On Christmas Eve we celebrated with fish! No, we didn’t cook the traditional seven fishes dish at home, but took the easy way out at a restaurant in Ascoli Piceno. We ate at Il Capriccio Degli Dei (The Whim of the Gods). I had an alcohol free day, and was greatly amused by Joanna, Christian, and hubby, who polished off two bottles of wine with lunch. The seafood was fresh and delicious. After eating we had fun in Ascoli Piceno again. There was a romantic photo moment for my daughter and son in law…followed by a little time on the ice…not for me of course. Glad Joanna remembered how to ice skate. We wandered around the town enjoying the sights and sounds of Christmas. My slightly tipsy son in law stopped at many of the Christmas Market stalls and purchased items he may not have bought if he hadn’t had a glass of wine (or three). A fun time was had by all!
Christmas day was lovely! We chatted on the phone to our good friend Alessandro…miss that guy. We exchanged gifts, all of which were perfect. We bought my daughter an easel, in the hopes she may do a little painting the next time she comes. She’s such a talented artist, but only when she has time, it’s a hobby. Christian’s main gift was a night in a hotel in Giulianova for Tuesday December 27th. He and Joanna are booked into a fancy restaurant there for dinner.
Christian and Joanna worked hard to make a delicious lunch, and I worked hard to clean up afterwards.
On Il giorno di Santo Stefano (Boxing Day if you’re a Brit) we drove to San Benedetto Del Tronto and walked by the Adriatic. I think our daughter, and son in law, are finally seeing our reasons for retiring in Italy.
Saturday was a very busy day. Christian and I were up early and in Sant Egidio, to pick up the lamb I’d ordered from the butcher, before nine o clock. The crown roast was trimmed perfectly. What a great butcher, I’ll definitely use him again. The supermarket was still relatively quiet at 8:30 am, and we were in and out fairly quickly. We drove to Offida late morning. I knew it would be pretty at Christmas, and I wasn’t disappointed. We had a reservation at Osteria Ophis for 12:30, where we enjoyed a delicious tasting menu, and wine pairing. It was a lovely relaxing afternoon. After our meal, Joanna and I wandered around the town, while hubby and Christian went to taste/buy more wines. We could hear music in the square and headed in that direction to see what was going on. The very excited kids of Offida were being entertained by elves and Santa’s helpers. They were dancing and playing games to “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”, and other festive music. “Lets grab a glass of wine and enjoy the fun.” I said. Joanna agreed. Although the restaurant on the piazza looked closed, a gentleman sitting outside indicated we go in. The restaurant was empty, and staff were cleaning tables. When we asked if we could buy a glass of wine, a very pleasant young lady said she’d need to check with the owner. It turned out that the owner was the gentleman sitting outside. He nodded and smiled, so we found a table and waited for our drinks to arrive. It was a warm evening, which made it comfortable to sit and soak up the Christmas atmosphere. As darkness fell, the streets lit up with Christmas lights. It was magical. When we got up to leave, the owner of the restaurant put his hands over his heart, blew a kiss, and wished us Buon Natale, but wouldn’t accept any payment. I love Italy!
We left Offida just as dusk fell. The sun setting over the Gran Sasso mountain range was spectacular. Beautiful.
We’re getting close to the big day. Things are falling into place for Christmas. Our Starlink satellite dish is up and running now, giving us really fast download speeds for those Christmas films. I have to admit, its even better than the fibre we had in our last home. I always said I’d never buy anything related to the dreaded Elon Musk, but we really didn’t have a choice.
Wednesday was a good day to be a mum. Joanna took me to Ascoli Piceno Christmas shopping so I could choose my own gift. After much thought, I decided on artwork. I never buy myself art anymore. Being a pensioner now, I’m careful with my pennies. We browsed art shops. Finally in Golden Age Arte & Oro by Federica, we found the perfect painting. Federica’s mum wrapped it for me, so it looks beautiful sitting under the Christmas tree.
