Celebrate with Paul Parisi and His New Bride Linda!

US Journal

Saturday, June 28, 2013

Celebrate with Paul Parisi and His New Bride Linda!

What a delight to meet our church friend Paul Parisi’s new bride Linda. They are planning their honeymoon for October in Italy, and they live in Decatur. We have been talking with him for a while about getting together to celebrate their wedding, and it worked out perfectly. They got married last Friday, and yesterday, Paul Parisi called to invited Peter and me to celebrate their wedding AND his retirement that day at dinner tonight. We were really pleased to meet Linda, who has worked in Juvenile Justice in Atlanta for many years. We had a lot in common. She just retired recently, too, so they are starting their married life as retirees. Cool! You’ll love it!

They both wanted to hear about our trip to Italy, which we are always glad to recount.  We realized that their plans for their October wedding trip included some places we have visited before.  After a wonderful meal of pasta and salad all around, we followed them to their house, where we got real specific about suggestions we had about their trip while we enjoyed Linda’s dessert of cookie with fruit…YYYYYUUUUUMMMMM!!!!!.

The trip is to be 3 weeks…that was perfect. They described what they had in mind for those 3 weeks, and Peter’s good-natured response was, “That sounds to me like a perfect 6 week trip!”

They were going to start with a few days in Rome…that’ll be lots of fun. Then, they have rented a home in a mountainous area that seems like a true resort, very secluded and private, but nothing to do close by other than hiking. They had made plans to stay there a whole week, but Peter suggested that they use that as a recuperating place after a jet lagging flight and much ado in Rome. He thought that they could relax there before moving on to some place in Tuscany where they could stay and make day trips to nearby sights. Afterward, a few days in Bologna and take in a cooking school there would be nice. Taking the train from there to Venice for a few days before flying back home would be fantastic. They seemed to agree with us that moving from one place to the next every day sounded exhausting, so it’s possible that they will decide that this plan of staying 3-4 days in each place and just making day trips out to different sights from there will suit them perfectly.

We will meet again soon with some of Paul Parisi’s renown food paired with Peter’s pasta to help them finalize the details. For now, Linda and Paul, thanks for a wonderful evening full of good food and great conversation. This is so much fun sharing our Italian memories and helping you plan yours. See you again soon! A presto!

Colleen

FAMOUS PETER!

US Journal

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

FAMOUS PETER!

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Recently, Peter and I attended a Slow Food Pot Luck Dinner at a local garden in Decatur where women who are in the States as refugees are allowed to grow food for their families. It was great to see such a worthy effort made to help out these women. They never asked for handouts. They just wanted to be able to grow the food that is healthy for their families. There was a large garden plot (see photo) where the dinner was, and there was another ¼ acre very nearby. The idea had grown since its inception.

The Atlanta Slow Food President organized this event for the purpose of sharing a meal and informing everyone of the gardens and other events that Slow Food has on the calendar coming up soon. The man who was to speak about the Arc of Taste foods…those who have been identified as in danger of extinction…had been in an accident the day before and couldn’t attend, so Susan asked Peter if he would address the group on that topic. He was thrilled at the opportunity to talk about something that is very dear to his heart and that he has studied extensively in his program last year. Peter did a magnificent job, and there were several people there who came to him after the meeting dispersed to ask more information about things he mentioned. It was the perfect opportunity to share what he had learned and to convince the Slow Food community that he was serious about getting involved in raising awareness of endangered food needs and disseminating the information that he had learned in Italy. I was very proud, Peter. Great job!

PEPPERS AND TOMATOES

Peter has been growing tomatoes and bell peppers for a while now, and he has treated me to some of the yellow cherry tomatoes as they became ripe. They are soooooo sweet and delicious! Also, the peppers are getting ready to be eaten, too. However, Peter has been watching one of his large tomatoes ripen for a few days, and yesterday he decided it was the day to pick it. BUT IT WAS GONE!!! Peter mentioned that at dinner last night with Jessica, and she said that she had seen a deer in our yard when she was coming in the night before to take Navia and Nick on a walk in the park. AHA! We remembered the deer that we watched practically stepping over our fence a few weeks ago. I think we have our culprit. Peter is going to make sure he gets the rest of the large tomatoes before we are forced to share them with the bounding deer in the neighborhood!

Speaking of Jessica, she came early to supper last night so that I could teach her to make buttermilk biscuits and cinnamon sticks. We had a great time, and she did a super job of making the perfect biscuits to go with Dave Poe’s barbecue! And thanks for that scrumptious chocolate pie, too, Jessica. You know you are always welcome!

