Good News and Bad News

I have good news and bad news. And it’s the same. I finally stopped by the farmacia, pharmacy, during a passegiata with Maria and hopped on the scale. The good news is that in spite of eating my way ‘round Europe, I have officially lost 45.25 pounds. The bad news is that, had I exhibited more self-restraint, I could easily have lost 60 pounds. I love to eat, and I am compulsive about it…a bad combination for weight control. However, I could easily have gained weight, so I am thankful for the progress I have made.

My days have settled into their old familiar cadence. Coffee in the morning (and a smile to the waiter), a stop by the internet point, then shopping for the day’s necessities, then housework, a walk, a rest in the afternoon, and dinner and TV in the evening.

The weather since my return has been glorious. Warm, slightly breezy days with incredibly beautiful sunsets. The leaves are falling and the ground is littered with chestnuts. Maria tells me that some are good for eating and some are not. The Val di chiana is turning from lush and brilliant green to brown as it prepares to slumber for the winter, and soon it will be the olive harvest. Perhaps somewhere nearby a truffle hound, his quivering nose to the ground, searches for a telltale scent in a clearing beneath a tree, his master ready to snatch the valuable jewel from between his jaws.

On my first full day back, Friday, I walked down via Nazionale and saw my British friend, Michael, who was nearly speechless upon seeing me. He jumped to his feet, and gave me a warm hug and a two-cheeked kiss, as did Perry, my other British friend who accompanied Michael. So nice to see friends again and their warm greeting did much to make me feel welcome. I sat with them and chatted for several hours. Upon hearing that I have never tried the luscious chocolates made at Cacao, a local shop, Michael disappeared down the street and brought not one, but nine yummy chocolates for me. I shared them around, but savored most for myself. What a kind and generous friend! I met Terri for dinner at Fuflun’s and we ate pizza and caught up on each other’s lives. She is so beautiful and it’s such a joy to see her again!

Maria was kind enough to drive me down to the newly expanded Coop store to stock up on some provisions yesterday. Things are just so much cheaper at Coop than what can be purchased up on the hill and I enjoy the larger selection of items. She and I decided we would celebrate my upcoming birthday together. Also, she seemed really to like the picture of Laura I had printed and framed for her. “Sua bambina”, your baby, I told her as she peeled back the hand-painted, silver gift paper. What better gift for a mother?