Palmabella's Passions

As a perk of premium membership on Slow Travel. I get this cool blog! Travel, planning more travel, especially to Italy, reading about travel, cooking, eating, entertaining, jewelry-making, scrapbooking, and endless hours on Slow Travel/Slow Talk, keep me busy enough. I also am a licensed Marriage, Family Therapist, and I supervise a number of interns who are working toward their license.

I have no idea how to begin a blog, so I will jump right in with a major event, a Slow Travel Desert GTG at our home in Palm Desert.

As I had such a good time attending my first couple of GTGs and meeting other Slow Travelers face-to-face, Brad and I decided to host on October 28. Preparations began when we returned from Italy in September. I posted the idea, set a date, and soon I had over twenty people saying they would attend. I planned the menu, and asked guests to bring an appetizer or wine/prosecco.

I had lots of fun thinking up creative ways to decorate for this fall party, using fall colors Italian dishes, and the Slow Trav logo whenever possible. I painted pumpkins for the table with nametags, and set three tables for dinner in the back yard. There was the “Sunflower Table”, the “Lemon Table” (the first dinner served on the Positano tabletop!), and another sunflower themed table for six.

I decided we needed something “extra” to do for fun. We planned a Slow Travel version of “People Bingo” as a game, I wrote new words to old songs for entertainment, and when I heard that Kathy Wood was able to fly in from Tennessee, the idea of a “Mystery Guest” evolved. Everyone could guess who would be attending that was not local, and it would be a contest with a prize.

Now, about those songs! I didn’t want to get up in front of everyone and sing by myself. I needed backup girls! I asked Kathy (Teachick), Kathy (Kaydee), and our neighbor, Diana, to “sway” behind me, and sing the chorus. Gail flew in for the party, and made the perfect fourth, and at our first (and only) rehearsal that morning, Palmabella and the Slowchicks came about. Kathy B. choreographed the group, I provided blue and green scarves, we all wore ST hats, and taped the letters S-L-O-W on the backs of the “Chicks”.

The party was a great success, with great food, a wonderful group of fun people, and Pauline’s video camera to introduce the Slowchicks to the world!

Palmabella and the Slow Chicks VIDEO http://www.slowtrav.com/about/slowchicks.htm

The weekend after Thanksgiving, and it was time to put up all our trees. Last year I "settled" for four, and launched the "Sunflower Tree" to match my therapy office in the casita. This year, a new tree evolved from my collection of "shopping" ornaments.
We started in the Great Room with the gold/green/bronze tree with lots of jeweled fruit.

Next after Brad added the red and green lights, I decorated the "Italy Tree" in our Master Bedroom. Here is a link to a photo album:

http://http://www.slowphotos.com/photo/showgallery.php?cat=4029

The Casita has the "Sunflower Tree". Next year I need to work on a treeskirt for this.
Maybe an Italian tablecloth would work!

Our biggest and most traditional tree is in the dining room. There are ornaments on here that are more than 30 years old! Each year we love adding a few new ones, and Brad and I exchange a special one every Christmas.

The new tree this year is the "Shopping Tree", with shopping bag ornaments from Nordstrom, Gumps, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Bloomies, Gucci, and assorted gift cards.
I need an ornament that says "Chico's"! How appropriate that my "shopping sister", Joy, will be sleeping in here next week!

The trees are all up, but there is more decorating to do! I get a little carried away, but the Christmas theme continues throughout the house. The Great room mantle has bronze, gold, and green ornaments and poinsetta added.

I added Holiday silk flowers to this topiery basket on the coffee table.

Santa is 54 years old this year. I got him on my first Christmas. His hat has lost its pom-pom, his beard is yellowing, he's as bowlegged as ever, but I still love him with his sock reindeer.

The entry hall has a lit forest.

Three "wine bottle Santas" preside over the kitchen bar.

The Hummel Nativity Scene is in the hall, but I can't find the star to light it!

This musicbox was sent to me on my first Christmas, by my wonderful Godmother, Grace. It still plays "Jingle Bells".

These are a few favorites. Of course, even ther bathrooms get a hint of Christmas.
And that's just the INSIDE of the house!

Today I posted an edited version of our Christmas newsletter. They do seem to get longer, but this year included two trips to Italy! Reading back on the poem really strikes me as how important this community has become to me.

I have made so many new friends, some still virtual, some of whom I have met, and continue to look forward to meeting! Though I have learned so much about travel, and found out about places in Italy I might not have ever know to visit, it is the daily banter on the boards, and the GTGs I love! In a little over a year, I have met too many to list, and have formed friendships with Kathy, Leslie, Diana, Kathy, Gail, Jane, Sheena, Terry, Judy, Marcia, Nancy, and so many more! I have gotten to hang out with Pauline and Steve, Shannon, Mods Colleen and Chris, Wendy and Rob, and in February, I will get to meet Krista, Marian, and reconnect with Eden and Kathy at the Paso Robles GTG!

This summer in Italy, we hope to see Jane, Ken and Casey, meet the Dusis in Montalcino, see Diva (Judy) if she is in Florence, meet Barb and Art, and see Judith in Umbria! What a fabulous experience!

Here is the ST version of our Holiday Greeting:

Happy Holidays Slow Talkers!
My Slow Travel Holiday Card:
(excerpts from my Holiday Newsletter)

It’s that time of the year for our annual letter;
Here’s another that rhymes, they get longer, not better!
During 2006, we were blessed once again,
With good health and good friends, and a trip now and then.
Back in March, Brad and I took a weekend retreat,
Where our first group of friends from Slow Travel we’d meet.
www.Slowtrav.com
Cooking class for fresh pasta we both took in Sonoma,
From Chef Judy, the “Diva”, oh ,the taste and aroma!
Sipping wine, then some shopping, with cool, rainy weather,
But we met some great folks at our first get-together!

On the 18th of May, I flew cross the Atlantic;
I started in Palm Springs, and ended at Gatwick.
Just a brief stop in London, where I spent the night;
Then met my friend Ida for our short Pisa flight.
Ida’s village, named Vico, is tiny and sweet;
Aunts and uncles and cousins of hers I did meet.
Local towns we explored, and the food was so good;
I managed some shopping, was there doubt that I would?
We went down to Pienza, at ‘L Olmo we stayed;
We stopped at St.Antimo, in Montalcino we played.
The following week, practicing Italiano,
I shopped the whole day, back in San Gimignano!
I really missed Brad for these two weeks away;
On my Italy cell phone we spoke twice a day.
Travel without him was stressful, I think ;
If you want some more details, you can copy this link:
Trip Report
A big thank you to Ida, her home she did share;
I’m glad I was able to visit her there.

