In Love with France, At Home In Italy

I will be heading back to the States soon to start another academic year. How do I know this? I have two pillboxes that I fill at the same time, which in this timeless place, is a reminder of what day of the week it is. Having just found one of these conveniently labeled pillboxes empty, I know that today is Monday, and that on Saturday I will be heading back to one of my other countries. So the Countdown to that transition has begun. On the theme of time flying, my college roommate and friend for almost 5 decades just turned 65, which must mean that I am not the spring chicken I like to think I am. Even the letters are wearing out on this poor old pillbox. Fortunately they are raised, so that even after my eyes go, I will be able to tell what day it is. My original Mephisto sandals that have been worn day in and day out in every season, however, look even worse. But they are tough customers, having been rebuilt several times and survived having the main strap eaten by my dog...

How would you like that, ma'm? Saignant? Au point? Ou carbonise? I do a lot of experiments with our pizza oven. Some turn out better than others. I think you will be able to see the difference. Well, at the time, it seemed like a good idea to leave these formerly gorgeous vegetables in all night. But the next morning....not so much! LEARNING TO USE YOUR NEW PIZZA OVEN (AND HOW TO FIND OUT WHO THE REAL "FURBI"/SLY PEOPLE ARE) STEP ONE: Get someone who really knows how to use a pizza oven to teach you the fine points. Famer G is your man. As it turns out, to do it right, you need WAY more wood than you think. And as Farmer G is piling on the wood like there's no tomorrow, maybe you have a moment's pause when you realize, "Hey, wai t a minute! Isn't he the same guy who's selling you that wood?" That moment of doubt came during a period when I was just starting to learn the meaning of that all-important Italian word, ...