(8432,1,'2011-12-13 21:38:15','2011-12-14 04:38:15','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-663/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped it into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-72','','','2011-12-13 21:38:15','2011-12-14 04:38:15','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-72/',0,'revision','',0),(8428,1,'2011-12-13 21:36:02','2011-12-14 04:36:02','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-663/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-68','','','2011-12-13 21:36:02','2011-12-14 04:36:02','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-68/',0,'revision','',0),(8429,1,'2011-12-13 21:36:02','2011-12-14 04:36:02','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-663/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-69','','','2011-12-13 21:36:02','2011-12-14 04:36:02','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-69/',0,'revision','',0),(8430,1,'2011-12-13 21:37:29','2011-12-14 04:37:29','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-663/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped it into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-70','','','2011-12-13 21:37:29','2011-12-14 04:37:29','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-70/',0,'revision','',0),(8431,1,'2011-12-13 21:37:29','2011-12-14 04:37:29','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-663/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped it into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-71','','','2011-12-13 21:37:29','2011-12-14 04:37:29','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-71/',0,'revision','',0),(8435,1,'2011-12-13 21:42:34','2011-12-14 04:42:34','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd now for a brief rewind to 3 months ago...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to the Thanksgiving visit...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped it into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-75','','','2011-12-13 21:42:34','2011-12-14 04:42:34','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-75/',0,'revision','',0),(8436,1,'2011-12-13 21:43:53','2011-12-14 04:43:53','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd now for a brief rewind to 3 months ago...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to the Thanksgiving visit...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped it into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-76','','','2011-12-13 21:43:53','2011-12-14 04:43:53','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-76/',0,'revision','',0),(8437,1,'2011-12-13 21:43:54','2011-12-14 04:43:54','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd now for a brief rewind to 3 months ago...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to the Thanksgiving visit...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped it into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-77','','','2011-12-13 21:43:54','2011-12-14 04:43:54','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-77/',0,'revision','',0),(8438,1,'2011-12-13 21:45:38','2011-12-14 04:45:38','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd now for a brief rewind to 3 months ago...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to the Thanksgiving visit...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped it into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-78','','','2011-12-13 21:45:38','2011-12-14 04:45:38','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-78/',0,'revision','',0),(8439,1,'2011-12-13 21:45:39','2011-12-14 04:45:39','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd now for a brief rewind to 3 months ago...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to the Thanksgiving visit...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped it into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-79','','','2011-12-13 21:45:39','2011-12-14 04:45:39','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-79/',0,'revision','',0),(8444,1,'2011-12-13 21:50:54','2011-12-14 04:50:54','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>And now for a brief rewind to 3 months ago...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>Back to the Thanksgiving visit...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped it into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-84','','','2011-12-13 21:50:54','2011-12-14 04:50:54','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-84/',0,'revision','',0),(8440,1,'2011-12-13 21:48:02','2011-12-14 04:48:02','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>And now for a brief rewind to 3 months ago...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>Back to the Thanksgiving visit...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped it into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-80','','','2011-12-13 21:48:02','2011-12-14 04:48:02','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-80/',0,'revision','',0),(8447,1,'2011-12-13 21:51:50','2011-12-14 04:51:50','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>And now for a brief rewind to 3 months ago...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>Back to the Thanksgiving visit...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped it into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-87','','','2011-12-13 21:51:50','2011-12-14 04:51:50','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-87/',0,'revision','',0),(8441,1,'2011-12-13 21:48:02','2011-12-14 04:48:02','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>And now for a brief rewind to 3 months ago...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>Back to the Thanksgiving visit...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped it into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-81','','','2011-12-13 21:48:02','2011-12-14 04:48:02','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-81/',0,'revision','',0),(8442,1,'2011-12-13 21:50:22','2011-12-14 04:50:22','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>And now for a brief rewind to 3 months ago...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>Back to the Thanksgiving visit...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped it into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-82','','','2011-12-13 21:50:22','2011-12-14 04:50:22','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-82/',0,'revision','',0),(8443,1,'2011-12-13 21:50:22','2011-12-14 04:50:22','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>And now for a brief rewind to 3 months ago...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>Back to the Thanksgiving visit...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped it into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-83','','','2011-12-13 21:50:22','2011-12-14 04:50:22','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-83/',0,'revision','',0),(8445,1,'2011-12-13 21:50:54','2011-12-14 04:50:54','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>And now for a brief rewind to 3 months ago...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>Back to the Thanksgiving visit...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped it into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-85','','','2011-12-13 21:50:54','2011-12-14 04:50:54','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-85/',0,'revision','',0),(8446,1,'2011-12-13 21:51:50','2011-12-14 04:51:50','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>And now for a brief rewind to 3 months ago...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>Back to the Thanksgiving visit...