FALLING TOWARDS FALL.

August 30, 2024 68 Comments

It has been awhile since I wrote a BLOG POST to update you all on my comings and goings.

So, here I am with a FULL REPORT!

CAN YOU HANDLE IT?

Or should I say can YOU HANG IN HERE TO READ IT AND VIEW THE PHOTOS?

I will try and be BRIEF with WORDS and add lots of VISUALS!

FIRST UP IS THAT NEW CAT TIGRE!

THE NEW TO ME CAT WHO IS EVER SO NEEDY!

HE HAS BEEN THE BEST MEDICINE FOR ME!

THEODORE STILL HAS NOT ACCEPTED HIM TO THE HOUSEHOLD. HE CHASES and HISSES at him!

One day TIGRE landed in BETTY’s water BOWL trying to get AWAY!

THE BOSS BELOW with BETTY!

THEODORE = BOSS

THE worst HOSPITALITY HOST EVER!

BETTY the most patient referee EVER!

Betty worries about BOTH OF THE CATS!

She trots between both cats trying to calm them down when they are in FIGHT MODE!

THE VIEW FROM OUTSIDE INTO THE KITCHEN.

WE have had super warm weather here which is a bit unusual for Northern California.

ONE WARM SUNNY EVE this caught my eye.

THE ITALIAN trying out RETIREMENT!

With his Brother~In~Law on Lake Tahoe.

MORE OR LESS TWO MOZZARELLA CHEESE BALL CUTIES!

My SISTER IN LAW copied this design for our chalkboard in the kitchen above the stove.

BUT FIRST BETTY TELLING THEO ALL WILL BE OKAY!

BETTY has been a GREAT HELP with the CATS!

MEDIATOR,DIPLOMAT you name it BETTY is on it and concerned for BOTH CATS.I couldn’t have asked for a BETTER DOG living with TWO ORANGE GINGER CATS!

THE FINISHED ASSIGNMENT By ZIA GABRIELLA!

GUESS WHO CAME TO VISIT this month?

YOU GUESSED CORRECTLY!

GROWING UP SO FAST………..her memory is INCREDIBLE and her vocabulary for colors is AWESOME!

When I pointed out a GREEN; I was corrected as it was not a true green but a TEAL!

I HAVE BEEN CORRECTED!

TIGRE HAS CLAIMED THIS LOVESEAT AS HIS OWN!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIGRE!

ONE YEAR OLD TODAY!

AUGUST 30,2024

THE ARTIST OF THE CHALKBOARD ALSO COOKS THE ITALIAN WAY!

Zia GABRIELLA comes from ITALY and resides outside of FLORENCE.She and her Partner and ONE SON came for a World Wind Tour of California!Which made OUR HEADS SPIN but they did it!

HERE WE HAVE LINGUINE WITH SHRIMP AND BURRATA!

BELIEVE ME WHEN I SAY IT WAS DELICIOUS!

She sautéed two big shallots and then added the shells of the shrimp.After a few minutes she added white wine about cup let it evaporate then salt and pepper and a bit of water.Let it cook for about 4 more minutes.She then filtered the juice from the pan and added SAFFRON to it.

In another frying pan she cooked the shrimp.By cutting up in pieces.Then added white wine and cooked for another two minutes or less.Add salt and pepper, then added the juice with a bit of Saffron.

Next she cooked the LINGUINE according to directions with a generous amount of ROCK SALT and took it off the stove 3 minutes before done.Then finished the cooking in the pan with shrimps and juice.Served pasta on the plates and topped it with the burrata.(better if you can find STRACCIATELLA , which is the inside part of burrata.Either one will be DELICIOUS!)

Rock Salt is a staple of ALL PASTA WATER.To measure use the palm of your hand.It’s WAY MORE than TWO TABLESPOONS.Trust me just try it!You can taste the pasta as you cook it to see if you added enough salt or not enough.THERE IS A BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SALTED WATER AND UNSALTED WATER when cooking pasta.

