August 1 - 31, 2015 Conventions

August 1 - 31, 2015 Conventions

Wow, I sure didn't expect to get this far behind in my blogging again. Life takes precedence and everything else seems to fall by the wayside, so now here I am again, playing catchup!

I will do this in as chronological of order as I can, but since I know the end of the topic, I may post both at the same time. I know there is much I've forgotten, but thank goodness for photos, that help to remind me of what and where, because it has been a very, very busy two months and now a long time has passed since I last blogged. Here are all my excuses... Traveling for three weeks in August with no easy and very limited Internet access, and very, very busy during this period of time, as you will see from all the photos, then when I returned to Bari, still no Internet to speak of until the end of September when they finally hooked up Internet in my Apartment. I had a portable unit, but 12 gig only seems like a lot until you actually start using it. I found that I needed to use it just for emergency and important emails. Certainly not for loading pictures into a blog and spending hours and days on it. I wasn't even able to skype with my family during this time. :( But I was also so busy these last two and half months, that it kept my mind well occupied. After I got Internet, I was so busy making phone calls and talking to my family; that took precedence over the blog, but now I seem to have run out of excuses and need to get this done, as I promised on my facebook post.

Saturday, August 1st
All moved into Mafalda's and a lovely room to stay in at her home.

This is a big old home, and the upstairs is another large apartment. Two bedrooms, living room and kitchen apartment fully furnished and very beautiful. Her grandson and granddaughter live up there. It was so hot here in Bari, that every night, Mafalda would go upstairs where they live, because there was a nice breeze coming off the sea once you got up high enough. I went one evening for about an hour, however, I was trying to get organized and packed to leave on Monday. Mafalda usually prepares meals for the grandchildren, because they both work, so she would take their meals up to them, however, for me it was just too hot to eat, so I didn't join them and just sat in front of the fan drinking water!! The full basement where I actually had my things stored, was much cooler, so sometimes, I would sit down there. Another kitchen and very large table and sitting area in the basement. I have previously posted pictures of this room, as it is where the Spec. Mtgs. are here in Bari and where she also prepares dinners for very large groups.

What a beautiful and kind lady she is. I was only here three nights, then off to conventions for three weeks, but when I returned on the 20th, and told her that I would be leaving on the 25th she begged me to stay until the end of the month, but I really needed to get moved into my new place,so I stayed an additional two nights with her, then slept in my new apartment on August 27th. But let me back up... On this date, Aug. 1st, ....

In my June and July blog posts, you all read how I searched and struggled to find a suitable apartment to rent, and finally found one through Damiano's help. So now, on the first of August, after getting all moved out of my first apartment when the lease expired on July 31st, I met with Damiano and the owner of the new apartment I am hoping to rent. Was hoping to sign and seal the deal today, however, there was some paperwork that the owners did not have with them, so everything will have to be postponed until I return August 20th.  I had already reserved a car and was on my way out of Bari for about 3 weeks on Monday.

Sunday, August 2nd
Last Mensile for me here in Bari until I returned for September's. The usual lunch at Caputo's and also,

Mafalda stayed this day, since we were together. She usually goes to her daughter's, however, was really nice to have her here too. Also Alexandra and Panos, Cristina's sister from Naples were here.

Today I got to see a playful side of Nicola I'd never seen before. It was very hot this day and Mafalda kept commenting on how hot she was, when suddenly, and very unexpectedly, Nicola picked up the water bottle and drenched her from across the table. What a surprise! I laughed as did everyone, including Mafalda, however, she certainly had a befuddled look on her face... photo below ☺

Monday, August 3rd
Vacation time! Off to Petacciato and Carema. But first a call to my daughter Carissa as it is her 39th birthday! My baby is almost 40! Does this mean I am old or just older?

Since Mafalda lives close to Caputo's, Marco came by on his way to work and dropped me off at the airport, also close by, so I could pick up my rental car. It was the longest wait I've ever had to rent a car, and I had prebooked and prepaid it!!! I arrived before 8am, and didn't actually get my vehicle until after 10am. They had only one person at the counter, and she was so busy trying to multi-task, that she became even more inefficient! There was only one person ahead of me when I arrived, however, another couple must have been there earlier and now came back, so they also stepped ahead of me, then she was trying to help them at the same time, and was giving the wrong paperwork to the wrong people, etc.  Then finally my turn, only to be told I needed a printed copy of my reservation. I didn't bring a printed copy, as the web site said I could use the document from the app on my smart phone. That may be true in other countries, however, it wasn't true here. The lady said I would have to go print a copy and come back! Really? I suggested I send her the email and she could make herself a copy, which is what she did ☺However, she was still very inefficient and finally she even apologized to me, saying she was having a really bad morning... she didn't need to tell me that, I could see it for myself ☺ Finally, I had my paperwork....

Then when I went across the lot to get the car, she had booked me into a two door compact... really??  I had booked on-line and again stressed to her that I needed a mid sized, four door.  I would be using the vehicle to take many persons and things from Petacciato to Carema and back, so really needed the larger car.  Now, I had to wait for new paperwork, also for the car that had just been returned, to be brought around for me. So much for getting an early start to Petacciato. Anyway, this is what I finally was able to take...perfect!  Well except for one thing. It was suppose to be full of fuel when I took it and I would return it the same way, but I noticed it was a quarter tank low, but by this point, I was so anxious to get out of there, that I just didn't bother.

I then returned to Mafalda's, loaded my things and was on my way. It is about a 2 - 3 hour drive... depends on whether you are Italian or not ☺

Originally I had hoped to go to Petacciato at least one or two weeks earlier than this, and was so sorry that I had to miss so many days of the preparations, but because I had to move at the end of July and it was so difficult to find a new apartment, I am just thankful I was able to get there when I did.  Next year should be a different story.  My contract here in my new apartment is from September 1st, so now it shouldn't interfere with conventions. Also, next year, Carema will be in June, not August. In addition, I have the option to rent for more years here, unlike my maximum one year contract at the other apartment, so hopefully it will be the last time I have to move, anyway for a very long time!!  It is a very nice apartment (pics to follow in Sept. blog post) and I will be content to just stay put, especially now that it is all freshly painted and cleaned. It does not have the sea view, nor parking garage, and it required a tremendous amount of work to get it to my 'living standard', however, it has quality and lots of room (3 bedrooms), so I am content. I have room for you all to visit me now!

