Respiri Di Vita

First Communion Oliveri Style

2008-05-25T20:16:00.001+02:00

Mercato find

2008-05-18T14:07:00.004+02:00

Was I happy today with this find?? You betcha! And I'm keeping it for myself. I'm not a good hat person but this one is made for a woman. It is authentic and has a nice elongated visor. I got it down from the regular price and that made it extra *special*! Yes-sir Chris...SPECIAL!

Friends

2008-02-23T11:26:00.002+01:00

This week, I have received three packets and one on line aid from Internet Friends that I have never met. You all know who you are and I thank you!!

I get by with a little help from my friends,

Yes I get by with a little help from my friends,

With a little help from my friends.

XOXOXO

Onomastico

2008-02-14T13:49:00.003+01:00

My neighbor, Valentino came to the door this morning bearing these ricotta filled ravioli. Today is Onomastico* for those named Valentino/a. Since there is no saint bearing the name Sharon, Valentino has shared his name with me for the last fifteen or so years. For today and every Feb 14th, I am named Valentina!

*Name Day

Limoncello ????

2008-02-10T14:59:00.001+01:00

No and no again! Limoncello is so last year. At least that is what I read in an Italian magazine article. So you ask...what is the treat for 2008?? Campari granite. I read this with a big smile as I love Campari. I gave it a try and it was refreshing and tasty. I'm gonna say...better than Limoncello! I'll be testing a recipe, but this was pretty good for just putting ingredients together.

Here is how I made this.

4 0z Campari

2/3 cup of sugar

enough frizzy water to make 2 cups solution.

Juice of one very juicy orange..

Mix this all together and place in a plastic bottle and place in your freezer. After a half hour shake and continue to shake every half hour till it forms slushy ice. Andy ate most of it with biscotti.

I already had Limoncello brewing before I read this article. It was ready to be bottled today. It made almost 3 liters.

Carnavale 2008 Photos

2008-02-05T18:40:00.001+01:00

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T13:55:00.000+01:00

To all my family and friends, Buon Anno 2008! May happiness and good health be in the days ahead for all mankind.

I will be absent for awhile on this Blog page. One of the best side effect of blogging this past year is meeting and posting with fellow bloggers. It has been a great experience.

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

2007-12-30T13:37:00.000+01:00

The card inside precious!

The envelope priceless!

Buon Natale

2007-12-25T10:01:00.000+01:00

Live Nativity

2007-12-23T20:53:00.000+01:00

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

2007-12-22T20:30:00.001+01:00

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

2007-12-20T17:25:00.000+01:00

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

2007-12-18T16:36:00.000+01:00

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

2007-12-14T18:05:00.000+01:00

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

2007-12-13T15:53:00.000+01:00

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

2007-12-12T17:21:00.001+01:00

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

2007-12-10T18:11:00.000+01:00

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

2007-12-07T16:11:00.001+01:00

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

2007-12-05T16:41:00.000+01:00

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

2007-12-03T12:03:00.000+01:00

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.

Friday Feature Sicilian Generosity

2007-11-30T21:28:00.000+01:00

Each of the following items came into our home in the last couple days. They are gifts from family and friends. The lemons, tangerines , oranges and tomatoes come in sacks. I will use the dried figs to make Christmas cookies. I have never cooked the green vegetable called *zucchina spinosa*! Not shown because they were hastily eaten were two types of fish. Also not included is a pumpkin that was delicious.

Un giro ad Oliveri

2007-11-28T08:35:00.001+01:00

This was posted by my neighbor. Just a little ride down the beach road in the spring. It runs a bit long but relax and go for a ride with him.

Sunday Morning Faces

2007-11-25T17:31:00.001+01:00

It was a fine day to be outside for man and beast. The temperatures were in the 70° range. As one local man says.. one day we are in Africa and the next in Alaska. Make no doubt about it ...Christmas season is upon us!

Friday Feature..Alternative cutting

2007-11-23T16:46:00.000+01:00

We were given fresh oregano at the end of summer. We hung it inside the family home across the street and forgot about it until recently. It is very handy that we have a barber in the house to cut the oregano from the branches.

Here he is seriously getting down to business.

After the oregano is removed it gets put into the *robot* or food processor. A few years ago, the motor on my food processor died. I bought the same machine in a later model. The attachments fit the new machine. When we process the oregano it discolors and scratches the bowl so this was a lucky purchase.

Remove any small sticks and place into a jar and the oregano is ready for your favorite recipe.

Contest winner

2007-11-22T17:11:00.000+01:00

This is a winning drawing about Thanksgiving. Interesting to note that the 2007 pilgrims are all female! Nothing wrong with that! Chips with your turkey looks about right as well!! OK...guys are good to have around. Perhaps they are watching football and didn't get into the frame??

Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate!

Questura and Tribunale

2007-11-20T17:28:00.001+01:00

This is similar to a place where I spent alot of time this morning along with the Questura* of Patti. I am renewing my soggiorno permission and the rules have changed. I now need a police and Tribunale** check to make certain that "I am not a crook"! I also need to identify my means of support. I need to give evidence that my marriage is intact. These are new requirements put in place in the last year. I think they are fair and justified in these times.

So, I have all the documents and stamps and now wait for the paper saying I have not been charged with a crime. My appointment has been made and I like that I will not have to wait in a line. I am pleased with this progress after some horror stories that I have heard and read over getting this document. I shall probably (hope so) be given permission to stay here for an indefinite period of time. After all this why not go for the citizenship document??? That is something to think about!

*Police headquaters

**Court house

Buon Compleanno

2007-11-17T22:58:00.001+01:00

He's not a kid anymore. If the truth be told he was a grown up many years ago. One of those youths, who as my daughter says is *an old soul*! Today is his birthday and to my adult son, I give wishes for many more. You ..are my gift!

Adriano Celentano - L'arcobaleno

2007-11-16T15:50:00.001+01:00

One of my favorite Italian singers is Adriano Celentano.
One line in this song reads:

L'arcobaleno é mio messaggio d'amore!
The rainbow is my message of love!

After hours....

2007-11-14T18:07:00.000+01:00

The birth rate of 1.23 children per woman in Italy is the second lowest in the Western world. Women rarely have more than one child. If that rate of reproduction continues, Italians will slowly but surely die out.
How could Italy - the country which has a reputation for loving children more than any other in the world, and where there is an almost religious reverence for the role of Mama - stop having children?
The Government seems as perplexed by the situation as the Pope, who two years ago begged Italians to "rediscover the culture of life and love and their mission as parents". His plea fell on deaf ears. The Italians, the most solidly Catholic country in Europe, ignored his request to have more children, just as they have ignored his teaching on the sinfulness of contraception. "Italians," as one demographer put it, "have not given up sex. They have merely given up procreation."

One answer is the after hour availability of condoms. This handy container is attatched to the pharmacy outside wall. No excuses for protection and safe sex.

Monday Outing

2007-11-13T08:58:00.000+01:00

We normally do our business and shopping chores on Monday. Grocery stores are open while other shops are closed till the afternoon. The bank is open in the morning and only opens for one hour in the afternoon. Yesterday, we had food shopping, an order to retrieve at the jewelers, a small space heater to purchase and a bank visit. With the afternoon close down factored in this would have to be well thought out. Shops close down at one and reopen anywhere from 4PM to 5PM.

We first stopped at our favorite restaurant for lunch. They are closed on Sundays and opened their new wine yesterday.