HERE SHE ADDS BURRATA TO FINISH IT OFF!

THE LAST TOUCH IS GROUND BLACK PEPPER.

THANK YOU DADDY” I ATE ALL MY HEALTHY FOOD FIRST!”

NOPE! NO BITES FOR YOU!

WHO CAN GIVE ME ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE WHATS HAPPENING HERE ?

FEEDING THE GOLDFISH with Nonno!

August is coming to a close I can hardly believe it.

I had the EJECTION FRACTION test done on my birthday in July and from that it seems I’m slipping in the wrong direction once again.WELL, NO NICE WORDS FOR THAT!

So now I am scheduled for a Right Heart Catheterization procedure.

My understanding of this is it will show how well or not my HEART is pumping!

It is ALWAYS something with me!

XXX

Ps. Had my second round of shots of BOTOX for the LOSS OF VISION EYE EPISODES and it seems to be WORKING!Finally!After MORE than TEN YEARS; I had put up with them and NO ONE understood what they could be.It is being called MIGRAINES with Aura.AMEN.I will get 12 injections in my skull and shoulders every THREE MONTHS to keep them from interfering with MY DAILY DOINGS!

No BENEFITS of BEAUTY with these BABIES!

ROCK SALT SAMPLE PHOTO BELOW.

In a 4 quart pot.

(I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE THINKING!SO MUCH BETTER THAN PLAIN WATER!)

DO I DARE SAY TRUST ME AGAIN?

68 Comments

Leave your reply.

Ellie's friend
· Reply

September 13, 2024 at 10:00 AM

Hi Elizabeth,

What a lift and smile this blog post brought to me! I love the photos of your granddaughter. She is a “mini-you”! Thanks for all of the time you put into the blog. Hope you continue to benefit from the Botox!
Lorna
· Reply

September 13, 2024 at 1:08 AM

I would have thought it’s a given that rock salt is added to pasta water. But perhaps not. That’s the way I’ve always seen it cooked here 🙂

Cats are such drama queens. It’s a good thing that Berry keeps T and T in order. I cannot tell those two cats apart! I figured Theodore would not be the perfect host but maybe he will mellow with time.
1010ParkPlace
· Reply

September 5, 2024 at 2:03 PM

Girlfriend, Now that I, too, have been diagnosed with congestive heart failure, I understand how deadly salt can be. Please tell me you’re not cooking with that much salt!!! Tell me it was just your sister-in-law! I can only have 1/3 teaspoon per day. I love you and want you to be around for a lot longer. Brenda
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  September 7, 2024 at 10:20 AM
  
  I don’t eat pasta often anymore. It’s a rare special treat for me, but yes, I will eat pasta made with that amount of salt in the water because I’m just having a small amount and I’m allowed a bit more than you are. I’m not retaining water yet so that’s a positive!!! However, I did have a big eye episode this morning so good God I thought I was over that so much for the Botox working!!! I think I’m doomed. you had a lot of lovely comments on your blog and I enjoyed reading it and assumed I was one of your girlfriends who has heart failure? I will pick up the phone next week to give you a call and check in and we can compare notes my best to you always.
  Xoxo
Diana
· Reply

September 5, 2024 at 1:46 PM

I’m a little late to this post, but nonetheless, still loved being updated with all the new news. I have to say I’m very impressed by that pasta dish. I’m going to try to recreate that here one night. Nothing better than being surrounded by the good energy of good people.
Baci,
La Zingara XOX
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 7, 2024 at 10:16 AM
  
  If you can find shrimp with head still attached use the heads with the skin to make the sauce as it adds to the flavor says sister-in-law!
  Happy happy birthday week again it sounds like your life is taking off! you’re such a good person you deserve all of the happiness!!!
  MANGIA Bene tutti Giorni!
  Xoxo
Jeanne Henriques
· Reply