As I said, the end of the stories may get mixed in with the current days post, so bear with me. Back to Aug. 3rd...
I arrived at Petacciato just in time for lunch, and got to meet Karen Eicher for the first time. We are both from Illinois and she knows so many of the same people I know there, however, her and I had never met before. She has been in the Ukraine for many years and my mother knew her, from the times she would go back to Illinois to visit. Mother used to write and tell me about her, so I was very anxious to meet her. What a great privilege. Here is a photo taken of us, a couple weeks later...

What a great person she is! Certainly enjoyed my time with her for 3 weeks.

After arriving in Petacciato, and a great lunch,

now time to get busy and show them I really do know how to work and that just because I'm old doesn't mean I'm not able ☺  They've obviously never met a Holloway before... but first I got busy taking a few pictures ☺

 Esther on Laundry detail

The view I love here at Petacciato

 Crengutsa washing windows. Makes me very sad to find out that she will be returning to Romania at the end of August. Sure going to miss her here. Guess that means I will have to make a trip to Romania ☺

 Doug fabricating and repairing doors

 Karen keeping the dining room clean

The upper portion of the home is where the family lives and the lower is the dining room and sleeping area for the ladies.

 The Welcoming party ☺ and home owner

 and the beautiful orange tree

Esther looking over the balcony

  Danny repairing fence. I helped him for a few hours this afternoon. The brick wall you see lying on the ground actually was the wall with the fence originally on top of it, however, it fell over, and the insurance is suppose to replace it, but it won't happen very soon, so the fence needed to be in place now. Loved working with him. Danny and I talk non-stop when we are together, so I really enjoy 'hanging' out with him. He is such a cool young man. Was so happy I got to meet some of his family in Amsterdam when I was there in May.

It was so hot and humid here, that I had to wear my sun cap to keep the sweat from pouring into my eyes. My hair was a wreck everyday, however, if anyone minded, they never said anything to me ☺ they may have thought all kinds of things, but that's okay, as there wasn't much I could do about it... it is what it is. Besides, I am old... that's about as good an excuse as one needs right? Also, I had on my old glasses and couldn't see so good anyway, since my others were broken just before I came.

 Tuesday, August 4th
Up and at it, getting things cleaned up. There is always something that needs fixed after a property has been sitting for a year, and this year, it was a water leak. Located the leak, however, it would require a plumber to come check things out. Before he arrived however, a failure in the end of a line and there was a huge puddle of water and it had pumped the well completely dry. Now all we had for showers was sand ☺ from the bottom of the well. They fixed the problem, but now we had to wait for the well to fill back up, which took a couple of days. One way to clean out the well I guess.

My buddy Crengutsa. Was good to see her again, as she left Bari a few months earlier to go be with Carla in the north.

 Chairs all hosed down this morning and drying in the sun. Carried them all back in later in the afternoon and the gathering area was all cleaned and ready for when we returned from Carema.

 Gorgeous sunset this evening. The big orange sun just sinking behind that tree.

Wednesday, August 5th
Up this morning and continued where we left off the day before, however, an early stop this day, as we had our bible study this evening. Normally some would go to another location also here in the area, but this time, we were all together. I made many trips into town this day picking up supplies, parts, etc.

 The 'crew' after Wed. evening bible study. Back: Freda (Dining Room), Julie (Chief Cook), Karen (Dining Helper), Carla (kept it all under control), Carmen ('Gopher'), Middle: Crengutsa (cleaning), Esther (Laundry), Maria (Cook), Caty (cleaning), Caroppi,(Home Owner), Natalina (Kitchen assist), Front: Doug, Salvatore and Danny, doing what they do best here in Italy, staying out of the women's way and doing what they are told ☺.... okay, just teasing. That is an exaggeration and one that Doug would take issue with, I am sure, ☺ but sometimes, that is how it seems to go with the men here in Italy. But not so for Doug, of course he is not Italian either. ☺ I noticed Doug was good at doing his own thing and sure found plenty of it to do. He and Danny were such great help here, just quietly getting it done. Both had a great sense of humor and I really enjoyed that, since I don't get too much opportunity for this with Italians... first they don't understand my Italian or my English and certainly not my jokes or American humor!! What a lovely evening we all had together this Wednesday. I sure valued my time here with them, even though it wasn't as long and I would have liked. Next year perhaps...

Thursday, August 6th
Up early, finished breakfast, loaded up the cars with those going to Carema on the train and took them all to the Station in Termoli.  I think there were 9 going by train.  Then headed back to pick up everyone else. Four in my car; Doug, Karen, Julie, me and four in the other: Freda, Danny, Maria and Natalina. Off we headed for Carema in the north of Italy, in the Italian Alps. About an eight hour drive if we only made minimum stops. We stopped only every 2 hours and then just briefly. We did not travel together, however, about four hours down the road, we were motoring along the freeway and I looked to my right over in the far lane and we were passing them. They had just stopped and were getting back on the road.

We arrived in Carema about 6pm, just in time for supper.  Unfortunately the picture below is what greeted us... Luigi just that day had seriously torn the ligament in his leg near the ankle. They had gone to the mountains and he stepped down wrong.... ouch!!! He had been at Carema all week helping there, so thank goodness it didn't happen sooner, as now most of the work was done.

Friday, August 7th
It was scorching hot here when we arrived yesterday, also today. A major heat wave.

Since convention doesn't actually start until tomorrow, Saturday (3 days only, S,S & M), two carloads of us decided we needed to get out of the way, and go to the Matterhorn also...see if we could break or tear a something, hee hee. We packed up a lunch and some snacks and around 10AM we headed that direction. Crengutsa doesn't do so well car riding and going up this curvy winding road with me driving wasn't helping any. We had to stop and let her get her equilibrium back ☺ Was nice and cool in the mountains. A nice change from all the heat!

 Crengutsa, Kerri, Joan and I

 Joan and Doug

 Kerri and Crengutsa

 Kerri, me and Doug

Climbing up to the overlook, and what a view!

 Me, Kerri, Crengutsa, Joan and Doug

 Not once all day did we get to see the top of the Matterhorn. It had clouds the whole time.

 Looking down on Cervino

The Matterhorn straddles the border between Switzerland and Italy. The summit is 4,478 meters (14692 feet) . First ascent of it was July 14, 1865, so they tell us. 

When we came back down, the other carload went on ahead and we ladies stayed in the town for a little while and had a Gelato.

