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See photos in Portfolio Arlene’s Birthday: Not noted for his party organizing skills, my wonderful husband planned a very successful small get-together at a local restaurant for my birthday.  For a sure winner he chose Il Desco, rated #1 on Trip Advisor of restaurants in Ascoli.  He invited Cinzia M., Grace & Maurizio, Laura & Sergio, Serafino and Mariella to join us for aperitivo at 7:30 PM (but folks did not show until almost 8 because they never eat before then-will we ever “get it”?). He requested they bring no gifts but most arrived with very thoughtful gifts anyway.  Il Desco is a lovely restaurant to begin with and they set a beautiful table for the occasion.  For what was an unbelievably small cost (15 Euro per person – they had to regret they didn’t charge more) they served us wines and a large selection of tasty spuntino (snacks).  This is often done and considered “dinner.”  I had written detailed descriptions of all the wonderful spuntino in Notes in my IPhone, but since then had to get a new phone and the list is now gone.  I do remember one with roasted pear and pecorino cheese and another of grilled zucchini wrapped around herbed ricotta.  Trust me, the spuntino were creative, beautiful and awesome.  They even served a dolce, mine with a candle in it.  We had a lovely and memorable evening – great job, Larry!   Australia Day Always on the lookout for a reason to celebrate, Grace (our Aussie/Italian friend), invited us over for dinner to celebrate Australia Day on 26 January.  Just as we were about to go out the door at 7:30 to walk to Grace’s (about a 25 minute walk) dear Serafino called to say he’d pick us up.   At the table we were joined by, of course, Marizio, Antonella (Grace’s cousin), Cinzia M., Serafino, Mariella, Lucia, Gina and Jo.  Jo is someone that both Grace and Cinzia had mentioned many times that they wanted us to meet.  She is originally from Pittsburg but moved to Italy when she was just 18 years old.  Her English, however, is so good and so unaffected by the distance that she sounds like she moved here last...

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Sixty-three and just hitting my stride The beautiful table. Mariella & Cinzia M. with me. Laura, Sergio & Maurizio. I wish . . . . . not telling! Laura, Mariella, Cinzia, Me, Serafino & Grace Australia Day! Me, Gina, Grace, Lucia, Jo, Cinzia, Mariella, Marizio & Serafino. Cantucci & pizzelle Crostatini, Anzac biscuits & Auntie Muriel’s sponge cake Market Brunch! Larry, Laura, Alice, Grace, Gina, Lucia, Jo & Serafino Sesame twist bread & jams Egg salad tea sandwiches & Scottish baps Antiques Market Villa Sgariglia’s lovely banquet room Grace, Lucia & Mariella Rita and two new acquaintances Larry &, okay, so I forgot their names! And the dancing begins. More people join in Then the men join in The circle forms and suddenly I’m in it What a fun group And now I do what? I’m trying And the beat goes on Midnight and he’s still...

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