Well, I am off for the rest of the week plus next Monday because (get this) I have too much time on the books and if I don't use it I'll lose it!

 

I have a lot of household projects to work on during this time off.  Plus, I'm about half way through my trip planning.  I have more things to reserach for Venice, a couple more things in Como (day trips) and maybe a couple of things in Milan.  Then in about 3 weeks, I'll be able to check out the prices on the Trenetalia website to work out my ground transportation.  After that I can start to gather my things and start packing.  Sounds like a decent enough plan. 

 

In an attempt to improve my communication skills I've also been practicing my Italian by studying, listening to my IPOD podcasts and reading the tips posted on the Italian Language forum on SlowTravel.  The new moderator there said something that was very inspirational and it has once again motivated me!

 

Count down phase for me hasn't quite begun yet, but I'm getting there. 

 

 

I remember that my Dad always had a smile on him most of the time.  When he laughed it was one of those ear to ear belting laughs that was contagious to everyone around him.  I miss that!  

 

I have some pretty awesome memories of both mom and dad!  Memories that seem to resurface each year during special days like today.