 Cervino

Bye bye mountain, I'm sure I'll come see you again next year :)

 On the way back, we got a look at the Bard Castle (Forte di Bard).

Crengutsa, Joan, Kerri

  Here is what Wiki has to say about it:
Fort Bard (Italian: Forte di Bard - French: Fort de Bard) is a fortified complex built in the 19th century by the House of Savoy on a rocky prominence above Bard, a town and commune in the Aosta Valley region of northwestern Italy. The current fortifications were built by Charles Albert of Savoy between 1830 and 1838. It replaced a 10th-century castle that had, itself, been built on an earlier structure founded by Theodoric I in the 5th century. The castle was under the control of the powerful local lords of Bard until the middle of the 13th century when ownership passed to the House of Savoy. Under their control, the defences were strengthened and improved. On May 14, 1800, a 40,000-strong French Army was stopped by 400 Austro-Piedmont soldiers at Fort Bard. They held the pass for two weeks completely ruining Napoleon Bonaparte's plan of making a surprise attack on the Po Valley and Turin. When he heard the news, he named the fort vilain castel de Bard. Bonaparte then gave the order himself, that the fort should be razed to the ground. It was not until 1830 that Charles Albert of Savoy, fearing new attacks from the French, ordered that the fort be rebuilt. The task was entrusted to the famed Italian military engineer, Francesco Antonio Olivero. The work, which took eight years to complete, created a fort with two distinct levels. The upper part had conventional battlements whereas the lower part had 50 gun ports in autonomous casements that were designed to offer mutual protection if attacked. A total of 416 soldiers could now be billeted in the 283-room fort. The upper level had a courtyard which contained the arsenals and barracks. The fort had enough ammunition and food supplies for three months. By the end of the 19th century, the fort had lost its military value and fell into disuse. However, the Italian Army did continue to use the fort as a powder magazine. When it closed in 1975, ownership passed to the government of the Autonomous Region of Valle d'Aosta. In the 1980s the fort opened as a tourist attraction despite many buildings needing urgent repair. Fort Bard has been completely restored after many years of neglect. In 2006 it reopened to tourists as the Museum of the Alps, it has additional art exhibitions and galleries. In the summer, the main courtyard is used to host musical and theatrical performances. The fort, which is at the entrance to the Aosta Valley, is located in a narrow gorge above the Dora Baltea river. It has been used for millennia to control the historic route between Italy and France.

 Once again, we arrived back in Carema right at supper time. Several others had also arrived while we were gone. Lovely to see so many that I had met here last year and other new ones, and all the connections we find out we have.

 Natalia and Eliseo Dimartino live in Venice. Natalia is a Washington girl who Carissa knew when she was living in Bellingham. Was nice to see them again.

 and Luigi, still hobbling around ☺

Saturday, August 8th through Monday August 10th

 Back: Anita Krebs (Switzerland), Deon Swanepoel (France / South Africa), Douglas Crompton (England), Danny Kamper, Ralf Wendt, Alessandro Sauvageot (Switzerland), Karen Eicher (Ukraine), Kathryn Newlands (Scotland)
Middle: Karen Lund (Denmark), May Chambers, Freda Good, Carla Castleberry Walter Gruring, Hansruedi Fehr, Enrico Imbimbo, Crengutsa Dusciuc (Romania), Giuliana Bellone
Front: Concettina Grassi, Natalina Degl'Innocenti, Maria Sigismondo, Davide Butterworth, John Jennings (Venezuela), Anna Maria Grassi, Nancy Layman (Philippines), Esther Roulet.

 Aurora and Eduarda (sp) who is a friend of Aurora's in Vicchio and this is her first time to come here. I told much of her story in my January blog.

What a surprise to meet this young lady, Erika Chapman, here at Carema, who is living in Istanbul, Turkey. I knew her father, Udo Chapman, from 36 years ago, before he was her father! When my girls and I went to New York back in 1989 we stayed several days with her aunt (Udo's sister) there in Scarsdale and she gave us a personal tour of NY, including Trump Tower and a ride in his gold elevator. The day Erika was to fly home from Carema, the Embassy sent her a travel advisory that there had been an attack on the US Consulate and 9 were killed and the next day 95 were killed in a bombing. She returned to Turkey anyway, however, nice they keep Americans posted of these events.

 Jessica from Australia who I met here last year and we then traveled together across Italy. She had called me in July to say she was taking a job in Switzerland and wanted to spend a few days here in Bari with me. However, the timing was really bad, since I was in the middle of moving! and didn't even have a place to stay myself (sort of).  Anyway, was so nice to spend some days together with her in Carema. We have since made plan and she will be coming to spend the Christmas holidays with me here in Bari. Really looking forward to that. Her friend is coming also.

Seeing my curly hair in these two photos reminds me of the huge rain we had during the night. Rained buckets and the wind howled and there was concern for these tents and the people in them! My hair is like a humidity meter... gets very curly.

 Kerri Ramsay (UK), Jessica Adams (Australia) and Erika Chapman (Turkey).  Kerri is from the UK, looks like a very young girl, but she is in fact a doctor and is in her 30's. The day this picture was taken, who knew that her being here at Carema would save a man's life. On Monday evening after the convention was over, and many of us had left, Anita Krebs father dropped to the ground with a massive heart attack. Kerri was still there and immediately assisted. He was air lifted to a hospital, and was in critical condition for weeks. I received an update on him just this last Sunday from Davide, that he is now home and doing fine, and that the Doctor said he had never seen anything like it. That in all his experience, he should have died. If Kerri had not been there, it is very likely he would have.

 Alex Eschenbach from 'down under'. Used to come to help here when he was in Czech, but hasn't since he returned to Australia. When Freda was in Australia last year, she invited him to come again.

 Maria Sigismondo and me. Missing her here in Bari this fall, as she will go to Sicily this year.

 Julie also from 'down under'. Comes to Italy every year to cook at Petacciato. She lived and labored her some years ago.

Everyone enjoying seeing each other again...

 Victor and (Michela not in pic) from Venice. They gave me a bad time for not coming to see them when I was there in May. However, being with a tour group doesn't lend itself too well for going visiting in a place like Venice. ☺ I promised to come see them next July.

 Switzerland folks. Many from Switzerland come across the border to be here, since it is so close.

Every year, I forget her name, yet she is the sweetest person. Help, I need to figure out a way to remember it. Also to her right is Getta and May

 Anita Krebs on right. It was her father who had the heart attack on Monday evening.

