Where did I put my wineglass?

I have been rather busy lately and have not had time to write. Last week my oldest turned six so it was a busy week with parties, etc. Also, it is finally getting warmish so I needed to shop. . . that took up a lot of last week. This weekend we are hosting a big American BBQ and are expecting Spaniards, Itlalians, Brits, and Greeks. The Italians are so excited and think it will be "just like in the films". Wonder what that means. And today, instead of preparing for all this, I enjoyed a four course lunch at a friend's house. It lasted from 10:30 - 3:30.

So all this combined with cappuccino mornings with friends (and actually being a mom) has left little time. It is a rough life but someone has to do it. This Italian way of life really gets in the way of being efficient. More posts soon I promise! Now, off to make pasta salad for 40. Ciao ciao.

Bologna

Bologna is a gorgeous city-- who knew! Having only been to the airport and Ikea in Bologna, we did not have great expectations but we were wrong. The city center is beautiful (and filled with designer shops). Most of the sidewalks are covered, which is pretty and would also make it a great stop in summer. Since it is only 30 miles away we will go back often. Perhaps a girls shopping trip. . .

Primavera

After a long, dark winter spring is finally here. It is in the 60's but the Italians are still wearing fur and looking fabulous. Looks like I'll get to wear boots for at least another month. Seems that is what they do here.

Today was a fabulous spring morning. I met friends for cappucino then walked a few blocks to the art exhibit at the Diamond Palace. It was quite contemporary but I still enjoyed it. My favorite by far was Le Buisson by Matisse

The abstract art was fun with my two year old. He said he one painting was a racecar, another was a shark, a motorcylce and some water. Isn't that the point. . . that everyone see something different?

Then it was on to the park for play and a lunch of pizza and wine at an outdoor cafe in the park. On the way home we stopped at our regular fruit store, chatted with the owners about the great weather and bought some lovely pears to cook with dinner tonight. (Only 1 Euro for 6 pears! Asparagus is still 11 Euros per kilo-- like eating gold.)