Hi
As my mind flows back over the year to bring you the hi-lites........I realize how quickly it went. Guess it's true, that when you're busy and having fun too,..... time rushes on. When we left Italy the end of Feb, the following seven weeks were a whirlwind. Bob decided it was time to let go of the Harley. Autostrada, yes, but small towns, streets, and traffic .....not good. We also sold the SUV, and a couple other items on EBay. Then back to our place in Formia, Italy.
I think we get to see more of our friends when we're here. HHhhmmmmm, now that makes sense, doesn't it? It's sure fun for us cuz we liketo show how the locals live and take friends to our favorite places and explore new ones. Marge came in April. Since she lived here years ago too, we saw many long time friends, and, of course, the markets.
We did our usual runs to the Amalfi Coast, via Sorrento, Positano, Ravello, Vietri....when Don, Shirley, & her sister, Jeanette, were here. We took them to our friend's little town of Castel di Sasso. That's on top of a montain. (there's lots of those) Gary came in July. He's a friend from Hollywood from many, many years ago. I loved seeing him after so long. Stories and catch-up was wonderful. We went to see Monte Cassino. Then Gene's friends from Del Mar, Terry & Deborah, were here for a few days. Showed them Sperlonga, historic city on a point over the sea. Another friend, Virginia, was here for a short three days.
Bob, and his buddies, put together a 'guy' week (yep, another one) on a boat that cruised the islands of Turkey. Needless to say, they had fun; lots of eating, swimming.,....... and drinking,
Gerry &n KC came in Oct. It was like coming home for them. They lived here andjust left in Feb. We did all our favorite places. Since Bob had planned his Harley week ride with fellow rider, Ed, from Calif, KC joined them for the ride to Sicily.They rented the Harley's in Rome. It was a fantastic trip that ended in Palermo, where they took the ferry back to Naples. 'Course Gerry & I got our week to play. Ed's wife, Debra, joined us for the last week. We found the little town of Aquara on top of a mountain near Salerno, where Ed's Grandad was born.
Between playing tour guide, we went to see our friends up in Lucca, the Dini's and Ghiselli's. Also stopped at a beautiful B&B of a friend in the little town of Bibbona. Luisa, the owner, is a good friend of ours and son Craig & Marie. Hopefully Luise will get to meet her namesake (Abigail Luisa, almost 5) next year. Craig and Marie need their Italian fix.
We're looking forward to son, Mike, Tracey, & Kaili, who is 7 now, to come over and spend Christmas with us. It will be very exciting for them.... and us. This will be their first time.
Gene, my brother, is very happy living here in Italy. He has fitright into the Italian way of life including the 'riposo' (nap) inthe afternoons, and has his favorite places to visit, eat, and shop.
Over to Ascoli Piceno, in the region of Marche, where other retired military friends, the Eytchisons, have a place. While there we took a side trip to Casteluccio and Norcia, the area known for lentichi (lentils) and Pecorino cheese. Also got some Cinghiale (Wild Boar). Each area has such unique beauty.
Our very special friends, Mary & Harry, have kept us happily involved with the military and civilian social circle.
Needless to say, our life is full. We play golf, take scooter rides, I still do computer business, and enjoy having our cappuccinos and 'dolce' (sweets), of course.
In the early mornings and evenings, we can hear the cowbells on our back hills,enjoy our view of the Gaeta gulf, and give thanks of how fortunate we are.We like thinking of our friends and hopefully sharing this with more of you sometime.Have a blessed Christmas and holiday season and a healthy, happy, and safe New Year.
Marilyn, Bob, & brother, Gene
