AC’s down in the gym, likely from the storm. But I’m okay with it as I always turn it down and open the windows anyway.  And post storm, the air is just so fresh. I do warn Lauren when she comes in during my cool down stretch. Then report same to Marlo.

Some Zentangling with Kat on a pretty morning before some of the group head up to the bakery again. I suspect some of them (COLT!) have gelato for breakfast. I head to work awhile. Since the serious heat’s holding off till afternoon, I can keep the doors open in my writing nook. Feel the breeze, hear the boats and gulls.

A couple hours work, and it’s time for a Bellini, a book and some umbrella shade. Kayla and Colt are in the pool where we have more pool floats. Including a big flamingo. Logan’s lounging with his book. BW’s into a book, Jason’s working on his tablet. Lauren’s got a book. Soon Pool Guy gears up and Kat joins.

A helicopter goes by. It’s hauling away the ticket boots for the ferry. I imagine they’re replacing them, and guess this is the most efficient way to move large things around here. Big trucks couldn’t drive these roads. Or if they did, no one else could. But you just don’t see copters flying off with ticket booths every day.

So an afternoon of sun, shade and splashing for our little group. Off to the store for Kat and her gang, with plans to pick up fried chicken. The place is called Hot Chicks. Who could resist? I sort of do as I have pasta left over from a previous meal, but appreciate the name. Fried chicken is one of Griffin’s clear faves, so he’s going to be a very happy boy.

Logan’s really enjoying the Star Wars books, and since I’m a big fan—of the movies—we discuss. And a guy on a Skidoo flies over the lake. First of those I’ve seen, and he was zooming.

Food’s here. Lots of groceries as we hope this holds us for at least most of the rest of our stay. And we have JR coming today, and his mom, dad and younger brother will join us until they head off to Venice on Monday.

Hot Chicks is a hit. At one point Lauren jokes she’s going to steal a piece of Griffin’s. He quietly covers his take-out box to protect them.

Eat well, clean up. Outside again. It’s been the most pleasant of days, weather-wise. So why not have our game of Hearts outside on the big picnic table?

We can watch the day fade. Kat and Griffin are drawing at the other end of the table. In Daddy mode, Jason reminds us there are little ears, and language habitually rises with cards.

Despite the reminder, it slips here and there. When Kayla takes the Queen on the first diamond trick, she slips.  Just a quick, heartfelt: Fuck.

When Jason repeats`little ears’, she points out Lauren said it and nobody scolded her. And of course, in her protest, Kayla repeats the word that caused the reminder.

Hilarity ensues.

Kat assures us Griffin considers that particular word Nana’s Word. I’m kind of touched by that.

 And there’s the moon. It was a waning crescent when we left Milan, so a new moon here. Now there is it, that pretty thumbnail sailing over the mountains.

And bedtime.

Another fresh morning, with blue skies, blue water. No boats on the lake yet, but someone down below—sound carries—is laughing. A happy sound on a quiet morning. And here comes the first morning ferry.

JR and his family are in the air now, and should land late morning in Milan. We’re looking forward to seeing them. The good girlfriend Kayla has checked to make sure their rooms are all ready for them.

May work an hour or so after workout and Zen. Or not. It’s nice to be able to just see how it goes.

Nora

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There are more people with Marlo outside, clearing up after the storm. And they keep busy while I’m in the gym. While working out, I spot a pair of swans on the lake. So pretty. I hope they come back when I can take a photo.

There’s workout, then Zentangle. It’s a nice way to start the day.

Next phase begins. BW, Kat and Jason want to walk to the bakery. Griffin is given the choice of staying with me or going along. He’ll stay as the pool is here, after all. Kayla’s up and will join for the bakery. Colt, barely out of bed, initially selects the stay option. Then Kat says: There’s a gelatoria. Scratch that, he’s going.

Logan and Lauren also opt in.

This is a short walk, but also has parts along the skinny road where the buildings hug the street. I’m happy to stay back and change into a bathing suit. But first Griffin is drawing on his magic tablet. A stylist or finger draws, and when you’re done, finished, want to move on, you just press a button, and poof. It’s gone.

We get him changed, and both of us sunscreened on every exposed inch. And into the pool. Ahh, lovely. Where I soon discover we’re running a restaurant and must now catch some fish to serve our customers. Fish, swim, serve many customers, cruise around on floaties.

From high above, Kayla shouts hello. The gang’s trooping back from pastries and gelato.

Colt joins us in the pool. Then Kayla. Logan’s stretched out with another Star Wars book.

