Sogni di Sicilia

After a long, wonderful, hugging-ful goodbye on via Trapani, Elena took me to Scandura for my Biancavilla send-,off. Although I ate tons yesterday, how could I deny myself a fresh from the oven Scandura cornetto at 6:00 in the morning? Seemed wrong to say no. A full-fat cappucc' topped it off. Elena and I had great conversations, alone for once in the car. So much was shared in a half hour. I admire her approach to life. She filled me in with more detail on Giovanna's tragic history. And Giovanna is happy and loving, despite everything. Elena said she's always kept that demeanor. It makes me even more fond of her! Giovanna gave me a lovely goodbye last night. I do believe she, Mariella, Elena, and I will be "sisters" forever. And now I'm at Fontanarossa, where the food rivals some of the best places in Sicily. I ordered another caffe, the barista expertly twirling the saucer mid-air several gyrations before landing my perfectly crafted cremosa caffè atop It. O

There's always tomorrow to diet. For today, I had breakfast with Elena, Mariella, and the boys; Elena made a new batch of apricot jam and had an array of biscottini and pastry, juices, and caffe. Mariella gave me pants she bought last summer that are too small for her now, so she gave them to me, tags still attached. She insisted I come for lunch today. Elena started getting the boys ready for school; I left her Geox gift card on the espresso machine, to find later. Another good beginning to a hot, sunny day. Having less sleep than I wanted, I tripled up on the caffeine back in my own kitchen. I don't know why I don't do more Moka caffe at home. It's easy and così buonissimo . After a tankful of it, I decided a walk, no matter how hot, would be prudent before a Mariella lunch. Besides, I wanted to get her a little something, just because. Stopping in a cute shop I've frequented in the past, I tried to find something small but pretty, or consumable and good. No luck.

I invited Elena up for my l'ultimo pot of American coffee, which she claims to love, and is ordering a drip coffee maker for her own place. I said I will bring a suitcase of coffee next time here, because it is costly to ship, and then they have to pay a tax to receive it. No wonder health care is free--everything is taxed! The boys are spending the morning at Nonna Cettina's house, so Elena said let's do something. Do I want to go to the sea, or go to Condorelli in Belpasso? Oooh; that's a difficult choice. I'm partial to the sea, but Condorelli is top notch for granita and other sweets. I must get my fill. I told Elena it's a 50/50 decision for me; do what is easiest. Giovanna and Mariella are joining us. Again in the oven on wheels, the Cleo, we dropped off the boys at Cettina's, and I was happy to have a moment to visit with her. She's peaceful and beautiful. No wonder her kids are both stunning. On the way to the lungomare of Catania, there was a