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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