Summertime Diversions 8000 miles apart - June

Life in the US
Johnnie left for the US on June 12. He is making the rounds of our friends and neighbors getting caught up on things and sharing meals. He got to visit our church last Sunday as well.

In the forefront is the appointments with the dentist and the radiology department in preparation for his surgery. That all went fine and he is on the road to recovery.

And of course, he cleaned up his truck, helped Mike get the boat ready for fishing, and made the trip to the new Cabela's where he felt obliged to help spur on the local economy!

Now, he has found bliss on a riding mower keeping Shawn's lawn cut.

Shawn's Italian Gardener

He performed his duty as Mike's best man in his wedding last weekend. Susan tried to get him in a tux, and then a suit, and finally had to settle for Johnnie in a nice pair of jeans and a shirt. The next time we get Johnnie in a suit will be for his funeral.

Fourth of July Johnnie celebrated twice: once at noon at Mike and Susan's house for a hamburger cookout with Susan's children and grandchildren, and then later with Shawn and Debbie in the evening for yummy baby back ribs.

No more photos from Johnnie so you will have to use your imagination!

Life in Italy
Work is work and keeps on going. We are very busy and putting in some long days. The temperature has climbed into the high 90's and 100's and pretty humid as well. The garden and flowers are all requiring water almost daily to withstand the heat and wind we have in the mountain area. I am musing over a drip system that will simplify the watering and provide a more consistent moisture to the plants.

First fruits of the garden

Enjoying the small things
I have been taking advantage of the evenings after work as the temp begins to cool just to sit at an outdoor cafe and unwind with my girlfriend. Sipping on a prosecco and munching on appetizers, it is great people watching and a time of conversation and reflection about things. Since I have no one to rush home to at the moment, I am enjoying the leisurely time. Businesses are open late here so I still have time to go by the Dry Cleaners or the Tabacci shop if I need something.

Relaxing in the cool evening along the main street. We can actually make a meal out of the little appetizers they bring.

I started water aerobics again and then had to stop until I get my knees sorted out. It seems like it was actually making things worse. I have the Dr.'s blessing to swim or just do water walking, so I am thinking I will try that, if I can find a time the pool is not crowded.I have had two rounds of cortisone shots in my knees, and I am waiting for those to do their "magic". Then I start something called Tecaterapia, which is for pain and healing.

We were so focused on getting moved and settled and dealing with those issues for several months, that now it is almost challenging to shift gears toward just living and enjoying being here.

Simple pleasures of Mercogliano
Saturday mornings are delightful walking in the little town of Mercogliano. I park at the Funiculare which operating now that summer is here. From there I visit the parucchiere (hair dresser), newsstand for a paper or magazine, bar for a coffee, walk along the city park, stop by the Tabacci shop if I have any bills to pay, then sometimes get a pedicure or manicure, or window shop at any number of other little shops along the street.

Later in the day I stop by the lavanderia to leave off my clothes, farmacia for meds if needed, and the fruit and vegetable stand. This fellow has produce a lot fresher than the grocery and less expensive as well. The nice thing is that the people in these shops are beginning to know me and it feels good to be greeted by name. Even though my Italian is not good enough to carry on long conversations, we still can exchange greetings and discuss the weather and the latest news.

Pizzeria with a view

The best news is, I have found a place to get massages, pedicures and waxing. All the important things a woman needs, especially in the summertime! The proprietors of this establishment are Cinese (Chinese) and their Italian is as bad as mine! Ha! So I don't feel too bad when I talk with them. After all, how much talking do you need to get a message or a pedicure?