May chief cook, did an excellent job!

 Alessandra came with her dad, Luigi, this year and was such an opportunity for her. She seemed to really love being here. She sat with me during the convention, as Luigi had to sit where he could keep his leg elevated.

Ernst Suss from Switzerland with his daughter and family. Ernst has spent a considerable amount of time this last year in Ecuador. His wife passed away a couple years ago, and his son is laboring in Switzerland I think, but had spent some time in Spain with Duane Powell, a Canadian who we know well and my daughter and I stopped to see on our way through Spain last year.

Too quickly our days together here at Carema were over and we were headed back to Petacciato. I had stayed in a hotel a couple blocks up the street for a few nights, and had booked for one more night, however, Ralf said we were leaving on Monday evening. Since it was a prepaid room, and too late to cancel, I told Ralf about it, and Deon Swanepoel was able to use it. He was thrilled to have a good night of rest, since he had been traveling for over six weeks! I was very happy that he was so happy!!

Hotels are a little unusual here in Italy. For one thing, the room doors had skeleton keys. That means your key works in all the locks, and vice verse. I actually proved this to be true too, by accident. I was on an upper floor, but after climbing (no elevator) to what I thought was my floor, and they all looked the same, I opened the door and immediately realized those weren't my things. Very fortunate that no one was 'home'!!! But that made me realize if mine opened their door, their key would open mine also. Since very few places have air conditioning here, neither did the hotel, and not even a fan. I borrowed one from Giuliana as it had gotten very hot here in Carema this time of year and the stores were all sold out. Was still more comfortable than the 110 degree tent at Carema though and nice to have a comfortable bed and private bath/shower for a few days. 

Monday, August 10th

Around 5pm, as soon as we could get every ones things all packed up and say all our goodbyes, we were off to Petacciato. Three cars going this way. Luigi's car was driven by Doug, since Luigi was not able to drive with his leg in a cast. This was the list of arrangements Ralf gave us: Partenza delle macchine da Carema a Petacciato (Lunedi Agosto 10, 2015) Ford Focus: Danny, Julie, Maria, Natalina.  Luigi's VW: Luigi, Alessandra, Douglas, Karen, Crengutsa and with me in my rental car: Davide, Esther, Carla. We all got on the road within a few minutes of each other and headed South. We drove into the night, stopping and stretching, getting coffee and snacks. We were not traveling together, however, at some point during the eight our drive, we each somehow managed to stop at one or more of the same rest stops and said hello and goodbye again ☺ as we got on our way. All in all it was a good journey, arriving in Petacciato around midnight or one... don't remember for sure. 

Ale and I crashed, we were both so tired, however, next morning there were some early risers and we didn't get to sleep as long as we would have liked. 

Tuesday, August 11th

Since Luigi was not allowed to drive from here to Bari, and I was not going back to Bari for about 10 days yet, he had called his sister Teresa and made plans with her to come from Bari on the Train on Tuesday, so I went to the station in Termoli and picked her up when she arrived. They had a bite to eat, a short tour for Teresa and a bit of a visit, then they were on their way.

 Ale, Teresa, Luigi

 Karen, Julie, Maria, Ale, Teresa, Luigi, Davide, Danny

Now we had a bit of a leisurely work day here this day, as everyone felt the need for a break and a bit of a rest, however, I did make a few trips into the Ferrementa (hardware store) for things.

 I think you could just about find anything in this store, however, it may take you a day or two to do it!  Only a 'pig trail', so very careful where you swing your bag ☺

Wednesday, August 12th through Friday 14th
Now everyone going full tilt, trying to get everything in order for Friday, as many will arrive that day. Conventions are three days here, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Pantry well stocked with Pasta and Tomato sauce. It is the staple food Everyday here in Italy. Friday morning, while Freda was in their meeting, I was waiting for the Bread delivery which never arrived. The local bakery makes huge big round loaves and brings them fresh from the oven. They must have been a bit short staffed, as only half our order finally arrived very late in the day. They were to bake more and bring it on Saturday which they did.

The well had filled back up nicely while we were away in Carema for a week, so we now had water again, however, needed to flush out all the pipes and lines that were very sandy. All in all, Carla said everything was ahead of their usual schedule and she seemed to be relieved about this. I'm sure it relieved much of the pressure that goes with making sure everything is done in time and working!

Saturday, August 15th through Monday, August 17th

Karen Eicher and me

Marco Caputo, Steve Butterworth and David Fletcher

The kids all love hanging out with and onto Daniele.

Maria Sigismondo on KP ☺

 Angela and Tonia

Steve and Marco

 Carla (Carol) Castleberry and me

 Marco and Luigi and Roberto. Luigi was able to make it back for Sunday. Was really nice he could drive again with his bummed up leg.

 Herbert 'acting up'. Wonderful young man and very responsible. He has a great command of the Italian language (sure wish I did!!!) He and several others (Mariano, Freda, Esther, Silvana, Doug,.. can't think of who else just at the moment, but there were others) did translating into English. Everything gets translated here, due to the fact that so many places/countries converge here. There was only one or two people who did not speak English and someone translated into French for them.

 Maurizio and Penelope Vivarini from Australia. I met Penny last year at Carema, however, first time to meet Maurizio anyway that I remembered! They will be coming to Bari after conv., so will get to see more of them there.

 Erin Grund Wendling is married and lives in Germany, however, she is from Oregon and her mother Marla was here visiting her.

 Was nice to catch up on US news from Marla!

 Three Amigos from Bari... Nicola Stasi, Giuseppe Sampaolo, Giacinto Sgaramella

 Giuliana Bellone (Italy) and Kathryn Newlands (Scotland)

 Maria Cantone and Domenico Dimartino, both from Sicily. They brought a van and all the Sicilians came up together.

 Daniele and Ralf Wendt

 Jasmin Gyr from Switzerland, sorry don't know who is in the middle? , and Heidi Milligan (originally from North Dakota but lives here in Italy). Heidi and I have mutual friends in ND, a friend of mine from Illinois actually who has lived in ND for many, many years now.

 Doug Crompton from England. He had spent some time in Italy in years past.

 Steve Butterworth from Australia who is Davide's nephew and Hansruedi Fehr who is originally from Switzerland, but now in Italy, and going to Australia until after the first of next year.

