Garden Happenings and Kitty Fun

We visited with Theresa and the shared garden yesterday. The garden is still producing tomatoes, Japanese cucumbers, poblano chiles, bell peppers, green onions and carrots.

Plums from Theresa and Shawn's garden which soon will be jam.

Tomatoes - some of them were used in caprese salad last night with fresh burrata. I am going to be sad to see tomato season go.

Riley was putting on a show for me yesterday while I was preparing dinner. He is quite a character and always makes me laugh.

Bath time.

Mommy and Daughter

Fit for a princess - Grandma Carolyn made the crib linens, skirt, etc.

More Love for Callie Rose

Hi Grandma Carolyn.

Grandma Carolyn, Grandpa Dick and Callie.

I love this shot of Callie.

Sweet Callie Rose

It was planned for me to go with Theresa this afternoon to see Callie Rose. I have had allergy/sinus troubles the last few days and today I woke with a sore throat so of course I did not go. As disappointed as I was to miss seeing her, I am really glad that David went with Theresa. He took these great shots while they were visiting with Callie.

Mommy and daughter in the rocking chair.

Who's that over there? Is that you Grandad?

Hi Mommy, I love you.

Too sweet.

Theresa got to feed Callie a bottle for the first time today. The thing is keeping Callie awake long enough to drink the whole thing!

She is so cute all dressed up in pink. I love the glowing foot. ET call home.

Simon says put your arms up above your head.

Is it nap time now?

Happy and content, that's our sweet Callie Rose.

Thank You Kathy and Bob!!

For the Christmas gift that not only keeps on giving, but keeps our taste buds dancing! The peaches and nectarines are gorgeous as you can see. We are anxiously awaiting them to ripen. Thanks so much for such a wonderful treat!

A Passionate Dream Becomes A Reality

I have started a new blog titled "Un Saludo a las Cucinas de Italia - A Salute to the Kitchens of Italy" as a tribute to my Nana Maria Rita Bianco Gonella and to my mother Josephine Gonella Hines as well. Nana passed when I was 7 years old so I did not learn in her kitchen. Like most people in her day she did not write down her recipes or secrets. I have read, researched, cooked and created over the years trying to recreate the aromas and tastes of Nana's Northern Italian kitchen in San Francisco all those years ago. In my late 50's and retirement I have more time for this passion and have started a blog logging the recipes, tips an d secrets I have learned, a little information of regions of Italy and the memories I hold in my heart. If you are interested in viewing this blog, there is a link to the right under "Blog I Enjoy." Buon Appetito!

Callie Is Amazing!

Callie was moved from her enclosed bed (incubator) to a "big girls bed" a few days ago. She has gained weight - up to 4 lbs 11 oz now and even had a bath last night! Oh yes and her umbilical cord fell off yesterday too. The main thing with moving her into the open bed was if she could keep her temperature up, and she has! That hurdle is done and gone. Yay! Theresa has been teaching Callie how to nurse. She is doing okay but still not really getting anything. Once she gets that down it looks like she just might be going home with her Mommy and Daddy! Theresa has been pumping enough milk so that they really do not have to give Callie formula. We can't thank all of you enough for your prayers, good thoughts and love.