COFFEE CHATTER ANYONE?

March 19, 2019 77 Comments

LATELY I have been STARVED for COMPANY.

MY home phone only rings with solicitors.

DOES THAT HAPPEN TO YOU?

THE amount of RAIN has gotten to me too.I know I have NOTHING TO COMPLAIN about but let me WHINE A MOMENT!

THE RAIN HAD BEEN HERE FOR DAYS AND NOW IS COMING BACK!!!

AT LEAST OUR STATE IS OUT OF A DROUGHT, which it’s been in for YEARS!

For that I am VERY HAPPY!

I can spend SUMMER evenings watering MY GARDEN ONCE AGAIN!

LOVE THE TONQUE OUT ON WINSTON HERE!

WHAT A CAPTURE ELAINE!!!!!!

THIS is HYSTERICAL as I am NOT UNDERSTANDING DIRECTIONS!

I think I ended up GETTING IT but MAYBE NOT!

THIS IS RUBY THE CHICKEN. SHE JUST ARRIVED IN MY DRIVEWAY ONE DAY!

ANYONE MISSING A CHICKEN?

NOT GIVING HER BACK NOW!

I SCOOPED HER UP AND THAT WAS THE END OF THE WANDERING CHICKEN ON OUR STREET!

NO this ISNOT VOQUE OR TOWN&COUNTRY SHOOTING but it’s all so FUN AND EXCITING!

I promise to SHARE once it comes OUT!

THE PERKS OF BLOGGING IS YOU GET EVERYTHING FROM POSTCARDS TO POEMS!

“I had written you a poem last YEAR but got so distracted preparing to move to Florida that I totally forgot to send it to you! I just found it in my notes on my phone again and couldn’t believe I hadn’t sent it yet!! I write so many poems all the time and forget I even wrote them in the first place!!

And guess what!! I might be moving to San Francisco soon if I decide to go to a film school there but it is still up in the air! I will keep you updated if I do!

I hope this homeopathic diet starts to help your episodes and heart too! Remember to breathe! And when I move I will send you a printed copy of the poem!

Happy and HEALTHY New Year and love to you, your family and BAnksy!!!!”
Xoxoxo

Auntie mame!
The greatest dame
Living her life with a spirit untamed
Circling the globe with her jewels in tow
Layered upon her black velvet bow
And we can’t forget Banksy
Her grandpiggy baby
Who grunts and snorts when approaching her
The charming, magical pig whisperer
Her lovely abode is a sight to see
With decadent fixtures waiting for thee
Lit up as she boils her imperial tea
In her blue and white chinoiserie
Over yonder the Italian cries out,
“Banksy’s wreaked havoc!
Where is my chocolate? He surely must have it!”
Laughter ensues over the poor little pig
He has made a mess all over the bed!
Auntie mame loves her kin
And an award she should win
On the merit of being royally and regally herself
Inspiring others to find the dame in oneself

SO POETRESSA WILL YOU BE MOVING TO San Francisco?

THIS CONTESSA NEEDS TO KNOW!

I tend to READ a FEW BLOGS on a REGULAR BASIS.I thought it would BE NICE of ME TO SHARE those from TIME TO TIME! I will start doing that on a regular basis………maybe CONTESSA CHATTER needs to become a Bi-MONTHLY POST?

ONE THAT HAS REALLY CAUGHT MY EYE is FLYING WITH HANDS

She is from SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA and is MARRIED TO AN ITALIAN!

SHE HAS A GRAND VOCABULARY and a GREAT SENSE of HUMOR!

Plus, she is fairly NEW to this BLOG THING so will YOU PLEASE POP OVER and SIGN UP if what YOU SEE INTERESTS YOU!YOU can also find her on INSTAGRAM as she calls herself PIPISTRELLO.I believe that means “LITTLE BAT!”CARE to explain in the COMMENTS PIPISTRELLO?

HER 1950’s Leopard Raincoat above!

SWOONING!

ANOTHER GRAND AFFAIR THAT HAS HAPPENED TO ME is I was contacted by a BLOGGER in BOGOTA, COLOMBIA to be interviewed on HIS BLOG!

THANK YOU GERMAN MALAVER!

YOU MADE MY MONTH!

He did all the ENGLISH TRANSLATION TOO!!!

HERE IS THE INTERVIEW…………Click on the LINK BELOW!

YOU MAY LEARN A BIT MORE ABOUT ME!

