Sogni di Sicilia

Anghiari, a diminuitive walled Tuscan village I slept like a rock. I think I fell asleep before 10 pm, temporarily stirred into semi-consciousness at some point very early in the morning, and considered waking, but lapsed again into a deep sleep until almost 9:00! I hate that a little bit, as I like to "set my clock" on the first day. But only one side of the bed (where I slept this past spring) had electrical outlets, and someone had taken it over. And forbid me to set an alarm. So, moving quickly as possible, I showered and got ready for the day. It's still hot here; in the Fahrenheit 80s. I didn't pack sandals because I knew their season would be short-lived, and my favorite Geox pair (bought here) took up too much suitcase space to say what the heck; so they didn't make the cut. Lightweight cargo joggers, T-shirt, and Adidas are what it is for today. Joe also primped and prepped. We then walked to Artigiana; probably close to being the best place in the world

  Cornetto di pistacchio e cappuccino vero, at Rome's Airport Eataly, while we wait for our flight to Catania. We're home! Our other home! After easy flights (other than having little to no food service on the longest leg), Joe and I clinked cappuccino cups upon our return to the Motherland. We each scarfed down the unequivocal cornetto; a simple pastry with a crunchy flaky exterior and layers upon layers of silken interior. I normally order mine 'vuoto,' meaning empty, but the pistachio beckoned to both of us. It was just enough of a sugar hit to play well with the caffeine. These, as with the New York bagel, can't be replicated upon leaving their natural habitat. We have a gap of time before our next flight but, anxious as I am to see the family, it's not a bad thing. This airport has everything. I'm tempted to pick up a panettone, since we have a running joke with the family that every panettone is 'l'ultimo panettone ' -- the last panettone.

  Trying to wrap things up by midnight last night, I just about made it. Lights off at 12:15. 15 minutes allowed to drift off. Alarm set for 7:30. I should log a solid 7 hours sleep. An unusual squeal from my phone sounded around 5:00 a.m. I couldn't see a call coming in, and the noise wouldn't stop. I wondered if it were an emergency alarm or new Amber Alert notification. I use the Do Not Disturb function on my phone from 11 pm to 8 am, with a few allowed contacts to break through the barrier. I tried to get back to sleep, but something didn't seem right. I checked my phone again, and though there (oddly) was no notification, I did some digging and saw that the noise came from a WhatsApp phone call. From Vincenzo. It was then I started seeing Elena's WhatsApp texts, pictured above. Our arrival info was off by one day. I told them our departure date and Joe told them our arrival time, but neither of us clarified the one-day lag in travel time. Elena insists Vincenzo was

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