Good day at Farm 2

Today is my last day at farm 2. I learned some wonderful things (I know after yesterday’s downer that may seem ironic).

1. I love Napoli pizza (can’t believe I have never had it before now). We had some leftover pizza that their grandfather, who was originally from Napoli, had made. Now I wasn’t going to try it because it had a very thick crust. Thank goodness I did. The crust melted in your mouth and it was by far the best pizza I have ever had. Coming from someone who grew up in an Italian community with lots of pizza, this is a very profound statement.

2. I love having a fireplace in the kitchen. It makes everything so warm and cozy. Everyone gathers in the kitchen anyway, so why not have a fireplace. I am going to see how I can make this happen in Montana.

3. Being high on the hill, the views are even more spectacular than Tuscany and that is saying a lot.

4. I learned a new card game from a 7 year old. I still do not know what I was doing and I am not really sure she did either. They do not play fish, crazy eights, war, etc…

5. I have been sleeping 8 hours to 9 hours a night. After learning how to keep warm, the coldness in the night really makes you sleep- no hot flashes, covers off and on, etc…

Today is a beautiful day. That has advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is that I will not be cold and the views are beautiful. The disadvantage is that we are going back to Campagna forest and cut and gather and bundle wood.

I spent the morning with the kids. We were teaching each other our languages. They are studying English. We were using their work book from school. It was a good session, but they are definitely smarter than me and pick it up faster.

Afterwards we walked to the forest and I spent four hours gathering, cutting, and binding wood with a short break for lunch. We had great bread and Mortedella lunch meat and of course wine. At least I walked back to wear off the lunch and wine.

Ester, the 7 year old, lost her tooth so I took them to the Pasticceria for wonderful sweets. I had a cream puff with real cream. It was excellent. I will miss the kids. I miss my grandchildren and having them around has been wonderful.

We took a walk to Nonna and Nonno’s house this evening to get more pizza (hurray). We ended up staying at the house for 45 minutes talking. They are the sweetest people. The Nonna showed me her house; she was so proud of it. She made me eat (ok I was really excited) a dessert that melted in your mouth. She reminded me of my grandmother. In the house she was wearing a jacket and a scarf on her head; the house was cold. I think keeping the house cold is just the way it is done. Everyone is so open and friendly.

Everytime we take a walk the dog goes with us. The dog has no fear of cars and walks right in front of them. The kids laugh at me because I am a nervous wreck over the dog. Wouldn’t you know that the dog gets hit by a car; was it my fear or did it just happen?? They will have to take the dog to the vet tomorrow. It was a major event.

I am glad I decided to stay for awhile at farm 2. It was definitely an experience I will remember.

Ciao for now