My last workout in the gym, then the last Zentangle. We go with Food and Drink and there’s been lots of both.

Clean up, then I tackle packing. Once again, I find the packing cubes do their job well. All that’s left is what I’ll wear for dinner, then for the flight home.

When I come down, Lauren is moving stuff into the villa. The boathouse was invaded by spiders the night before. And a couple BIG ones. No sleeping down there tonight! So into the villa for them for the final night.

I have to get in some last basking, and others a last swim and splash. Snacks, lounging, packing in various orders.

And why not a last game of Oh Hell since it hit well?

Time to dress for dinner. We’re looking good, and set up our traditional vacation pano shot. Stand here, there, Jason pans, then Kat hustles up, takes the camera as we move locations. And so on until done.

Now we’re discussing who drives with whom when a couple of guys show up. It turns out we miscued the dates for the car pick up, and they’re here to get them. Okay then, Plan B is call a couple Ubers.

One on the way, and the other headed to some other Via Roma, so Marlo—just back from getting stock for the next villa visitors—will drive the second group.

And here we are, at the same long table with those gorgeous views. A fine meal on a balmy evening, and I absolutely save room for the sundae. Ubers on the way, one group takes the first while Kat, Colt, Logan and Lauren wait for the second.

BW and I are down on the patio when we hear them coming back. And hear Kat call down for someone to come up and help.

Lauren’s heel caught on a cobblestone, and down on those stairs she went. Ankle’s swollen, a couple of scrapes. Onto a couch, and I dig out my Amish balm and wrap. Ice first. Elevate, ice, balm, Kat wraps. Off to bed with orders not to lift anything, and to keep that ankle on a pillow.

Up early to finish organizing before our pick-up at 9:30. I see Kayla and JR’s bags already lined up, and add mine. Downstairs to gather up whatever needs to be gathered, then out for another little while with the view.

Spot a big paddle of ducks on the lake. More than two dozen before some split off, head for the shore by the boat house where Kayla and I watch those waddle of half-fly to shore to meet up with a bunch more. And there’s a very big bird just standing on one of the buoys. And I see a water skier for the first time.

Back in, more Mom checks, and here’s Lauren. Ankle’s not nearly as swollen, so that’s good. But no hauling luggage or bags. And strong suggestions (more like orders) from both me and Kat to go to the ER for a check when we’re home again. More balm, re-wrap.

Bags are piling up, and the vans are early. Marlo is taking bags to the luggage lift. Check, check, triple check. And we’re saying goodbye to the villa, the lake, to Marlo and Irene. It’s been absolutely wonderful.

There’s the drive back to Milan, to the airport. Then the massive unloading of two vans of luggage and ten people. We’re taken to a little lounge to wait where they have Cokes, coffee, some crackers, some little cookies. The gang is like vultures on the kill there.

I take care of my tax back, and that’s pretty easy, too.

Out again to line up for passport checks, and out and onto the plane. Some Advil for Lauren as the ankle’s hurting some. Settle in for the long flight.

I’ve got a book to distract me, and Griffin has a lot to say which always makes that takeoff a little less stressful for me. Talk some, read some, sort of sleep some. Eat a little, drink a little, read some more. Need to stand up for a bit. Talk to BW, check on Lauren, listen to Kayla, JR and Colt talk Pokemon—show on Sunday.

After what seems like the rest of our lives, we land in Maryland. Now there’s the unloading, the loading into cars, the hugs. Then it’s just me and BW driving home. We both agree it’s been one of the best trips ever. We packed a lot in, but still had plenty of time to just sit by the lake and enjoy.

Home again, and I’m ridiculously pleased to see the deer didn’t wipe my gardens out. And here come the dogs, insanely happy to see us. Milo cries with joy, and both he and Atticus wag whole bodies.

A sweet homecoming. Take a breath, take one more, then unpack.

So many memories banked, so many sights seen. A few people have commented how nice it is we—ten of us—can get along so well for a couple of weeks in one place. It is, very nice. We love each other, but it’s incredibly lucky we also really like each other.

There isn’t a better group I’d want to adventure with, wherever we go.

Nora

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I have company for awhile in the gym when the head (I figure) groundskeeper brings in another and asks if they can do a little something to the rock wall. Sure. The head guy tells the other, in Italian, exactly what to do. What to do involves spraying the crevices that hold the little succulents with a water bottle.

Shaun T and I continue our cardio, and on my own water break, I get a look at the crevices that now hold more plants. It’s really sweet and pretty, and I tell the guy so as he works on another part of the wall. I’m about a half hour in when he finishes, thanks me and goes off the join the rest of the crew on what seems to be their weekly work at the villa.

