Seeing Red!!!

This week in Rome I am seeing RED!
A bad thing most of time - but not this time...
The red I am seeing is the amazing color change of my Tomatoes! Yes, the harvest is beginning. Granted just a few have started to turn but it is wonderful to know that soon Tom & I will be enjoying a fresh Caprese salad and some homemade Bruschetta! I may find this weather a little too warm, humid and sunny but the garden is loving it!
So, without further ado - you can see red too...

Some of the Cherry Tomatoes

On of our Big Boys!

Not to worry, we are not only seeing red but we are also seeing green, orange and yellow!
The pepper plant is really bursting, the marigold lawn is thriving and the green lemons are starting to yellow...

Bell Pepper...

Marigold Lawn going strong...

A last item on the plant front...my baby I adopted (stole/repossessed - whatever) from a local church yard is going real well. I just re-potted her and she took off this week:

Say hello to Teresa (named after
the saint of the church)

Ok, enough about growing things - let's move on to my adventures this week. It was a beautiful but hot week here in Rome but I refused to let that stop me from wandering around and seeing some new things. I did a lot of exploring around the local parks - a very relaxing habit I have instituted. Me, my iPod and walking about 2-3 hours - good for the body and for the mind. I also found two popular items in Rome that I have never done -
First was a famous attraction called La Bocca della Verita' (the mouth of truth). Located in the portico of the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. The sculpture is thought to be part of a 1st century ancient Roman fountain, or perhaps a manhole cover. Most Romans believe that the 'Bocca' represents the ancient god of the river Tiber. The most famous characteristic of the Mouth, however, is its role as a lie detector. Starting from the Middle Ages, it was believed that if one told a lie with ones hand in the mouth of the sculpture, it would be bitten off. The piece was placed in the portico of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin in the 17th century. I met a lovely young lady from Brazil traveling around Europe for a month and she was kind enough to take this picture:

I still have my hand so I guess I did something right!

The inside of the church was equally interesting a beautiful. Supposedly the relics of St. Valentine are inside this church. A gentlemen who worked inside was kind enough to show me the crypt below the church. It was unimpressive and small but still really cool.

The alter in the crypt

Inside the crypt

My other adventure was to the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument (everybody who has been here has seen this but not from this vantage point). The Vittorio Emanuele II Monument is known by few nicknames, and most of them aren’t flattering (“The Typewriter,” “The False Teeth,” or “The Wedding Cake,”).  My favorite to date is the nickname given to the monument by a taxi driver giving us a night-tour of the city...she called it the "Toaster-Oven". The enormous monument was built in the early 20th century to honor a unified Italy’s first king. Later, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was placed inside, along with a museum to Italian Reunification. It took over 100 years to complete and almost all Romans hate it.
Italians are concerned with aesthetics, and the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II (as it’s called in Italian) is considered an eyesore. Constructed of bright, white marble, the monument is invariably too bright (if it’s recently been cleaned) or conspicuously dirty (if it’s had even a few days to soak up Rome’s ever-present pollution). It’s thought by many to be far too large for the space it occupies, therefore making it seem a bit garish.

I had heard sometime ago that there was an elevator that takes you to the roof of the monument and that the views were amazing. I figured I would see what all the hubbub was all about. Unfortunately, you still have to walk up about 150 steps to get to the elevator but it was well worth it.
Here are some of the photos I took while on the roof:

Some idiot on the roof...

The piazza in front of the monument.

The elevator up top

The Forum & Colosseum

Well, "that's my story and I am sticking to it"! (line stolen from Joanne)

Before I sum-up and sign-off, I have to make an observation.  This item is just weird to me (and weird is not out of the ordinary for me). In my travels I have seen many people taking many pictures - commonly you see small digital cameras, big digital cameras (DSLRs), all shapes and sizes of Video cameras, and even people taking pictures with their cell phones (odd but I do understand it). This week I saw something that I do not understand and find to be beyond weird...this week I saw at least two people taking vacation photos using an iPad. Really! Besides looking stupid and silly, it is just simply bizarre. I DO NOT GET IT! Ok, enough...

It was another wonderful magical week in Rome.

Tom is working hard on an upcoming presentation in Switzerland. He just received his Residents Permit and I go this week to get mine. Everything else is just HOT!

I am considering an addition to my blog. I have had the pleasure of seeing and going through many amazing churches in Rome. Beyond the religion, the art is just amazing. So, I am considering adding a "Church of the Month Club" to this blog. Let me know what you think?

As our friends and family are heading into a big US holiday - the 4th of July - we in Rome are heading into St. Peter & Paul Day this Wednesday. I wish everybody a Happy, Safe, and Healthy Holiday.

Till the next installment...

We send our love to all...

Ron & Tom 





No Mom, I did not get interviewed by Geraldo...

