Saturday Activities

We had a lazy morning—that is, no plans for the day. Two of my kids are heading to Greece today, so I sent a Venmo note, and caught up on some Minnesota news. Apparently our elderly neighbors are moving. I’m hoping a fun gay couple buys the place and turns it into a beautiful home.

Ettore came up, eating a chocolate bunny. Next thing we knew, Matteo (who’s now walking), peeked around the door, laughing.

“Did you walk up here by yourself?!”

We then saw Elena’s hand.

Ettore stayed to play for a short while. Then Joe got a text from Vincenzo. He wants Joe to go to Taormina with him. Joe’s in his robe, Vincenzo is in the car. Quick turnaround this morning!

With Joe gone, I scrubbed down the apartment and did a little self care with a hydrating mask and a nice hair conditioner.

Elena and Mariella arrived later, and we talked about ideas for their trip to the States. They want to go from Chicago to the Twin Cities in a rented RV, but I’m trying to dissuade them. We’re not going to replay the movie About Schmidt; the RV would be difficult as a main vehicle. I’m bursting some balloons here, but I think it would be limiting.

The three of us women planned to go shopping together in Centro Sicilia this afternoon.

Joe and I were invited to Mariella’s for lunch, a delicious mushroom risotto. She said she had only salumeria for the second course, so Vincenzo reached over to the serving bowl of risotto, helping himself to more, saying, this is my second course!

We spent a long time talking about Chantacler jewelry and how it got its logo, the rooster (it’s a story about a vain French opera singer). Then he had us watch a long series on American economics, explaining that he fears a war with China. Vincenzo is a commercialista, as well as being in the agriculture and restaurant business, so he keeps on top of these things.

Evidently, the trip he and Joe made to Taormina was spent overseeing two new properties Vincenzo just purchased, next to their existing two homes. They are being overhauled with all new renovations. One will be Elena’s; the other, for her brother Giuseppe. I can’t wait to see the finished work, and the location is ideal.

After lunch, I took a long nap. Last night was short on sleep. Elena looked tired, so I suggested Centro Sicilia next weekend instead of going this afternoon.

Tonight, we go out to Vincenzo’s club, where there will be live music. When are we going to eat those pork chops?!

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Elena came upstairs with the kids, to hang out with us and visit for a while. She offered opinions on how I was dressed for the evening at the club. I made a few alterations.

At 8:00, we walked a slow, short stroll to the club, which is across from the Mother Church, so not far from the house.

Chairs were set up, and the quartet was assembling. I noticed an interesting looking bass—the body was gone!

The group featured what they called “swing” music, although the songs were more intimate cabaret-style (as in New York cabaret; almost a salon setting). The numbers included hits, such as “Blue Moon,” “All of Me,” “Route 66,” “Autumn Leaves,” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” to name a few. 

The female vocalist was ok, but nothing like Giorgia Ferrone, who we saw a couple of weeks ago at the country estate. Still; a pleasant evening of listening pleasure. Afterward, they served prosecco and a type of sandwich-cookie that was a hybrid of Joe’s Aunt Mary’s cookies and Sicilian chocolate or pistachio fillings.

We had a charming stroll toward home, with these two wonderful people who have become so dear to my heart.

Then, a light snack, a glass of wine, and we’re calling it a day.