OLD FRIENDS

September 26, 2026 34 Comments

OLD FRIENDS came for a visit!It had been over 40 years since WE ALL WORKED TOGETHER.Even THE ITALIAN was in this gang!One of these people was a COMPUTER PROGRAMMER.One of these people was a REGIONAL SALES MANGER.If you count the Italian who is NOT pictured here four of us married each other!One went on to work for PALOMA PICASSO.

OVER 40 years ago we all met in a beautiful office.Then The ITALIAN arrived from ITALIAN HEADQUARTERS!It took him awhile to get my attention.He arrived in APRIL and by SEPTEMBER we were dating.Meanwhile,we all hung out together and shared some very enjoyable times.We even had a DYNASTY party!Remember that show?Guess what part I played?I will try and find some of the photos!

NO luck on the photos………….

GOOD MORNING TO YOU TIGRE!

Little MISS recently spent the night and was DELIGHTED to see TIGRE!

The TICKLE MONSTER IS IN GOOD – NIGHT…….. MODE!!!

GAWD, they have FUN.I wish I had half their ENERGY!

PLATES NEED A GOOD HOME!

I have never used these plates I have a few.Pressed GLASS I THINK with a FLEUR de LYE.

If you live close by and want to coordinate a pick up date with me just send me an email.

MY EMAIL: IOLACONTESSA@GMAIL.COM

SORRY NO MAILING………….

I know I mentioned the ZOOM CHIT CHATS with PAOLA STUDIOLA.We have had TWO NOW and both were so INTERESTING!

This last episode we heard JOE NAVARRO talk about BODY LANGUAGE and human BEHAVIOR in ART!

It is very fascinating to me and I have purchased two of his many books.In a past LIFE,he is retired now; I believe he was a FBI AGENT and a PARAMEDIC for THE SWAT TEAM.He took us all the way back to 60,000 years ago to the caves that house the ancient drawings of early civilization. He spoke of ALTA MIRA a couple of times.Has anyone been there?The ancient caves were our FIRST ART GALLERIES!!

A FEW FUN FACTS:

If you are from EUROPE you have 3% NEANDERTHAL in YOU!

OBSERVING is NOT seeing.Our parents taught us to SEE. For example crossing the road.Look left and right.But Observing is really studying what you are seeing.He demonstrated this by a photograph of a famous statue how the pinky finger was up, which in turn makes some muscles or veins pop in your arm.This was carved into the marble!SO, Mister XYZ was a VERY OBSERVANT PERSON.

He pointed out that kids today think TEXTING IS CONNECTING.The answer to that is NOPE it is NOT.We as humans need DOPAMINE from each other.Which means hugging and laughing and touching!Touch is how we evolved……….BY THE WAY!

Guess who led THE WAY ON THAT!!!!!!!!

THE ITALIANS and the CUBANS!

If You would like MORE info on these seminars on line reach out to PAOLA here at her email: PAOLA50122@GMAIL.COM

I think I told you already she will be INTERVIEWING AUDREY HEPBURN’S GRANDDAUGHTER in November!!

This is a good HAPPY STORY!

On a SATURDAY night THE ITALIAN and I were eating dinner and there was a knock at our door.Husband answered it and in walks a neighbor.She has FOUND a black KITTEN in her garage,which she needed HELP CATCHING!I sent the ITALIAN to aid in that job while I made a bed and food in one of our bathrooms.

At first he was scared,but after I risked the hissing and spatting and picked him up he started to PURR………………..

I was so certain he had come down the hill from above our houses.So, the next day I drove up there and went door to door knocking and sharing his photo!

No one owned him but a nice lady with TWO KIDS said she would take him if I did not find his home.

Long story short he found his FOREVER HOME through that woman.

WE ALL PLAYED A GOOD HAND IN FINDING THIS KITTY A FOREVER HOME!

I of course regretted NOT KEEPING HIM after the fact!

EMPIRE PERIOD……….1804-1830.

PAPER MACHE CHILDS CHAIR.

WHERE WILL I PUT THIS?!!!!

I had another trip to the storage to bring HOME things of value that were left to me and I cherish.

Think I need another HOME.Or perhaps a SHE SHED!

Another piece that needs to fit inside a corner which I have none that are big enough…………………HO HUM!

