after my morning routine, I grabbed my shopping bags and headed out for a long sea walk. On my way back I went to the markets, purchased groceries, brought them home and went back to the sea. Wasn't ready to come in just yet... too lovely out to be inside today!
Now the day is far spent and I should probably get to bed, so off I go!
February 14, 2015, Vday
I am remembering a friend of long ago who has now passed on, but her b'day was on v'day. Always think of her on this day. Also, did a fair bit of emailing today, and of course my usual Skype :) Happy Valentines Day everyone! Also, posted HVD on facebook... was nice to 'hear' from so many... makes the world seem small. Hugs and thoughts of love and care sent to me from so far away. Thanks!
The usual Saturday chores; cleaned the house, cooked up something to take to Caputo's tomorrow, did the laundry, studied, translated, took a short walk plus about 16 trips up and down the stairs to the laundry. Nice to have physical things to do when my mind was occupied this last week, with thoughts of a very special friend in Tennessee. We met as teenagers in Illinois.
My sweet friend Sharon was diagnosed with Stage IV non-small cell adenocarcinoma lung cancer in June of 2011. Since then, brain tumors were found and she has fought bravely these last 3+ years, but recently has taken a very distressing downturn. My thoughts turn often to her and I am so glad I took the opportunity to go visit her before I moved to Italy. Hugs across the ocean to you Sharon and here is a familiar poem:
THE MASTER WEAVER'S PLAN
My life is but a weaving
Between the Lord and me;
I may not choose the colors--
He knows what they should be.
Between the Lord and me;
I may not choose the colors--
He knows what they should be.
For He can view the pattern
Upon the upper side
While I can see it only
On this, the under side.
Upon the upper side
While I can see it only
On this, the under side.
Sometimes He weaves in sorrow,
Which seems so strange to me;
But I will trust His judgment
And work on faithfully.
Which seems so strange to me;
But I will trust His judgment
And work on faithfully.
'Tis He who fills the shuttle,
And He knows what is best;
So I shall weave in earnest,
And leave to Him the rest.
And He knows what is best;
So I shall weave in earnest,
And leave to Him the rest.
Not 'til the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why.
And the shuttles cease to fly
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why.
The dark threads are as needed
In the Weaver's skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.
In the Weaver's skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.
~~ Author Unknown ~~
February 15, 2015, Sunday
I love Sunday's ! And it was a gorgeous sunny day. Luigi picked Freda, Crengutsa and me up just before 9 and Crengutsa and I spent the day at Caputo's. Freda went to Capurso with Luigi and spent the day there. Cristina and I seemed like we we had so much to catch up on... after all, it had been a whole week!!! Anyway, we visited until it was time for evening church at 6pm, then went to Mafalda's.
After church, she had a big dinner for about 20 of us, since Crengutsa will soon be leaving to go be with Carla up north and Natalina will be coming to Bari to be with Freda. It was a great day and evening, but made for a really long day, since I did not arrive back home until after 10:30. Marco, Cristina and the kids brought me home, but sure made a long day for the children. Roberto fell asleep before dinner and Aurora was asleep before we even got back to my place. Good thing they don't have school tomorrow.
While Malfalda, Tonya and I prepared dinner, Freda played the piano and everyone had a sing along. Good thing Freda has such a beautiful voice... as the rest of us are pretty hopeless ! At the end, just before dinner was served, Freda and I harmonized together on one in English from my American Hymnbook #287 "I will leave it all to Jesus". Was so nice to get to sing with someone in English!!! Been a few months!
Tonya, Mafalda and me
February 16, 2015, Monday
Nice to sleep in this morning for a little longer than yesterday anyway, but did wake up earlier than my usual. Relaxing morning, then the regular; studies, etc. until about 3.
Was scheduled to meet Damiano for lunch today, however, he had an emergency boiler problem in one of the apartments, so we rescheduled for tomorrow. In the afternoon around 3pm, I walked over to Dante (the sisters bach) and visited for about an hour and half there, then Freda and I walked over to Maria Guglielmo and visited with her for over an hour. It is 93 steps up to her apartment, so with the walking (an hour round trip) and with the stairs at Maria's place, at Freda's and at mine, I think I had sufficient exercise today!