After shopping, we stopped for an aperitivo and enjoyed the midday sun. Lovely! Joanna is very impressed with Ascoli Piceno, and and the people who live there. Everyone is so very nice and friendly. This makes me happy. It means she will return often.
Thursday found us in Ascoli Piceno again, this time for Sushi. The beautiful town is all decked for Christmas, and our grown up kids enjoyed it very much.
Everything was going so well! Christmas cake made, presents bought and wrapped. Here in Italy, December 8th is Immaculate Conception, and the day to put up the Christmas tree. I had everything planned. Then life threw a spanner in the works. In the early hours of Friday morning I woke up with my right leg and right hand feeling really numb, so numb I needed to get out of bed and move around. BIG MISTAKE! My foot did not wake up! I found myself on the ground screaming in pain. It all happened so fast. Poor hubby had no clue what was going on, and put the light on to see where all the noise was coming from. He helped me back on to the bed, and we examined my ankle. There was a weird line of swelling twisting around the top of my foot. We iced it immediately, and with the help of ibuprofen and melatonin, I managed to get back to sleep, but only for a couple of hours. When I woke up Friday morning the swelling had gone down a little, but I was still in pain, and very tired. Hubby went off in search of an elastic support bandage. Not an easy task because Immaculate Conception meant that many stores were closed. He persevered though, bless him, what a start to the day!
My last blog was about Guardian angels, and you may be wondering where she was in the early hours of Friday morning. Let me tell you.
My fall left me about two inches short of the radiator, if my head had hit that, I’d probably have a concussion. My ankle isn’t broken…painful, and swollen, but not broken. So maybe she intervened a little.
How did I spend Friday? I limped around pathetically, putting up the Christmas tree and decorating it as planned. It took a little longer than normal, but it’s done and it cheered me up immensely.
It’a not Christmas for another two weeks….plenty of time for more misadventures! Have a lovely weekend everyone.
I overslept on Sunday morning, well, for me anyway. I opened my eyes with a start at 7:11 am. (of all times). Over eight hours sleep. Wow! That doesn’t happen to me very often.
Will I EVER learn to relax? Maybe I’m relaxing right now! My fingers and my brain are working, but thats okay. I enjoy sharing my day with you! Someone I used to work with, always called me a “Whirling Dervish” and I thought about him on Saturday as I raced around the house, making everything perfect for my important guests. I wrapped the Christmas presents and made them look pretty. The tree goes up on Friday, and then the countdown is on.
Brr, Monday arrived with a chill in the air. The sun was bright and the sky coloured in beautiful shades of pink and blue. I love the warmth of the summer months, but the colours of winter are spectacular! I left the house early, shopping with a vengeance. Time to find those little things that make Christmas special.
I started at Il Assassino di Ascoli Piceno. I love that place, and snagged some bargains for the kitchen. Il Assassino was hard at work himself, cowboy hat and all. Nice guy! Next stop, the Flying Tiger for a few more Christmas baubles to match some I bought last week. Finally, armed with my shopping list, I went to Oasi the grocery store. I did pretty well I think, and still made it home for lunch.
As the year winds down, and Christmas looms, I remember my first Christmas in Italy!
Joanna and I spent a few days crazy days in Italy in October 2018, buying what we needed and preparing for Christmas guests. I’d have been lost without her. Together we set the house up for a lovely Christmas. Lester and I flew out ahead of everyone else in December, and did more preparation. Just before Christmas we were joined by Christian and Joanna, as well as their friends Seth and Scott. Our home was still a little rustic because we hadn’t updated the bathrooms, and the fireplace didn’t work too well, but it was fun. A new adventure. Of course we all enjoyed a Saturday evening meal at La Collinetta with our favourite locals, Nino and Vittoria. It was the icing on the cake to make our Christmas special.