I work out. They mow the lawn, weed, prune, blow leaves.

Workout done, and it’s Zentangle time. Tend your garden seems an appropriate theme. Kat and I are both puzzled and impressed when a couple of the crew actually weed the grass.

Trip to Como coming up. I’m almost used to the insanity of the drive now. Almost. Both cars head to the same parking lot near Tent City, then eventually all gather on a shady street corner. I have hope—thin, but hope—we can all somehow stay together in this massive, blocks-long area. This proves futile, but we stay in touch through texts.

Clothes, clothes and more clothes hang on racks and lines or lay on tables. Jewelry, sunglasses, underwear, socks, linens, toys, hair and skin products, kitchen tools. Name it, they got it.

Lauren aims for a section of clothes with Logan. Kat spots yarn. I’ve already lost BW and Jason as I stick close to Kayla—my driver. I take Griffin, and wander with my driver, JR and Colt.

Griffin spots sunglasses. He’d like a new pair. Which ones? And I’m delighted he immediately picked the pair I liked best. Our group unanimously agrees he looks way cool.

Wander. Kat finds us. Wander, and there’s BW and Jason. Jason also bought sunglasses as he left his back in the villa. BW picks up some this and that he can use in his photography shoots, Lauren finds a pretty dress and top. Lots and lots of people walking through as we are, shopping, browsing, buying, bargaining in this massive bazaar.

Lunch is next on our agenda, but first we gather up again. The cars need to go to another parking lot as the one we’re in is about a fifteen minute walk to the main plaza. And it’s pretty hot. Jason, JR and I are willing to take that on, so while the rest head to the parking lot, we set out to walk it.

There’s sun, and there’s shade, and this way we get to see parts of the town we really hadn’t. We’re also assigned to find a spot that can take ten for lunch, or meet up with whoever does. Lots of little shops, small cafes along the way. I like the walk, but it’s a good thing I have two navigators as we turn this way, that way. Heading for the water, Jason explains. Well, that makes sense.

We find a place, smallish, but good menu. Still, no go for ten if we want to sit together. On we go. Kat’s group is stuck as there’s a back up in her lot. Kayla’s group escaped that and are on the way.

We find a place where they’re delighted to take ten. A long table almost all in the shade. And somehow we all make it to the same spot where they also offer brunch. This means French toast and scrambled eggs for Kayla. They’re also playing 80s music and doing a bustling business.

We eat, we refresh. Off to the stall right next door. Kayla and Lauren want fridge magnets. BW wants a Como tee-shirt. All wishes are granted, and it’s back to the parking lot.

Home to veg awhile, watch the boats on the lake, take a nap, read, video games—whatever suits.

Lauren suggests a game of Spoons. This is new to me, but JR knows it. Colt and Kat are interested. You get four cards, and the dealer takes another from the deck, keeps and or passes it or passes another from his hand. The another, another, fast, fast, fast. And the first one who gets four of a kind grabs one of the spoons on the table. Others grab, and with five people and four spoons, one’s out. Like musical chairs. Keep going until one remains.

It’s chaos, fun, noisy and competitive. And did I say fast??

Forage for food. There’s plenty here for anyone who’s hungry.

I think of one of the many card games my family played back when. I look up Oh Hell to make sure I have the rules right. Now it’s JR, Lauren, BW and me before Kat joins after Griffin retires for the night. With five, we start with eight cards, and the dealer turns one over from the deck. Playing it simple, that’s the suit everyone must play. Don’t have that suit, you throw another, but can’t take the trick. You look at your cards, say how many tricks you think you’ll take. Hit it, you get that number plus ten. Miss it, you get only the number of tricks. After each hand, another card’s turned over, and that’s the suit you have to play.

Next dealer, only seven cards, and so on until you’re down to one card. Then work your way back up to eight.

There are many oh hells, and other fiercer words through the game, but everyone liked it.

And time for bed.

Cool this morning with a quiet lake. I had to pause in this blog as a bird decided to poop on the cuff of my white hoodie. It took considerable hand soap, cool water, then a Tide stick to deal with it.

It’s our last day in Italy, so it means packing, organizing, getting it all together for our departure in the morning. Two weeks here and ten people mean a lot of getting it all together. We’ll have our last dinner in the hilltop restaurant in Torno.

It’s been absolutely lovely, and as always, so special to have time with family in a beautiful place.

I’ll get my workout now, Zentangle, organize and enjoy our last day and night.