He sent this photo to me on WOMEN’S DAY, MARCH 8th with added COLOR!

LINK TO INTERVIEW!

THE ITALIAN Brought home his CREW last week and made a PATH to THE CHICKEN COOP!

BOY, OH BOY do I love this as it has STEPPED THE THIRD TERRACE UP A NOTCH!

The dirt will be planted in PENNY ROYAL as it was before.

“However, the pennyroyal plant itself, as the most pungent member of the mint family, may have several good uses around your house. As a flea deterrent . Dried pennyroyal leaves can be scattered around pets’ bedding area, and you can roll up some fresh stems in your dog’s bandana before you go tromping through the woods.”

WHO KNEW THIS?

NOT ME WHEN I PLANTED 24 YEARS AGO!

BANKSY LOVES THE FRAGRANCE!!

I have NEVER FOUND A FLEA ON HIM!

I do NOT know which he likes BETTER the LEMON BALM or THE PENNY ROYAL!

YES, I have a PIGGY who LOVES GOOD FRAGRANCE!

I DOUSE his bed in LAVENDER OIL from time to time and HE GOES BALLISTIC!!!!!

(MEANING HE LOVES THE SCENT!)

Well, THAT’s ENOUGH ABOUT ME!

WHAT ARE YOU ALL UP TOO?

SPRING IS ALMOST HERE!!!!

TWO DAYS AND COUNTING!

CAN YOU TELL I AM THRILLED!

77 Comments

Leave your reply.

Lindsay
· Reply

April 15, 2019 at 10:27 PM

POETRESSA!! That shall be my new name! I can’t believe I missed this post! I’m so honored you shared it!!! The stars are aligned because I was just ruminating over this poem YESTERDAY and how I still need to make it pretty to send off so that you can frame it like a reader said! Xoxoxo
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 17, 2019 at 9:04 AM
  
  OH, I WOULD ADORE THAT!!!
  XOXO
Penelope Bianchi
· Reply

March 29, 2019 at 10:08 AM

Love the new path! Going to plant penny royal! Glamorous you!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 29, 2019 at 10:37 AM
  
  LIKES SHADE TOO!!!!!
  XX
The Style Crone
· Reply

March 27, 2019 at 6:37 PM

Another wonderful post! It’s always great fun to visit your world!
DA Squires
· Reply

March 24, 2019 at 9:29 AM

The one advantage to being late is being able to see, in a sweeping glance, who has come before (as in arriving late to the party)… your readers are all so interesting… I love reading their comments and still swooning over the POEM…it is perfection… needs to be framed in that gorgeous fruit-filled frame and embellished w/ art by one of your artist friends : ) Recently heard some musings by Old Blue Eyes on Seriously Sinatra…he was talking about The Lady is a Tramp… to listen to the lyrics… that contrary to what is implied by the word, she is a woman of great allure and style, self-possessed, very much in control of her own life and I was reminded of that great word– Dame. Anyway, you need an agent PRONTO, but now an international one. The interview as fabulouso!! And just subscribed to Pipistrella… I have the same (or close) pair of shoes as she is wearing in photo, so now must I find a leopard raincoat to match : )
Adore your photo shoot, the chicken who appeared on your property (Animals DO know about people), the new stone path… i.e. everything… XOXO
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 25, 2019 at 8:00 AM
  
  YOU ARE NEVER LATE HERE!
  I am just SO THRILLED YOU CHECK IN EVERY POST!
  I AGREE the COMMENTS CAN BE SO FUN………..and YOU are SPOT ON the VISITORS are ALL SO DIFFERENT!I think YOU will enjoy PIPISTRELLO as her wit and writing skills are RIGHT UP YOUR ALLEY!
  XOXO
Tamera Beardsley
· Reply

March 23, 2019 at 8:30 AM

Such a joyous post darling!! And you are right, how ironic we both have poems written about us in our current post! I just love the line she wrote …

“Inspiring others to find the dame in themselves” . You certainly do my dear! I couldn’t have said it better myself!!

Can’t wait to hear more about your photo shoot my dear! These pictures are absolutely magnificent!

I will be thinking of you when I am at Chateau Bel Age today for the sketching! I will be wishing you were there … as I did Tuesday at Andrea’s!

