The excitement!  The excitement I tell you!  The Italian authorities have just conducted a huge raid on the mafia, arresting well over 300 people around Italy including ONE OF OUR NEIGHBORS!  They nabbed him at 4 am this morning evidently.  We don't know the guy as he doesn't live in our complex but in the townhouses across the road.  He is the assessor of the region of Piemonte who bought votes and took kick-backs for favors.  Naughty man.

In other news, GP and I have finally, after 35 years, gone to the Opera.  We saw Carmen and it was wonderful.  I haven't stopped tapping my little feeties since.  Now that I am not tied to the academic schedule, we could go to the matinee at a cost of 30 euro instead of the evening performance at 100!  Oh to be able to sing or dance....  Just not in the genetic mix.

Well another Christmas is almost here.  We are sticking close to home, forgoing our usual New Year's trip, as MIL is getting more anxious being alone nights.  Sooo for NYE, we are going with the hiking group on an evening snowshoe high up in the dreaded mountains.  Oh what a joyous way to bring in the new year... Fortunately there is food involved.  We'll come down from our trek to a late dinner and cheer at an alpine hut/restaurant.  Lots of wood and roaring fires kind of place.  And free flowing wine.  LOTS of free flowing wine.

So I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Wonderful start to 2020.  xxoo me