I’m starting the bustle for this year’s Christmas. Mincemeat is made for mince pies, dried fruit soaking in rum for Jamaican black cake, and a little at a time, I’m buying in those Christmas treats…and wine, lots of wine! On Monday I visited the ASL (Local Health Authority) in Sant’Egidio to finalize my x-ray appointment. Horror of horrors, I learned it’s going to be an MRI! YIKES! I’m claustrophobic! I needed to fill out yet another form, and get a signature from my doctor, so I told him about my fear. “You must tell them.” He said, “They will give you and open one…” It was a relief to hear I’d have that choice. Dr. Marcellini is such a lovely man. There is no receptionist in the surgery, and there was only one person ahead of me on Monday evening. I used to be nervous of going to the doctor when we first moved here, but now I understand the process, it works well.
I was dreading Christmas a little this year because there is just the two of us. Don’t get me wrong, we do enjoy each others company, but we haven’t had many Christmases without our daughter. We exchanged gifts and, like Christmases gone by, when Barbie Castles needed to be carefully put together, hubby sat on the floor assembling something. No Barbie Castle, but he did buy me a lovely piece of furniture for my jewellery, which needed putting together. We played Christmas music to set the scene. What did hubby get for Christmas…a chainsaw! We weren’t going to exchange gifts, life is a gift after all, but these were both things we needed so why not?
The assembling took the whole morning, and by the time we’d showered, it was time to leave for lunch. I only remembered to take a couple of food photos, I was too busy enjoying the delicious courses put in front of us. Our meal was excellent, and in true Italian style, we were there for four hours. Not sure when I’ll be able to eat again because I’m still so full.
Our first course was a cold meat plate, followed by fried cheese with bacon, olives and zucchini served on a puff pastry base. Next we had timbale, which was delicious, and then pasta soup.
Fifth course was roast lamb, roast capon and sautéed potatoes with salad, and finally a selection of cakes for dessert.
This was all washed down with as much wine as we cared to drink and water of course. At forty five Euro per person, I think this was a good deal, but boy am I full.
Today is Boxing day, Saint Stefano’s day in Italy, and I’m still full. I managed a cup of coffee for breakfast, but I think I need to go for a long walk now to compensate for all of my Christmas Day eating. Hubby is talking about a bike ride.
Today I think of my mum, she’s been gone a long time, but today was her Birthday! She travelled many places to visit us. Germany, when hubby was in the army. After dad died, she came to the South of France with us on vacation, and even made one final trip to visit us in the US, it was a long journey, and very tough on her.
No, that is not hubby and I scaling the rock face and wall of the Fortress in Civitella del Tronto. It was very interesting to watch. Brave crazy people. Another six climbers were preparing for their ascent as we passed by. Not even in my younger days would I have attempted that. We enjoyed a lovely walk around the Fortress instead, discovering areas we hadn’t walked before. It was a gorgeous day. The Adriatic to the East, mountains to the west, and entertainment in the middle. All of this only fifteen minutes from home. Counting my blessings every day.
Its Christmas Eve morning, and I put the tree lights on as soon as I got out of bed, just the way I used to when my daughter was small. Such a magical time back then. Now she’s all grown up, and enjoying Christmas with her husband and his family. Its their turn this year so we’re on our own. This morning we wandered around the Christmas Market in Ascoli Piceno. It was full of excitement and activity. We stopped for lunch at a restaurant overlooking the market and piazza and people watched. The food was good, and the atmosphere was even better. Maybe everyone is beginning to feel safe again, and enjoying life to the full.
Now, back home, the fire is lit, the tree lights are twinkling, my stomach is full, and I do believe hubby is snoozing, while pretending to read the paper on his laptop. The only thing missing is our daughter, but we have to share her and I know she’s having fun.
Villa Lempa is all decked up for Christmas, isn’t it pretty!
On Wednesday morning I did my last shopping before Christmas. We’re eating lunch at our favourite restaurant in Villa Lempa on Christmas day, so there wasn’t much to buy. Hubby can’t get through Christmas without a glass or two of Baileys Irish Cream, so I picked up a bottle. The grocery store was busy, but happy, and full of jovial shoppers. Even the cashiers were in good humour. Lovely! I feel that Christmas in Italy is more about family, and less about expensive gift giving.
