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