INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (7829,1,'2011-10-11 20:32:50','2011-10-12 03:32:50','Remember when I cryptically mentioned that I was still here but <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/29/yes-im-still-here/\" target=\"_blank\">SOMETHING happened in Italia</a></strong> that prevented me from updating the blog in my usual, almost every day fashion?  I promised a legit excuse.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the morning of Day 356, I hit my stride.  It was my 4th day on the bike, and my cycling immersion training in Tuscany was paying off.  Instead of being the weakest link at the back of the pack, I leading at the front!  I am not sure if my tour group was humoring me, or if I was genuinely racing like the wind, but whatever the case, I felt AMAZING!  Lance Armstrong, kiss my bike shorts!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe were cycling along the Strada del Vino, a picturesque cypress-lined street famous for its numerous vineyards.  Many of the vineyards of the Super Tuscan wines are located along this street.  The ride was precisely as the itinerary described:  \"relaxing\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA group of racing cyclists whizzed by us.  Fabio 1 charged ahead to join them.  I <em>attempted</em> to join them as my tour group cheered me on from behind, but no way, no how.  The racers were probably clocking 35 mph, maybe more.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI slowed down to my original pace and soaked in the perfection of this morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...it was ALMOST perfection.  90 degrees is a bit warm, even in a tree-shaded street.  Feeling thirsty, I reached for my water bottle and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Crash!</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Boom!</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Splat!</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI can\'t remember exactly, but I\'m pretty sure that I flew over the handle bars.  I am also unaware of what I hit first, my head or my shoulder.  I do remember the tremendous THUD as my head pounded the pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7826\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Luckily, I cracked my helmet and not my head. Boys and Girls, ALWAYS wear your helmet. This has been a Public Service Announcement from Late Bloomer.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7826\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI remained conscious as the tour group approached from behind shouting, \"Don\'t move!  Don\'t move!\"  I was too dazed to move.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs fate would have it, one of the members of our group is a trauma nurse.  She quickly examined me and determined that I could get up and walk to the side of the road.  Yes, this was a quiet street, but we did share the road with cars.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nConcerned tour group members threw questions at me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Are you nauseous?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Are you dizzy?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Do you feel like you are going to pass out?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMia cugina, the mother of a lacrosse player, checked my pupils.  \"They are same size -- not dilated!\", she announced.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was coherent, so I knew exactly what they thinking.  \"Does she have a concussion???\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSuperChuck, one of the madmen uber-fit cyclists, rushed off to find Fabio 1 who was still in the midst of Testosterone Central.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 arrived at the scene and asked, \"Are you nauseous?  Dizzy?  Feel like you\'re going to pass out.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"No, I don\'t feel any of those things.  I just feel like my head is being squeezed on either side.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 then enquired, \"Do you want to go to the hospital?  I have to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"HELL NO!!!!  I am not going to the hospital.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Sorry.  I had to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI laughed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Fabio 2 showed up in the van with first aid supplies.  He sprayed the road rash on my shoulder with disinfectant and liquid bandage.  It burned like crazy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7827\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Owie.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7827\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Fabios then announced that I couldn\'t ride that day since I hit my head.  I choked back tears at that point.  I was bummed and thoroughly disappointed with myself.  Why had I chosen to grab the water bottle with my dominant, right-hand this time?  I was experimenting to see if this made balancing easier.  WHY????\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  I suppose there are worse fates in life than riding around in a van with the Italian version of Matthew McConaughey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was also The Best Lunch of My Life which included The Best Soup of My Life at the Fonte di Foiano Olive Oil Mill.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7818\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7819\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf this wasn\'t fabulous enough, there was wine, sunset, and spontaneous dancing to live music on the terrace overlooking the ocean at sunset.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7823\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7825\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then that night our group helped cook and partake in one of The Most Memorable Meals of My life at a 500 year-old Tuscan farmhouse.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7820\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\nOh, yeah.  I almost forgot.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy tour group peeps unanimously agreed that day that I DID NOT have a concussion.  