Opens one bleary eye
and yawns. It may be possible to relate over time all the horrors of my trip back from the USA, but I avoid the subject as much as possible. I left the house in Checy Chase at 6:30 PM Thursday night and got to my house finally at 12:30 PM Saturday. Somewhere in there something happened to my left ankle and I am still limping around with occasional periods of foot up time. Somewhere in there is a night spent on a marble bench in the empty train station at Rome. I was acting body guard for a Canadian fellow who was also washed up on Roman shores without a paddle. I now know all the laws about where you can be and when at Stazione Termini after 1 AM. Why do they close all the waiting rooms, even for those holding tickets? I don’t know.
Abandoned Canadian
Umbria received enough rain last winter for herself and perhaps Calabria, which is a pretty dry place. The result was that my garden was a jungle when I returned, although I’d started pruning and weeding in February. It will either be ready for the annual rose supper or it won’t, but for sure the roses will be. There was so much growth that as soon as they’ve opened a bit more I will have to prune off buckets full of roses to make enough room to sit at the table!
I am following a diet that was talked about on Slow Travel. One eats vegan until after 6 PM, then normally. So far I notice no difference in my weight, but I have discovered that the basic rule for being vegan is, “If it doesn’t cause gas you can’t eat it.” When you cook professionally it’s pretty difficult to organize a diet, but this one sounds doable if only it works.
Italy is experiencing temperatures for August in May. The heat is unbelievable for this time of year when it is also humid. It gives you about two hours of outside work time before you keel over. Once the humidity goes it will be easier, or if seasonal temperatures come back, that could work too.
I’m glad you must be feeling a bit better, I enjoy reading your post.
Weather in Michigan is rainy this week, which is a good thing. Temps are below normal, but at least not freezing at night. Things are greening up nicely, I’ve planted most of my flowers and Stan has the garden in, too.
My biggest news is I am retiring at the end of this school year, so I only have 3 more days of required work, but will have to spend a few more days to clean out my room. I am very excited, and looking forward to being home with Stan, he retired 7 years ago.
Sorry your “re-entry” was so difficult… ah, the joys of international travel. The good news is you’re back in Italy; the bad news is your soccer career has been put on hold with the ankle. We’re looking forward to seeing you in a few weeks, and hopefully, all will be better then.
Well darn! And just when Barcelona was getting interested.
One dreams, one dreams. Actually I can do things inside pretty well, it’s the heat and irregular garden surfaces that are getting me.
I call that a reason to celebrate. Congratulations, Lee.
Isn’t it terrible we have to get old to do it? I retired early (for severe health reasons which disappeared within one Umbrian year) and still I was too old to get citizenship and run for President. Too bad for Italy!
The humidity is creeping up here as well. In fact, it’s been drizzling all day, in that half-hearted ‘meh’ sort of way when rain is being wimpy and pathetic and needs a kick up the pants.
And how is it being back in Italy?
(Welcome back, by the way. ;) )
It’s pretty darned good in spite of all the travail, Mike. I know the kind of rain you mean. It’s very British IMO, and reminds me of living inside a cloud.
Glad you are home and hope that you will soon be back in shape! I was beginning to wonder what happened to you.
If I send you my left ankle and my head, maybe you can tell me?
Oh poor you – it sounds like the trip from hell. But you’re back with your roses, and that’s good. Love your description of the vegan diet. Best diet? Eat a little less, exercise a little more… and drink one fewer glasses of wine. You might not lose an ounce but you’ll feel incredibly virtuous.
Fern’s last blog post..Sgabei