Reflections on My 40 Years in Umbria

I enjoyed reading the posts...and was inspired and moved by many... of my fellow Gratitude Friday bloggers.

Isn't it the small, seemingly "normal" or even seemingly insignificant things, which afford us some of Life's greatest pleasures?

my strongly scented heirloom verbena

Today was a striking example: an unhurried awakening on yet another bright, balmy day of summer, time to linger over a relaxed Italian breakfast with excellent strong coffee and time to read the New York Times online and read emails from family, friends and prospective guests.

A mid-morning outing took us on a few errands, including taking some specimens to the hospital lab for some routine tests and then up to the inn to talk to some interesting guests before going to lunch in Montefalco. Today is Maurizio's birthday - even though we will celebrate it on Sunday with a big family luncheon.

The afternoon was relaxed with good reading, some Internet banking and online payments and email correspondence before going out again to renew my driver's license. A last minute decision to pick up a pizza for an easy dinner ended our day.

I am grateful for many days like today: "normal" - seemingly insignificant... but VERY special days!