This morning was market day in Todi, and by some incredible miracle (especially given that I'd read until past one -- we're still jetlagged a bit!) my eyes flew open at 6:30 (and I was the first one up! Almost a miracle!). It was lovely and cool, and I threw all the shutters wide open & positioned the fans to bring in the nice, cool air.
After breakfast, Michael & I ambled down the hill to get provisions for today & tomorrow (everything's chiuso since it's Sunday). We scored: about 15 apricots (beautifully ripe), 4 pounds of grapes, a yellow plum (haven't tried it yet) and about a pound of a variety of plums I've never seen before, a huge red pepper, and an even larger yellow pepper. Total: about $10. We also got some herbs & flowers for the balcony.
At some point in the marketing, three of the kids joined us. Michael decided to schlep his nice heavy items up, and the kids & I continued with our hunting & gathering. As part of our rounds, Jeremy wanted a particular item (see if you can guess from my description what it is) -- so we stopped by the hardware store and I prefaced my request by saying that it would be very difficult to explain, since I didn't know what it's called. The older lady (who's very encouraging & sweet) said that, in that case, I should talk to the younger man (I assume is her son). He's been extremely patient with me, but I have the impression that he probably sighs to himself when he sees me! After hearing that it was the size of a pencil, heats up, puts 2 wires together, is used with electronic systems, he guessed it! And then promptly told me, "Non c'e l'ho." Meaning that we were out of luck...but then he went on to tell me that there is a shop in Ponte Rio (rather far; we'll have to wait on my sweet car) that sells that sort of thing.
We also saw Angelo (fruit & veg man) and obtained olive oil & porchetta from Nonno Enrico (remember him?). After much discussion, we decided that a litre in a can (as opposed to a bottle) would be best. He started off trying to sell me 5 litres! At this point, his son said that those cans were at home, so off he popped. While we were waiting, Nonno Enrico pointed out his completely organic apples at 10 cents each. Well, okay, twist my arm.
James was thrilled to see Giuseppe on the way back up the hill. A quick trip to the butcher's, and then home!
Love,
Alexandra
p.s. Did you guess Jeremy's desired purchase? A soldering iron. The one he brought with him broke -- we assume because it couldn't handle the voltage...
My morning has been rather similar to yours - down to the Jasper Farmer's Market where I got 50 large tomatoes (I plan to make soup), 20 large peaches and a dozen farm eggs for $ 17, from the Southern version of your hardware lady. On the way down I saw 4 deer (2 babies), a red tailed hawk swooping over the car and a fox. Together with last night's bear I feel we have had our share of wildlife sightings! Rather foggy on the mountain, so Eleanor's idea of a siesta is very appealing!
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