REDS AND PINKS

February 7, 2024 65 Comments

HERE IT COMES!

THE DAY OF REDS AND PINKS, HEARTS AND LOVE…….. and MY FRIENDS BIRTHDAY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDA!

ANYONE ELSE SHARE HER DAY OF FEBRUARY 14 TH?

I WANT TO KNOW!

OLAF and BUDDY!

SIMILAR IN APPEARANCE but it’s BETTY’s TOY!

8 years ago.

IN MY GARDEN!

I can remember taking this photo and being thrilled with the masses of blooms and fragrance from the jasmine and the fact I MADE THAT HEADBAND out of FAKE FLOWERS!

I had started keeping track of my VISION LOSS and the feelings that came when that happened and what I was doing at THE TIME of an EPISODE.

I am still dealing with it even today……..HO-HUM.

Next SATURDAY, I will have an ANGIOGRAM of the back of my neck.

THE VEINS.

As my Nuerologist is still STUMPED.

He is BACK PEDALING NOW ON THE FOCAL SEIZURE/EPILEPSY VERDICT!

I AM DEFINITELY NOT A NORMAL PERSON AS I HAVE BEEN TOLD A FEW TIMES!

Some DAYS I just have to be BAD!

I LOVE CINNAMON ROLLS, BUNS, or TOAST!

I wonder what cinnamon does for the BODY?

SHALL WE GOOGLE THE BENEFITS?

“There are plenty of reasons to add warming cinnamon to your diet. It’s high in antioxidants, which may help protect against disease, inflammation and ageing. What’s more, it may improve gut health, dental hygiene, reduce cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure.”

I SAY TREAT YOURSELF AS I HAVE DONE RECENTLY!

WE NEED THIS KIND OF PROTECTION!

IF YOU ARE CRAVING IT THERE MUST BE A REASON YOU NEED IT!

I take PAOLA’s STUDIOLOA’s classes on ART HISTORY.

I find them very interesting as she interviews ART HISTORIANS,BOOK AUTHORS and many people connected to the ITALIAN CULTURE & HISTORY.As most of you know I lived in Italy 33 years ago in the Tuscan Hills of FLORENCE for THREE YEARS,TWO MONTHS and TEN DAYS!

BUT WHO IS COUNTING?!!

I had NO CHOICE as it was a FAMILY EMERGENCY and we had to GO…………..!

I had two little boys at the time.

I did NOT think twice about it as I packed up and sold most of our belongings.

IT HAD TO BE DONE.

I arrived in the country not knowing much of the language or culture except you donot buy PARMESAN CHEESE IN A GREEN CAN already GRATED EVER and NEVER STOP AT A CROSS WALK WITH PEOPLE WAITING TO CROSS!

YOU MIGHT BE REAR ENDED………..

I LEARNED QUICKLY!

MY ITALIAN’s FAMILY HOME IN ITALY BELOW.

BACK TO PAOLA and her ZOOM CLASSES…………

WE LEARNED ABOUT VENICE LAST SATURDAY and it was FASCINATING!

I learned about the CAROLINGIAN KINGDOM.I had never heard of that!

I also learned that over the years they have filled in canals to make more walking space!They would cut homes back to do so.Then re-do the facade!

Immigrants were LOCKED IN AT NIGHT!

Theodore was a GREEK SAINT my cats name!

Saint Nicholas my youngest son was the Patron Saint of Sailors!

Do you know ST. NICHOLAS is buried in two different spots?

IN BARI AND VENICE!

IN BARI they have more of his body……..because they peeked!

Guess what made VENICE FAMOUS?

YOU WILL NOT GUESS SO I WILL TELL YOU!

SALT AND PEPPER!!!

SO, if you would like more information on these INTERVIEWS where you can wave to me on SCREEN!I will give you PAOLA’s email to write her and she will be delighted to send you the list of SPEAKERS and topics!AT the moment she is in VENICE for the CARNEVALE that happens every year!

PAOLA’s email is paola50122@gmail.com

You might want to say LA CONTESSA sent you as she has no idea I am mentioning her,BUT YOU DO NOT HAVE TOO!

ZOOM is not difficult at ALL.

(If I can do it you can do it!)

She sends you a link in your EMAIL.

You click ON LAUNCH and basically thats it!