Andy tried the new *vino* and said a toast (salute to the Honorable and his wife) to our friends from RI, who are also fans of this restaurant. St. Martino was celebrated a day late. I guess that is what holiday Monday is all about.

Then off to the big city and the Walmart type supermercato to look for that heater and do a little shopping.

When we reached our destination, we found that this place was in the middle of moving to a new location and the shelves were almost bare. Not many shoppers in the place and we did not find the heater but Andy found one of his favorite items...fish. We had just been talking with our son about Seppia fish and it was here. Yes, he bought it.

This is one store that is open thru the day. We left here and got back on the highway and headed to another market that is also open from 9AM -9PM. We found the heater and we also came across Christmas. Italy is focusing on Christmas earlier and earlier every year.

This might be called winter decor.....

But, there is no mistake about this..

At 4PM we reached the jewelers. I think these doors are a good thing. They also have them at banks (we did not get to the bank in time). Only one person can enter at a time and they beep if you have some weapon or other object picked up by the sensor device.

After making our purchase we finished the trip by heading to our favorite €0.79 per kilo fruit and vegetable market. They sell a range of grocery items but the low fruit and vegetable price is the draw for us. The big finish was more Christmas items displayed. So from now thru the New Year...

..to all!

St Martino's Day

2007-11-11T14:46:00.000+01:00

The grapes were harvested long ago and November 11th is the official uncorking of the new wine. It is a common thing to make your own wine. Today, friends and family will be sharing a meal and tasting each other wine. So, be careful on the streets today.

Friday Feature

2007-11-09T19:10:00.000+01:00

Happy Birthday Marine Corps, November 10th. I am a day early but take this as a reminder. The Marines only look for a few good men and we have one in our family. So, salute to him and all those ..currently or who have served as a US Marine. Once a Marine always a Marine!!

POCKET COFFEE

2007-11-06T11:19:00.000+01:00

It is back in the shops! This is the best picker upper in the world! When that 3:30PM dragging feeling comes on this little espresso laced chocolate will wake you back into life.

Did I buy some. I did and I am doing a diet challenge so must limit myself to one per day!

Rainbow

2007-11-05T21:47:00.000+01:00

This one isn't as good as the one taken by my friend in Calabria* . We don't often see rainbows here but this was a nice surprise on a gray drizzly day.

*http://bleedingespresso-sognatrice.blogspot.com/2007/11/weather-you-like-it-or-not.html

Veteran's Day Italia

2007-11-04T15:34:00.000+01:00

Not many of these fellas left but they got together in front of the city hall for a march to church and festivities following the service. This wasn't my war. In fact my father was fighting with the Allies on the other side. It is however a day to remember those who died in service to his/her country.

One woman marched with the group. She wore a medal that noted her husband's valor. Another patch signifies the regiment.

The mayor walked with the retirees. You can spot him wearing his official sash.

The local band kept the mood and the step lively. But as usual...........NO LINES!

Friday Feature

2007-11-02T17:49:00.001+01:00

Today is All Soul's Day in Italy and yesterday was All Saint's Day. Businesses are at half day or closed. It is much like Memorial Day in the USA. It is tradition to spend the day caring for the graves and bringing flowers. You can pay to have lights put on a grave for these few days. For many Italian families this is a time to come back to their home towns to offer this respect to their deceased love ones.

Olive Oil

2007-11-01T17:55:00.000+01:00

My friend Angela and her family finished picking their olives and Wednesday morning had an appointment for crushing them into oil. Did I want to come along? I did want to and off we went. There were several other folks there with their olives and we got to watch the process.

The olives are weighed and then dumped into a basin for the trip up the conveyor belt to the wash process. While traveling the conveyor the leaves and stems are filtered out. The wash process is the timely step in the oil pressing. After washing they are sent to the crusher where the oil is sent in one direction and the residue in another. It passes through two filters and finally into the containers.

It is all a rather straight forward system.

The water heater was an interesting feature as it is fueled by nut hulls.

The mix that is extracted which includes solids that remain after crushing the olives is called ~sansa~. This includes the pits, skin and pulp residue. Another process creates this sansa oil. My friend told me restaurants use alot of this oil.

These pots were on the property. They were used in earlier times to store olive oil.

This is only one way of extracting oil from olives. This place isn't far from Oliveri so it is convenient to have them done there. The proprietor and his wife are pleasant and nice to do business with.

After it was all said and done ...my friends gave me this....LIQUID GOLD!

Alcara li Fusi

2007-10-30T17:27:00.000+01:00

So, I was back on the bus again. This time we headed to Alcara li Fusi. This town is celebrating it's Patron Saint Nicolò Politi's 500th year of sainthood. It goes on for a full year. It was made even more special as Alcara li Fusi is where the local priest, Padre Luigi was born. The town folks and Padre Luigi's family were most welcoming. They have a great love for this man.

We started walking thru the town starting at the statue of St Nicolò and ending up at the church which holds some of his remains. Along the way we had several on lookers from the overhead balconies and some of the towns folks joined us at the church.

The local priest gave an overview of St Nicolò Politi's life and the events of this 500th Anno Giubilare. It is a year long celebration of his sainthood 1507/2007.

Nicolò was born in 1117, of noble parents. He was their only child, born to them in their later years. He was given the best of education, both cultural and spiritual. While he was still young his father found him a future wife and even prepared a wedding for them. Nicolò escaped his town and his wedding and took up a life of solitude in the mountains of Etna. Later, he traveled to Alcara li Fusi and made his home in a cave for over 30 years. He lived a life of solitude and prayer contemplating on the mystery of God.

In 1507 the Pope of that time gave permission for his body to be transferred to the Chiesa Madre di Alcari. However in the 1920's the citizens of Adrano petitioned the government to have his remains taken to his birth town. We were told that militia came to the town of Alcara li Fusi and forced the people to remain inside their homes while Nicolò's head was taken and carried to Adrano where it still remains. This means that the torso remains of St Nicolò is in Alcara li Fusi but his skull is in Adrano.

There is also a Museum of Sacred Art in this town. It at one time was a convent for females. Now it has been converted to a religious showing of gold and silver art pieces. It includes a library of hand written documents dating back to the 1500's. The story of St Nicolò is also presented in this museum. On the wall were several documents showing tributes and donations made by Sicilians who emigrated from Alcara Li Fusi to Cleveland, Ohio in the USA.

We headed just before dusk, to the cave where St Nicolò Politi spent over 30 years of his life. The roads were narrow and I was amazed at the skill of our bus driver to maneuver these streets.

We arrived at the grotto and you can get a sense of the time of day from the following two photos which were taken ten minutes apart.

I would imagine these hills would be a good place to hide out from the law. Perhaps Salvatore Giuliano hid out here???

The cave was lit up with some festive lights which gave one person in our group to mention how religion was becoming a big business. Well, what isn't these days. Padre Luigi gave a short sermon here and after taking a group picture we headed back down the narrow streets and twisting mountains.. towards home.

Happy Birthday Ava!

2007-10-27T20:37:00.000+02:00

Little Ava is two today!! Happy Birthday to my youngest grandchild!

XOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXXOO

Friday Feature....Animal Market

2007-10-26T13:40:00.001+02:00

This guy has the whole market in his scope. Every year in nearby Falcone there is an animal market. Farm folks from nearby towns transport their animals for sale here. Not so many animals this year. Seems that new regulations are in place. I like this market and was happy to get there early enough to see the animals. I hope you enjoy this picture post of the mercato.