No one was worried.  <em>Whew!  </em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs the days passed, the headache \"squeeze\" did not disappear.  Colleagues at work were worried.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was officially worried when every time I sat down to write my blog posts  . . . nothing.  I felt \"foggy\" for days.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n12 days later, I hauled my cookies to the ER.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDiagnosis:  Concussion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFollow up:  Non-urgent MRI to check out spot on my brain in the exact location where I hit my head.  Doc not concerned.  <em>Whew!  </em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Harvey\" target=\"_blank\">Mr. Harvey</a></strong> used to say, now you know the <em>rest</em> of the story.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI apologize for the extreme posting delays.  Good day!\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;','Day 356:  My Very First Concussion.  Italian Style.','','inherit','open','open','','7803-revision-10','','','2011-10-11 20:32:50','2011-10-12 03:32:50','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/7803-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(7830,1,'2011-10-11 20:42:07','2011-10-12 03:42:07','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','A vineyard along the Strada del Vino','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-616','','','2011-10-11 20:42:07','2011-10-12 03:42:07','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160032.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7831,1,'2011-10-11 20:43:21','2011-10-12 03:43:21','[caption id=\"attachment_7830\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"A vineyard along the Strada del Vino\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160032.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7830 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160032-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nRemember when I cryptically mentioned that I was still here but <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/29/yes-im-still-here/\" target=\"_blank\">SOMETHING happened in Italia</a></strong> that prevented me from updating the blog in my usual, almost every day fashion?  I promised a legit excuse.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the morning of Day 356, I hit my stride.  It was my 4th day on the bike, and my cycling immersion training in Tuscany was paying off.  Instead of being the weakest link at the back of the pack, I leading at the front!  I am not sure if my tour group was humoring me, or if I was genuinely racing like the wind, but whatever the case, I felt AMAZING!  Lance Armstrong, kiss my bike shorts!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe were cycling along the Strada del Vino, a picturesque cypress-lined street famous for its numerous vineyards.  Many of the vineyards of the Super Tuscan wines are located along this street.  The ride was precisely as the itinerary described:  \"relaxing\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA group of racing cyclists whizzed by us.  Fabio 1 charged ahead to join them.  I <em>attempted</em> to join them as my tour group cheered me on from behind, but no way, no how.  The racers were probably clocking 35 mph, maybe more.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI slowed down to my original pace and soaked in the perfection of this morning.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWell...it was ALMOST perfection.  90 degrees is a bit warm, even in a tree-shaded street.  Feeling thirsty, I reached for my water bottle and...\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Crash!</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Boom!</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Splat!</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI can\'t remember exactly, but I\'m pretty sure that I flew over the handle bars.  I am also unaware of what I hit first, my head or my shoulder.  I do remember the tremendous THUD as my head pounded the pavement.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7826\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Luckily, I cracked my helmet and not my head. Boys and Girls, ALWAYS wear your helmet. This has been a Public Service Announcement from Late Bloomer.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7826\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI remained conscious as the tour group approached from behind shouting, \"Don\'t move!  Don\'t move!\"  I was too dazed to move.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs fate would have it, one of the members of our group is a trauma nurse.  She quickly examined me and determined that I could get up and walk to the side of the road.  Yes, this was a quiet street, but we did share the road with cars.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nConcerned tour group members threw questions at me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Are you nauseous?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Are you dizzy?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Do you feel like you are going to pass out?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMia cugina, the mother of a lacrosse player, checked my pupils.  \"They are same size -- not dilated!\", she announced.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was coherent, so I knew exactly what they thinking.  \"Does she have a concussion???\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSuperChuck, one of the madmen uber-fit cyclists, rushed off to find Fabio 1 who was still in the midst of Testosterone Central.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 arrived at the scene and asked, \"Are you nauseous?  Dizzy?  Feel like you\'re going to pass out.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"No, I don\'t feel any of those things.  I just feel like my head is being squeezed on either side.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 then enquired, \"Do you want to go to the hospital?  I have to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"HELL NO!!!!  I am not going to the hospital.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Sorry.  