FAMILY AND HANGING OUT!

It is raining here by the gorgeous Atlantic, the sound is music to my ears, the thunder a part of the harmony, and oh the smells. We are all once again gathered together in the kitchen, and Mr. O is preparing delicious quesidillas filled with chicken, roasted red peppers, parsley, tomatoes, and a variety of cheeses for our lunch, while doing jumping jacks. He turns 9 Sunday, you would think he was way beyond this age in his infinite wisdom. Whenever you need to know anything, about where anything is, ask Owen. Maisie is the innocent 3 year old, who chants, converses constantly, says things that come from outer space, that are amazingly coherent, we can only guess where they come from. My brother, the poetic, inspiring, talented, black and white photographer, cook, farmworker, awesome father, sings a Kinks song with the kids, as he cleanes up after lunch. Olga, the beautiful, excellent mother, cook, creative, artistic, the owner of Katydid Horse Farm, where she teaches riding, does competitions, and shows the horses, in a stretch of eastern states.

They are a unique family with many things going on, they are truly busy, yet manage to juggle everything well. I am the observer at this point, getting to know each one of them individually, and truly enjoying it! Two nights ago Mr. O and I made dinner together, we spiced up a chicken and stuck the beer can up its butt. Things were going smoothly until the grill collapsed, and the chicken rolled into the dirt. As we busted up, Owen suggested we pick the chicken up, clean it, and place it in the oven. Thank god for his brilliance, but of course he was not drinking red wine like us! We then made delicious mushroom risotto, which was very time consuming, we took many turns stirring. Maybe you had to be there to feel the amusement, but for me it was a special evening that will always be a telltale memory. Mr O is amazing when it comes to his talents in the kitchen, and his compassion towards others. I am truly getting accustomed to being around him.

Off to have lobster with my best friends here tonight, last night was dinner at my cousins house, where her 19 year old daughter prepared a gourmet meal for us. Sarah has been to Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, and graduated from there! She now goes to college in LA, so I hope she will be visiting this winter, and teaching me more skills. Maybe she'll be my excuse to ski more, who knows. Many more old friends to see, just taking my time not rushing, and enjoying each, and every moment!

THE LAST OF PARIS, BACK IN THE USA

My last day in Paris I spent a few hours at the Louvre, saw some more amazing art, including the Mona Lisa, but it was like a carnival, with way too many people, pushing and shoving. After that experience I was done with it! Went walking along the Seine River, and the gardens outside the Louvre, eating Toblerone chocolate, that by now looked the consistency of dog shit due to the humidity. The Champs Elysee, and the Concord plaza were full of police, (good looking ones at that) and the streets were all closed off. Finally I realized The Tour de France was arriving today. People srarted to show up in full colors of their countries, with flags etc. Did not stay for the event, as I knew it would be another circus. Instead took the open bus, where you can hop on and off, and took a tour of the outskirts of Paris. Got off at the Hard Rock Cafe, and got my fix, went back to my room and packed. Out for the last night view of the city, had a nice French meal, and walked along the river. I have to say after a while the architecture begins to blend together, after having been in quite a few cities.

The trip back was long, and I only was able to sleep for about twenty minutes, there was a crying child during the duration of the 8 and a half hr flight, and when I say crying, I mean screaming. It was a difficult trip, but upon arrival I gladly took a shuttle to my good friends house, and proceeded to relax, and enjoy myself. They had wine, and American cigarettes awaiting me. It was about a 24 hr day. Their 2 girls, 4 and 6 helped me make dinner last night. We made beer can butt chicken! I will write more about them, and send pictures. Must run to go see my brother, sister in law, and the kids, have not seen them yet, but will spend the next 2 nights there, will send pictures of them too. I will move back and forth, so no one gets tired of me! Sitting at the wifi Dunkin Doughnots watching an accident that just happened, and I just only rented a car!

TRAVELS THROUGH FRANCE, AND IN REMEMBERANCE OF MY DEAR FRIEND SANDY

It is with great difficulty, and sadness that I write this post, knowing my dear, witty, and most awe inspiring friend has passed. Did not want it to happen while I was away, or at all. Maybe I stupidly thought I could do some good, as we spoke to one another so boldly, so without risk of holding back the rude and vulgar truths. If anyone should have made it through this fight, it should have been you Sandy. Therefore I dedicate the remainder of this post to you, as I know you loved to travel, and always said things as they were. If I can just pull myself together, and put my emotions aside. I'm certain this will take me a few days to put this post into perspective.