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped it into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-86','','','2011-12-13 21:51:50','2011-12-14 04:51:50','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-86/',0,'revision','',0),(8448,1,'2011-12-13 21:53:12','2011-12-14 04:53:12','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>And now for a brief rewind to 3 months ago...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>Back to the Thanksgiving visit...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped it into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was more than worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-88','','','2011-12-13 21:53:12','2011-12-14 04:53:12','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-88/',0,'revision','',0),(8449,1,'2011-12-13 21:53:12','2011-12-14 04:53:12','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>And now for a brief rewind to 3 months ago...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>Back to the Thanksgiving visit...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped it into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was more than worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-89','','','2011-12-13 21:53:12','2011-12-14 04:53:12','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-89/',0,'revision','',0),(8450,1,'2011-12-13 21:54:45','2011-12-14 04:54:45','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>And now for a brief rewind to 3 months ago...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>Back to the Thanksgiving visit...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my Man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped it into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was more than worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-90','','','2011-12-13 21:54:45','2011-12-14 04:54:45','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-90/',0,'revision','',0),(8452,1,'2011-12-13 21:54:45','2011-12-14 04:54:45','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>And now for a brief rewind to 3 months ago...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>Back to the Thanksgiving visit...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my Man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped it into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was more than worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-91','','','2011-12-13 21:54:45','2011-12-14 04:54:45','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-91/',0,'revision','',0),(8453,1,'2011-12-13 22:24:45','2011-12-14 05:24:45','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8451\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8451\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200281-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>And now for a brief rewind to 3 months ago...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>Back to the Thanksgiving visit...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my Man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped it into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was more than worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-92','','','2011-12-13 22:24:45','2011-12-14 05:24:45','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-92/',0,'revision','',0),(8454,1,'2011-12-13 22:24:45','2011-12-14 05:24:45','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8451\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8451\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200281-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>And now for a brief rewind to 3 months ago...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>Back to the Thanksgiving visit...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my Man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped it into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was more than worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-93','','','2011-12-13 22:24:45','2011-12-14 05:24:45','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-93/',0,'revision','',0),(8455,1,'2011-12-13 22:25:50','2011-12-14 05:25:50','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8451\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8451\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200281-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>And now for a brief rewind to 3 months ago...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>Back to the Thanksgiving visit...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my Man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped it into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was more than worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-94','','','2011-12-13 22:25:50','2011-12-14 05:25:50','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-94/',0,'revision','',0),(8456,1,'2011-12-13 22:25:50','2011-12-14 05:25:50','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8451\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8451\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200281-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>And now for a brief rewind to 3 months ago...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>Back to the Thanksgiving visit...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my Man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped it into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was more than worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-95','','','2011-12-13 22:25:50','2011-12-14 05:25:50','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-95/',0,'revision','',0),(8457,1,'2011-12-14 08:51:24','2011-12-14 15:51:24','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8451\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8451\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200281-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>And now for a brief rewind to 3 months ago...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>Back to the Thanksgiving visit...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my Man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped it into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was more than worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-96','','','2011-12-14 08:51:24','2011-12-14 15:51:24','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/14/8346-revision-96/',0,'revision','',0),(8459,1,'2011-04-11 13:36:12','2011-04-11 20:36:12','[contact-form 1 \"Contact form 1\"]','Submit a 365 Idea','','inherit','open','open','','108-revision-8','','','2011-04-11 13:36:12','2011-04-11 20:36:12','',108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/11/108-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(8463,1,'2011-12-18 19:56:38','2011-12-19 02:56:38','','215572696_d5f471998c','','inherit','open','open','','215572696_d5f471998c','','','2011-12-18 19:56:38','2011-12-19 02:56:38','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(8464,1,'2011-12-18 19:59:31','2011-12-19 02:59:31','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8463\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463\" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.  It occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.  </strong>','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision','','','2011-12-18 19:59:31','2011-12-19 02:59:31','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(8465,1,'2011-12-18 20:00:28','2011-12-19 03:00:28','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/nethyb/215572696/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463\" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.  It occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.  </strong></span>','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-2','','','2011-12-18 20:00:28','2011-12-19 03:00:28','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(8467,1,'2011-12-18 20:00:29','2011-12-19 03:00:29','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/nethyb/215572696/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463\" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.  It occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.  </strong></span>','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-4','','','2011-12-18 20:00:29','2011-12-19 03:00:29','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(8466,1,'2011-12-18 20:00:28','2011-12-19 03:00:28','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8463\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463\" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.  It occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.  </strong></span>','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-3','','','2011-12-18 20:00:28','2011-12-19 03:00:28','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(8469,1,'2011-12-18 20:00:30','2011-12-19 03:00:30','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/nethyb/215572696/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463\" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.  It occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.  </strong></span>','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-6','','','2011-12-18 20:00:30','2011-12-19 03:00:30','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(8468,1,'2011-12-18 20:00:29','2011-12-19 03:00:29','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8463\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463\" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.  It occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.  </strong></span>','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-5','','','2011-12-18 20:00:29','2011-12-19 03:00:29','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(8470,1,'2011-12-18 20:00:31','2011-12-19 03:00:31','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8463\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463\" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.  It occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.  </strong></span>','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-7','','','2011-12-18 20:00:31','2011-12-19 03:00:31','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(8471,1,'2011-12-18 20:00:35','2011-12-19 03:00:35','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/nethyb/215572696/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463\" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.  It occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.  </strong></span>','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-8','','','2011-12-18 20:00:35','2011-12-19 03:00:35','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(8472,1,'2011-12-18 20:00:36','2011-12-19 03:00:36','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8463\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463\" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.  It occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.  </strong></span>','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-9','','','2011-12-18 20:00:36','2011-12-19 03:00:36','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(8473,1,'2011-12-18 20:01:19','2011-12-19 03:01:19','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/nethyb/215572696/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463\" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.  </strong></span>','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-10','','','2011-12-18 20:01:19','2011-12-19 03:01:19','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(8474,1,'2011-12-18 20:02:24','2011-12-19 03:02:24','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8463\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463\" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.</strong></span>\n\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>  </strong></span>','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-11','','','2011-12-18 20:02:24','2011-12-19 03:02:24','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(8476,1,'2011-12-18 20:03:31','2011-12-19 03:03:31','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8463\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463\" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.</strong></span>\n\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>  </strong></span>','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-13','','','2011-12-18 20:03:31','2011-12-19 03:03:31','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(8475,1,'2011-12-18 20:02:26','2011-12-19 03:02:26','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8463\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463\" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>  </strong></span>','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-12','','','2011-12-18 20:02:26','2011-12-19 03:02:26','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(8477,1,'2011-12-18 20:04:40','2011-12-19 03:04:40','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8463\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463\" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>  </strong></span>','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-14','','','2011-12-18 20:04:40','2011-12-19 03:04:40','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(8496,1,'2011-12-18 20:22:27','2011-12-19 03:22:27','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/nethyb/215572696/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463     \" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-32','','','2011-12-18 20:22:27','2011-12-19 03:22:27','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-32/',0,'revision','',0),(8478,1,'2011-12-18 20:04:40','2011-12-19 03:04:40','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/215572696_d5f471998c/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463\" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>  </strong></span>','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-15','','','2011-12-18 20:04:40','2011-12-19 03:04:40','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(8481,1,'2011-12-18 20:11:16','2011-12-19 03:11:16','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/nethyb/215572696/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463 \" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong> </strong></span>','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-18','','','2011-12-18 20:11:16','2011-12-19 03:11:16','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(8479,1,'2011-12-18 20:07:30','2011-12-19 03:07:30','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/215572696_d5f471998c/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463\" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong> </strong></span>','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-16','','','2011-12-18 20:07:30','2011-12-19 03:07:30','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(8480,1,'2011-12-18 20:07:30','2011-12-19 03:07:30','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/215572696_d5f471998c/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463\" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong> </strong></span>','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-17','','','2011-12-18 20:07:30','2011-12-19 03:07:30','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(8485,1,'2011-12-18 20:12:58','2011-12-19 