Lake Garda

my mum and step dad came to visit this weekend and we were lucky enough to have beautiful weather yesterday.  We took them to Peschiera and Garda for a day on the lake.  In Peschiera we decided to hire a small motor boat and have fun out on the water.  We only paid for 1 hour so we didn't get to see much - we did get across to Sirmione, where there is a beuatiful castle and thermal springs.  It was alot of fun on the boat and we all took turns driving.  I think that we will definately fork out for 3 hours or so in the summer when it is hot and it was such a lovely way to spend time.

After we came back to shore we drove round to Garda.  This was a new town for all of us and it was beautiful.  We stopped for some lunch and then walked along the edge of the lake.  Simon was happy because there were lots of bikes there and mum and I could enjoy the sunshine. 

Today it is raining and we have left them at the airport.  I think all four of us are looking forward to some peace and quiet.  We are now waiting for our next arrivals!!

Kitchen......yeah

Finally the kitchen has arrived.  Well it arrived two weeks ago but I've not had time to update my blog as I've been too busy cooking.  The photos show different aspects, including the  shanty town conditions that we were living in prior to delivery and the enormous scratch that I am in the process of complaining about.

It is such a nice thing to have.  There are parts of it that I'm not all that keen on but it is great.  I've made a cake and tonight I'm making lasagne.  We've also rediscovered frozen food and can't wait to have fish fingers.

The photos don't show the red curtains that we have or the rug etc.  But I thought I'd let you see what we are cooking on.

TVR club Italy

I spent a fantastic four days in England this Easter.  It was brilliant to catch up with friends and family and also to go to Primark, my spiritual home.  I didn't overindulge myself this time as I'll be home in the summer and need to sort enough out for the jumble as it is.  It's harder to pass the cast offs on to family when they live miles away.  I also really enjoyed the opportunity to eat the food that I have missed.  Just for Jim I'll list my food:  Curry, Chinese, Burger and chips x2, Casserole, Cake and a full english just to name the main bits.

I am also pleased to report that whilst at Weston Favell Centre I saw a bride, a bunny and batman.... only in England!!

Back in Italy and the weather is considerably better (26c) today than it has been in England.  Simon decided that it was about time to welcome us to the car scene in Italy.  I thought these days were behind me... but they seem very much here to stay.  To be fair he did say I could stay at home.  Ever the dutiful, not yet wife, I said yes.

We drove to Bologne in the TVR (Trevor) and met with a small group of car enthusiasts.  One had a TVR, one had an old mini cooper S and the other had an American car (?)  (I did say small group).    They were a really nice group of people and were really friendly.  Valerio showed us around the garages where his friend was restoring about 10 different cars.  I was pleased to spot a Mk1 bug eyed sprite ( I like these), which unfortunately was dying due to a blown head gasket.  They were also building a fibreglass car from the chassis up.  Jim, they said if you want a free holiday they could use your expertise.

The guy who owned the house was away on holiday but it was incredible and in the middle of nowhere, certainly my kind of place.  Our hosts made us lunch and looked after really well.

In all we had a pleasant day in lovely weather.  The dogs in the picture might look a bit mean and moody but they were all about cuddles.

Tomorrow is the arrival of the kitchen, which I hope will go without a hitch, because I don't know how to say 'hitch' in Italian.

Car Museum!

Today I got out of the skiing trip.  I don't want a broken arm or leg for my flight home on Wednesday.  

Instead I had to go to a museum with Simon.  Now I might be a history teacher but I hate museums.  I don't think that I'v ever really enjoyed any that I've been to.  I know that is a bit general but I just find them mundane and boring.  Anyway, I decided that I would give Simon some company and play official photographer.  The world of the digital camera is an exciting one for me.  I don't claim to be a great, or even good photographer, but I really enjoy playing.  I know that I can take 100 photos and maybe 1 will turn out OK.  

I had fun changing them around and cropping them.  I should add that the one of me with a Model T is important only because I have been to more car museums than is natural in ones lifetime and car shows for that matter and I have never seen a Model T.  This one was a snow machine and was equipped with Skis for crossing the snow.  I teach so much about Ford that I had to capture it!

Enjoy the photos...critique away

VinItaly

Every year in Verona at the Fiera (NEC type place) there is a wine exhibition.  Traders are able to go and try wines from all over Italy and generally get drunk whilst claiming it is 'work'.

In the evenings in the centre of Verona there is an event called 'VinItaly for You'.  Which roughly translates as wine for the plebs.  Simon and I thought it sounded right up our street.

For 12€ we were given entrance to the Gran Guardia palazzo in Piazza Bra and a glass.  We were then able to taste 2 wines of our choice, a prosecco cocktail and then some food.  There was also a live Jazz band to watch.

I had a Merlot first..such a philistine...I have heard of merlot and liked the bottle - that was my system of choosing!!  it was nice though - doubt it is under 2€ so out of my budget anyway!!  I then had a prosecco, smiled and didn't have to give the man a token.  What a hero.. it was really nice too, from Toscana.

The food was a bit reminiscent of an aeroplane but took the edge off the alcohol.  Finally we had a prosecco cocktail  - grim.  It was prosecco with micro bilecular  bits in it that tasted (?) of blackberry (?)   It looked like fish eggs and tasted like jelly.  Now 3 glasses in, it's not good to drink stuff that makes you want to gag.  After that we pretty much left and had a lovely ice cream whilst walking home.

Next - skiing tomorrow if it is sunny, kitchen has arrived finally, so we are waiting only for fitting and home on Wednesday for a few days of Primark indulgence. 

I could use some more followers and would like some more comments please!!

Doctors - part 2

Well, I have never really fully recovered from my fluey thing, so I was advised to go back to the doctors.  Most of my colleagues not have similar symptoms and are beginning to not like me much.  

I rang and asked if I could arrange an appointment outside of surgery hours and this was perfectly acceptable.  Now this is a good thing!!!

After a 20 minute consultation I was finally given a prescription for antibiotics so I am now starting to feel human again.  It is amazing how ill you realise you felt but only when you are getting better!  My doctor still hasn't examined me, weighed me, asked for a medical history or really asked me anything.  He did ask if I drank alot of milk and suggested that this was causing a cough (that I don't have).  He also asked if I was eating properly, to which I replied 'yes'.  'Italian food?' he questioned.  I told him that I was trying my best and that I really enjoy making risotto.  He then proceeded t spend 5 minutes telling me how, in fine detail, to make an asparagus risotto.  So I got anti biotics and a risotto recipe.  He then reminded himself that he needs to organise his daughters English lessons.

In England we read in the paper about Doctors inappropriately touching their patients.  Well I'm in no danger of that here, I don't think I'm ever going to get examined!

Before I left he was keen to give me some homeopathic medicine to boost my immune system.  They look like silica gel crystals from inside your handbag??  Not sure about them.

On the upside - Antibiotics only cost 3€ which is cheaper than at home.