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A NEW POST.

May 16, 2026 54 Comments

HELLO TO ALL OF YOU!

May is twirling by at an incredible rate.I LOVE MAY as the GARDEN does it’s THING and the weather is perfect here in CALIFORNIA!Here I am dressed for MOTHER’S DAY to head up north to the youngest SONS house for the day!It’s been years since I went to visit the first time!This being my SECOND TIME TO VISIT EVER!There is a story behind that but will leave for another day!

I was expecting cold and windy weather when in fact it was in the 80’s!

Tigre’s Mother lives there with TWO of her OFFSPRING and they were lounging in their bed with a calm attitude.My son calls these FERAL CATS.They are not feral cats anymore!They are living the GOOD LIFE.Which makes me VERY HAPPY!I walked around the BARN and OOOHED AND AWED.Recognizing stuff from my past!But when I went into his KITCHEN I EXCLAIMED, “WHERE DID YOU GET THAT?”It was a little ITALIAN chest with wonderful pulls and embossed with a DASH of gold here and there.In fact, it was covered in leather which had worn down.His answer to me was, “MOTHER,YOU GAVE THAT TO ME!”.

My memory is going and FAST!I do not recall giving it to him but the only rational was it came from my shop HEN HOUSE and I had no SPOT TO PUT IT IN MY CASA after I closed!

GAWD, I HAVE GOOD TASTE!!HA HA HA………

Sorry I did not SNAP a photo to show you here!I have not been THAT EXCITED over a piece of furniture in YEARS!

Mother’s Day was spent in the mountains where a DELICIOUS LUNCH was made and ENJOYED!My lovely neighbor had GIFTED me TWO loaves of GLUTEN FREE bread from a vendor in PORTLAND, OREGON ;which I took a piece with me to clean up the oil and fixings!After lunch THE SON asked if I wanted to go on a QUAD ride to see the property!I couldn’t say YES, fast enough so I jumped on board!

I did not DRIVE.I let the ITALIAN do THAT!We had a couple of SNAFU’S!!!!!!!I might ADD!

BOLERO is the NAME………………..the fragrance is GRAND!

Off the mountain and back into MY GARDEN!

GOLDEN CELEBRATION I THINK……..as I said before my memory is fading now.

SALLY HOLMES……………….an all time FAVORITE as the blooms make BIG POM POMS!

Plus, she likes shade.

My retired MAN likes to TRIM OUR GARDEN……………..and NOW that there is this thing called FIREWISE he has the GOD GIVEN GRACE TO DO IT!Fires are a problem here in NORTHERN CALIFORNIA and we live in a very dense suburb filled with shrubs and trees and lots of GREEN STUFF.

This is the second PILE.The first pile already left in a truck!!!!

It took me three days BEFORE I COULD GO LOOK AT WHERE IT ALL CAME FROM which was down by the vegetable planters.The veggies will gain a few more minutes of SUNSHINE which in turn will produce MORE GOOD FOOD.The back hill is now BARREN AND BROWN with DIRT.I have that VIEW from my YELLOW CHAIRS UP TOP………….which takes the EYE up…… UP and to the GAWD AWFUL CYCLONE FENCE between us and the WATER SHED STATION.

BUT WE ARE IN COMPLIANCE and will get MORE SUNSHINE PLUS FOOD!

LET’s LOOK AT THE BRIGHT SIDE!

I will try and forget the LAST 32 years of covering the FENCE and CREATING A WONDERLAND in the BACK Forty as the saying goes………

I cringe at what will happen to MY HOUSE ONCE IAM GONE!

WHY DOES THAT HAUNT ME SO?

I need to FOCUS on the NOW.

MY GRAND DOGGY DIESEL.

Lap dog divine.

The PAW is ALWAYS on me!

He is a real LOVE of a dog and ADORES his GRANNY!

BEANS from NEW ORLEANS!I have a reader here who sent me RED KIDNEY BEANS and BEIGNET French mix donut box from her home town!I had NEVER had BEANS AND RICE except maybe in a BURRITO years ago.I made it with ground spicy sausage and added some of our HOME GROWN ITALIAN PARSLEY!