September 5, 2024 at 1:12 PM

Hi Elizabeth, life is full and looking delicious in your world. It was lovely to speak to you last week. We had a fabulous trip to Sonoma, the perfect spot for a bachelorette party. We made merry every minute of it! Glad the botox is working for you and sorry to hear further cardio tests are needed. Take care, my friend, enjoy your precious granddaughter, and happy retirement days for your handsome hubby. Ciao!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 7, 2024 at 10:13 AM
  
  Wonderful your trip west was PERFECT!We did have ideal weather Saturday and Sunday!
  Good to hear your voice too!
  Exciting to have another wedding in your family!We all look forward to those thoughts and photos!Congratulation to your daughter!!It is such a HAPPY TIME IN LIFE!
  Thanks Jeanne,
  Xxx
Dee Black
· Reply

September 3, 2024 at 8:42 AM

Never underestimate a good proof read. Sorry for the miss – spell. I understood your upcoming procedure. Very familiar with it. I simply miss-spelled the word.
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 3, 2024 at 1:50 PM
  
  I assumed the computer changed it!!
  No problem.
  Thank You!
  Xxx
Katherine
· Reply

September 2, 2024 at 6:17 PM

Hi Elizabeth,
I think you have been mixing me up lately with another Katherine.
I’m Katherine A. that lives in Az.
I think going forward I should reply on the blog with the letter A. after my response from now on.
- L Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 3, 2024 at 1:48 PM
  
  Apologies Galore!
  Yes be my Katherine in A?
  Appreciate it!You two sound the same to me!!
  Thank You for correcting me!
  Xxx
Gray
· Reply

September 2, 2024 at 1:39 PM

Contessa! I just read Brenda’s post and am laughing about the salt….
Nice to hear from you, formally. Love the visit from little Miss Precious.
Also glad you had a nice visit from the lovely Italians! ??
The pasta and the BBoard are both gorgeous. As is Tigre…
Robin
· Reply

September 2, 2024 at 7:52 AM

Ciao Bella,
Looks like so much fun, having your family around you, including your son and granddaughter- beautiful family. The artwork Gabriella drew is gorgeous!!! The pasta dish also looked delicious!!!
STILL hot here in Umbria; Firenze as well. Do Gabriella and cognato live in Bagno di Ripoli? Our friends Mauro and Rosy live there, on the Via del Carota.
Great to hear you are feeling better, you sooooo deserve it.
Baci
Xoxo
- La Contessa
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  Author
  
  September 2, 2024 at 9:52 AM
  
  No!
  But VIA DE CAROTA WAS MY FAVORITE STREET when I lived there!!They are further out now in the hills of PRATO.
  Try the pasta!
  Easy and delicious!
  Good to hear from you!
  Xxx
Jill James
· Reply

September 1, 2024 at 9:30 PM

Hello Elizabeth,
Your little granddaughter is growing up so quickly and looks such a delight.
Tigre is a very good looking cat and does have an air of purpose , hopefully in time the two cats will gel together , thank gooddness for peacemake Betty.
Sorry about the ongoing heart issues but glad to hear that the Botox is giving you some relief.
Take care.
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 2, 2024 at 9:48 AM
  
  Thanks, jill always good to hear from you and you’re looking well on your Instagram post so I’m thrilled about that. I hope there’s a trip in your future. I always travel vicariously through your trips!!
  Xxx
Dee Black
· Reply

September 1, 2024 at 8:59 PM

Hi Contessa,
You’ve been busy this summer. So happy to see the chalk board finally with its new look. Was worth the wait. Your sister in law did a great job. Granddaughter Joy, is anything better. One word, memories! Oh Theodore I also do not like change. Hang in there, Tigre is a cutie – go snuggle. What a good girl you are Betty.
Happy to hear Botox is giving you some relief. Cauterization, hopefully will lead to more energy. Doing what you need to do to enjoy all those years ahead.
As always, enjoy following and wishing you good results as you continue to navigate your health.
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 2, 2024 at 9:47 AM
  
