Sharing Cortona with Family and Friends

7 Dec

As you probably know, Len and I spent nearly three months in Cortona this fall. It was a time to be with local friends, make new ones, and share our “second” home with visitors. What we love about sharing is that when people leave, they always say the same thing: “Now we get it!” Seeing Cortona through our eyes and meeting our local friends easily answers any questions about why we return year after year.

Something that made me especially happy is that each of my siblings has now visited us in Cortona. In 2012, my brother Bill and his family visited Len, Benita and me,

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as well as son Michael.

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Then this year, my sister Alexis and her family came for a special birthday celebration.

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And a week later, my sister Florence and her husband stopped by after a trip through the Dolomites.

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Several Chicago and Austin visitors came through on their way to and from other destinations:

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There was the usual contingent of friends who frequent Cortona,

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plus new friends we made this year:

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And finally, there were those we missed who were with us in spirit:

This ancient city and its history are incredible, but what really brings us back are the local friends who have welcomed us into their lives and into their homes, truly allowing us to feel as though we are no longer tourists but Cortonese.

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With apologies to those whose photos are MIA, our heartfelt thanks to all for a wonderful fall in Cortona. Till we embrace again, saluti!

And if you are wondering why we always seem to have a glass in our hands, well, perchè no?

Cheers,
Judy

Comments 8 Comments
Categories My Blog about Italy

8 Responses to “Sharing Cortona with Family and Friends”

jean December 7, 2015 at 10:22 PM #

Wow! You really were busy! Thanks for squeezing in an evening, Judy & Len.
See you next year!
Jean & Al

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- blogginginitaly December 7, 2015 at 11:06 PM #
  
  Next year we need to get a photo together!
  
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  - jean December 7, 2015 at 11:40 PM #
    
    That’s a challenge. We try to never slow down enough.
    But looking forward to seeing you both again.
    BTW – Ilaria took one of me climbing one of Lapo’s Olive trees – that was cool. 🙂
    
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Sandy Holswade December 7, 2015 at 11:23 PM #

Fabulous Judy!

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Florence C. Connelly December 8, 2015 at 7:19 AM #

Bellisima !! Great memories !! xoxo

Florence C. Connelly faclarsen@aol.com

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Sandra December 8, 2015 at 7:57 AM #

Great post, can’t believe how many guests you had! You have 2 sisters and 1 brother? Can sure see The family resemblance! You and your sisters are mirror image……part your hair on opposite sides! Have to assume you bought the down coat there? You didn’t bring that did you? Looks like a great time and it was but have to say, it’s nice to be home! Have a wonderful Christmas. Very mild here, looks like a green Christmas ahead! Sandy

Sent from my iPad

>

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- blogginginitaly December 8, 2015 at 2:06 PM #
  
  We all really do look alike.I did have my sister bring the down coat for me and I used it a lot. Such a fun time and really enjoyed meeting you two over olive picking!
  
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Diana December 8, 2015 at 8:31 AM #

What a fun year!!!! And such beautiful people I have to say! Lovely photos!

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