03:12:58','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/nethyb/215572696/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463   \" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong> </strong></span>','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-22','','','2011-12-18 20:12:58','2011-12-19 03:12:58','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(8482,1,'2011-12-18 20:11:16','2011-12-19 03:11:16','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/215572696_d5f471998c/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463 \" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong> </strong></span>','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-19','','','2011-12-18 20:11:16','2011-12-19 03:11:16','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(8483,1,'2011-12-18 20:11:34','2011-12-19 03:11:34','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/215572696_d5f471998c/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463 \" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong> </strong></span>','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-20','','','2011-12-18 20:11:34','2011-12-19 03:11:34','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(8484,1,'2011-12-18 20:11:34','2011-12-19 03:11:34','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/215572696_d5f471998c/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463 \" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong> </strong></span>','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-21','','','2011-12-18 20:11:34','2011-12-19 03:11:34','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),(8487,1,'2011-12-18 20:14:13','2011-12-19 03:14:13','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/nethyb/215572696/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463    \" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong> </strong></span>','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-24','','','2011-12-18 20:14:13','2011-12-19 03:14:13','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-24/',0,'revision','',0),(8486,1,'2011-12-18 20:12:58','2011-12-19 03:12:58','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/215572696_d5f471998c/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463   \" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong> </strong></span>','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-23','','','2011-12-18 20:12:58','2011-12-19 03:12:58','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-23/',0,'revision','',0),(8488,1,'2011-12-18 20:14:13','2011-12-19 03:14:13','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/215572696_d5f471998c/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463    \" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong> </strong></span>','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-25','','','2011-12-18 20:14:13','2011-12-19 03:14:13','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-25/',0,'revision','',0),(8494,1,'2011-12-18 20:20:23','2011-12-19 03:20:23','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/215572696_d5f471998c/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463    \" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-30','','','2011-12-18 20:20:23','2011-12-19 03:20:23','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-30/',0,'revision','',0),(8489,1,'2011-12-18 20:17:44','2011-12-19 03:17:44','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/215572696_d5f471998c/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463    \" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\"><strong>*****</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Image:  </span><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/nethyb/215572696/\">nethyb </a></strong></span>','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-26','','','2011-12-18 20:17:44','2011-12-19 03:17:44','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-26/',0,'revision','',0),(8490,1,'2011-12-18 20:17:44','2011-12-19 03:17:44','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/215572696_d5f471998c/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463    \" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\"><strong>*****</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Image:  </span><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/nethyb/215572696/\">nethyb </a></strong></span>','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-27','','','2011-12-18 20:17:44','2011-12-19 03:17:44','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-27/',0,'revision','',0),(8491,1,'2011-12-18 20:17:59','2011-12-19 03:17:59','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/215572696_d5f471998c/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463    \" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">*****</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Image:  </span><strong><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/nethyb/215572696/\">nethyb </a></strong></span>','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-28','','','2011-12-18 20:17:59','2011-12-19 03:17:59','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-28/',0,'revision','',0),(8492,1,'2011-12-19 17:10:56','2011-12-20 00:10:56','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/nethyb/215572696/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463     \" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of last week\'s post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.  <strong>Voting remains open through this week</strong>.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-autosave','','','2011-12-19 17:10:56','2011-12-20 00:10:56','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(8493,1,'2011-12-18 20:17:59','2011-12-19 03:17:59','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/215572696_d5f471998c/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463    \" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #000000;\">*****</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Image:  </span><strong><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/nethyb/215572696/\">nethyb </a></strong></span>','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-29','','','2011-12-18 20:17:59','2011-12-19 03:17:59','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-29/',0,'revision','',0),(8495,1,'2011-12-18 20:20:23','2011-12-19 03:20:23','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/name-that-italian/215572696_d5f471998c/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8463\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463    \" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of the post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-31','','','2011-12-18 20:20:23','2011-12-19 03:20:23','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-31/',0,'revision','',0),(8497,1,'2011-12-18 20:26:02','2011-12-19 03:26:02','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/nethyb/215572696/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463     \" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of last week\'s post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Name That Italian! ','','inherit','open','open','','8462-revision-33','','','2011-12-18 20:26:02','2011-12-19 03:26:02','',8462,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/18/8462-revision-33/',0,'revision','',0),(8499,1,'2011-12-20 20:33:45','2011-12-21 03:33:45','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision','','','2011-12-20 20:33:45','2011-12-21 03:33:45','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/8498-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(8501,1,'2011-12-21 20:47:39','2011-12-22 03:47:39','A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet me just say that I am not an entertainer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOkay, I take that back.