A birthday in Italy….

Tried to post this yesterday… many times….and it just wouldn’t fly…. Trying again once more …

Last days of our trip — I planned our flight home so that I could spend my birthday here rather than on an airplane or in airport line-ups or stressing about checking in. And so that I could celebrate with our Italian ex-pats, the youngest of whom has just left me a voice message to “Please come over now, Nana! Can you hurry up?”

I/we will, soon … but she needs a quiet time first (we’re all going out for a birthday dinner at 8, and it’s a school night!). And I’m taking advantage of some (spotty and temperamental) access to Wifi to post this (or try). After a week without any Wifi at all in our Palermo Air BnB, then a week with hit-and-miss phone and wireless access in the rural, hilly Sicilian countryside, we were looking forward to easy connection in this 4-star hotel not so far from Rome. Instead, Front Desk is apologetic, but they’re playing a frustrating game of tag, apparently, with their service provider. Meanwhile, I’ve had to add data to our phone plan to be sure I can do all that needs to get done before an international flight. Sigh..,

But just so you don’t think it’s all whine (and no wine) here, a photo taken by the waiter to whom I might have mentioned my “Compleanno” — he stuck a candle in Paul’s gelato and insisted on taking a picture.

So again, crossing my fingers this message in a cyber-bottle will reach you. I will be home and deluging you with stories and photos by the weekend.

Xo,

Frances

23 Comments

  1. Genevieve
    18 May 2022 / 12:03 am

    Hi Frances, many happy returns…and happy returns re travel!

  2. Annie
    18 May 2022 / 1:10 am

    Hope the birthday went with a bang. What a great place to mark it.

  3. Sarah Webb
    18 May 2022 / 1:22 am

    Happy Birthday! Love your top.

  4. Dottoressa
    18 May 2022 / 1:55 am

    Happy Birthday Frances!
    Dottoressa

  5. Sylvie
    18 May 2022 / 3:54 am

    Joyeux anniversaire ! quel bel endroit que l’Italie pour commencer un nouveau printemps ! Many happy returns

  6. Beverly
    18 May 2022 / 4:31 am

    Happy, Happy Birthday Frances, my May birthday friend. May this new year overflow with joy and new adventure. I have had a great time traveling in Italy with you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences (and your inspiring sketches!).

  7. Eleonore
    18 May 2022 / 4:53 am

    As I said: tanti auguri!

  8. Georgia
    18 May 2022 / 5:29 am

    Buon compleanno! And bring on the deluge 🙂

  9. Ali
    18 May 2022 / 7:26 am

    Wonderful photo!
    Happy Birthday… have been thinking of you a lot….
    Ali

  10. 18 May 2022 / 8:02 am

    Happy birthday! What a wonderful blouse you’re wearing:)

  11. darby callahan
    18 May 2022 / 8:18 am

    A very happy birthday and safe travels.

  12. Wendy in York
    18 May 2022 / 9:27 am

    Many Happy Returns & what a lovely photo of you both . You look so relaxed & calm Frances – you’d never think you had been fighting technology for days !

  13. 18 May 2022 / 1:23 pm

    I hope you had a wonderful birthday and look forward to hearing more about your travels when you are home again.

  14. Deborah (D2Zen)
    18 May 2022 / 2:32 pm

    Happy birthday, Frances! You are a marvel and an inspiration!

  15. Wendy in No. California
    18 May 2022 / 2:36 pm

    Oh that internet situation sounds stressful! Add me to the list of admirers of your beautiful polka dot blouse. I love dots of all kinds, but those rainbow dots that look like watercolor are perfection. Wishing you speedy, smooth and safe travel home.

  16. 18 May 2022 / 4:10 pm

    Happy Birthday, Frances! Hope you have smooth travels home. Love that blouse!!

  17. slf
    18 May 2022 / 4:45 pm

    Joyeux anniversaire, Frances! What a wonderful way to celebrate in a place you love!

  18. Lilibet
    18 May 2022 / 6:49 pm

    Happy Birthday. Clever waiter, lovely photo of you both.
    Our trip to Sicily this year is looking less likely to go ahead so I have enjoyed your photos all the more. Looking forward to more photos and stories when you are home and have less dodgy Wifi.
    Have a safe trip.

  19. Lorrie Orr
    18 May 2022 / 7:02 pm

    Happy Birthday wishes to you, Frances. Safe travels as you head homewards once again.

  20. Charlene H
    19 May 2022 / 3:10 am

    Happy, Happy Birthday, Frances! What a wonderful place to celebrate! Safe travels as you return home…

  21. 19 May 2022 / 1:38 pm

    Happy Birthday! I hope that your last days in Italy are wonderful.

  22. Cara
    19 May 2022 / 3:55 pm

    A belated Happy Birthday!

  23. Roberta
    21 May 2022 / 4:27 pm

    Happiest of Days to you! Am waiting to see hundreds of pictures from you travel.

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