This is a WILD STORY…………..for those of you who do not engage on Instagram and BRAVO TO YOU!I found this so FASCINATING.For months I have thought share the knife rest collection.It will make a “PRETTY” photo.Well, I finally did it and do you know what……….mine you its NOT IN FASHION to like a photo anymore, but I always do out of respect and friendships; I have built along the way.The photo above of the knife rests got 218 LIKES and 36 comments.Pretty GOOD for a DAYS WORK!But if you go behind the scenes which ONLY I can do it has had 10,272 VIEWS with 6,180 VIEWERS.

I do not understand the DIFFERENCE between the two VIEWS and VIEWERS but assume some people LOOKED at it TWICE especially since I gave the answer the next day.Makes SENSE right?Or the VIEWS are the people THAT FOLLOW ME and the VIEWERS are those who VISIT?

THAT WOULD BE IT!I ANSWERED MY OWN QUESTION!

Then there is this PHOTO which my neighbor took.Of my CAT and her dog.To me this should have got many MORE LIKES and VIEWS.

This photo received 137 LIKES and 19 comments.

THIS CAPTURE STEALS MY HEART AND WHAT ARE THE CHANCES SHE CAUGHT IT IN ACTION?!!

Note the PLIE of TIGRE’s back leg to come down LOW for his LOVE.Note the front PAW BENT to help accommodate that action!

TALK ABOUT BODY LANGUAGE!

THIS SPEAKS VOLUMES…….

THIS IS AN AWESOME PHOTO.

Here are the behind the scenes STATS.

VIEWERS: 860

INTERESTING AND SAD TO ME.THIS PHOTO SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED WAY MORE LIKES.

LA VINTAGE CONTESSA

HIT 10,000 FOLLOWERS.

I thought I had ordered and NOPE I GUESS I DIDNOT HIT THE BUTTON.That is happening a LOT TO ME!

It will arrive tomorrow morning……………..have you seen the interviews on TV and Media outlets?

Let’s have a CHAT about it all in the comments…………

Only if you are up to it.

BIG HUG,

YOUR CONTESSA

34 Comments

Leave your reply.

Kathy in NC
· Reply

October 2, 2026 at 6:23 PM

Hi Elizabeth. I am waiting for Charles Spencer’s book to come out – I want to read everything he wrote about King Charles III. After Diana died, Charles told him that Diana will be forgotten soon enough, which will be very difficult for Harry and William to hear, but I do not doubt that King Charles said it. I feel that the Queen’s eventual remarks about Diana’s passing were the result of the people’s outcry for her response. Insiders said that the Royals strongly disliked Diana, and I do not doubt that either.
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  October 7, 2026 at 8:50 AM
  
  Kathy,
  Sorry for the delay but we were away and I wanted to finish the book before responding!I believe every word he wrote.He has no reason to lie in my view.He is an excellent writer with a great command of the English language.It is however very sad.I had to take breaks from reading it!It brought it all back and I learned something’s I didn’t know!Fun little facts and her favorite music group!!
  The book is out Now!
  Let me know your thoughts!!
  Xxx
Dee Black
· Reply

September 30, 2026 at 10:36 AM

Love the picture of you with the table your son crafted. Also granddaughter chilling at the Casa.
The views of Crystal versus ‘pet crush’ I’m guessing your viewers for most part love your account for the dazzle. A smaller group enjoys the pet menagerie. Always a mystery isn’t it!
The zoom chats would be interesting I’m sure. I have reached the age where discussing history or art seems like a college course I’m trying to finish. Which speaks to my ‘lack of culture’ I’m smart enough to realize. But sounds engaging and fun. I think Covid with 104 fevers might have set me back. I float more these days. Even travel has diminished for me.
Spencer’s book about his life with his sister. I have mixed feelings. I understood his quest to define her from his lens. However, I believe he might consider Diana has sons and grandchildren ……Maybe, time to leave her story or lack of story to her children, . If they choose. We all know the story before.
I hope I answered all and added to your thoughts and conversation. Correct me if I’m wrong.
Thanks for giving us all,Food for Thought, in your blogs.
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  October 1, 2026 at 2:00 PM
  
  Hello Dee!!
  What a good recount of all the topics!
  I’m in the middle of the Swan Song and to be completely honest it saddens me something awful!I agree with you and was worried about the Sons.Life goes on and no need to go back.Everything I read or see makes me sad these days!
  I understand about being in a fog!
  I’m trying to change up my routine of the few things I do.
  Be Well and thanks for chiming in!!
  Xoxo
Jill James
· Reply

