La Dolce Vita

We were invited to a "porcheta" or pig picking or couchon de lait at the house of our housekeeper (and friend, I think) Dorina up in the Colli Berici (the area hills). We had no idea what to expect -- but I'll tell you, what we experienced was "La Dolce Vita." Good food, good wine, good friends, new friends, great weather, incredible setting, happy 4-year-old -- for this we live. Here are some photos of the day:




Emma, not eager to sit through a four hour lunch with a bunch of old folks who she can't communicate with, was a pretty good sport. There were a couple of other English speakers there; we tried to explain to her that folks like Rachel Ray and Anthony Bourdain and Giada de Laurentis and Molto Mario would love, love, love to be a part of this. This is real. This is life. This is Italy.



This particularly lively signore from Verona was serenading the "bella donna" seated next to him in the photo.
Isn't she lovely? Isn't she beautiful?



The blonde in the background is Dorina. We, especially Richard, love her. Her husband, Carlo, is in the immediate foreground. I think he resembles my dad.

I often see Italian men who resemble my dad and his brothers, yet they assure me that I have no known Italian heritage. I often, as I did today, get mistaken as being Italian. That is, of course, before I open my mouth.


Maddy made fast friends with Jimmy, the little 8-year-old turtle that they have had for 8 years -- huh? Is that even possible? She also met a kitten, and, of course, chickens. (Does everyone outside of the city limits own chickens?)