Nora

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Pretty, pretty morning. Windows wide open in the gym, breezes floating in, boats skimming over the lake make a lovely start to the day.

Magic is the theme for today’s Zentangle where Kat and I create under the umbrella shade. Others have stirred by the time we’re done, so we sit under that shade hanging out and just enjoying. BW’s located another restaurant just a few minutes drive on the crazy roads. While he hits the pool, Kat makes reservations. Not a Fancy Dinner, but she terms it a Dress Dinner. Meaning boost it up a bit tonight, gang.

I think about working awhile, but I’ve actually done a little more than the goal I set, so hang out some more. Kat sits and does some of her gorgeous needlework, Kat and JR discuss a Pokemon card show they’re going to the day after we get home, and finalize plans for a concert next fall.

Kayla and JR had given Griffin a giant Pokémon card—they, plus Colt are HUGE fans thereof. They go to those card shows, they have binders, they know all the stuff. I know basically nothing about Pokémon, so I’m at a loss when Griffin wants me to guess what Pokémon it is, with the card turned backwards. I explain I don’t know from Pokémon. This does not deter him. He gives me a hint.

It’s a Mega.

This means nothing to me, but with his assent, I use my IPad to look up a list of Pokemon names. There are hundreds!! With more hints, I finally guess correctly. He’s very into this card, and now having Pokemon discussions with his fellow fans. I tell Kayla and JR it’s their fault I’ll now how to educate myself re Pokemon.

Griffin’s plan for the day is some Mario Jamboree with Daddy, then pool time. It’s a good plan. Most of the rest hit the pool. I’m too lazy for that today, and sit with a book and my view of the lake. Logan has music going. When I go in for a drink, I see Kat’s joined the Mario Jamboree.

Lazy morning rolls into afternoon. It’s not as hot temp wise, but the sun is absolutely fierce. Jason’s in the pool with Pool Guy. More boats on the lake, and some kayaks today. The float plane that takes people up for bird’s eye views buzzes overhead.

We decide to spend part of the heat of the day at Hearts. Ha ha, I run them handily. Logan is again thwarted from same on the last trick. Good effort though. JR makes his own effort, goes down.

Colt has finished off the drowning profiteroles. I’m not sure how he managed it.

Somehow the afternoon edges toward evening, and it’s time to bump it up some for dinner. Griffin has his suspenders and pocket square, but ditches the tie because not fancy.

We assemble, and head up to the garage.

If the streets toward Como are skinny, these are emaciated. And the curves even sharper. Kayla handles. I honestly don’t worry about her driving. It’s everyone else as the oncomings just whip around those blind curves. Why are there so many on this very short drive?

This part of Torno is a higher elevation, and where the market, the bakery, the post office and such sit. So it’s busier. The restaurant is in a hotel where we’ve been assured there’s parking.

There is, but it’s the getting to it. Steeply down the narrow drive, squeezing around the sharp turn to more squeezing to go down to a little lot. Spaces marked on the down for parking on the side.

There’s a woman in a car, and the two she’s letting out, blocking everything. The two women stand, discuss, look around while the other sits. And we sit as they appear to be oblivious to our two cars. They finally wander toward the hotel.

We park, walk up to where the hotel’s perched on the hill.

The restaurant’s inside the hotel, but open air with surrounding windows all open to the new, fabulous views of the lake and mountains. We’re all very happy to be here. There’s a village spread high up across the lake. And beyond it what looks like a single house, tucked in and isolated.

That would be me.

It’s just stunning with the way the sun hits the peaks and bringing out various shades of that deep, dark green, shooting stars over the water.

Since we’re ten, the restaurant asked Kat to order appetizers when she made the reservation. Out come cheese platters and others with big crescents of melon wrapped in prosciutto, bruschetta, baskets of bread. I see a Chianti Classico on the wine list. BW and I are fond, so we order a bottle.

There’s a steak for two on the menu Logan believes he can eat that solo. And mussels. He and Lauren are going to split the mussels, and I suggest he ask the server re the size of the steak. It’s HUGE. I think 1.5 kilos. He and Lauren opt to split that, too.

I haven’t had a steak in—not actually sure—so decide to go for one. A much, much smaller one. Our vegetarian finds several choices, including asparagus soup. Griffin’s very happy with grilled chicken and fries.

The wine’s soft and smooth, the table lively, the appetizers vanishing.

Two enormous platters of mussels are served. Logan reminds our server they were going to split one. Yes, this is the split. Wow.

