Is there bad wine in Italy?

I think not. Six weeks here and I haven't had a wine - at home or at a restaurant - that wasn't good. At home, our strategy was to start with purchasing the least expensive wine and then work our way up. We haven't gotten "up" too far. Last week there was a sale on all kinds of wine from 1 euro to 3 euros per bottle. Perhaps the 1euro wine was my least favorite - a very light red - but it was still drinkable. The nero d'avola from Sicily for 3euros was really good! At the restaurants, asking for the house wine, we've never gone wrong.

Why am I writing about wine today? Because I had my share. Staying in today was not too difficult because for the first time the temperature dropped below 70 degrees and it was over-cast and rainy. I was still nursing my back so I could return to form soon....and, as part of my therapy, aside from soaking in a hot bath, I drank a few glasses of wine.

It was a busy day around the villa. The owner has been in town since last week and she has been here most days urging her workers to complete the guest room in the basement in time for our guests - who arrive on Wednesday. Not surprisingly, it will be down to the wire. Not to seem skeptical or anything, but we have a hotel booked as a back-up plan.

Did I mention that the piano was delivered last week? It had been "at the shop" since July. It was returned without being refinished (as was the intent) or even tuned. The owner was just so fed up she asked for it to be returned as is. She had paid for the roundtrip pick up and delivery - and all for nothing!

Lastly, I will report that the sporting clubs that were shut down last Thursday as part of the building scandal have yet to reopen. Other members don't seem too concerned as they believe this type of closure can last only a matter of days but not more than a week. Charlotte did have a swim practice today, but at the old C.C. Aniene club. Josh drove her over and reported that there was absolutely nothing wrong with the "old" pool, in fact he preferred the spectators' area.

Moving to Rome was to be an exercise in letting go, and not worrying about the things you can't control. I am still working on getting there mentally. But, should I succeed, I won't be worrying about very much.

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P.S. Christopher Columbus may have been Italian, but his discovery of America is not celebrated here.