I enjoyed it VERY MUCH and so did THE ITALIAN!

SO, a BIG shout out to LAIFE who sent me a box of GOODIES!

I get such a tickle out of hearing about the people who follow me as this GORGEOUS DAME PAINTED her inside walls of her new home CHARTREUSE and has always wanted to take a photo with a COW in a BALL GOWN!

Who else do you know who LOVES CHARTREUSE and would LOVE to do the creative venture with a COW?I do have SOUL-MATES out there and it’s so EXCITING TO FIND THEM!Or they FOUND ME…….I am always curious HOW YOU DID ARRIVE HERE!

Here I’m in a new NORMA KAMALI long maxi dress which has the 1980’s shoulder pads!I LOVED NORMA KAMALI back in the day had a few of her bits and pieces.What I really LOVED was the sweat shirt material she made the outfits from.I was thrilled with the length of this dress on me.May use it as a NITE GOWN!

HAVE A SUPER DAY AND SUMMER!I have started HEART RE- HAB THERAPY and that is three days a week for the next TEN WEEKS!SO, that is how I will spend MY SUMMER!Let’s hope it will strengthen my heart!

By the way,I saw the new SALLY FIELDS movie on NETFLICKS.

A beautiful movie called REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES .No violence or guns so REFRESHING!!She turns 80 this summer!I still see her as the FLYING NUN from my childhood!DO YOU REMEMBER THE FLYING NUN?

The coat is by that brand I ALWAYS wear called BRYN WALKER out of BERKELEY, California.

These coats are so versatile for me as I use as a sweater, coat or even a robe over my nightgowns!

I ADORE THIS BRAND and HOPE THEY STAY AROUND ALONG LONG TIME!

It may be TIME to get THE ITALIAN OUT OF OUR GARDEN and drive me to BRYN WALKER……….I think they are having a SALE!WHAT do YOU THINK?A trip to Bryn Walker to lift my spirits and make me FEEL JOY?

JOY, in one’s LIFE is ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA.

I HOPE YOU HAVE TONS OF JOY and if you donot LET US MAKE SOME TOGETHER!

ANY IDEAS for finding JOY please leave in the comments BELOW!

That would be a GOOD TOPIC for a BLOG POST!

Let’s get the WHEELS OILED WITH SOME IDEAS!

HUGS TO YOU,

XXX

YOUR CONTESSA

TO LEAVE A COMMENT KEEP SCROLLING DOWNWARDS…………

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  • Ellie's friend
    · Reply

    May 24, 2026 at 9:19 PM

    Hi Elizabeth,

    Yes we met as friends of Ellie’s. I’m not sure how it happened but I found some 2016!!! emails between Ellie and me! I can tell you i was misty-eyed reading them!
    No I’m sure she would not be impressed by the state of things now…

    It brings me great joy to see wild birds soaring overhead and butterflies too. Clear blue skies and no forest fire smoke rank right there. And flowers. Your Graham Thomas rose looks just like Golden Celebration.

    best of luck on the heart rehab — after all the heart is a muscle so improvement is possible!

    • La Contessa
      · Reply

      Author
      May 31, 2026 at 12:33 PM

      Ann!
      Yes we did meet there in Ellie’s outstanding blog comment section!
      I received your card yesterday for the book!Lovely photography!
      Glad you could ENJOY IT!
      Xxx

      • ellie's friend
        · Reply

        May 31, 2026 at 7:43 PM

        glad you got the card. Unusual to get that close to the bluebird. He was preoccupied with a rival male! It’s really rainy here so i’m going to sit and look at the book. thanks again.

  • Judy Truex Reed
    · Reply

    May 21, 2026 at 11:01 AM

    I don’t remember how we first met, but what a joy for me that we did.
    We are having similar heart issues, but we both enjoy the same things. You make it such a pleasure to read your emails, we love the same colors, cooking, gardening, clothes. I delight in hearing from you. You make me want to try harder to enjoy this life we have.