YOU SIT IN YOUR CHAIR AND LISTEN!

NO participation REQUIRED!

ZERO….ZIP!

Below our driveway we shared with TWO other families outside FLORENCE.

Basically a dirt road……….

It was a calming effect those gates opening at a snail pace and then putting the CLUTCH in and accelerating at just the right amount of speed!I can recall it all sitting here looking at this photo!The movement of the gates the feeling of the ANTICIPATION of zipping down the hills to the center of FIRENZE.I overcame A LOT of FEAR in a VERY SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME!And if I have-not said it BEFORE I will tell YOU now.I did NOT WANT TO LEAVE AND COME BACK to the STATES.

I THRIVED IN THAT OLD CITY AND COUNTRY and that I realize MORE THAN EVER NOW!

I had other things to share with YOU but they have left me for the moment!

Oh, I did start PILATES REFORMER after years of “TAKING A BREAK” due to COVID.

I DO LOVE IT and MY TEACHER is THE BEST!

A BALLERINA in HER PAST LIFE!

SO she knows HER BODY PARTS and immediately noticed in one exercise my neck was doing INTENSE WORK so we STOPPED the exercise immediately and went on to another!

I had NO IDEA my NECK was INVOLVED!

SEIZE THE DAY People.I certainly am as I am being escorted into the city San Francisco for a full day of GIRL CHATTER and A FEAST FOR THE EYE’s.

Leave your reply.

Robin
· Reply

February 13, 2024 at 8:10 AM

Happy Valentines Day to you and GP!!!

We are still in Innsbruck and we still have our stone farmhouse in Umbria. The best of both worlds.
Glad to hear you are enjoying Pilates again. Italy or Austria, we always do our one hour daily hike. Went skiing (once). Too icy. Hoping for better FRESH snow.
Hugs from Europa, Robin
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 14, 2024 at 9:01 AM
  
  YOU ARE LIVING THE BEST LIFE!
  XXX
Lorna
· Reply

February 11, 2024 at 9:42 AM

I can understand why you didn’t want to leave Italy. I never want to leave either and always cry a little bit on the plane.
It’s carnival here this weekend (not that we celebrate it) and it finally rained but it’s still not enough. I think my hydrangeas have died due to the lack of rain.
I’ve just finished reading a wonderful book by Marlena de Blasi: The Umbrian Thursday Night Supper Club. If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend it. I think you will love it.
Have a wonderful week. I can’t believe the weekend is almost over already.
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 11, 2024 at 11:33 AM
  
  I have Read all her BOOKS!
  My favorite is the first book.
  One thousand days in Venice!
  That is a must!
  I hope she is still THRIVING in Orvieto!
  Xxx
Fran
· Reply

February 11, 2024 at 9:35 AM

I NEEDED THIS! Such a BEAUTIFUL, UPLIFTING POST! I can identify myself with a few things you wrote about – maybe I need to do that neck nerve test, too! I admire that you LOVE learning new things – me, too! Thirty-three years ago, I, too, moved to Europe – parents kept begging me and telling me how WONDERFUL it was. THEY LIED. Recession was in place and the only job I landed was working at the Cancer hospital – morgue section. Lunch was with a bunch of back-stabbing women eating in the room where biopsy samples were stored. Long story short, I couldn’t wait to get back to Canada! SORRY, am ranting. I LOVE that YOU are SUCH A STRONG WILLED and RESILIENT WOMAN! You truly help a lot of us who are struggling at the moment as well. GRAZIE MILLE for sharing your BEAUTIFUL stories with us all! We don’t feel so alone!
XXOO
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 11, 2024 at 11:42 AM
  
  I didNOT know you lived in Portugal!!
  We were there about the same time then?I was there from 1991-1994.
  Yikes!
  Not an uplifting job by any stretch!
  Test DONE.Now wait for results.
  Not feeling well isNoT FUN AS YOU KNOW VERY WELL!!
  Xoxo
D. A. Squires
· Reply

February 11, 2024 at 8:54 AM

PS HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!! YOUR BLOG BRINGS JOY AND LOVE TO EVERYONE LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE FOUND YOU XO
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 11, 2024 at 11:44 AM
  