Really too bad for Maria, though, as she is in very poor health and is no longer able to negotiate the stairs and there is no lift in her building, so she is a relative prisoner up there on the top floor. Her family lives up there with her, so they do all the shopping, etc. Anyway, I have been wanting to get over to see her since I arrived in Bari, but just hadn't worked out to get there until today!! She is a lovely lovely lady and I was so happy to meet her. Will get over there more often now, I hope.
Maria and Freda at Maria's apartment
Freda and I walked to the Biological Shop (organic store) after we left Maria's, purchased a few items, then I headed back to my apartment, and she to hers. Of course, my walk back takes me right through the center of the shopping district and it was crowded as usual at this time of evening. It is however, very beautiful with hundreds of shop fronts open and all the lights on. All shiny and glittery! But, I just looked and kept on walking.... no more shopping for me for a few days anyway :) Arrived home just before 7:30. The girls invited me to have dinner with them, but I thought I probably had been out long enough today and then still had the walk back, plus, by the time I made a couple of phone calls and a few emails, the day is now finished.
Anyway, was another wonderful day in Bari, with the exception of when I returned home, there was a message from Cristina that g'ma had taken a fall today and broken her leg, so Caputo's were all at the hospital with her. How sad... she has not been well and was getting noticeably more and more frail each week when I would see her, so this doesn't portend a very positive future for her.
There are a lot of elderly people here in Italy, and one by one, their life's journey is over. Would be nice to have more young people here, but work is very difficult to find here, so makes it hard for young people to stay. So thankful for Marco and Cristina, Mariano, Luigi, etc. Hope of the future! And although, I am not young, the longer I stay here in Italy, the more I love it and the people and the great need here. I cannot imagine a more enjoyable way to spend my retirement!!! This has been the most fulfilling experience ever; having nothing much to speak of from a natural standpoint, now that I have gotten rid of most of my earthly possessions, yet I feel like I have everything and more!
February 17, 2015, Tuesday
My normal routine, hurriedly this morning, as I had a lunch at 1:30 with Damiano. We went to Barivecchio... what a great place and the food was fabulous and there was lots of it and the owner expects you to eat it all!!! Takes it personal if you don't!! Anyway, after a great meal, and a greater visit then a bit of walk along the sea, I arrived back at my apartment some time after 4pm. Was so tired from the last couple of days and minimal rest, that I actually took a nap! Freda had wanted me to go to Capurso with them, however, not enough hours in this day for that!
It was yummy!
I'm bundled up like I was cold or something and look at all that gorgeous sunshine! The problem is since I walk a lot, if I don't have my coat and the wind kicks up, it can get very cold blowing off the sea, so I just take it, and then it is easier to wear it than carry it. Not sure why I have my gloves on though... habit I guess. It is about 65 degrees, however, in the sun it feels great.
Damiano
After my nap, I spent the rest of the day and evening working on a particular bible study that I had started on Monday afternoon. Love doing these, however, they take hours and hours to do, then translating them into Italian... well let's just say a whole other degree of intensity!!
In the evening after Freda and Crengutsa returned, then Freda and I had a long phone visit to catch up on each other's day ! Love having her to share my day and what she calls my (mission) with. We were both very happy with the results of our day!
February 18, 2015 Wednesday
A very long day! Usual early rise, and routine study, house cleaner came, etc., then quickly out the door at 11:20am for my walk to the bus for 1pm lunch at Mafalda's. A great lunch and visit, then a short afternoon rest, then off to Cristina's to check up on G'ma. Then church at 6pm and after church the three of us, Freda, Crengutsa and I went to Annarita and Daniele's for 'the usual late' dinner. She brought us all to our homes afterwards, so was a very long day by the time I arrived home at close to 11pm.
