Changes

115 moonflowers blooming at once!

I had a stressful time in Italy this year, and I haven't been able to muster up the energy to make a return trip this fall. I have decided to take it easy and recover from my awkward and hectic soggiorno (stay) in Zagarolo. I ended up traveling and spending more money than anticipated, missing out on the quiet time I had imagined for my three-month stay. Still, I had some good adventures!

Now I enjoy having time to swim every day, even in the 100 degree heat, and having time for reading and watching DVDs, while also managing my online classes. I'm looking into other options for house-sitting next year, in other parts of  Italy. One is 30 minutes from the sea, 20 minutes from the mountains, and close to my friends Domenico and Roberto, who I haven't seen in several years. It would be fun to explore  a new and different region of Italy.

In the meantime, the pride of my yard this summer is my moonflowers, who sporadically have more than 100 blossoms. They open after 9 pm, and only bloom for one night, but their fragrance fills the air and beckons hundreds of bees to get drunk on the nectar within. Che bella!

The jasmine I bought last month is growing by leaps and bounds, but the gardenia didn't survive the heat. Che peccato!

Fragile blossoms that seduce bees

Another fun thing that happened recently was having a house guest from Hiratsuka, Japan for 10 days. My son Jesse is involved in the sister city program in our town, and went to Japan in June as a chaperone for a group of high school students. In July, the contingent from Japan came to Lawrence, and we hosted one of their chaperones, Taishi. Here's a photo of Jesse and Taishi going for a bike ride. (For those who don't know, Jesse lived in Tokyo for four years, 2006-2010, and speaks fluent Japanese.)

Heading out for the local farmer's market.

I've been on jury duty for the past two weeks, but have lucked out so far, as there have been no trials, so no need for a jury. The forecast says the worst of the summer heat is over....at least it's below 100 now. I have a month left to enjoy the outdoor pool, and I plan to make the most of it! A presto!