  Thank You!
  I would love to hear how people found me!Maybe one day I will have you all leave comments on that!!
  Big Hugs,
  Xoxo
D. A. Squires
· Reply

February 11, 2024 at 8:51 AM

Always love to meander through your posts… like going down a garden path… what will be next?! Love the very dramatic photo of you in the garden… the colors!! And that floral headpiece. I think you wrote about making them, but maybe you could give another brief tutorial.. would love to make one for my garden obsessed daughter : ) They would live IN a garden if they could! Speaking of cinnamon, a treat recipe for the Betty & Olaf… thin slices of a large unpeeled sweet potato on lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with ginger and cinnamon, bake at 300 degrees for an hour, cool on paper towel… they will love and good for them, too : ) You are an inspiration… given all that you have dealt with… that a positive attitude, seeking joy, and feeling gratitude make all the difference dealing with life and its challenges. You are proof! XOXO
Hilda Smith
· Reply

February 10, 2024 at 12:07 PM

I always look forward to your posts. I make sure I have time to sit and absorb everything. We loved Venice and have been there twice first time for 6 days, second time only 2. Would return in a heartbeat. A special place indeed.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 10, 2024 at 6:57 PM
  
  Venice is a GEM!
  I have been twice too!
  Xxx
Diana Amato
· Reply

February 10, 2024 at 6:37 AM

Good morning Contessa,
I can certainly relate to your feelings of thriving in “that old country”! I too have overcome so many fears and blockages with each and every visit I make to Tuscany. I truly feel that I leave pieces of my heart all over the woods that I traverse when I am there. I haven’t done Pilates in such a long time. I think it is time to start up again. There is nothing better than a good stretch of my body for my RA. I love the idea of Saturday classes with Paola. Once I have things a little more organized here on the lake in New York, I will look into this.
You are always thought of with much warmth and love!
Un forte abbraccio XOXOX
Diana La Zingara
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 10, 2024 at 6:56 PM
  
  Easy to DO LEAVING BITS BEHIND!
  Classes areNot EVERY SATURDAY AND IT GOES BY SESSIONS SO NOT REALLY MONTHLY.
  I think you would enjoy and Paola also lives close to the sea I think so kind of close!
  She would be an instant friend for YOU!
  Xoxo
La Contessa
· Reply

Author

February 9, 2024 at 10:42 AM

Oh my goodness what an experience your home I mean NOT CASA HOWARD!!
I too LOVED FLORENCE as you can walk everywhere!
It’s So Rich and full of HISTORY!
I’m sure you have been up to the view spot piazza Michelangelo?I was married right above there in a BASILICO called SAN MINIATO Al Monte!
They covered the facade with mattresses during the war with Pisa!
Enjoy the island as I know you will!Soak up some heat for me!
I’m freezing down here!!
Xxx
Mel Clancey-Dubienski
· Reply

February 9, 2024 at 1:14 AM

Hi Elizabeth,
Firenze, is one of my very favourite places to visit.
The last time my husband and I were there we stayed at Casa Howard a unique boutique hotel. I remember one beautiful boutique had thick glass flooring so that you could view the artifacts below.

Love all your photos and your new pet!!!

Heading to Maui for a few weeks. Currently living in downtown Vancouver in a beautiful furnished apartment as we had a flood, frozen pipes and the sprinkler blew in the unit above. Thank god I was home so I was able to save all the wool rugs and hardwood flooring. All the drywall in the ceilings has been removed, and so It may a few more months until we return home. We are trying to remain positive and treat it like a staycation. We are enjoying all the amazing restaurant within walking distance of temporary accommodation.
Hope the weather improves.
Feb is a big month for us
13th daughters BD, Kailey
14 th anniversary
15th daughters BD, Melissa
16th our anniversary
Please take care
Mel?
Paola
· Reply

February 8, 2024 at 10:36 PM

Dearest Contessa,
Thank you so much for this lovely mention of Paola’s Studiolo! I am in Venice at the moment, as you mentioned, and keep seeing emails mentioning your name! You are the ?!!
Of course any Contessa friends are more than welcome to the Studiolo! And i love seeing your beautiful face on the screen on “our” Saturdays!?
With lots of love from Venice,
Paola ??????
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 9, 2024 at 7:55 AM
  
