If you happen to be like us, people of a certain age, you have probably been getting calls from your “not of a certain age” adult children/relatives. The “How are you?” conversation quickly turns to your current activities, or the limits they are “suggesting”: Order online, cancel unnecessary appointments, call for whatever you need, avoid social interactions, hunker down, etc., etc. Hardly before you can answer, the suggestions become quasi mandates, followed by a plea for rationality. You’re hooked, but you also know you are loved.
One suggestion, however, from our daughter who is an editor in the food industry, is not a restriction but a great suggestion: Don’t forget to Order Out! She loves her neighborhood and worries about the restaurants that might not survive, so she’s making it a habit of ordering out a few times a week. And she reminds us to do the same.
So we started last night. Our two usual “go to dine-in” restaurants in the neighborhood are Casati’s and Riccardos, both Italian and both delicious. Last night we ordered from Casati’s. Stefano, the owner, personally thanked us when we called in our order. We learned that in Illinois (and some other states), restaurants can deliver alcohol via in-house delivery, third-party delivery, drive-through, and curbside pick-up. As Stefano said, “For many, ordering wine will be much cheaper than seeing a divorce lawyer!” Touché! And so we will continue to support them and others in the neighborhood during our social distancing.
As for Italy, we should have been landing in la bella Italia next week, reconnecting, hugging, eating, drinking, walking, enjoying our second home, and sharing our adventures. Instead, our hearts are with the people, the country, and especially our friends with whom we are in regular contact. And like the sunflowers, we will be back, we will be back.
©blogginginitaly.com
Let’s hope the Italians are right when they say, Andrà tutto bene! Everything will be ok.
Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
During this challenging time I’ve been thinking of you and all those who are dear to you in Italy. Here’s hoping the situation improves quickly. Their spirit appears to be so very special.
All the best to you and your family,
Maureen (Mack) Lawler
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Thanks for your nice thoughts, Maureen. We do hope the situation improves quickly, but we also recognize it will take some time. And you are right, we talk to someone there almost daily and their spirits are high. They have seen lows before, and they always manage to come through. My best to you and your family as well, and stay healthy!
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It seems like a lifetime ago but hard to believe that only 10 weeks ago I wrote this about your beautiful sunset:
“In California there are gorgeous sunsets over the ocean. Across the Pacific we experienced strange smog in Beijing that combined industrial smoke with sandstorms off the Gobi desert. I doubt that many Californians are aware that smog travels across the Pacific to bless California with beauty.
Beautiful sunsets should remind us that we are connected with the whole world and all its peoples.”
Tel Len that in another 5 weeks Al’s magic number is 87 and still going strong.
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I liked what you wrote then, and reading it again now as well. And please send me an email with Al’s birthday date. We don’t want to miss that for sure! Len says, “Al’s my hero!”
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The unwitting metaphor of the smog from Beijing coming to the US and all of us being interconnected was written while all this was happening and we were oblivious.
I will climb back up to my Tibetan mountain to meditate again.
I hope good healing thoughts result this time because I find the coincidence a bit unnerving.
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Nice to hear from you. Certainly nice thoughts in these times of uncertainty. Undoubtedly Italy is Missing You and Len as much as the Gingerellas are Missing Italy. It doesn’t always work out as planned but it always works out. My Best
________________________________
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Good to hear from you too. Do they have carry out in Colville ??
And you are so right: it doesn’t always work out as planned but it always works out. And we are so confident it will. Best back to you.
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Sent from my iPhone
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These are crazy times but what you wrote about people calling and you feeling loved…is so true. I’m constantly checking on my parents. Even calling more than I usually do. Stay safe cara!! Hope one day we can make that meeting happen??
Much love from India,
Ishita
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Whatever the new normal becomes, we’ll figure out how to adapt. I’ve already had several WhatsApp calls this morning😂! Thanks and stay well!! 🤗
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Thanks!!
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We are so lucky to have family and neighbors to support and be supported by. It seems strange to look around here in Chicago and see the springtime continuing as if nothing else is going on. We can enjoy this a bit at least, although our thoughts are elsewhere for the moment. I like the last line. Everything will be OK and the Italy we love will be even more special for the wait to see her again.
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This morning one of my Italian friends sent me a short video of her dancing and singing, I.e., her new exercise program! I think keeping in touch is the best that we can do for ourselves and others. And of course my husband and I watch a show in Italian every night, keeping up our language skills. We are nearly completing all the Montalbano episodes for the umpteenth time, and eagerly awaiting the 2 new ones that will be released in US later this month. I also love your reviews!! As for Chicago, yes we are lucky to have so many lovely places to walk. And we are trying to support our local eateries! Carry Out and Stay well!
💪🇮🇹
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You too, take care!
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One of our local restaurants said that on a normal night they get 50 or 60 takeout orders. Last night they got 392
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Thanks, love hearing this!!
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