Version of a Tupperware Party, Venerdì Pesce with a side of politics, Walking , Tea, and a Light Supper
Laundry this morning, and breakfast, before we were to meet the Leprechaun (Salvatore?) at 11:00.
I brought the large items (sheets) to Elena's big (for here) washing machine. She informed me that I must be at Mariella's at 10:30; it was very important she had her friends there.
I ran up to tell Joe that he and the leprechaun are flying solo.
At 10:27, I headed to the lift, going to Mariella's. Fina met me on the landing; she was just coming to get me.
A couple I've never met greeted me in the kitchen. You are relatives? I asked. Mariella said, they're here to talk about the padella, as she pointed to her 40-year-old frying pan. Was this some sort of ritual? A blessing of the pots, perhaps?
No. It was Imco. Think of Tupperware. Pampered Chef. Mary Kay. Amway. But for frying pans.
Women filtered in. Fina, of course. Giovanna, Pina (Maria Teresa's Mom), and for a brief moment, Elena. The saleswoman, also named Pina, was a well-scripted and high-pressure sales woman. But Mariella and the others all said they love the pots and pans handed down to them from their mothers. Saleswoman Pina pushed harder on the merits of her product, while Maria Teresa's Mom Pina proved that mightiness can come in a tiny package. With her even, unwavering voice and her gentle but readable hand gestures and Mona Lisa smile, she had total command of the conversation. I almost felt sorry for saleswoman Pina. Her husband seemed kind, but didn't/couldn't input more than two words the whole time.
I caught Elena's eye and mouthed "You tricked me," to which she laughed.
Mariella served il primo panettone, and it was wonderful.
We all eventually scattered, as it was past noon. We're joining Mariella and Vincenzo, as usual, for Friday seafood pasta.
Upstairs, I asked Joe how it went with the leprechaun. "He never showed," he answered.
Pranzo. It sounds boring to say this every time, but good Lord, Mariella can cook! Giuseppe, Elena, and the boys joined us, which meant Giuseppe offered counterparts to each of Vincenzo's statements in the long but interesting political discussions, which occur regularly at lunchtime.
I brought a lovely Cataratto, Ciuri di Stratta, titled from a collection of dialect poems under the same name. Literal translation, "street flowers," but Vincenzo explained that years ago, it referred to anything beautiful you might see. It could mean beautiful women, in context. I bought this wine with him in mind; it was bonus that Giuseppe Greco could enjoy a little bit of it as well, although Joe beat him in finishing off the bottle! Hey; it was good.
We had more panettone, and the rame di Napoli I bought from Forno delle delizie, which were a big hit.
After a resting period, we walked to Lidl. I need a new mop head and floor cleaner; we also picked up bread and assorted charcuterie for a light dinner.
Joe took the goods home while I continued a walk down to and onto via Umberto. I missed a photo, but the doors to BB King Bar were open. I peeked inside, and it's a beautiful place. Maybe we'll go there tomorrow evening.
Joe saw the leprechaun at the door when he returned home from Lidl. Giuseppe Greco walked up; he knows the guy and considered having him do magic tricks at Ettore's birthday party.
I got home and sat down to work on a crossword, when Mariella called. Tea time with her and Fina. As we got ready to leave Mariella's nearly two hours later, Fina said, What a great night of discussion! I thanked them for their patience with my Italian. We covered a lot of topics, but left the politics for Vincenzo.
Joe and I had our lean evening repast, still somewhat full from lunch. Some of us are a bit grouchy today, so the night finishes quickly.
Sweet Rachele sent a text, saying to "open the radiator because tonight it's cold". It isn't, really, but she's sweet and the warmth is lulling me to dreamland!
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