ANIMALS

BUYERS AND SELLERS

Stan and Ollie

2007-10-24T11:54:00.000+02:00

Their names were Stan and Ollie and they had some time together before they became......

LUNCH!

I had nothing to do with this....nothing!

Red Card Yellow Card

2007-10-22T15:05:00.000+02:00

Yellow plus yellow equals red. Red is red. All calcio and soccer fans know this. One yellow is a warning concerning a rule infraction. Red is given for a major infraction. So, if you get two warnings it is the same as getting a red. But getting a red with no warning indicates major consequences.

I like this idea. It leaves almost nothing to the imagination. Altho some players argue the call, everyone knows the rules. Everyone can see the yellow or red card being held aloft by the referee. Everyone knows that first yellow is a warning and you had best be on your good behavior or you risk getting a red card and that means O U T!

I think that this colored card system could be put to good use elsewhere. My first thought was for teachers and parents. But, I really think it would be good to have them in the car. Instead of using those hand signals when you are miffed by another driver you could just hold up a yellow or red card. It might even work in the post office when you get bad service..or quite a few public offices. How about the toll booth taker who acts like you are bothering his smoking break?

Join in with me...with your ideas!

Friday Feature

2007-10-19T10:48:00.000+02:00

West Side Story has it ALL wrong! The most beautiful sound is your child saying *I love you Mom*! Ask any mother. Ask me...and I will tell you that what I write is true. I received this card this week and it couldn't have come at a better time. I love you too, Jillane!

Along with the card was a bevy of packages. Of course the mandatory Starbucks coffee was included. My favorite was the gardenia scented duo of hand wash and hand cream. Along with vanilla, gardenia is a favorite scent of mine.

This daughter knows I am a lover of bumper stickers. She has been riding the roads with this one tucked into her visor for over a year. It was given to me by my son, who doesn't even know I harbor this fetish. I am hoping some day to cover my terrazza window that borders onto my neighbor's wall with various bumper stickers. Finally it has arrived here.

So, Frank did you think this ball would be amusing? Papa was very amused. After unrolling all this paper he challenged me to put it back together. Yea, right!
That accordion card was ...a reminder of how much I hate the accordion. But, someone really liked it!

Yes...I am happy and I am thankful and I am loving you all.

This is Friday's Feature!!

My All time Favorite Blog Page

2007-10-17T16:49:00.000+02:00

http://alohafromsicily.blogspot.com/2007/10/where-are-you-in-cefalu_16.html

AllohafromSicily posted this page and she captured the look 100%!! I love this post! Check it out!

Treasure

2007-10-17T10:18:00.000+02:00

So what is this treasure? And is it truly a treasure? Italo Americans that visit here think so. They bring it back into the USA by the suitcase full. Italy readers know what it is but for my USA people, this is baked ricotta. You can slice and eat it with bread or grate it over pasta dishes, soups and risotto. I do think you can oven bake ricotta at home. I haven't yet found someone who will tell me how this is done. I imagine a slow oven.

This one looks a bit over baked but it tastes just right. A lady gave this to me because I printed out some pictures of the Gibelmanna gita for her. I didn't need a reward but it is the custom here.

Peek-A-Boo

2007-10-15T13:02:00.001+02:00

My camera has been sidelined by a back sprain the past few days. So, I came up with an idea to play a game my sister loves. I have two sisters and the one who loves this game knows who she is!!

It is called look into the cabinets and see what the people in this house are eating. I'm game!

This is the bottom of the beverage shelves. All my shelves have a mix of Italian and USA products. Added this week is some coffee grounds from Germany. Last year the gentleman who gave this package to us brought Jacob's coffee. This one is just as good. The zip lock bag holds various types of tea bags. The red can in the rear says Natural Cider. I have not tried it yet, but I think it will be a winter treat. Ciobar can be a hot chocolate drink or I think a pudding. Depends on how long you keep it on the fire. Andy grinds the coffee so we have two types. One espresso and the other regular coffee. Hiding behind the taller goods is a jar of instant Nescafe left to us by USA friends. It is recipe coffee.

These two shelves hold baking goods. I have several different types of flour, corn meal, white and brown sugars, icing sugar, molasses sugar, baking powder, baking soda, dry milk, coconut flakes..plus chick beans and dried peas and a couple types of rice, stored here. In the can is some chocolate bits. Andy keeps the grinder here. It is always neat and tidy. I hate bugs and this would be bug heaven.

There are lots of USA products in here. Thank you ..to my family and friends who share with me. This is just the place my sister would be looking. Now, if she wants a glimpse in my refrigerator she will need an airline ticket to come an check that out herself. That is a good idea!

Update

2007-10-13T13:56:00.001+02:00

That is me reporting that the Red Sox won game 1 in the AL pennant race.

The other update is that RaiUno has *maybe* changed it's schedule for tomorrow and Oliveri will be featured next Sunday.

Friday Feature

2007-10-12T11:04:00.000+02:00

Double Friday Feature notices:

Reminder for my USA readers>

The Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians open with game one.. vying for the American League Champion, this evening at 7PM in Boston.

For my Italian readers>

Sunday on RaiUno, the tuna festival held last month in Oliveri will be featured on Linea Verde. As for the time I am told after 10AM.

Senseless

2007-10-11T17:53:00.000+02:00

On Saturday two males got into an altercation in the town next to Oliveri. One was outside an arcade and the other passing by in a vehicle. Lot's of rumors surround this event. The only true facts are that one was buried today and the other sits in prison.

Mammogram

2007-10-08T16:11:00.000+02:00

After putting this procedure off for 15 years I bit the bullet and had a mammogram today. An Internet friend (kricket) shamed me into it. And I think this pleases my sister who wanted me to do this, but she doesn't preach or push.

It isn't something difficult to do and I have no reason for putting this off. The clerks and the technician were all kind and professional. So the message to everyone reading this is get yourself or someone you love to make that appointment. I don't feel allowed to say more as I was so delinquent in doing this for myself.

Perhaps the machine that was used today is a bit old. I was told it was going to be replaced by an updated model next month. It only took about 15 minutes. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, take precautions and get that mammogram.

GO TEAM!

2007-10-06T10:38:00.001+02:00

This is what is says on the t-shirt I am wearing these days.

Friday Feature

2007-10-05T18:02:00.001+02:00

Today's feature is a continuance of yesterday's post on Gibelmanna and Cefalù. Be prepared for a few more posts on this subject. This post will feature the art work in the museum on the sanctuary grounds.

There are several rooms in this museum. On the ground level are vestments used in celebrations of *sung mass*. They are quite elaborate and in very good condition. The art works and vestments are from the 15th thru 18th centuries. Also on the ground level is a model of buildings on the sanctuary grounds.

All the buildings are are on elevated land. The air is thin and there are quite a few steps to climb to reach the sanctuary. The museum entrance fee is €1.50 and is worth every cent.

I really should have something to say about this art if I am posting it. But, I know very little. The first one is the oldest. Statues are Mary and Joseph and the last picture is of a circumcision.