Sending you sunny hugs from SoCal my friend!

xoxo
Tamera Beardsley
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 25, 2019 at 7:56 AM
  
  THAT IS A GOOD LINE!!!!!!!
  I WANT to see YOUR SKETCH from SATURDAYS EVENTS……DID you see DAME ZANDRA RHODES whilst you were sailing through the GOODS at THE CHATEAU!??
  WHAT TREASURES did you find?!!
  I looked into flying in for THE DAY but TOO COSTLY!
  MUST get down there soon!
  XX
Never Mind Donna
· Reply

March 21, 2019 at 11:03 AM

Wish you lived closer!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 21, 2019 at 6:15 PM
  
  ME TOO………maybe I NEED TO VISIT!!!!!!!!!
  SOON!!!!!!!
  XX
1010ParkPlace
· Reply

March 21, 2019 at 8:45 AM

I’m a veritable hermit. Just me and Annie, and I’m trying to keep her out of my tiny strip of yard in the back. It was just sodded Monday, so I’m hoping it takes and once again, I have green grass. Love the anti flea tips! Thank you!! The poem is delightful and I’m going to pop over and read the blog about you! My friend, the star! The glamorous gal in the fabulous caftans and the gorgeous jewelry! My love to you and the Italian! xoxox, Brenda
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 21, 2019 at 9:12 AM
  
  VERY EXCITING about the SOD!!!!!!!
  NO STAR HERE JUST A CHARACTER in a GOWN!
  Somewhere I fell off the BUS……….But as my dear friend says “YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN LIKE THIS YOU HAVEN’T CHANGED A BIT!”
  Thrilled you are writing a BOOK!
  Hope you share tidbits in your blog…………XO
Eugenia Russell Hargrove
· Reply

March 20, 2019 at 5:40 PM

Contessa,
Happy first day of spring, an appropriate day for me to make an overdue visit. I can tell you look thrilled! And always stunning in fabulous colors, especially chartreuse.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 21, 2019 at 9:08 AM
  
  THRILLED BEYOND!!!!!!!!!XX
lisa thomson
· Reply

March 20, 2019 at 5:17 PM

Hello and happy Spring, Contessa! Love the photos of you in that chartreuse gown. You are so regal and beautiful. Love the poem written by your fan or is it actually your niece? It perfectly describes you and put a big smile on my face. Happy spring to Banksy as well xx.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 21, 2019 at 9:08 AM
  
  I DONOT HAVE A NIECE!!!
  SO, It is by a READER who is YOUNG!!!!
  SEEMS I ATTRACT ALL AGES!!!!!!!!
  THE SUN IS OUT now to head outside and check the garden with coffee in hand!I’m certain I will have MY TEAM at my SIDE!BANKSY, WINSTON and maybe even THEODORE!
  XX
Heidi
· Reply

March 20, 2019 at 2:53 PM

Hi Elizabeth,
I get that lonely feeling every once in awhile too! Especially not being used to all the rain and the feeling of being cooped up. Haven’t had my morning beach walk in awhile, but the sun will be shining soon and then I’ll probably feel like it’s too warm! Oh well.
My husband had been away for a family emergency, my daughter (who lives near by and my best friend) was out of town on business, I had 12 days just me and my little dog to keep me company. It was good at first with all the freedom, and then I got sort of down. Sadly my husband’s sister passed away while he was there with her, so that’s awful and heartbreaking, and we’re all dealing with the grief.
But, while I had so much time to myself I began experimenting with a new-to-me medium, oil pastel, and messing around with new watercolor and acrylics painting techniques, preparing for several shows coming up in the summer, a new and exciting collaboration with a Bay Area fashion designer who is printing some of my paintings on fabric and making one-of-a-kind garments (wow, so fancy), and teaching classes and preparing for some upcoming workshops. And today we had our gardeners back for the first time this year, and everything is so green and neat and tidy again, lovely to see after a bedraggled messy wet Winter! So now you are all caught up on my “chatter”! I like the idea of you making the subject a regular feature on your blog!
I hope you are feeling strong and healthy. I’d love a trip to Filoli with you soon! The Spring bulbs are magnificent this year, we shouldn’t miss the display!
Xo Heidi
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 21, 2019 at 9:03 AM
  
  VERY SORRY ABOUT YOUR SISTER in LAW!SO, GOOD your HUSBAND dropped everything and went!!!
  YOU ARTISTS have SO MUCH TO PLAY WITH!!!
  I need to get my artistry GOING in THE HOUSE and clean a DRAWER or FIVE!
  Today I pick up the glass for the frame so by this weekend if NOT BEFORE I WILL HAVE YOUR PAINTING PLACED!!!!!!PHOTO will me sent off to YOU has soon as that happens!!!!!
  I cannot THANK YOU ENOUGH I LOVE IT!
  XOXO
Lisa the Sequinist
· Reply