Out of the pool for me to sit in the shade awhile. Then bask briefly in the sun and discuss books and writing styles with Logan. Lauren’s made a cheese platter, and there’s talk about heading into Como for dinner later at a place Team Car found. Kat will make reservations. And Daddy takes over with Pool Guy.

The day passes with sun, shade, basking and Bellinis. When you vacate, you need to vacate.

We scatter to change for dinner, then begin to slowly gather again.

Marlo is breaking down the outdoor stuff as another storm’s expected some time in the night.

All nine of us finally report, and trek up to the garage. Jason has some sort of app on his phone camera where he can take a shot of the group. Someone takes over the camera, and Jason joins the group—and you have one photo with everyone in it. It’s magic.

Now the drive, and I’m again with Nerves-Of-Steel Kayla. Snaking, skinny roads, stone buildings and oncoming cars with tissue paper space between. And Como, where we realize The GPS has lied to us because here are one-way streets in the wrong direction. But the youngers are confident they know how to get there.

I am, of course, totally lost by now, but Kayla turns here, then there. Navigates, winds, turns. Curses at stupid cars, even more stupid pedestrians, more stupid yet one-way streets. And somehow we’re pulling into the parking garage.

Along the way, we lost the Kat car, but even I remember the way to the restaurant from here.

And there’s BW, and there’s Kat on the street corner. They’re in the same garage, but through a different entrance. Here’s the restaurant where a seat under the big awning and many water bottles are welcome. Refreshed, relieved to be in one place, we peruse the menu. Among the many, many choices, is sea bass in a potato crust. I like sea bass, I like potatoes. This seems a very logical choice for me.

We have a nice breeze, the promise of good food, a handsome, smiling server, and I have a lovely glass of Pinot Griggio. Kayla and I both start with a green salad, and it’s lovely. The gang’s ordered a variety. Fish, meat, pasta, pizza, which is all beautifully presented.

Except my fish still has his head. Kat quickly signals the server to deal with that. He understands immediately. It’s whisked away. The now headless bass is inside a blanket of potatoes shredded like home fries. What a concept—and it’s amazing.

Everyone’s very happy with their meal. However amazing, I can’t finish all this fish. I give some to Colt, to Logan, then to Kat. Apparently Colt’s pacing himself because there’s a gelatoria right next door. Griffin wants in on that, but the rest of us study the dessert menu where we are. Raspberry ice cream cake with whipped cream and berries? Kayla and I say yes to that. There’s tiramisu, chocolate torte, fresh pineapple and more.

Time to waddle back to the car for the drive home in the lowering light.

What do they do when two of these big Uber vans meet on the road? I think one would have to back up, but I seriously doubt anyone does. We’re home before dark, and with the pool, the sun, the drive, the meal, most of us call it.

The storms come during the night. Lighting flashes that light up the mountains. Thunder and wind roaring together. You can barely hear the rain through the roars. When I wake, the lights are still on across the lake, and the clouds hang low. As the sun strengthens, the lights go out, the clouds rise a bit. Now the clock tower’s chiming eight, some clouds still smoke over the peaks. The lake’s steely blue, and the air still.

I think that’s my cue to get to the gym. Plan to work a bit today, and see what my gang has in mind.

Nora

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A quick note from Laura: heading to the hospital for the delayed hip replacement surgery in a couple hours. Should be home tonight. There will be some delays in comment moderation for today’s post. And timing on the next few posts may be different as I take things one day at a time.

No work for me today. A little, I believe, for our dedicated business manager. Post workout, Kat informs me there’s a change in teams. Colt will join Team Ferry, as Logan and Lauren appear to be incommunicado this morning. They’ll join Team Car when and if.

Up to shower off the workout and dress for a hot day in Como Town. I’m just strapping on my sandals when Kayla comes in to tell me L&L are for Team Car.

Up we climb, and it’s a bit of a hike, to the garage. Jason discovers he left his wallet in the villa. Down and back for him.

It’s very pretty up here. I haven’t been on this level since arrival, and at that time didn’t notice the pretty potted olive trees. And, of course, there’s that amazing view.

All set now, and with Kayla at the wheel, off we go.  I gotta say, she handles it. I know she’s a good driver, but this is Italy, and these are roads even more windy and certainly more narrow than at home. Plus no room for error with stone buildings or walls kissing the side of the road.

And huh, helicopter. What’s it doing? Jason informs us it’s lifting a big tree. I’ve never seen a helicopter hauling a big tree.

Now here’s a guy outside his on-the-road house, bent over, ass in the road, pulling weeds or something. I can only think he doesn’t value his ass overmuch. Kayla curves around it.