    Love you Contessa,
    Judy

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      May 22, 2026 at 11:45 AM

      Judy,
      Well, you made my week by telling me all these things!!!I know we have a LOVE of COWS and I believe you have a VIEW of them!We must find JOY in each and every day……………HANG IN THERE!I had incredibly good news the other day regarding my BNP level.Which I am hesitant to BELIEVE……………so you know I will be DRILLING THE CARDIOLOGIST ON TUESDAY!
      BIG HUGS TO YOU!
      XOXO

  • Stephanie D
    · Reply

    May 20, 2026 at 5:43 PM

    How was I introduced to you? I wish I could remember, but I do recall that I was smitten as soon I saw your home and garden and your colorful self!
    What brings me joy is very much the same as you. My husband, children and grandchildren – my dogs, my garden, fluffing my home and reading wonderful books.
    I’m pulling for you my friend…optimistic for your new cardiac therapy!
    xx
    S.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      May 22, 2026 at 11:49 AM

      SMITTEN is one of MY FAVORITE WORDS!I do recall I was THRILLED because you lived in LAGUNA BEACH, which I knew from my childhood days!We do get JOY from the same things……………..thanks I’m enjoying the classes very much.Cant say I’m beating any records and my Blood pressure goes DOWN after all the exercise to very low levels But I DO LIKE THE PEOPLE!
      XXX

  • Heidi
    · Reply

    May 20, 2026 at 1:37 PM

    Hi Elizabeth,
    I’m finally catching up reading all of my emails. Sunday morning I wrenched my back and I have been immobile since. I’ve been in so much pain. X-rays didn’t show much unusual except for a slight tear between the discs in my lower back. I’m not taking the painkillers or muscle relaxant prescribed by the dr. I hate all of that. Just using Ice, heat and Motrin, I’m laying around feeling useless. Ugh!
    I do love seeing the beautiful roses in your garden and yes, all of that trimming your husband is doing probably came as a shock to you after the lush hillside you’ve been used to, but it’s better to be safe. We have to do the same thing on our property every year. It always grows back!
    The ocean my flowers, my kittens, my home, my beautiful daughters. my art practice, all bring me joy. So many other things actually! I try to find it every day in small ways.
    Wishing you joy today!
    Xo Heidi

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      May 22, 2026 at 11:51 AM

      OH HEIDI!
      Back pain is NO FUN AT ALL!I had it for months after the SICILY SLIP last JUNE!!
      DO the ICE FREQUENTLY even though the heat feels BETTER!I feel for YOU!BE KIND to YOURSELF!YOU have a wedding to PLAN!
      XXX

  • Rosemarie
    · Reply

    May 19, 2026 at 1:05 PM

    Hi there CONTESSA
    You looked great behind the wheel of the quad! Fun visit you had.
    Beans and rice – my Jamaican friends used to make that.
    Joy – there is so much I find that brings one joy – connecting with nature – friends – animals – reading your blog brings a smile to one’s face.
    Glad to read that you’re in a program re your heart. You have so much to share we need the drs to keep it beating!

    • La Contessa
      · Reply

      Author
      May 19, 2026 at 4:05 PM

      Rosemarie!
      That would be nice if they can do that for me!Have to say I enjoy the people there but it’s really slow going!!I think I’m the only one who has not had a procedure!!!I will keep you all updated as I work my way through the summer months!
      Xxx

  • Kathy in NC
    · Reply

    May 18, 2026 at 7:26 PM

    Hi Elizabeth. You had a fab Mother’s Day! Your flowers are grand – a bit of paradise outside your front door. I watched Remarkably Bright Creatures this week too – I doubt the story is true but everything Marcellus did (like the ability to get in and out of his tank adeptly) is true. I love the Monterey Aquarium – been there with my son and now with my grandson. What brings me daily joy are (1) having my Apple Home Pod on the kitchen counter playing my 1500 favorite songs playlist from the 50s thru the 2020s – plus next to it (2) having my digital frame display photos of my grandson, family, my childhood, flowers and birds at my feeder. I believe that I was fortunate enough to find you after the Preppy Empty Nester recommended Ellie O’Connell’s blog – and then from Ellie’s blog I found you (or vice versa). I will be in Sunnyvale this week and will text you. x/o ~Kathy in NC