March 20, 2019 at 1:53 PM

What magnificent photos, as always, Elizabeth! You look radiant and healthy, which I HOPE is the case. You are a golden goddess in that dress. What an exciting week you’ve had… I think if I had phoned you or surprised you for coffee chat, you would have been so busy taking photographs and doing interviews that you wouldn’t have had time 🙂 I can’t even imagine you starved for company, but I DO wish I could pop in for coffee and cuddles with all of your animals.

I am off to investigate your blog recommendation. Lisa xx
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 21, 2019 at 8:59 AM
  
  I WOULD LOVE A CALL FROM YOU!
  XX
kim
· Reply

March 20, 2019 at 9:16 AM

You look amazing in the yard in all your colors!! I have to see your new path. I love the free-form. Soon we will be having more sun. I am not ready after 4 beautiful days for more rain. I am so glad you are getting gifts from all over. You brighten my day too and I need to get up there and see you.. As soon as I get a second from all this house remodel stuff I am losing my mind. I will pop over and visit this blog- LOVE that raincoat!! Hugs to you xoxox
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 21, 2019 at 6:13 PM
  
  YOU BETTER VISIT THAT BLOG CAUSE I’m GOING TO QUIZ YOU when YOU VISIT!!!!!
  REMODELS DO THAT TO US WOMEN……….DID IT ONCE and WILL NEVER DO IT AGAIN!!!!!!!
  XX
Lynda Ashley
· Reply

March 20, 2019 at 8:43 AM

Dear Contessa,
Your posts ALWAYS make my day! And you are always a visual delight.
Thank you.
LA CONTESSA
· Reply

March 20, 2019 at 8:31 AM

VIA EMAIL:
I so love reading about your life! You are such an interesting woman!
Keep writing!
Happy Spring!
Rosemarie
· Reply

March 20, 2019 at 8:10 AM

Good morning Contessa

I got a chuckle re your phone only rings with solicitors. We too have been getting odd phone calls – Texas – I don’t know anyone in Texas – so haven’t been picking up the calls.

It’s been extremely hot here the last couple of days – but cold/flu is going around so haven’t been able to enjoy the days in Mother Nature.

Love all the pics. No chickens in our yard – but we do get lots of birds – bird feeders are out.

Love the path – you/animals will enjoy it immensely – thanks for the suggestion of the mint. Summer in your garden is going to be amazing.

HAPPY SPRING
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 20, 2019 at 8:26 AM
  
  THANK YOU FOR THE POSTCARDS!
  ONE FROM MEXICO JUST ARRIVED A FEW DAYS AGO!!!!!!!!!!
  HOW IS THE HUSBAND FEELING?
  XX
Lisa White
· Reply

March 20, 2019 at 7:41 AM

WINSTON is looking at Ruby in a way that suggests he has plans for her….hmmm. If you see Winston hanging around the Chicken Coop….count those chickens twice…he may be hiding one behind Banksy. Love the blog recommendations and will be checking those out. Also, your portrait is gorgeous. Well, I need to get a move on… heading to Springfield for the Pro-Life Rally
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 20, 2019 at 8:28 AM
  
  AND RUBY caught WINSTONS INTENTIONS and did not want me to put HER DOWN!!!
  YOU will LOVE PIPISTRELLO!
  XX
Mary Ann Pickett
· Reply

March 20, 2019 at 7:38 AM

Penny Royal…who knew??? I need some for Chief. Can I plant it in an indoor planter?
That walkway looks great and I just love that last photo of you!!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 20, 2019 at 8:25 AM
  
  I DONOT think it will GROW inside!BUT I have plenty I will BRING TO THE TRAVELING HOUND!!!!
  XX
Diana Amato
· Reply

March 20, 2019 at 7:00 AM

I wish you could see the big smile you put on my face this morning! I played hooky on Monday morning and drove an hour and a half north to Lake Elsinore to see the California Golden Poppy Super Bloom. And it was worth the effort! I hiked upwards until I could touch the sky and looked around to see nothing but waves of golden poppies. It was magical. Rain is in the forecast for today. So, I will be editing and writing recipes.
Tanti baci, Cara Contessa

