Almost arrivederci

Last night we had everyone here for dinner, and it was such fun sitting comfortably around our table, in all manner of apparel, feasting on a beautiful meal made by El. Pinsimonio, a new-to-me, absolutely delightful appetizer a bit like crudités, started the evening off with a fresh bang: raw fennel, carrots and artichokes sliced and served with a dipping bowl of good olive oil and sale grosso, coarse salt. Delicious! Then on to risotto with mushrooms and gorgonzola, and finally chicken with capers and oregano. It was really, really fantastic, and I will remake the whole meal many times in the future. Today has been lovely as well. By now it should go without saying that the weather is glorious. Perfect! We walked to La Scuola del Cuoio, the leather school right behind and attached to Santa Croce, to meet Elia who, as a grand negotiator, was going to help Tom attempt to get the price down on a stunning leather jacket I suggested might make a terrific birthday gift. They were wildly successful. Bravo!

In the meantime, the boys and I explored and found some treasures and great views. Here's a sampling.

The leather school is a beautiful place and really quite interesting. We got Fashion Jack a belt, and they measured it to fit him perfectly, cut it down and then stamped his initials on it in gold. He is extremely proud. Oliver did not want a belt. He wanted the tool the craftsman used to imprint the gold leaf. Naturally.

Mom and Dad are taking the kids on an outing this afternoon while T and I pack a little and enjoy the city for a few last hours. It will be good to get home, but this has really been a terrific 10 days.