  I KNOW THOSE QUESTION MARKS ARE HEARTS………FOR SOME REASON THE SYMBOLS OR EMOGJI’S DO NOT WORK HERE!STICK WITH EXCLAMATION MARKS!!!!
  FABULOUS!
  MY READERS ARE GOOD LISTENERS!
  HAPPY THEY TOO HAVE AN INTEREST IN OLD WORLD ART!
  XXX
Paola
· Reply

February 8, 2024 at 10:35 PM

Dearest Contessa,
Thank you so much for this lovely mention of Paola’s Studiolo! I am in Venice at the moment, as you mentioned, and keep seeing emails mentioning your name! You are the ?!!
Of course any Contessa friends are more than welcome to the Studiolo! And i love seeing your beautiful face on the screen on “our” Saturdays!?
With lots of love from Venice,
Paola ??????
Jill James
· Reply

February 8, 2024 at 8:31 PM

Thank you for a peek at your life in Italy , the most beautiful memories.
I do hope those doctors can finally give you some answers, you have and continue to cope with so much on the health front.
Not sure about your cinnamon bun but it did look delicious , all spices have some health benefits.
Enjoy your time in San Francisco.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 9, 2024 at 8:00 AM
  
  JUST A PEEK…………BUT I RAN ACROSS THIS OLD PHOTO ALBUM AND IT MADE ME GO DOWN MEMORY LANE!
  YES, THOSE DOCTORS HAVE BEEN CHALLENGING TO SAY THE LEAST.
  CELERY SEEDS I READ ARE GOOD FOR THE HEART!WILL ADD THAT TO MY OTHER SEEDS!
  XXX
  - Maggie
    · Reply
    
    February 10, 2024 at 8:06 PM
    
    Dear Elizabeth,
    What a treat to read your post. It must have been very exciting to live in Italy. I have been only once to Rome and Florence and of course fell in love with it. It really makes a difference to have lived there though, its quite another type of experience and one you treasure for life. Glad to hear of all the creative ways your enjoying life. Always enjoy looking at your photographs. Take care
lisa thomson author
· Reply

February 8, 2024 at 6:04 PM

Happy pink and red month, LA CONTESSA! Lovely photo of Olaf as well as your garden pic. You look exotic as the Jasmine that surrounds you. How wonderful to learn about art history. Nice memories of Italy, too!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 9, 2024 at 8:01 AM
  
  I SO ENJOY HER CLASSES………OR REALLY SITTING IN AND LISTENING!
  MANY TIMES THE TALKS TRANSPORT ME THERE!WHICH IS A WONDERFUL TRIP!
  XXX
Judith
· Reply

February 8, 2024 at 3:58 PM

Another enlightening post from our Contessa! You look resplendent in the garden – what a beautiful photo. I am interested in the classes, they sound so fun. I enjoyed seeing the pictures of the family home in the Old Country and the gated driveway with a rosebush. Surely that was an enchanting place to live. Thanks for sharing and have a Happy Valentine’s Day with the Italian.

p.s. Wish I could go to San Francisco with you.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 9, 2024 at 8:05 AM
  
  YES, JOIN IN AND WE CAN WAVE!
  LOTS OF ROSE BUSHES………….
  IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL SPOT!THROUGH MY HUSBANDS CHILDHOOD WINDOW ONE CAN SEE THE DUOMO IN DOWNTOWN FLORENCE!
  WHO MADE THAT?
  HINT HIS NAME STARTED WITH A B…………..
  XXX
  - judith
    · Reply
    
    February 14, 2024 at 4:21 PM
    
    Brunelleschi was one of four architects of the Duomo, the others being Arnolfo di Cambio, Giotto, and Andrea Pisano. Next question!
Ingrey
· Reply

February 8, 2024 at 2:31 PM

Possibly the sweetest blog I’ve ever read! You have a beautiful life!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 9, 2024 at 8:05 AM
  
  THANK YOU……….XXX
cindy
· Reply

February 8, 2024 at 1:10 PM

Eliz

So much fun to see the Italian home. Interesting that they are back pedaling on the diagnosis. Hopefully they will find out more with this next round of tests
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 9, 2024 at 8:06 AM
  
  YEP THAT WOULD BE WONDERFUL!
  I’LL KEEP YOU POSTED!
  XXX
Valeri Johnson
· Reply

February 8, 2024 at 12:24 PM

Dear Contessa,

I enjoy your blogs and really look forward to them. You’re always entertaining and Informative. I so sorry you’re dealing with such health issues. I hope you get a proper diagnosis and a treatment plan to alleviate your suffering.