The summer flew by as we lounged by the pool;
The weather was hot, so we tried to stay cool.
To a Slow Travel picnic, I am so glad I went;
Such a fun afternoon under redwoods we spent!
Friends, old and new, meeting Steve and Pauline;
Sharing great travel stories about places we’ve seen.
What a wonderful visit with good friends I had!
But I was way past due for some travel with Brad!

In Vancouver, Washington, we both did appear,
For our week with the Wolf’s that we take every year.
The weather was perfect, around 80 degrees;
And at night on the patio, a lovely cool breeze.
Cannon Beach for two nights was a part of the deal;
We relaxed by the sea and had wonderful meals.
Did some shopping in Portland, lovely dinners each night;
A nice bead store, some naps, the whole trip was just right!
Only two weeks to wait ‘til the first of September;
This year’s trip to Italy we’ll always remember.

We flew into Milan, had a quick cappuccino,
And in less than 2 hours, Brad drove to Torino.
Our hotel was quite charming, we walked everywhere;
Nice piazzas, great food, we were one happy pair!
We had fun at the market, then stopped for some wine;
In the cinema museo, with its’ views we spent time.
It’s a wonderful city, we’d love to come back,
But our weekend flew quickly, it was time to repack.

We drove on through Piemonte, every hilltown had towers.
We arrived at our B&B with a bouquet of flowers.
We met Micha, Diana, and Max, all of the Baurs;
Got acquainted, like old friends, sat talking for hours.
Our first night we enjoyed a great meal with our hosts;
Several bottles of wine allowed multiple toasts!

Our guest room was amazing, all the comforts of home,
In a picturebook setting, lots of places to roam.
We took daytrips to Asti, Barolo and Bra;
Lots of photos we took of the places we saw.
We wandered the streets by the sea in Camogli;
We ate wonderful pastas, some like ravioli.
Barbaresco, Nieve, La Morra, Mombaruzzo;
The vineyards were gorgeous, we drank vino with gusto!
Every day we set out, did whatever we’d please.
We might stop for gelato, or some wine with more cheese.
Our home base was so magical, we loved puppy Max;
It’s the most perfect place to explore or relax!

The Baurs arranged a wine tasting, perfetto,
At an organic winery with the greatest Dolcetto!
We topped off our stay with an “endless food” meal;
And a pot that I made on Diana’s pottery wheel!
Seven days was just right, and with tearful good-byes,
We drove off to Bologna under clear, sunny skies.
Bologna, we found was a wonderful city;
We explored several neighborhoods, all of them pretty.
The food was incredible, the shopping divine;
We continued to have such a delightful time!
In Ferarra, a castle, complete with a moat;
And the fashions I bought really “floated my boat”!
Ravenna’s mosaics were stunning to see;
We’re so glad we discovered this part of Italy!
Our whole 18-day trip, we had wonderful weather;
But the best part for us was just being together.
Perfect Piemonte and Bella Bologna Trip Report

All vacations must end, we flew back to L.A.
Reality is hard, when it’s more work than play!
I needed an outlet, something big I could plan;
So the Slow Travel party preparations began.
Let me try to explain what’s this group means to me.
It is not just a website where we talk “Italy.”
These people all “get it”, the passion we share;
It is quite a community, people who care.
I am now quite a “regular” part of the crowd;
Posting daily on travel or food, I am proud.
There’s a book club, a chat room, and oh ,so much more:
Slow Photos, Slow Talk and…well, you get the score!

So back to this party, I planned and I shopped;
I painted, and decorated, I was “over the top”!
I made nametags and placecards, I cooked and I froze.
I had prizes and gimmicks, it was fun, goodness knows!
Appetizers,and pasta, dinner, and wine,
Prosecco, dessert, chairs and tables to dine.
Entertaining we love, Brad helped out with the rest.
We even had our very own “Mystery Guest”!
I then wrote new words to old songs just for kicks;
An idea came to life, and the birth of “Slowchicks”.
I needed backup singers, every fool needs her pals;
And soon I had four funny, fabulous gals!
Kathy, Diana, and Kathy and Gail;
Choreographed to the smallest detail!

The “BIG weekend” arrived, and on Friday we all met.
For dinner at Tommy Bahama’s, we were set,
‘Til our Mystery Guest’s plans changed, when she missed her flight! Gail arrived from Atlanta, she was such a delight!
We went back to the airport,‘cause the guests couldn’t wait;
They waited for “Mystery” at our house until late!
We got back at 11, with “Mystery” in tow;
Chris and Sheena won prizes, guessing Kathy (Kaydee), you know.
On Saturday, last minute details were done,
And at 3:30 guests started joining the fun!
We ate appetizers, and had a great time.
We laughed and we drank our Prosecco and wine.
By 6:30, we rounded up all of “the team”;
And the Slowchicks emerged in their scarves, blue and green.
The first number brought lots of laughter and joy;
Pauline captured it all with her new video toy.
A quick “costume change”, and the Slowchicks returned;
All the cameras were flashing, the applause was well-earned!
We had dinner and games, and dessert, and more wine;
We all agreed we’d had a very good time!
We’re all looking forward to meeting again;
It doesn’t much matter where we’ll go or when.
We just know that Slow Travelers as a group are quite hearty;
And seem to be ready to plan the next party!
A whole year away, a BIG ST weekend we're planning,
The Great Gathering in Savannah will be quite enchanting!

Thanksgiving, to Oakland, we flew on Southwest;
With no cooking for Palma, just a happy houseguest!
At 8 a.m. Friday, we rode in on BART;
To join shoppers at Bloomie’s, we must do our part.
Met my friend, Joy, at Nordstrom, shopped some more, took a break; By noon on my third pair of shoes my feet did ache!
We met all the others at Kuletto’s for wine;
This is such a tradition, it’s now Christmastime!
Crate & Barrel, then Neiman, a latte, then Gumps;
How do these women walk all day in pumps?
“Charge and ship” all the ornaments, then Union Square;
At the St. Francis we gathered, all meeting up there.
We had cocktails and rested, they lit the big tree;
It was really a wonderful day there for me!
We took off in three taxis, to North Beach we went,
And our Italian dinner was quite an event.
Saturday, Ferry Building market and shops;
A bakery, a deli, the cheese store was tops!
A quite special evening on Saturday night,
With dinner at Boulevard, a “foodie” delight!