Okay, so two days ago was the most spectacular train ride of my life. I was totally enamoured by the views of the azur ocean as the train left Antibes. From there we traveled through small rocky mountain ranges, the fields, so green and lush with vegetation of vineyards, fields of sunflowers, trees so tall, flowing in the winds. Then the farm lands appeared, with quaint little villages through the gorgeous, gracious Rhone River, castles galore, spread about the hillsides, cows and horses peacefully grazing, with the velvety clouds above. Thought I would sleep, but no way, my attention was caught in a new, and unfamiliar dimension of something unseen to my eyes. Then a fire in some distant hillside, and you could actually smell the smoke inside the train, very strange! There was lightning and rain, passing through huge ancient graveyards, and more old quaint villages. I could not take pictures, as this was a fast train, so you must visualize. Then there was Paris, where I am now, and have ventured out quite a bit already. Will tell you all about that when I return, must go again, so as not to think too much.

Ah! Paris, it is a piece of work trying to figure out how to get around, but it is day 2, and I am becoming more adept. Metros, buses, and many avenues, easily to lose yourself, especially if you drink wine like a Parisienne. Have been well behaved, pacing myself in order to make my way back safely, which is apparent, as I am again trying to get through this blog. I cannot believe the effort this toils from me, but want to keep on the positive, and share the wonders, if I didn't Sandy would give me some verbal incantation, or a kick in the ass, ah, this makes me smile!

Have been to several Musees, saw all the well known Impressionist artists, Notre Dame, Le Sacre Couer, walked, and did the batobus thing, have a cute young one I photographed, not sure if it is appropriate timing, but I hear this voice rising, "Just fucking show us you little bitch!" Anyway Paris is great, was in Le Jardin Luxemberg yesterday, a beautiful, not so little garden area, it started to rain pretty well, so I just tucked myself into a tall, wide chestnut tree, and stayed contently, and fairly dry during the duration of the storm.

I am adding many pictures, as I am unable to say much more. Only one day left, and back to MA. May stay a little longer there than planned, just to get a chance to sum up all the events in this whirlwind tour. I believe I can grieve better on my own right now. One last thing I forgot to share, is I went to the Cimetiere De Montmartre after Le Sacre Couer, had planned on that long before, as it is one of the oldest, and largest cemetaries in the world. There I met a little friend, a cat who followed me for several avenues during my visit. I do have a picture of her on one of the graves.

Goodnight, It is almost midnight my time, and I feel it! Am trying to plan eventfully for my last day in Paris tomorrow, many ideas, but it will come to me as I probably sleep, hopefully. Love all of you!

AU REVOIR ANTIBES!!

At the cafe for the last time, just what I need is a cafe au lait before I board the train, will be wired, and have to use le toilette, not good, but this time I am prepared with a bottle of red wine. Was going to go to the market to buy salami, cheese, and bread, but cannot do food in the am hours. It should take about 6 hrs. to get to Paris, am looking forward to the city and its sights, and can use a break to sit on my ass for a while.

Yesterday went to the Island San Margurite, or whatever it is called, to the Fort Royale where they kept prisoners, the man behind the Iron Mask was one who was there for 11 years, I kind of remember that movie from childhood, played by Vincent Hugo. The Musee de Mer, had pottery and glass exhibitions from shipwrecks of the Roman era, pretty interesting! They also had a Bellini exhibit, so I have downloaded one for your viewing. Have said goodbye to all my new amies, and in the process stayed out late meeting new ones, c'est la vie!

Well my friends soon, I will be back in the US to share many stories with you, and it will be like I never left, funny how time has a way of doing this! Well must go catch the train, and a new adventure. Until Le gay Paris.

BREEZY AND BEAUTIFUL

No pictures aujour dui mes amies. Not playing tourist, becoming one with the south of France. Listening to all the sounds in between breezes, and viewing all the lucious sights around me. Only two days left, and moving on to Paris, wish I could take the south along with me, but I guess I will in my heart. Today I will go for a swim in the azur blue, green ocean, and warm myself in the sun for a short time. The early morning activities awaken me at about 4:30, but even then, I lazily stay in the comfort of my cozy bed, and just listen to the french accents which surround me.

I have learned a lot about the Italians, and the French, for one thing, they are very similar in their passions. They both believe they are better than the other, but they are somehow comingled as one. I observe they are much less reserved as a culture, compared to us Americans, and show their emotions much more openly, and affectionately than we do. In the states people would frown upon the display of free love, and feelings, so easily seen at every given moment, and opportunity here.

Tonight I will go dine with my new friends at the Feeling Good Cafe in Cannes, to wish them well, and say au revoir et merci for their kindness, and friendship. I have met a young couple here in Antibes, who at the age of 28, have opened their own little Brasserie, a dream come true, yet scary, due to the competition of all the others, which have been around for much longer. My good thoughts are with them for a bright future.