It's been an interesting past week here in Rome! The daytime weather has been beautifully sunny but WOW - amazingly HOT and HUMID. In the evenings it cools off to a nice temperature but still a little sticky. Thank goodness for AC.
As I have stated before, one of the very good things about the weather is what it does for our garden!
I have never seen such quick growth on plants...
Here is just one example - the Marigold Lawn:

The Picture from last week...

Picture just today! Wow!

Everything else is doing equally well. The tomatoes are just popping up all over and the peppers started fruit - should be some nice dinners in a few weeks.

We have Big Boys, Cherry, & Roma...

The first of the Peppers...

Other than having fun with the garden we also had a wonderful weekend.

This weekend in was Euro Pride 2011. It is the European version of our Gay Pride Marches and his held in different European cities every year. This year we were luck enough that it was in Rome and had a chance to attend. It was a very sunny hot day but in the shade the temperature was very nice. Tom and I went down to the starting point of the parade (the Termini - the Main Train Terminal).

Then we walked down the parade route which passed by the Colosseum and decided to have lunch at a lovely cafe on a hill above, while waiting for the parade to arrive. We were introduced to a new drink (to us) called a Spritz (Aperol, Compari, & Prosecco). Very refreshing and a wonderful way to wait for the parade.

And as the Title states...No Mom, I was not interviewed by Geraldo nor any other news venues. Something my mother always worried about when I went to NYC Pride Parades. We were very surprised by the number of people that attended this event. I will say it is much less 'flashy' and 'flamboyant' than the US versions. The parade route went from the Termini, down past the Colosseum and ended up at the Circus Maximus. It was a fun day that turned into a long night. At the Circus Maximus we simply hung out and listened to the music - finally around 9:30pm the main attraction came on stage. We had the pleasure of seeing Lady Gaga make a heartfelt speech about equality and then perform two songs (Born this way & On the Edge).

Here are a few photos...

The parade at the Colosseum...

On of the 3 floats...

A Just Married Couple celebrating...

A little train float...

Foat close-up...

Stage at Circus Maximus...

It was a good day had by all!

Back at home things got interesting - we were informed yesterday that the gas to our buildings would be turned off for 3 days. The Italian Gas company needs to dig up our entire entrance way to replace an old pipe. Should make for an odd 3 days...

Everything else is just fine - we just scheduled my birthday week. Tom & I are going to Florence (Firenze) for a few days and just relax...

Our Love goes out to all our friends and family!

Hope everybody is happy and healthy (I have to stop - the gas company is pounding something and the entire building is shaking)

Love always - Ron & Tom

Hopefully, next week some new and interesting places to share... 

Now I understand the concept of a Summer Kitchen...

Howdy all!
Sorry - no big travel plans this posting...
We are home and just trying to enjoy what we have at our finger tips.
I have great news for all - we just finished booking Mom & Dad's trip to visit us! From August 30th through September 7th, the folks are visiting the old country! Can't wait till Mom & Dad get to see the wonders and history that I have the pleasure of living in. I know they will enjoy everything - even if they are just sitting on our terrace watching Rome go by...
As summer starts to kick in, I have to say it is getting awfully warm here. I know that most of you reading this have already had temperatures of 100 (+) but I am amazed by the heat radiated by a Mediterranean sun! Not sure of the heat index but WOW! It makes me miss my pool <sigh>!

I refuse to let the heat keep me in so...



Villa Borghese from our terrace...

I spent two days this week just walking around two of the most beautiful parks in Rome. The Villa Borghese and the Parco del Celio (by the Colosseum). It is truly astounding the amount of nook-and-crannies in the Villa Borghese.


It is right across the street from our apartment but I found things I never knew existed...


Here are just few of the wonderful things I found:

A beautiful lake w/Roman temple

A finey manicured English garden

Turtles sun-bathing

Row boats for rent...

Just a peaceful place w/
dogs, people, water, and more!

All at the far side of the park
across from the Museo Modern Arte

And just when you thought there was nothing left to find - I found a wonderful area with a horse training track. The horse was beautiful, so elegant and graceful.

Here is a small video I took:

Enough of my wondering! As promised I wanted to give you an update on our Terrace Garden.

Due to the sun, the odd rain showers, and some good ol'fashion TLC it looks like we are going to have a wonderful crop. We have some great basil growing and at present count about 2 dozen baby tomatoes, 10 new Lemons, and the beginning of the peppers.

Not to mention our Marigold Lawn is blooming up a storm...

Here is what they all look like:

Our tomatoes at about 3 months

Some of the babies growing up

More lemon flowers...

...and the Bambino Limone

Some basil and our peppers...

The Marigold Lawn

That's about all for this weeks installment.

Sorry these postings are not all going to be full of amazing places but I will try and give everybody a new spot weekly and give you all the updates.

As always - we send our love to all! Enjoy the Spring? and coming Summer!

Lastly, here is a photo for our great friend Greg -

A Fleur de Lis
from the Galleria in Milano

Best of Luck for a Fabulous TC Benefit next Wednesday, June 15th!

