The Hooks' Adventure Continues!: Birthday Bash!

This blocked the door for several days

This year's was one of my favorite birthdays in recent memory. To begin with, I had ordered a present for myself which arrived on Tuesday and tantalized the kids to no end. They were begging me to open it because their curiosity was killing them.

I also decided fairly early on that I would NOT be cooking on my birthday. Which also meant no shopping. And no washing dishes. Sounds pretty good, right?

Instead, I started my day after the children had left for school...having coffee with my darling husband outside (it was a wee bit nippy, but the sun was lovely) and enjoying the view...and then dashing up to the Piazza to get some fresh flowers (we saw the little truck trundle by, and didn't want to miss the delivery!).

Breakfast view

Then I went to the shoemaker's to confer about some boots. When he discovered it was my birthday, he lit up like a Christmas tree and leapt up to give me kisses and bestow vociferous "auguri" (best wishes).

Following the shoemaker's, I went to the art restorer's for a visit. Do you know that in the Medieval period, church was really the main source of entertainment? As such, the church had to offer a little to everyone. And just as today there are those who like horror flicks, there were then as well. To satisfy the ghouls among the populace, they had special-effects statues. The fellow was telling me about one that he had worked on that had holes in the breastbone (the statue was hollow) along with a reservoir in which a sponge that had been previously soaked in animal's blood could be placed. At the correct points, the sponge could be squeezed to give the image of a bleeding heart! Seriously grim, huh?

View during my walk

Baby Ester!

He also told me more about his work. It turns out that the older paintings (1400s and 1500s) are easier to restore than later works (1800s) because they're less susceptible to solvent damage. The main sources of degradation are the many layers of "polish" (lacquer or other oils to increase shininess of the painting) that have been applied over the years and (bet you didn't guess this) fly excrement. Yes. Fly poo. Now, flies don't offer that much to the world, but over the course of centuries, enough can accumulate to cause a dirty film on a picture.

Tile made by Edvina's friend Ettora

Having taken as much of his time as I felt I could, I moved on. A lovely walk around the base of the town, and on to visit Edvina and baby Ester! We had a lovely time visiting, and then Edvina disappeared for a few minutes. She came back bearing the most lovely bouquet of gerberas! Very, very sweet.

Ettora's other tile

Onwards and upwards!

Walking up the hill, I was sad to see that Daniele (inlay artist) was out. I ordered a box from him, oh, 2 years ago? and he was getting really close to having it finished. I had hoped to pick it up, but that wasn't to be. I consoled myself by visiting Edmond the painter (who was incidentally collaborating on the box) and admiring his work.

Food coloring!

Made my birthday cake: red velvet. In the US, one can purchase large quantities of red food coloring. Here, no. In fact, it is only sold in little vials of 2 ml. When I told Antonella (the grocer) that I needed 30 ml, her eyes bulged. The vials appear to be one-time use only. That is to say, I can't imagine that you would want to store an open vial.

James and Jeremy with the sjoelbak board

Kids home! Time to open my present! And...it's....sjoelbak! Yes, a game that my parents brought from Holland to England in the back of a Mini back in 1967? Don't know the exact date, but I can tell you that the "family" board has seen a TON of use over the years, and I thought it would be a fun addition to the household. Play a little, play a lot. Play solo, play with two, play in large groups. Great game, and very flexible!

Lunch at Massimo's (pizza...delish!), a chat with my parents, a little homework with James, and then off for flamenco!

Time to visit Orietta, then a little piece of cake as an appetizer, then down to dinner.

But wait! Edmond is still in his shop painting, and his daughter (who works with Daniele) had sent me a message saying her dad would have the box! I rapped on the door, he made a quick phone call, and we walked down to Daniele's shop. Imelda (the daughter) met us a short time later.

And my box? Beautifully wrapped in brown paper tied up with string and sealed with red and gold sealing wax. Opened up, there's the key (complete with tassel), and the most gorgeous box with a personalized inscription. It will be PERFECT for storing my necklaces that I've been accumulating.

Dinnertime at a student's (again, greeted with big "auguri!", even by her husband who poked his head in the door of the restaurant).

Back home, feeling well satisfied with a wonderful day.

Love,

Alexandra