Wow, it has been seven months since my last post, but I didn’t want to miss this opportunity to convey holiday greetings.
For many, 2020 has certainly been a year to remember, or perhaps, a year to forget. For us, it’s been a pretty wild ride since March including one emergency appendectomy; one cataract surgery each; several cancelled trips to Italy and a trip to Ireland; the purchase and remodel of our wonderful new condo; and finally, the sale of our lovely townhouse which held wonderful family memories of the last 15 years. Like so many, we used social media to stay connected with family and friends and happily reconnected with some friends for the first time in a long time. Through it all, we diligently wore our masks and managed to remain healthy!
The cancellation of our March trip to Italy set in motion a rather quick decision to move – from 42 internal stairs to a one floor condo in an elevator building. Our choice was all about the view, and happily we chose well. Who would have guessed we’d be spending so much time inside looking out? From early morning sunrises, to waves crashing over the break-wall, or moon lit ripples on Lake Michigan, Mother Nature has certainly kept us entertained.
Morning sunrises:
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A summer view:
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Chicago Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month:
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Fall Colors:
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A November walk along Chicago’s 18.5-mile Lakefront path.
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Stormy days:
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Moonlit nights:
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Historic Sights: Lindbergh Beacon on the Palmolive Building; Hancock Building glowing in red, white and blue; Ferris Wheel on Navy Pier
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And who needs a Christmas tree spotlight when the moon readily obliges!
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Whatever lies beneath my tree, my very best ever present arrived 28 years ago on Christmas day! Wishing a most HAPPY BIRTHDAY (albeit a bit strange this year) to our beautiful, (inside and out), and very talented daughter Benita!
©blogginginitaly.com (taken with her friends a few years back)
Wishing all a very
Merry Christmas, Buon Natale, Happy Holiday
and a little bit of sunshine to brighten your day.
©blogginginitaly.com
Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
Wonderful pictures coupled with the very visual dialogue. No reason to think things will not be improving and everyday getting better! Thank you for the flattering picture of Miss Christmas Our very best Merry Christmas
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Thanks Royce, and yes, we are anticipating a much improved 2021 for all! Happy New Year to you.
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Happy Birthday Benita!
Judy, Al and I are rolling on the floor laughing. We might have guessed you and Len would have discovered Wycliffe. You are the only friend we have seen with it. We buy it by the case!!! 🙂
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So funny because my daughter’s friends bought her that, not us. Truth be told, I was not familiar with it but leave it to you to catch it. Now we need to try it too.
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Buongiorno Judy, Len e Benita,
Vi auguro un Buon Natale nella vostra nuova e bellissima casa con una vista mozzafiato.
Vorrei essere li con voi…sarebbe bellissimo…ma con il mio ❤ ci sono..
Vi voglio bene.
Tanti Auguri a Benita per il suo compleanno!
Un abbraccio grande grande
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Grazie cara, e tu sei sempre con noi! Forse nel 2021!!!
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Well Judy and Len What can one say except a great blog. Great photos as always. As you stated a year to remember or forget but it is what it is and we will cope. Sandra and I are well and spending a quiet Christmas at home. Drove to our two daughters homes to spend a brief period visiting outside. The past couple of days. We are restricted here. We also dearly missed Cortona and all our friends there. Hope for better things in 2021. We have had a strange winter this year and our area was totally green but as I write this we are getting a white Christmas. They were forecasting up to 8 or 9 inches but I think we may end up with less. Want to wish the both of you and your family as good a Christmas as possible under the circumstances and a much better New Year. Stay Healthy Rudy and Sandra PS What are you doing up at midnight sending Bloggs?
Sent from my iPad
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Thanks for the update and so happy you were able to see your daughters, even if outside. We are well and definitely hoping for a fall return to Cortona, where we hope to see you too. And a midnight posting because I wanted it to post on 12/15. Besides, we had just finished watching the recorded live version of Hamilton with the original cast – just excellent, and with helpful subtitles. Stay well and Happy New Year to you both!
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Merry Christmas to you and your family!
What a wonderful move….a view of our beautiful lake is the best location and your view is spectacular! Wishing you a very special new year…💖
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Maureen, thanks for writing and really look forward to seeing you in person in 2021!