Happy Birthday ??
- Valeri Johnson
  · Reply
  
  February 8, 2024 at 12:26 PM
  
  Ps. My heart emoji was turned into question marks. What kind of birthday wish is that? I meant to end it with a red heart for a Valentine’s birthday.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 9, 2024 at 8:07 AM
  
  THE HEARTS DONOT WORK HERE……..
  IN FACT NO EMOGJI’S WORK HERE!
  STICK WITH PERIODS AND EXCLAMATION MARKS!
  THANK YOU SO MUCH!
  XXX
Linda Clark
· Reply

February 8, 2024 at 11:46 AM

Cinnamon is so good for you – I put it on my coffee once in a while !!
Cinnamon roll once in a while – delicious!!!

Your garden is beautiful…
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 9, 2024 at 8:07 AM
  
  I MUST TRY THE COFFEE WITH CINNAMON!
  THANK YOU!
  XXX
CYNDY
· Reply

February 8, 2024 at 10:37 AM

Will you tell us why you left Italy? You’ve mentioned many times how much you loved it and I wonder why you didn’t stay and make your life there.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 9, 2024 at 8:21 AM
  
  WELL, WE LEFT BECAUSE MY FAMILY WAS STILL ALIVE AND THE GRANDPARENTS WERE IN THE USA.
  MY HUSBAND MADE A GOOD LIVING IN THE USA NOT SO IN ITALY.THE SALARIES ARE WAY BELOW WHAT WE ARE USE TOO HERE.
  PLUS, REMEMBER HE IS MARRIED TO ME WHO WANTS THE WORLD AND ALL THE ANTIQUITIES!!
  LIFE WAS MUCH BETTER IN AMERICA AT THAT TIME.
  ITALY WAS WORKING AT A MUCH SLOWER PACE………LET ME GIVE YOU A SILLY EXAMPLE.
  HUSBAND NEEDS SCREWS FOR AN ITEM HE IS FIXING.GOES TO HOLE IN THE WALL SHOP FOR HARDWARE ITEMS in our village.SHOP KEEPER ASKS HOW MANY DO YOU NEED?HUSBAND SAYS I DON’T KNOW GIVE ME THE WHOLE BOX AS I WILL USE THEM IF NOT NOW LATER.SHOP KEEPER SAYS ,”OH I CANNOT DO THAT!”HUSBAND, “WHY”? SHOP KEEPER BECAUSE IF SOMEONE ELSE COMES IN AND NEEDS SOME I WILL HAVE NONE TO SELL TO HIM!!!!!!!!
  A DIFFERENT WAY TO THINK…………YES?
  Instead of making the SALE the shop keeper is MORE interested in keeping inventory in case he has another SALE.
  BY that time my ITALIAN was use to HOME DEPOIT and the ability to BUY whatever one needs within that same DAY!
  ITALIAN LIVING is WONDERFUL but takes LOTS OF PATIENCE.
  XXX
Brenda Coffee
· Reply

February 8, 2024 at 10:21 AM

What an amazing experience it must have been to live in another country for so long. I can see how it shaped so much of your life to come and it’s obvious you brought much of it back with you. The gardens, the colors you like and the food you eat. I’ve never been anywhere for more than two weeks and that was when I was in the hospital in Florence last year. I don’t recommend that as a way of getting to know another country. xoxox, Brenda
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 9, 2024 at 8:23 AM
  
  NO!
  I WOULD SAY NOT!
  GLAD YOU MADE IT HOME and RECOVERED!
  XXX
Sandra Sallin
· Reply

February 8, 2024 at 9:27 AM

Ah, Cinnamon. I adore cinnamon toast. What a treat. I also take cinnamon capsules. Don’t know if they work but I take them. Why don’t you and the italian move back to Italy and he can fix up a whole town.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 9, 2024 at 8:24 AM
  
  SIMPLE.
  THE SONS ARE HERE!
  XXX
Linda Henderson
· Reply

February 8, 2024 at 8:59 AM

I love the photos and always enjoy your memories of living in Italy. I can only imagine. I hope your trip into San Francisco is fun and look forward to reading about it in your next post.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 9, 2024 at 8:25 AM
  