September 29, 2026 at 3:11 AM

It must have been a joy to connect with your work colleagues.
The photo of your dear little granddaughter and her tickle monster is one to treasure.
So pleased the kitten has found a new home .
Instagram certainly has changed and is so random as to what draws attention now.
Take care , stay well.
- La Contessa
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  Author
  
  September 30, 2026 at 8:21 AM
  
  Thanks Jill you enjoy your Spring weather down there!!
  Xxx
Libby
· Reply

September 28, 2026 at 12:01 PM

Did someone from my old street take the little black kitty? There’s a new neighbor up there at 200 Longview. The Tellefson‘s old house. Hope it’s some nice people.
- La Contessa
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  Author
  
  September 28, 2026 at 2:27 PM
  
  Yes!
  Sandra is her first name.
  One of the first houses as you make the turn!!Lovely!!Where the two Rottweilers use to live!I had a delightful
  Chat with the woman who bought your house too!Also the house where the SPIES lived was empty!!!They moved out!!!!
  XXX
1010ParkPlace
· Reply

September 28, 2026 at 10:14 AM

You always have a lot going on in your life, and that’s a good thing! Sending you hugs and lots of energy! xoxox, Brenda
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 28, 2026 at 2:23 PM
  
  Hi Brenda,
  Busy is good I do say that a lot!
  But I have slowed down to a Slower pace these past couple of years.
  You need to fill me in on you!!
  XXX
Nancy Brantley
· Reply

September 27, 2026 at 6:05 PM

Tigre and dog should have had more likes and comments but I’m an animal lover. That Italian was so handsome it would not took but one try for me…
- La Contessa
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  Author
  
  September 28, 2026 at 2:20 PM
  
  Nancy!!
  Yes it took My Mother to spell it out for me!!He is the same fun energetic BOY I met 42 years ago!!
  What was WRONG WITH ME!!?
  XXX
D.A. Squires
· Reply

September 27, 2026 at 2:43 PM

How wonderful to reconnect with friends from so long ago– rare and special– the memories all coming back to life. (I often think of the signature sign-off by Bob Hope, Thanks for the Memories.. the lyrics are are from another age, but classic. I have SO much nostalgia for the past.) Love the bedtime photos.. they are adorable together : ) And the photo of Tigre and the beagle is so special. Deserved a million likes. Here we go into October and All Hallow’s Eve!! Time is flying, really feel it more than ever. XOXO
- La Contessa
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  Author
  
  September 28, 2026 at 2:18 PM
  
  I remember that!!Thanks for the memories!!!Television was a different world back then!Limited shows and stations and so much BETTER!!!!
  I’m finding it hard to recall what show was on which network these days especially when the seasons stop and start again months later.Have you seen Ted Lasso?That is all about Kindness and takes place in Britian.A good warm hearted show with some characters !!!!
  Be Well or should I say BE GOOD like the missing spouse!!
  XXX
Katherine
· Reply

September 27, 2026 at 1:59 PM

Hi Elizabeth,
Sweet, to have Miss wake up to Tigre that way is sweet. I can’t think of a better way to wake open. My Romeo (Birman cat) used to wake with him on my face or on my pillow. So much sweetness. We had our Romeo for 19 years, I miss him tenderly along with his soul mate Juliet.
YES, I so agree texting is not connecting. It’s only part there.
Your heart was in the right place to find little black bright green eyes a home, and to make sure the little kitty did not belong to anyone. All you need is more responsible right? Fur children require lots of attention.
Love pic of neighbors adorable dog and your Tigre! Kindness can happen.
Fabulous pic of you both when you were both young. Wowie, a good looking hot couple .
Great patchwork maxi on you, it suits you!
Take TLC of yourself.
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 28, 2026 at 2:09 PM
  
  Katherine,
  Thank you so much I’m doing the best I can.Eating tomato and mozzarella sandwiches with homegrown basil.Plus
  Taking good care of our furry friends.
  I’m trying to get out more not easy as I become tired so fast!Picture this am at a store for the husband and there is a Marshall’s Nextdoor and I need to go home!!Very frustrating.But at least I got out.
  Be Well.
  XXX
Heidi
· Reply

September 27, 2026 at 12:09 PM

Hi Elizabeth,
I jumped online real quick today, glad I saw your post! That little black kitten is adorable, so glad you found it a home.
How fun to see old comrades from 40 years ago. I don’t have any connection to my past anymore, making friends at this stage in
life seems harder! Back then I just bonded with school or work
mates and enjoyed them until life events created geographic distance.
Don’t worry about getting likes on Instagram, that platform has changed so much I feel I’m lucky to see any of the accounts I follow anymore. I barely bother posting regularly the way I once did.