Raise lots of money and try to have a good time doing it!

Anybody reading this and wanting to help can go to www.thursdayschildofli.org .

Be well

Love

Ron & Tom



A Wonderful Weekend in Milano...

The guests are gone and it was time for a little 'Tom time'...
The Italians were kind enough to have another holiday that allowed Tom a four day weekend!
My amazing husband used some points we had saved up and booked us a four day weekend in Milano!
So last Thursday (Giovedi - in Italian) we boarded an early morning train for a 3.5 hour ride to the Fashion Capital of the world - Milan! I have had the pleasure of utilizing the Italian train system a few times in the past and this trip was just as nice as the previous times. A nice lazy ride: a little cafe (coffee), a snack, a little reading, a nap, and before we knew it we had arrived at Milano Centrale!
We had the pleasure of staying at the Park Hyatt Milano right in the center of everything. It was right next to a huge dome covered mall adjacent to the Duomo Milano (more to come on that) and had a wonderful Spa we took advantage of (the knots in my back want to thank them).
I have to admit, though Rome is beautiful, it was nice to get away for a few days - especially just me and my honey! A short time of great views, great food, and great company. I will say that Milano is not a city I could visit for a few weeks but a few days is just perfect. It was just enough time to see the major sight this lovely city has to offer - The Milano Duomo, The Last Supper, the Sforza Castle and La Scala Theatro! Wow, the history and sights did not disappoint!
I know those who read my blog don't come here to listen to me babble - you come here for the pictures - so here we go...
The first day was a little overcast but just right for taking a walk around, having an delicious lunch, and taking a few photos:

The Dome Covered Mall

From the inside...

Amazing tile-work on...

...the floor of the Mall!

Rain or shine it was a wonderful please to have a little lunch, go shopping, people watching or sight-seeing!
The rain held out so we decided to go to the top of the Duomo Milano. Luckily we did not need to walk - they were kind enough to supply a lift to bring us up. I know the health nuts would have walked but when someone makes me the offer: 5 euro to walk or 8 euro to ride an elevator - you know which I will choose...
The view was stunning! here are a few photos and then a video:

Tom on the roof...

The view down to the Mall

Up on the roof....

...a long way down...

The rest of the day was consumed with a few sorely needed massages (sorry no photos), a nap, then a wonderful dinner at Ristorante Da Giacomo. The restaurant is know for their seafood and they did not disappoint!
Now it's Friday and Tom schedule us for a '3 hour tour'. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable in all things Milan and we were told EVERY sorted detail. I had to give our guide credit - she not-only talked continuously for 3 solid hours but she also did the full walking tour in 4-6" stiletto heels.
I was impressed...

The home of the Last Supper

The biggest high-lite of the tour was seeing the Cenocolo Vinciano (the Last Supper)! Limited people are permitted to see this work of art for a limited time daily. We were added to part of another tour group that received access that day. You must pass through two sealed glass doors that are automatically operated - one sealing before the next opens... Of course NO PHOTOS are allowed - so here it is:

Leonardo da Vinci's 'Cenocolo Vinciano'

Inside the Duomo

<< Then we went to the Sforza Castle, a beautiful castle in the northern end of Milan Central. An awesome sight to see.
At the end of our tour we were back at the Milano Duomo truly a magnificent church to see. It is considered one of the 5 largest churchs in the world (St. Peters in Rome being the largest) - it claims to be number 2. It took over 100 years to complete and from what we saw (and were told) no expense was spared in making it great!

Milano Duomo (daytime)

...and at Night...

52 Columns, 1 for each week...

The remainder of trip was dedicated to free time! We relaxed, shopped, ate, drank, ate, and drank some more. The weather was overcast and sometimes rainy but cool and wonderful for roaming around a new city. The best thing was seeing all this with Tom! With all his work we rarely get to have adventures on our own.



Another amazing sightseeing stop we made was to La Scala - one of the most famous opera houses in the world. The elegance of this theatre is truly a astounding and if you are ever in Milan you should see it.

La Scala Opera House

Costumes from Othello

After our long day we enjoyed a few well made Martinis at the hotel and enjoyed our 'last supper' in Milan at "il luogo di Aimo e Nadia". This restaurant is owned and operated by an older couple who started cooking together over 30 years ago. Besides the food the best part of the meal was after we finished. We were outside the establishment waiting for our taxi and the owners were leaving for the evening. The husband moved the car so his wife could get in, she kindly waved at us and thanked us for dining with them - then they just drove off in their modest car to head home for the evening! It was super cute! Check them out at www.aimoenadia.com !
Now we are back in Rome after our little adventure! Tom is off on a business trip to some place I can not pronounce and I am updating our loved ones!
I will update you all on the garden progress next time... Let me just say we are in perfect weather for growing things... Wow!
For now, we send our love and best wishes! We miss you all!
Till next time, enjoy Life!