Wednesday -
The day began without a phone call or message from Alle. I reckoned that he'd overslept from being so tired the night before, and I didn't worry too much. Rob arrived after 9.00 and we left for Grand Emilia in Modena to do our shopping after I'd dropped off some film to be developed. I found most of what I was looking for, a few things I hadn't quite planned on, and was satisfied with a good day's shopping. Rob bought us gelato for lunch (mmmmm...) and we toddled on home at last. During the course of the day, my attempts at Italian earned some encouragement... dropping off the film with Guiliana, she spoke to me in Italian and I understood everything! Okay, it took me a moment or two for it to sink in, but still... anyway, when I paid for my purchases at the first shop with Rob, I said "Grazie" and "Ciao", and Rob giggled, ever so pleased to hear it from me. "You say it so cute - like you mean it," she said. "If you always speak that way, you'd be a nice Italian..." LOL! I was pleased, of course. Back at home, I tried my new "ensemble" and was genuinely pleased with the result. I put everything away, then started a new load of laundry, folded the clothes I dried the day before. Feeling sufficiently domestic, I prepared my special soup for dinner. I call it Winter Chicken & Mushroom Soup - it's quite a meal! Actually, it's more of a stew... anyway... After cooking, I got a shower and cleaned up, put on my jammies and sat down to dinner, just me and my book. Super! At 6.30 Alle called, immediately apologizing for not calling me that morning. After a few minutes of gentle, emotional conversation, we opted to part so he could relax and be sure to get up on time for work the next day. I read a little more, wrote a bit, too, and before I knew it, it was time for bed.
Thursday -
A simple day. All the usual stuff - breakfast, cleaning, laundry, etc. When I woke up at 2.00 am the night before, it was snowing, and now it was already starting to melt off, a bit. I stood at the window and admired the snow, laughed while watching a group of kids playing while waiting at the bus stop, and found myself thinking of Alle when he was small... I went to the room and changed the bedclothes, folded laundry and washed a new load, and then sat and wrote for a little while. The next time I looked out the window, it was getting dark - at 3.00! - and soon a new snowfall had begun. It was beautiful, making everything - even here, so close to town - seem so quiet and still. I decided to walk to the photo shop to pick up my film, and when I passed by Rob's to drop off her scarf that she'd forgotten, she asked if I was sure I wanted to do that. When I assured her I'd enjoy a walk in the snow, she laughed and said "Well, don't get too wet!" and reminded me to come down to visit with her and Maria that evening. I promised I would, and set off. The snow was huge! Great huge flakes the size of quarters and half-dollars were falling, and the trees were heavy with them... I tried to take pictures, but I don't know how they'll turn out. It took me half an hour to get to the lab, and Guiliana shook her head when she saw me come in, laughing. "You walked?" she asked in Italian, miming with her fingers, and I nodded. "Si," I laughed. She rang up my photos, and asked me "In English?" while she gestured out the window at the snow. "Snow," I said, and she grinned, nodding. She told me the amount and I handed her the money, whereupon she grabbed my hand and exclaimed "Caldo!" (Hot!) "Si, sempre," I laughed (yes, always), and her next customer arrived. She told the customer I was getting married on Saturday, and the woman kindly turned to me and said "Congratulazioni". So, I responded with "Grazie", and Guiliana giggled contentedly behind the counter at my response. Off I went, bag in hand, smiling and giving a campy "Ciao" as I headed out the door. I walked back home, the snow still falling heavily, and I loved the weather and the cold, and wondered if it will be like this on Saturday. I went to Rob's that evening and showed her and Maria the photos that turned out, and then I stayed until 10.30 or so, borrowing the computer for a quick email check, first. I had tried to contact Gabe Horn a short while ago, and was thrilled to find his response waiting for me! Once I'd got back upstairs, it was nearly Midnight before Alle called. No matter, I was up anyway, writing madly... He confirmed the time he's due on Friday, and I slept quite well, knowing he'd be home before too long. :)
Which brings us to: Friday -
Not much is going on yet, but this text arrived this morning around 8.00...
"Dobry den Bunnya! How are you? Horosho? Listen: have you any engagements tomorrow at 6pm? I wondering if you minded marrying me! Piciock!"
So, I reckon you can anticipate my mood... :) He's due home around 8.00 tonight, and I just can't wait!
Tomorrow is the big day, and they've forecast snow showers, etc... I kinda like that, weirdo that I am. I should be able to send out next week's message on time, of course - but I doubt I'll be making any calls this weekend... I hope ya'll understand? LOL!
Until next week (and a shorter email!),
Ciao!
Vi voglio bene,
Kim