We eat, enjoy. I step out to take a photo of the first hydrangeas I’ve seen here. At home, the deer got all mine, and our house/dog sitter sadly reported earlier, pretty much everything else. Despite all the vigilance, the spraying, the sonar deterrents, the deer have been voracious this year. I’ve never seen anything like it. And hear it’s the same for gardeners all around our area. All my beauties, gobbled up.

But we’re here, and it’s time for dessert. Well, they have gelato with hot chocolate sauce. Decision made for me. And an excellent one. Fresh whipped cream, too? Yes, and yes again.

We also decide to book here for our last dinner in Italy.

The moon’s rising as we head back, and just beautiful. Must go out and  enjoy it when we get home. Griffin does the same. Jason gets his actual camera, fiddles awhile to get a photo of just the moon as his boy requests. It’s a winner.

Bedtime.

The beautiful mornings just don’t get old here. I’m a bit later than my usual so the ferry’s already come and gone, the clock tower’s chimed. The lake’s still as glass. I watched another hot air balloon go up and sail away.

We’re planning a trip into Como for what we’ve termed Tent City—the enormous street fair. After that, we’ll have a late lunch before we head home again. If I’m hungry later, I still have half that steak, and others have doggie bags to dig into.

Time to gear up and hit the gym.

Nora

It seemed the morning storm passed, and I’m off to the gym. Jason, JR and Griffin are up and about as I leave. I see some clouds roll in as I set up. Turn off the air in my part of the gym, open the windows. I have a wall of windows, and enjoy the fresh air, and the stunning views. Those views now include some serious clouds. The sky’s a big, fresh bruise, and it seems to drop lower, lower, lower. As I start my routine I watch the clouds smother the high peaks. Thunder’s back.

I like the drama from my perch. Smoking clouds, swirling ones, all gray and purple, with a couple of lighter spots peaking out as if from a torn curtain.

Wind’s up.

Clouds spread, and now the mountains are behind that gray curtain. Quick flashes of lightning and rumbling thunder. Nothing but the fog now as it closes in tight around my little world. For a second I think of the Stephen King story about what’s in the fog. Quickly put that away.

And here comes the rain in a gush. But, wait, what the hell is that?

Hail? Yes, it is, and good-sized hail, about the size of marbles. Close those windows because it’s bouncing in! Now it strikes the wall of windows like grapeshot.

This is different.

I’m well into my cardio, so just keep going and enjoy the show.

I see Marlo—I assume as he’s blocked by an umbrella—hustling down the path to the villa. Also assume he’s going to make sure all’s secure. It goes on quite awhile. Rumble, grumble, ice balls battering the windows, rain pouring, and nothing to see but fog.

I don’t worry as I usually spend about an hour and a half in here, and storms like this don’t last long.

Finally, the battering slows, and I can see more tears in the curtain. Sand occasionally ping of hail, pattering rain.

And it’s over. Open a window to be sure. Clouds are broken and streaming away. I see some long, thin trails of them clinging to parts of the mountains, and above the sky’s pale blue. The sun strikes one of the far peaks turning it Irish green.

The air coming in the windows is fresh as a daisy.

By the time I head out and down, it’s pleasantly warm and summer bright.

BW tells me he went to check the bedroom, and the doors had flown open. Hail everywhere! He and Jason secured all doors, mopped it up.

And Kat reports there was a pretty rainbow to the south.

Kat and I Zentangle indoors as everything’s wet out there. It won’t be for long. The sun will take care of it, and Marlo’s already out there drying off tables. We go with After The Storm.

Up to clean up, get dressed. Come out to find Kat, Kayla and Lauren about to head out. JR and Colt are joining them. A trip into Como—nails for Lauren, and some wandering around and lunch for the rest. I’ll do the stay at home and write awhile thing.

It didn’t feel like I was in the nook for long, but it turned into three hours, and everyone’s back after a fine day in town. Griffin’s playing games on the Switch with Daddy; BW’s having a snack. It’s basking time for me. More sailboats on the lake this afternoon. Motors still outnumber, but there are four white sails across the lake.

Get my book, read awhile. Logan’s torn through yet another book in his series. Dinner’s at six-thirty down at Bar Italiano, so there’s time just to be, and just be with a Bellini.

When I come in, I’m invited to make a bracelet. Lauren’s brought her beads. Kat’s made one for herself, and pretty. Sure, why not? The selecting and stringing beads takes me back to my hippie days. And now I have a pretty little bracelet that’ll remind me of Lake Como and girl time.

Time to assemble like The Avengers.