Back at home it was time to put up wreaths and lights,
To sit by the fire and write cards at night.
Five trees shining brightly with baubles and balls;
I made lots of goodies as Brad decked the halls.
We look forward to sharing good food and good wine,
With those that we love during holiday time.
After Christmas, more guests will arrive at our door,
For some laughter and cheer, and I’m sure a lot more.
Now the gifts are all wrapped, and the baking is done.
The tables are set for some holiday fun.
The cookies are iced, and the candles are lit;
We think back on the year, take a moment to sit.
Entertaining and travel are the things we love best;
Throughout 2006, with both we were blessed.
Again, it is time to reflect on the reason,
As we gather to celebrate this holy season.
Whether it's Chanukah, or Christmas you do,
May this season be wonderful and happy for you!

We have fabulous plans for this upcoming year;
And we hope to see all of our friends, far and near.
Buon Natale, good health, love, and joy we wish you.
And may all of your ‘07 wishes come true!

Palma and Brad

On December 16, we had friends, Louise and Dave to dinner. Louise is an MFT intern I supervise. She is a pre-licensed therapist for Family Services for the Agua Caliente tribe of Native Americans. We meet weekly for two enjoyable hours, and discuss her clients (as well as a few minutes about office personalities, shopping, and our lives!) This dinner was the first time we met each other's husbands.

We started with lively conversation, prosecco/pomegranite spritzers, and brie with fig jam and almonds.

The table was set with jeweled fruit and the Lenox Holiday dishes.

Everyone loved the jeweled nametags and new stocking silver holders!

The primmi piatti: Crab lasagna with guryere cheese and bechamel.

The next course was a salad of baby greens, red pears, blue cheese, candied pecans, and cranberries with a pear-gorgonzola vinigarette.

The entree was veal saltimbocca and grilled asparagas.

We returned to the great room for coffee and dessert: Cream cheese pie with raspberry sauce.

It was a delightful evening, great company, and an easy dinner menu!

In 2005, I agreed to facilitate two men's domestic violence groups for Family Services of the Desert. Men are referred by Probation, Parole, or Child Protective Services, because there was a reported incident of domestic violence. Besides jail time, a felony record, and a disrupted, or sometimes ended relationship, many lose their children, and are only allowed supervised weekly visits. Domestic violence has a HUGE impact and serious consequences for those involved. These men must attend 52 weeks of 2-hour sessions, or they will return to jail for a violation of probation. I did these men's groups from May, 2005 to May 2006.

This year, I agreed to substitute for 2 weeks, as the group facilitator, was out having surgery. The first week, There were still seven of the guys I knew from my old group. I was greeted warmly with hugs, and smiles, and a huge "Welcome Back". The men that were new to me, seemed to trust that I was "OK", given the easy relationship I had with their peers. I learned why the "newer" group members had done to get there, and found out what my "old clients" had been up to for the last seven months.
I was especially happy to find that one group member had reunited with his wife, and it was going well, and to learn that another group member had gone through a residential treatment center, and was now sober! After check-in, we drew genograms, (a therapist word for a multi-generational "family tree"). I collected these to continue the lesson the following week.

When I returned to the group last night, after discussing everyone's holiday plans, cultural and family traditions, I passed out their genograms and 4 felt pens per person. They made a "Key" or "Legend", like on a map, and circled family members with the following: hereditary health problems, difficulties managing anger or an incident of violence, alcohol or drug abuse, and other "Mental Health" issues (depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, etc.). During this process, a group member (who had been absent last week), began to act out. When I said, "Circle anyone with a history of anger or violence in the next color", he became very sarcastic.

Group member: "Can we circle our ex"?
Palma: "Anyone, male or female with anger problems"
Group Member: "Oh, it's is MIRACLE! It's a WOMAN, admitting women have anger
problems!"
Palma: "Many people, of either gender, can have problems managing their feelings,
especially anger."
Group member: "I can't believe she is admitting women are violent too!"
Palma: "One of the things you are here to learn is to respect women. Tonight, you can practice that with ME. You may speak respectfully, and only when you are called on, if you would like to stay in this group tonight. You are also in this group to learn how to take responsibility for and deal with YOUR anger problems, not to blame them on your ex. If there is a question somewhere in your comments about women and viloence, I will tell you that we also have women's domestic violence groups. They also learn to take responsibility for their past poor choices, deal with their consequences, and stop blaming their spouses and children for their lack of control."

The group member was well-behaved for the next hour. When I asked the group to share how it felt to look at patterns of behavior in their family, he made another inappropriate comment.

One of my "old guys" had lost his young son last spring. He has made incredible steps and gone from homeless, and jobless, raising three young children, to sober, employed (with a recent promotion), and appropriately dealing with his grief. He shared that he felt quilty looking at his family tree because he was circled in three colors: anger, depression, and substance use. He shared occasionally smoking marijuana to "chill out" after work, but said he didn't do it in front of his kids, and has cut down on his use, and wanted to know if I thought he had an "addiction".

The acting out group member said, "Like it matters to you what she thinks...!"

Before I could even open my mouth to respond, my client turned to him and said,
"You have no idea what she taught us!" Then he looked at a couple other of my past guys who had been with me in May. "Do you remember those things she gave us?
(On my last night, I gave each group member a small pewter stone with a word etched on it, talked about their strengths, how they had grown during their time in group, and I told them my hopes for them in the future.)
He contnued, "Mine said, "HOPE". I had very little, but I put in in a frame above my bed. I look at it EVERY morning, and remember the faith in me that Palma had. I carry her card in my wallet, and two weeks ago, my wallet was stolen. It was a hassle to replace my driver's license and a credit card, but I was most upset about losing her card, because someday, I want to call her and tell her that I have changed all the negative things that were in my life!"

I was speechless for a second, as the others said, "I still have mine too." I gave the client a new card, answered his questions about addiction, and others shared their experiences looking at their family tree. I brought them Christmas cookies, and the group ended. As they were leaving, the "acting out client" walked up to me and shook my hand, saying, "Merry Christmas. I'm sorry I was a jerk."

We never know, what impact we may have on a client, a family, a friend, or even a stranger. It is the season for HOPE, for PEACE, and hopefully for these men, a new year ahead without violence.

Yes, last night we had friends Fiona, Steve, May, Diane and Marti to dinner. We began with appetizers of hot artichoke dip and filo tarts with brie, fig jam and almonds.
Our first course was a re-run of freshly made pasta made into crab-guryere lasagna.

