putting in the garden

I'm outside working in my garden, just like a true Italian would be doing. It's finally stopped raining in South Texas and the sun is out. I'm trying a new technique of 'no til gardening' where you break up the ground with a pitchfork and add a layer of compost. You then wait a few days to put in your plants. We have been growing cucumbers and squash in pots from seeds and are anxious to get them in the ground. After church tomorrow I plan on buying some tomato plants to put in the ground. I'm out there listening to Josh Groban CDs and all I can think of is our days in Italy. The last time we were there we were looking for property with gardens. If we end up going the apartment route we will have to do a terrazzo garden or rent a small plot to grow on which is readily available in the Sarnano area. I guess I could grow a winter garden in Texas and a summer garden in Italy. The best of both worlds. Gardening is a passion along with cooking what I grow. Speaking about food. My old truck driver student from Canada, George, who has been making a run to Mexico weekly brought us some homemade Ukrainian perogis. It's been great to hook up with him again after 30 some odd years. We used to do so many outdoor education trips together back in Ontario and we share the love of the outdoors together. Someday I'll write about my 'George' story for you. Gotta go back to work while the sun is still great.

The Dollar is a Concern

My wife Lynda and I are getting ready for a move to Italy in two years when we retire. We have been traveling to Sarnano, Italy and looking for property. We almost bought a house in November there but the dollar tumbled and has continued to tumble recently. This house had everything we were looking for in a place there. It was even furnished. We got approved for a mortgage and I think we could have afforded it since the price was right. Unfortunately the US government has made it impossible at this time to purchase with the dollar being $1.33 to the Euro. One year ago it was around $1.19. That is quite a change. We might have to change our plans and purchase a cheaper apartment instead of a single home. We have done lots of research but need to take more time. Hopefully in two years the Democrats will have rectified this situation. Perhaps we will not be spending billions on war also. God bless the troops but bring them home soon.