Sempre,
Zingara
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 20, 2019 at 7:30 AM
  
  SO IT WAS YOU WHO SENT ME THAT TEXT A FEW MINUTES AGO OF THE HILLS COVERED IN POPPIES!!!?
  XOXO
Celia Becker @ www.AfterOrangeCounty.com
· Reply

March 20, 2019 at 6:19 AM

Contessa, how lucky you are to be now famous in poetic words as well as in foreign lands. No need to feel lonely or shut in, as you are traveling the world vicariously. But I do know what you mean by feeling dreary from all this poor weather. We are expecting snow yet again here on my California mountain top tonight! NO! This is not Spring!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 20, 2019 at 8:19 AM
  
  STRANGE WEATHER INDEED for US SPOILED CALIFORNIANS!
  THANK you for answering my question about the houses!!
  She knew I loved that movie about AUNTIE MAME!!!!!!!
  SO SWEET OF HER!
  XX
Jeanne Henriques
· Reply

March 20, 2019 at 6:00 AM

I love coffee chatter Elizabeth! I can’t wait to see what your surprise is and thought it was hilarious that the ITALIAN…was screaming abouth something Banksy had gotten into! Love your new path…what a guy! Wishing you a glorious day Elizabeth. So glad you all are finally out of the drought and can water your garden again. I hope you will show photos as your garden comes into full bloom. I say…at the prospect of rain…buy some gorgeous wellies or a fabulous umbrella. I know you would put your own wonderful spin on it….and we would love it!
Jeanne xx
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 20, 2019 at 8:17 AM
  
  THAT time in the morning when the house is quiet(BANKSY has finished his CHEERIOS)and you have THAT CUP in your HANDS is MY FAVORITE TIME OF DAY!This morning I got a call from an old friend just as I had sat down with my CUPPA!
  IT was perfect!
  Banksy’s latest TRICK is to LIFT the DOOR off the 18C FRENCH cabinet!!!HE just has to put his nose under the door and go up and off it comes!THAT IS A BIG NO NO AND THE ITALIAN has had WORDS WITH HIM!Hopefully, LESSON LEARNED!
  XX
Mary
· Reply

March 20, 2019 at 5:40 AM

Guess who? We’re just coming out of our “tana” as Spring does exist and is about to arrive (FINALLY!). Let’s have a phone visit (SOON!). XOXO
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 20, 2019 at 8:12 AM
  
  CIAO BELLA!
  ALHORA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  IO CHIAMARE PRESTO!!!!!
  XX
Ellie's friend
· Reply

March 20, 2019 at 3:59 AM

Great interview with the Colombian! I suggest you and THE Italian need to find a desert somewhere (California has them, right?) and go right after the rain stops. Then the desert will come alive and you will be surrounded by blooms everywhere! A great experience but not common I should think!

You know we used to drop in on friends (neighbours) or be dropped in on by friends and just share an hour over coffee or tea and chat. No-one does that anymore, it seems. I know how you’re feeling starved for company.

What have I been up to? Some historical research for a little local history project. The good thing about the research is that I’ve met some really interesting people including one who is doing very similar research and is sharing everything with me. I want to get it done before the archives moves to the university where it will be in a huge building hard for me to negotiate distances.

I stood outside the museum in the extreme cold waiting for my ride but it was late and my knee started to hurt badly. Once warmed up it was fine but the next day both knees were excruciatingly painful so my physio said to stay in bed for a few days. I can now walk again but with pain.

It has gone from -30º to +30ºF within a week and all the snow is melting. My yard is shady so it will take a bit longer but I can now see the plants in my rock garden. It was positively balmy outside today.

That’s what I’ve been up to (or not up to!). I hope some interesting chit-chat comes your way soon.

Can hardly wait to see your garden in bloom photos.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 21, 2019 at 6:11 PM
  
  DO NOT STAND OUTSIDE FOR YOUR RIDE!!!!!!!
  OH MY GOODNESS WE NEED YOU ON THE MEND!!!!!
  YES our parents time PEOPLE STOPPED BY TO VISIT!!!!!!
  LETS BRING THAT BACK SHALL WE and THE GRAND TOUR in EUROPE!!!!!!!!!!!!
  How shall we MAKE THIS HAPPEN?
  ANY IDEAS?!!!
  SUN IS OUT!!!!!!!!!
  PLANTS ARE LOVING IT!!!!!!
  XOXO
  - Ellie's friend
    · Reply
    
    March 23, 2019 at 12:04 PM
    
    the grand tour to Europe sounds great! I notice that someone here went to see the superbloom of poppies! The desert will be beautiful! Not to be missed! I am looking forward to having some Painted Lady butterflies migrate up from California. Should happen this year.
Valerie Lee
· Reply

March 19, 2019 at 9:49 PM

Adore you and your spring musings ! Thank you for sharing your home, your family and friends ! You are a delight to all that know you!
Speak soon !