  Dee!
  I was thinking about you yesterday and how I hadn’t heard from you in a bit. I think it’s time for me to call and to pull out my Birdies black velvet embroidered loafers! The light is changing here as of today.
  Yes as you know, grandchildren are a big bundle of joy. Nothing beats that kind of JOY!
  No cauterization a catheterization!! just taking a look around with a camera inside my body either they go in through the groin or the neck!! Not for the faint of heart!
  I do have some fun things to look forward to this coming season other than that thank goodness!!
  Xxx
Heidi
· Reply

September 1, 2024 at 3:25 PM

Hi Elizabeth,
Considering everything it looks like the summer is closing on a high note for you.
Darn the heart issues but full steam ahead and try to stay positive.
Glad the migraines are better and that you finally found something to help with those. They are miserable, I got them from 17 years old until 50+. Mostly gone now thank goodness.
Charlotte is growing up, she looks like a little lady with a happy attitude. I’m glad you got to spend some time with her.
September is here. Cooler weather sure to arrive soon, fingers crossed.
Xo Heidi
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 2, 2024 at 9:40 AM
  
  Fall is here this morning. The sunlight has changed. It’s a pretty time for us in California. Let’s hope we get the gorgeous Indian summer. We always get in September and October.!
  Those Fields you showed on Instagram today are gorgeous. I just love Dalia’s!!!
  I never had the migraines you suffered from mine was a light headache and I could function with it. It was the loss of vision that was a concern for me. I’m happy it’s over OK full speed ahead. We have things to do and accomplish this coming season I made myself think about Christmas gifts yesterday.!!
  Xoxo
barbara jones
· Reply

September 1, 2024 at 11:06 AM

Betty is a great peace maker … we could do with her skills across the world. Tigre is a good looking cat and suits the leopardskin seat.
Your granddaughter is a delight and is going to be a “chip off the old block” as we say in the UK. She already has your style and perhaps a bit of Italian attitude?
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 2, 2024 at 9:35 AM
  
  Hello gorgeous redhead. Thanks for commenting and chiming in here appreciate hearing from you. It looks like Mr. Bill is doing so much better. You seem to be out and about a lot the two of you which is wonderful News.
  Yes, a chip off the old block is a saying I grew up with, and she does have a bit of me in her that’s for sure and a very confident little girl.SHE LOVES HER DADDY and is ALL SMILES when she is with him!!
  Xxx
Jeanine
· Reply

August 31, 2024 at 7:53 PM

I always enjoy your posts so much! In my experience, ginger tabbies often don’t play well with others, but given plenty of time, I hope yours will at least accept one another. After we found a kitten outside and brought him home, it took our ginger cat a couple of years to stop bothering the kitten, as in the kitten finally grew into a big strong boy and took up for himself. Meanwhile, our dog was just like Betty: always trying to settle the disputes!

I love the pictures of your son and granddaughter, and I would say the first word that came to mind when looking at them was LOVE, but also JOY and FUN!

I’m glad to hear that the Botox is working for your vision, and I pray that your other health issues will also be resolved!
- La Contessa
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  Author
  
  September 2, 2024 at 9:31 AM
  
  So good to hear your story thank you for sharing that. The orange boys are doing better. It’s gonna take some time but I do have hope and I love the words you picked! All three are correct!!! thank you for reading along, enjoying me and my chatter. The blog gives me joy creating it, and I’m happy it gives joy to you reading it. I need that feedback Once in a while!
  Xxx
lisa thomson
· Reply

August 31, 2024 at 4:19 PM

Theodore is the actual boss, but it looks like Tigre believes that he is the boss. Thank goodness for Betty! Sweet photos all of these. Lake Tahoe looks incredible. I have never been, would love to see it.
Your granddaughter is soo adorable. She has the best wardrobe like her Nano. I want ice cream now. 🙂
I love the sign your sister in law made. It is fabulous.
Rock salt. I’ve never tried that in pasta water. I use sea salt.
Does lots of salt make the noodles taste salty as well?