Ultima Cena-Last Supper/Sicilian artist

This fabric of silk with hand work is from the 15th century and in good condition. The entire piece of fabric was hand embroidered.

cont'-----

Gibelmanna and Cefalù

2007-10-04T16:37:00.000+02:00

Along with about 80 Oliveri residents, I boarded a bus Wednesday morning and set out on a day trip to Gibelmanna and Cefalù. It took about 2 hours to reach The Sanctuary of Gibelmanna. There were two bus loads of us and the drivers did an excellent job on those twisting roads going up into the mountains. I don't think it was an accident that yesterday was chosen as today is the day of St. Francis of Assisi. This Sanctuary is occupied by Capuchins, an autonomous branch of the first Franciscan Order.

The Sanctuary of Gibelmanna is dedicated to the Madonna. Gibel el Mann is an Arabic name and refers to the mountain of manna. It was restored in the 1600's.

Inside are historical sacred pieces of art. One said to be made with sand and grasses. They represent the spirit of the poor and the simple Franciscan life.

The equal sided cross that was displayed in several places inside the church was of interest to me.

So, I looked for some information about it. It may have more meaning than this, but I'll share what I found.

PatonceCross
The Patonce Cross is any form of cross which has expanded ends, like the Pattee Cross, but with each arm terminating in floriated points like the Fleurie Cross and Fleur-de-lis Cross. Sometimes there are two petals at the end of each arm, but usually three.
In heraldry, the three petals represent faith, wisdom and chivalry. The four arms spread these to the four corners of the world.
As a Christian Cross, the three petals represent the Trinity and the total twelve petals represent the Apostles.

Another second interesting thing was the railing along the steps leading up to the church. I haven't figured the significance of this yet.

The trip was put together by Padre Luigi and he gave the sermon at the Sanctuary. In street clothes he gave history and geography lessons while en route. He is the Priest at Oliveri's church.There is only one church in this town.

Tomorrow, I shall continue with more about this trip featuring the museum at Gibelmanna.

Surprise Lily

2007-10-02T15:55:00.000+02:00

About 12 years ago I planted some bulbs in a large container and placed it on our balcony. The packet said these were *surprise lilies*. This year we did get lots of surprises. They have blossomed about 10 times, perhaps more. So weather too hot...too much rain...global warming? It was just right for these beauties.

Ancora un' anno

2007-09-29T13:44:00.000+02:00

It is that time again to re contract the marriage. We have been celebrating ...including this year, 28 years of matrimony. So, first thing this morning over a cup of coffee we decided to go for another year. This year's contract says more couple time. More doing things together. I wonder if that means I'll be watching more soccer games and singing Napoli songs? Or maybe Andy will learn how to knit socks and go on more gita's? We will find the way.

Happy Anniversary to us!

Friday Feature

2007-09-28T16:51:00.000+02:00

One box of yarn arrived this morning and another will be arriving in a couple weeks. I knit socks for my family and many of them get a new pair every Christmas. I ordered plain yarn to get a bit creative by mixing the self striping yarn with the plain. I am anxious to get started with this box of wool. First I must finish the ones I currently have on the needles. I have three pairs made plus the pair I made for myself out of yarn a dear friend sent to me for my birthday. She picked the right colors as I am into browns this year.

Leftover yarn is used for charity socks knitting. I donate these to a grab bag type table at the Falcone Fair next month. All of them are kid size. Proceeds go to Caritas House.

There is a yarn shop in town and one in the next town. They do not carry the type of yarn I use. I order from an online site in Germany*. It has English translation, so that makes it easy for me. Funny that most of the yarn I buy is made in Italy, but not offered around here. My yarn store friend in RI told me of visiting Italy and being so disappointed in the lack of yarn available.

*http://www.bastelundhobbykiste.de/index.php?sid=5e8e24f3a308cfcf02c400a424faf759&cl=start&tpl=&lang=1

Awards

2007-09-26T16:24:00.000+02:00

I am still learning about the blogging social circles, but this month I have received two awards. They are heartfelt awards and I am humbled by them. Thank you Anne in Oxfordshire and David at witnessing am i .

Here is what David wrote about my blog.

You are both nice and kind to award these to me.

Regalo

2007-09-25T10:52:00.000+02:00

When you participate in any milestone of another's life you will be rewarded with a small gift. A young lady presented me with a thank you and announcement of her college graduation with the above gift. I did very little to assist in HER accomplishment. My part was to help with her English skills. She had them, I just gave support.

Friday Feature

2007-09-21T16:22:00.000+02:00

We had company for lunch so I headed over to the bread shop to buy fresh bread. Can't get any fresher than right out of the oven. I asked the lady if I could take a few photos and she invited me into the rear of the shop. They were just taking bread out of the oven. Too bad they don't have Internet smells 'cause this was bread heaven.

It isn't often that we purchase bread as it is a one of those things we have given up on our diet. I do go here to purchase flour. I surmise that the bakery flour has a greater turn over than the store packaged stuff.

Sicily Guide Visited

2007-09-20T15:56:00.001+02:00

Sicily isn't that large and the part we were going to travel to meet up with MariaGrazia from Sicily Guide , should have taken only 30 to 35 minutes. We planned to meet up around 1:30PM and we never got there until 2PM. My directions from an Internet map site were horrid. Asking directions along the way did not fare much better. We must have stopped 6 times and got six different sets of directions. But we carried on and met up with MariaGrazia and her Mom Lilliana.

It was definitely worth the trip, and we got to see lots of the countryside in the Milazzo area before reaching Pace de Mela. MariaGrazia is a striking and youthful woman. She has lots of energy and lots of talent. Talking with both mother and daughter, I suspect she gets her energy and sense of adventure from her Mother. We did not meet her Dad so I won't say he doesn't factor into this as well. Maria is forthcoming about herself in a quiet way. I believe she is a very understated person. There is alot more to her than meets the eye.

Poultry Section

2007-09-19T16:17:00.000+02:00

What kind of a meal would you prepare with this?

Tuna celebration

2007-09-16T14:15:00.000+02:00

Tuna and the tuna fishing industry was celebrated in Oliveri Saturday evening and will continue tonight..Sunday September 16. The restored fishing boat was a feature but I think most came for the free tuna that was served up by local folks in the fishing industry. Years past there was a tuna factory in this town and it was on these grounds that this event took place. The canning factory has since been converted to a vacation resort. It was a delightful event. Very well planned and orderly.

Insides of restored Tuna Fishing Boat
Converted Tuna Factory into Resort

Many hours of preparation took place before this event. This careful planning was a vital contribution to it's success. During the day of the event, big screens were hoisted to show old footage of tuna fishing, the cooking areas, display areas, staging for the entertainment and cleaning of the area besides carving of the tuna fish was all accomplished by volunteers.

Volunteers prepare the cooking area

Stage and Big Screen

Carving the tuna

Besides enjoying a delicious plate of tuna and bread ..there were several exhibits. Some were local restaurant specialities featuring tuna. Another was a booth that featured tuna preserves. Along the grounds were implements used on the old tuna boats along with a photo gallery of the men and boats in the hey day of Oliveri's tuna fishing industry.

Restaurant displays

Filming of a display booth

Antique Tuna Industry Tools

There was a long line of folks waiting to be served a plate of tuna plus bread but it moved along swiftly and orderly. (Yes, it really did!) It was worth the wait. It was very light tasting. Again local volunteers served the guests.

Line waiting for Tuna

Volunteer servers

Generous plate of tuna

Included with all the above was a pleasing show featuring SuperLinea band and performers.

Special thanks to Giusy LaBella and her volunteers for a wonderful event!!!