J  Colleen

MEET OUR GRANDOG, NAVIA!

US Journal

Thursday, June 27, 2013

MEET OUR GRANDOG, NAVIA

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We have had a marvelous week hosting Nick and Navia! Nick is here to attend his Physical Therapy internship at a pediatric PT clinic in Canton. Navia (named after some bone in the leg!) is along for the ride. It’s the first time she has come to our house, and we have really enjoyed her being here.

As you can see from the pictures, this girl loves to run and play. She’s only 10 months old, so that’s normal. She’s a sweetie, and she does really well on walk/runs with us, as long as she has her pinch collar on. I shutter to think what our squirrels and rabbits would look like if she ran after every one that she saw! She surely would enjoy the chase though!

I do wonder what would happen if she and Rex were in the same yard. Probably nothing, but he’s a REALLY big German Shepherd, so we’re not going there!

Thanks for bringing Navia with you, Nick. She’s welcome here any time!

Love,

Nonna

BOAT REUNION AT THE KRAEGERS

US Journal

Sunday, June 23, 2013

BOAT REUNION AT THE KRAEGERS

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Peter and I have some marvelous memories of our sailing trip in the Caribbean a few years ago with the Kraegers, Masseys and Reas. The 8 of us laughed, ate and explored to our hearts’ content. There was also the diverted side trip with 10 feet waves and lots of us hanging over the side of the boat until Liz finally announced to Capt. John, “Turn around now! It’s time for Plan B!” That’s a memory, too, but not quite as marvelous…still fun to talk about later, though.

We have made a concerted effort since that trip to have “Boat Reunions” whenever possible. The Reas moved to Knoxville, and we have adopted Monica (the Kraeger’s daughter-a Sustainability Major Sophomore at Furman University – go, Monica!) into the group ever since she showed up with her delicious home baked Chocolate Nocciola Cake from Enzo’s recipe…I mean Lisa’s recipe! J

So, today Peter and I brought yummy Dave Poe’s barbecue with potato salad and slaw to add to some other good sides from Karen, followed by Monica’s OOO-la-la lemon bars. We had a feast at the Kraegers!

We all have lots going on in our lives, and we enjoy getting caught up with those events. However, what we really treasure is retelling the great stories of our boat trip. We combine the present memories with those of the past to get the “big picture” of all of our lives.

It was really good to get all of us together again, group. Let’s plan the next one real soon! A presto!

Colleen

PS We see that you really enjoyed driving Thelma home from church, Monica! You are an especially trusted friend for Peter to allow you to do that!! Great job! You look great with that beautiful car, too!!! J

SPLENDID WEEKEND WITH MICAH!

US Journal

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Splendid Weekend with Micah!

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What a very lovely weekend we had with Micah here! Micah is my brother Tom’s son, and he is a lawyer in Charleston, SC. His wife Nikki couldn’t come this time, but we hope she will be able to come the next time he comes this way! It will probably be the extraordinary meals Peter makes and the Antico Pizza Napolitano delights that will encourage her to drop everything and get in the car. J

We had a special surprise project that Micah and I were working on during the weekend, and we made a good stab at it. I’ll have to say, Peter was royally entertained by listening to us go through the process that we were doing. You family members will find out more about that in the coming weeks!!! No, you have to wait!

In between “work” time (it was much more fun than work!), we enjoyed Peter’s special salmon recipe with pasta fresca and vegetables, then gelato for dessert. We went with Peter to the Marietta Farmer’s Market, where Micah got some REAL coffee at Cool Beans. I think he was shocked that we had no coffee in the house…except French Vanilla Decaf!  We also saw a gorgeous white bulldog Lola, who was the daughter of the 5^th generation Uga (the mascot of the Georgia Bulldogs!). Then, Saturday evening we had Antico Pizza Napolitano specialty pizzas with Nick and Amanda for another outstanding treat! Thanks for joining us, Nick and Amanda!

I’m excited about this “secret project,” Micah. I can hardly wait to experience it! Thank you for having an interest in our project, for taking the time to come over and for taking back some wonderful basement items that were mostly from your Grandmother’s house. Enjoy!!! I’m still looking for that coffee pot I saw recently!

Love to you and Nikki!

Aunt Colleen

BOCCA LUPO

US Journal

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Bocca Lupo! (Italian for “mouth of the wolf!”)