 Salvina and Daniela Dimartino from Sicily

 Mafalda

 I never get tired of the sea view

 Cristina modeling her baby ☺ and due in November

 Robin Amos from England and Arnold Blonke from Canada who I knew when I lived in the US, so was very nice to get to see him again. We had some great visits and caught up on a bit of news from there. However, there was a terrible fatal motorcycle accident in Canada of some folks he knew very well, so he was very concerned about that situation while he was here.

 I am really disappointed in myself. With all the pictures I take, I failed to get one of John Jennings from Venezuela (originally from Ireland and knew Freda when they were both there years and years ago ☺ ) He is a wonderful man with a great sense of humor and we sure enjoyed our visits. I had taken my portable wifi to both Carema and Petacciato and he and several others found it very useful, so I was really glad for that. I know how hard it is to keep up with all your emails etc., and these people are gone for months at a time, so must be very difficult.

They did not take a group photo here at Petacciato this year.

Domenico Proce and Nicola Caputo. Dear dear Nicola, has been very very sick since this photo and is now in hospital and not doing so well. They have found a tumor at the base of his brain and have been administering treatment. Sure hoping for a miracle here, as it would/will be a great loss here.

Domenico comes every year with his wife Caterina, and Freda has been having weekly bible studies in their home on Thursdays for several months now. Lovely to see him here. I was going there as well for several weeks, however, when I took off in May to travel, I haven't been stopped long enough since to go. Now that I am getting settled into my new place, it will be easier to go with her again. Luigi picks them up and takes them, so when I go, I walk to their bach and ride with Luigi also. Will be nice to get back into my 'routine'. Tuesdays to Capurso, Wednesdays to Nicola's, Thursdays to Caterina's in Modugno.

 Massimo Caputo from Bari

 Herbert Milligan and his cute boys! Herbert originally from Ireland and his wife from North Dakota, have been in Italy for several years now.

 Ester Butterworth and her boys from Australia. Her husband Steve is David's nephew.

 Gianni Dimartino from Sicily slicing the bread. See that big wooden box to the left? That is where all those giant round loaves of bread are kept during the convention.

Three lovely ladies. 

Emma O'Reilly from South Africa/Ireland, Sherilyn Olls from South Africa/New Zealand and Miriam Griffin from Ireland.

 Marla Grund from Oregon and her daughter Erin Grund Wendling from Germany

 Jasmin Gyr from Switzerland, my swimming buddy. We took off one evening after dinner and had a great swim in the sea. Then on Monday evening Crengutsa, Maisie, Giuliana and one other (Lena?), that I can't seem to think of right now also had a wonderful evening swim in the sea. There was a couple on the beach who started asking us all kinds of questions... they couldn't believe we were out their swimming so late and also where we all came from, and what we were doing in Petacciato.

 Danny Kamper, originally from Amsterdam and Mariano Piccolo, my first contact in Italy, who now has a new job with the Railroad! Yeah Mariano! He was very fortunate to be able to get some time off to come to Petacciato, however, he was still studying even while he was here. I talked to him a couple days ago, and he is just now finishing his six week course and will soon be actually working. Perhaps, I will meet up with him on a train sometime... who knows! He is the nicest young man. I am so happy for him.

 Lena and Maisie who are coming to Mafalda's to spend a bit of time

 Karen Lund (Denmark) and Nancy Layman (Philippines)

 Afternoon tea. We actually had iced tea! Amazing! My first since I've been here in Italy. The first afternoon was very warm and it went very quickly and we ran out. The next day I asked Herbert to make a little more, and he did, however, that afternoon it rained and was chilly, so we had a lot left over.  How to predict ☺ Meals are a bit different here in Italy. Breakfast for Italians is bread or a dry hard biscuit and maybe fruit, and to drink, you get about a tablespoon of coffee. However, if you are not native Italian, in addition, you get cold cereal and yogurt and fruit, and you can ask for 'caffe lungo', which is more what we are used to. A cup of something hot to wrap you hands around, instead of one swallow and you are done. There is never hot breakfast. They don't even have bacon like we eat in the US... the one and only thing I can say I have really, really missed here. They also eat very few eggs. I have yet to see anyone eat a fried egg or any kind for that matter.

Lunch or dinner whatever you want to call it is a full meal, however, done Italian style, which always includes either pasta or soup first course, then some sort of sliced meat, cheese, bread, salad/some sort of fresh vegetable like tomato or cucumber, and then fruit last. Never varies much from this.

Afternoon tea at 5pm, which is just dry semi-sweet biscuits, rarely any home baked goods, and never cookies, brownies, cakes or pies like we have in the US.  This could be a good reason I have lost weight since I've been here, which is a very very good thing, as I really needed too!!

Supper or dinner is last, usually 7 o'clock or later and is a repeat of lunch or similar, or maybe a little lighter fare. If you are eating at a Restaurant, you usually don't make reservations until 8 or 9pm or later. I was leaving a restaurant a 11pm one evening and people were still coming in! Most restaurants usually don't even open until 7 or later. No wonder they need naps here in the afternoon!

This is of course, a general rule, but really, I find this to be the case almost everywhere I go here in Italy. In my own home, though, I revert to my American style ☺

  Danny and Herbert acting like kids, so explains why they are in the kids picture ☺

 The Dimartino family from Sicily. Their daughter Silvana & David Fletcher and children are from England. Was so nice to see most of the family here. Last year when Freda and I went to Sicily, I got to meet them all, even Silvana via skype while I was there, and they are such a lovely family. I have wanted and have been invite to go back and spend some time with them, however, so many places to go and see, I haven't made it back there yet. It will happen sometime though... I may never leave Italy at this rate! In some ways, I feel like I have barely seen anything yet and I've been here a year already. Yes, I've been to a lot of places, but there is just so much more!

 Annarita and Daniele. He almost didn't get to come this year, since Stefano usually always brings him up on the train and stays to help him, but wasn't able to this year. When Ralf heard about this, he took the train to Bari and brought him. Also helped him while here. A day late, but he made it... the caring helping hearts are golden here!!

 Everyone helping.