The final work was done on our gas line today. Our drive looks like a building site, and we have to leave it that way until the soil “settles”. That is going to kill me because I want to get out there and put my garden straight again.UGH! Still, the gas line is in now, and I’ll be able to work on my garden in Spring. I want to make it colourful, inviting, and a mess of bushes and flowers…yes, I meant to put mess.
Hubby went to our neighbour Enzo’s house on Wednesday afternoon, to say “Buon Natale” and give him some of my Christmas baking. I stayed home because Piero was still working on the gas line, but wish I’d gone, I missed a treat. When he got back he was in very good humour because he’d been enjoying some excellent home made wine liqueur, along with delicious cheesecake and home made pannacotta. He came home with a full stomach, and a big smile on his face.
I managed to fit in an afternoon walk before it got too dark, and enjoyed the sounds of rural Teramo at Christmas. I never tire of hearing the sheep and goat bells and seeing the shepherd and his four legged helpers. The farm is just across the road from us, but the flock wander the hillsides, grazing all day. I came home to a blazing fire. Lovely day!
I do rattle on a bit don’t I! I just want you to share my journey, first in Colledimezzo, and then in Gabbiano. I want you to feel like you’re here with me.
Don’t you thing these two pups look like an old married couple who have been told they must dress up for Christmas?
We’re on our own this Christmas. I’m going to miss my daughter and her husband, but it is still Christmas, so I have to make it special. If I don’t keep myself busy I’ll be sad, so on Monday I began our Christmas countdown with two days of baking. I baked the Christmas cake in October, and have been feeding it with Brandy ever since. When my baking is done, I’ll share it with our neighbours, the people who have been so good to us since we moved here. Then it’s time to get out and enjoy the Christmas sights in our new area and maybe experience some new traditions.
On Sunday afternoon we enjoyed a lovely lunch with old and new friends. A spectacular feast, made even better by great company and lively conversation. We ate at Ristorante Colle Santa Maria. http://www.ristorantecollesantamaria.it/. Usually the views from the restaurant are beautiful, but on Sunday it was wet and misty, so no photos. When we got home we watched one of the most exciting World Cup Finals I’ve ever seen. Nail biting right to the end, with Argentina beating France, and winning the World Cup for the the third time. Previous victories were in 1978 and 1986. Although I remember them both, the 1986 final is the one that sticks in my mind because of Maradona’s controversial goal. My mum wasn’t a great football fan, but she never stopped talking about “The hand of God”. It became her favourite topic. “Maradona cheated, he used his hand.” She would raise her fist in the air to make her point. Bless her heart, she was seventy at the time. I do miss my mum. This will be Lionel Messi’s final World Cup I think, so I’m glad Argentina won. Sunday was a good day, it finally felt a bit like Christmas.
My Christmas baking began with a vengeance on Monday morning. It was bright and cold, and the perfect day to have the oven on. What did I create? Millionaires Shortbread, individual pear crumbles, and for lunch…cauliflower cheese soup. I know, I sound like a boring old fart, but I do like to bake.
Monday night was clear, perfect, and a little brighter than usual with Christmas lights twinkling on the horizon. The stars were still visible though.
Tuesday morning dawned bright and colourful…also a little chilly. We had a very early visit from some workmen with heavy equipment. The excavator was due to arrive at eight o clock to eight thirty, to dig the final trench for the gas line. At seven thirty I heard a noise outside…you guessed it, the workmen arrived early. Of course hubby was in the shower so I had to greet them in my robe (again). UGH! Standing outside, explaining I have “poco Italiano” and “fare attenzione a non scavare le linee elettriche per i cancelli” (be careful not to dig up the electricity line for the gates) was not in my plans for starting the day. My final Christmas baking started early and I made mince pies to go with the millionaires shortbread. Today I’ll be distributing them to friends.
Travel Tales and Mishaps 