Down, down we go and into the village where we see a car parked. This is baffling, and the first we’ve seen here. How did it get here? The streets coming in are very narrow, and the intersections narrower yet. It’s impossible to drive a car through them. As we speculate, a little red car drives in, goes on. Where did it come from and where is it going? There’s no exit but a long flight of steep steps that way. Kat must know, so walks after the car.

Which indeed drove right up the long, steep steps.

On that fascinating bit of business, it’s time to eat.

Tonight, the server brings out platters of bruschetta she tells us comes with the drinks we’ve ordered. There’s one with chopped tomatoes, one with olive paste, one with prosciutto and tuna pate. I go for the plain and delicious Italian bread in the basket.

Since she sacrificed lunch for nails, Lauren’s starving and samples all. Deems them good. The group makes good use of the bruschetta before the main courses come out. Pizza, pasta. Griffin has his fourth or fifth hot dog of the day. If it’s not Nana’s pasta, he sees no point.

We skip dessert as we’re celebrating multiple birthdays with the adorable little cakes Kat got from the local bakery. We won’t all be together for the three oncoming birthdays, so we’ll celebrate now. Kayla’s July 30, Colt’s August 6, and BW’s August 7.

Cakes are displayed, candles lit, the birthday trio takes their seats. And we sing the song.

As Colt’s not fond of cake, Kat also bought profiteroles, which she’d described to me as swimming in chocolate. She does not lie. I’ve never seen them made like this before where the little cream puffs are buried in a kind of chocolate pudding. And oh, boy, really exceptionally good.

It’s a gorgeous evening, and there’s a half moon in the sky. It’s so precisely half, as if someone marked it with a ruler then sliced it with a scalpel. Just beautiful.

Seven of us are up for cards, while Griffin’s ready for bed. Jason’s family retires, and the rest of us shuffle and deal. Kayla nearly runs them. Not her initial plan, I think, but when you take the Queen on the second trick, you give it a shot. A tough start for our girl. Most of us get stung at some point, but that tough start puts Kayla over fifty first. She decides to retire, while the rest of us opt to play on awhile.

Logan nearly runs them, and definitely a plan. But I thwart him on the last trick with the Ace up my sleeve. But I still go down in defeat.

Colt has played a quiet game. While the rest of us hovered toward that fifty mark we set, he leaves the game with, I think, five points.

A good day had by all, and time for bed.

Cool and breezy this morning, with blue skies and green mountains. Not a single cloud in the sky. A boat out early, and some fish skimming the surface. They better watch out for the gulls. No plans I know of for today, so we’ll play it as it comes.

There’s the clock tower chiming. Time to work out.

Nora

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Jason and Griffin are up, and I tell Jason about the mosquito wars. That explains it! He couldn’t figure out why it sounded like someone was dribbling a basketball.

I’m in the gym when Kayla drops in. We’d planned to drive over to Lugano, Switzerland, but BW said maybe wait a day as she’d drive JR’s family into Como for the train to Venice. This decision is now, it seems, in my hands. I say if she’s up for it, I’m up for it.

She’s up for it.

I’m done with weights and cardio, switching to a stretch when I hear our departing companions heading up. Hugs and well wishes to the Vanos. (We’re keeping JR!) It’s been a short visit, but a happy one.

I go down, hit the caffeine. Kat preps for this morning’s Zentangle. Inspiration of the day is family love. We’ve gotten our start when Kayla and JR return and join in. I’m continually surprised that you—meaning me—can make a lot of sort of repetitive shapes to create something that doesn’t suck.

Time to clean up and gear up and head  across the border.

Now a brief pause in the blogging as I move inside. Thunder’s rumbling over the mountains.

Kat’s done a search for a parking garage near the shopping area, so our two cars drive off with one destination in mind. Back into Como on the skinny, winding roads, through the tunnels, into the town and out again. Not too much farther really to the Swiss border, where they wave us through without checking passports. When BW and I were here years ago, same thing. Just go on through, have a good time.

As JR points out, the architecture changes. Now you have straight lines, a more modern feel. And we’re on a highway. We’re climbing, and the mountains rise higher as we’re in them. MacDonald’s and IKEA are spotted.

In about 50 minutes from start, we’re pulling into the parking garage. And winding our way up the levels on a hunt for a space. It’s a challenge for our driver, but Kayla squeezes around the tight turns up, up, up to level seven where we find spaces at last.

Down the elevator, with communication from Kat’s car they’ve also arrived.

