The Best of Times and more...

Sorry for neglecting the Blog...

Life has been busy and time has not been my friend!
I endeavor to be better at posting things and keeping in contact!
Here is where I left off (started typing this 3 weeks ago)...

Last time I updated the blog I ran out of space so I want to take up where I stopped and finish off James and Greg's visit.

I did receive a question between my last update and now - I was asked if James just posed with the dessert or actually took a bite? <Drum Roll> James actually ate the cake, just a bite but it counts (check the last posting for the picture).

Now back to the festivities. On our way back from the Positano and the Amalfi Coast we decided to stop at Pompeii. At first I thought it would be slightly boring but it turned out to be a wonderful experience. What has been uncovered showing their way of life and then the sudden destruction was truly amazing to see.

...take the last train

to Clarksville...

Here are a few photos of us playing house and wondering Pompeii...

Tom, James & Greg

at Athena's Temple

Unfortunately, the next day James and Greg headed home.

We truly wish they could have stayed longer but we know they will return and we will have more adventures. We miss them already!

Life quickly got back to 'normal' here in Rome. 

We are guest free for a few weeks then Angi & Maya join us for their stay at the BRS Europe.

Since we were on our own I wanted to pick up supplies to get my garden going and I asked Tom if I could take the car for a spin outside of the crazy city. So, on Saturday we took a trip up to the local Home Depot type store called Leroy Merlin. We loaded six large planters and over a hundred pounds of soil into the car and headed home. The garden is started and so far doing ok. I have a few varieties of tomatoes, some basil, thyme, rosemary and assorted peppers growing. I am hoping for a nice harvest! I have also planted a whole bunch of Marigolds for some nice floral color. The terrace is coming along real nicely. We have a wonderful Teak dining table/chairs and purchased a faux wicker seating set with cushions. It is turning into a great place to watch the sunsets over the Ville Borghese and have a peaceful cocktail!  Life if good! 

So then came Sunday and my chance to drive a stick-shift car. Tom started by driving us out of the city so I would not die or kill someone. We got on the highway and started heading north. I figured we would pull off at an exit and then switch - sounds sensible - but after driving for about 30-45 minutes we realized that there were no exits. Just another 'Italian Oddity'.  Finally we found a Service Area, Tom pulled in and we switched! I was amazed how driving a stick actually came back to me very quickly. Considering it has been about 30 years since my last attempt at doing this (with my brother Mike in his Subaru Wagon), I Did Good! After driving another 30 minutes we finally found an exit so I pulled off the highway. Go figure it was an exit for a small town and an Outlet Mall (Bingo!). So we stopped, shopped, and ate! After a relaxing stroll around the mall we headed out for the drive home.
I have to say I am proud of myself driving the whole way. Tom and I were going to switch before we got back to the city but I ended up dring the entire way home. I made it to the garage - then I turned the helm back over to Captain Tom to navigate the 45-60 degree angle in the garage.

I will leave everybody there for right now and will be starting a new blog of recent activities.
From Roma with Love to all our friends and family!
Ciao