Through tunnels, around the curves, squeezing by big vans. And into town. We have a parking lot on the GPS, so try following that. But it ends up being street parking and as loaded as it gets. We backtrack to an actual lot. Pedestrians tend to mosey across the streets here, with most not bothering to look either way much less both.

Now we’re the pedestrians, but we do look, and no moseying in the crosswalks. And here’s a pharmacy so Loren can find something for mosquito bites. I think the ones that feasted on her were the size of hummingbirds.

Communication from Team Ferry tells us they’re not far, and to Griffin’s (and Colt’s) delight, stopped at a McDonald’s, and are heading to the Duomo. Kayla wants McD’s! Wants to see what’s different. Shopping’s in that direction anyway, so we aim there.

It’s a really big McDonald’s. Also very busy and confusing. But the order boards offer both Italian and English. And have pictures.

I’m never one to refuse McD’s fries, so Kayla adds them for me. She’s going for the cheese empanadas. Definitely different from home. Logan’s hungry. So it’s Big Mac AND chicken tenders and fries. Jason had, I think, pizza for breakfast, so he’s going to skip the food and locate Team Ferry. Kayla and I find an outside table while Logan and Lauren wait for our order.

There are pigeons. A lot of pigeons. Kayla is displeased with the pigeons, and particularly with the little bit of pigeon poop on the edge of the table. But you’ll have this.

While the pigeons fight over fries on the ground, L&L bring out the food. Fries here are the same as at home, and that’s fine with me. If you want spicy ones—Logan did—the spice comes in a little packet like salt. There are also a variety of sauces for the nuggets. Kayla also has some sauces, but dips her fries in.

Me, I’m a fry purist. Salt is all they need.

While we eat Colt, who wants to shop, joins Team Car. Jason, who doesn’t, switches to Team Ferry.

After our McDonald’s, Italian Style, experience, we’re off to shop. In one, I see a really nice pair of pants, casual, summer weight. And no pockets. There should be a law against no pockets in pants. There’s a deal breaker for me. But I do find a little gift.

Off we go again, and into a department store. This is different, so we wander. As I suspected, we do not stay together as planned, but we have texts, so all good. And I hit a gifty motherlode. Very happy, and pleased to have Kayla as my consultant.

Escalators go up, but only stairs go down. We wander up, we wander down, and out. More shops.

And find Team Ferry having some ice cream. Consult on further plans. Separate.

Team Ferry and their ice cream. Photos by Kat.

Lots of people with dogs on leashes. Mostly tiny dogs, but a couple big guys. Pretty window displays. In and out we go. And it’s fun to wander around with the youngers.

Note from Laura: Since there are gifts in the shoppers bags, there are no photos. But Team Ferry obliged with some.

Another gift! Very successful day for me. Now a leather store. You just can’t beat Italian leather. Logan buys a lovely little black leather purse for Loren. And says she now has to ditch her current little black purse.

Astonished shock and a round of NOs! From every female in Team Car.

Men, what can you do?

Colt find something, and the really delightful shopkeeper does her best to talk him into a wallet. He resists, charmingly.

And oh, boy, here’s gelato! A bigger selection. Colt has already had three scoops of chocolate gelato with Team Ferry, but he’s all for more. I’m thinking Limone this time, but as the line progresses Kayla spots vanilla cream with dark chocolate chunks. Yes, please. Colt and Kayla agree. Loren sticks with her fave limone. Not sure what Logan got. Because I much too deep in bliss over that creamy, creamy gelato and those yummy chocolate chunks.

Colt, Kayla and I agree. Best gelato yet.

I think as the storm’s predicted for five-ish, and clouds are forming, we should wander our way in the direction of the parking garage.

This proves wise as a few drops of rain fall. Big, fat drops, but scarce. A little less scarce as we hustle down the ramp to the garage. Still, the storm holds off as Kayla once again handles town traffic. Skims her way along the skinny roads. Yes, a good driver, and one who takes no crap whatsoever from Italian drivers.

At last we turn and through the gates to the villa. Into the garage, and home.

Team Ferry is already there.

Absolutely Bellini time for me.

We’ve already planned to stay in. Kat and her team will hit the grocery and a place that has take-out. The storm’s coming. Marlo, one of the caretakers, is prepping outside. He’s also working with the tech who’s fixing the AC—Kayla’s room, and Colt’s, I think—are wonky there.

I go out, and I can see the rain wall over the town, and the wind’s starting to kick. Thunder’s grumbling.  It’s already cooled easily ten degrees. Here comes the rain, lightning, and more wind. There are whitecaps on the lake.

It’s gorgeous and wonderfully fierce.