Here is the production line with me in the kitchen plating salads.

Diane, Fiona and Brad look like they are having fun!

Our main course was a Fillet mignon strip encrusted with herbs and parmesano cheese, Cheddar-zucchini bake, and Carmelized figs with honey and seasalt.

Back to the kitchen to plate dessert!

This lovely creation was a diagonal layer of pomegranite jell with vanilla bean panna cotta, garnished with fresh currants and figs.

I also made a 6 layer flourless chocolate cake with white chocolate ganache. No one had room to put another bite, so I "donated it" to Fiona's Christmas Eve party tomorrow night!

After dinner, we opened 25 presents! Marti and May had Ego by them all night.

Fiona LOVED her Italian purse, and Steve was quite pleased with Brad's selections of Brunello and Barbera!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

True to form, Brad spent a couple hours today wrapping my gifts. I put away dishes from last night's dinner party, relaxed, made an appetizer to take to Fiona's, and made a necklace to wear tonight. We even had time for a two-hour nap!

Fiona and Steve's party was lovely. Her kitchen table was filled with appetizers, and the dining room table held the dinner entrees.

We hunted for that great ceramic set all over Tuscany, and she finally bought it in Orvieto! I think I need one. Sssssssshhhhhhhhh...don't tell Brad I said that!

The dessert table was set up in the living room, and was stunning. Recognize that chocolate cake?

I get SO excited at Christmas. We must go home, and get to sleep!

We were up early, and as excited as children for Christmas morning! After coffee, and some eggnog, in our new pj's, we were ready to see what Santa had under the tree!

Brad had quite a haul of gifts to open: He got books, a 24 game, 6 bottles of Italian wine, 2 shirts, a Santa martini ornament, bar tools, a year of TIVO and more...

I did quite well myself! I got an ornament, Ginger-Almond kitchen soap, diswashing liquid, candle and lotion; a Chico's gift certificate, Deruta salt and pepper mill, Deruta lasagna server and serving spoon, a beautiful Christmas tree candle, a large Le Cruset dutch oven, and more...

We took hours to open our presents. We took a brunch break at 1:00 for Brad's Eggs Benedict.

It was happy, lazy, Christmas Day. We napped, read, played with our presents, and snacked that evening.

The phone rang, and it was my good friend, Louise, from the Bay Area. I have not seen her in at least three years, and she was in Palm Desert for a couple of days, on the way to Las Vegas, with her new beau, Mike.

We had a house full of company, but we decided she MUST stop by for at least a drink!

I first "met" Louise during one of my early classes in Grad school in 1991. She came to our campus to recruit interns for her agency, Project FOCYS. Four years later, I was at my interview for an internship at Project FOCYS, and Louise came in announcing to staff that she had passed her second oral licensing exam, and was a full-fledged Licensed Marriage Family Therapist! That day, I thought, I want to be like HER when I grow up!

I was selected as one of 10 interns at Project FOCYS that school year, and has an opportunity to work with and develop a friendship with Louise. She was like a "big sister" or mentor to me during my time as an intern. The following year, I was hired as a paid staff member, and we worked together again. Then Louise left the agency, but we stayed in touch.

During my second year on staff, I became the "Family Group Program Coordinator". I encouraged Louise to come back a few hours a week, to do a "Grandparents raising Grandchildren" group in my program.

My third year at Project FOCYS, I passed both my licensing exams, and during an insane moment, agreed to be the Director of the agency. Louise had been so supportive and encouraging during my countless hours of studying and preparing for my tests. She even gave me a "mock oral exam" a few days before my real one.

Funny how life works, sometimes. I was now director, and hired Louise back to be a supervisor for MY group of 10 new interns! I was technically now "her boss", but continued to learn from her on how to be a good supervisor. She did "Group Supervision" in my office every week, and I sat in, until I had been licensed the required two years to do supervision myself.

Louise came by this afternoon, we enjoyed meeting Mike, and had a great, if short visit, catching up on life!

On December 28, a houseful of company arrived: Sorority sisters Connie and Joy, Connie's dad, Frosty, Connie's new boyfriend, John came in one car from Fresno. Casey, my 29 year-old Godson, arrived first from Carlsbad. He and I had a chance to visit for over an hour before the crowds arrived.

The first night, we had a lovely formal dinner. We began with a hot crab dip appetizer while waiting for Brad to arrive from Pasadena. Dinner was pesto lasagna (from the freezer), pear/gorgonzola/cranberry/pecan salad with pear-gorgonzola vinegarette, and pork loin with fig reduction sauce. For dessert, we had chocolate ganache cake.

On Friday, we had a big brunch:cranberry-orange bread with Grand Marnier Glaze, cherry-almond bread with Amaretto glaze, fruit salad, and Harry's Eggs (requested by Joy)!

Friday night we began with hot artichoke dip appetizer, pumpkin ravioli (from the freezer), Italian sausage, and Cheddar-Baked Zucchini. For dessert we had a Slow Travel Favorite: Tina's Cajun Bread Pudding with vanilla ice cream and Rum Sauce:

Bartenders Casey and Brad also made up a few batches of Chocolate-Peppermint Martinis:

We played a new game called "Would You Rather?" It gives forced-choice questions like, "Would you rather live in a country governed by supermodels or professional football players?" When it is your turn, you choose a question, write down your answer, then the rest of the group has 90 seconds to reach a unanamous choice, and you get a point if you match their answer.

When the "food coma" hit, we decided to postpone the present opening until the next morning.

Saturday, December 30, we all got up early, as the presents were to be opened at 8 a.m.. Casey had to leave at 10:00, and Joy and I had shopping plans! I put out fruit and breadfast breads, and in varying states of dress, we gathered in the Great Room and Santas Brad and Casey passed out gifts.
I had another huge pile to open!

Ego was sniffing out his new treats and toy!

Frosty generously bought us all tickets to the Palm Springs Follies tonight. He was quite happy with his six new decks of Italian playing cards with scenes of Tuscany, beautiful new socks, and a gift card to Barnes and Noble!

Casey opening Joy's gift is hoping what feel like golf balls are NOT heavy socks!

Connie and Joy like their new ornaments!

One of our traditions is when opening gifts, you must find a way to WEAR each ribbon. We all use ribbon (no purchased bows), so you may find yourself with a headband, thigh bow, "bracelet", upper arm bow, or even a "toe bow". Then we set the camera timers for the annual group BOW PICTURE! This year's is a great one!