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This is beautiful, Judy and wonderful to share in your Christmas happiness. Different, we quickly add, but sounds like 2020 has been quite a spectacular year for you. And isn’t that success in life – taking adversity and turning into smiles and joy? I know you’re loving your condo…. had you been thinking of moving all along, would you have done this eventually anyhow or did staying home make you stop and think? We’re the same. Life has been similar for us, Sicily was cut short, Cortona didn’t happen, isolation has had its challenges but we’ve coped, we’re healthy and I’m espoused to a quote I discovered several months ago, “it’s the small daily things that happen that make life so spectacular.” Seriously, when small things happen and you take the time to notice, and smile even if it’s internally, it brings joy, satisfaction and peace. I can’t begin to tell you the small, silly things I’ve loved, and appreciated. So many things! Prior to this, they happened with little notice. So, on we go, and I still say were the lucky ones, bring retired, being Canadians. We chatted with friends by phone and emails in Cortona and environs and they’re having a tough time. Locals were discouraged in many ways by the influx of tourists thanks to Frances Mayes but they’d sure love to have them about town now. Italy is so incredible in so many ways but I wouldn’t change our freshness for a second! Anyhow, I’m listening to The Messiah and trying to think and write you at the same time. It’s not a small thing, enjoying the Messiah but it brings such joy to my quiet Christmas morning. Best wishes to both you and Len and happiest of birthdays to Benita! Such a day!! Abbracci, Sandra 💕💕💕💕
Just had a FaceTime call with our youngest daughter, her husband and our wonderful Grandchildren! Another big smile! Cheers and Ciao!! Sent from my iPad
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Sandra, yes, the little things truly do matter, and I am reminded of that each time I look out the windows. As for your question, we always knew we’d eventually move, but our Italy trips took precedence. In March, the only thing on our radar was when we could travel, but when “not this year” finally set it, we jumped in quickly. We can save the details for drinks at Tuscher or melanzane at Aldo’s, because we all know it’s just when, not if. Stay well and Happy New Year with lots of smiles to you both!
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Merry Christmas to you and your family. I’m glad you’re doing well.
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Thanks, Lyniece, and the same to you!
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Like the new condo view! Merry Christmas to all and Happy Birthday to beautiful Benita!
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JK, thanks for the wishes and the same to you!
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What a beautiful view! Hope you received our Christmas card. Merry Christmas and the healthiest New Year 2021.
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Thanks, Fil, and yes, we loved seeing your happy faces. Best to all of you in 2021!
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Judy,
Loved your holiday post and photos. Despite not being able to return to Cortona, see your friends and live your Italian life you have certainly made the most of 2020. We miss you two and look forward to seeing you in Cortona. Health and Happiness in 2021.Felice Capodanno.
Susan and Ray
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Sandra e Ray, Spero tutto va bene. xoxox
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Thanks, Susan, and the same to you. Get your tickets soon so you won’t have FOMO! We’ll be there waiting.
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Very, very beautiful!Ivan
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Grazie Ivan, speriamo che voi possiate visitare un giorno!
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Thank you for the lovely pictures.
Lakeshore Drive brings back lots of
Memories, where Albert learned to drive.
Happy New Year in your new home.
Hopefully we can visit our beloved places
in Europe’s beauty’s.
We had a wonderful Christmas at Norbert
& Grace’s. House, with the family all together, including my great granddaughter Avery.
Love , Magda and Family
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Beautiful! You, the view, your daughter! Merry Christmas, Buon Compleanno. Hope to see you in 2021.
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Thanks and a very Merry Christmas to you!
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Oh Magda, we loved your card and seeing you with your family. How wonderful for you to have a great granddaughter!! And how funny that Albert learned to drive on our street. I hope we can all visit Europe next year, fingers crossed. Love to all of you, Judy
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Judy, please send your new address. I love your blog -thanks for sharing your adventures. Any chance you will be in Naples, FL this winter? If so, let me know. I will be there third week of January til third week of February.
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Kathy,
Thanks for the note and I will send you an email! Judy
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