Irene, one of the other staff, comes in. We must put down what she calls bomb shades. A precaution if the wind throws something—a lawn chair for instance—against the windows. The power goes off, comes on, goes off. She shows us batt operated lanterns.

And it’s back on.

Since no one’s going for food in this, Kat, Kayla, Jason, Colt and I start a game of Hearts. And in the first three hands, I take the Queen three times. I mean, really?

The thunder’s banging, the rain’s lashing, and the wind’s howling. But we’re all snug inside.

Loren and Logan are in the boat house. And so, at their insistence, are Marlo and the AC tech. They were going to stand outside the house! No, no, come in. Sit down.

The storm, while fierce, didn’t last all that long. Now it’s passed, the air is fresh and cool. Off goes Kat and her gang of helpers. Griffin stays back with me and his grandda—who is comfortably settled in the TV room.

Griffin asks if I want to have some fun outside. Whenever Griffin asks me if I want to have some fun, it means he’s going to make up a game full of physical challenges. There will be a lot of running, jumping and spinning. Some dancing.

He sort of combines Minecraft and Roblox maybe throws in some Sonic and Mario. We run, jump, run. We dance. Run more. He spins. Nana is excused from spinning due to vertigo.

Then he asks if I know where his pool stuff is. I do not, and also point out that due to the storm, the pool is full of leaves. Well, we can clean it. Nope. Marlo cleans the pool every morning, so we’ll go for the pool after that.

He sees the logic.

And here comes food. Lots of groceries. More wine. Team effort to store away. And now for dinner. Griffin’s already called for Nana’s lasagna, so I make him a big serving, warm it up. Honestly, by the time everyone else sorts out their meal, he’s done that and ready for more. So another hefty serving, warmed up.

He eats every bite, then has ice cream.

It’s a fine meal. The place had steak, so naturally Logan and Colt are in for that. The roasted potatoes are a bit soggy, it seems. We’ll fix them up tomorrow.

After dinner’s cleared, I go outside where it’s all breezy and fresh. BW comes out, shows me pictures he took of Villa D’Estes, where we stayed on our first trip to Lake Como.

Early to bed for me, and when I hear the boom of fireworks, I just ignore. Jason heard them the first night we were here, so apparently this is a regular deal. Maybe like Disney.

I sleep like a rock and wake to blue skies and breezes.

The big ferry’s on its way over the rippling blue lake.

Not sure what the plans are today. I know some may want to head to that street fair—it was closed yesterday. I may work, may join Pool Guy. Maybe both or all three if I get a shopping urge.

But now I’m going to sit here a few minutes more, then gear up for the gym.

Nora

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Out in the gym, and the downloading works! I can get my weights on.  Add some cardio. Streeeetch.  Down again, and good morning Griffin, and Jason. And shortly hi, Kat who wonders if I want to Zentangle again.

Why not?

I go with a black card today. Kat tells me to think of a word. As they’re right there, I go with mountains. After a little consideration, she comes up with idea of doing the four elements. Mountains are earth. Ziggle out the frame, and four quadrants. She instructs to do peaks. I choose a silver pen and do my best at peaks. Sharp ones, softer ones while she shows me how to make them look in front or in back of each other. Onto air. She sees that as spirals with tails. Okay, fun. (I try to make mine NOT look like sperm.) Water, divide a quadrant in half and do wavy lines sort of diagonal on either side. Fire is two horizontal rows of triangles in different sizes, then connecting the triangles in each line with more. Do little lines.

Time for highlighting with the gold pen. Shade in some spaces in the mountains, draw little stars inside the spirals and wherever else you please, shade in some spaces between the wavy lines for water, add some gold to fire.

And we have Zenned.

Time to clean up, get dressed, and work awhile. Kayla’s already at it, making sure everybody gets paid. And just as I shut down, the girl walks in, all ready for the fun parts of the day. Perfect timing. Down in the kitchen, Lauren’s scrambling up some eggs for her and Logan. The kitchen smells like bacon. Mmmm. Kat has Pool Guy today, and they’re ready to hit the water by the time the rest of us head down to Torno.

Down, down, down the narrow stone steps and into the alley. There’s a little shop that does nails and massages. They also have a few shiny things in the window display.

I select and buy a few. Christmas may be months away, but it’s still coming!

Colt’s thinking gelato. Which makes me think of gelato. Over to Bar Italiano where we’ll eat again tonight. Papa is doing gelato, Mama is doing coffee—which Logan, Lauren and Jason want. Daughter (maybe) is busy serving as the place is already busy.

