Goodbye, Old Friend

It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of Max’s passing following a (thankfully) short illness.

If there is a Doggy Heaven, surely his Cloud 9 will be made of toilet paper.

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This post will be published as my plane departs O’Hare, and I will be unable to comment for some time. Your understanding is appreciated.

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Oops I did it again …

Atomic Bomb

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I spent the day in the country and was surprised to learn that a post for zucchini noodles was published in my absence.  It was far from ready and has since been deleted.

At the time I was working on that recipe, the post was scheduled for a date in the distant future. Today is that date. I must say, time really does fly.

Sorry for any confusion.

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From the Bartolini Clan …

Zia's Cala Lily

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Thank you all for the heartfelt condolences that you so so graciously offered to me and my family following the passing of our dear Zia. She would have been as moved as we were comforted to read the many expressions of sympathy that you penned and for which we are all grateful.

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Photo: © Sandra Van Der Steen

Through a window …

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I arrived at the hotel in Bologna around 11:00 AM, every bit as tired as you might expect. Still, if I was to begin the ChgoJohn “Pasta-a-Day Diet”, I had little choice but to get out there and find me some pasta. About 2 hours later, I was back in my room and settling in for a well-deserved nap.

I awoke some time later in the best of moods. I had dreamt of the old two-flat. I was a boy and could hear Mom & Dad, Zia &  Uncle, Grandpa, and Nonna laughing and having a wonderful time. As I became more awake, I realized that the laughter and singing I’d heard in my dream were not from my family but came from people gathered on the street below my open window. It didn’t really matter. It was still a wonderful dream and it made my day. I took a photo of that window to remind me of the dream, thinking maybe I could work it into some future post.

Later that day, while on my way to a restaurant that Maps falsely claimed was within walking distance, I received a phone call from my brother. Our beloved Zia passed way about the time I was midway across the Atlantic.

Truth be told, I am not what most would consider a spiritual individual, and as for religion, I’ve described myself as a recovering Catholic. That said, I believe that my dream was Zia’s way of saying good-bye, that she’s in the best of company.

Now it is my turn to say good-bye and I will end this as I have most emails to her.

Tanti baci, Bella.

PS   I’ve been thinking. I remember seeing XXXXXXX served when I was little.  Do you know how it was prepared?

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The Kitchens will remain closed until further notice.

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Happy Thanksgiving – 2015

Thanksgiving 2015

Another year, another Sammich.

So much to be Thankful for.

To Those celebrating the Holiday,

We Bartolini wish You a Bountiful Thanksgiving

And may Everyone enjoy a Wonderful Weekend. 

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(Comments for this post have been closed. See? With one less comment to write today, that’s yet another thing to be thankful for.)

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