I’m sorry to hear your test results show a decline. Argh. So unfair.
- La Contessa
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  Author
  
  September 2, 2024 at 9:26 AM
  
  Sea salt, rock salt. It’s basically the same. I think they use rock salt to make ice cream and salt the roads where you get the weather. Rock salt would be cheaper than sea salt!!! Yes, you can taste it in the pasta that’s why if you don’t know if you put in enough, you can taste a noodle while it’s cooking and add a little bit more. If you didn’t get enough there’s a definite distinction with salt and no salt.
  Then there are those people in heart failure, who are not supposed to have salt so we go without!
  Xxx
Katherine
· Reply

August 31, 2024 at 2:55 PM

Hi Elizabeth,
Good news that the Botox injections are working and you seem to be handling them so far. You have been through so much and you keep moving forward to the next try and see. I hope the heart procedure works out well .
Your granddaughter is adorable, personality plus is what the pics show. She must be a good source of pure joy. Children are so honest, it’s refreshing to be around them. I get she cracks you up. The picture with her ice cream and her dad and both of their expressions are priceless.
I understand what’s happening with the two kitty’s. It’s so hard, the territory thing sometimes never goes away. We went through the something. If was big fun to deal with. I think when two kitty’s are brought up together it’s a whole different issue.
The Italian looks like he is enjoying retirement. There is so much to do in retirement. It’s called freedom, and it’s wonderful.
The pasta looked so yummy, looks like she knows what she’s doing in the kitchen.
Keep the faith as you move forward with your next test.

Hopefully
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 2, 2024 at 9:20 AM
  
  No retirement yet for the Italian he’s just practicing here. He’s talking about it at the end of the year!! How are you? Have you made it to Andreas Shop lately? I need to hop over there since I’m not having those eye episodes anymore. Maybe we can meet up Again! I definitely feel fall in the air this morning with the light!
  Thanks for being here.
  Xxx
Rosemarie
· Reply

August 31, 2024 at 2:04 PM

Fun time for all connecting after being apart. Such a delicious meal to partake in. Your sister in law is so artistic creating the chalkboard and the meal.
Fish! You must give us another garden tour – didn’t know you had them.
So glad improvement re the eye episodes. I hope you notify/update all medical staff who did not help you over the years as to what they should be doing if they get/have another patient with same symptoms.
The Italian was beaming on the boat – thinking of his good life!
August is ending – love the transition in the garden/weather.
Love your granddaughter’s expressions.
- La Contessa
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  Author
  
  September 2, 2024 at 9:16 AM
  
  Rosemarie!
  Yes, the Fish are in the fountain outside my kitchen doors. no, I have not notified past medical professionals who tried to help me as it’s just too many of them and I’m off the computer these days. I know there’s a couple from you but just know I just don’t sit there much anymore maybe once a week and try and go through them as most of them are junk mail! I have cut way back on computer time and looking at the phone!
  It is a beautiful time of year and we here in California normally have what’s called an Indian summer September October can be our best weather!
  Xxx
Jo Floyd
· Reply

August 31, 2024 at 1:30 PM

Oh my goodness what a delight to see you with your beautiful grandaughter and son. What fun amongst the hurly burly of animal life and visiting rellies.
I send you my best good health germs to at least counter some of those health problems. Keep smiling you have a great smile xxxxxxx
- La Contessa
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  Author
  
  September 2, 2024 at 9:09 AM
  
  Thanks Jo!!
  I need your strength and germs!!Yes I snapped a few photos of the SON with daughter as they were too cute together!Thanks for the support!
  Xxx
PPPno
· Reply

August 31, 2024 at 1:08 PM

Ma Chere Contessa,
I love animal stories!
Your granddaughter reminds me of you!
Or rather your son and granddaughter have your good looks!
The pasta looks divine
I can practically taste it!
Love the shared recipe
Giampiero looks great especially for a retiree.
Sorry to hear new tests in the future, but happy to hear Botox still works!
I have a new name as I’ve forgotten the first new one I just used! Ha!