  POURING RAIN LINDA!!!
  HAPPY I WASNOT DRIVING!
  WE HAD A GOOD OUTING…………I WILL SHARE SOON!
  XXX
Pierrette
· Reply

February 8, 2024 at 7:30 AM

Another great post. I was 7 months pregnant and 21 when we left for 4 years posting in Baden Baden with the Black Forest in our backyard. I don’t think I appreciated how fortunate we were. We lived just a few miles from Salzburg and never went! Could not believe how beautiful it is when we did go about 10 years’ ago. I am going to make myself a coffee right now and try it with cinnamon.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 9, 2024 at 8:27 AM
  
  WELL,YOU WERE BUSY WITH A BABY!!
  GLAD YOU GOT BACK TO SEE IT!!
  I have never been but would LOVE TO VISIT!
  XXX
Lynda Ashley
· Reply

February 8, 2024 at 7:02 AM

Dear Elizabeth
In a few words, I love you.
You are surrounded by love and beauty. Feast on that.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 9, 2024 at 8:28 AM
  
  THANK YOU LYNDA………….
  I AM FEASTING!!!
  PROMISE!!
  XXX
yancey williams
· Reply

February 8, 2024 at 6:29 AM

I put cinnamon in my morning coffee. It’s delicious!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 8, 2024 at 6:49 AM
  
  I’m going to TRY THAT!!
  Grazie!
  Xxx
Caroline
· Reply

February 8, 2024 at 6:13 AM

Hello Contessa,
I do so enjoy your posts and voice. Paola’s Zoom classes sound interesting. Can you tell me if they are in English?
Best wishes to you on your health journey.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 8, 2024 at 6:49 AM
  
  YES!!
  Always in ENGLISH!!!
  That was a VERY GOOD QUESTION!
  Xxx
Ms. Mary
· Reply

February 8, 2024 at 6:04 AM

So happy to see the pictures of your home in Italy. Such an adventure. <3
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 8, 2024 at 6:48 AM
  
  We NEED TO CATCH UP!!
  I shall call in the next few days!
  Xxx
Carole
· Reply

February 8, 2024 at 5:36 AM

Contessa,
Here’s a recipe for you that I love.
Chop up one apple place in bowl, sprinkle with cinnamon, microwave one minute, add one half cup cottage cheese, mix, top with handful of walnuts. Enjoy
Wonderful hearing from you this morning. Have a great day.
Carole
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 8, 2024 at 5:56 AM
  
  THAT WOULD BE DELICIOUS!
  I SHALL TRY IT!
  THANKS CAROLE!
  XXX
La Contessa
· Reply

Author

February 8, 2024 at 5:29 AM

So how was it?
The TEA?
I know !I KNOW!!!
It had been decades since I had a NON-GLUTEN FREE TREAT LIKE THIS ONE and to say I enjoyed it is an UNDERSTATEMENT!
That should HOLD ME for another decade……maybe!
Xxx
Janey
· Reply

February 8, 2024 at 4:24 AM

https://thevintagecontessa.blog/reds-and-pinks/

I so enjoy finding a post from you when I get up in the morning.
I too like cinnamon rolls and toast. My mother use to butter a piece of bread, sprinkle sugar and cinnamon on it and the toast it in the oven. What a treat it was.
I also on short notice packed up my two year old and followed my corporate husband to Europe. We lived in The Netherlands for about the same length of time you were in Italy. We lived in a cottage with a thatched roof and I will always cherish the many memories.
Happy Valentines Elizabeth.
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 8, 2024 at 5:34 AM
  
  That would be MAGICAL!
  I had relatives in THE HAGUE IN HOLLAND and I too have fond memories of visiting them!
  We are lucky we got to experience living abroad!!
  Thank You for READING ALONG!
  Xxx
Elizabeth@pineconesandacorns
· Reply