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish hostessing with the mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was The Tea House Lobby Court at The Phoenician and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.  And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound fun to me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo I wait until I arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHumbug.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHumb...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes.  I suppose so.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the pine scent.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing C\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Wishes for 2012','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision-2','','','2011-12-21 20:47:39','2011-12-22 03:47:39','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/21/8498-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(8502,1,'2011-12-21 20:55:39','2011-12-22 03:55:39','A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet me just say that I am not an entertainer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOkay, I take that back.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish hostessing with the mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was The Tea House Lobby Court at The Phoenician and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.  And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound fun to me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo I wait until I arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHumbug.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHumb...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes.  I suppose so.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the pine scent.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAct One:  The Decorating\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Wishes for 2012 ','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision-3','','','2011-12-21 20:55:39','2011-12-22 03:55:39','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/21/8498-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(8503,1,'2011-12-21 20:57:44','2011-12-22 03:57:44','','photo','','inherit','open','open','','photo','','','2011-12-21 20:57:44','2011-12-22 03:57:44','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(8504,1,'2011-12-21 21:04:55','2011-12-22 04:04:55','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-671','','','2011-12-21 21:04:55','2011-12-22 04:04:55','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(8505,1,'2011-12-21 21:09:20','2011-12-22 04:09:20','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-672','','','2011-12-21 21:09:20','2011-12-22 04:09:20','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(8506,1,'2011-12-21 21:10:39','2011-12-22 04:10:39','A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet me just say that I am not an entertainer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOkay, I take that back.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish hostessing with the mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was The Tea House Lobby Court at The Phoenician and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.  And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound fun to me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo I wait until I arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHumbug.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHumb...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes.  I suppose so.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the pine scent.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Act One:  The Decorating</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_8503\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Thank you, Katie Ann, for holding my hand during My First Live Tree Expedition.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8503\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8503\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8503 \" title=\"photo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had never strung lights before.  I kid you not.  That job was always performed by either Dad or a significant other.  This year, it was tackled by   yours truly.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI found a strand of 150 white lights in the closet.  They looked like something from one of my Christmases Past.  I found a date on a tag:  1995.  Yep.  Waaayyyyy past.  But Christmas is a season of miracles, and those puppies lit up like...well...a Christmas Tree!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8504\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8504\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8504\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8505\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8505\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Wishes for 2012 ','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision-4','','','2011-12-21 21:10:39','2011-12-22 04:10:39','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/21/8498-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(8507,1,'2011-12-21 21:10:57','2011-12-22 04:10:57','A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet me just say that I am not an entertainer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkay, I take that back.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish hostessing with the mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was The Tea House Lobby Court at The Phoenician and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.  And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound fun to me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo I wait until I arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumbug.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumb...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I suppose so.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the pine scent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Act One:  The Decorating</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8503\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Thank you, Katie Ann, for holding my hand during My First Live Tree Expedition.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8503\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8503\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8503 \" title=\"photo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had never strung lights before.  I kid you not.  That job was always performed by either Dad or a significant other.  This year, it was tackled by   yours truly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found a strand of 150 white lights in the closet.  They looked like something from one of my Christmases Past.  I found a date on a tag:  1995.  Yep.  Waaayyyyy past.  But Christmas is a season of miracles, and those puppies lit up like...well...a Christmas Tree!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8504\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8504\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8504\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8505\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8505\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Wishes for 2012 ','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision-5','','','2011-12-21 21:10:57','2011-12-22 04:10:57','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/21/8498-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(8508,1,'2011-12-22 16:17:29','2011-12-22 23:17:29','A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet me just say that I am not an entertainer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOkay, I take that back.