The four of us are happily reunited and are trying to settle into our new house in Marsure Italy. I say ‘trying’ because none of our household goods have arrived; it will be at least another month or so before we see the first of our things…or so they keep telling us. In the mean time, we are making due with loaner furniture and a few household items that we collected from an Ikea store in Padova. -- Which is to say things are very hectic and unsettled for us. We are only a few levels removed from living out of suitcases. But it will get better soon.
Shortly after moving into the house, I purchased a road bike (a la Lance Armstrong) from a local Mom-and-Pop shop in the town of Aviano. Road Bicycles are eminently popular here and are accepted and revered in way that they never will be in the States…I ride it to work almost every day now. I even wear all the crazy cycling clothes… Lucas and Aurora have also hopped on the ‘bicycle band wagon’, and can be seen tearing up the neighborhood streets on weekday afternoons. They usually ride with a pack of four or five like minded, like aged, and like sized cyclist. This usually results in a rather difficult set of obstacles for me to negotiate as I return home from work each day. Lucas and Aurora do not wear the cycling clothes…usually, it is all we can do just to get them to wear clothes at all.
I have an important but highly un-architectural job here at the new post. So as ever I am back to double fisting copies of Dwell in my right hand and Armchair General in my left...or maybe its the other way around (that’s the whole problem isn’t it: which one has precedence?). Here’s betting that most readers have never heard of either publication….and that any reader that has heard of one has not heard of the other; each one desirable and interesting to specific groups of individuals/professionals; groups that think little of each other and have even less in common. Ah well…
** Interestingly enough, this is the 200th entry in the Frantz Workshop blog. So Happy 200th to the blog!
Posted by paul at August 7, 2008 02:48 PMWell you pegged me correct anyway, I've not heard of either. I hope your posting at least means you're getting internet access hooked up! Too bad hearing all of the household hold ups. I hope you get truly settled soon and can enjoy Italy!
Posted by: David W. at August 8, 2008 06:53 PMhave heard of Dwell even looked at a copy, but armchair general? Is Rory riding a bike? trike? or are you just being your usual poetic self. I'm still not feeling real sorry for you. Rheagan yes., she gets my sympathy. what has she done about school for Lucas? Has he started to pick up any italian? i've been painting, the kitchen that is. It is now a pale turquoise on three walls with the cherry cabinet wall painter to match the cabinets. the whole effect is much more cheerful. You should be saving beaucoups on benzo! with that bike it'll pay for itself in what a year? We've heard from David and Sarah in Japan, they seem to be pretty tired and a little in adjustment shock. The apartment is well situated . David has already had to navigate the train system solo armed with the destination name and return name of the station to retrieve luggage. it is swelteringly hot there and the itsy bitsy air conditioner barely makes a dent in it. David has already worn through a pair of shoes. i expect he'll be even more a changed man then Sarah will be changed by the experience. I have E-mail now but can't remember what to do. more later Love mom
Posted by: mom at August 11, 2008 12:14 AMGood to hear from you. What make of cycle? Do you have the stirrups and rear view mirror? Do you have a water bottle holder or have you gone for the backpack with sippy hose? My bike has been out only a couple times. Twice while the car was in the shop I rode it to work and parked it in the Physicians bathroom, the only relatively secure room on the Urgent Care floor.
This week I am at home and free, except for Annes projects for me and the root canal I am scheduled for. On wend night we are going to Staunton for a stay at a B+B and to see 12th Night at the Blackfriers stage. We will then pick up Anne's specialty daylillies at Vietries' in Farmville.
Today I am waiting for a plumber for an estimate about a tankless water heater. I would like to get a Bosch or other Euro or Japan made but am afraid the cost will be shocking. Any ideas or advise? My current water heater is on its last leg.
Stay well, love, dad