We got our storm. The skies not only look grumpy, they really are. Wicked winds, booming thunder, blowing rain.
Kat and I switch our workout spot to the living room. A serious, sweaty hour of cardio, cooled a bit by the wind through our open door. These are tough moves, baby, tough, complicated and fast–but we stick with it.
I might get it reasonably smooth after practicing it a half a dozen times.
Follow that with a nice yoga session to stretch it all out, and I’m out. Kat’s not! She hits it with more cardio–I hit the showers.
The storm’s passed and left everything washed clean and fresh. The air smells glorious, and the sun beams. I’ll work a couple of hours on the patio, happy to divide my attention between the book and the view.
I see Kat come out to read by the pool. BW’s stretched out with a book. It looks like Jason’s working at the kitchen table. We have a quiet afternoon with our individual pursuits.
I top mine off with King’s book and a little snack–cheese, bread, grapes and wine. With the calico cat for company. She sits by my feet, mewing plaintively, staring up at me.
It’s not my fault, really, if a bit of bread falls on the ground. But like the little dog in the restaurant, this is rejected.
Then she jumps on my lap, surprising us both. Looks astonished with herself and jumps down again. She does allow me to scratch her behind the ears, and if a bite of cheese should fall, it’s just a little accident.
This is not rejected.
She jumps on my lap again, jumps off. Occasionally she wanders to the kitchen doors, goes as far as easing her body halfway in, eases back.
Our housekeeper’s husband and pretty young daughter come by so he can interpret a question she has for me. She wants to know if I know the author of The Secret. I confess I don’t, but defer to BW as the bookshop owner–he knows the book, but not the author.
We chat a few minutes, then they lure the cat away for awhile.
Where does our feline friend go at night? I wonder. I suspect this is when she hunts.
We decide to go a little farther afield for dinner as BW’s found a restaurant that claims to afford beautiful views. This means a drive as it’s just a bit too far to walk.
It does have those views, perched on the second floor, overlooking the water and the little islands. It also has the expected lovely food. Grilled swordfish? I’ll take it. BW gets a seafood medley that includes squid–I won’t take that.
As we sit, big groups of young hikers trail by below–an annual thing we’re told. I think they’ll hike all the way to Napoli. They’re young and happy, wave to us–and will, we assume bunk for the night as a hostel before heading out again in the morning.
Lemon cake, profiteroles–maybe we should have geared up for that walk, after all.
I do stroll around for a bit after we get home, an easy task when the night’s so full of stars, and a brilliant half moon.
More Olympics. Is our own Simone not the most amazing? And that joy is so compelling. Grace, athleticism, and that absolute delight. Cheers for the USA, and their gold and silver for the All Around.
I’m so close to finishing my book, I add enough time in my day to do so. A terrific story, smartly written, start to finish.
Today, it’s Positano, so we’ll get ourselves up and about earlier than the last few days. We also have a wine tasting here early evening.
So a day of sun and sites and shopping followed by wine. That sounds pretty damn perfect.
Nora
Note from Laura. Here are a couple of photos from the day in Sorrento caught in limbo during the internet instability:
So funny, I’m re-reading The Secret right now. Julie Garwood. Love reading about your adventures, keep sending the beautiful pics!
I’ve been meaning to say how lovely it is that you have such a wonderful relationship with your daughter-in-law, Kat! Either because of distance or other factors, that is not always the case for many families. That you share so many interests, especially traveling together is so great! I am blessed with two sweethearts, myself, and there is no greater joy and makes for wonderful family times when we’re all together! I am sure it warms Jason’s heart to know his two favourite gals are such great friends!
Thanks for sharing your days. Can’t wait for you to go shopping again. Love to hear about all your purchases.
I agree – it’s wonderful that your family are also your friends! Thanks for sharing your workouts and reading choices (I may even get motivated to try cize, rather than watching it from the couch while eating a cookie). I’m so enjoying your vacation – glad you are having fun!
And Kat, another workout after the cardio and yoga? You are an animal girl!! Impressed.
Hi Nora, long time fan and loving your travel blogs. I feel like I’m right there. I’m curious and inspired by of all the different workout videos you and Kat do while on vacation. Would you be willing to provide a list of your favorite and which ones are best for travel?
I enjoyed you sharing this with us. I have a daughter that lived in pasedena Maryland and some day when I’m there and you do a book signing. Would love to meet you and say personally thank you for all the pleasant hours you given me with your novels. But the way I live in Rochester New York
I like your blogs, too. I have to agree with Nora that squid would not be on my menu. If someone else bought it and would share, I might be tempted to try a piece since I’ve never eaten it before. That would be a very big maybe.
An Italian storm! I love it! Was there a little accent to the whistling wind or a slight artistic curve in the rain? ? The workout was smashing. A few swore muscles but nothing a hot shower won’t cure. Lovely evening walk the perfect cap to the day’s end. Thank you for another lovely day.
I remember my visit to Positano. Loved all the cute little shops and the beach! I could have stayed on that beach and read and eaten gelato all day long! I’m curious to read about your experience there. Wonderful holiday you are having! ?☀️??
I’m so enjoying your travelogue. Thanks for sharing! Being Italian myself and keeping current with all things Italian I seriously suspect that the book “The Secret” the housekeeper was referring to is the one on which the popular soap opera currently running in Italy is based and which practically every female in Italy is hooked on, lol! If so, you may want to tell her the author is Alejandra Balsa. Looking forward to more installments!
So glad you’re having such a good time. Thanks again for sharing!
Love your travelogue. Such beautiful way with words as always. I have been a fan since your first books came out. How lovely you have such wonderful family relationship and are so close and enjoy each other’s company so much. U are blessed
I love starting my day with your blog. I hope you enjoy storms as much as i do. There is nothing as thrilling for me, as watching Gods show of power.If there’s lightning attached, it’s even better. I hope you enjoy Poisitano. It’s a charming little town.
Wonderful photos…especially the storm!!!
Enjoy Positano!!!