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish hostessing with the mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was The Tea House Lobby Court at The Phoenician and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.  And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound fun to me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo I wait until I arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHumbug.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHumb...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes.  I suppose so.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the pine scent.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Act One:  The Decorating</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_8503\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Thank you, Katie Ann, for holding my hand during My First Live Tree Expedition.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8503\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8503\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8503 \" title=\"photo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had never strung lights before.  I kid you not.  That job was always performed by either Dad or a significant other.  This year, it was tackled by   yours truly.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI found a strand of 150 white lights in the closet.  They looked like something from one of my Christmases Past.  I found a date on a tag:  1995.  Yep.  Waaayyyyy past.  But Christmas is a season of miracles, and those puppies lit up like...well...a Christmas Tree!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8504\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8504\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8504\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8505\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8505\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNext step:  ornaments in tasteful motif.  In Christmases past, I crept down memory lane with childhood ornaments, ornaments from my former students, yada, yada, yada.  Yes, it\'s awfully sweet and sentimental, but this year I craved style over substance.  Call me a vapid tree decorta\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Wishes for 2012 (coming next week.  maybe.)','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision-6','','','2011-12-22 16:17:29','2011-12-22 23:17:29','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/22/8498-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(8510,1,'2011-12-22 16:24:50','2011-12-22 23:24:50','','christmas-tree-decorations2','','inherit','open','open','','christmas-tree-decorations2','','','2011-12-22 16:24:50','2011-12-22 23:24:50','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas-tree-decorations2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(8509,1,'2011-12-22 16:17:49','2011-12-22 23:17:49','A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet me just say that I am not an entertainer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkay, I take that back.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish hostessing with the mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was The Tea House Lobby Court at The Phoenician and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.  And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound fun to me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo I wait until I arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumbug.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumb...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I suppose so.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the pine scent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Act One:  The Decorating</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8503\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Thank you, Katie Ann, for holding my hand during My First Live Tree Expedition.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8503\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8503\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8503 \" title=\"photo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had never strung lights before.  I kid you not.  That job was always performed by either Dad or a significant other.  This year, it was tackled by   yours truly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found a strand of 150 white lights in the closet.  They looked like something from one of my Christmases Past.  I found a date on a tag:  1995.  Yep.  Waaayyyyy past.  But Christmas is a season of miracles, and those puppies lit up like...well...a Christmas Tree!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8504\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8504\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8504\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8505\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8505\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext step:  ornaments in tasteful motif.  In Christmases past, I crept down memory lane with childhood ornaments, ornaments from my former students, yada, yada, yada.  Yes, it\'s awfully sweet and sentimental, but this year I craved style over substance.  Is that wrong?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Wishes for 2012 (coming next week.  maybe.)','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision-7','','','2011-12-22 16:17:49','2011-12-22 23:17:49','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/22/8498-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(8511,1,'2011-12-22 16:27:29','2011-12-22 23:27:29','A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet me just say that I am not an entertainer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOkay, I take that back.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish Hostessing with the Mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was The Tea House Lobby Court at The Phoenician and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.  And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound fun to me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo I wait until I arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles that could fill a Hallmark store, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHumbug.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHumb...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes.  I suppose so.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the pine scent.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Act One:  The Decorating</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_8503\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Thank you, Katie Ann, for holding my hand during My First Live Tree Expedition.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8503\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8503\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8503 \" title=\"photo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had never strung lights before.  I kid you not.  That job was always performed by either Dad or a significant other.  This year, it was tackled by   yours truly.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI found a strand of 150 white lights in the closet.  They looked like something from one of my Christmases Past.  I found a date on a tag:  1995.  Yep.  Waaayyyyy past.  