Wednesday was the last night in Cortona of our 9th stay, and also happened to be our 30th anniversary.
We began the day with a wonderful walk through the parterre, bathed in sunshine and enjoying the magnificent October weather and views.
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We ended the evening, surrounded by friends, at our favorite Tuscher Caffè.
We had told Massimo and Daniela we wanted to host a Brindisi D’Anniversario, or Anniversary Toast, with simple finger food…but of course, they always do so much more than expected.
We arrived a bit early to find Dani and Edoardo making the final touches on the buffet…
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and Massimo ready to open the Prosecco.
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The food was not only delicious, but so creative!
As we waited for our guests, Len rehearsed his toast. When all had assembled, we took our first group photo. Well done, Francesco!
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After more toasts and eating, Len asked for attention. He began by apologizing for his Italian, but was quickly reassured by the group that his effort was well appreciated. Toasting our friends in his best Italian, he thanked them for their sincere friendship and for making us truly feel that Cortona is our second home.
And then he turned to me, with these words, also in Italian… “You are the butter on my bread and the fire in my heart.” Melted.
While the food was being cleared, we made some attempts at gender photos…
And then we were doubly surprised by the dessert…
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First, that it was a gift from dear friends from Toronto, Carrol and Larry, and second, that all this time I thought I was married to LEN! (Technology can be great as we were able to FaceTime them in Toronto while cutting the cake!)
Such a wonderful evening, full of laughter, smiles, stories, and most of all dear friends.
30 years ago,
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And today…
As I reflect on the the past 30 years, what comes to mind most is how blessed we have been and how thankful we are for our loving family, our dear friends, and our ongoing adventures.
Hoping to get just one more group photo before we departed, we stopped a person walking by outside and asked him to take a photo. It was quickly evident this was not something he was used to doing… with his finger half over the lens and quite shaky!
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But alas, with pure luck, he took this. A little finger shadow top left, but all in all, a great memory of a wonderful evening!
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Many thanks to Daniela and Massimo for their hard work…we so love having parties at Tuscher. And our heartfelt love and thanks to family and friends, whether with us at Tuscher or from far away, for the wonderful anniversary wishes. I hope they all do come true and that we have many more years to celebrate.
And yes, after 30 years, I am still saying “I Do!”
Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
Tanti Auguri Judy & Len!
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Grazie, Julia. Time for cena soon!
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Judy and Len-
You are so loved by everyone who crosses your path! Blessings to you both on a life shared with passion, purpose and generosity.
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Thanks so much, JK! Hugs to you!
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Dear Judy and Len,
Happy Anniversary!! You have not changed an iota from your wedding day. Buz and I want whatever you’re drinking! How wonderful to spend your anniversary in Cortona with so many friends. Thank you for sharing your wonderful months in that heavenly place! Hope we can get together when you get back to Chicago. Love and hugs, Florence
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Thanks Florence, You are too kind but I agree, it’s the Italian wine and lifestyle! 20 years ago we celebrated my parents’ 50th with them and all sibs/spouses in Italy. Such a fun way to celebrate our history and the present. xo
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Congratulations! What a wonderful way to celebrate an anniversary!
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Thanks, Lyniece, I definitely agree and hope you get there someday too.
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What a wonderful way to end your stay! Happy Anniversary!
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Yes, Sandy, the timing was perfect. And so happy we’ve shared times at Tuscher together too! xo
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Wonderful stuff – Congrats!
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Thanks so much!
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CONGRATULATIONS JUDY & LEONARD on your 30th Anniversary!!!
Your smiles are bigger now than on that first day. What a life, beautiful and a great model for all of us to emulate. 🙂 When I read Len’s quote my eyes swelled up with love. “You are the butter on my bread and the fire in my heart.” Melted.
All the Best,
Charles on Oahu
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Charles, thanks so much. Mine did the same when he said it and I wrote it. All the best to you as well!
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Congratulations Judy and Len! Such a nice way to celebrate your 30 years together! I see Jean made it too, awesome!
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Thanks, Yvonne. Hope to see you soon!
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Nicely done, Judy! It was a wonderful evening, great that it exceeded your expectations and know they were high! Also have to day, Lem has changed more than you! Brava! Might have said it before, but congratulations and here’s to the next 30! Well done and what a wonderful toast Len proposed to you! Enjoy being home now, Cortona is special of course but there’s no place like home! Sandra 💕
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Thanks, Sandra. So happy you and Rudy could join us. And I’ll be sure to let LEM know of your comment…:-)) And yes, there is no place like home!
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How wonderful!! Happy 30th anniversary! This looked like a most joyous celebration. Wishing a couple who are beautiful inside and out many more happy, healthy years together. 🙂
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Thanks, Julia, wish you could have been with us. And I’ll gladly accept your wishes! xo
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Would love to have been a fly on the wall, I know it was just fabulous!
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No need to be a fly on the wall. Would have enjoyed seeing you!
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Happy anniversary
It was almost like being there!
Thank you and welcome back
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Thanks and thanks!
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Tanti auguri!! 🙂
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Grazie 😊
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Grazie!
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Congratulations. What a lovely couple you are. So love following your adventures, especially in the wonderful Cortona and Tuscany. Cheers from me in Port Lincoln South Australia
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Thanks so much, nice to hear from you!
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Siete meravigliosi! Anche i mei auguri, affettuosi, per una ricorrenza tanto speciale e arrivederci. Ester
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Grazie e forse un caffè o vino insieme in 2018!
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Judy your fabulous party was the high point of our trip! You are indeed the toast of Cortona.
I thought giving Len the Jewish name Lemuel after the cake was a flight of fancy but Al tells me that scholars say Lemuel was a reference to King Solomon.
So it is a tribute to the wisdom of Len in marrying a lady who does not seem to have aged one day since her wedding!
Next time we meet you have to tell me your secret.
And we look forward to celebrating the next 30 with you.
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Thanks, Jean, you are too kind. So glad you could be with us!
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Auguri!
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God bless you “I do’s” as you begin yet another year of living life to the full!
Safe trip home. Be well and continued blessings by the dozens!
Fr Chuck
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Grazie and hope we can one day break pane in 🇮🇹! Stay well!!
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So beautifull!!Congraturation! Siete una coppia splendida un esempio anche per noi!Con immenso affetto Silvia e Cristian
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Grazie Silvia e Cristian!
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