Quick recipes #6 and #7

2007-09-15T15:47:00.001+02:00

Baked salmon and a lovely lemon sauce complete one week of easy and quick recipes. We love salmon and it is good for you. Some local folks claim it is dry eating but with this sauce it is far from dry.

For the salmon(recipe 6) all you need is to preheat an oven to 350°F and cook the fish for 20 minutes. I place my salmon steaks onto parchment paper and don't add oil. If you like you can lightly spray a baking sheet and place the salmon onto the pan. No need to flip the fish.

For the sauce (recipe 7)

olive oil

1 clove minced garlic

4T lemon juice

2 T capers

1 t lemon pepper seasoning

4 oz yogurt

Heat oil in saucepan and add garlic, cooking for one minute. Reduce the heat to low and add lemon juice, capers and lemon pepper seasoning and cook for 5 minutes. Add yogurt and heat thru without bringing to a boil.

Quick and super easy recipe #5

2007-09-14T15:36:00.001+02:00

This recipe is a kin to no cookin'- cooking! A close cousin. It can be an appetizer or a side dish. All you need is fresh tomatoes, pesto sauce, parmigiana cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.

Slice tomatoes about 1/4 inch thick. Spread pesto on top of each slice. How much pesto? Spread to your liking. I know that many jars of pesto have cheese mixed in but I add grated parmigiana on top of the pesto and drizzle with olive oil.

Put under the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes. Presto PESTO!

Quick recipe #4

2007-09-13T17:38:00.001+02:00

So, I asked my daughter .....you like hummus? Why don't you make your own?? She even repeated this to her girlfriend and laughed about the time it would take her to make this verses buying it over the deli counter.

Well it can be easy to make at home. It doesn't have to start with the dry bean. We have the time and we have the dry beans so that is how it is made in my home. When you make it at home you can add lots of different ingredients. I usually make it the standard way without the parsley. I have something against parsley. I should give it another chance. I do add hot pepper and since we don't have the tahini I substitute with a large tablespoon of peanut butter.

Hummus

1 16 oz can of chickpeas or garbanzo beans
1/4 cup liquid from can of chickpeas
3-5 tablespoons lemon juice (depending on taste)
1 1/2 tablespoons tahini
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil

additional suggestions---hot pepper, carrots, parsley

Drain chickpeas and set aside liquid from can. Combine remaining ingredients in blender or food processor. Add 1/4 cup of liquid from chickpeas. Blend for 3-5 minutes on low until thoroughly mixed and smooth. Taste and adjust to your liking.

Now that is pretty easy.

Quick recipe #3

2007-09-12T18:40:00.000+02:00

The recipe today is English Lemon Cake with twist of Italy. I admit making this cake from scratch but I have an idea that I think will work for a quick dessert. This cake calls for the juice of one large lemon. The day I made it I did not have any lemons in the house and decided to spice it up with limoncello. Delicious.

My idea is to purchase a pound cake and warm it up a bit in a microwave oven. As soon as you take it out poke holes into the top of the cake and pour over the top as much limoncello as you want. I think 1/2 a glass of the stuff would be fine for a pound cake. Let it cool and serve. How about a little limoncello to wash it down????

If you want to make your own cake here is the recipe.

English Lemon Cake

1 cup sugar

1 cup softened butter

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup milk

Juice of 1 large lemon

grated rind of 1/2 lemon (or just use the limoncello)

1/3 cup sugar

Oven temp 350°F

Grease standard size loaf pan

Cream sugar with butter. Add eggs one at a time beating in well till mixture is light and fluffy.

Sift flour, salt and baking powder together. Add dry ingredients to first mixture alternating with milk, beating in well. Pour into pan and cook 45 minutes.

Mix sugar, lemon juice and rind and heat in small sauce pan till dissolved. Pour over cake while cake is hot. Let cool to room temperature.

Quick recipe #2

2007-09-11T11:30:00.000+02:00

This is an antipasto or a side dish made with three ingredients.

1 large eggplant

4 or 5 tomatoes

fresh mozzarella (I used bocconcini)

salt/pepper/oregano

Slice the eggplant into 1/8 th inch slices. You can salt and drain but this is probably not necessary. Heat up a grill pan and place the slices onto the pan, dry. Turn and cook thru. This is all the cooking in this recipe.

Place the eggplant onto a platter, covering with diced tomatoes. You want the best tomatoes you can find. Top with sliced mozzarella and season. Looks like someone over did the oregano in my picture. Never mind it will all be mixed up on your plate. Do drizzle olive oil on the top. This is where the extra virgin olive oil is best used.

Quick food recipes

2007-09-10T16:12:00.000+02:00

All my posts this week will be recipes for quick cooking but good taste. Eggs are a good food that had gotten a bad name. We eat lots of eggs and are lucky to have them delivered to our door straight from the farm.

Here is an easy recipe for fried/poached eggs.

eggs

olive oil or butter

salt/pepper

water

non stick skillet

Heat up your skillet, then add oil or butter, your choice. Break eggs and add to skillet and wait one minute until the eggs are set up. I like to salt and pepper them now. Add about 2/3 cup of water to the skillet and cover immediately. Continue to cook for 4 minutes. Done!

Friday Feature

2007-09-07T18:26:00.001+02:00

September 7th is the Feast day for the Madonna Nera of Tindari. This sanctuary sits just above Oliveri. The site of the sanctuary is something remembered by anyone who has visited here. Today the faithful from miles around are walking to pay respects to this black Madonna. She is said to award miracles. It is not unusual for groups to be walking up the mountain road barefoot. One year I was invited by a group of women from this town to make the trek. We walked up the national road and it took us one hour. Some in our group did walk barefoot. It was an interesting experience and we brought along baskets of food to share breakfast after the religious service.

There is even a group on horseback in town ready to gallop up the mountain tonight for the festivities. We will be watching the fireworks that always mark the days end of these feast occasions from this town.

Sicilian Lives

2007-09-05T16:49:00.000+02:00

This summer I have read two books about the western part of Sicily. Midnight in Sicily was the first one. This book led me to Palermo and to Guttoso and the Vuccaria and to Letizia Battaglia*. It is a book about the trial of Giulio Andreotti and the past leading up to this trial. I absolutely loved this book. It was on loan to me and I shall buy my own.

The second book is Sicilian Lives by Danilo Dolci. By looking at the cover I know my family will be reminded of my mother in law. I placed the red pepper on the corner...I don't know why but I think it belongs there. Danilo Dolci is also known as the Sicilian Gandhi. You can read more about him by going here.**

The book is a series of chapter stories told to Dolci by Sicilian men and a few women. The time was in the 1950's. I read this book like an animal...rushing myself page after page. I will go back and reread it taking my time. After each chapter I would talk with my husband or my friend Angela about the contents. Always...without fail I was told..yes, that is how it was here as well. My friend Angela was in tears one day describing how hard her mother had worked for so little. She wishes her mother was alive today to have life easier. Owning 1/4 of a cow...traveling many kilometers outside of town for a day's work...waiting and waiting and waiting for the overseer to give you the pay you have earned only to find it less than you were promised.

Some of the ideas against banding together as in organizing the work force opened my eyes to the way men work in this town. Also, the politics and getting out the vote have not traveled far from the 50's. Most of the chapters were the stories of men with only a few told by women. The conditions of western and I imagine most of Sicily at that time are compared to Calcutta in India. I think it must compare with Appalachia....only worse.