It takes some doing—hand signals, pitiful Italian, reasonably better English. Jason wants a cafe mocha. But mocha is understood as chocolate. He gets a cappuccino with chocolate sprinkles. Sounds pretty good. I go to pay. Papa’s trying to count the scoops, the coffee. Mama helps on the coffee. Kayla, who did one of those Learn Italian deals in prep for the trip, gives him the number of scoops.

Pay, enjoy, make a reservation for dinner.

Wander to the little church. Very pretty. Lots of rose marble on the altars. Stained glass, frescoed ceiling. Light a candle. Wander out again.

There are endless steps leading up and up and up some more. Not climbing those unless there’s something up there besides residential. So up and up and up go Logan and Jason.

Reports are there’s an actual street, and farther along a kind of farmer’s market. I think BW shouldn’t climb for that. Those who want can climb another day. Instead, we sit on the wall by the lake. A good spot for pictures. There’s shade and a breeze. Wander back to climb our way home. Jason is the key master and opens the gates as we go.

In the pool at home, the clever Kat has fashioned a kind of awning out of one of the pool rafts for shade. So she can sit or float on another out of the sun.

This is why when the Zombie Apocalypse comes, she’s in charge.

I make a well-earned Bellini. Logan settles down in the TV room to read, Kayla and Colt are for the pool. I alternate basking and more downloading. While Kayla’s coating on the sunscreen, we discuss what JR’s family might want in the way of food and drink when they’re here for a couple days. There’s a wine store, so we have some vino in our supplies. Need more hot dogs as the third generation boys are mowing through them. More sodas, more this and that. We’re going to need another run to the grocery anyway.

As the afternoon moves along, I realize, despite gelato, I’m hungry. Enjoy a peach, but need more. Cheese and crackers sound just right so make a plate—not Kayla-pretty charcuterie—to share.

I have enough programs downloaded to hold me awhile. Kayla’s going up to shower and get ready for dinner. I’ll think about that shortly. BW says he wants to take the ferry to Como the next day—which all depends on weather as there are storms in the forecast. I’m not about the ferry as I’d be sick before we got to Como. But Kayla has proved herself an excellent driver in Italy.  Logan’s still reading, and the rest of us do what’s needed to head down again for dinner.

Down, down, down. Logan continues to read as he goes. Our little restaurant is extra busy tonight. They push our three tables together. We’re under the shade of a pergola smothered in leafy vines. We discover the house sparrows enjoy the greenery. And us. One all but lands on Griffin’s head. Then perches on the end of the table for a moment. They sing, they swoop.

We’re going to try the hotel’s rooftop restaurant one night, and why not try that when JR’s family’s here? They don’t open until 7:30, a little late for us, but we’re on vacation. Kat checks the menu. They have steak, so I already know what JR, Logan and Colt will order. We’re booked, party of 13, Sunday night.

We eat; the sparrows visit. More discussion on Wednesday’s plans. And there’s always room for gelato. Or apricot pie for those—not me—who want different. And a gorgeous fruit salad—Macedonia di Frutta—for Kat.

Back up and up, and after the first flight, my quads are weeping. The second? Hamstrings burning. I think my legs are insisting one trip down to Torno a day is enough already. I’m not alone, as Kayla is chanting lactic acid, lactic acid.

I feel you!

There’s some talk about a card game, but we all sort of flop in the greatroom. More serious discussion on plans. There’s now a team ferry—BW, Kat, Griffin, Logan, Lauren, Colt. And a team car. Me, Jason, and Kayla at the wheel. Team Car will head to that street fair. Team Ferry will join us. Will they ride the funicular?  Take a bus? A cab? There’s also a big church, and how about that? Grocery store? Ferry or join Team Car on the way back?

Around and around it goes.

As Kat says, it’s like herding cats with opinions.

The teen and the twenties crowd into the TV room for Mario Cart. BW searches the greatroom TV for soccer. The rest of us head to bed.

And about midnight, I’m woken by booming. What IS that? I lie there listening, and think: Sounds like fireworks. Can’t be. Nearly midnight. Is this indeed the long-anticipated Zombie Apocalypse? Somebody get Kat!

But, no. When I go out on the balcony to check, fireworks, not zombies. The sky to—if my direction’s right—south west is lit up. Boom, and boom again. Bang badda boom! I have to watch as I’m already standing out here. What kind of celebration? I wonder. Maybe a wedding? Whatever, it’s very pretty, very unexpected. Seriously elaborate.

When they’re over, I climb back into bed. Takes awhile, but I find sleep again.

And up on a breezy morning. Little ripples on the lake. The bell tower’s chiming, gulls calling. There are two boats, one sail, one motor, moored with buoys near the dock. How, I wonder, did their sailors get to land?