I had to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI laughed.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil Fabio 2 showed up in the van with first aid supplies.  He sprayed the road rash on my shoulder with disinfectant and liquid bandage.  It burned like crazy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7827\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Owie.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7827\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Fabios then announced that I couldn\'t ride that day since I hit my head.  I choked back tears at that point.  I was bummed and thoroughly disappointed with myself.  Why had I chosen to grab the water bottle with my dominant, right-hand this time?  I was experimenting to see if this made balancing easier.  WHY????\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, well.  I suppose there are worse fates in life than riding around in a van with the Italian version of Matthew McConaughey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere was also The Best Lunch of My Life which included The Best Soup of My Life at the Fonte di Foiano Olive Oil Mill.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7818\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7819\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf this wasn\'t fabulous enough, there was wine, sunset, and spontaneous dancing to live music on the terrace overlooking the ocean at sunset.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7823\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7825\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then that night our group helped cook and partake in one of The Most Memorable Meals of My life at a 500 year-old Tuscan farmhouse.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7820\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\nOh, yeah.  I almost forgot.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy tour group peeps unanimously agreed that day that I DID NOT have a concussion.  No one was worried.  <em>Whew!  </em>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs the days passed, the headache \"squeeze\" did not disappear.  Colleagues at work were worried.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was officially worried when every time I sat down to write my blog posts  . . . nothing.  I tried not to panic.  I wondered when I would be able to write again.  I wondered if my readers would stick with me if I wasn\'t updating regularly.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt work, I couldn\'t concentrate.  I became overwhelmed by the mounting emails and phone calls.  I felt \"foggy\".  And then one night I felt a slight numbness along my jawline.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n12 days after my accident, I hauled my cookies to the ER.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Diagnosis:  Concussion.</strong>  Which apparently can drag on for weeks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFollow up:  Non-urgent MRI to check out a spot on my brain in the exact location where I hit my head.  Doc not concerned.  <em>Whew!  </em>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Harvey\" target=\"_blank\">Mr. Harvey</a></strong> used to say, now you know the <em>rest</em> of the story.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI apologize for the extreme posting delays.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am happy to report that I am finally feeling \"normal\" and ready to rock with the remaining 9 posts for The Year of Living Curiously.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGood day!\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;','Day 356:  My Very First Concussion.  Italian Style.','','inherit','open','open','','7803-revision-11','','','2011-10-11 20:43:21','2011-10-12 03:43:21','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/7803-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(7832,1,'2011-10-11 20:50:19','2011-10-12 03:50:19','[caption id=\"attachment_7830\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"A vineyard along the Strada del Vino\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160032.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7830 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160032-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nRemember when I cryptically mentioned that I was still here but <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/29/yes-im-still-here/\" target=\"_blank\">SOMETHING happened in Italia</a></strong> that prevented me from updating the blog in my usual, almost every day fashion?  I promised a legit excuse?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the morning of Day 356, I hit my stride.  It was my 4th day on the bike, and my cycling immersion training in Tuscany was paying off.  Instead of being the weakest link at the back of the pack, I led at the front!  I am not sure if my tour group was humoring me, or if I was genuinely racing like the wind, but whatever the case, I felt AMAZING!  Lance Armstrong, kiss my bike shorts!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe were cycling along the Strada del Vino, a picturesque cypress-lined street famous for its numerous vineyards.  Many of the vineyards of the Super Tuscan wines are located along this street.  The ride was precisely as the itinerary described:  \"relaxing\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA group of racing cyclists whizzed by us.  Fabio 1 charged ahead to join them.  I <em>attempted</em> to join them as my tour group cheered me on from behind, but no way, no how.  The racers were probably clocking 35 mph, maybe more.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI slowed down to my original pace and soaked in the perfection of this morning.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWell...it was ALMOST perfection.  90 degrees is a bit warm, even on a tree-shaded street.  Feeling thirsty, I reached for my water bottle and...\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Crash!</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Boom!</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Splat!</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI can\'t remember exactly, but I\'m pretty sure that I flew diagonally over the handle bars.  