*Letizia Battaglia can be tagged with many labels – photographer, political activist, feminist, environmentalist – none of which adequately convey who she is. Since the 1970s Battaglia has been documenting life in her native Sicily – its tragedies and violence, its stoicism and dignity. Rarely has an artist been bestowed with such an appropriate name: Letizia means joy, Battaglia means battle, and these two poles define the emotional territory that her work inhabits. While she started out as a photojournalist, Battaglia transcends the confines of that field and imbues every image with a timeless nobility and humanity. For several years she stopped taking pictures and officially entered the world of politics, standing for election and serving on the city council. She was instrumental in saving and reviving the historic center of Palermo, established her own publishing house and is deeply involved in working for the rights of women and, most recently, prisoners.

**http://danilo1970.interfree.it/wal.html

DOG HOUSE

2007-09-03T13:32:00.001+02:00

Both Andy and I spent Sunday morning in the doghouse. Our dog house does not *house* a dog but it looks like it should. When we had our kitchen built we had a room built under the stairs. When the builder measured for the door to put into the opening he was a little off. He installed the door and compensated for the incorrect measurements with louvers. Louvers are a good idea for this space but would have been better adapted to the door itself. Hence we call this space *the dog house*.

It was time to give it a good cleaning and find treasures in there we may have forgotten about. Many of you may recall our pasta stash well here is another one for you to chuckle about. Got to buy when things are on sale and you never know when you might need things. I figure there are close to 100 rolls here. This might last well into 2008.

Getting in and out of the dog house has its hazards. This is one time where being short has advantages.

Fellow Blogger

2007-09-02T14:47:00.001+02:00

MaryEllen from Sicilian odyssey drove all the way from her home to meet up with us yesterday. This is the second time I have met face to face with a person, from an Internet friendship. She is a top notch lady and very easy to get in step with.

We toured the town and got to witness a bride walking with her family to the local church to get married. I got to show her a bit of this town while walking the main drag and the beach road. It was a relaxing visit. For me the conversation was my favorite part. Learning about her and her life here in Sicily and the other places she has lived.

After lunch we headed to the sports clothing outlet, Spaccio. It was a good day to go. All the bin items were under €30. MaryEllen good naturedly held up the Palermo sweatshirt. I wanted Davide to see this item. Sorry I did not purchase this for him....it costs €100. We will do this again.

Friday Feature

2007-08-30T23:41:00.000+02:00

Two Sicilian bloggers were interviewed this week on the Sicily Guide blog and one of them was me. The other Sicilian blogger interviewed was Welshcakes/Limoncello. It was an interesting thing to do and most interesting to compare my answers to blogger Patrizia Eggleton's interview. By the way, she has a well read and visited site on Sicily.

Sicily Guide is updated daily with loads of Sicilian information. Check out both interviews on this site.

http://sicilyguide.com/blog/

If you take the time to read both, I would be interested to know if you think we live on the same Island. I think she has a city life and I have the small town life. The population in Oliveri is around 2000. I think Modica is more like 50, 000. I'd like to visit there someday.

Appetizer

2007-08-27T16:33:00.000+02:00

This is a picture of what I did with figs yesterday, but the recipe below is nicer. I did not have the ingredients.

Fichi Antipasto

10 to 12 figs

Gorgonzola cheese

honey

prosciutto crudo

olive oil

Wash and cut an X into the top of the figs. Push up gently from the bottom to expose the pulp. Add one small teaspoon of Gorgonzola cheese into the center of each fig and follow with a drop of honey. Place prosciutto crudo onto a small platter and surround with figs. Drizzle with olive oil.

We used some delish honey given to me at the Vasari Winery. It is biological honey.

Friday Feature

2007-08-24T11:08:00.001+02:00

Mmmm...good! I have been wanting to feature the Bialetti Brikka espresso coffee pot for sometime. No better day than the coffee man's birthday. He so loves this coffee pot and the coffee he brews in it. He will show you just how to make it and then show off the creamy top that he gets in his cup. "Can you get any better than this in a bar?" he will ask.

Here is what the Bialetti site has to say about this Brikka coffee pot:

Bialetti Brikka is a unique stove top espresso maker that makes it possible to prepare espresso with “cream”. Bialetti Brikka revolutionizes the espresso making and drinking experience. Thanks to a special pressure-controlled valve you can now enjoy the rich and intense flavor of a creamy coffee. With the Brikka, you can enjoy a special coffee every day without leaving the comfort of your kitchen. The Brikka system is the product of intense technological and qualitative research by Bialetti and is patented worldwide. Carefully follow the instructions and enjoy an authentic espresso with a frothy cream just like one from the Italian bar. Bialetti Brikka is yet another great product brought to you by the ever present “little man with the moustache”.

The coffee man has a new step in his coffee making. We read that in Naples (and we all know Naples is the King of espresso coffee), the sugar is put into the cup first. Then the hot espresso is poured in and you drink. No stirring. It is a caffeine and glucose experience. If you make your coffee at home the sugar is added to the pot before it is put on the burner. He has tried this step and it is now included in the morning coffee making ritual.

Auguri and Buon Compleanno to Andy!

Pericoloso (Dangerous)

2007-08-22T21:49:00.000+02:00

The past two days have been hot, extremely hot with high winds. Fires have started from the city of Messina thru to Cefalù. This afternoon I took these pictures of fires in the mountains above our town. The air has been filled with smoke and residual from the fires can be seen on the pavement. Because of severe fires in Cefalù, the firemen were slow to arrive. We had been without electricity for two hours due to fire near power lines and approaching the Q8 gas station on the autostrada. Electric has returned but the fires are still raging.

This happens every year but this year seems especially prone to spontaneous fires. Three deaths have been reported due to these fires.

Good Deeds...Good Eating

2007-08-21T18:57:00.000+02:00

Andy has been giving the guy next door free shaves. He is ill and we have been neighbors for fifteen years. Yesterday, the neighbor's son shows up with two fresh caught squid. Better than gold jewelery (local humor).

Squid with Tomatoes and Wine

2 pounds whole squid, fresh or frozen

1/4 cup olive oil

1 cup chopped onion

2 cups canned tomatoes

1/4 cup sherry or wine

salt

oregano

hot red pepper

(Andy added one potato cubed)

Clean squid..cut into 1/2 inch rings. Cut tentacles into 1 inch pieces. Wash and drain thoroughly on absorbent paper.

Cook onion in hot oil until tender(add potato at this time). Add squid and cook for 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, wine and seasonings. Cover and simmer for 1 & 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Eat over liguine or spaghetti. (Serves 3 to 4 ...but not me!)

Summer on Ice

2007-08-19T14:06:00.001+02:00

It might be over 100°F outside, but there is a portable ice rink set up inside the soccer field this year. The cost is 6€ for both rental skates and 1/2 hour of rink time. This father and daughter duo got there as the door was opening and have the rink to themselves. I love the look of shorts with ice.

Friday Feature

2007-08-17T16:29:00.000+02:00

After 40 years my friend met up with a childhood playmate at his Azienda Agricola In San Lucia del Mela and I was invited along. I like playing the side kick as I am getting to see lots of Sicily this year. These two friends grew up in Pistunina, a small village outside of Messina. One went to the USA and the other has worked building a wine business. In 1990 organic cultivation was introduced into his wine business. You can read about this winery at the following site
http://www.biovinivasari.it/index.htm. Click on the British flag in the upper right hand corner for English translation.