Definitely time to get to the gym as today’s bound to be an adventure. Go, Team Car!

Nora

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After my greatroom workout, where Griffin occasionally joins to show me his moves, Jason shows me how to download from my streaming app. I still manage to screw some of it up, but I believe I have my arms and shoulders routine on there for an attempt at the gym this morning.

Kat’s setting up for some morning Zentangle. I’ll give this a shot, along with her and Kayla, especially since no straight lines are required. Following Kat’s instructions, I make six quadrants on my little white card, then start to fill one in with little crescent shapes. Just over and over and over. And it’s actually, surprisingly Zen. Lauren joins in. She and Kayla, already familiar with the process, do their own thing while I’m filling my quadrants with wavy lines or little circles or triangles as Kat instructs. It’s quiet and relaxing.

A very nice bridge between cardio and writing.

I get another couple hours work in on this stay-home day. Kat, Kayla, Lauren, and I think Colt, head to the grocery for additional supplies, and the makings for lasagna.

By the time I shut down, we’re well supplied, Griffin is again Pool Guy with his dad. I believe I’ll have a Bellini and sit out to my daily bask with BW.

Kayla makes a couple pretty charcuteries, and yum. Others come to bask and enjoy. Colt eats two hot dogs, happily with the find of yellow mustard.

Time to check out the kitchen to find everything I need to make a couple casseroles of lasagna. I end up hunting back in the secondary kitchen, find a chef’s knife, the big pots.

I peel a bulb of garlic; Kat minces. I go out and cut fresh rosemary from one of the lovely bushes; Kat chops. Lauren grates parm for those who like it sprinkled over their serving.

Now to figure out the stove. After a few failed attempts, the garlic sautéing. Lauren opens the wine I’ll use for the sauce. She and I have a sip, deem it good.

The tomato paste comes in tubes. Interesting. Squeeze, squeeze, squeeze some more. Our shoppers bought six tubes, in case. I use five, and Kat finds a rolling pin to get every drop out of the tubes. She’s also crushed the onion flakes to make a powder. In go the spices, the herbs, the wine.

Stir, stir, and looking good.

I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta because I prefer the smoother, milder cottage. This comes in small cups, and they bought the store out. Empty them all into a bowl and mix that with the mozzerella Kat’s shredded, add some pepper and basil. And into the fridge it goes.

Time for another Bellini, alternate basking with checking sauce and stirring, adjusting the heat. Lauren sets a pretty table; Kat makes a pretty salad. And we do all this in an unfamiliar kitchen with unfamiliar tools.

A couple hours of this, and I taste the sauce, deem it good. Lauren backs me up. Now I study the lasagna pasta. It comes in small boxes as it’s half the length and maybe half again as wide as what we get at home. Set the big pot onto boil. And boy, that takes awhile. Finally adding the pasta which almost immediately begins to break apart.

What the what!

Kat reads the box, which says it takes 20 minutes to cook. That can’t be right! Then the oh shit bulb flashes on. You’re not supposed to boil this pasta. Good thing our shoppers bought several boxes.

Start layering the two casseroles, and feel fine when I see my proportions are going to work out. Top them with sliced mozzerella.

We thought we’d preheated the oven. However. Everything is symbols, and when you press a symbol, the display’s, naturally, in Italian. We use a translator, but it’s still not getting as hot as we want.

Jason comes in, adds his thoughts. Lauren’s slices bread, and as instructed, butters both sides, sprinkles with garlic powder and basil. How will we figure out how to work the broiler?

It’s taking longer than planned. People are hungry! I keep turning up the heat, watching the oven. I finally hit on it, and we have lasagna. While it rests, we try to figure out the broiler. Oh, and the top shelf of this oven is actually a pan, removable, not a slide-out rack.

Out to the table with the salad, then with the casseroles while I watch that bread like a hawk. And finally, out to the table with the bread. Griffin doesn’t want salad, and is given the task of taste-testing the lasagna. The boy is very fond of his nana’s lasagna. He takes his first bite. And it gets multiple thumbs up. Whew!

And despite oven and pasta chaos, it’s a damn fine meal. With about a quarter of one casserole left for somebody’s lunch.

Lots of clearing up, and a lazy glass of red for me.

We’re going to play double-deck Hearts. Kat opts out to knit. It’s Lauren’s first game of Hearts, so instructions along the way. We’re only playing to fifty. Now Kayla is a shark at Hearts—just like her nana taught her—but the cards are against her. It’s a pretty lively game, certainly a noisy one. Kayla tips over, and Jason wins by not taking a single heart throughout the game.

