It seems impossible that it has only been 48 hours and yet that's what the clock tells me.  Friday was our anniversary.  We had plans to go out for drinks with friends and then dinner in an Indian restaurant.  (The results of that wouldn't have been very romantic but after 30 years together... ) Anyhow.  Gp had just come back from work, a little early, and had thrown himself on the bed to rest when the phone rang.  His mother was calling and was in a panic.  His dad had suffered another stroke and this one was bad.  He doesn't have long.  GP has spent the past two days back and forth between here, the hospital and his parents place.  The reason we came to Italy is that the grandparents were getting old and it was time we were nearby.  I'm glad we've had these past two years with them.  They've been able to spend time with their only grandchild, and have the security of their son nearby.  Nonno is a wonderful man.  He has a great, slapstick-wordplay sense of humor.  He's warm and affectionate and a real pushover for kids and dogs.  He was Sweetie's favorite and has been Grace's playmate from the beginning.  We will miss him.  xxoo me