Carolann, I am having dinner with Gerard on Thursday when I arrive in Paris, we have been in touch by email, and I am to call him when I arrive at my hotel. I am set with my train reservations, so hopefully it will be smooth training. If you do not hear from me for a day or two, do not worry, I will not have fallen off the face of the earth, just into it. Yet I have become addicted to writing everyday, so you may hear from me tomorrow. Must get going, the two cafe au laits have got me jittery, and ready for what awaits me today. Can't believe the time has gone by this quickly, as they say, if for just a fleeting moment. Stay well, all my friends, and yes I think of you each and everyday, and mostly while you are sleeping!

A RELAXING DAY!

The Nice jazz Fest was a lot smaller than I imagined, two small stages, tons of people. Saw five venues, two were a trio, and way too jazzy for me, but three were awesome, Alain Clark from Amsterdam was jamming! Only saw Tracy Chapman for a few minutes, due to getting back, and not have to sleep outside the train station with the undesirables. Had some time on my hands, so I thought I'd have a glass of wine, but everything was shut done except the sleezy sex shops, therefore the photo, many more cinesex etc. but I thought one would be enough for your viewing.

Lay in bed early before the sun was shining, listening to the doves sing, the high pitch shrills of parakeets high in the olive trees, smelling the salty ocean, and the vendors unloading their goods for the daily morning open market. The market is incredible, with every fruit, vegetable, herb, flower, meat, and fish you can think of. Wish I had a flat, so I could buy some of the beautiful goods, and cook for myself, would buy fresh artichokes, cauliflower, and flowers right now. Then off to The Musee Picasso, interesting, do not necessarilly love his art, but it sounds like he was a true womanizer, had many at once. My favotite exhibit was the old black and white photos of him painting, and with his women.

Not sure what I will do for the rest of the day, drinking cafe au lait right now as I sit in the internet cafe. Can you believe that, it is 2:30 pm, and no wine yet! By the way Happy Birthday Pete, when I got up you were all still celebrating with the time difference. Don't flip out about turning 50, just remember you made it there! A few more pleasant pictures of the market herbs, and one of the jazz fest.

ANTIBES

Yes, I made it here, and now I truly understand the meaning of Retard, it is the Latin word for late, delayed, emotionally behind, or something of this nature. Only 3 stops, easy, until I decided after checking in, and ditching le baggage, to venture to Nice, to try to get a ticket for tonights Jazz Fest. Succeeded, after 3 hrs. of intense communication in bad French. Was thinking how wonderful the trains were, with only a fanny pack, and for thinking this, VOILA, Retard, shows up on the board, several hrs. later made it back!

Had dinner, and ventured around the harbour for an after dinner stroll, only to view the yachts worth aprox. 5-15 million, wow, what a sight! Will have to try to take pictures tomorrow night. Must be nice to be able to afford such big toys! Stayed out way to late listening to a band, Frenchies singing American music, they were pretty good! My hotel is located in the center, so even if I tried to go to bed early, would be impossible! Keep forgeting I am not 20 anymore, until the next morning, when I truly feel my age!

Must go get ready to go train, and bus it to the show tonight. Trains stop running at midnight, so must figure this one out, maybe some advil, and a glass of wine will assist this process. A few pictures of Antibes, not much time to sightsee as of yet, but will make it to Picasso's Musee eventually!

CANNES, THE COAST OF FRANCE!

Leaving Le Cannet today for Vielles (old) Antibbes, much smaller, the home of Picasso. Must be out in less than 1 hour, and of course am running like a retard, the idea of lugging baggage is just unpleasant, but only 3 train stops away, and now that I have found a favorite haunt, a cafe called "Feeling Good" all about music, and people, a tiny cafe, yet vibrant in personalities, If only we could teach Culo something about the business!

At this point you have probably realized I have totally bypassed Spain for reasons I will allow you to decode, am staying in France, almost want to go back to Italy. Glad I decided to travel like this now, any older, and it might kill me. Listening to a French radio station, which plays a lot of American music, James Brown is singing as we speak " I Feel Good ". Nice Jazz Fest starts tomorrow for 8 days, such artists as BB King, Tracy Chapman, Chick Corea, sonny Rollins, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks etc. etc. May try to go for one night, if I can figure out how to get there, I know by train,bus, and how to buy a ticket?

