…to reminisce, to indulge more fully than was possible at the time, in the delicious afterglow of so many happy memories of 2017.
More than making New Year resolutions, I like to take a look back on the past year to remember, to put in perspective, to fully understand, to appreciate, to reflect…and to be grateful! I especially like to take the time to relish the many magic moments… to indulge more fully than was possible at the time in the delicious afterglow of myriad happy memories, to take stock of a great year.
It’s time to remember the joy of:
of Jessi, such a wonderful new member of our family
light-hearted music making at the piano
food preparation for Mar and Jessi’s wedding reception for our extended Italian family
having our almost-entire family gathered at Genius Loci
the fun and laughter of the cousins “hamming it up”
ricotta-filled, baked zucchini flowers and tomatoes with fried capers for a leisurely dinner at Redibis in Bevagna
the marvel of a new day – everyday
the super abundance of mid-summer fruit in spite of the severe drought and intense heat
the creative buzz of professional artist Kelli Folsom teaching a Workshop
professional artist Monte Thompson demonstrating his portrait painting techniques
home-cooked lunches and conversation each day with the artists
admiring weeds as beautiful as any planted flowers
celebrating our summer birthdays
smelling the roses
late-evening, relaxed, outdoor dinners
vacation days to revisit the amazing Byzantine art in Ravenna
exploring the countryside around Ravenna
an unforgettable fish dinner at a restaurant in Marina di Ravenna
stocking up at our favorite fresh fish market in Comacchio before driving home
walking around Comacchio, admiring its one-of-a-kind bridge – Il Ponte dei Trepponti
the beauty of Maratea on our way to Sicily for a vacation
bringing home 10 lbs. of delicious prickly pears
Piazza Armerina to view the stunning, extensive Roman mosaics
gorgeous Cefalù
the THRILL of visiting the Duomo di Monreale
overwhelming beauty of the mosaics
wandering around charming Sicilian fishing villages
groves and groves of my favorite tree – the eucalyptus
the awe of the Agrigento Valley of the Temples
the amazing fall beauty
spending time with the Crimson and Golders
of yet another excellent oil harvest
our cold-pressed pure extra-virgin olive oil
celebrating the holidays and bringing the wonderful year to an end!!! Thanks for joining me.