The air’s cooler, making it a very pleasant day. Colt, JR and Kayla spot a toy store where they have clever crocheted dolls of Pokémon figures, Marvel characters and more. Kat’s group’s here, just not here-here as it’s a really big garage. But we find each other.

A little souvenir shop. Some of us want post cards, Kayla wants a cute little fridge magnet. I discover it’s not Euros here. It’s Francs. That blew past me.

First order of business is lunch, which we hope to find near the lake. Much shopping potential here. It’s a big open air plaza, restaurants, shops galore. We find a place to eat that can manage all ten of us. A pretty spot with views of the lake, the plaza, the people—a little carousel, the Alps.

Kayla is saving herself for MacDonald’s—which offers a large variety of vegetarian choices. Griffin wants MacD’s, but eats a good portion of fish and chips anyway. While we eat, another search is on for watch stores. BW wants a watch for our anniversary which was earlier this month. Apparently some of them are closed on Mondays, but there are more to choose from.

Then it’s down to the lake for pictures, for looking. Lugano’s another big, beautiful lake, and the breezes are welcome. Boats glide along on blue water. Many pictures, much appreciation.

A second pause now as the storm passed, and I’m going back out.

While Kat leads all the youngers for a second lunch at MacDonald’s, Jason, BW and I wander off for a watch hunt. It’s a really big plaza. Swiss chocolate, watches, bags, clothes, toys, jewelry. We window shop here, there, and there and here until he sees a maybe. So in we go to Omega. It’s a small shop, very clean and bright. The watch he’s looking at is, of course, very nice, efficiently Swiss, but it’s really heavy.

I imagine after an hour your watch arm would be significantly lower than the other. She shows us three more. I like the second one better than the first, the third. But I lean heavy toward the last. Fortunately, so does BW.

Happy Anniversary!

She gives us very clear instructions on getting the Tax Back deal—we’ll stop at the border for a stamp—and off we go to find the rest of our gang. Jason has tracking on his phone, but some locations aren’t updating. Still, here’s Lauren and Logan, then Kat and Griffin, then Kayla, JR and Colt.

Some scattering again. Jason buys his mom a gelato. And I look for my half of the anniversary. I’d figured earrings since you can never have too many, but don’t really see any that grab me. I do see a bag—I say you can never have too many bags either. Consider, and decide, yes, I’d like a bag from Switzerland. Inside the very nice—clean and bright again—shop BW buys me a lovely bag, and I spot another gift to tuck away for Christmas.

Meanwhile, Kat’s taken Griffin to the carousel, and for yet more ice cream—they all had some at MacDonald’s, but it seems Griffin feels you can never have too much ice cream. Especially when one is an Oreo ice cream sandwich. The rest of us study the window display offering many Swiss Army knives (I keep my little one in whatever bag I’m using), bigger knifes, pistols, handcuffs and katonas. JR would love to have a katana (me, too, actually), for decor, he claims (yeah, I’d claim that, too). Kayla strongly disagrees.

Wander back to the parking garage, up a very steep road. Kayla and JR go into pay, and when the rest catch up, we separate to our cars for the trip back.

The GPS decides to change its mind—first telling us turn left, then at the last minute right. Too late! Kayla may be annoyed with technology, but she manages. More traffic now as it’s pretty much rush hour. A U-Turn is necessary, but then we’re back in the right direction and heading onto the highway.

We stop at the border, but without the signage, we’re at the Italian check point. We’re told just go around, back to the Swiss. No problem. Turn around, pull off. Not much signage here, but JR goes with me to where you get your stamp.

There’s a young couple in front of us, and they have two little kittens in a cat cage. All the talk is in Italian, but I imagine there’s a process to carry pets from one side to the other. Very cute kitties!

Get my stamp, and back to the car. Kayla’s sleepy, so Jason’s taking the wheel. I think my girl’s dehydrated, so suggest she pull out her always handy water bottle. Jason drive from Switzerland to Italy and continues.

The water did the trick.

He, too, handles it all. Before long we’re in Como again where there is much traffic. Here as elsewhere, people on bikes risk life and limb very casually, zipping and winding through cars. And finally we’re through it.

Skinny roads, blind curves. More bikes risking all. Cars parked on the side of tiny roads, people walking along them. Jason points out some of this as he drives, and then, around the curve comes a very big truck carrying a very full load of very large logs. Or, Jason says, there’s Final Destination.

At least I got a laugh out of the momentary oh shit.

Home again, and I definitely want that Bellini. Since we have plenty here to forage, we leave it to find whatever you want and eat it for dinner. Why not pjs, I think, and a sit out as the sun’s eased behind the peaks.