Here are a few photos, must get my retarded ass in gear, will write again when I find the next internet point, and am down to only 1 French cigarette.. Mon Dieu! Love, and really do miss all of you! By the way this is an old castle in Cannes, that is as far as I got, and the other is Gregory Pecks handprint, there, of course were many more, but I choose his!?

TRAVEL BLUES AND BASTILLE DAY!

It is a quickie I write tonight, the trains were fucking awful, what should have taken 4-5 hrs took 10 due to srikes, track repairs, whatever!! Boring, and very restless, but finally made it to the outskirts of Cannes, France,about a half an hour walk each way to the beach. Afraid to take the train to Barcelona, as that is about a ten hr. trip.

Made it on time for the Bastille day fireworks, awesome, touching and beautifully Choreogrphed, could not take pictures, as too many tall people standing in my way, and not enough energy to work my way in, but I describe it as sea life, urchins, star fish, people frolicking in the skies, heavens, moons,stars, and much more, it was truly brillant, an oray of colored lights which danced over the ocean waters, with thousands of people present. The music was a feeling of past things we will always remember from our lives, so moving, and fitting with the fireworks.

On the way out there were 3 Native Americans from Ecuador playing flutes, and instruments, which were handmade, eery,yet familiar. That is the only photo I took of 2 of them, their clothing was so colorful, and vibrant. Tomorrow is another day, think I will walk to the beach after a much needed sleep,figure out my trip to Barcrlona,read a book and view the relaxing sights.

LAUGHING MY ASS OFF!

Sorry, can't help but laugh my ass off at the sights around me! Boy is life amusing when you look at it from a different perspective. Sitting in my room eating leftover chinese food from this afternoon, as Italian food,and I need to have a huge break. Don't know if I'll be cooking, or eating Italian food for a while. Those promises I made about cooking, may be on the rain check list!

Today I saw a girl wearing Chuck Taylors(converse) one shoe read "this is not just a shoe" and the other one read "this is a man". I thought that was hillarious, and quite the statement! Anyway today went to the Island of Murano, spectacular watching the Maestros make the glass pieces. All my girls will be receiving genuine Murano glass earrings in the next 5-6 weeks! I stayed so long viewing the galaries, they even gave me a ride back to Venice on their private boat. Nothing fancy, but not packed in like sardines!!

Next was Chinese food, then The Hard Rock Cafe for a few, had to have my fix of American music. Came back, and it was my intention of going back to Venice, but by the time it took me to get back on the bus, and, again the sardine effect,
decided to stay local. Walked around the square, as they call it, of course had some wine! There is a bar right next door owned by Asians, amazing what they own in Italy! Many Asian tourists are the worst, hate to say that, but true.

It is 11:30 pm here, should pack, get some sleep, but think I'll wander back for a few more. No rest for the wicked. Also saw a tugboat towing a HUGE cruise ship, fasanating to watch, and too long to take a photo. Will add a few pictures from todays excursion, one more Armani Gondola man, not as good as the other 2.

Tomorrow early, we'll see how the trains run, ready for France...Cherchez La Femme, and I shall continue to look for the Armani French men! Viva La France!

ARMANI MEN

Okay for my girl friends out there, tracking down those Armani men. Found 3, but only 2 came out well in pictures, so here you go...Enjoy. Venice is amazing, too much to see and do, but will send those photos later, must get back out, off to Murano Island, I think today. FEAST, BABY FEAST!!!

Now lets see who posts comments Ciao, last day here, off to France tomorrow!

BEAUTISIMO MAXIMO!

Me and the gang, Ilam, Eric, Chrsitine, Bill, Anthony, and the imfamous Sandra Lotti, chef, historian, writer, and humorist!

Did not win the Italian lottery, but was oh so close, no villa in Tuscany, 2 out of 6#'s only! May try again. So much to describe, can't put it all out, can't process everything, Last night stayed here, some went to town. I decided to stay with the owls, who hoo,hoo, and to smell the pungent sage, rosemary, and thyme. Beautiful, finished with cooking school.

On my way to Venizia, a new and solo experience, trains running half ass, so tomorrow will be another experience, expression of life. I do love the Italians, and they so hate the French, it is so amusing. The group is back already! Tomorrow I must be ready for what ever forgives. Today saw amazing art, as everyday, but this one an expression of wildlife, where is it going, amazes me, we have no idea about extinction, but find about it in Italy??!!

Next morning, am in Venice, crazy, took me forever to get here! Wandered the canals until after 4:00 am, danced in St. Marks square, (Piazza San Marco) , met fun, and wild people, had a fabulous time, but again I am exhausted. As they say burning the candle at both ends. Think I will take a taxi boat tour today and relax. Pictures at night are difficult, but will take more. I think I can add one of Venezia!Love to all, and I think I might be ready to fly back east on the 27th, that still leaves me 15 more days...whoa, mama mia!

