Stop and smell the coffee

Well, that’s great advice but it needs to be made first so I did just that and did it before the sun got a chance to make my day a bit brighter. But then gravity took over and my coffee fell to the floor of my car. A taste would have been nice, but it really did smell good for the next three hours as I drove from Naples to Rome. The extra moisture caused me to turn on my defroster from time to time. No problem. But then twice at the airport I was taken aside and swabbed. I began to wonder if whatever was in the artificial creamer settled on me and set off the machines. I think it was a coincidence. Create your conspiracy theory and leave a comment. We all could use a chuckle or two.

Monte Cassino and the snow covered mountain

Just below and to the left of the mountain is a rebuilt abbey. It was destroyed for the fifth time during World War II. I have been there twice and it is amazing so much of it survived. I saw the snow long before I saw the abbey as I drove to the airport. It was the first snow of the season. A large storm passed through Italy a couple of days before and snow was visible once the clouds lifted. Thankfully the traffic was light and I was able to snap a few pictures as I passed. There was no point and shoot–it was more like shoot in the general direction and hope that something turns out.

A flower for Steve

Okay. Okay. This was not a flower. But it was a beautiful and tasty display in the ITA lounge. For some reason I reached Gold Medallion status at Delta Airlines so their Italian partner gave me free access. Very nice! After a couple of cappuccinos, some eggs, bacon, and a couple of servings of yogurt later I entered the plane very contented. By the way, I should have said cappuccino instead of cappuccinos as the plural form cappuccini is derived from Italian cappuccini. The more you know….

Too much information

I can almost see the ocean from my seat in the plane and I know for a fact that I am not 14 below sea level. No problem….unless the instruments are wrong when I land and the landing is really, really hard.

Flying over my house in NY

After listening to many hours of podcasts and sleeping a bit from time to time, I looked at the monitor and saw I had entered the United States. Only a few more hours to go.

As it turned out, the landing was smooth and I barley woke up. Kudos to the crew. A peaceful flight uninterrupted.

Reminds me of a sunset from another time

This was a beautiful sunset and it reminded me of a home movie my dad made 50 years ago. There is nothing more magnificent than looking at the beautiful side of Mother Nature. And there is nothing better than being reminded of a parent who took the time to share his interest in our world. I have remembered that sunset since I was a kid.

Thankful for my mom

Thankful for the food and those who prepared it

My sisters and their many helpers created a wonderful meal and a beautiful environment

A bonus the morning after Thanksgiving

My sisters decorated their Christmas Tree after Thanksgiving

Epilogue

Remember those cheesy TV shows that wrapped up everything in a few words before the credits began to roll? Well, these are my parting words. My trip back to see family in America was filled with food and happiness and love. There is never enough time and that was certainly true of this trip. 24 hours to get to America, 72 hours on the ground, and 24 hours on the return to Italy. A lifetime of memories were made in that short time. I love my family and I appreciate how they welcomed me with open arms. One last thing. As much as I loved being with these family members, I missed being with those that couldn’t be there. I hope to see them soon.