Time for bed!

Warm this morning, and the waterfowl are noisy. A couple of boats cruise by, and here’s the ferry about to dock in Torno. We’d planned—some of us—to walk down and explore today. But Kayla, the responsible business manager, remembered today’s payroll. If she finishes her work, we’ll do that exploring. Otherwise, there’s tomorrow.

Nora

I get a little cardio just walking out, around, up the long slope, then up the stairs to the gym.

It’s a pretty cool space with the front opening to the lake with big windows, and the back wall formed by the rugged, rocky cliff. They have little cactus plants sitting on various rock ledges.

We’ve got a treadmill, a bike, an elliptical, but I’m for the weights.

I soon discover there’s not enough WiFi to run my streaming program, but that’s okay. I’ve done these routines often enough to carry on by memory.  I get going, and before too long, Lauren comes in. She takes a look at my tablet, the program, and agrees. Not enough juice. But suggests I try downloading some of the routines.

We’ll look into that.

But for now, I lift, and she takes a long walk on the treadmill.

Mission accomplished, and with that done, it’s back down and down and around for some much appreciated caffeine. Kayla and Colt are having some cereal; Griffin’s done with breakfast. I go up to clean up for the day. When I wander back down just to see what’s what, Kat, Kayla and Colt are doing some Zen Doodling. Kat brought all the pencils and supplies for that. I’m invited to join, but decline as I’m going back up to work awhile.

I have a pretty little desk by a big window. Immediately discover I need to sit on one—make that two—pillows as the desk is high, the chair low. But it’s nice and soft on my butt, so no complaints.

I have a quiet and productive three hours in my nice writing nook, decide this is a good place to stop. Down I go for a well-earned Bellini, and it’s sublime.

Logan, Lauren and Colt are already in the pool. And so is BW. Griffin’s ready to join once he’s in his vest. I think about it, but it’s just so nice to sit here in the shade of the big umbrella and watch. Here’s Kayla, ready to spray on sunscreen. And Kat’s about to venture out to see how far a walk it is to our town of Torino.

I think I’ll have a peach to go with my Bellini.

Music’s playing, the fam minus Kat are in the pool. Off and on, someone curls up under an umbrella or stretches out in the sun. Then back in. Griffin? He never comes out.

And here’s Kat to report it is indeed walkable, and we’re booked for a big outdoor table in the local restaurant for dinner.

I get some chips, sit and watch the lake. BW joins. More basking. Kat basks awhile, too. Then Kayla comes to sit with her grandda. It’s amazing none of us run out of things to talk about. Griffin and his daddy remain in the pool hanging together on a raft.

The day just cruises by.

Colt estimates Griffin’s been Pool Guy for about five hours as everyone’s finally out and we’re cleaning up for the walk down to dinner.

One of the excursion boats blows its horn. It sounds like it has a bad sinus infection.

Through two gates and down many narrow stone steps and we’re in the alleyways that say Italy. Brick paths, stone buildings, big gorgeous doors. Voices, kids riding little Hot Wheel type trikes and having a really good time. Neighbors chatting, And out to a sunny piazza. There’s a water bus station, and beyond, boats on the lake. People at tables eating and drinking.

In-town views from [top to bottom]: Kayla, Lauren, Lauren and BW.

They’ve put three tables together for us, and labeled them Pong—for Kat. Our server has excellent English which makes it simpler for the Yanks. Turns out five of us want the pizza. I go for pasta tonight. It’s all so pretty and pleasant. One of the tables wobbles, a lot, so we brace it—oddly with the deodorant Logan has in his bag. Hey, it works.

And here’s the food. Looks great, smells, great, tastes great. I think of the five margarita pizzas there’s close to a pie left to go home. So will half my pasta. But there’s gelato! Decisions, decisions on flavors. You know, I’m not fond of strawberry ice cream, but strawberry gelato’s in a different universe. I get a scoop of that with a scoop of vanilla. The perfect combo!

The walk home’s welcome. Lots of stops for pictures. There’s a salon where Lauren plans to get a pedicure. And surely there will be shops. Must explore.

But tonight, we climb home, then all sit out to bask as the light softens, and the lake—busy with pleasure boats all day—quiets. There’s a rosy halo over the hills to the west signalling the end of day.

This morning, I hear ducks, and geese—it has to be geese. The occasional cry of a gull. The lake is smooth as glass under cloudy skies. Some are pretty dark, but they’re moving along with clear skies behind them. Water’s lapping against the boats moored below my perch.

I’m going to gear up and work out in the TV room, then I’ll see what the gang wants to do today.