At 10:00, Casey left, Joy and I headed to the bead store and shopping, and the rest of the group took turns showering, getting dressed, and watching the Navy football game!

We picked up Connie at noon, and my "sisters" took me out for a lovely lunch. Brad took Frosty and John out for burgers. We had to be home and dressed by 5:00 for cocktails before the FOLLIES!

Frosty generously bought us all tickets to the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies! This is an unusual show that is a Palm Springs institution for over 15 years and 3300 performances. It is a 3-hour singing, dancing comedy review with the twist...the cast are "seniors". The youngest cast member is 59, and many are in their 70s or even older. The women are gorgeous, and have firm, buff, voluptious bodies that anyone decades younger would be proud of. It is quite a fun evening's entertainment!

http://www.psfollies.com/index.php

We were ready for Pomegranite martinis and appetizers at 5:00.

Another sorority sister, Tammy, and her husband Dennis, were in town for a week of golf, so they joined us for the pre-show happy hour. Just think, we were all college roomates in 1970! That is...THIRTY-SIX years ago!

After the show, everyone, including Connie's cousin Sharon and her husband, Jack, returned to our house for dessert. The caramels were a hit along with more chocolate ganache cake, bread pudding, cookies, and toffee.

I got to bed at 2:15 a.m.. One Tired Puppy!

Our guests left on New Year's Eve at 11:00 a.m.. We cleaned up the kitchen, ate some lunch and looked at each other. We both said, "NAP?" We slept from 1:30 p.m. until 6:30. We skipped dinner, and ate leftover artichoke dip while watching "The Devil Wears Prada". I was asleep by 10:30. This may the the first New Year's Eve as an adult I didn't make it until midnight (our usual bedtime).

New Year's Day wasn't much more energetic. We had breakfast, put away holiday dishes, and I was ready for a nap ny 11:30. My cold is back, my arm hurts, and I still need sleep! Brad washed 5 sets of towels, 3 days of dinner napkins, and lots of sheets! I missed the Rose Parade, and slept through a football game.

Here is a photo of Saint Brad and I before we crashed over New Year's. He has put up with all the trees, shopping, schlepping, shipping, entertaining, houseguests, dinners, and work they all entail. Maybe I can keep it a little more simple in 2007?

No resolutions, as I never keep them. They would be the same as every other year:
Lose weight
Exercise more

Instead, I will post some January goals:

Schedule some medical appointments/tests I have been putting off and dreading.
Eat healthier after a quick start week of soup.
Catch up on paperwork.
Clean out/organize my closet
Go for walks

YUCK! Right there are 5 reasons I HATE January every year. And it is cold!

On the brighter side, I look forward to our Las Vegas trip at the end of the month, and following that is the Slow Travel Paso Robles GTG which will be a blast!

I look forward to making lots of new jewelry from all the beads I bought in Orange County.

I look forward to a new season of 24 and American Idol.

I look forward to winter and spring Slow Travel GTGs and our Italy trip this summer!

I just have to make it through JANUARY!

I am an 80's and 90's girl! We are talking temperatures (farenheit), not the decades.
My comfort level BEGINS at 68 (sweater weather). It goes up considerably to the high 90s, or even low 100s, but anything below 64 degrees is NOT OK! That is one of the reasons we live in the southern California desert, and don't travel much in the winter.

The past few days and nights here have been unbearable. I want to stay under the covers in my 70 degree house, and not get up until spring (or 70 degree NORMAL days, which ever happens first).

Here I am on Saturday night.

This was to walk out the door to have a cigarette, since I don't smoke in my house, but can't go more than a couple of hours (unless I'm asleep) without craving a smoke.
This is especially true when dieting, so this was double hell. It was 33 degrees. WHERE AM I?

I am wearing socks over tights, leggings, a turtleneck, sweatshirt, cashmire jacket, hat, scarf, (neither of my two pair of gloves matched...) and I am sitting inches away from one of our outdoor fireplaces. I am screaming "OH MY GOD" it is cold. Saint Brad is shivering next to me as I am blocking most of the heat from the fire.
BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

On Sunday night, we were scheduled to have dinner with good friends who were not at their desert home during the holidays. It was a post-Christmas dinner and gift exchange. I had to leave the house and venture out...low 40s at 5:00.

I walked into the bar dressed as Nanuck of the North. Jan said I looked like the Pillsbury Dough Girl. Les asked if the seatbelt fit around me. I had on socks, UGGs, cords, a cashmire turtleneck, a heavy wool sweater, my warmest coat, scarf, and gloves. (None of my hats matched, and my ears and nose were ice cubes.)
No alcohol on the diet, so I drank coffee...lots of coffee!

I hear it is going to be like this all week.
I am a whining cold whimp. I am in HELL!

The diet started last Monday with "Magic Muffins" and a pot of chicken-vegetable soup.

I lost FIVE POUNDS!!!

Last week was a pretty strict "quick start" program, with little room for cheating. I was VERY GOOD! (The therapist part of me is screaming, "Do not measure your value on what you eat!" Oh well...)

I ate a muffin every morning, two fruits a day, soup three nights for dinner, salads daily, and fish twice. I ate nothing fun. I felt determined and motivated.

Today begins week two. I love changing dishes and decorating my dining room table. I do it AT LEAST once a month. There will be no dinner parties in January. I do not do low fat healthy meals for entertaining (well, I HAVE, but it is not my preference, or usually a request of my guests). Friends who come for dinner figure they are going to eat well.

After the Christmas stuff was put away, my dining room table looked sad and empty.
I decided on a bronze, copper and gold theme, as I wanted to use my new table runner.

You may notice there is no silverware. That is because this is strictly decorative. Accessorizing tables is like "house jewelry". The table reminds me that I need to stay on my diet before there can be wine in those bronze glasses, food on those gold and silver dotted plates, or ANYTHING cleared off those copper chargers.

This week, I will continue with the muffins and two fruits. I am adding broccoli, meat one night, fish again, and chicken to the menu. Every other day, I may have one ounce of cheese for lunch instead of yogurt. Coffee is free. I have two weeks before our weekend in Vegas. I can behave there. The following weekend is the Slow Travel Paso Robles Get Together. That weekend, I will taste decadent food, and drink wine!
I can't wait! And JANUARY will be OVER!

It is still January! I'm cold, bored, slightly depressed, and cranky. I'm dieting! I'm waiting...for upcoming weeknds away, warm weather and Spring!