Wedding is in 3 weeks! I’m so excited!,
Stay well and happy my friend.
Xo Heidi
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 28, 2026 at 9:33 AM
  
  OH, I was wondering if that wedding had happened or was upon us………….
  Enjoy it all……………I am certain it will be a BEAUTIFUL EVENT for you to cherish forever.We will catch up after it all…………XXX
Stephanie D
· Reply

September 27, 2026 at 10:56 AM

Good morning Elizabeth!
Not sure why that photo wasn’t as popular as others…it is truly precious. That being said, it’s possible that like me, more folks are spending less time on instagram. Often times I miss seeing posts that I would adore because I’ve skipped a few days of logging in…just a thought.
I have no real opinion on the Princess Diana kerfuffle. I’m sure there’s a bit of truth and some denial on both sides. I’ll be curious to learn what you think after reading the book.
That kitten is a heart stealer! I have no doubt that if that family hadn’t stepped up and offered to keep him he would have been right at home with you.
Lottie sure loves that tickle monster!
Ciao xx
Stephanie
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 28, 2026 at 9:31 AM
  
  BACK AT YOU STEPHANIE!
  I too am spending less and less time on that feed.It has ALL BECOME TOO MUCH for me.Even the animal stories seem to be SAD!Today, I will walk around Costco with The ITALIAN and try NOT to find too much.He goes weekly for food and necessities but I rarely partake!Then start that BOOK!I will let you know in another Blog Post!
  Be WELL and THANK YOU!
  XXX
Judith Sharpe
· Reply

September 27, 2026 at 10:23 AM

BTW, my email isn’t working – one of the many IT things I haven’t got around to doing – and much more besides. I would far rather be working in the garden!

Hello Contessa, Just read and enjoyed your blog as usual.

We have visited the Altamira caves near Santillana del Mar, in the north of Spain. They’re extraordinary especially the silhouettes of hands, of all sizes, outlined on the walls of the caves. It makes your hair stand on end and is very moving.

Spain is full of caves. We have our own here in Aracena – Las Grutas de las Maravillas, full of stalactites and stalagmites. They were discovered about 180 years ago by à shepherd, I think. They’re full of water – ie underground lakes. Definitely worth a visit if you find yourself here. You can come and stay, we will look after you both and serve up a feast or two. You need to fly into Seville and we will pick you up!

Well done for finding a home for that kitty. We still have puss and are feeding her twice a day. Her real owner lives over our track and I just learnt that he feeds her mother, siblings and various aunts, uncles and cousins every morning. This is useful to know if we’re away. I will warn Rafael when this is going to happen.

Love your knife rests and hope you find a good home for your glass plates. I used to love collecting stuff but now I’m trying to get rid of it. Our kids don’t appreciate these things which used to mean the world to us.

Rain is forecast here tomorrow so I’m very excited and have
Just watered the garden in anticipation!

We’re off to Seville tomorrow for hair cuts, shopping and then a visit to à Vivero for more plants.

It’s always fun to catch up with old friends – the years just drop away.

Sending hugs from Spain. Ciao Bella, Xxx
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 28, 2026 at 8:39 AM
  
  I had YOU in mind Judith when I wrote that!Those hands were SOMETHING!He showed that on a slide during the chat on zoom.I too recall it from ART HISTORY CLASS at college.Fascinating…………did you put your hand print on the wall if you visited or was this a bunch of people who lived together?I told MY ITALIAN we had an INVITE TO SPAIN!!Get that email FIXED!!!
  Although,to be truthful I am looking at it less and less……..everything is so DEPRESSING!
  How did the hair cut turn out?How many plants did you BUY?
  XXX
Linda Henderson
· Reply

September 27, 2026 at 10:16 AM

I don’t pay much attention to Likes. I like the photo of Tigre and his friend very much.
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  September 28, 2026 at 8:32 AM
  