Nora

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A new round of #randomkatnessmagic

A long flight but a smooth one, and I’ll take it. Nine of us boarded the plane. JR just started a new job—Yay, JR!—and will join us later in the trip. But for the flight to Milan, it’s me, BW, Jason, Kat, Griffin, Logan, Lauren (his lovely girlfriend) Kayla and Colt.

I manage to catch about four hours off and on sleep, and I’ll take that, too.

Hot is the word when we land, but it’s July, after all. The bleary travelers pile into two vans—two weeks means a lot of luggage—and we’re whisked off to our hotel. Memories are coming back to me. BW and I visited Milan years and years ago at the invite of my Italian publisher. We stayed in this same gorgeous hotel.

Check in is easy-peasy, and we’re offered to sit in the lounge and enjoy a drink while our mountain of luggage is dealt with. Oh yes, please!!

And I remember doing an interview in this airy, sumptuous room with its crystal chandeliers and pale pinks and creams.

A little champagne to smooth out the edges from a flight over the Atlantic, and we scatter to our rooms. Unpack the section I’ve cleverly organized for our short stay in Milan.

Clean up, freshen up, and change into something cool for our wandering around the city, and some lunch. Jason opts to stay back and get some sleep, so Kat and Griffin come down, Griffin does love hotels, and declares our suite big and fancy. He’s not wrong.

And the efficient Kat begins a google search for a restaurant that will suit the eight of us.

And here’s Colt, and here’s Kayla. Logan and Lauren will catch up with us, so off we go.

Milan is busy and urban, and its many fashionable shops tempting. I’ll have to carve out some time for some shopping. But now, we’re hungry! After the flight, the walk is just great, despite the heat.

We hit the big shopping area with its stunning glass roof, colorful tiled floor. [Laura note: The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II] Griffin wants to go fast, and has my hand, pulling me along so he can keep up with his cousins. We—or Kayla—is following Google Maps to the restaurant we have in mind, but weirdly, the connection’s going in and out. We find another that looks promising with outdoor seating, and they can take the eight of us.

Ah. Now we sit in big cushy chairs and fan ourselves with the pretty provided fans. No pizza today, which is a sad for me and Colt, but there’s pasta! And wine. And delicious bread along with cheerful service. The servers wear jackets in the same colorful patterns as the fans. It’s just adorable.

And here’s Logan and Lauren who managed to find us. Spaghetti for me, and though I can’t eat half of it, it’s just fabulous. Honestly, the first bite reminds you why the Italians should be in charge of food for the entire world.

By the end of the meal, Griffin’s finally fading. Kat and BW head back with him, and the rest of it hit the gelato stand right next to the restaurant.

Boy, oh boy, as if pasta wasn’t glorious enough, now there’s gelato. Strawberry for me, and it tastes like summer in a cone. We lick and make yummy noises before wandering and poking into a shop or two.

Kayla and Colt discover Pokeman cards, and are joyful to add to their collection.

It’s great fun for me to walk around Milan with my grandchildren, watching them enjoy the sights, the sounds. And it’s sweet to me how well the siblings get along and look out for each other.

Logan sees a DiVinci display at a museum. Why not? And it’s fascinating, mostly centered on his inventions and engineering. Lots of his sketches and replicas of his way-ahead-of-his-time machines.

Then it’s back to the hotel. Kayla’s proven her exceptional sense of direction to me before, so I follow.

BW’s napping, so I sit in the parlor. I have a book, I have my IPad, and a nice place to sit.

Dinner is discussed on our What’s App for the trip. The vote is unanimous for room service. We’re all pretty travel weary. Kat takes all our orders and makes it so.

More incredibly cheerful service as two tables filled with domed plates are brought in. With a surprising lack of chaos, all that’s organized. We relax, we eat and enjoy.

And solidify our plans for tomorrow’s trip to The Duomo—preceded by pizza.

I’d vowed to make it until nine so I’d get a good start on putting my body clock on local time.

Just make it.

Sleep great, wake ridiculously early, but that’s okay.

I crush some candy for awhile, scan some headlines. Now I write this blog, which Laura will post when she wakes up—six hours behind me. Then as the clever Jason helped set me up, I’ll work out in the parlor, streaming from my tablet to the TV.

I’ll clean myself up for the day while BW meets Kayla and whoever else decides to have breakfast.

We only have a handful of days here before we head to Como, so we have to pack as much of what we want to do into that short time.

And as always, it’s lovely to be back in Italy.

Nora

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Note from Laura: As is tradition, may I present the first bit of #randomkatness for Italy 2026.