~~~ A haRd TiMe ~~~

So...I have had my first trying time this past week. My best friend, Dave, has been in the hospital since Tuesday, and it is not easy being halfway across the world. I didn't even know for a few days why he was in the hospital and was worried that something terrible was wrong. Once I found out I was relieved, but still in worry mode. I will be in that mode until I know for sure that everything will be ok. Its hard for me to be here knowing that he and Rachel and Brooke are going through this and I can't be there with them. I know there is nothing that I can do to fix anything but being there for them in anyway that I can has to be done from across the ocean now, and that is hard for me to deal with. Trying to find a time to talk to each other has been difficult too. I know they know I love them, but it is still something that is hard for me.


~~~ Buon Maggio ~~~

Yesterday, I had something to keep me from worrying myself sick. May 1st here is like our Labor Day at home, so everyone and everything is closed. We headed out midmorning to Giulio's Uncle's Villa. It was a day filled with food and fun. I met a lot of new people and ate a lot of new foods...and old ones too.

There were about 15 tables that seated about ten each under a canopy of trees and umbrellas overlooking the horses in the pasture. There were caterers running around still setting things up when we got there. Drinks were set out...sangria, water, wine, soda...When the first round of food started to be set out people came flocking, and that continued all throughout the day. There was fresh cheese of all kinds, including mozzarella, fresh bread, olives, salamis. I was full after all that but I didn't know what else was coming...then came the vegetables, and soup, then the pasta, there were people playing instruments and singing Italian songs...then came the grilled meat, and fried zucchini, fried zucchini flowers, fried oranges...felt at home there...then marinated vegetables...then came dessert strawberries and whipped cream, fried dough with cream and chocolate, and fresh fruit....then came coffee and biscotti, and other cookies...and then more wine and grappa...And to top that all off there was a mini soccer tournament at the end.

It was a great day. I felt like I was in some crazy Italian movie. It was great! Everyone was so kind.