Crengutsa, Annarita, Daniele, Freda
February 19, 2015, Thursday
My plan today was to go to Luigi and Teresa's laboratory, and spend a couple hours with them, however, their plans got changed and they had to be out of the lab for the rest of the week, so I went shopping instead ! Sounded like a good trade to me!
I am planning a 'ladies only' luncheon for next Tuesday, so needed to figure out a menu and then try and find these particular items. I told them I would prepare an 'all American' luncheon, so the shopping challenge has begun. Got lots of walking done anyway, as I had to shop at many different shops to try and locate particular things. After finding some things and not many others, I realized I was going to have to rethink the menu. Who knew a simple lunch could be so challenging :)
Freda called late in the evening after they returned from ??? with great news about starting an extra study on Thursday nights at Modugno, so my weeks just got fuller and busier :). As Virginia M used to say, "I'd rather wear out than rust out"!
February 20, 2015, Friday
Up early, studies, etc, then started prep work on some things for the luncheon on Tuesday. Then at 1pm I walked to the train station to meet up with Freda and Crengutsa as they were leaving for Poggio Imperiale for the weekend. Had some herb drops for Crengutsa. She has not been feeling very well, so hope they help. I won't see them again until Tuesday lunch now.
After I saw them off, I caught the bus over to Eataly to further search for items to use in my luncheon on Tuesday. Love that store, however didn't find anything useful for American cuisine. Did however, have a slice of focaccia with broccoli and tomatoes on it and a gelato in the restaurant there and bought a couple other things, then walked the lonnggg way home, arriving about 4:30pm.
Inside Eataly
Another beautiful building in Bari on my walk home.
Now I am blogging and preparing to do some more translating for Sunday :) .
February 21, 2015, Saturday
grrrrr . Someone, I suppose it was kids, thought it fun to ring all the doorbells in every apartment last night. It started about 11pm. Then stopped. At 2am, they did it again and kept ringing them 6 or 7 times in every apartment. I could hear them all! I ignored it. Then again this morning about 7am. If this happens again tonight, I am ready.... I will step out on my balcony and dump water on their heads !!
So, needless to say, I was up by 7 this morning, however, that seems to be becoming my 'usual' get up hour this last while. Perhaps I am finally getting caught up on my rest.... well except for last night...grrrr.
Okay, now for sure I need to take my walk to clear my head of these bad thoughts :)
I'm back! What a refreshing walk!! Can you tell I am stalling... I need to be studying, instead, I am blogging again. Okay, okay, I will study. Two meetings to translate for tomorrow, so I better get motoring!
February 22, 2015, Sunday
Up early, however, actually got an extra hour of sleep this morning as it was raining and Luigi came to pick me up. Was nice.
Mariella's mother is still in the hospital and had surgery yesterday to place a screw in the break to give it more support. Anyway, she is not doing so well, and for some reason the hospitals don't believe in giving too much pain medicine or sleeping medicine, so she is in pain and also very confused. She calls out Mariella's name constantly, day and night, as well as unintelligible things. Because of this, someone has to be with her at all times. Mariella arrived home about 10:15 this morning and went straight to bed, as she had been up all night with her. Liliana relieved her mother at that time.
After church, Cristina, Marco and I prepared lunch for all of us. I fried potatoes in olive oil with garlic and onions... they loved them. Especially Cristina...she kept saying over and over as she was eating them... so yummy, but lots of calories in these... yep, that would be true :)
Cristina and Marco 'cutting up' :) I love these two very special people!
Mariella got up around 3pm, and also Liliana arrived, so they had lunch together before Mariella returned to the hospital and Liliana had to go to work.
Just before 6pm, the rest of us headed over to Mafalda's. Marco and Cristina brought me home this evening and then Cristina went to the hospital to stay the night with g'ma so Mariella could come home and get a full night's rest.
As for me, time for bed also. Love Sundays, but they are long days.
February 23, 2015, Monday
Another early rise, as I have much to do today. Going to the Verdura (fruit and vegetable shop), then the market to get all I need to make lunch tomorrow. I am preparing an all American luncheon for 'ladies only' tomorrow. They and I are looking forward to it! My place is so small though, that I have to make sure and have everything prepared before they come... no space to work after they arrive :) Okay, now off I go.
