Three brothers ran the local restaurant in Monteloro, called da Orlando, named after the most vivacious of the three. The ristorante occupies the entire “downtown” with a surprising quasi-Art Deco interior behind the traditional Tuscan facade. The site boasts a delightful valley view from the vine-covered dining terrace in the back. We had many meals in that favorite local haunt during the years while finishing our place on the hill. Orlando, being the most talkative of the three brothers, often stood by our table telling us jokes, stories and neighborhood gossip as he deemed necessary. He was so engaging and funny, it always felt like we should pay extra for the live entertainment. (more…)
Wild animals are one of the most interesting aspects of living in the Italian countryside. When we first arrived here 10 years ago, we were mostly alone up on this hill. Surrounded by nature, we saw and heard it all: cinghiali, wild boar; fagiani, pheasant; lupi, wolves; volpi, fox; caprioli, deer; cornigli, rabbits; istrici, porcupines; lucertoli, lizards and many serpenti, snakes. Of course, the ucelli, birds are everywhere—a constant chorus of canzoni del bosco, wood-songs. (more…)
Midnight. Cheryl, Aaron, and I were sitting around the kitchen table playing the final hand of Rummy, anticipating that Aaron would win . . . again. Knowing that the game was about over, the rest of us abandoned any hope of making a spectacular comeback as we accepted the inevitable. I was sitting there minding my own business when the strangest thing happened. For some reason, Cheryl started doing cheerleader fingers across the table. Surely you know what I mean. (more…)
While having a caffè, coffee before the show, we asked Massimo, the Odeon chief whether the concert was sold out. He said, “No! Ci sono molto sedie vuote, there are many empty seats.” Hmmm. (more…)
On a sunny Thursday morning we entered through the enormous iron gates to the outer courtyard. The castle grounds were impressive with an eclectic mix of architectural styles. Apparent additions over the centuries resulted in a cluster of buildings boasting a massive medieval tower, grand Georgian wings, an incredible Gothic chapel, a remarkable modern library on world religions and a perfectly manicured garden the size of a football field. A graceful Celtic knot design was neatly embroidered into the lawn in brick. (more…)
Maintenance is a good thing, right? Of course it is! Without good maintenance, we wouldn’t have anything in our lives for very long—especially relationships.
Taking good care of physical things in Italy is often something of a contradiction. Surprise, surprise! Stucco and stone really don’t need much care and feeding. They take care of themselves, and actually develop their own special patina as time marches on. You might say that in a way, they get better and more beautiful with time. (more…)
Forty-one years ago we sat in a Miami University dorm room, where Emerson played and first sang a song for me called “Catch the Wind” by Donovan. Where were you?
It’s fascinating to look back at significant events and influences in our lives—those that made a difference. Though there are many, it’s possible to whittle that list down to just a few that really changed our lives. Donovan’s presence was one of those few. (more…)
In case you have forgotten, that concise aphorism was inscribed in the forecourt of the Greek Temple of Apollo nearly 2700 years ago. Curiously enough, it recently found its way onto a plaque hanging over the Oracle’s door in the Matrix film series. With that impressive history, how could we say “no” when a modern day sage showed up at our door on an autumn afternoon, offering insights into the truth behind our behavioral façades? (more…)
Italians are very clever people—a trait that we like a lot!
Especially in the country, people have always had to struggle just to get by. Tuscany has to be the rockiest ground in the world, and that alone is enough to get the juices going as to how to make a living on the land. Resourcefulness is in their blood. Someone once said that if he was a farmer and found himself in Tuscany, he would have to ask God what he did to make him so mad. (more…)
Maybe they mean the Thames . . . then why wouldn’t they call it that? Supposedly, for years, those who use it for functional transport have commonly called it “the London River,” but that doesn’t say much in the context of this film. For us, the use of the impersonal name became a metaphor that makes this film even better—explanation in just a minute, but first, about the story. (more…)
Cheryl & Emerson
Quality time is undeniably great for relationships. We've discovered that quantity of time can provide that quality. Perhaps it takes Time to Partner.
Quality time is undeniably great for relationships. We've discovered that quantity of time can provide that quality. Perhaps it takes Time to Partner.
Uncommon promise 