Valerie
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 20, 2019 at 8:10 AM
  
  BACI back at YA!
  XX
debra @ 5th and state
· Reply

March 19, 2019 at 7:57 PM

famous indeed and definitely international!

I was chatting with my friend moving to the area. she said she was dreading it as she loves her home here but that one bit that keeps her going is meeting you.

all the love I can give
xo
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 20, 2019 at 8:10 AM
  
  OH DEAR!
  IT would be hard to UPROOT and move mid-LIFE!
  I’m waiting as I’m NOT GOING ANYWHERE!!!!!!
  Give her my phone number and we can chat before she arrives!!!
  Or better YOU give me her number and I will CALL HER!
  XX
Germán Malaver
· Reply

March 19, 2019 at 6:39 PM

Thanks so much ma’am you’re the best ! Thank you for believing in this project called Escribe Germador, you’ll always be welcome, I‘ll never have words to thank you for your time and dedication with which you granted the interview. I love you !!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 20, 2019 at 8:08 AM
  
  THANK YOU GERMAN it was FUN to answer your questions!YOU made me THINK!
  XX
cindy hattersley
· Reply

March 19, 2019 at 5:55 PM

It is so hard to keep up with your celebrity my dear. What will it be next Vogue? So glad I know and love the real contessa who is just a wonderful friend.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 20, 2019 at 8:06 AM
  
  VERY FUNNY!
  YOU are a DEAR FRIEND TO ME TOO!
  XX
Victoria
· Reply

March 19, 2019 at 5:24 PM

Contessa, love, love it when you blog! Have you ever taken a picture that wasn’t devine? Rhetorical question……I know you haven’t! Hope you are feeling better….I always wanted to have a chicken coop and fresh eggs! Wonder if that herb would grow in Savannah, it is soooo hot and humid here.
Keep posting! We all love hearing from you!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 19, 2019 at 5:45 PM
  
  IT Likes THE SHADE as well as SUN!SEEMS PRETTY HARDY!AS it comes back year after year with NO WATER FROM ME!Gives off a pretty Purple flower!
  DO YOU KNOW MY GREAT GRANDFATHER times 4 is BURIED THERE in that old cemetery in SAVANNAH!??
  ALSO there is a STATUE of HIM BIG STATUE in one of your ROUND ABOUTS!!!!!!!
  TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION YES MANY BAD PHOTOS TO GET ONE GOOD ONE!THAT double chin gets in the way!!!!XX
Pipistrello
· Reply

March 19, 2019 at 4:01 PM

Ciao Contessa,

What a nice little glad bag to enjoy with my morning tea (almost coffee!). Imagine having a poem written for you!! And that’s a very amusing picture of Winston licking his chops over chick’nz! You’re radiating sunshine in your outfit, and congrats to The Italian on your garden enhancement! Between you, you’ve got spring sorted…

Now thank you for a most surprising outing on your blog! Your enthusiasm for the toilings and diversions of others is unmatched, no matter how niche our blogs are. Mine is really only for my own amusement but to have the added delight of your Grand Patronage has been its own reward.

To answer your question, why Pipistrello? Mr P calls me that as I share my family’s unfortunate trait of large ears and they are accompanied by rather good hearing, rather to his consternation as, like a bat, I’ve been able to spring him getting up to mischief from a few rooms away. Though in all fairness, you can’t really hide the rustle of a crisp packet from any partner!!

I’m off to read your Colombian exposé!

