Back

I am back in Italy after two weeks with family and friends in Philadelphia and New York.  I had a wonderful break.  So many things happened that I have to document it all over a couple of days--but first of all I must say that the time was spent enjoying the company of people that I love.

We held a lovely Mother's day brunch.  Here's Heather, my nephew's girlfriend, with the Frittata di Spinaci e Salsiccia, German Potato Salad, and Fresh Fruit with Mascarpone.

I surprised my niece Jessica and her fiance Rob by rolling up and bringing her favorite painting of mine, entitled GreenMan, which I painted in 2001.  I framed it over in the States and they hung it right away.  It was a gift to congratulate both -- he gets his JD in a couple of weeks, and she her Masters in German Literature and Pedagogy.  A couple of real slackers. 

The table in the picture below is a family heirloom.  I bought it in the As-Is department of IKEA in 1985 when I worked at the Philadephia store.  Who says IKEA furniture doesn't last?

I was able to attend a concert given at Temple University. My nephew Andrew is completing his Master's in Music Composition there.  Here are the girls waiting for the concert to begin.
I visited my dear friends, Becky and Michele (the two ladies who went and rescued Gina DePalma's cats last summer).  They prepared a feast for my sister and I.  Grilled Shrimp from Giada, pasta from Silver Palate, and Ricotta Pound Cake from Gina DePalma... and a bottle of Brezza Barolo from my own wine cellar which was given to them by other guests of ours!

Michele and Becky with their two babies, Milo and Buddy...

... and for all of us, a final family event in my sister's home. 

I was also able to attend a fantastic food and wine event with my friend Gina DePalma. I met lots of famous people, but the highlight of my day was seeing how Gina was surrounded with the love and respect of every one of them.   Just seeing her with her restaurant "family" did my heart good.  

Gina is well and thriving- She has started a new foundation to support Ovarian Cancer Research.  I will be posting about this in the next day or two.  Also, construction continued here unabated, and huge things were in store for me when I returned.  More on that also.  For now, I am going to unwind my inner clock, try to get back on schedule, and enjoy the nature which exploded while I was gone.

For