    • La Contessa
      · Reply

      Author
      May 19, 2026 at 4:01 PM

      Kathy have a safe flight!
      You will be in grandson HEAVEN!
      I await your text or call!
      Xxx

  • PPPno
    · Reply

    May 18, 2026 at 3:24 PM

    Ma Chere Contessa,
    You look radiant in the same glowing way your roses do!
    I’m happy to see you joyful and healthy looking. I hope your heart therapy works well.
    I wish you had taken a pic of that leather chest at your son’s home! After that enticing description I
    wanted a look!
    What a lovely garden, it’s a wonder. All that work bears pays off with spectacular blooms.
    Thanks for sharing the beauty and joy.
    Love your post today!
    As always it made me smile.?
    A shopping spree sounds delightful!
    Love,
    Ruby’s mom

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      May 18, 2026 at 5:53 PM

      PPPNO MORE………..I need to check in with you too!I hope things are moving along in a good way!I’m sure Ruby is keeping you on your toes!Plus, your little guy!
      Time is flying by…………….I got the shopping spree in on Saturday!!!
      XXX

  • 1010ParkPlace
    · Reply

    May 18, 2026 at 8:11 AM

    You look wonderful, Elizabeth, and I pray the heart rehab does wondrous miracles for you…. You’re on my prayer list. You’re always so brave about your situation, and you give me strength about my heart problems. A few weeks ago, I had a three-hour heart procedure where they went up both arteries on either side of my groin with a camera and a flamethrower. That’s my name for the heat source they used to destroy the AFib cells in my heart. It will be 3-4 months for my heart to recover before we know if the procedure was successful. Here’s to healthy hearts for both of us. Sending you much love, Brenda

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      May 18, 2026 at 5:50 PM

      BRENDA,
      Good grief……….a FLAME THROWER?I had that procedure done years ago without the flamethrower.Mine had a camera.I have never heard of zapping the A-FIB cells!
      I hope it works for you!I was awake during the procedure slightly out of it!I always recall my cardiologist had on dirty white sneakers!I reminded him of that for years!
      I will call you and check in…………XXX

  • Dawn
    · Reply

    May 18, 2026 at 6:42 AM

    I always enjoy your posts and look forward to reading them. I don’t remember how I found your blog many years ago but I’m glad I did. You bring lots of joy to all of us out here. I really like the movie. Sally Field was excellent and I do remember her from the Flying Nun. I wish you a wonderful summer and hope the heart rehab does the trick.
    DAwn

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      May 18, 2026 at 5:45 PM

      THANKS DAWN……………..the movie was so refreshing to me.A talking octopus and a cleaning lady WHO CARES for her surroundings!It had a few LIFE LESSONS to give.
      I wish TV movies would go back to FAMILY LIFE and interactions.I’m so tired of the Police shows and gun violence.But thats just me.
      XXX

  • Jill James
    · Reply

    May 17, 2026 at 11:05 PM

    A beautiful May in your garden with your wonderful roses. May in your garden is November in mine.
    Looks like a lovely Mother’s Day up north with your son .
    Chartreuse is my favourite colour , I do wish it wasn’t so hard to find here.
    Wishing you all the best for your heart appointments.
    Reading your blog always adds joy to my world .

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      May 18, 2026 at 5:41 PM

      Jill,
      I do not think I knew that!I will have to find something CHARTREUSE to send YOU! It is a hard color to find that is for sure!You look fabulous today in your instagram photo!I have that same HAT!
      THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE!
      XXX

  • Janie Taylor
    · Reply

    May 17, 2026 at 8:32 PM

    So happy to know you are doing well! Your emails have always brought me joy, a smile and often a chuckle. Thank you for sharing bits of your journey with us!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      May 18, 2026 at 5:38 PM

      JANIE,
      Thanks for following along!Glad I can make you laugh!That means I am doing something RIGHT!
      XXX