I have a number of activities I do when I am hibernating. I'm NOT a big TV watcher, I do love to read, shop, cook, and entertain. So we know I am on "Shopping Probation", I'm back on the diet, which eliminates most cooking, and I spend a lot of time on the Slow Talk boards, or reading trip reports on Slow Travel. I STILL have time on my hands!

Though our summer Italy trip is six months away, I have gotten out all my books on Umbria, and I am starting to print out restaurant reviews for Florence and Tuscany.
Working less than 20 hours a week, I still have time on my hands. This blog takes up a few hours more. Email, voicemail, snail mail, a few more hours pass.

During the January hibernation, we can add daily naps and my annual jigsaw puzzle blowout to the schedule. Two weeks ago, I did this vineyard scene that was a Christmas gift:

Last week, I completed a Tuscan looking stone house with green shutters and pots of flowers. The good news is it is a distraction from food. The bad news is I need another Italy puzzle!

Last Friday, I packed and loaded up (10 trips to the car), picked Brad up in Pasadena, and we headed north to Paso Robles for a Slow Travel wine weekend GTG. We arrived at the rental cottage, and unloaded clothes, ice chest, scrapbooks, food, etc. and settled in to our lovely room. We had a large bedroom with a fireplace and bath! (I forgot to take a picture!)

Our housemates were Shannon, Colleen, Marta, George, Beth, Marcia and David.
Shannon had shopped for everything we needed for the weekend for breakfast and snacks. Others arrived, and a pizza party was underway. Kathy, Sue, Joan, Fred, Marian, Jill, Kate, Gloria, Angie, Luisa, Sheri and Sharon joined the party!

Joan and Fred were busy with a pizza production line! Fred worked hard and turned out 7 different pizzas to try.

Colleen, Sue, Dave and Linda arrived late in the evening. It was really fun to see old friends, Kathy, Marcia and David, Shannon, Colleen, Joan and Fred, Sharon, Luisa, Gloria, Dave and Sue. I loved meeting and chatting for the first time with Marta, George, Jill, Kate, Marian, Angie, Sheri, Sue and Beth!

We were off to an awesome start, as we headed downstairs to sleep!

I attended a lovely luncheon in honor of my friend Fiona's mom's birthday. May arrived for her annual visit in December, and will be visiting Fiona and Steve until the end of March. Her home is in Wales, so she is enjoying our mild winter climate! I know this is hard to believe, as she is peppy, fun, lively, and quick, but May is celebrating 88 years!

Fiona used a Valentine's Day theme for all of the festivities. Here are some gorgeous appetizers.

21 women enjoyed the lovely luncheon. Champagne flowed freely, and the weather was 76 degrees, so, some of us ate on the patio. The menu included salad with pine nuts and mandarine oranges, quiches, chicken salad, fruit, couscous, smoked salmon, and asparagas! The Valentine theme made a fun buffet table!

The heart-shaped quiches were a hit! The first was artichoke, and the second was corn, and red pepper!

Dessert??? Of COURSE!

May, Happy Birthday, and many, many more visits to the desert!

It's February, and as many of my friends know, I get bored easily with table settings, and change them constantly, in both my kitchen and dining room. Here is the kitchen table right now.

For the centerpiece, I took a vase, filled it with candy conversation hearts and a candle in the center. The boy bear sings "My Girl", and the girl bear sings, "My Guy". Silly, but fun. I found the large hanging glitter heart two years ago, after Valentine's Day!

On to the dining room! I decided on a romantic theme, as I am hosting my book club lunch this month, and in honor of Valentines Day, we read (or re-read) "The Wedding" by Nicholas Sparks. I wanted something formal, but with fun Valentine's touches to go with my menu. (You'll have to wait til the 22 for that blog!)

I used a silver/gold damask runner, with silver beaded placemats, and my silver/gold glass plates. I found silver and gold glittered candles (at Bristol Farms, of course), and took out my gold brushstroke goblets for water. Simple, but elegant.

The beaded hearts I tucked into the napkins were actually Christmas ornaments from Crate and Barrel. The red heart-shaped "marbles" were $1.00 a bunch at Michaels last year.

Now that I added the red accents, I don't like the flowers! They were on sale at the grocery store last week, but this table is still a work in progress. I will come up with SOMETHING before the luncheon!

How to fold a napkin into a "Bishop's Hat":

1. Fold a napkin in half diagonally.

2. Bring each long point to center, making a square.

3. Bring bottom point up to about an inch from the top, and crease.

4. Fold down point even with bottom.

5. Turn napkin over, overlapping points, tucking one inside the other.

6. Turn napkin over to front, and pull down both top points, tucking them in to bottom "envelope".

7. You have a Bishop's Hat! Depending on stiffness of fabric, these should now stand up on their own, OR you can tuck something (an ornament, flower, even silverware) into the "envelope". Here is mine with a beaded heart ornament.

Love is in the Air! Or is it Valentine's Day hype? This commercialized holiday is this week. I hate all those commercials on TV with the ugly diamond jewelry, the piles of chocolates in every store, and the roses everywhere. Many women (and young girls) wait to see what "they will get". I have had clients say, "I can't break up with him until AFTER Valentine's Day!"

I teach couples that come to counseling about "Palma's Triangle" of a healthy relationship/marriage. Picture an equalateral triangle (I don't have a scanner to show you my handout.) One corner is "FRIENDSHIP", one is "PASSION", and one is "INTIMACY".

The friendship side is the "I LIKE YOU" part of sharing with each other, enjoying just being together, laughing, having fun, enjoying common interests and activities.

The passion side is the "I LOVE YOU", and includes romance, a physical chemistry, sex (I wrote "sex" on my blog???), closeness, touch, and connection on a both physical and spiritual level.

The intimacy side is the "I TRUST YOU", and is about honest communication, respect, and being vulnerable with each other. This is the person (or should be) you can be the "safest" with to be COMPLETELY yourself...the good, the bad, and the ugly. They accept you the way you are, and you are "completed" when together. And Vice-versa! (Brad's definition of intimacy!)

I am blessed in my marriage, so it feels like "Valentine's Day", all through the year. It would take too many blogs to give examples of the "romantic things" Brad and I have done for each other! But here are a few examples from the most simple to some over-the- top gestures!