What's on the menu: Not much really by US standards, however, unusual for them. There were a few things I was unable to find at the market, so altered the menu a bit. Vegetable soup with black rice, chicken salad sandwiches with celery and walnuts, egg salad sandwiches, grilled cheese. Spinach, strawberry, toasted almond salad w/ vinegar, oil & poppy seed dressing. Cauliflower salad. Fresh cucumber salad. Fresh fruit salad. Frozen fruit sherbet (homemade). Apple/raisin bread pudding with rum sauce. Coffee, tea, etc.
Much later... a lot of preparation, but very happy with the results, and now I must get to studying!
February 24, 2015, Tuesday
And I'm up and at it! Final lunch preparations, studying as I work. Just received a message from Liliana that she was just home from the hospital from taking care of g'ma and wouldn't be able to come as she was heading home to sleep. Also, Mariella was at the hospital, so we will miss these two ladies.
Soup, sandwiches and salads. This 'spread' here in my apartment in Italy as compared to the next picture of one I prepared at my home in Moses Lake.... All the fancy cooking and serving dishes, and display of things, etc., did not change the sweet fellowship or the wonderful friends it was shared with. Just proves that NOTHING is this life is about How Much we have, but What We Have in our Hearts that is important ! We can have the best trappings this world offers, but in the end, all we really crave is simplicity, fellowship and love toward God and each other.
Okay, enough... philosophising!!
Well, the American lunch I prepared here in my apartment in Italy with the ladies was a hit... this is always a good thing :) . Seems the American Food was well liked... anyway, they all wanted the recipes.... hmmm they are in English and some are just in my head, so good luck ladies :) hee hee . Okay, okay, I will translate them for you, but not today :)
These lovely ladies came bearing gifts!! There was no need to do this, was not my birthday or anything, but thank you dear ladies! You have all been soooo good to me and have taken me into your hearts even though I 'butcher' your language and you don't understand me in English or Italian !! :)
About 4pm, we had to break up the party... more places to go, more people to see :) . F, C & I this afternoon was going to take the train, but instead Annarita took Freda, Crengutsa and I to Capurso for the bible study at Pena's. Six of us. Mario brought us back to Bari about 7:30. Tomorrow (Wednesday) I am suppose to go to Mafalda's for lunch. Then the bible study in the evening at Nicola's. On Thursday, Freda, Maria and I go to Modugno for bible study there (Luigi will take us on the nights he is available, otherwise we will catch the train). Also, on Thursday, Crengutsa will catch the train and head up north to be with Carla. Going to miss this lovely lady!! I will 'hang' with Freda now until Natalina arrives in a few weeks.
Bible studies on Tues, Wed & Thurs now, and other visits during the day.... keeps me plenty busy. For sure not going to get bored ! So now it is for sure time to get to bed. Been a long day and week, and it's only Tuesday! Buonanotte!
February 25, 2015, Wednesday
I think I ate too much American Food yesterday!! Not used to that now... perhaps that is why I did not have a very great rest last night. So I decided to not go to Mafalda's for lunch today and to take it easy this morning and just catch the bus in time for the bible study this evening. Sorry Mafalda :( perhaps next week :) . Also, I may try to go a bit earlier to Cristina's... I need a little help with some document translation.
Anyway, it is now already 11am and I don't feel like I am making much headway this morning. So off here for now!
Okay, now it is 8:30pm and I have just returned home... thank you again Marco for the ride home! Was able to process my paperwork myself without Cristina's help, so did not go early this afternoon. Arrived at Nicola's about 5:20. They had brought Anna (g'ma) home from the hospital today and Cristina was watching her for a while so Mariella could get a little rest. Later in the evening, Mariella's twin brother and her sister arrived to spend some time with their mother (this was the first time I had met them). G'ma is doing better, but is still in a lot of pain. So sad to see her suffering like this... I personally think the doctors need to be more liberal with their pain meds... after all she is 94 and not long for this world anyway, so why not make her feel better anyway!!