Baci xx
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 19, 2019 at 5:48 PM
  
  I LOVE IT!
  THANK YOU for the EXPLANATION!I would NEVER have guessed YOU have BIG EARS by LOOKING at THOSE LEGS in the LEOPARD RAINCOAT!!!!!!!
  I hope a FEW PEOPLE WILL LISTEN TO ME AND WANDER OVER TO YOU!
  I ALWAYS LIKE IT WHEN PEOPLE LISTEN TO ME!!!!!!
  BACI back at YA……..XX
  - Louise
    · Reply
    
    March 20, 2019 at 8:53 AM
    
    Big ears! What a gift! If you look at pictures of the Buddha, he always has big ears, so it’s a good sign. In oriental diagnosis, large detached earlobes are a sign of a strong constitution. I have relatively large, flat ears and nice-sized detached earlobes. I consider them one of my best assets. And I show them off, especially to wholistic practitioners, wheather they want to see the or not!
    - Pipistrello
      · Reply
      
      March 21, 2019 at 4:58 PM
      
      Well, the old earlobes are not as Buddha-like as yours must be, which makes it hard to support the Contessa-style earrings I do covet but I like your approach, Louise. Big and Proud!!
- Eve
  · Reply
  
  March 20, 2019 at 8:43 AM
  
  You are the best.
  - Pipistrello
    · Reply
    
    March 21, 2019 at 5:09 PM
    
    Is that compliment for me, Eve?! If so, you are too kind & I’m blushing. If you mean Contessa, then I wholeheartedly agree! A healthy readership is not the aim of my little blog exercise but her endorsement has meant she is no longer able to sit comfortably on my sofa with my other 2 readers as I spout forth occasionally on what’s going on in my little world. Someone now has to take turns on the pouffe!
    - LA CONTESSA
      · Reply
      
      March 21, 2019 at 6:06 PM
      
      LOVE THIS!
      THE POUFFE will be come OUR CODE WORD!!!!!!!!!!
      ARE YOU WITH ME!!!!!??
      XO
Juliet
· Reply

March 19, 2019 at 3:55 PM

Penny Royal? I must look into it . . . if it’s of the mint family I’m sure it spreads and covers quickly. Have you been enjoying the past few days of glorious spring-like weather? I see more rain is coming, and I’m grateful for it, . . . BUT … enough is enough. I read the Bay Area has had more rain this winter than Seattle or Portland. What? Anyhoo . . . things have been very quiet for me too and I’d love to get together for lunch and catch up. I need your advice on the gardens of our new house . . . particularly the fountain. The sellers won’t move out until mid-April so I’m still dreaming and planning from afar. You meet the most interesting people . . . that poem! Hope it’s author moves to San Francisco. Looking forward to more CHATTER from the Contessa! xo
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 19, 2019 at 5:51 PM
  
  GUESS WHO I MET TODAY??!!!!!!
  CHRISTY TURLINGTON’S SISTER!!!!!!
  DO you know she grew up in Walnut Creek?
  DID YOU KNOW HER???????!!!!!!!
  I had NO IDEA when I met her but I did comment on HER LONG LEGS!!!!!JUST LIKE SISTA!!!!!
  YES, LUNCH SOON!
  I WOULD LOVE TO GIVE OPINION ON A FOUNTAIN!!!!!!!
  XX
Parnassus
· Reply

March 19, 2019 at 1:10 PM

Hello Contessa, Another interesting potpourri of a post. Even when you are rained out, your life seems to be filled with exciting events. I loved your interview on the Colombian blog–both the questions and the answers. I think you have done an excellent job of creating your own world, then letting your readers into it.
–Jim
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 19, 2019 at 5:54 PM
  
  THIS COMMENT MADE ME SMILE FROM EAR TO EAR………..THANK YOU!XX
- Bob Schulenberg
  · Reply
  
  March 20, 2019 at 5:45 PM
  
  The Colombian interview!!
  How terrific — and what a really inspiring conversation it was!
  Let’s make your lifestyle truly international. The world could be a much happier and more satisfying a place!
  You are reminding me to always see joy in everything!
  Be well – just keep on keeping on!
  
  PS: Ellie’s no longer with us but we have YOU!!
  - LA CONTESSA
    · Reply
    
    March 21, 2019 at 6:04 PM
    
    I WILL DO MY BEST BOB!!!
    THANK YOU for YOUR COMMENT!!!
    I LOVED HEARING FROM YOU!!!
    XX
- Bob Schulenberg
  · Reply
  
  March 20, 2019 at 6:07 PM
  
  The Colombian interview!!
  How terrific — and what a really inspiring conversation it was!
  Let’s make your lifestyle truly international. The world could be a much happier and more satisfying a place!
  You are reminding me to always see joy in everything!
  Be well – just keep on keeping on!
  ????
  PS: Ellie’s no longer with us but we have YOU!!
Loree
· Reply