  • D.A Squires
    · Reply

    May 17, 2026 at 8:05 PM

    The glorious month of May!! I love that song from Camelot… music from the great Broadway shows of years ago can bring joy : ) And it is unfolding at the Contessa’s casa… your roses are divine, just amazing.. and your grand dog a pure love, and your day trip just perfect for Mother’s Day.. which brings me to what others have said.. YOU BRING THE JOY TO US!! XOXO
    PS I just read that Betty White (and watch anything she was in for more joy : ) wanted to be a Forest Ranger when she graduated from high school, but they did not accept women. All inspired by her love of animals, which was her lifelong passion and work… what a beautiful person she was.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      May 18, 2026 at 5:36 PM

      YES, Betty WHITE was a HOOT and a BIG ANIMAL LOVER……….
      Remember her on MAUDE or was that another show?The three older woman what was that called?!Music in general brings me joy and calms me down.ANY OPERA immediately has an affect on me.The BROADWAY SHOWS……….like A CHORUS LINE make me want to sing!We sure lived in THE BEST OF TIMES!!
      XXX

  • Rita
    · Reply

    May 17, 2026 at 7:15 PM

    As Laura commented, your blog brings me joy.
    Spending time by the beach always brings me joy, in any weather. Making homemade gnocchi brings me joy as it’s the one meal everyone eats and loves. Hoping the treatment for your heart is a big success.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      May 18, 2026 at 5:30 PM

      Rita , we had gnocchi last night but I didnot make it!I bet it’s delicious home-made!
      I think it’s my favorite comfort food!Besides ice cream!Yes, the beach is a special place.THANK YOU!I hope it can get me to LOVE WALKING and not feel so light headed when I exert myself!
      XXX

  • Laura
    · Reply

    May 17, 2026 at 11:34 AM

    Your blog brings me joy – love the fashion, flowers and flair ?
    May you have a restorative summer!
    thank you,
    Laura

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      May 18, 2026 at 8:28 AM

      LAURA,
      Well, that makes me feel good!I’m off to class this morning……………..XXX

  • Christine G
    · Reply

    May 17, 2026 at 10:57 AM

    I found you via your comments on Ellie O’Connell’s blog Have Some Decorum. I was intrigued by your USE OF CAPS, and was charmed by your blog and Instagram. I was sad when your first Instagram page was lost, as your vintage photos of your mother and aunt, and their homes, were so fascinating to me.

    Your pages are still a joy to visit. You are one-of-a-kind and I appreciate all that you share with us. Thank you!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      May 18, 2026 at 8:25 AM

      OH CHRISTINE!
      I often think about ELLIE and what she would have to say about the STATE of our world now!MY caps were born from me talking with a HIGH PITCH voice and being excited about THINGS!I never meant to YELL………I hope you understood that!I wrote the way I spoke.I see Our Head Honcho likes to COPY ME, but he is YELLING verses me who is HAPPY!It was a unique way to write and I still do it!Yes, the antique goddess got hacked and I couldn’t get it back even with help!Made me so MAD!I have gone through a few names…………thinking about leaving the instagram platform as it does not fill my LUST for the people I want to engage with.It has changed SO much from the start and NOT FOR THE BETTER!Why can’t people leave well enough alone?
      My AUNTS homes were BEAUTIFUL and I realized that at a very young age.Plus, there were good stories there.
      I hear that often that I am ONE-OF-A-KIND!Which always makes me smile as
      I think of myself of one of the pack!!!
      Thank You for hanging in here with me for SO LONG!
      XXX

  • lisa thomson
    · Reply

    May 17, 2026 at 10:36 AM

    Looking beautiful, LA CONTESSA. Your mother’s day sounds like perfection. Mine was also lovely and heartfelt. I often find joy in listening to the ocean waves, or standing in themiddle of a forest. Indoors, I find joy in painting, crafting and journaling. Sending hugs to you and yours xoxo

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      May 18, 2026 at 8:15 AM

      I find JOY doing this BLOG!The writing and the photos………….
      I recently recalled I had a magazine that I sold monthly as a child!My father would take it to work and XEROX off the pages then I would compile them and staple to be mailed OUT!It was CALLED PET MAGAZINE!SOLD for 50 cents.I published once a month for like a year and a half maybe longer!!!I donot know what triggered that memory but I got such JOY from thinking about it!
      Happy your kids rose to the occasion!
      XOXO

      • lisa thomson
        · Reply

        May 18, 2026 at 8:53 AM

        Cute story! Sounds like something I would love to do as a child. Anything paper and staples or a glue stick LOL. Your pleasure in your blog truly shines as each post is so interesting and the photos gorgeous.

