Sogni di Sicilia

I washed some clothes, edited some photos, showered, and walked to the Wednesday market. I never intend to buy anything there (except produce), but it's Biancavilla's form of community church. The bustle of people and the eavesdropping opportunities are great for language learners. In fact, for the first time in 5 years, I wasn't the sole non-native. A German couple were at the fruit stand. A few familiar words from my time in Deutschland caught my ears, but mostly, I thought — what brings them to Biancavilla? Horsemeat has gone up in price The new caffè bar, Makea At the market  Preparing for a wedding.  I got a glimpse of a bridesmaid in a beautiful silk chartreuse gown. Spotting the little bread house  on my walk home I checked out the advertised new spot, closed for the ferie;  a caffè bar on viale di Europa. It doesn't appear to be anything special. Joe was at the apartment; we met and drove to the vigne. Today's lunch, pasta with pesto, and grilled flank steak...

This morning, I woke up ready for a lazy day. Not gonna happen. An early email from our neighbor back home notified us that there are signs of a mouse in the house. There's never "a" mouse. This is one of my nightmares. When I think of my reaction, I see a hundred cartoon balloons surrounding my head, with EEK!!!! inside every one of them. What now? I got dressed, went upstairs, made coffee, and shortly afterward, the phone rang. (Joe's still in his bathrobe). "Want to go to the vigna ?" Elena asked, "We are at the front door". I love nothing more than lounging in my pj's, but I've learned my lesson over the years. There is no planning here; only action. Be ready. So Joe stayed home while the women, including Giovanna, and kids drove to the vineyard house. We collected the ripened chestnuts, which fall to the ground after they open, making them easy to harvest. We also gathered the caliceddi , which I just learned are friarielli , the wild,...