Some of the gang’s out there as there’s much excitement on the lake. What we first took for a police boat is talking to another boat. There’s a whole bunch of kayaks near the dock in Torno, and a crowd of people on the dock, a lot of what we ID as yellow floaties. (We have binoculars.)

What is happening???

Now and then, there are cheers from Torno. More boats arrive. There’s a two-woman scull out there, and what they’ve deemed the refuge boat as it’s overflowing with people.

We speculate—a race? We cheer along.

Marlo texts Jason—they’re watching from their house way above us—it’s an annual event for charity. The people on the dock will swim a mile across the lake to the finish line where another big crowd waits to cheer them.

After the last ferry departs, people jump in the lake. It’s full of people and yellow floaties, with the kayaks and boats forming a kind of line to guide them across. Cheers and whistles! Much support from our group. And cheers from across the lake as the lead swimmers approach.

A mile swim!

BW, Logan, Lauren, JR and I decide on a quick game of Hearts, then it’s bedtime.

Cloudy this morning, and that thunder rumbled. But someone else got the storm as it’s blue and clear again. Quiet on the lake, especially after last evening’s excitement. The ferry’s on its way. And I’m for the gym. I expect a stay-at-home day for our gang.

Nora

Another gorgeous day. We don’t seem to run out of them. The heat will come, but the morning’s just glorious.

More boats out on the lake early today, with a single sail boat gliding among the motors, quiet as the swans that do their own glide along the shore.

We squeeze in some Zentangle—dragon is the word—with the Vano clan all joining in. Honestly, all are so cool, so unique. While they—with Kayla, Kat, Jason and Griffin—have to rush off to catch the ferry to Como, I spend some solo Zen time giving my dragon some color here and there.

Then it’s off to the writing nook.

Early afternoon, and I come down. BW’s reading in the living room; Lauren’s in the kitchen making drinks. I make one, too, before I wander out to say hi to Logan and Colt. While they lounge by the pool, I go in and get a sample of left-over chicken and a peach to take out to the patio, and BW joins with his own lunch-time snack.

I can now personally attest, Hot Chicks is good chicken.

Time for my book, basking, book. As I read,  the sun beams like a laser, the heat rises until, a couple hours in, I retreat indoors for a bit. Then refreshed, it’s back outside, along with BW. Sit in the shade, watch the boats. He spots the ferry, and the Como adventurers have returned.

Lots of fun had across the lake. A ride on the funicular the first order of business. I would have to be unconscious or at gunpoint to get on it—and gunpoint is questionable. But they all loved it. The views, amazing, the ride surprisingly smooth, the height, awesome.

They had time to wander Como, have lunch, wander before catching the returning ferry. Kayla’s pleased she didn’t have motion issues with the ferry as she wasn’t sure how her system would handle it. She tells me how a couple Spanish girls seek her help on directions—in Spanish. While she has high school Spanish, it’s not enough.

She calls on Cely, who’s fluent, and Cely helps the lost and baffled travelers. A good deed for the day, multi-lingual style.

Inside the villa, the others take some more time with their Zen dragons, adding finishing touches.

Down, down the steps, through the gates and into Torno. More pictures as the sun continues to beam. Past the always busy Bar Italiano and on to our hotel restaurant with its lovely awning covered terrace and beautiful views.

I want a bottle of local red for the adults at the table, and leave that to our helpful server. He choses very well. Mmm, bread! Fizzy water or still? More pictures as Lauren contorts herself backwards to try to get everyone in.

Time to get ready for what we’re calling our fancy dinner. And don’t we all look pretty? But Griffin outclasses us all in his summer blue suit and gold bow tie. This calls for a group picture with the magic app.

The sun dips behind the mountains. The temps drop; the light softens. And here’s the food, just as pretty as we are. And delicious. Pasta and fish and steak and creamy rice. We are a variety, though I’m surprise Logan (give me beef!) orders the trout.

And no one goes hungry. Still, dessert must be enjoyed. While there’s also a variety at the table, I think the crème brûlée with raspberries won the percentage. It was a champ with me.

We stroll back. The crescent moon slips across the sky, and seems to shimmer there with a single star keeping it company. Some stop at Bar Italiano for gelato. I don’t know how they do it. It’s up, up, up the stone steps, through the gates. And home again.

JR and Griffin get here first, and the good-hearted JR helps Griffin into his pjs before the rest of us arrive. Our youngest is very tired, and ready for bed.

I sit outside awhile with Kayla, talking about the day. Then the youngers start a game of Uno in the dining room. I believe I’m ready for pjs.