  • Judith
    · Reply

    May 17, 2026 at 8:56 AM

    You look especially relaxed in today’s photos, Contessa. Sounds like you had a wonderful Mothers Day. I always enjoy seeing your roses – your yellow one might be something else. My ‘Golden Celebration’ leans more towards a peachy color. Yours is splendid, whatever it is. It’s fun to see snippets of your casa – that brick floor is SO pretty. Best wishes with your cardiac rehab; a friend of mine recently completed it and reports that she feels better than ever. Enjoy the spring, something that brings both of us joy. Thank you for another interesting post.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      May 18, 2026 at 8:10 AM

      GRAHAN THOMAS!I think it’s GRAHAM………….you are right about the peachy color!
      I saw GRAHAM this weekend on A HOSTESS of a HUMBLE BUNGALOW BLOG and it HIT me!Thank You for telling me about your girlfriend!I like this feedback!
      XXX

  • Gina
    · Reply

    May 17, 2026 at 7:58 AM

    I’m so glad I found you on Homeworthy. You are a spot of sunshine…in Bryn Walker chartreuse, and others. Yes, the Sally Field movie was so pleasant. I didn’t read the book first, and have been told I should have. But, glad to have found the movie. Good luck with the therapy. will be thinking of you!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      May 18, 2026 at 8:07 AM

      CIAO GINA!
      That makes me HAPPY TOO you found me on HOMEWORTHY!
      I didnot read the book either but still enjoyed the MOVIE SO MUCH!Gave me a new appreciation for OCTOPUS!
      THANK YOU SO MUCH!
      XXX

  • Hilda
    · Reply

    May 17, 2026 at 6:53 AM

    Hello Elizabeth. That sounds like a wonderful visit with your son. I get joy from the smallest things, a good coffee with a friend, a walk along the coast, playing with my grandchildren… I firmly beleive it is those little moments that bring the most joy. Hoping the treatment for your heart brings better health for you. xxxx

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      May 18, 2026 at 8:05 AM

      I agree Hilda!It’s the LITTLE THINGS that give us so much JOY!
      You seem to stay very busy which is KEY TOO!I got to my favorite shop this past weekend so double JOY as we had the GRAND DOG DIESEL!
      XXX

  • Nita
    · Reply

    May 17, 2026 at 6:40 AM

    Beautiful! Thanks for the update. I did watch that Sally Fields movie and really enjoyed it too. I’ll be thinking about you this summer. I hope you feel better by the end of summer so you can really enjoy the fall.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      May 18, 2026 at 8:03 AM

      HELLO NITA!
      Glad you saw the SALLY FIELDS movie!That is our cup of tea!NOW That would be SOMETHING!I’m off to class TODAY!
      XXX

  • Gray
    · Reply

    May 17, 2026 at 6:26 AM

    So nice to see you and hear from you Contessa!
    Kudos to you for cutting down the brush. Sounds like it’s a no brainer for your area.
    Love all the beautiful roses. Thanks for a little joy today.
    I love how you find it where ever you can!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      May 18, 2026 at 8:00 AM

      Well, you were MY JOY this week announcing a comeback!I must put you on my BLOG so people can find YOU!Let’s work on that!I hope you got your questions answered about THAT ISLAND?Is that this summer?
      I do find JOY in LITTLE THINGS……………
      XXX

  • Vikki
    · Reply

    May 17, 2026 at 6:18 AM

    You look so fresh in your colors! I wish I were taller so I could carry off some of your fab outfits.
    I too have a husband that loves clippers! He gets a glazed look. In his eye and oh no!!!
    He’s getting older so not as much thank heavens.
    Ive given my daughter a few things and end up missing them too much and taking them back ha ha! I told her she will get them soon enough!!!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      May 18, 2026 at 7:56 AM

      VIKKI!
      YOU sound like me asking for MY STUFF BACK!Your trip to Mexico looks fabulous!
      We will catch up on your return!Can’t wait for the KENNETH REPORT!
      XXX

  • Donna
    · Reply

    May 16, 2026 at 7:15 PM

    Hi Elizabeth – thinking of you and sending you my best wishes for your heart re-hab. I hope it is helpful as I know you don’t like the other options. Joy is a choice we make every day. Choose joy.??

