Two Little Friends Come to Visit



They know the recipes!



One of our most entertaining weekends was Labor Day when dear friends asked us if their two boys could stay with us while they made a special trip. Since the boys just started first and fourth grades, we attempted to plan for every minute. The boys probably could have planned our time as the older one created a Wii tournament for us. First stop after church was the NEX to add Wii Resort and all that it required for more Wii variety.   (Guess whose idea that was! But, who won the tennis tournament?  ;-)

Our first meal:  Moroboshi Sushi Fusion in Etnapolis, one of Sicily's first shopping malls.


The Dragon was a hit!



Talking to parents as we take a walk along the Ognina followed by gelato at Ernesto's



Neighbors invited us to their farm. What could taste better than sun-warmed grapes, prickly pears, figs straight from the source?  Almonds cracked open with rocks gave us the opportunity to discern bitter almonds from the sweet.




On the Circumetnea train ride...part of it was being repaired so they put us on a bus, then back on the train, then another train. Not an excursion that I would recommend now.



At the Old Wild West...Birthday party plans made

Getting boys ready for school was something new for us. Our casa was much livelier, and we monitored our television habits by not turning on NCIS or CSI (shows that we have just learned about, and really enjoy). We commented at least once a day for the next week how quiet it was without the boys. We certainly enjoyed their presence, and we're looking forward to more events including another Wii tournament. We may even let their parents compete!

St. Jeanne Jugan Feast Day

We know this man has never lost a game of checkers; we doubt that he loses at Scopa either-the Sicilian card game meaning 'sweep.'

August 30, 2010: The first Feast Day of St. Jeanne Jugan since she was canonized in October, 2009. One of the Little Sisters of the Poor called to remind us about the day, and I said that we would come after work to assist with the evening meal. We thought that everyone would be worn out after a day of festivities that began with Mass at 10:00 a.m.  We should know the Little Sisters and their residents better by now! The D.J. was cranking up for some eager karaoke stars, and the residents were outside enjoying the lovely weather. Joy filled the air as residents with their families, workers, Little Sisters, and volunteers ate, sang, and danced in the sunshine and under the stars.

   May God continue to bless the work of the Little Sisters of the Poor!

(My first video posting effort. Can you recognize the song? The light is fading, but the spirits continue to soar as do the hands in the air!)