When we were dating, Brad said the lyrics to the old song, "Once in a Lifetime" perfectly reminded him of how he felt shortly after we met. ("Once in a lifetime, a man knows a moment - A wonderful moment, when fate takes his hand. And this is my moment - My once in a lifetime - When I can explore a new and exciting land. For once in my lifetime - I fee like a giant, I soar like an eagle - as though I had wings. For this is my moment - My destiny call me, And tho' it may be just once in my lifetime - I'm going to do great things.") I found the sheet music in an old music store, and had it matted with a heart-shaped photo of us. It still hangs in the hallway to our bedroom.

Brad writes the most amazing words in his cards to me. He is a good writer, and writes beautiful (but not sickening) words about our love. They are very personal and sweet. (For example, he has written in an Easter card, how I remind him of the colors of spring, and how, like the symbols of spring in the life cycle, our love is renewed, and changes during the seasons.) WHile we're on the subject of cards, we NEVER give each other just ONE card. For every occasion, we give each other several. Sometimes they are handmade (raid the scrapbook supplies...)!

I always know I am in Brad's thoughts when we are apart (and we are apart three days each week!) Last week, he was in a Pasadena bookstore, and saw the new issue of "Tastes of Italia". He picked it up for me, as he hadn't seen it around the house yet!
Thoughtful! Another week, he brought home an Italian newspaper to help me practice reading in Italian.

One trip to Italy (our honeymoon), we invented a different kiss in each town. We had the "Venice Kiss", the "Rome Kiss", the "Positano Kiss", etc. THAT was fun!

I probably create special meals (or desserts) for Brad as a way of showing affection. They are loving gestures, but not usually good for the diet! I am safe when I make him chocolate desserts, as they don't tempt me at all!

Over-the -top examples include our very first Valentine's Day when Brad planned a whole surprise weekend to Mendocino at a charming B&B, with a fantastic dinner, and walks on the beach. For his 50th birthday, I packed, took him to the airport, didn't tell him where we were going, and faked which gates we might be departing from up to the last second. We finally had to board, and got on a flight to Orange County. He thought, "Disneyland". I kept driving, and he was quite surprised when we arrived at the Ritz Carlton, Laguna Nigel, and checked into a suite on the concierge floor that was filled with flowers and champagne!

That reminds me of a Saturday in the Bay Area, a few years ago, that my single friend, Joy, was visiting us for the weekend. The three of us went into San Francisco for a "marathon shopping day" around Union Square. Brad stuck it out through Nordstrom, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Crate and Barrel, a "girly lunch", a coffee break at a Maiden Lane cafe, and finally we ended up having a drink at the Saint Francis Hotel.
It was a little after 4 p.m.. We were leaving the bar ready to go home for the day. As we were walking out, Brad said he was "stopping at the rest room", and would meet us outside. We waited, and waited! It seemed like a long restroom stop (about 10 minutes). Finally he came running around the corner with two gorgeous bouguets of flowers wrapped in cellophane with streaming ribbons! There were white Casablanca lilies for me and pink Stargazers for Joy. He had "run" two blocks each way to a street stand we had passed earlier!

Maybe the way Brad treats my girlfriends is not "romantic" to others, but I love how he is with them. He totally respects our "girltime", joins us when invited, and then carries our bags! He is a gentleman, welcoming, accepting, and enjoys their uniqueness and even their quirks. Though I never met his mom, I'd sure like to thank her on her lessons during his youth about, "how to treat a girl".

Travelling together is one of most romantic things we do! We love exploring a new Italian hilltown, or taking a weekend away near home. We are both fairly easy-going, and enjoy seeing new places. We seem to talk non-stop on car trips, or can snuggle quietly and happily beside each other for an afternoon nap or some "downtime" to read our books.

Though Brad allows me lots of room to plan our days, we both try to include things we know the other enjoys. Brad is my shopping SAINT, and I occasionally attend an Air Force Academy football game, or spend a day wine tasting, or going to a music event of his choice. Brad has put up with countless scrapbook stores, bead shops, and even whole day Bead and Scrapbook Expos! We both love the beach, pool time, and FOOD. We also like just hanging out at home. It's SO EASY!

Wow, this is getting LONG! Let me cut to the chase. It's the simple stuff that is most important. The backrub when one is tired or sore, the cup of coffee waiting when you get home. There is no magic formula for love and romance. Be yourself, enjoy your partner. Trust, respect, laughter, honesty, kindness. That's it! Keep the flame alive.

When I first moved to the desert from tha Bay Area, I owned five Valentine's sweaters. Each year or so, I get rid of one. This last one will be put to pasture tomorrow!

Since I started with this silly topic, I might as well continue.
This "holiday wardrobe" collection started during my teaching years. Don't even ASK about Christmas sweaters. Yesterday, I wore black pants, and a red top. Today, I am wearing a black skirt and a red/black top. Brad is not here to take my photo. I have on heart earrings. What shall I wear tomorrow?

How about my "heart" skirt, and a black top?

If we were going out, I could wear this:

If we were going out somewhere dressy, I could wear this:

Valentine's Jewelry?? Of course!

What does one do for a Valentine's purse?
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Oh ye of little faith!

I will finish with my last clients at 7 p.m.. By the time Brad gets home for dinner around 8:30, my bet is I will be in my black jeans, and a comfy red top!

Have a Happy Valentine's Day. Be loving to YOURSELF too!

Just two years ago I was planning our trips to Italy with a stack of guidebooks in front of me. I was led to a site called slowtrav.com a couple of years before I actually showed up on the scene and "investigated" it for myself. I had occasionally "browsed" the AOL Italy boards, but found their format confusing and non-user friendly. I didn't know how to download our digital pictures, and had little desire to learn. Brad would download, and I would print them for scrapbooks, sharing those only with good friends who "put up with" looking at our vacation memories.

Slow Travel changed a lot about how we travel (a longer time in each place, staying in an occasional rental house or apartment instead of a hotel, etc.), how we plan our trips (pages of wonderful recommendations for restaurants and out-of-the-way places, GTGs), and added a wonderful perk to our travel: the possibility of getting together with friends from the Slow Talk message boards! We have met over 70 people so far at ST Get Togethers!

We began to meet Slow Travelers last March at our first GTG after Diva's pasta class in Sonoma. Gloria and Alex hosted a lovely pot luck at her home, and we met 16! I met Alessandra in Cortona, and attended lunch for 12! We met Nancy and Bill in Montalcino. Teachick and I began our weekend visits by my pool! I attended a wonderful picnic in the redwoods in July, 2006, meeting Pauline, Steve, and many others for the first time. Then Brad met 11 in Santa Barbara. We hosted the Desert GTG in October, and had 21 attend. I met "Vegas Ms" and her mom for coffee at the Fashion Show Mall in Las Vegas in January. The Paso Robles SLOW BOWL brought us back together with 19 "old friends", and we met 21 new ones!