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      May 18, 2026 at 7:54 AM

      DONNA,
      YES, you are correct I donot want a TRANSPLANT and now have been told I am not a candidate because of the lungs!SO, the meds and the exercise NEED to STEP IT UP and GET ME IN GOOD SHAPE so I can finish off the 60’s with SPUNK AND LAUGHTER!I hope you are recuperating from TAX SEASON!
      A BIG HUG TO YOU!
      XXX

  • Laife
    · Reply

    May 16, 2026 at 5:37 PM

    Oh Elizabeth we are truly soul mates! I love Norma Kamali OMO (On My Own) label from the past and I have 2 of Bryan Walker pieces. I am still lusting after your garden and would love to grow those peonies as beautiful as yours. Very hot and humid here in Louisiana. I watched the Sally Field movie on Netflix a few days ago taking a break from my garden work and it was charming. Sending love and hugs your way and thank you for inspiring me! Glad you like the Camilla red beans….. Laife

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      May 18, 2026 at 7:51 AM

      LAIFE!
      Where do you find BRYN WALKER in LOUISIANA?Do you have a department store called DILLARDS close by?I know they sell to them!I actually got there on SATURDAY!We had gone out for a loaf of bread and I casually mentioned LETS GO TO BRYN WALKER!He said, “YES” and off we went!I was not dressed to be seen but at the moment I did not care I was OUT AND ABOUT and it was a BEAUTIFUL DAY!
      I toured hastily and had to try a few items……….came home with ONLY ONE BAG!That shop gives me JOY!Plus, the sales associates always remember me by name!If I felt better and lived a bit closer I would LOVE TO WORK THERE!
      XXX

  • Cara S. FL
    · Reply

    May 16, 2026 at 4:09 PM

    We have lots of joy right now, having rescued a Mama cat and her FIVE kittens. They are so rambunctious, adorable, and endlessly entertaining. They’re all over the living room and one is now able to climb out of the play pen.
    Two of the five (the boys) have some sort of mild eye virus, but we’re happy to see.are getting better daily with the remedies prescribed by our homeopathic vet.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      May 18, 2026 at 7:46 AM

      CARA,
      WELL, YOU just gave me LOADS OF JOY hearing this!Thank You for taking them all in!Animals can be THE BEST entertainment!!!I have the Grand dog and he is constant entertainment this past weekend!
      XXX

  • Judith Sharpe
    · Reply

    May 16, 2026 at 12:17 PM

    Hello Contessa,

    You sound to have been having a fun time which you definitely needed after letting the Italian loose on your garden! We also have to be very careful of fire hazards here so have cut our pasture and strimmed around the house.

    It’s hard to say goodbye to all the wild flowers before they’re even all had a chance to bloom.

    We have guests coming to stay next week. We’re picking them up from Seville airport on Monday. We have been busily getting the place ready. The pool is now clean, painted and ready to be filled.

    I have prepared a fish lasagna and a chicken fennel & potato traybake and have stowed them in the freezer. I like to be organised in advance so I’m not stuck in the kitchen, missing out on the conversation. Getting ready for guests brings me so much joy!

    I do hope your treatment goes well – you will be like Super Woman after 10 weeks of treatment, I’m sure.

    Sending you hugs, as ever.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      May 18, 2026 at 7:43 AM

      What fish did you use in your Lasagna?I make a Salmon one!
      What is a tray bake?I like the sound of that!!Lucky guests arriving at your CASA IN SPAIN!!
      Superwoman NEVER but I’ll give it all I have.So far have heard from THREE people on social media that had only positive things to say about it!
      Today I have a class before they start exercising us.
      Enjoy your company!
      Thank You!
      XXX

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