I have no good excuse for not having pictures in these last few journals. I had a “minor” battery problem earlier, and I must have gotten out of the habit of using my camera. Once again, I PROMISE to do better!!!

Last night Peter and I met Nick’s girlfriend Amanda’s Mom Martha and her husband Chet for dinner at a new restaurant on Edgewood Ave. Martha knew the chef and trusted that he would make authentic Italian food. We raved about our meals of fresh pasta, grilled fish, prosciutto appetizers, gelato and dark chocolate cookies. Chet and Martha were very pleased with their choices, too. We WILL go back there when we’re in Atlanta!

Martha enjoys food as much as Peter does, so she has taken us as her food project to search out as many local food events and restaurants as she can find to share with us. Great job, Martha! Keep up the good work! It’s always nice to get some time around a table with you and Chet. 

A presto

Colleen

Judy, Theresa

US journal

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Judy, Judy, Judy!

Yesterday proved to be a red-letter day! We got to visit and have lunch with our daughter-in-law Victoria’s mom Judy! She was Yard Sitting (!) at Kyle and Victoria’s house. Some workers have been trying to work on their yard for 2 weeks; but with all the rain, they haven’t been able to do that. Judy was helping out by being at the house to supervise the work. So, we arranged to bring lunch yesterday to Kyle and Victoria’s house and share it with Judy, which we did and had such a great time getting caught up with her. It seems that she has cut back on some work and has taken the time to go with her church group from Memphis to Honduras on some mission trips. It was very interesting to hear all about the trips, as well as the extra time she has been spending with her children and grandchildren. Thanks for the wonderful visit, Judy! Let’s schedule another one next time you come to Georgia to Yard Sit. So sorry the workers still didn’t show up yesterday!!!

Theresa

I’m on a good roll with my lunch dates. I’m sure any moment now my brother Tom will mention that I need to stop talking about food so much!!! J

Today, I met Theresa my co-counselor at my previous school at Theo’s, and it was “way cool” to hear about her time since I left for Italy. Her daughter graduated from high school 4^th in her class. She was so close to being Valedictorian that the school counselor actually called Theresa a few days before graduation and informed her that there were a few students who were so close to #1 that she was asking all of them to prepare to make a speech at graduation, just in case. It was fortunate that Kamaria finally did not get the top spot actually. The day before graduation, she became ill, and she barely made it to the ceremony, much less was she able to give a speech. Everyone was very proud of her high 4.39 grade point average! That’s over 100, for those of you who don’t keep up with those things!. Way to go, Kamaria, and thank you so much for sending me your invitation with the gorgeous pictures!

I was also enthralled by Theresa’s newest passion…coupons! She has saved so much money in the short time that she’s been learning about coupons that she left me after lunch to go shopping there at her favorite shop in The Avenue with her savings! We talked about her upcoming “how to” book, the varied ways she could make money by teaching others about couponing, the really exciting benefit that could happen in her church if she could purchase for just pennies the donation items that the church needed. Our imaginations are on overload. As we left Theo’s, she mentioned that the next time Peter and I taught the Dave Ramsey “Financial Peace University” that she would be glad to do a workshop with the participants about the beautiful marriage of  “Financial Peace” and couponing. Great idea, Theresa! Hold that thought! I look forward to our next “think tank” session this summer!

Love, Colleen 

A PLAY DATE WITH JILLIAN

US Journal

Monday, June 17, 2013

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On Saturday, my friend from our church Julie called to ask if her one-year-old Jillian could come over while she and her husband John were cleaning out a storage room. They have recently moved into a new house, and they have more room for the things that are in the storage room now. I knew Peter would be going to the farmer’s market in Marietta, and I usually go with him, but I decided to stay home with Jillian instead this time.

It was definitely a play date! We got so involved in reading, bouncing Tigger up and down, playing ball (she loves to go fetch!), playing drop and fetch behind the speaker, crawling around behind all sorts of furniture, having snacks and meals, and napping, that 7 hours later, we still hadn’t gotten to the pool or the swing set. Next time, we’ll go there first, won’t we, Jillian. Thanks for letting her come for a visit, Julie!

In the evening, our big treat was to go to Gina and Will’s house for dinner. Gina’s mom and dad were there from Tennessee and brought lamb to add to our dinner. We took the pasta, my pecan pie and gelato; and Gina added some salad, bruschetta, more gelato and wine. It was wonderful together. We all get along well together, and it was especially nice to get in a visit with Cheryl and Kim. We’re looking forward to a week in Sicily with their family next spring to celebrate Cheryl’s BIG birthday! Can’t wait for that, too! Thanks so much for the invitation!

