Have you ever been away from all your kids before? I have not. I’ve been away from 1 at a time, or with 1 while away… never away – 5000 miles away from all 4 this long. I guess some would say, enjoy it. “Empty nesting” ya I don’t need my nest empty. I want my kids around. I want to be completely aggravated and annoyed all at once, while they’re doing whatever they do …in & out .. but there/here and with me. I miss all of them. Right now we’re pretty scattered. My son Michael is in Georgia, my oldest daughter Kailee lives now in Arlington, Va, Brett is in Sandwich, Ma attending college and Ashtyn is home ~ Thankful for that.
When Mike and I got married on December 2, 2000, we left Boston and went to North Conway, NH for the night. Michael & Kailee had just turned 5 & 4. I missed them so much, we came home the next day. We just celebrated our 20th this past December and we we were headed to Kauai, Hawaii with the kids to renew our vows on the beach. Well then covid happened so we scratched that plan. People say why would you bring your kids on your anniversary trip? Why not? I look at family or friends that have lost their children and time together is the greatest gift. I would choose together than apart any day.
Two years ago we started to do Christmas away. In 2018 we went as a family to Puerto Rico, it was amazing!! In 2019 we came to Italy and spent Christmas in Florence, again amazing and the best part was … we were together. I decided to forget the spending of ridiculous money on gifts and unwanted presents and celebrate memories ~ together. Having this home now in Italy for years of memories together was what we wanted. I guess this trip without the kids is just hitting me hard. Or harder than I thought. Our extra sweet new neighbors just had their first baby, the sweetest baby boy. We had lunch today with them to meet him… I was overcome with such emotions and the tears just started flowing. To see a very new mom holding her precious Angel, knowing she has a lifetime of memories to make with him, made me miss my kids so much more. Even if I call or FaceTime and they’re busy working, or annoyed that I’m calling at the worst time… it’s also hard with the 6 hour difference. The village cats are coming around keeping me loved. This sweet girl is always right there the minute the door opens. And this other cutie I swear has TOS too. He’s all crooked and probably needs a muscle relaxer. Mike & I keep talking about how much our Great Pyrenees ~ Gracie girl would’ve loved looking out the window at all the cats. It’s just so strange being in a different place, a different country… so far away. The little things you think about. I’m definitely grateful we’ve met truly the nicest neighbors. I know when the kids do get to come and spend time here, they’ll enjoy everyone too.
The house has no heating system and we honestly didn’t think it would be a problem. Mike is completely fine. I’m freezing. But, my 2 nerve conditions (erythromelalgia & raynauds) are battling back & forth. We bought the space heaters, but I’m still not comfortable. Today we had a representative from BigMat come to the house to go over pricing for a pellet stove. We have the fireplace but we’re not using it. I don’t want to deal with wood & bugs and the smoke. So a pellet is a great option. Hopefully if we go this route, the work can be done before we leave. Ideally we would require it for next fall/winter. But, having it done while Mike is here now would be ideal.
I think when all the work, both major and minor is complete… it will feel different ❤️. Today was just one of those days the 5000 miles seems every bit that far. A friend who lives here messaged me that our region -Lazio may go back to Red on Monday. Red is the highest covid precautions. This would mean only grocery shopping or absolute necessities- Dr. Apts etc. The thought of being “locked down” isn’t fantastic, but we haven’t really been out and about. Yes, we’ve gone shopping for what I call necessities… like Ikea, Leroy Merlin, Bricoman & BigMat…but, we haven’t been out just to be out. Except the day we found the beautiful Lago Del Turano. We were told about a beautiful Abbey in one of the surrounding towns, we hope to make it there.
I think tomorrow we shall get up bright eyed & bushy tailed and get all of our errands done, because come Monday… God only knows. I guess our modem isn’t ready yet. We’ve been passing time after working on the house all day with Gin & Rummy cards … I’ve been kicking Mikes arse!! Anyway, enjoy your night, wherever you may be. I guess for those of you wishing you were here – under the Tuscan sun ☀️…Part of me is here, but part of me is wishing I were home with my kiddos! Isn’t life crazy ❤️. The photo out the window is from our living room! It is a gorgeous view over the hills & mountains in the distance. Tomorrow I hope to get some before & after photos on. The kitchen truly looks like a whole new space! I think we did fantastic on what we are working with, both budget and logistics….
Because this is on my cell phone I can’t get rid of the last text, I tried to correct it.
Time for a glass of wine, ciao.
