A gray Sunday but it’s my normal laundry day, because the electricity is cheapest on a Sunday, so I’m just enjoying a quiet day. Starting Tuesday the temperatures are really warming up. Daytime from 15 to 18 or about 60 to 65. Not too bad.
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This past week I made progress on the inscrutable Italian health system. It can be hard to get appointments here, especially if you want a location or a doctor specifically. But my doctor wants me to see a Hematologist because she has some concerns about my blood tests. She specified the appointment was urgent and was to be within ten days. Mainly this was to speed it up, not because it was really urgent. I went to the CUP in the Farmacia (they make appointments) who said I would get an SMS with the appointment. Which I did, the next day! So I’ve got an appointment next week. I’m not concerned at this time but it needs to be checked I guess. And I really am only writing about the process, which involves a steep learning curve. I am on the wait list for two other appointments. If it’s not an emergency it can take some time.
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Meanwhile I worked at Books for Dogs/Libri per i Cani yesterday. I’ve written before but this time I took a few pictures so you could get an idea of the shop. The charity supports two canile which are kennels for rescued dogs plus one other which rescues anything that needs help. I love that she, and she does this all alone, does this.

We get a constant stream of people either donating things for us to sell or those who love to browse for a bargain. We keep busy checking people out and also pricing and displaying the goods. There are a lot of regulars too. Some I like. Some are a bit of a pain. Yesterday a woman came in just at closing and spent a lot of time browsing. She had several things but wanted me to throw in a set of measuring cups that were priced at €2.00. Well, I wasn’t in the mood at that time so I looked at her and said “it’s for the animals”. She put them back. 🙄 Here is the shop. You may notice the Italians are dressed like for the Arctic? Stocking caps and puffer coats. Yeah. They wear these until June. They dress for the calendar, not the weather. To each their own, right?! 🤣


You can get some bargains there for sure. People sometimes bring in Armani designer items and other designer things. The goods do tend to turn over pretty quickly. They also sell furniture. They rent a garage for the bigger things and there is a catalog with pictures. This three piece set of antique inlaid dresser and bedside tables is in the shop. They are asking only €240 for the three.

They also sponsor fun things like quiz nights and bingo at a local restaurant. The quizzes are in English but the bingo is very popular with the Italians too.
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Bathroom. Slow but steady progress. It is amazing how much work goes into a small bathroom. Floor with spacers.

Grouted floor.

Grouted wall.

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Italians have something similar to our chicken soup. Not literally but the food that you eat when you’re not feeling great. Called pasta in bianca, pastina in brodo, riso in bianco or maybe straciatella (egg drop soup). All light and comforting. I made my version this week. It is a soup of pasta in a nice home made chicken broth with a bit of greens. Very much a classic and light comfort food. This is mine 😋

Buona domenica a tutti!
Civilization
Hey Carlo, I’m very curious too about the shower. I think maybe something will happen on that tomorrow. My architect is gone to Sri Lanka for 3 weeks so I’m interacting with Alessandra, the boss of the muratore team.
Buona domenica Nancy! First, all the best to you regarding the medical test outcomes! Secondly, thank you for your active support of rescue animals. Way too many are horribly mistreated by [in]humans. Finally, you’re killing me! I’m dying to see what the tile work around the round shower floor center piece will look like! Ciao!
Hi Liz, I’ve been meaning to write! My sister is battling multiple myeloma right now and that’s why the doc wanted to me to get checked. The boys are good, for old men 🙂. I think Rocky is a bit senile but more friendly every day. He sleeps between us every night. Simba is getting deaf but still insists on the lap and is extremely demanding and vocal about it. Funny guys. I sure will miss them when they are gone. I heard from a Toronto friend your winter has been very cold. Hoping spring comes early!
Hi Dotti, I think practically every person who came in yesterday picked up that bag 😁. It’s square on the bottom, so kind of unusual. You can get good stuff in the shop if you’re lucky.
Hi Nancy. I hope all goes well with your tests. I sometimes get a check for multiple myeloma, but so far so good. I am sure you will be fine. How are the boyz. They are probably hoping the renovations end soon. We are all looking forward to warmer weather. Sending good thoughts your way.
Buon pomeriggio! I was virtually shopping in the “Libri per I Cani” store!😁 the pretty cream sweater jacket on the rack to the left, the light cognac weekend bag to the right etc. what a meraviglioso idea! Like others I hope all is well with your test. Hugs from Missouri in the USA. Dotti
Hi Matt, thanks. I don’t know if I should be concerned or not. I guess that’s what the doctor will tell me. My sister is battling multiple myeloma right now and my doctor thought it prudent that I be checked out. I guess I agree.
Nancy – Love your posts! My fingers are crossed for you big-time, healthwise.