While we were there we watched wine being bottled for shipment to Japan. We met the client along with representatives of this winery. Lucky us we got an invitation to lunch. Of course we had some Vino Mamertino. We enjoyed the company, the lunch and especially the wine.

My friend sat inside the old farmhouse remembering the old days and talking about the new ones with the two Vasari brothers. I got to take photos of the grounds and relax.

Besides grapes there was plenty of other fruit and vegetables growing there.

The town sits above this vineyard and is very picturesque.

We shall have to make another visit. Here's to old & new friends!!!

It's a PLANE....

2007-08-16T08:44:00.000+02:00

We were back at the Naval Air Station in Sigonella this week to celebrate our friend Lucille's birthday. We ate at Applebees and we were all happy.

I wonder if Applebees in the USA have Sicilian Sirloin on the menu? Andy had the ribs, Lucille the chicken basket and I had a bacon cheeseburger. There is nothing like an American burger! To top it all off, the birthday girl shared her *FREE* dessert with me. She ordered a triple chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. Delicious hot chocolate covered both the plate and the cake.

We all had a great American style day. It was a party!

Outside in the parking lot there was a great view of Mt Etna. The weather was perfect and even the drive was fun. We shall be missing this couple. They are heading back to New York next week.

Froggie

2007-08-14T12:41:00.001+02:00

My new favorite friends. I shudda known ....they keep me sane!

Friday Feature

2007-08-10T16:25:00.001+02:00

You have all seen this stuff. Ceramic dishes from Caleca. It is featured in stores in the USA and in the Williams- Sonoma catalog. The factory is minutes from my house. You can buy from their store both second and first quality ceramic dishware.

I have a pattern with grapes painted on them. This pattern is no longer available but they will make it on request. Each year they present a new pattern. This year's looks very bold with red design on white sitting on a black dish.

Each time I go to this factory outlet I must purchase at least one plate...or bowl. I now choose solid colors preferring white for serving dishes.

There is so much to choose from. You could spend a good part of your day here and possibly a good part of your wallet.

America's Finest

2007-08-09T21:59:00.000+02:00

Wednesday, I had a chance to accompany two friends to the Naval Air Station here in Sigonella. It was fun to be around Americans. I took this photo of two Navy fellas at the check in gate. One said he was from Georgia and the other is from Alabama. They have a huge fan somehow hooked up to water keeping them cool. I didn't take many pictures on the base as I did not know if it was against regulations. I may have another opportunity this month to visit there so I will ask about pictures. My friend is retired military. I am really posting this for Carol..who is an expat like me! And for my Italian Blogger friends...I ate at Kentucky Fried Chicken! If I get to go another time it will be at Applebees.

Birthday....Birthday...Birthday

2007-08-07T19:14:00.000+02:00

August is a busy birthday month in my family and today is my daughter's birthday. So everybody sing..

Happy Birthday to You!

Happy Birthday to Jillane..

Happy Birthday to You!!

Happy Birthday ...dear daughter!

...and the winner is!!!!!

2007-08-07T09:48:00.001+02:00

The contest on guessing the amount of pasta that was in this house on July 17th closed midnight last night and we have a winner. We had 55 pounds of pasta stored on the pasta shelf. The question is why?? Why do we have all this pasta?? The answer is *you never know*! *You never know when you will need it*...*you never know when this brand will go on sale*...etc. There are lots more...you never knows...but someone here really likes pasta.

From day one sognatrice had the winning guess, but someone slipped in during the final days and cancelled out her win. GoodThomas gave the largest guess and Frank the lowest. I guess GoodThomas must be a pasta lover and Frank, who I happen to know personally.. hates pasta!!

Thank you for all the entries. Annika's family, la cubancgringa (who gave me a contest idea), Cindy-co (no pasta in the dog house), dm, Matthew, Muchachaistmo, Dot, Micheal (sorry no socks this time), Shelley (how about 10 reasons why we have so much pasta?), motherhoward, sonyaustralians, megan, jessica, rach, Cindy's friend, Marlene, HappyDays, Susan and Jillane.

The winner with a guess of 51 pounds is :

JAN

I congratulate you and will contact you soon on how to send the prize your way.

Clothes Line

2007-08-06T10:17:00.000+02:00

I must have a clothesline fetish as I love to see the ingenuity of line drying clothes.

Birthday Today

2007-08-04T19:21:00.000+02:00

I know it is Obama's birthday today, but more important to me is my grandson's birthday. He is 14 today. I have three grandkids who are 14 and he is the youngest of the three. He is also the youngest in his family having two older brothers. You older two look out 'cause he just might grow up to be bigger than both of you!

Happy Birthday Jake!

Friday Feature

2007-08-03T14:33:00.001+02:00

Does this picture get your attention?? Not many comments about my Palermo trip and this will be the last. A little of the naughty and some of the nice. The above is a water fountain with a bit of art work. I had to maneuver a bit to get the photo.

While I was in one church we were in the middle of a wedding ceremony. It did not seem to matter to anyone that we were there. Later we were in the Garibaldi garden and two couples were being photographed with their wedding parties. It did seem strange to see three wedding couples on a Monday morning.

Later while on the bus we were shown a couple theaters including the Massimo Theater where scenes were filmed for The Godfather film. It is the third largest theater in Europe. Outside this theater was a guy dressed in Sicilian costume selling souvenirs.

I must have learned something snapping the theater picture as I don't see reflections in the second one. Both were taken from inside the bus.

I shall end with the naughty *Fontana delle Vergogne* (Fountain of the Shame). It stands between two churches and has sculptures of pagan statues, figures and animals evoking a suggestive atmosphere.

And finally here I am ....nothing suggestive here. I had a great time.

Quattro Canti

2007-08-02T12:15:00.000+02:00

Quattro canti means four corners. This is a district situated at the crossroads of two of the main streets in Palermo. I knew we were going to see alot of churches and old buildings on a tour but this is one (four) of the more interesting. There are four palaces built on the corners of this area. On these buildings are statues of four female saints, Christine, Nymph, Oliva and Agatha. Also are fountains representing the four seasons and statues of Spanish kings. The tour guide mentioned that Agatha is no longer regarded as a protector saint and has been replaced by St Rosalia who is the matron and most important saint in Palermo.

The Vucciria Market

2007-07-31T15:32:00.000+02:00

You know I have been reading Midnight in Sicily*. Yesterday, I was able to place some of the landmarks mentioned in this book. The Vucciria is the most famous market in Palermo. It is situated in the Caracciolo Square and along the narrow roads in the Loggia district. It dates back to the 11th century. I read where it started as a meat market..developing into one that sells fruit, vegetables and fish. Renato Guttuso a famous Sicilian artist from Bagheria painted La Vucciria promoting more interest in this market. Here is Guttuso's painting and also my photo. If you look close ..you can see the baby eggplant presented like eggs in a carton.

It is still offering fruit and vegetables, stalls selling spices, Panelle and fish. Vendors claim the market is not one tenth of the size it was in its heyday. Monday is not a good day for selling fish, so we did not get to see any of these shops.

We did come across a man selling Tuna fish eggs. This stuff was selling for €100. per kilo. This is the sack that contains the fish eggs.

The author of Midnight in Sicily writes about this area. He also mentioned sitting in a Trattoria high above the street where he could look down at its activity. I wonder if this is the same place that we saw.

