Cari amici,
It’s been WAY too long since I was in Italy! Since my last visit, I was in Chicago for my niece’s wedding and to see family, in Idaho for the annual Memorial Day laying of flowers in the cemeteries, and then well, in Idaho again for my own backyard wedding.
And then I decided to move - just add that into the mix - and Tom is “concluding his tenure” of thirty years at Blaine County, and we’ll be renovating two properties there. So yeah, things have been busy. (My friend Jeri said I live my life in a blender, set on pulsate - :)
But when you own a home in Sicily, you really have to be there more than once a year. It’s not just about the property sitting dormant. It’s about the relationships. Our neighbor, Enzo, who keeps an eye on the house and is still in physical therapy for the hand injury he suffered the day we arrived (February 16). Our contractor, Pepe, who installed the glass shower stall after we left and helped bring in the oversized refrigerator we purchased online. It’s about Vito and Angela, friends who are great company, and also keep an eye on Enzo during his recovery. And then there’s Nino who hosted me during Covid in 2020 and has become a dear, dear friend.
I miss these people. I miss my home. I miss Sicily.
Our visit in February seems like a very long time ago. I was long overdue to make a video. This was Tom’s first time seeing the house since the year before when it was on the market. A LOT happened in the 12 days we were there! Cleansing the house of ghosts, visiting a thrift shop, tearing out a bathroom to make a laundry room, pruning trees, lots and lots of shopping, exploring Castelvetrano and neighboring towns, meeting with the contractor, friends, and our attorney, and so much more. In the end, it took me just over 40 hours to edit the video and I managed to keep it to 30 minutes.
Truth is, I kept a lot out and only concentrated on the house. Still would love to show you more of the area, the town, and the people. It’s on my list… maybe that will be my next video.
I also figured I needed to get this done before moving to Idaho. Tom arrives in Tulsa today (Wednesday), we pack the U-Haul on Friday, and hit the road on Saturday, September 16 (Inshallah!). Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers, and send good energy for a safe and smooth drive! Next time I write you, I’ll be in Idaho. xo
Now, for your entertainment, a 2nd Look at (Our) Sicily Home:
Oh my gosh. This is SO AMAZING!!! Loving every minute of your video journey, & one day, I’ll visit & see it all in person. Love you!
Loved the video-so relaxing to watch and take this journey with you; the burning of negative ghost energy, the pruning, bathroom hard work, newly painted room, the sheep and the uncooperative sage smudge bundle, you and Tom, you speaking Italian, the beach, the glass shower (yikes), and everything in between! Mainly I like seeing you so happy with your home and all the excitement of its potential. I hope to get to Italy someday. My husband’s family are all Sicilian. My family is from Benevento. Condolences on your beloved dog. 💜love Susan