 This next photo was taken from my hotel room at the Hotel Di Nardo in Petacciato. This was a very nice hotel and has a 4+ star rating, however, there is so much partying in Italy that it was not a place to get much rest. Also the adjoining restaurant made it impossible to park. It was suppose to be hotel parking, but everyone parked there. I usually had to park two or three blocks from the hotel. In addition, when the staff/owners wanted to run an errand, take a nap or go to the party, they locked the front doors and you had to climb the escape stairs on the outside of the building... they leave the escape door open so you can get in! Also, they quite often failed to lock my room door after they cleaned... well went in anyway... not my idea of cleaning. Also, when I wanted to check out that morning, there was no one to check out with. I had to wait until almost 10am for anyone to show up. Thank goodness, I was just going to Caroppi's and was able to come back into town and check out. The hotel is a very nice looking and new facility, and had a decent breakfast, however, for the $... not sure that will be somewhere I will stay again, even with this lovely view of the sea.

Tuesday, August 18th
Many stayed over on Monday, then helped with the clean-up on Tuesday morning, then gradually, almost everyone was gone, returning to their respective homes. Annual pilgrimage. Everyone loves being together here once a year. What a privilege and wonderful experience I am getting / having here. Thankful every day for it.

 The Milligans and John packing up. Italian goodbyes are so long, that John finally got tired of waiting and got in the car and started honking ☺

 John Jennings from Venezuela is Herbert Milligans uncle. He went to spend some time with them and others, also visiting in Ireland before he returns to Venezuela.

 and finally, they're off

 Now those of us who were left set about getting it all 'buttoned up' and closed down for another year. Instead of doing much cooking this day, Julie had me go into town where I ordered some roasted chickens for dinner, which made it easier than cooking while trying to clean up the kitchen and put everything away. A busy full day and much was accomplished.

Wednesday, August 19th
One last chance for me to get pictures of the Sunrise. Because of the heat and so many people in such a small space, in addition to no a/c or fans, I find it very hard to rest here during the convention, so I get a hotel room for those four days. Now, I had checked out of the hotel and was staying back at Caroppi's, so got up and out early this morning, and it was worth it. Here are the stages of the sunrise...

Just a little while later, was all this beautiful blue. The sky and water were the most vivid blue this day. Was a perfect day for pictures. Then, just around 11 - 2 a huge rain storm with a lot of wind passed through,

While I was preparing dinner, I wanted to open the windows, however, the wind was so strong, it was not possible. Now the storm has passed and blue sky is back and gorgeous and sunny, so we were back to hanging clothes out to dry on the upper deck of the home. All the other lines have been taken down. They do not use dryers here in Italy, and those that have them that I have had access too, take FOREVER for the clothes to dry. If you hang the clothes outside, they seem to be dry in no time at all, with the breeze and hot dry weather here, however, it seemed to be very humid here this year.

Everyone worked all day, putting things away and storing them for another year. Loads of laundry getting done as well, and hung out to dry. Julie the cook, had left, so dinner detail was assigned to me. The main kitchen had been shut down and all cleaned and stored, so now I had to use the one in the main house, but not the main kitchen. There was a smaller kitchen in the apartment above, so this is the one I used. I didn't even know where it was, so thanks to Hansruedi, he showed me!

This kitchen was a bit challenging, but however I definitely made it work. The more challenging part was trying to figure out what to cook, since there was not much left in the way of groceries. Around 10am, I decided to just drive into the market and see if I could get some inspiration, and I did, so purchased what I needed and got busy cooking. I will say, it was American cooking and everyone really, really enjoyed it or said they did, and I think they were a bit tired of pasta too! I made garlic fried potatoes, ham, coleslaw, and mac made with four cheeses... just basic fare, but when you haven't had it for a very long time, it really tastes wonderful! They cleaned it all up! and I noticed, no one even ate bread this meal. Made the cook (me) happy to see them eat heartily and so glad it didn't turn out to be a disaster... never know about these things, when everything was so out of my 'normal' ... the kitchen, the stove, utensils, supplies, logistics, about 10 or 12 people, allotted time, etc. !! It helped that all or almost all were not native Italians too ☺.

They were all going for Pizza for supper, which is their annual routine, and I would love to have joined them, and originally had intended to, but as the day wore on, I realized I would be very late getting back to Bari, so along in the late afternoon, I packed up my things and headed for Bari.

By the time I arrived in Bari, I was so tired, that I was really glad I had left as early as I did. When I arrived at Mafalda's, no one was home.  Lena and Maisie from Switzerland were here visiting Mafalda and were spending the night here also, and they had all gone into town for dinner, and would be home later, but I was so weary and exhausted, all I wanted to do was shower and go to bed, so that is what I did. I did greet them when they came in later, however, was back into dreamland almost immediately. I had brought their luggage down from Petacciato, since they were taking the train to Bari, and this way they didn't have to drag all their luggage on and off the train. They could have ridden down with me too, however, they wanted to be there for the day, and I wasn't coming until the night.

Thursday, August 20th
We all got up early and I took Maisie and Lena into the train station before I went to the Airport to return my rental car. I arrived early at the rental car place, so even though I had to wait for a while, I was able to be first in line, when the man finally arrived. I was out of there in no time, unlike when I picked it up. Marco came and picked me up and dropped me off at Mafalda's on his way to work.

Was great having a car for three weeks, and I sure missed it the first few days after!  And many days since then when I've needed it for specific reasons, however, for the most part, I really don't need one. The buses and trains work well for me. Parking is very limited here in the city and very expensive, so it really is easier just to not have a car. Also, insurance is very high here, since I have no 'history' in Italy. I will continue to rent one for the occasions when I really want one.

Mafalda was gone when I returned and was gone all day. I had loads of personal laundry to do and sorting and repacking my things now that I was not on the move. Spent all day doing these things and taking a nap. I really was very tired, so I was glad Mafalda wasn't there, as I would have felt obligated to be social, and my exhausted body just wasn't up to it. I had been in constant motion for four months, between my trek in May around Europe, only to return in June and July to start looking for an apartment and then moving to Mafalda's and without stopping, going again on the road to conventions for 3 weeks. It was time to stop, or so I wished. Mafalda goes and goes and goes, like an energizer bunny and I soon found out this was going to be my only day of rest.

I phoned Damiano today, to see when the owners could meet to sign the contract now that I was back in town. They were coming down from France on the weekend, he said, and were packing things up in the apartment, etc., so we are scheduled to meet on Monday.

Friday, August 21st
The first few days of the month while I was here, Mafalda kept wanting me to go to her daughter's with her, and although, I really wanted to go, I was so busy with all my moving, etc., it just wasn't possible for me. However, yesterday, I was able to have a bit of rest, so today, we spent it at her daughter Miriam's. This is Miriam's home.