  LInda,
  Not so much the Likes I care about its just the BEAUTY of two animals who are meant to be enemies are truly Good buddies!I do realize there are many factors involved.Just an interesting observation is all.
  Hope you are well.
  XXX
Debra
· Reply

September 27, 2026 at 10:05 AM

I guess I’m Debra 2. Lol. I also read Swan Song. I was intrigued by the difference in social standards in the elite of that time. As a child in the 50’s and 60’s , we knew no one whose parents had been married more than once. It was an eye opener reading about 4 siblings of that time having so many different step parents. The social requirements must have been staggering for a child. Just as Debra 1 noted, the variance in the story Earl Spenser relates left me puzzled. However, I had read other articles related to the royals and those seem to verify some of the distance between the then Prince and Diana as well as Diana’s depression and feelings of being trapped. In the end, Swan Song presented an interesting story, much of which was unknown to the public. And yes, the Earl’s book was self serving.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 28, 2026 at 8:29 AM
  
  I will DIVE into the book TODAY!Thank YOU for your opinion.Yes, divorce was RARE back then for sure……………..Although I am a product of divorced parents.My age at the time was 12 years of age.I will get back to you in another post about MY THOUGHTS on his book!
  Thanks for sharing YOURS.
  XXX
Marilynn Russell
· Reply

September 27, 2026 at 9:43 AM

Contessa,

I love, love, love you. Your posts are my favorite read online. Please stay healthy and keep being your own wonderful self.

Marilynn
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 28, 2026 at 8:24 AM
  
  MARILYNN,
  No chance of changing me NOW!Each day is GIFT and I try to ENJOY them.
  Thank You for your well wishes and LOVING ME and the BLOG!
  XXX
Hilda
· Reply

September 27, 2026 at 9:33 AM

As always I love reading your posts. I will not bother reading the book but I have listened to many opposing views on it on television. I do not think Earl Spencer should have written it. x
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  September 28, 2026 at 8:21 AM
  
  HILDA………….MY IRISH BUDDY!
  My first thoughts were this will ONLY HURT Harry and William MORE!Why would an Uncle do that.Hope he briefed them first.
  XXX
Debra
· Reply

September 27, 2026 at 8:15 AM

I read Earl Spencer’s book and was surprised by how different his recollection of events is compared to previous narratives; in particular King Charles’s behavior after Diana’s death and the character of the Earl and Diana’s childhood (he said it was for the most part happy while she said multiple times that it was miserable).

I do think that the Earl is a selfish man. Thus I’m not surprised that he has tried to spin already documented events to make himself look like the ‘good guy’. For example, the Earl has been divorced three times and has been accused of being quite cruel to the women he has been involved with. But, in the book, while he mentioned that he has been divorced three times, he also noted that his ex-wives were all multiple divorcees themselves. The implication, of course, was “It’s not all my fault.” That made me think less of his character (and, he actually did treat his last ex-wife, Karen, dreadfully at the end of their marriage).

Thus my advice is to take what Charles Spencer says with a grain of salt.
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  September 28, 2026 at 8:18 AM
  
  Debra,
  Thank You for your input.I feel you are a BRITISH CITIZEN, which you will have a better knowledge and grasp on the subject.I just remember he was so FURIOUS in his speech towards the Royal Family at her service.I did read his book can’t recall the title right now but he was sent to boarding school at a very young age and was molested for many years so his years at school were not happy ones!I plan to dive into the latest book TODAY!I will TELL ALL in another post my thoughts……….and yes he divorced recently and had another waiting in the wings so I read!
  MANY THANKS,
  XX
Parnassus
· Reply

September 27, 2026 at 6:21 AM

Hello Contessa, I too am surprised that the adorable cat and dog photo did not get a huge number of likes–count on you to notice the cat’s body language and interpret it for us. That black kitten was really cute, also! I think the reason the knife rests were so popular is that people are resuming an interest in elegance and traditional things–witness the positive response to the tour of your home.
–JIm
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 28, 2026 at 8:12 AM
  
  JIM,
  Thank You for your comment.I hope all is well in TAWAIN.Its not so much the likes or views that saddens me but the fact two animals who are suppose to be “ENEMIES” are dear dear friends…………..humans need to take note!
  Everything comes back around into “FAHION” if you hold on to it long enough!
  As you well know.
  BE WELL,
  XX