Enzo Ferrari built a brand. When you think of Ferrari, you think of Italian excellence in engineering and performance. I like to think that being Italian is a brand of its own. Italian people are special and unique. I can say this because I am 100% Italian and I would not trade that designation for love nor money. However, with that label comes a host of traits and attributes: A deep suspicion of people, especially non-Italians. Family is serious business…
Celebrate the Fourth of July with some international influence. It’s summertime and you are stumped with trying to take something new and different to your family or friend’s picnic. Traditional Cowboy Caviar is a super easy 15-minute dish that is hearty and healthy. My sister-in-law Celeste made for a picnic last Sunday. It was spectacular. But that got me thinking: What can I do to this to make it more of a meal and change it up with an Italian…
Did you tan with baby oil? Many years ago, right around this time of year in 1979, I was lying in my driveway, covered in baby oil, sun reflecting off my aluminum foil covered Steely Dan album and tanning for the junior prom. I worshiped the sun for many summers that way and I still ‘lay out’ with an SPF of 8, max of 15. I was blessed with sun happy and easy to tan Italian skin. (Doesn’t mean it’s…
Over the weekend, Chip and I went to RIT for a hockey game. Amelia’s boyfriend Skates was playing, and it is always a good time. He is a phenomenal athlete and a joy to watch. This particular game was extremely rough for our Tigers, too many fights, unsportsmanlike conduct (players and coaches), and just poor hockey as a result. I know, you are all thinking, “that is hockey” and that’s true. I dated a hockey player or two in my…
This year as empty nesters, the Christmas dynamic is slightly different in our house. Chip and I cut the trees down and decorated the house by ourselves. Throughout this process, I have felt a minor loss and a longing for those old days. So, I decided I would write to Santa and tell him what I wish for Christmas as an empty nest mother of two children living out of eye and ear shot. Dear Santa, How are you? I…