Many, many thanks to all for the thoughtful birthday wishes, calls, emails, FB posts, etc., I’ve received. Since the most common theme was “Hope you have a great day!”, I wanted to share my day with you.
Some dear friends treated me to a grand lunch at Fischio del Merlo (whistle of the Merlo bird) in Passignano, another new restaurant for me.
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The setting, overlooking Lake Trasimeno, is so peaceful, especially on a Monday afternoon.
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The idea to come here was Loreno’s, as the restaurant is owned and operated by his sister Lorena. She started with a pizzeria on the lake, then built this entire place over the last 20 years.
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As Fischio del Merlo is so much more than a restaurant, a tour of the grounds was our first line of business.
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There are so many places to eat, whether around the glistening pool;
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under one of the sun drenched canopies filled with hand painted ceramic tables from Deruta;
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inside one of the many inviting and interesting rooms;
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or surrounded by a wonderful wine collection in the cantina.
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The attention to detail is amazing as Lorena is a collector of many things, including antique cars and this vespa.
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Len and I gave our best version of Roman Holiday…
©Roman Holiday
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Then it was time for lunch. Our al fresco table was ready and so were we. And since the large weekend crowds were gone, Lorena could spend time with us.
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We asked Lorena to choose the meal, and in traditional Italian style, the plates kept coming and coming, in between many toasts with delicious wines.
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We asked to see the chef and gave him a hearty applause! Lorena hired him 20 years ago and taught him well…I know, he hardly even looks 20. And that’s Bruno in the back.
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When I thought we couldn’t eat another thing, out came this delicious light white cake covered in chocolate, fresh raspberries, rose petals, mint, and a flower made from melon – served with one’s choice of digestivo.
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Following a chorus of Tanti Auguri, it was time for me to make a wish, blow out the candle, and thank my wonderful hosts.
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To Len, …”like birds of a feather we stick together… “(My Guy)
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and to our dear friends and fellow orto planters, (L-R) Carlo, Bruna, Loreno, and Fernanda,
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thank you so very much for a beautiful birthday filled with wonderful food, laughter and smiles, and best of all, your friendship.
Ai nostri cari amici e colleghi di orto, vi ringrazio molto per un bel compleanno pieno di cibo meraviglioso, risate e sorrisi, e, soprattutto, la vostra amicizia!
And a final note, you can have a simple meal here as well, and if seafood isn’t your thing, no problem. The restaurant is located just off the Passignano est exit, or just a short drive after you pass through the town.
So, did I have a great day? INDEED I DID! Will I be back? Indeed I will!
Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
Looks like it was a very wise choice to let the restaurant owner pick the meal
Vincent J. Connelly
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It sure was!
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Oh my God – the pictures of you and Len are fabulous! Judy – you look like you are 30 !!! Honestly – life in Italy truly agrees with you 😉 The food looked mouth-watering. What a perfect birthday. I can’t believe you are 66…..so happy for you guys – it is obvious you are still young and in-love – no matter what the calendar says !!!
Sending love, Florence xo
Florence C. Connelly faclarsen@aol.com
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Thanks, Florence, you are too kind but we are so lucky – life is good! xoxo
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Could it be any more perfect??? What a glorious celebration!! xoxo
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It was perfect – truly! xoxo
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Happy Birthday Judy! What a wonderful day you had. How have you stayed so thin with all that mouth-watering food. You look fabulous!! So happy for you and Len.
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Thanks, Sandy, wear black, it helps!!!
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Your birthday looked amazing!
Wonderful!
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It really was!!!
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A belated happy birthday. Looks like the perfect way to celebrate. Barbara
On Tue, May 23, 2017 at 11:18 AM, Blogging In Italy wrote:
> blogginginitaly posted: “Many, many thanks to all for the thoughtful > birthday wishes, calls, emails, FB posts, etc., I’ve received. Since the > most common theme was “Hope you have a great day!”, I wanted to share my > day with you. Some dear friends treated me to a grand lunch at” >
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It was truly perfect! Thanks!
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Happy Birthday Judy! You both look great! Looking forward to seeing you at anniversary time. And since you like songs to go with the pictures of you two together how about Bessie Smith’s “a good man nowadays is hard to find”.
My fella’s birthday is in a few days in Toronto.
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Thanks and mine is coming up in August! Happy Birthday to Al!
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Yesterday didn’t go as planned and i didn’t get home in time to wish you a very Happy Birthday. I am so glad to read you enjoyed your day. Keep creating memories and sharing with us. Have a great day, today, too.
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Thanks, Lisa, and not to worry, I am still basking in the warmth of the day. So nice to hear from you!!
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Thanks for all the gorgeous photos and details! Looks like a great option for our 40th wedding anniversary next fall. Belated Happy Birthday, Judy.
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Thanks, ReVae, a perfect place indeed! They have a special room call the Blu room that you might also enjoy, depending on the weather.
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O Dio! Che bello!
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Veramente bellissima!!!
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET GIRL! SO MANY HAPPY MEMORIES WITH ALL YOUR LOVED ONES, YOU COULDN’T HAVE ASKED FOR A NICER DAY! 💟 HUGS, VAL
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Thanks and so very true!!!
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Aloha & Happy Belated Birthday Judy,
Love all the photos especially the ones of you and Leonard on the Vespa – “Look Ma, no hands”.
All the Best,
Charles on island
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Thanks, Charles. Can you imagine what he might have been doing if we were actually on the streets of Rome?
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Simply beautiful in every way!
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Thanks, JK, it truly was!
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Happy Birthday Judy,
Looks like you had a wonderful time!
Best wishes,
Gustavo and Hilary
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As I said, Indeed I did! Thanks!
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Happy Birthday, Judy! What a wonderful celebration!
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A true Italian birthday!
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Judy, it sounded like a beautiful birthday. Happy belated birthday.
Sent from my iPhone
>
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Grazie, Filocia!
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Grazie a Dio per il dono della vita! Cent’anni della salute!
P. Carlo Faso OFM
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Si, si! Grazie!!
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