But Christmas is a season of miracles, and those puppies lit up like...well...a Christmas Tree!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8504\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8504\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8504\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8505\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8505\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNext step:  ornaments in tasteful motif.  In Christmases past, I crept down memory lane with childhood ornaments, ornaments from my former students, yada, yada, yada.  Yes, it\'s awfully sweet and sentimental, but this year I craved style over substance.  Is that wrong?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI Googled \"Christmas tree decorating ideas\" and found this:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8510\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8510\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8510\" title=\"christmas-tree-decorations2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas-tree-decorations2-177x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Let Me Entertain You.  (Although I\'d Rather You Entertain Me.)  Wishes for 2012 (coming next week.  maybe.)','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision-8','','','2011-12-22 16:27:29','2011-12-22 23:27:29','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/22/8498-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(8519,1,'2011-12-22 16:32:10','2011-12-22 23:32:10','A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet me just say that I am not an entertainer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkay, I take that back.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish Hostessing with the Mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was The Tea House Lobby Court at The Phoenician and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.  And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound fun to me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo I wait until I arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles that could fill a Hallmark store, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumbug.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumb...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I suppose so.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the pine scent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Act One:  The Decorating</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8503\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Thank you, Katie Ann, for holding my hand during My First Live Tree Expedition.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8503\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8503\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8503 \" title=\"photo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had never strung lights before.  I kid you not.  That job was always performed by either Dad or a significant other.  This year, it was tackled by   yours truly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found a strand of 150 white lights in the closet.  They looked like something from one of my Christmases Past.  I found a date on a tag:  1995.  Yep.  Waaayyyyy past.  But Christmas is a season of miracles, and those puppies lit up like...well...a Christmas Tree!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8504\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8504\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8504 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8505\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8505\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext step:  ornaments in tasteful motif.  In Christmases past, I crept down memory lane with childhood ornaments, ornaments from my former students, yada, yada, yada.  Yes, it\'s awfully sweet and sentimental, but this year I craved style over substance.  Is that wrong?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI Googled \"Christmas tree decorating ideas\" and found this:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8510\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8510\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8510 alignnone\" title=\"christmas-tree-decorations2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas-tree-decorations2-177x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI immediately emailed the photo to Dina <em>dah</em>ling and my mom asking where I could round up decorations such as these.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Let Me Entertain You.  (Although I\'d Rather You Entertain Me.)  Wishes for 2012 (coming next week.  maybe.)','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision-16','','','2011-12-22 16:32:10','2011-12-22 23:32:10','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/22/8498-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(8513,1,'2011-12-22 16:28:29','2011-12-22 23:28:29','A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet me just say that I am not an entertainer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOkay, I take that back.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish Hostessing with the Mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was The Tea House Lobby Court at The Phoenician and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.  And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound fun to me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo I wait until I arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles that could fill a Hallmark store, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHumbug.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHumb...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes.  I suppose so.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the pine scent.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Act One:  The Decorating</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_8503\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Thank you, Katie Ann, for holding my hand during My First Live Tree Expedition.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8503\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8503\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8503 \" title=\"photo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had never strung lights before.  I kid you not.  That job was always performed by either Dad or a significant other.  This year, it was tackled by   yours truly.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI found a strand of 150 white lights in the closet.  They looked like something from one of my Christmases Past.  I found a date on a tag:  1995.  Yep.  Waaayyyyy past.  But Christmas is a season of miracles, and those puppies lit up like...well...a Christmas Tree!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8504\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8504\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8504\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8505\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8505\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNext step:  ornaments in tasteful motif.  In Christmases past, I crept down memory lane with childhood ornaments, ornaments from my former students, yada, yada, yada.  Yes, it\'s awfully sweet and sentimental, but this year I craved style over substance.  Is that wrong?