Saturday, August 22nd
Miriam and her husband, Daniele, wanted to take me around and show me some sights, and also a resort that Daniele had been the interior designer on, so they came by about noon and picked us up.

 On the drive down

 Miriam

 Daniele

 Here we are.  These pictures were taken of this resort. It is so expensive to stay here, €1000.00 per night for basic room, that she said there are no Italians who stay here, only foreigners ☺ These pictures don't do it justice, however, you will get the idea.

 It is so large, they provide bicycles and paths to get around it. Also golf carts.

 Fichi d'India. Fruit of the cactus, that is similar in texture and taste of a fresh Fig, however, the seeds are a lot larger. I find because of the seeds, they are hard for me to eat, whereas I love fresh figs!

 Chandeliers made from wine bottles

 Then they all took their turn trying their golf swing..

 I was certainly impressed!!  A gorgeous resort, however, I will not be staying there any time soon at those prices ☺

 Then we headed to Alberobello.

Along the way we saw so very old and giant olive trees.

 Ah, gelato time!

 Alberobello

 So here is the story of these strange houses according to Wiki:

Alberobello (Italian: [ˌalberoˈbɛllo]; literally "beautiful tree") is a small town and comune of the Metropolitan City of Bari, Apulia, southern Italy. It has about 11,000 inhabitants and is famous for its unique trulli buildings. The Trulli of Alberobello have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996. Alberobello was first mentioned in the early sixteenth century when the first 40 families got land to farm in the area. The abundance of calcareous sedimentary material in the area lead to the building of houses with dry stone without the use of mortar. These houses were the first trulli which contributed to the expansion of the settlement. Building the houses of dry stone was a requirement of Count Giangirolamo II as this way it was avoidable to pay taxes on them. Alberobello was feud of the Acquaviva of Aragon until May 27, 1797, when King Ferdinand IV of Bourbonreceived Alberobello and issued a decree that elevated the small village to a royal city, freeing them from feudal serfdom.

 Found the old car I wouldn't mind having. It was for sale.

After Alberobello, we were off to yet another town (Polignano) to find good food. By now, I was getting a wee bit hungry, as we hadn't eaten anything for about 6 hours except a gelato. Piled back in the car and headed down the motorway at high speed... only speed they have here.... and they have other rules, but as you can see, they seem to be only suggestions, because I know they have seat belt laws here, but these children were riding like this in the car. One standing in the front and one sitting on the console. We passed a policewoman and she looked, but didn't stop us.

 The town where we stopped for dinner (Polignano) was very busy and because finding parking is such a premium, when you find a spot, you take it no matter how tight the fit. I really give these Italians thumbs up for their parking skills.... I wouldn't even have attempted to park in this tight of a space, but I got out and watched as Daniele got it in there! Granted, he had to 'bump' the car in front and the car in back a few times to make it fit, but he got'er in!!! and that's what matters I guess! well anyway here in Italy... It would cause a huge personal war in the US!

 the back and the front

 Another little town, I forget the name where we stopped for dinner and a walk around.

It was a lovely day, but now, it is getting very late, I am getting very tired and tomorrow is Sunday, which means an early rise. Well not so early as usual, since I am staying at Mafalda's and she lives just down the street from Nicola's. Plus, I don't have to catch a bus. We will go in her car. Speaking of her car... this one..

I don't know how many years old it is, however, the clutch is so worn out in it, that I don't think I would even have needed to use it. Just tap the accelerator and I'm sure we'd have been good. This picture would be a good one to use if you wanted to sell it, because for some reason it actually makes the car look like it is shiney and in decent condition, however, I can assure you it is definitely not. The poor old thing has suffered more than it's share of abuse, like all the cars here in Bari. Mafalda, who is in her early 80's, wanted me to do the driving while I was living with her, so she certainly didn't have to twist my arm to convince me, since I have ridden with her a few times and let me tell you that is quite the ride ☺ However, after doing the driving for her for about three days, I was ready to let her do the driving... she is the worst backseat (well side seat) driver in the world. I actually tried to drive as if 'rules' applied and she thought I was crazy!  Vi Vi (go, go)... then when I would go, go, go, and not stop at the signs like she doesn't, she would clutch her heart, like she was scared to death. Actually, it was quite funny, however, very difficult. When I would make a left turn, I would swing wide to turn into my OWN lane and she would think I wasn't turning, and keep yelling 'girare' (turn!) Oh my...  

Sunday, August 23rd

 David's nephew Steve and Esther Butterworth flew up from Australia for Petacciato, then came to Marco and Cristina's for about a week, before going on to England and other places. Was nice to meet and get to know them.

 Cristina and I. Cristina is due in November.

 Nicola Caputo, and Nicola Stasi, Carlo's son. Also Mafalda, Carlo and Marco.

 Fish is eaten here more than any other meats, except processed prosciutto, etc. But their fish, they like it fresh, and go to the fish market and get it just before preparing it. Here, Mafalda is eating these little fishes whole... okay, I could probably do that, however, these little guys were raw. Just rinsed under the tap and down the hatch! I prefer mine fried thank you. And even though mine was octopus, give it a good frying and it tastes 'purty' good.

 So a big group around the Sunday dinner table this day, however the day was far from over. After evening bible study at Mafalda's, Tania and Giacinto wanted us to go take a drive along the sea, so we did, then after a while, we stopped and picked up some pizza's and went and ate them sitting on the promenade along the sea here.

Monday, August 24th
Got up early with the sunrise, and went with Marco to pick figs to take to the market.

 New experience for me, however, I did manage to pick a few.

 Here, Marco is delivering them to the market, and as you can see, all the farmers have brought their produce in very early. Vendors then come and pick up what they need for their shops.

  
Returned to Mafalda's, and got cleaned up and ready to catch the bus and go into town and meet with the owners of my new apartment and Damiano, to get my rental contract signed. All went well, and I can pick up the keys tomorrow!! Yeah!! It was dark though, by the time I got on the bus to go back to Mafalda's and since I have to walk a fair ways from the stop, along a dark road, I called to have her meet me at the stop. She did, however, while I was on the bus, there was a man who was definitely 'under the influence' of something and was being very antagonistic to other passengers. When we stopped, about 15 guys got off and one decided he had had enough of this guy and fists started flailing. I was so glad I had called to have Mafalda pick me up!!!  She wanted to sit there and watch it, but now it was me saying to her, VI VI (go go).  I didn't want to get mixed up in it!