March 19, 2019 at 1:10 PM

I absolutely love that last photo of you. Will look forward to your Contessa Chatter. you always share interesting blogs and help us all get to know each other better. I have writer’s block or something. I can’t seem to find my mojo. Or maybe it’s just laziness and a lack of enthusiasm, My country has changed so much in the last three years. Old buildings are being knocked down to make way for ugly apartments. Apparently the economy is booming but I do not like the way this place is changing. I find like I’ve lost the will to write about it and my life social life is almost non-existent so sometimes I struggle with what to share.
I only keep on going because of people like you who make me smile 😉
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 19, 2019 at 6:03 PM
  
  HANG IN THERE!
  YOU HAVE WHAT IS CALLED THE WINTER BLUES…………..
  INVITE TWO FAMILIES OVER FROM SONS SCHOOL!!!!!!JUST DO IT!
  I am SO SORRY ABOUT THE HISTORY being torn down!!!!!THAT would put me in a DEEP DIVE TOO!YOUR JOB is to PHOTOGRAPH as much as YOU CAN so YOU HAVE THE MEMORIES of what ONCE WAS!!!!
  DID you ever follow up with my idea of TOURIST BOOKS of your photos?
  IS there NO HERITAGE COMMITTEE?
  I think YOU will LOVE PIPISTRELLO!
  HANG IN THERE!!!!!!!
  BIG HUGS
  XX
Hilda Smith
· Reply

March 19, 2019 at 9:53 AM

I love your posts because as well as being enlightening, they are always so positive. Spring is in the air and I walked by the sea this am and played golf with a friend this afternoon and am going to play bridge tonight. It is good to be so busy in retirement. xxxx
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 19, 2019 at 5:56 PM
  
  I’ll SAY I’m TIRED ALREADY THINKING ABOUT YOUR DAY!!!!!!
  BUSY IS SO GOOD FOR US HUMANS!
  KEEP AT IT AND I WILL TRY TO STAY POSITIVO!!!!!!!
  I’m NOT ALWAYS!!!!!!!!
  XX
Sandra Sallin - Apart From My Art
· Reply

March 19, 2019 at 9:19 AM

What fun! Well, what have I been up to? I can now wear a bra. Trumpet sound. The world is happy about that. Not taking pain meds. Working on my new art website. Watching my plant grow by the minute. We had an influx of Painted Ladies Butterflies. Plus our son was down here to work on getting all the elements to create my new art website.

Have an almost Spring Day!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 19, 2019 at 5:18 PM
  
  SOUNDS LIKE YOU ARE ON THE MEND EMPRESS!!!!!!!!
  I cannot wait to see your NEW SITE for YOUR PAINTINGS!!!!!!
  XX
- Ellie's friend from Canada
  · Reply
  
  March 20, 2019 at 3:27 AM
  
  It’s exciting to hear about the Painted Ladies, Sandra. When there is a population explosion of them in California, they migrate further north so we see them, too! Maybe this year I’ll see sme! I visited your beautiful website to see if you’re from California. I never knew one could fall in love with dishcloths but I did! So lovely! Ann
Taste of France
· Reply

March 19, 2019 at 8:42 AM

Your gown (caftan?) is so dramatic. I am in admiration of your sense of flair.
It is only right that the stylish people of Colombia be informed about you.
I hope you’re feeling better.
I’m tempted to give you a call. Nine hours of time difference between Europe and California makes it difficult. By the time you’re up, I’m in full dinner-making mode.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 19, 2019 at 9:10 AM
  
  I was up today by 6 AM………..THAT would be HOMEWORK TIME FOR YOU AND YOUNG BOY!I would LOVE to CHAT!I think its cheaper for me TO CALL YOU!Send me your number in an email!!!
  XX
Kathy L
· Reply

March 19, 2019 at 7:56 AM

Fun photos – can’t wait for the accompanying blog!
I see more chickens behind you – how many do you have including Ruby?
My son and his wife live in Santa Clara, and they say that one of the best things about living in CA is that they never have to cancel outdoor plans, but recent rains have changed that. (The impact on the drought and all that green make it worth it.)
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 19, 2019 at 9:12 AM
  
  Right I keep telling MYSELF the GARDENS WILL BE SUPER FABULOUS THIS YEAR because of all the water!I’m waiting with Bells on for the DAY the FIRST BLOOMS APPEAR!
  THANKS for the reminder!!!
  XX