Tradizioni… Traditions…

Thinking back to when I was younger,  there were times I may have taken traditions for granted… sometimes they got in the way of something I would rather have been doing.  Now,  more than ever,  I realize and appreciate everything that was and is a family tradition.  Those monday night dinners when Dad took the day off from the restaurant ,  Uncle Marco,  and Vito  did the same,  and they all went fishing with the women,  bringing fish home for dinner.  So many times when we were young,  we wished we could be out shopping or doing something fun instead of the "Monday Night Dinner".  Now,  I miss those times,  and I know I am not alone in that. During Christmas time,  Mom spent a very long day at the restaurant with Dad,  making lots of delicious  Cartellate for family and friends,  even sending some to family in  New York.  I've only made Cartellate a  few times since Mom stopped making them,  but  with Zia Lina,  Angelo and Pina visiting from New York,  we thought it would be fun to do together.  Priscilla was working and not able to join Anna,  Isa and the rest of us.  It was fun to see Mom watching us with a smile on her face,  perhaps remembering when she used to make  them.  In any case,  she was happy and even seemed to give us a little advice on our shaping technique.  I know that this tradition will be part of every Christmas,  along with new traditions that we are making,  and enjoying,  and never taking for granted… these things which we do as  family and for  family…