Incontri Primaverili… Springtime Gatherings…

Food, friends and family… lots of that around here lately.  Dining al fresco is always the choice,  even with this unseasonably cool spring weather.  A chilly Memorial Day came and went,  and summer is almost here… hard to believe … not quite ready for that.

Benvenuto Oliver… Welcome Oliver…

It seems that the best way to heal the broken heart after losing a precious pet is to get another one right away.  Jim wanted a new puppy,  Priscilla loved the idea,  and I wanted to wait a bit.  Jim won,  and now we have this precious little "Ollie" to make us happy,  and fill the hole that was left when we lost our sweet Coco.  We have a special little spot for her in the garden,  which she loved …we will never forget Coco,  but this adorable " Shaded English Cream Doxie" helps ease the pain…

Dolci … Sweets…

Ciao Coco… Goodbye Coco…

Today we had to say goodbye to our  sweet coco… so difficult to do after almost 16 years.  So precious,  we will miss her so much…  Love you Coco!

Giardino Primaverile… Springtime Garden…

Springtime seems to be the perfect  time to make some major changes in the garden… Plants that are not thriving,  and  tree roots inhibiting growth of other plants,  all needing to be removed,   making room for new plantings. After the initial landscaping 11 years ago,  the sprinklers and the lighting  need work  I'm a little overwhelmed… Planning carefully … the ultimate goal is to use favorite perennials for permanent plantings and less maintenance … Really excited about the changes!

Piatti Dimenticati… Forgotten Dishes…

Sometimes I go blank and have no idea what to make for dinner… then I remember… favorites that I hadn't made for a while.  Gnocchi A La Romana… and Pasta Con Tonno…