FINALLY A FEW PICTURES

Okay here is where we are staying in Tuscany, the Vatiacan and The Leaning Tower of Pisa. A very touristy shot of me, but since I am one, so what. Last day of cooking school, kind of ready for it to end, we celebrated Bill's birthday at the Jazz concert, a wee bit to much, slightly hung over, and possibly ARI'S to report. Must go and cook. Until much later tonight my friends, love, and enjoy the day ahead of you.

INFUSION

Well not sure about the photo thing at this point, but invision... fields of sunflowers, shimmering, and brilliant in color, as a fusion.Every herb you can imagine, except pot, bright green, and sensuous.

Today we made a fusion of fresh pasta for ravioli, tortelini,etc. with fresh herbs, and vegetables, of every kind, and the smell, so aromatic you want to pack it with you for the remainder of the trip. Can't possibly describe the beauty which engulfs me, don't now if this is correct, do not care. Tuscany is an exceptional place! Shelly played supperlotto in one of these beautiful small towns, so we can all come to Tuscany together!
It is the next day, and tonight we begin our cooking lesson at five, free jazz concert on the lawn at 9:00pm, should be interesting. A wee tipsy fom the wine at lunch, must go swimming. Will try to add a photo if not, so be it! Lots of love. Bueno a tute??!

TOO HUMID FOR SLEEP, TOO LAZY TO WALK

The blog is giving me a hard time, as is humidity, and sleep. So, as I was saying... had a drink with the contessa, and her father the Baron, very hard workers on this land which dates back to the early 1500's. Beautiful, will Try to add photos.

Yesterday went to the lovely little town of Lucca, great walls surround where the moats used to be during the Roman invasion. Of course we made pasta, learned the basics of using a knife, which truly was totally unknown to me! Made gelato, ate drank, and were merry. Not time for too much detail, must get ready to create in the kitchen!

Last day in Rome, did the Vatican, said goodbye to all the victims I had met, and hung at the . Trevi fountain for the night. Left bright and early the next AM, as the train thing was all askew. Hear some are on strike, as of yesterday. Will probably move on to Venice next, then the south of France.

AM I REALLY HERE?

Hi, I am really here in Tuscany, first day in culinary school! Yesterday was lunch, wine, swimming, dinner, wine and more wine! Only 3 of us here, due to tradegy of train wreck. The others could not make it on time, so cancelled. So we are basically, literally getting lots of instuction soley. We would prefer more companionship, but the 1 on 1 is also great! I keep telling them to make my portains smaller, but are dead set against it, I hate wasting food, so the waistline is already expanding! The other couple are from Scotland, and very amusing, and very good drinkers. The staff are wonderful, and VERY humurous! Sandra Lotti, the brain of this culinary school is charming, and writes for a magazine, which I'll remember later. Too much wine with lunch, and we are now off to an expedition which is, yet unknown. Will hopefull add more info, but wi fi is low, and have to climb into the olive press room to update, and I mean climb, which I could be here in the fall to view the process!

The place is owened by a contessa and her father the Baron, who is around 90 yrs. The title I understand no longer means a thing, but invited

Here I am at the colosseum, spent yesterday there, and at the Forum, amazing the history, and violence that went on. Could feel, and visualize what occured all those hundred of years ago! (not a very becoming picture of me!), but thought you'd like to know I am really still here the in flesh! As soon as I left the Forum, it started to downpour, streets were flooding, people running crazily into doorways, wherever they could go. The streets became so slick, people including myself were, slipping every which way, it was quite the sight. I thought what to do, so I ran into the nearest cafe, and sipped on several glasses of good Merlot. Chris I asked to see the bottle to write it down, but no comprende, sorry! I bought a cheap and very colorful umbrella to contiue on my walk back to the hotel.

Of course made my way back to the Trevi Fountain for the viewing, and conversation with the vendors. Today is my last day in Rome, which I truly love, and shall miss. Was thinking about forgoing the Vatiacan today, but after the news of the train wreck in Viareggio, where I am going tomorrow, I am rethinking this. I think I will head back to the hotel, put on that skirt, and shirt with sleeves. I guess at this point I would kiss thePope's ass, to thank him that I was not on that train two days ago!

I apologize to those I called at 2:00 AM, I really got confused after the train wreck news, and thought it was around 8:00 at night! Brain loss has occured, guess I should get to the Vatican, and hopefully can get into the museum to see the Sistine Chapel, if the wait is not the 4 hrs. they say? Will write again after Rome.