Coming up are lots more opportunities to visit with Slow Travel members! February 24, 10 of us will meet for lunch at Mozza in Los Angeles. "Love Italy" is visiting Palm Desert for a few days in March, and we will have dinner. March 21, I will meet my "twin", Jerry for dinner in Pasadena! In April, I will get to meet Sheena and her husband, Terry, when they visit the desert, and the whole Southeast gang in Brevard!!!

This summer, we will be able to see many ST friends in Italy. Jane, Ken and Casey will still be in Greve while we are visiting Chianti, and we will meet for dinner. I hope to connect with Alessandra and her family, Tania and Keith while in Cortona. As luck would have it, Janet is hosting a GTG in Umbria with Pauline and Steve as her guests. I may get to meet much of the Italy gang including: Barb and Art, Judith, Judy, Letezia, Giulia, KimC, Corinna, Anne, Diane...and who knows, by July?

Internet friendships are fascinating to me.

After communicating with Diana for almost a year through the Slow Talk message boards, or PMs (private messaging), I felt like I knew her. When we finally met the day we arrived at her B&B in Piemonte, it felt like we were old friends. The same has been true for other Slow Travel members I have become friends with. In this community, people seem to be just as they represent themselves on the boards...REAL!

The first time I met Kathy (Teachick), was when she arrived at my home for the weekend! I had friends of mine say, "How do you know she's not some whacko?" "How do you know she'll be safe?" Kathy had similar warnings. "You don't even KNOW this woman or her husband, and you're going to stay at THEIR HOUSE??? Are you crazy?"

We knew. We just knew with 99% certainty that we would "click", and it would all be OK! And it was even better than we had hoped!

I know the same thing will happen when I meet Jerry in March, Sheena in April, Jane in July... new, but ongoing friendships!

Tomorrow...another example of a Slow Travel friend , and exciting news about our future collaboration!

There are so many little crossroads in life!

I joined Slow Travel.
I went to some GTG's.
We hosted a GTG.
Gail H. knew Kaydee was my "Mystery Guest".
Gail had some FF miles, and PM'd me with a last minute idea to come from Atlanta.
I'll be "in Gail's kitchen" in Montisi, Italy in May 2008!

Gail and I met when I picked her up at the airport after her delayed flight. By the time we got back to Palm Desert from the Palm Springs airport, we knew lots about each other's lives. We "bonded instantly", felt like we had been friends for years, and we both shared a deep understanding of how Italy fills our souls. We have kept in touch since that GTG, and are so excited to see each other in April, when Brad and I travel to North Carolina for the Brevard Slow Travel GTG!

Here are Gail and Brad on her first night in the desert:

Gail instantly became a Slowchick the next morning at "rehearsal"!

Gail has been leading groups in Italy, with her husband, John, for six years. These groups used to stay at a farmhouse near Montisi. In 2008, she will move the groups to a beautiful villa right in town.

http://www.gailsgreatescapes.com/

When Gail offered me a very generous proposal to come help her cook a few meals during the week in the villa's GORGEOUS kitchen, I was speechless. Well speechless, except for a loud and clear YES!

Brad and I are so excited! There will also be time in Cortona, and we will get to cook in Alessandra's kitchen too! The Slow Travel kitchen tour! It sounds like a wonderful week in a wonderful place with wonderful people!

Don't you all want to join us?

There are so many little crossroads in life!

I joined Slow Travel.
I went to some GTG's.
We hosted a GTG.
Gail H. knew Kaydee was my "Mystery Guest".
Gail had some FF miles, and PM'd me with a last minute idea to come from Atlanta.
I'll be "in Gail's kitchen" in Montisi, Italy in May 2008!

Gail and I met when I picked her up at the airport after her delayed flight. By the time we got back to Palm Desert from the Palm Springs airport, we knew lots about each other's lives. We "bonded instantly", felt like we had been friends for years, and we both shared a deep understanding of how Italy fills our souls. We have kept in touch since that GTG, and are so excited to see each other in April, when Brad and I travel to North Carolina for the Brevard Slow Travel GTG!

Here are Gail and Brad on her first night in the desert:

Gail instantly became a Slowchick the next morning at "rehearsal"!

Gail has been leading groups in Italy, with her husband, John, for six years. These groups used to stay at a farmhouse near Montisi. In 2008, she will move the groups to a beautiful villa right in town.

http://www.gailsgreatescapes.com/

When Gail offered me a very generous proposal to come help her cook a few meals during the week in the villa's GORGEOUS kitchen, I was speechless. Well speechless, except for a loud and clear YES!

Brad and I are so excited! There will also be time in Cortona, and we will get to cook in Alessandra's kitchen too! The Slow Travel kitchen tour! It sounds like a wonderful week in a wonderful place with wonderful people!

Don't you all want to join us?

On Saturday, we had a wonderful afternoon with our friends, Ubaldo and Dennee. We first met Ubaldo at L'Olmo, our lovely Tuscan home for our first visit to the Val d'Orcia in 2003. Ubaldo took great care of us, from recommending restaurants and wineries, to overseeing great breakfasts, finding me coffee at odd hours of the day or night, to keeping the grounds beautiful, and locking the gate when we came stumbling in late some nights.

Around the time of our visit, he met a lovely woman, travelling alone, and their beautiful love story began.

We saw Ubaldo again on a Tuscany visit in 2005. New Year's Eve, that year, we had a surprise visit at our home when Ubaldo and Dennee visited Eidlewild, a tiny nearby mountain community, and came over for a glass of wine. We were able to meet Dennee in person, and immediately see why they make such a great couple!

I again stayed at L'Olmo for a couple nights on a brief visit last summer, during my trip with Ida. Dennee was visiting Ubaldo, and I spent an evening with them, sharing local vino.

Saturday, we filled them in on all our most recent Italian adventures, shared photos of our Piemonte trip (Ubaldo is Piemontese), and picked their brains about great food and restaurants all over Italy. It really is a small world. We shared our plans to visit Montisi, on "Gail's Great Escapes", and they knew everyone we mentioned! Here we are after lunch:

Later Saturday evening, we had friends over for a drink before going out to dinner, and I made Jerry's "Prosciutto-wrapped Pears with Blue Cheese Cream" recipe.
Perfect with a glass of wine or two!