February 7, 2024 at 6:38 PM

Elizabeth,
How are you faring in the crazy weather? I hope that you have power and that the rain has not damages your garden.
It is always a pleasure to read one of your posts, just like the old days of blogging.
I LOVE cinnamon! In fact I have it and a little cayenne every morning in my hot chocolate. Life is too short not to appreciate and that yourself.
I cannot believe that after all this time they are back tracking on another diagnosis, or am I confused? I hope that someday you find a doctor that can tell you exactly what is going on and her you.
How wonderful to be back at pilates. For 6.5 years I did hot yoga 6 days a week and LOVED it, then we moved and I’ve only gone 2 times. A good teacher is essential. If you don’t have a good one you won’t go.
I love learning and hearing about your time in Italy. Why did you return to the states, I cannot remember. Would you ever “retire” there?
Venice is one of my favorite places in the world, I never knew that about it. Have you read The Honest Courtesan? It is about Veronica Franco, I believe they made the book into a movie as well, I think it was called Dangerous Beauty. Lots of great history about Venice in that book?
Have a wonderful weekend Elizabeth!
P.S. I love seeing you and the Italian with your precious granddaughter, she is so sweet.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 8, 2024 at 5:55 AM
  
  NO POWER LOST HERE but tons of rain for a few days now!
  Lots of trees DOWN!But not in my backyard!
  I have THREE major diagnosis.Within the last four years now.Plus a few smaller obstacles like osteoporosis.
  1.Non -Tuberculosis Bacterium also known as MAC = MY LUNGS
  2.Focal Seizures a form of EPILEPSY.(This was what I was trying to figure out for the last decade.That diagnosis came three years ago.
  3.Last bit of HORROR came last MARCH 2023.I’m in HEART FAILURE.
  Now you are up to date.
  Yoga was the one exercise I never really got into.Which seems now to have been a BIG MISTAKE!My problem is my neck and head I cannot look downwards or skywards or turn left to right too quickly as it sends me into a FOCAL SEIZURE.Day by Day here………………….Even walking bothers me and makes me light headed.
  Yes, I saw that movie back in THE DAY!The costumes were spectacular!
  Thank You SO MUCH!
  GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU!
  XXX
Rosemarie
· Reply

February 7, 2024 at 3:43 PM

Hi there CONTESSA
An amazing/enriching time in your life when you were able to live in Italy! Packing up – 2 kids – husband and off you went!
I love the world of ZOOM. Yesterday I listened to an author interview in the morning and then a talk in the afternoon on arthritis.
Cinnamon toast – when we had a cousin living with us one year she would make us cinnamon toast – she did a sauce in the fry pan and then spread it on the toast = delicious.
Thank you for a little bit of history re Venice.
This is why your blog is not boring – there is always something of interest – varied topics! A potpourri.
You have a fun day ahead in San Francisco! Shall want to hear all about it.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 8, 2024 at 5:44 AM
  
  I think I had something similar as a child with THAT TOAST!As I recall it was very very GOOD!
  I hope you contact PAOLA for the Over view of this session!
  They are on SATURDAY MORNINGS.Not every SATURDAY so maybe it can work with your schedule!
  Talk SOON!
  XXX
Parnassus
· Reply

February 7, 2024 at 9:06 AM

Hello Contessa, You may have mentioned this before, but how much Italian do you and your sons still speak?

I don’t think cinnamon rolls are the recommended way to get your daily dose of cinnamon, but you have given me an idea to try a cinnamon tea or drink. I will experiment tomorrow and let you know, especially if the results are promising. I am going to put the cinnamon jar on the counter right now so I will not forget!
–Jim
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  February 8, 2024 at 5:38 AM
  
  So how was it?
  The TEA?
  I know !I KNOW!!!
  It had been decades since I had a NON-GLUTEN FREE TREAT LIKE THIS ONE and to say I enjoyed it is an UNDERSTATEMENT!
  That should HOLD ME for another decade……maybe!
  Xxx
  - Parnassus
    · Reply
    
    February 8, 2024 at 7:43 AM
    
    Well, I tried the cinnamon tea this morning. I used less than half a teaspoon, wet it with hot water, then stirred in the rest of the boiling water. It was vile! It almost tasted soapy. I checked the internet for cinnamon tea and they even recommended a full teaspoon to an 8oz cup, which seems overpowering. Perhaps the secret is to use very little cinnamon to scent the water, but then it would not serve as a supplement. Incidentally, I tried unsweetened cocoa powder in hot water, and while not great, it was drinkable.
    –Jim