Greetings.........from a wee one!

The card inside precious!

The envelope priceless!

Buon Natale

Live Nativity

We visited the live nativity this evening and it was well attended. Unfortunately it was not very well lit and these pictures are quite dark. The organizers did a great job. There was a massive amount of work put into this.

Last Minute Shopping

We have some white tent like structures on Via Roma with some articles you might want to be giving those on your gift list. Along with the vendors is a little music. Stefano is playing the Sicilian bagpipes or better know here as *ciaramedda*!

The grade school kids had the best pickins'.

More Christmas events

This five year old participated in his school's Christmas program this morning. Just like everywhere around the world... mothers make the costumes, bake the cookies and take the photos of their kids. He was a good pick for an angel as he is a happy and very well behaved boy.

Nativity scenes are as popular as Christmas trees in homes, especially with the older generation. I think Christmas trees are something that has come about in the last 25-30 years. My neighbor puts hers together every year and each year it looks a little different.

Here is mine that I had made into a card a couple years ago. It hasn't changed much but I will work on this.

Pork Roast

We talked about having stuffed pork roast for Christmas. By the view in the local butcher shop window today, we are in luck!

Friday Feature

Every year the Comune Di Oliveri sends out invites for a Christmas dinner to the senior citizen residents. So, we got ours and if you are over female over 55 or a male over 60 you may be invited. The event is a social get together as well as a dinner. There is usually music for listening and dancing and a small gift for each participant. It will take place at a local restaurant on the Sunday before Christmas.

Birthday Girl

Jessica the first granddaughter!

Jessica the writer!

Jessica the musician!

Jessica the animal lover!

Jessica the pickle eater!

Jessica the girl with the multi colored hair!

Jessica who looks like her Mom!

Jessica who looks like her Dad!

Jessica who looks like her grandmothers!

Jessica who is herself!

Happy Birthday ...Jessica!

Love, from your other Grandmother!

Poinsettia Plant

Ever wonder what could happen to your Christmas Poinsettia? There are several bushes with these flowers on them in this town. The flowers will get larger and these bushes are really beautiful. The plants are quite cheap. I think we got two for 5 euro.

Christmas arrives on Via Roma

The lights and decorations are setting the mood for Christmas. All along the main street are illuminated signs of Christmas.

As much as I like the shooting star....this little lamp takes a close second this year.

Friday Feature

Work has started on the set for the live Nativity Scene that will take place on December 20. This is a yearly event put on by the folks that run and those that live in the Villa Gaia, a rehabilitation residence. In years past it was set up on a thru street but property has been allocated for this event this year.

I hope to take photos after the 20th to show the finished village and the live scene.

Birthday Boy

Another birthday in the family. Today is son Christopher's birthday. He is a son, husband, father, brother, stepson, uncle, nephew, brother in law and an all around great guy. I imagine he has lots of folks to wish him a Happy Birthday!

Many more birthdays to you.

Legal

All it took was going thru steps and up the steps to gather documents and then bring them to the Questura to renew my SOGGIORNO certificate. We had an appointment at 9AM and finished by 9.30AM with temporary document in hand. This one will be for an indefinite period. So, I don't think I shall be visiting this office for awhile. The clerk suggested I apply for dual citizenship. I have been thinking about this and I may just proceed with the process as soon as I get the permanent document of SOGGIORNO in my hands. It will be another round of securing documents and forms. Everyone was professional and treated me with respect and calm. I have heard horror stories about these offices but thus far, I haven't had a bad experience.