Will be my last bible study with Crengutsa for a while as she leaves tomorrow to go north to be with Carla. Maria returned on Tuesday afternoon so was also with Freda last night. She will have to go for more tests on March 5th, for the fluid retention in her arm. So many health issues among our friends here in Italy... makes me sad for them. There seems to be a lot of cancer here too.
Danny's folks are visiting him in Rome and other 'American' visitors (Lundstrom) in Rome from the Kiev house. I won't get to see them though at this time. Special Meetings begin again in April, so will get to see Danny, Ralf and many others in a couple months. Looking forward to this.
Danny with Milligan children in Pisa last week while Ralf was away in Switzerland. Thanks for sharing your picture with me Danny!
All for this evening. G'nite.
February 26, 2015, Thursday
Full day planned today. My normal studies, etc., and the cleaning lady didn't come yesterday, so she was here this morning. Now I'm off for a 15 minute walk to the Treno Stazione to say goodbye to Crengutsa and to see her off on the train as she heads up north. After this, I will return home and continue studying until about 4:30, then I will walk the 30 minutes to Freda's and Luigi will pick us up there and go with us to Modugno for the bible study there. Okay, more later. Ciao
Love my morning walks, and especially like them when they have a purpose. Hung out at the train station with Crengutsa until her train left, then 'took the long way home', so I could get some time along the sea, as my walk this afternoon will be away from the sea into the center of the city.
Crengutsa from Romania
Back home about 1:15, then a bite of lunch and a nap. Have a wee bit of a headache today, so when I awoke from my nap about 3, I made a cup of coffee... against my rules usually, as I find it very hard to sleep at night if I drink coffee after 2pm. Oh well, have to be out late tonight anyway, so may as well fix the headache and enjoy the evening. The sleep thing... well we'll see...
A huge rain storm blew in with thunder and lightening which woke me from my nap. I love the rain, however, hope it lets up by 4:30, as I need to walk to Via Dante.
Now back to the studies. How are they going you ask?? Well as far as instant translation.... my head doesn't do instant translation very well, and when I am nervous or anxious, my brain hardly functions at all!!! I am getting better though, however, not even close to where Danny or Crengutsa are! Oh well, I will persevere... just a matter of time... I'll probably be white headed by that time... oh wait, I already am!!
Arrived back at my house about 7:30 had a bite to eat, did a little more studying, had a little relax time now off to bed before it gets any later. Just hope I will sleep after all that coffee... I had another one when I arrived at Via Dante... Maria prepared one for us just before Luigi picked us up. Was a great study at Caterina's. Looking forward to the coming weeks to see how it progresses.
February 27, 2015, Friday
It rained all night. How do I know this? I heard it. As I had feared, my body was very tired, but my mind was too wired on coffee to shut down and sleep, I got a book and laid there and read and closed my eyes time after time as I was so tired, but sleep would not come. I finally dozed off about 6 this morning for a couple of hours. Needless to say, I won't be repeating that coffee regimen today!!! My limit will be one cup this morning! Basta (Stop)! And for all of you who have never experienced Italian coffee, 3 or 4 double shots (cups) here is like drinking two pots of American coffee. It's no wonder I couldn't sleep! Also, it's still raining a lot this morning, so won't get a walk today, unless it stops. Since I'm a bit sleep deprived, actually sitting quietly here listening to it rain is very relaxing and I won't feel guilty about not going out today :) .
February 28, 2015, Saturday
A wonderful rest last night. It rained all day yesterday, but beautiful sunny day this morning and I am full of energy and ready to get outside! Laundry started first, now off to the Verdura for veggies to prepare for lunch at Caputo's tomorrow. Then clean the house and study, then a nice long walk along the sea. All for now.
And my day is done. Had my long walk, then returned, stirred up a salad for dinner, then a two and half hour skype with my family in USA, now time for a night's rest. It will be an early rise in the morning.
This wraps up February. How quickly the days and weeks seem to be going! I'm going to be an old lady before I know it at this rate ☺
Arrivederci !
the view on my walk today, this last day of February
