Meet 'Don Silvano' our village priest (Parroco). This photo was taken at the local Circolo dei Anziani Christmas supper.

Yesterday evening he called at the house at about 7.30pm. He had come for the 'Annual Blessing of the Home'. Before I could say a word he explained that he knew I wasn't a Catholic, and that he hoped that despite that I wouldn't be a stranger at the 'Circolo dei Anziani'. Well I enjoy their twice monthly get togethers and told him so.... (he's always there at the meetings too).

He asked if I would like him to bless the house, and I asked if that would be OK from his point of view - he then surprised me when he said, "I'm sure our God is the same one, it's just that he speaks to everyone differently - that's all"!
Well he had a coffee and we sat and chatted about my view of life in 'his' village. He said he'd like to come to the English style 'cheese and wine' get together that I'm planning. He also asked if he could look at what I'd done to 'Nello's House', explaining that he knew all the family and tried for years to help Ornello who was, he said, un' anima disperata! So I showed him round, and he was very complimentary, but made me laugh when he said he was pleased that I'd got rid of all the empty bottles that filled what was the 'cantina' (cellar). That room is now the downstairs bathroom.
Our next 'Circolo' is in Wednesday and I have three elderly neighbours that are going to 'call for me'.... One of them - Mariucia - called on Friday and brought me two little salami's (cacciatori). They are from their own pigs, so are basically 'home made'... she explained that they has slaughtered four pigs this year (their's is a large familiy), and that she would bring me some frozen pork chops soon! What can you say to such kindness? She is the matriarch and is a widow like me - but she is 82 and has only ever been out of the village to go up a nearby valley to their summer house. That's all of 9 miles away! I have asked her if she would like to come out with me (and possibly another couple of widowed ladies) for the day (you never know, we might even bump into 'George' Cloony)? Perhaps to Aprika or Bormio or even Como - But no...she say's she doesn't like travelling by car, and even to go up the 9 miles to their 'baita' she takes a travel sickness pill!
So the highlight this week is to be the 'Circolo' - I wonder what they'll lay on this time? The last one I went to it was 'Bingo'!!!! Don't laugh - it was absolute chaos, like a mad house (I kid you not...) - they all cheat! Mind you, considering the prize for a full house it really didn't matter. The prize? Three biscuits instead of one with you're drink! Now THAT is living!!!!

Oh what it is to be an "Alpine Settler" - I love it!!!