PPP no more
- La Contessa
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  Author
  
  September 2, 2024 at 9:07 AM
  
  Too FUNNY!!
  I can go back to previous comment to find FIRST NEW NAME!How are you doing?I saw the pastry chef yesterday JENNIFER WE HAD LUNCH TOGETHER IN HEALDSBURG at a friends house!She made about 4 desserts!
  We spoke about YOU!!
  Xxx
Kathy L from MA
· Reply

August 31, 2024 at 12:50 PM

Your granddaughter is precious. I’m glad that (1) the Botox is helping and (2) you have a new kitty. I like how a gal (Betty) is keeping the cats civil. Retirement looks like it is agreeing with your husband. And I can always tell when the cook does not (sufficiently) salt the pasta water. Take good care.
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 2, 2024 at 9:03 AM
  
  Not yet retired Kathy!
  He is working up to it!!
  End of the year maybe!!
  Always nice to hear from you!
  Xxx
Fran
· Reply

August 31, 2024 at 12:21 PM

I have always added a big handful of rock salt to a large pot of boiling water before adding any kind of pasta. I laugh when I read some recipes and they say to add 1 teaspoon of salt per 500grams pasta…Lol too funny, what’s the point?! Anyway, Your finished piatto looked absolutely DIVINE! As for your Mozzarella Cutie – YES, I truly believe he will THOROUGHLY ENJOY his retirement years! Never seen anyone look so relaxed in a photo!! Bravo!!
SO GLAD you FINALLY found what works for YOU, Contessa. I think the botox is BRILLIANT now! As for your procedure, I think it will paint a much better picture for you as to what lies ahead. Hopefully all will go WELL!
Your Granddaughter is SOOOOOO ADORABLE!!!! I think your son needs to make more Gorgeous babies!!!!
LOVE how Betty is the Friendship Ambassador in the household!! I think Theodorable will come around….just needs a bit more time! At least he is not running away anymore – yay!!
Hope….Faith and One Day at a Time ….
Lots of AMORE Your way, Bellissima Contessa
XX00
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 2, 2024 at 9:00 AM
  
  Thanks you do make me smile!
  Had the most delicious lunch yesterday you would have approved!
  We will catch up this week!
  Today is a HOLIDAY in the states!
  Xoxo
Sandra Sallin
· Reply

August 31, 2024 at 11:55 AM

Goodness that Pasta looks so inviting. I’m obviously not putting enough salt in my water. I love the chalk board above your stove. perfect!!! The look of love on your grand daughter’s face towards her father is priceless. So sweet. Does she adore the dress with th lights? I would.Always a fun blog. Tell the Italian he’s hot!!!!
- La Contessa
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  Author
  
  September 2, 2024 at 8:57 AM
  
  Yes she adored the dress!
  And I will let him know!!
  He has a small tummy appearing so he needs to cut back on something!!
  Says himself NOT ME!!
  Thanks!
  Xxx
Enid
· Reply

August 31, 2024 at 11:38 AM

I knew that having Betty would improve your life and now it seems she has taken over the job of referee. Good girl. I doubt that Theodore will accept Tigre but it will be interesting to see. Your grand daughter is so lucky to have her sweet Italian grandpa. She looks like such fun. Good luck on your medical procedure. It has got to be highly frustrating for you and I send you sympathy and good wishes on the outcome.
- La Contessa
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  Author
  
  September 2, 2024 at 8:53 AM
  
  Hello ENID!
  Yes to ALL THE ABOVE!!
  Thanks for commenting!
  Xxx
Lynda Stansberry
· Reply

August 31, 2024 at 10:16 AM

Loved your family pictures. Your granddaughter is adorable.

Tigre looks like she likes to cuddle. I hope the others accept him soon.

Wishing you good health.

Lynda
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 2, 2024 at 8:51 AM
  
  Thank You Lynda!
  Xxx
Penelope Bianchi
· Reply

August 31, 2024 at 10:16 AM

HI!