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI Googled \"Christmas tree decorating ideas\" and found this:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8510\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8510\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8510\" title=\"christmas-tree-decorations2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas-tree-decorations2-177x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI immediately emailed the photo to Dina <em>dah</em>ling and my mom asking where I could round up decorations such as the\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Let Me Entertain You.  (Although I\'d Rather You Entertain Me.)  Wishes for 2012 (coming next week.  maybe.)','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision-10','','','2011-12-22 16:28:29','2011-12-22 23:28:29','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/22/8498-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(8512,1,'2011-12-22 16:27:53','2011-12-22 23:27:53','A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet me just say that I am not an entertainer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkay, I take that back.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish Hostessing with the Mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was The Tea House Lobby Court at The Phoenician and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.  And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound fun to me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo I wait until I arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles that could fill a Hallmark store, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumbug.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumb...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I suppose so.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the pine scent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Act One:  The Decorating</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8503\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Thank you, Katie Ann, for holding my hand during My First Live Tree Expedition.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8503\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8503\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8503 \" title=\"photo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had never strung lights before.  I kid you not.  That job was always performed by either Dad or a significant other.  This year, it was tackled by   yours truly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found a strand of 150 white lights in the closet.  They looked like something from one of my Christmases Past.  I found a date on a tag:  1995.  Yep.  Waaayyyyy past.  But Christmas is a season of miracles, and those puppies lit up like...well...a Christmas Tree!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8504\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8504\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8504\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8505\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8505\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext step:  ornaments in tasteful motif.  In Christmases past, I crept down memory lane with childhood ornaments, ornaments from my former students, yada, yada, yada.  Yes, it\'s awfully sweet and sentimental, but this year I craved style over substance.  Is that wrong?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI Googled \"Christmas tree decorating ideas\" and found this:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8510\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8510\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8510\" title=\"christmas-tree-decorations2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas-tree-decorations2-177x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI immediately emailed the photo to Dina dahling and my mom asking where I could\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Let Me Entertain You.  (Although I\'d Rather You Entertain Me.)  Wishes for 2012 (coming next week.  maybe.)','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision-9','','','2011-12-22 16:27:53','2011-12-22 23:27:53','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/22/8498-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(8518,1,'2011-12-22 16:32:10','2011-12-22 23:32:10','A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet me just say that I am not an entertainer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkay, I take that back.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish Hostessing with the Mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was The Tea House Lobby Court at The Phoenician and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.  And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound fun to me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo I wait until I arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles that could fill a Hallmark store, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumbug.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumb...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I suppose so.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the pine scent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Act One:  The Decorating</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8503\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Thank you, Katie Ann, for holding my hand during My First Live Tree Expedition.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8503\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8503\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8503 \" title=\"photo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had never strung lights before.  I kid you not.  That job was always performed by either Dad or a significant other.  This year, it was tackled by   yours truly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found a strand of 150 white lights in the closet.  They looked like something from one of my Christmases Past.  I found a date on a tag:  1995.  Yep.  Waaayyyyy past.  But Christmas is a season of miracles, and those puppies lit up like...well...a Christmas Tree!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8504\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8504\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8504 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8505\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8505\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext step:  ornaments in tasteful motif.  In Christmases past, I crept down memory lane with childhood ornaments, ornaments from my former students, yada, yada, yada.  Yes, it\'s awfully sweet and sentimental, but this year I craved style over substance.  Is that wrong?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI Googled \"Christmas tree decorating ideas\" and found this:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.decorationideas.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/christmas-tree-decorations2.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8510\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8510 alignnone\" title=\"christmas-tree-decorations2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas-tree-decorations2-177x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI immediately emailed the photo to Dina <em>dah</em>ling and my mom asking where I could round up decorations such as these.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Let Me Entertain You.  (Although I\'d Rather You Entertain Me.)  Wishes for 2012 (coming next week.  maybe.)','','inherit','open','open','','8498-revision-15','','','2011-12-22 16:32:10','2011-12-22 23:32:10','',8498,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/22/8498-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0);