I got to try my first panelle and a delicious shaved veal sandwich, fast food Palermo style. The panelle and the veal were saturated in oil. One being deep fried and the other splashed with oil. It was delicious just the same.

*http://respiridivita.blogspot.com/2007/07/1992.html

Pasta Contest

2007-07-29T13:51:00.000+02:00

The contest continues thru midnight August 6th, my time. We are six hours ahead of the east coast in the USA. You can leave your guess here or go to the original contest posting .

http://respiridivita.blogspot.com/2007/07/contest-contest-contest.html

Above is Antonio Amato pasta one of the very best. Some people call it Sunday pasta!

Good Luck!

Friday Feature

2007-07-27T14:38:00.001+02:00

Kappa is a brand of casual sportswear originating from Turin in Italy. Several national sports teams including the Italian National Soccer team have or are wearing clothing by this brand. In a town about 15 kilometers away there is an outlet featuring Kappa clothing besides a few other brands.

Since I heard this outlet was having a sale, I encouraged my New York friend to make a trip with me to see what they were offering.

There were a few interesting items but we didn't drop much money there. However the interesting thing about this store is that you can see online just what they have for inventory before you go there. So if you are looking for a special style or size...you have this information right at your computer screen.

Once you get into the store you are offered another shopping convenience. There are monitors over the bins of clothing articles that will let you know the price and also the location of other colors and sizes of each article. If the customers return clothing to the bins they found it in ...all is according to their plan. You select the article and place the bar code under the arrow. Up comes information about the article including price, colors and sizes available and location and amount of inventory.

I am showing a couple heavy duty sweatshirts that some of you might be interested in and the screen showing the price. I DID look all over this store for a shirt that had PALERMO written on it for my Blog friend GT to see, but no Palermo in the entire store. Not that there won't be a Palermo shirt tomorrow or another day. Stock changes daily.

We bought a couple visor hats and some socks. No big ticket items in our bags. But, you never know when we might be back. We said good bye to the Juve kitty and had a nice ride back along the beach road.

Campanello

2007-07-23T15:21:00.000+02:00

Years ago a man named Russo left money to install a bell in the church tower. This bell chimes the hour on the hour...quarter hour and half hour.. again on the three quarter hour. It is also a signal to the town when Mass is going to be said in the church. It gives a certain tone that lets us know when someone is getting married and also when someone has died.

We have heard this bell too many times this year for family who have died. This morning it sounded again. One of our beloved cousins passed away in the night. He wasn't a blood related cousin. When you marry into an Italian family you automatically take the relationship of the family member. Andy and I think he was more than a blood cousin. He was a true friend and a good man.

Celebrate....Come on!

2007-07-22T22:40:00.000+02:00

Oliveri is a pretty town. It is surrounded on three sides by mountains and the other side borders the Tyrrhenian Sea. Just a delightful vacation spot until the big feste of the summer. Then it becomes a mecca for vendors selling just about anything you can imagine. This year marks the worst of the worst. Almost every major through way is lined with these vendors. I hope the town is making some money off them. One lane of the beach road has been blocked to accommodate their stalls. The soccer field has booths in three rows. They are to be here through the middle of August. For me it blocks access to the beach. Some of the stall owners sleep in their cars or on the beach. I don't see any toilet or wash facilities so this is also a problem. I might be in the minority but I don't think this is a good thing for this town. Especially for an extended length of time. Here are some photos of the booths and items they are selling.

How about a few more......

Add to this the games of chance and the carnival rides....

Did something catch your fancy? I know it was the *water pipe*---or that lounge chair?

Friday Feature

2007-07-20T22:42:00.000+02:00

What better feature could I post on July 20th ...than ME. It is indeed my birthday and I had a great day. It all started off with an invite to have breakfast at the brand new PortoRosa Hilton Hotel. It was a bacon and egg, waffle, apple juice, fruit extravaganza. There was everything you could want and a great atmosphere. I really enjoyed this treat.

Thanks to my family and friends for calls and cards and gifts...and especially to Andy who really wanted me to have a great day.

My daughter sent me a Red Velvet Chocolate Cake Mix and that was devoured before I could get a photo. It was a delicious. I am looking forward to this next year and wishing it to be the best one ever. I have the magic wand to make it so!

M U S C A R E D U

2007-07-19T15:00:00.000+02:00

It tasted better than this picture looks. Andy says you don't see these yellow watermelon too often. Muscaredu is the Sicilian word for this melon. It tastes really good. It had better as it was expensive...like buying jewelery!

Contest.....click here>http://respiridivita.blogspot.com/2007/07/contest-contest-contest.html

CONTEST CONTEST CONTEST

2007-07-17T14:08:00.000+02:00

This contest will end on August 6th. The winner will be announced shortly after that date and will win a Sicilian surprise packet.

You must guess the amount of pasta we have in my house on today's date in pounds. We buy pasta in 1000g and 500g packages.

Anyone can guess but only one guess per person. If you have ten people in your house they all can have one guess.

In case of a tie there will be a run off. Guess away!

Bragging Rights

2007-07-15T09:30:00.000+02:00

This is just too nice a picture not to include it on my BLOG. It wasn't caught in Sicilian waters but caught off the shores of Chatham in Massachusetts by my son. This makes a vacation

S P E C I A L !!!!!!!!!!

Friday Feature

2007-07-13T22:54:00.001+02:00

We haven't had any spontaneous fires this year and the vegetation still look pretty green. But it is normal for fires to start up into the mountains. Friday's Feature is showing the planes they use to pick up water from the sea to douse those fires in the mountains. I imagine some places would be very difficult to maneuver a regular type firetruck to.

This week we have seen these planes swooping over the roof tops and down close to the water.

It was windy that day as you can see from the clothes being blown around on the clothesline. He made about a dozen runs and lets hope that he won't be fighting any the size they are having in Utah.

1992

2007-07-12T09:35:00.001+02:00

We arrived bag and baggage in 1992 to Oliveri from Newport, RI. At that time I did not know how much history would be happening in Sicily and Italy in that year. A friend loaned me the book Midnight in Sicily and it reveals just what we immigrated into. I am only four chapters into this book and am happy to have it on loan to me.

It was the time of Lima and Ciancimino..Giulio Andreotti... Falcone and Borsellini ..and Totò Riina. They are or were government officials, anti mafia lawyers and mafia heads. This book explains alot of why Sicily is the way it is all going back to the time the Arabs were the dominant culture.

Back in 1992, the major cities in Sicily were policed by the military. Posted outside banks and offices were young fellas with heavy armor. You were stopped often for a vehicle check on the road ways. It was the beginning of the trial of Giulio Andreotti and his famous kiss with Totò Riina. I had read in Time magazine, that Andreotti was associated with the mob and when I mentioned this to a cousin he was outraged. This book explains Sicily's allegiance with Andreotti. He needed them to be able to form a government and he was Sicily's tie to Rome's government.

We were interviewing high schools for our son in 1994 and posted outside a school building was one of these military guards. Not all schools are in school buildings as we know in the USA. Some are in office buildings and are state schools. His middle school had suggested we choose a school heavy in art for our son, as he has a talent in drawing. We asked why the military presence outside the building and was told that there was an office for an anti mafia lawyer housed one floor above this school.

Today we don't see any of the military guards. Banks and other places are guarded by private company persons.

Our son did not choose this art high school but went instead to Liceo Scientifico, which is very close to a USA college directed school curriculum.