Father’s Day was extra special for Peter…lunch with Jill and Kyle, then a movie with Kyle. Later, both Cati and Nick called him to wish him Happy Father’s Day. I could tell that he really appreciated all that attention! Thanks to all of you.

Ciao!

Colleen

A Reunion with Marisa

US Journal

Friday, June 14, 2013

A Reunion with Marisa

What a special occasion I had today! My dear friend and former colleague Marisa met me for lunch at nearby Theo’s for sandwiches and salad. I hadn’t seen her since we left for Italy; and oh my, so many things have changed with her since then.

Marisa said there was a group crying session at the end of this past school year when she announced to her 8^th grade teachers that she had been transferred to another school. She will make the best of any situation, and there are many positives in this move; but it was a shock to everyone when they first heard about it. Like her husband told her, “You may get some of your family life back with the 7-2:30 school day!” Best of luck in your new venture, Marisa.

I had fun with Marisa explaining all about Peter’s and my year in lovely Italy, too. She particularly liked the part about the 6 different week’-long field trips and our Sunday Suppers. I won’t be surprised if we start up something like Sunday Suppers when we move to Decatur. We miss them sooooo much! Peter found a Slow Food Announcement and we signed up for a pot luck dinner in Decatur for June 23^rd that has “Sunday Supper” written all over it!

Let’s get together again soon, Marisa. I sure have missed those 3-4 hour lunches with you solving the world’s problems!!!

A presto! See you again soon!

Colleen

Jessica's Wonderful Visit

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US Journal

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Welcome home, Jessica!

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Our son Nick is spending 4 nights a week with us for the next 7 weeks while he is doing an internship at a pediatric physical therapy center in nearby Canton. We are thoroughly enjoying having him here and hearing all of his great tales of his doctoral program.

He enjoyed sharing the stories of his recent experience on a “mission trip” with 125 medical students and their professors from UGA and GSU. They spent a week in Moultrie in south Georgia providing free medical services to children in the schools there and workers on the farms. It was a very rewarding event that he will remember and appreciate forever.

What a nice surprise it was when Nick sent word yesterday that Jessica, his high school friend, is home for a visit and is coming to have dinner with us tonight! Peter immediately went into overdrive and went shopping for food. He has spent most of today cutting veggies and preparing a deliciously lovely meal for all of us.

It was a delightful reunion. Jessica told us all about her year as a medical illustrator in Granada! She is going back for another year in August, but then she wants to return to the Atlanta area. We’ll be glad to hear more great stories from her at that time. Thanks for the splendid visit AND your mom’s yummy cookies, Jessica. Please come back again soon!

Ciao!

Colleen

JILLIAN TO MYSELF

US Journal

Monday, May 10, 2013

Jillian to Myself!

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Last week, I no sooner got it out of my mouth that I wanted some time with 1½  year-old Jillian, just the two of us, than her mom Julie said,” How would you like for her to come to your house while I go to an appointment next Monday?” “PERFECT!” was my answer, and today was delightful…just the two of us.

Julie told me today that she was bringing me a tired, grumpy child and not to be surprised if she soon asked for food or a nap or just complained in general. She told me not to worry, I would know for sure if she needed either of those things, and she gave me some food that Jillian liked. I told Julie that putting babies to sleep was a forte of mine…not to worry! If she showed any signs of being hungry or tired, I would jump on it! I told Julie to turn and go…and don’t turn back. What I really meant was, “We’re already having fun here…why don’t you go on to your meeting?”

I had pulled out my grandsons’ toy basket, and Jillian was enthralled with the mirror. She kissed and hugged the “baby” in the mirror and laughed and laughed at me laughing at her! Then we went on a progression of toy play. Tigger and Jillian’s bear bounced all over the floor and all over Jillian while she cackled out loud. Books were read again and again. The “Cat in the Hat” cd had a great song with the characters that was isolated from the movie. She loved that but didn’t complain at all when the computer went “off” when she started playing with the keyboard. I knew I had to do something big after that, so we went out the back door with 2 dog biscuits for the neighbor’s German Shepherd Rex. Rex is a VERY large dog, and he can get to our fence in the short time it takes me to squeak the back door open. He has us trained to bring him dog biscuits every time we go out the back door. I knew Jillian also has a big dog that barks ferociously; and sure enough, Jillian didn’t flinch when Rex “asked “ for his dog biscuits and used the same ferocious voice to thank us for them afterwards. From there, we walked around the house to the front porch and sang the “Swinging Song” while we swung in the porch swing and watch it start raining again.

