L'aventure américaine

I initially thought that today's subject line might be, "We'll always have Venice." But with the frequent illusions to climate change and the maps in the boat stations about where to find high ground during acqua alta (high water), I'm not so sure we will always have Venice. Perhaps this knowledge makes me appreciate Venice even more as the days here have been beautiful, full, and glowing. But first, our final day in Vigolo was a wonderful one. We tested grappa in the morning (11am is a bit early for me for grappa, but I persevered) and enjoyed a walk to nearby Bosentino in the afternoon (where Charles and Elisabetta were married). I love the outdoor ping-pong tables and the views of the Dolomites. (I could continually look at La Vigolana and think, 'I just climbed that!') We met Elisabetta's mother, Maria Assunta for aperitivi (why did I not get a picture all together?) and had another delicious dinner. It was a lovely day. Mom tries to feed the donke...

Yesterday, Charles, Randal, and I were hiking the whole day - so no time for blogs. But, today we rest and can catch up. Monday was Levico Terme aka Lake Day! The lake in Levico puts others to shame with its crystal clear water, backdrop of mountains, and warm temperature. It was gorgeous. The town is delightful with a little stream running through the sidewalk for kids to play in. And miracle of miracles - Milo swam in the lake and played in the sidewalk fountains. We had dinner at Valconover - a delicious meal and a playground right outside so the kids could play after dinner rather than tormenting us. It was a relaxing, gorgeous day. Playing in the lake Lunch in the grass Lawn games More lawn games! Grandmother and granddaughters Sidewalk creek A sleepy walk home Yesterday was our hiking day. I have liked this little small little tradition (two years running) of Randal, Charles, and I taking a day to hike. The destination was clear this time: La Vigolana. Twelve years ago, when Char...

Neither Milo and Marian wanted to guest-author today's blog, but pitting kids against each other is an effective tool to get them to do something, so here is yesterday, according to Milo and Marian! Marian: Yesterday, we put up party stuff. The party stuff was for Aunt Elisabetta. We ate food. We ate gelato, strawberry and raspberry.  Milo: We went to a castle. And there were a lot of people in costumes. They wore armor and they also had real swords. There were no people dressed up as dragons, but Mom did chase Marian and tried to catch her and she pretended to be a dragon. Marian: Yes there was a dragon with a costume! [ See photos below. ] Milo: Oh yeah. Marian: And there was a giant lady. But, it didn't spit water at me. Milo: It doesn't spit water. It cries out water. Marian: It did it at him and him. The two boys. Milo: There was a birthday party. After the party, we went home. And I got ready for bed and then my mom read me Harry Potter.  And then I went to sleep. And...