The Next Shift

The Kaufmans have left only to be replaced by the Pignataros. Since Alfonse is himself un cuoco magnifico, I have taken special care to plan the menus for his stay here. His first dinner does not disappoint. First course: my all time favorite--a salad of fresh fava beans, pecorino cheese and proscuitto; pasta--ravioli alla Marcella which means ravioli with a pear and ricotta cheese stuffing topped with grated parmesean and pear (!); main course--a flavorful saute of squid and potatoes with peperocino accompanied by an arugala salad; dessert--an amazing chocolate confection with strawberries and ice cream. He is suitably impressed.

Today, we all drove to Radicofane, a tiny renaissance town way up on a hill. Feeling virtuous and most certainly in desperate need of exercise we climbed all the way up the hill through the town and the woods to the ruins of the castle at the very top. The air was so clean and fresh and the views stupendous. We got back to Cassalocche in time for a lunch of leftovers. We're not talking stale bread or day old tuna salad either.

Now it's siesta time except for Steve who is happily getting a massage by Silvio. I am still debating whether to take a walk or just settle comfortably into a chair and read. Maybe I can do both.