We had just gotten back inside and retrieved Jillian from under the ottoman where she had gone to get her ball, when Julie sent a message that she was on her way back. She arrived to find Jillian hardly looking up from another new book to say hello to her mom. Julie smiled when I told her that Jillian cried big twice…both times were when she bonked herself with the sunglasses! I never got the message from Jillian that she was tired or hungry…so no snack nor nap yet. Julie was super pleased that all had gone well. Jillian will go to our church’s Mother’s Morning Out program this fall for 3 days each week, and Julie now feels very confident that Jillian will really enjoy it. I’m sure of that, too. They’ll have so much fun with her, as did I. Thanks, Jillian!

Two minutes after they left, I got a message from Julie, “She fell asleep before I got to Burnt Hickory Road!” I wrote back, “I told you I can put any child to sleep!” J

Love, Nonna Colleen

Sunflowers and THE ICE CREAM SOCIAL

US Journal

Saturday, June 8, 2013

The gorgeous sunflowers were a special gift from Peter. He put them right on the blue and yellow tablecloth, and they just sparkled, don’t you think?

ICE CREAM SOCIAL

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The Ice Cream Social next to St Phillip’s Cathedral parking lot is a yearly event sponsored by Slow Food. Thirty ice cream vendors set up tables and serve tiny scoops of their more original and creative ice creams. Last week, we helped sell tickets at the Cathedral’s Farmers’ Market for this event, so today Peter and I got in free! We were really happy to find Amanda with her Mom and Chet there, too.

The flavors were varied…some had Basil, some had Jalopeno Peppers, some had Vegetables in them, but none were “just plain” ice cream. Peter and I tasted almost all of them…at least a small bite. One we particularly enjoyed was a small paper boat with a teaspoon of strawberry jam poured into the bottom and a scoop of Lemon and a scoop of Strawberry ice creams on either side of a merangue kiss…Lovely to see and to taste.

Another favorite of mine was Buttermilk Blackberry Granola. My daddy would have really liked that. He used to put his cornbread in his buttermilk for dessert!

It was special to meet Jamila, who was an entertainment specialist at the Atlanta Journal newspaper. She has allergies to all sorts of things, so she makes her own ice cream. Her simple Strawberry with a tiny hint of Balsamic was a treat!

We didn’t expect entertainment at the Ice Cream Social, especially this cool band with a professional BELLY DANCER performing! What fun! Amanda and I thought this 40 year-old woman was awfully gutsy doing this, but she was really good at it!

Thanks for joining us, Amanda, Chet and Martha. It was sooooo much fun!

Colleen

A DEER, LUNCH WITH JENNIFER, AND PAINTERS

US Journal

Friday, June 7, 2013

“Peter, there’s a deer in our front yard!”

We both ran right out the front door…without our cameras…to find that the deer had gone around the corner and was blocked from her exit by our fence and us. She watched us just for a moment before using the ingenuity and skills that deer have. She turned and easily leaped over the 4-ft fence into our backyard. Realizing her situation, she then turned again and easily leaped over our back fence into our neighbor’s unfenced yard and freedom. We have known there were deer around here, and we have seen them several times but never in our front yard. It was bittersweet to witness her beautiful actions, knowing that she needed to find her way back home…wherever that is…very soon or she might be in trouble or hurt. Buon viaggio, amica!

Lunch at Taqueria Tsunami with Jennifer

As usual, my lunch on Marietta Square at Taqueria Tsunami with Jennifer was splendid! To make it even more splendid, we discovered our waiter to be one of my former students from the school where I worked as a school counselor for 25 years! Cornelius and I were so glad to see each other, and he treated Jennifer and me as special guests to the restaurant. Our meals of 2Asian/Latin tacos and a salad each were delicious, and I was very proud of the supportive words that the manager told me about how she had asked especially for Cornelius to be assigned to help her open their new panini restaurant on the Square next month. I’m so proud of you, Cornelius!

Painters Giving Estimates

The house painters continue to come to give us estimates on painting the outside of our house. I really liked the one who came today. He has been a fireman for 27 years and does painting on the side. He is not insured or bonded, though, so that is not in his favor. It’ll be good to get that job done. The porches are especially rough looking. I never should have painted them. Ah, well, you live and learn, right?

Colleen