Back in the U.S.A. by Hart

As some of you may remember, back in August, I was alone with the children for 3 weeks while Justin started working in Italy. I had them start school since I still had no idea if or when the company would send us out to join him. Finally, we were given the green light, and 3 days later we were on a plane to Venice.

The first two months in Treviso were spent at Palazzo Brando, which is the Italian version of the Residence Inn. It was a great place for us to start, to get used to the town & lifestyle, and to make some friends.

Then we moved into the house that we found our first week in Italy (but had to wait for) in the beginning of November. This was a wonderful change - but then no internet for a month! Just as we were starting to get settled in, everything was unpacked, kitchen was stocked with dishes & pots & pans, we hired someone to help keep the house clean (sorry, but I can't watch 3 kids & clean 4 bathrooms on my own!), our 90 days in Italy was up. In fact, Justin was in the U.S. for the last 3 weeks because he was waiting for his work visa to be issued. That didn't happen in time, so we all had to leave.

Boo hoo.

This time, I didn't have to fly with the kids on my own. Justin flew out last Thursday - got stuck for 10 hours in the Frankfurt airport & luggage never arrived. Then, on Saturday, we all flew back together. Well, now I just sound like I'm complaining, but Justin reminded me that we've had so much amazing luck lately, things were bound to have to balance out at some point.

Now we are renting a little beach cottage in Santa Cruz, visiting with friends and family, and getting ready to enjoy the holidays here in the U.S. Yesterday we bought a little tree & decorated it this morning. I'm happy to see that beautiful angel on top - couldn't have used her in Italy because the plugs are different. We drove down "Christmas Tree Lane" in Palo Alto, & there are radio stations that only play Christmas music here. Things are feeling festive.

The most important thing for me, though, and the children, is stability. This is something we haven't had in our lives for 4 months now. It is taking a toll on all of us. So, after the holidays, my hope is to return to Italy, settle down, and stay put for a while - get back to studying Italian, making new friends, eating & drinking well, and enjoying la dolce vida.

Aack, what am I saying? Let's have la dolce vida here!!!