Tuesday, August 25th
Yesterday evening and today Dr. Maurizio and Penelope Vivarini from Australia are in Bari visiting, and also to pick up their son who has been traveling all over Europe, and they haven't seen for several weeks or months, will be arriving on the train here. Maurizio is an Italian, however, he was raised in Australia and is married to an Australian. Several of us here are hoping they will come back to Italy and live here at least part time. That would be so wonderful. They are the nicest people and was lovely to get to hang out with them today.  Luigi offered to take them around and show them some things in Bari, so they picked me us this morning at Mafalda's and I got to spend the day with them. It was lovely!

Famous pasta makers right here in Bari. This is Bari Vecchio (Old Bari)

 Luigi, Penelope, me

 Luigi the tour guide. Learned more things today. The black bricks vs the white bricks. White ones lead to the churches, of which there are dozens here in this Old Town Bari.

 We just waltzed right in on this wedding and toured the church.

 Now we are on the old town wall here and heading to the Central shopping area. Penelope wanted to check out Desiqual. We didn't get too much time to shop there though, as their son messaged that he had arrived at the train station.  So after picking him up...

 Maurizio then treated us all to dinner at Santa Lucia a four star restaurant here in Bari.

 And a gorgeous lovely meal it was too!  Thank you Maurizio!

It was such a lovely day, I really hated to part ways with them, but I needed to meet with the owners at the apartment at 3pm and pick up my keys before they left town. Besides, I was very excited to get them, so I could start moving! After getting the keys, I then returned to Mafalda's and continued packing up the few things I still had out for daily living. Mafalda was sad to see me leave and begged me to stay until the end of the month. That was sweet and nice of her, but I really wanted and needed to get started cleaning on the apartment and get my things moved in. Since Luigi wouldn't be able to help me move my things until Thursday, and since Wednesday I would have to come back out here anyway, I decided, I would stay Tues. and Wed. with her, but Thurs., I would stay in my apartment. 

Wednesday, August 26th
This morning, I loaded as much as I possibly could into Mafalda's small car and her and I went into town. Now that I had the keys, she wanted to see the apartment. Unloaded those few things, then she and I went to her daughter's. After that, we returned to Mafalda's, where Giacinto and Tania picked us up and took us to their place for lunch and afterwards we all took a nap, before heading off to Nicola's for bible study.

 Mafalda

 Giacinto

 After church, we stopped by her daughter's for a while. They wanted to take us to dinner, however, it had been a long day by now, and I begged off. I needed to get some rest before moving day tomorrow.

 Mafalda's granddaughter. Do you know, they do not have a specific word for grandchildren in Italian! Everything is Nipoti, which also means niece/nephew.

My new glasses frames arrived today too. One day at the beach in July, someone stepped on my bag and snapped the nose piece on my glasses. I ordered the same frames and had them shipped to me, however, it took them a very long time to arrive. I had been wearing my old glasses all this time. The color of the new frames was not what I ordered, however, but when I contacted them, they offered me $40 to keep them, so I did. Actually, Marco says he likes the color better, so fine by me. At least I can see better again.

Thursday, August 27th
Busy morning getting everything put together and moved. Luigi was such a great help, but I was concerned he would re-injure his leg, as it was not totally healed yet. Anyway, we loaded my things at Mafalda's, then when we arrived here at the apartment, one of us had to be with the car at all times, so we lugged everything into the lobby of my apartment first, then he stayed on the lower level and loaded the things onto the elevator and I would buzz it up to my apartment (66 steps) and unload it, then he would buzz the elevator back down and load more on it.  Worked very well. Not room for people and things, but by doing it this way, we didn't have to climb all those steps over and over. Two trips back to Mafalda's, and we were done with that part of the moving.

Luigi then took me to a used furniture shop, which had very nice things for minimum costs, so I will probably purchase a few things there when I get to that point. The most important things I need are beds. I could use a sofa, but not entirely necessary, as the owner left an old one here, that actually sits very nicely, but has major cat scratches. More about all this furniture stuff when I blog in September.

Later in the evening when Marco arrived home from work, there was a table I needed to get from the owner's father, so both Marco and Luigi helped with that, since it was a beast to move. Poor Marco had to carry it down from the apartment where it was because it was too large for their elevator, figure out a way to get it roped to his car, and then carry that huge heavy pedestal up my 66 steps on his back, then back down and carry the table top up. He was exhausted from that and I was too, just watching him! There was no way to help, he said, since he could balance it and go up the steps better by himself. At least when I leave here, I won't have to move it. It stays here!

My first night in my new place! Yeah!  I don't have a bed, so I ordered this air mattress and it works for now.

Friday, August 28th
Now to get organized. But first to clean. The Kitchen will definitely need a lot of scrubbing before I put anything in there!!  Well, that ended up taking me 16 hours!! and that was just to clean. The grout was black, the tiled walls were black with grease and dirt. The exhaust vent, the cupboards.... everything covered with years of grease. The painted walls were not washable paint, so unable to even clean them. There are so many things I still need to do in there, but in time....

 Now tomorrow to tackle the bathroom. So just existing here for now, since I really don't want to unpack anything until it is cleaned.

Saturday, August 29th
More of the same.... clean, clean, clean.  Took me six hours to clean the bathroom. Lots of tile and everything appears as if it probably has never had a good cleaning.

The painted areas, not getting any better. The more I clean, the more I realize, I am really going to have to paint. I had mentioned to the owner the very last thing before we parted if she minded if I painted and she agreed it really needed it, but we never actually settled anything definitively.

Sunday, August 30th
A day of rest. Off to Caputo's this morning and the day. In the evening after bible study at Mafalda's Luigi took us all out for Gelato in Bari Vecchio.

 Ale

 Luigi, me, Nicola, Mariella

Monday, August 31st
So to start, I phoned Luigi and he arranged to bring a couple painters over to give me a bid, since it has very high ceilings and needs some crack repair, etc first. Simple painting I was happy to do, however, the more I noticed, the more I realized it would probably be better to have some help. Luigi then took me to Leroy Merlin where I was able to buy the paint I wanted, and supplies etc. He brought me home and helped unload all that. Now the rest of this story and the photos I will post in the September blog.  I'll try to get that posted soon.

I do want to say a great big Thanks to Luigi and Marco and Mafalda and so many others! What would I do without these wonderful friends!!

And that concludes, August 2015... a very very busy 31 days!