| Stramilano 2012 We woke up early (xtra early because we changed the clocks forward last night) drove to the Metro and went to the Duomo to begin the Stramilano run. Zaven's 1st 10K run. Our participation was organized through the American School of Milan Right: At the start - balloons being let loose |
| Right: It took us about 10 minutes to get to the start - BIG crowd, of course no organization (this is Italy) to have the walkers start at the back, so between them and the damn balloons tied to people - the start was sort of annoying Michael & Joe, they actually finished together too - 53 minutes. Below right: the kids from ASM, below, Joe and Z's PE teacher. |
| The FINISH. Above: the line to the finish, I think Zaven and I finished at an hour and 7 minutes - because we had to wait to start and wait to finish. Zaven and I chatted the entire time - talking about movies, "Oh there is the bagel shop, let's stop (we didn't - but we love it)," and smelly people and his shin splints - poor kid. He enjoyed this and wants to do more runs - we are so proud of him :). Below: The Leonetti's together at the finish, the Castello - it was a nice run through Milano, vs out here where there isn't much to look at except rice paddies, cranes and random nutria. And we had perfect weather. |
| Just back from Romania, my colleagues gave me a lovely bouquet of flowers - I was thinking I should post a picture - anyway it was SO nice of them. Was in Barcelona before that. Will be back to Romania at the end of the month. Enjoying time at home, potted all the flowers for Spring/Summer yesterday, sitting in the sun, listening to my neighbor scream at her kids....almost a perfect Sunday... Time to shower and make a dessert, invited to the neighbors, non yelling, for dinner. Looking forward to Pasqua and having an excuse to make all the yum Easter dishes from Naples! 25 Marzo 2012 |
| Our Actual Easter - we had sun, sun, sun, a BBQ and ate outside Lower right: I made a Torte Rustica - this has a sweet crust, but filled with savory things; ricotta, ham and cheese. Odd but yummy. I also made a Casatiella - the one with the eggs on top, this is bread with ham and cheese baked in. And I made a Pastierra - this is a pie which has barley, ricotta and flower essence - Joe said it tasted like soap (but that is how it is suppose to taste). I wanted to make all the dishes that Dolores use to make for Easter. The Torte Rustica was the big hit. We couldn't eat all this so we gave it to Baci and Franco & Rosanna Also, bottles of Paolo's Barbera - the Vendemmia 2011 - very promising - letting it age a bit 8 aprile 2012 |
| Having Asti Spumante in Asti (Asti always reminds me of my self appointed Rashneeshie name Maanand Asti Spumanti Martini & Rossi) We had never been to Asti, although our house is located in this province. It is a very cute town. They have a HUGE market and many cafes. 7 aprile 2012 |
| Right: KITTY VIDEO This was a bit of a saga. It started last weekend when Andrea, the 4 year old, who speaks better Italian than I do, but doesn't seem to mind as long as I keep playing Kerplunk or Connect Four with him, was telling me that his cat Gigio is going to have babies...Si (!) the cat IS a boy (because it has a boy's name - I wasn't about to argue that topic with a 4 year old) When we came back Thursday night, Joe could hear kittens crying in our attic, then Friday morning their crying woke Zaven up. I conferred with Tiziana and we decided they couldn't stay in our attic. Brave Joe went up there, it's a scarey place, and found 3 dead ones (thank God he went up there - can you imagine the smell?) and had to pry the last living one off of Gigio (not too happy to have her baby ripped off of her by a glove wearing, broom toting guy) and I bustled it out to Tiziana who had a bed waiting. Gigio found his/her baby, they are both ok - and Gigio 'fa una brava mamma' thank goodness! We told Andrea that Gigio's baby should be named Joe because Joe saved it. Below: Some air rifle target practice and more hikes. It was a perfect Easter ~ |
March & Easter 2012