In them I step out for a few minutes—really few—to admire the moon. Imagine my shock when I step back in and find literally dozens of mosquitos on the bed. Dozens. Eek! I slap, pound, slap. If I don’t get them first, they’ll devour me in my sleep. It takes awhile, and a lot of eeks, but once the bed’s clear, I go on the hunt.

Now it’s slap them on the walls, more as they land again on the bed. Try to count what’s left, slap, slam, pound. Holy shit!!! Slap, pound, hunt. It must’ve taken close to an hour to vanquish them.

I expect I missed a couple or more, but was not eaten alive as I slept. So I won.

This morning as I sit outside to write this, the marlins pay their morning visit, fly around over my head. Where were you last night during the mosquito wars?

All’s quiet on the lake, and I appreciate the light breeze that blows fresh.

Joe’s going to make his family specialty breakfast of Italian eggs before Kayla and JR drive them to the train station in  Como. I’ll go down and say caio and buono viaggio before I hit the gym in case I miss the actual departure.

It’s been fun having them, and I know they’re going to have great times and fun adventures as they travel on.

The clock tower’s already chimed. I’m a little behind this morning due to mosquito wars. Time to get going on the day.

Nora

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I managed a blurry picture of the swan couple from the gym. They appear to cruise along that shore in the mornings. Then I have no idea where they hang out the rest of the day. I watched, but didn’t take a picture of a pretty sailboat gliding along the other shore.

Workout done. Zentangle inspiration today is moon and stars. Kayla takes that and runs. Kat helpfully guides my way. And later, Griffin adds his own. I think he has his mama’s talent.

Time for a session in my writing nook with doors open to a perfectly lovely day. I’m getting done what I’d hoped to get done in Italy, so good for me. My first draft is always, inevitably crap, but the crap’s on the page to be fixed up on the second round, polished up on the third.

That’s been my process since the first book, so I don’t fear the crap. Very much.

Down to the kitchen where the girls are putting together a very pretty charcuterie for the arrival of JR and family. They’ve landed and are on their way from Milan. And when I hear the voices, including Kayla’s up on the garage level, I take those pretty trays out of the fridge, unwrap and put them on the table where a local white is chilling and there are big bottles of fizzy and still water.

And here they are! Looking a lot fresher and more alert than I do after a long flight. Hugs all around, and some food and drink for our travelers. Joe and Cely have long planned this trip—Joe has strong Italian roots. They and Jaxson will spend time in Como, in Venice, Florence and Rome, taking cooking classes, doing tours. Let’s get their adventure off to a good start!

They go down to tour the boathouse, check out the paddle boards. And I see them taking a dip in the lake! Brave souls. But the report from Colt, who also gave it a try, is the lake isn’t as cold as we imagined.

I’ll keep imagining.

Time for the pool, and Griffin’s Pool Guy streak continues. He’s so happy to have JR who’ll play video games with him, and discuss them. Endlessly. Good man, JR. Thunder rumbles, and we watch the sky. I feel a couple drops of rain, but it’s so clear to the north, to the south.

Then a flash of lightning, and everybody out of the pool. The storm never hits, just grumbles a little while then sails off.

Kat and Jason head up for tonight’s pizza, and it’s all well enjoyed, along with her big salad. And they brought pastries for dessert. I have to pass on those after the pizza, but they’re sure pretty. We eat, we drink, and everybody talks.

A little basking outside with Kayla, Lauren and Cely. Kids crowd in the TV room with games. I can hear Griffin, so excited to have more youngers. I sit out a bit longer with BW and Jason. The sky is so blue, and there are big white clouds that don’t look like they’re in the sky, but floating in front of it. A 3-D scene.

And the sun gradually sinks behind the mountains.

Bedtime, and I hear a party happening across the lake. Someone singing. It’s a very nice serenade.

This morning is breezy and blue. The lake’s quiet, but I expect to see boats soon. What I didn’t expect to see? A hot air balloon rising over the mountains in the west. I imagine the views are spectacular, but I’ll take the ones from my little balcony, thanks.

Plans are for Joe, Cely, Jaxon to take the ferry to Como this morning. Kat told Griffin they could take the ferry and go to MacDonald’s. He said that would be the best day ever, so they’ll go along. Kayla and JR, and whoever else will drive in a bit later, meet up with them. I’ll stay back today, make use of my nook. We’re booked for the rooftop restaurant in Torno tonight.

Man, that ballon is UP there now! Makes my stomach jitter!

Time for a hit of caffeine and my workout.

Nora

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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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