Seasons

A few days ago, November 6, I joined my neighbor to help with her friend's olive harvest.  Last November I went to pick olives for the first time at the same place. So much of my life in New Jersey was marked by the seasons, and it felt special to have that same experience in a different country. However, one year ago, the day had a different feel. For me personally, it was the start of my stay in Italy, with every day full of promise. Globally, there was no pandemic and no tension about waiting for the choice of the new US president.         

A day in the countryside to pick olives provided a break from constantly checking my phone to see the latest numbers for the Covid cases and the election results.  Being outside and "distanced" from  other people meant an entire day without needing a mask!  I felt productive and happy to contribute to such a worthwhile project as making olive oil. 

The Trump presidency and the election were often topics of conversation among American ex-pats, but also with my Italian friends and even with strangers.  Last week, while at the laundromat drying my sheets, a gentleman came in and inquired about the change machine and whether soap was needed in the washer.  (All the instructions are written in Italian and English.  He spoke Italian.) He asked me where I was from and when I replied "the United States" he gave a thumbs up and said, "Biden".  

Then, while olive picking, one of the women asked me why the election was taking so long.  She spoke a bit of English, and my Italian skills were not enough to explain the process of the absentee ballots and mail-in votes.  But, we did our best and she seemed to understand the many complications.  I'll tell you, when an Italian shakes her head over American bureaucracy, you know you are in trouble!!

Now, the election has been decided.  Hopefully, my sleep will improve! And, for America and the rest of the world, I have much bigger hopes.  

Happy Spring!

Today is the first day of spring, with a hint of warmth.  I took two short walks today, but still no wandering in the woods.  Soon, soon.  The snow is mostly melted and the ground doesn't seem to resemble a mud pit.

To celebrate spring and end on a "sweet" note after a long day of work, I got a small sundae:  chocolate chip mint ice cream with wet walnuts and whipped cream.  No discussion, please, on the calories and sugar content of the sundae.  It was delicious!

When I was young, my family would go out for ice cream in the summer to the Old Milk Barn in Wayne, which sadly no longer exists.  The parking lot would be packed with families and couples on dates.  My father would park, ask our requests, and then fend his way through the crowds to the counter to order our cones.  My mother, brothers and I would wait, impatiently.  He would return with bulging cones of ice cream, balanced against one another in his large hands. 

Tonight's ice cream indulgence is a bit of preparation for summer and a tribute to the pleasures of being a kid.  

The Real Start of Summer

For me, today felt like the real start of summer.

I went to the Montclair Farmer's Market and bought my favorites: fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, peaches, blueberries, zucchini, lettuce, fresh bread. (You can surely imagine what I ate for lunch when I got home!)

Then, a bike ride around Montclair and over to the Avis Campbell Gardens next to the Montclair Public Library.

On nearby Church Street there was a sizable crowd at the outdoor tables, though there was space at both Raymond's and 32 Church. Judging from the empty streets and tables, is half of Montclair on vacation this weekend? I also noticed two new spots: a cupcake bakery where Gimme Jimmy's used to be and a gelato shop in the place of a photography studio. Both will certainly satisfy a summer sweet tooth.

Now, I'm finally wearing my "Cruzan hook" bracelet from St. Croix, which for the past two years I've put on at the start of summer and removed on the first day of autumn. In a little bit, I'll make a big salad, cook burgers on the grill, and enjoy the backyard. Am I finally relaxing?