Rollercoaster

This morning, Joe and I were heading out late, just to get some sunshine, exercise, and maybe un caffe. As Joe showered, there was a knock on the door. Elena had tried texting me, but my phone was on the charger, so I didn’t see it. She was asking if I wanted to go to Ettore’s preschool. Moms or Nonnas were making cicilia with the kids today. Not knowing what this meant, I asked Joe through the bathroom door if he were ok with me heading out for a bit.

Mariella drove to the school, parked in a tight and maybe legal spot, put her arm out to stop traffic as we crossed the street, and got us inside the school, all within the course of approximately six minutes.

The cicilia are what are sometimes called ciociara, pupazza, carioti, or pignolati depending what part of Italy you’re from.

Mariella brought rolling pins, cutters, and a toque and apron for Ettore. As she busied with getting things out of her bag, I noticed the kid seated next to Ettore had his hands around Ettore’s neck. Not jokingly playing. “Stai tranquillo. Tranquillo!” I said, pulling his hands away. This happened again. A teacher came over to intervene. As things got started, I noticed the kid—Tommaso—was the only one without a mom or grandma there. I started to help him roll out his pastry.

To be honest, the Moms and Nonnas did all the work, while the kids either played with the wheeled cutters, or ate the raw dough. One mom took a lot of selfies. I’m glad this activity with my kids is behind me. Much chaos is involved.

Ettore and all the kids got to leave after this activity. We stopped in the little San Giuseppe church to look at how the altar was decorated, and to say hi to Father Pino and Father Giosuè (Joshua), who were just inside the open door. 

It’s a beautiful day; Mariella was surprised we didn’t go to the Wednesday market. Truth is, I forgot about it today! So after we got home, Joe and I went out. I remember the ortofrutta/salumeria vendor telling me there was a garden shop just past the market, where I could buy seeds.

Entering the market, there was a man selling the braided palms, as my uncle used to make, for Palm Sunday this weekend (these are more elaborate than mine or Uncle Joe’s). I bought two.

I also got tomatoes and eggplant. We made short work of the market, meandered past the last of the stalls to the end, where my asparagus vendor said you could go straight or left, but straight ahead is the place where I can buy seeds. Alas, the garden store was closed.

Returning home, we stopped at a new Tavola Calda that was ok, but everything felt a little reheated. We saw Etna smoking at the end of the street. We then stopped at Cafe Victor for a caffe, and noticed a Loto tree out front, like the one at our B&B in Capo d’Orlando. Closer to home, we stopped to talk with the elderly gentleman round the corner from our house who often sits in his doorway. He’s the same man who wished me Auguri on Women’s Day a couple of weeks ago.

He said we’re a beautiful couple; how long have we been married? He asked my age, and he wouldn’t believe it—thank God for big sunglasses—and for that I blew kisses at him. We talked about Sicily, and Biancavilla, and his cousin who was a young widow and remarried; he said I spoke Italian very well, asked if I drove a car, and we found out his name is Giuseppe.

Today, Ettore began his I Want Nonna and crying and screaming— no redirection efforts worked. I wondered if he gets bullied at school and is acting out here because of it. Today’s episodes were so loud, Mariella and Andrea came to the door to get him. I’m embarrassed to say that I got the tiniest bit moist-eyed, mostly from frustration, and from letting Elena down. But it was also a sad moment. Normally he loves being up here. Joe had a good explanation: “He’s three,” was all he said. Mariella and Andrea said it’s been like this since Matteo has been more active. It’s a rollercoaster.

I hope it’s temporary!

Etna from our back window, between the neighbors’ houses.

Tonight is a simple supper: fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil with spaghetti and parmesan. A mixed green salad with carrots and cucumber accompanied it, along with a Donnafugata white.

Now to do a little more trip planning before bed.

Goodnight.