Honey I'm home!  Or should I say, "abroad" again.  It's 50 degrees and sunny on January 5th.  I knew I was back in Italy when I got off the plane to the smell of cigarette smoke and the volume turned up.  Noisy folk these Italians.  And pessimists too.  GP called his mother to announce our safe arrival.  She said she'd been watching the news for reports of plane crashes.  GP said that there is a better chance of getting in an auto accident, to which she replied, "Well yes I always worry when you're on the road too."  This is the woman who used to light a candle in a little alcove of their old home every time GP would travel for work.  That was a lot of candles.  (Older Italian homes often have these little areas carved out of the exterior wall and lined with a portrait of The Virgin Mary or Jesus.  The American version would be Mary in a half shell on the front lawn in East Boston.).  I don't know what she does now that they are in an apartment.  I guess we're on our own.  Today we are going to venture out to buy a desk chair for Grace and maybe take a nice walk in the city.  Have to take advantage of the weather as an "Arctic blast" is coming through in the next few days.  That means it will be in the 30's and everyone will dress like they're in Helsinki.  They will however, be very fashionable.  xxoo me