Love the new cat! Also love Theodore…..so funny, my cat just loved the new male cat because he likes having another cat and the black one died. Maybe Theo will begin to like him. I hope so. Betty is such a treasure! Sweet of her to try to mediate!!!
Love to you, and so happy the botox is working. Your little granddaughter is divine! Looks so much like you!
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 1, 2024 at 8:15 AM
  
  Thank you, Penelope. You have been on my mind because I saw an ad for White Lotus. Does that start back up in September I hope!
  I think you have a wedding this fall I can’t wait to see photos and hear all the details.
  I didn’t realize you got a new cat. I miss that!
  As you know, our animals mean the world to us!
  Xoxo
Bonnie Schulte
· Reply

August 31, 2024 at 9:14 AM

Loved, loved this post. What a wonderful family, and what a wonderful time together. Oh, and
not to forget those that rule the home so to say, Betty, Tigre, and Theo. Love it all!!!
- La Contessa
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  Author
  
  September 1, 2024 at 8:13 AM
  
  Bonnie, so lovely to hear from you. I’m Happy to hear you enjoyed this post! The animals send big hugs! Happy fall.
  Xxx
Judith
· Reply

August 31, 2024 at 9:10 AM

Dearest Contessa,

What a delightful post! I had been wondering if I had missed one, since it’s been a while. Tigre is precious – orange male cats are the best. The pictures with Theodore are hilarious; he is clearly asserting his authority. Sounds like you guys are having fun with the Italian on the lake and his sister visiting. Please tell your guests that they are welcome here anytime, especially if they will cook for me. How wonderful that you got to spend time with the little princess. She is beautiful and it is obvious that she is a joy to you. So happy to hear about the progress with the Botox! Now, soldier forth with the test and may it go well for you. Let’s chat soon.
- La Contessa
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  Author
  
  September 1, 2024 at 8:11 AM
  
  Judith,
  I’ve been feeling bad because I did call and leave a voicemail for you. It’s probably been a month now and then I never called back as I said I would it just got too busy around here and to be honest I just don’t have the energy to talk much, but yes, we shall catch up next week. I have time I’m gonna put you at the top of my list. I hope you’re doing well and enjoying the last days of your beautiful garden. Do you get an Indian summer in Tennessee like we do in California?September and October can be even more beautiful than summertime here .
  A PRESTO!
  Xxx
Leslie Lord
· Reply

August 31, 2024 at 8:49 AM

Love your darling granddaughter’s “cheeky” face expression when keeping an eye on her dessert! I think she has a lot of your features! Not that you are cheeky :-))
Good to hear those botox injections are working. Hope your heart results can give the specialist more info as to your ongoing treatments.
Your hubby looks like he loves boating! Nice to have a fun hobby in retirement.

Take care,

Leslie
Hostess of The Humble Bungalow

I must write a new blog post…it had been a busy summer and time is flying.
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 1, 2024 at 8:08 AM
  
  Dear Leslie,
  I am feeling I’m way behind on your blog post and I hope this week to go and just catch up but maybe you haven’t written as many as you normally do so I’m not as behind!
  Yes, that is an adorable expression on her face. I captured she has a few!!
  Thank you for reading and I will be in touch!
  Xxx
Judith Sharpe
· Reply

August 31, 2024 at 8:33 AM

Hello Beth, You seem to have had a fun-filled August. Always great to spend time with family. Your darling granddaughter looks so cute and your son, her Dad, looks very like the Italian in profile.

Hope they can get to grips with your health issues so you can travel to Italy again.

