Meet Me on Monday

This Monday, somewhat stymied as far as what to post, I've decided to join in a little game with the fun ladies at Never Growing Old.  I've been back in Florence for just over a week, but how much "I ate this, drank that, saw this" and ooh-aah photos can you all take?  (Wait - forget I asked that.  We live for this stuff, don't we?")

But here's one from last week, just for giggles.  Favorite trails on the outskirts of the city were my escape from the apocalyptic hordes of tourists stuffing themselves into the narrow streets, markets, & onto the Ponte Vecchio (avoid it - except late at night).  When I lived right next to the Duomo it got to be too much ... so I would literally run out of the historic center so I could breathe. This is the view from one of my quiet spots.

So back to Monday.  It's pleasantly cool, scattered rain, and after a week of running running running catching up with friends, I've taken to alternate street-walking with holing up in my clean, bright (albeit tiny) - did I say CLEAN??? Si dice pulitissimo? (Can one say clean-issimo - as in really freaking Spic-n-Span where OCD meets la dolce vita???) flat in Oltrarno.  This morning was a leisurely skulking of the markets for veggies & cheese, and a healthy lunch in my flat with a couple glasses of vino & Eros Ramazzotti on the iPod.

Back in the library now, where internet is decent, the view is the Arno, and the smell (one of my favorites) is old books ... and perhaps a bit of aglio (garlic) - which would be me.  Apologies to the young art student at the next table.




And back to the game - below are five questions the ladies at Never Growing Old and friends pass around to gain a little insight into who our fellow bloggers may be - just tiny nuggets of harmless information that we don't mind sharing after many posts of spewing forth our more personal thoughts, feelings, rants, beliefs, or insanities into the blogosphere (again - we live for this, yes?)

Here we go.

1.  How many TV’s do you have in your home?

Those of you that know me - or have been reading this blog for a while know that I barely watch it, and not only do I have one (1) TV - but it is the only one I've ever purchased in my adult life - nove anni fa (9 years ago).  TVs used to come and go with room mates, boyfriends, husbands, etc. so I just never bought one.  The joke was, "So, Val - what, you ask a guy his screen size before you go out with him?"  Ha ha.  

I also believe the bedroom is absolutely no place for a TV - it's a Feng Shui thing.  Henceforth, the only TV I've ever purchased, the giant, heavy behemoth of 27 inches which weighs more than I do, will sit in the living room until there is smoke coming out of it or I can no longer watch Food Network or the other 4 channels I can be bothered with.  Then maybe I'll consider an upgrade (as we also know I detest spending money on electronic-thingies).  Maybe.

2.  What is on your bedside table (nightstand)? 

Phew! Be glad the question wasn't "What is IN your nightstand?" - as I'd have gladly answered it honestly.  Hail to the queen of TMI.

But what's ON it? A lamp.  A Zen bowl gong alarm clock.  A stone coaster for a glass of water.  A book or 5.  Body butter or hand lotion.  Maybe some crystals - Blue Kyanite & Amethyst, usually (don't ask - trust me, it's less weird what's IN the nightstand drawer.)

3.  How many pair of shoes do you own?

This could quite possibly be more shameful than the hypothetical "What is IN your nightstand" question.  I gave away 23 pairs of shoes this summer (some still in boxes) and another 28 pairs last summer (some still in boxes.)  I've limited myself to the 30 pairs in my possession at this time (including flip-flops) - which seems excessive, but most of these shoes have been dragged around since the late 90s.  Many were purchased when I made decent $$$, which I no longer wish to do - hence, no more shopping, and keeping the shoes I have. 

Now, if I REALLY must purchase a pair, I must get rid of one or two other pairs.  That is the rule.  Questa e` la mia vergogna (This is my shame).

4.  Can you change a flat tire?

Whoa!  Back up the shame truck just a minute!  Not only can I change a flat tire, ladies, I can change my 225-65-R15s (which weigh more than both me AND my TV-saurus) in less than 15 minutes (record is 11 minutes in 2001).  I got lots of practice living in the Sierra Foothills with 3 flats on rough dirt backroads in 2 weeks; a blowout on I-40 outside of Oklahoma City on a rainy night at 80 miles an hour, and recently on Memorial day.  

In fact, I'd been back in the states only 3 days in late May, was tightening the lugs when some dude in a little red car pulled up next to me and had the audacity to ask, "How's that working out for you?" with a little smirk.   

I'm sorry, "HOW IS THAT WORKING OUT FOR YOU???" I gave him my cutest little girly smile (and I was wearing pink) and responded, "Got it. Thanks."  

But you know I was thinking, "Not only do I 'got it' pal, but I have enough energy to beat your @$$ with this tire iron as soon as I'm done tightening the lugs, but gee ... thanks for asking."  

Yes.  Ol' girl can change a tire.

5.  Do you prefer sweet treats or salty treats?

Pfft.  That's like asking if a one-legged duck swims in circles.

Yes.  All of the above.
   
Depending on what is in my wine glass at the time, of course.


Speaking of which, a little Monday evening cocktail hour with a friend is awaiting ... normally served with treats like this:

... always a nice nosh to begin good aperitivo crawl around Florence.  

Wishing you all a lovely week ... and hopefully a few good treats as well.