Sending much love, from this corner of NW Andalucia xxx
- La Contessa
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  September 1, 2024 at 8:05 AM
  
  Hola JUDITH,
  Your dinner, soirée or luncheon I should say it looked divine on Instagram! Looks like you’ve enjoyed summer! I always wanted to go to Spain. I’ve never made it. It would be lovely if we could come for a visit and meet in person. We’ll see what happens once the Italian retires!!!
  Xxx
Candis
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August 31, 2024 at 8:29 AM

Love, love, love your post’s! Thank you and we’ll keep positive thought’s for your good health!
- La Contessa
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  Author
  
  September 1, 2024 at 8:02 AM
  
  Thank you so much. On both accounts!Loving my posts and sending me good wishes for my health. I’ll take both!
  Xxx
Ruth
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August 31, 2024 at 7:36 AM

What a beautiful young lady. She knows her colors and will always have the exact one. Interior design artist? Beautiful pictures. Love you always!
- La Contessa
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  Author
  
  September 1, 2024 at 8:00 AM
  
  Hello Ruthy?
  I believe you had a birthday this past month!!!Was it yesterday? I should be able to remember that that makes me mad. I know it’s AUGUST!!
  Yes, she knows her colors and she wants to be an artist and a chef is what she’s telling us these days which is adorable!
  Happy Fall and let’s talk soon!
  Xxx
Vikki B
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August 31, 2024 at 7:19 AM

What a fun and busy August for you! Shrimp dish looks fabulous too. Love all the photos snd so glad you are feeling better. We will catch up soon?
Vikki
- La Contessa
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  Author
  
  September 1, 2024 at 7:56 AM
  
  Sounds great, Vikki but you beat me by being busy this summer. How many trips to Lake Tahoe how many guests did you entertain? No competition there!!
  See you in the HOOD!
  Xxx
Gabriella
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August 31, 2024 at 5:16 AM

Zia!!! It was great to stay with you, cook pasta for you and draw the chalk board for the kitchen. Wish we had more time to have some more quiet days to spend with you. We had a great time on our trip and yes, we made it even if it was a very busy schedule. We will never thank you and my brother enough. Hope we will come again soon. Hope you will slowly get better. I know you can do it. And after we wait for you here. Love you ??
- La Contessa
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  Author
  
  September 1, 2024 at 7:54 AM
  
  Zia!!
  The chalkboard makes me smile every time I look up at it so it’s perfect! I see you sitting on the floor in the living room, drawing it with people coming and chaos happening because your brother has to move all the furniture in the living room to set up tables that nearly did me in!! Somehow, you got it done in record time and up it went!What a magnificent souvenir I have of your visit!! I hope one day I can come and visit you and see the new house and all the animals! Six cats I still can’t believe that!
  Baci
  Xoxo
Cathy Sexton
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August 31, 2024 at 4:52 AM

What a great post! So glad you are feeling better. Love your kitties!’ Yes, they can be the best medicine. I’m going to make that shrimp dish! Looks wonderful ????
Cathy Sexton
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August 31, 2024 at 4:51 AM

What a great post! So glad you are feeling better. Love your kitties!’ Yes, they can be the best medicine. I’m going to make that shrimp dish! Looks wonderful ????
- La Contessa
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  September 1, 2024 at 7:48 AM
  
  Cathy!!
  Good afternoon to you the kitties are great and I’m hoping Theodore will come around. He’s so much older than Tigre and is taking it with a grain of salt. At least he’s not running away. He’s home all the time yesterday climbing a tree and jumping on our outside, umbrella which held him thank goodness!! happy September 1 you must be working on fall show inventory. Can’t wait to see!!
  Xxx
Celeste
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August 30, 2024 at 6:12 PM

It looks like the visit was fun for everyone! Hope you’re enjoying some quiet time now.
I can’t tell you how happy it makes me that the Botox is working! What a relief!
Is there anything they can do for the heart after the test? Sending all my healing thoughts your way.
- La Contessa
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  Author
  
  September 1, 2024 at 7:45 AM
  
  Good Morning!
  Yes,you’ve been there every step of the way with the eye episodes! It is a huge relief to be rid of those. I still get dizzy once in a while, but it’s a very fast, dizzy spell let’s say, and is over sooner than those other things I was experiencing! as far as the heart, I don’t know what’s to come and it’s better for me that way will do this test and then they’ll be a chat and I’ll keep plugging along. I just have very little energy these days. as you know, I take a nap every day which really puts a damper on what one can get accomplished!
  Xoxo