I am also unaware of what I hit first, my head or my shoulder.  I do remember the tremendous THUD as my head pounded the pavement.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7826\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Luckily, I cracked my helmet and not my head. Boys and Girls, ALWAYS wear your helmet. This has been a Public Service Announcement from Late Bloomer.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7826\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI remained conscious as the tour group approached from behind shouting, \"Don\'t move!  Don\'t move!\"  I was too dazed to move.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs fate would have it, one of the members of our group was a trauma nurse.  She quickly examined me and determined that I could get up and walk to the side of the road.  This was a quiet street, but yes, we did share the road with cars.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nConcerned tour group members threw questions at me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Are you nauseous?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Are you dizzy?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Do you feel like you are going to pass out?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMia cugina, the mother of a lacrosse player, checked my pupils.  She announced to the others, \"They are same size -- not dilated!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was coherent, so I knew exactly what they thinking.  \"Does she have a concussion???\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSuperChuck, one of the madmen uber-fit cyclists, rushed off to find Fabio 1 who was still in the midst of Testosterone Central.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 arrived at the scene and asked, \"Are you nauseous?  Dizzy?  Feel like you\'re going to pass out?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"No, I don\'t feel any of those things.  I just feel like my head is being squeezed on either side.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 then enquired, \"Do you want to go to the hospital?  I have to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"HELL NO!!!!  I am not going to the hospital.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Sorry.  I had to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI laughed.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil Fabio 2 showed up in the van with first aid supplies.  He sprayed the road rash on my shoulder with disinfectant and liquid bandage.  It burned like crazy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7827\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Owie.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7827\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Fabios then announced that I couldn\'t ride that day since I hit my head.  I choked back tears at that point.  I was bummed and thoroughly disappointed with myself.  <em>Why</em> had I chosen to grab the water bottle with my dominant, right-hand this time?  I was experimenting to see if this move made balancing easier.  WHY????\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, well.  I suppose there are worse fates in life than riding around in a van with the Italian version of Matthew McConaughey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere was also The Best Lunch of My Life which included The Best Soup of My Life at the Fonte di Foiano Olive Oil Mill.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7818\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7819\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf this wasn\'t fabulous enough, there was wine, sunset, and spontaneous dancing to live music on the terrace overlooking the ocean at sunset.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7823\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7825\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then that night our group helped cook and partake in one of The Most Memorable Meals of My life at a 500 year-old Tuscan farmhouse.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7820\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI almost forgot that my head hurt.  Wine and rich life experiences have wonderful numbing powers.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSpeaking of forgetting . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy tour group peeps unanimously agreed that day that I DID NOT have a concussion.  No one was worried.  <em>Whew!  </em>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs the days passed, the headache \"squeeze\" did not disappear.  Colleagues at work were worried.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was officially worried when every time I sat down to write my blog posts  . . . nothing.  I tried not to panic.  I wondered when I would be able to write again.  I wondered if my readers would stick with me if I wasn\'t updating regularly.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt work, I couldn\'t concentrate.  I became overwhelmed by the mounting emails and phone calls.  I felt \"foggy\".  And then one night I felt a slight numbness along my jawline.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n12 days after my accident, I hauled my cookies to the ER.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Diagnosis:  Concussion.</strong></span>  Which apparently can drag on for weeks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFollow up:  Non-urgent MRI to check out a spot on my brain in the exact location where I hit my head.  Doc not concerned.  <em>Whew!  </em>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Harvey\" target=\"_blank\">Mr. Harvey</a></strong> used to say, now you know the <em>rest</em> of the story.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI apologize for the extreme posting delays.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am happy to report that I am finally feeling \"normal\" and ready to rock with the remaining 9 posts for The Year of Living Curiously.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGood day!\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;','Day 356:  My Very First Concussion.  Italian Style.','','inherit','open','open','','7803-revision-12','','','2011-10-11 20:50:19','2011-10-12 03:50:19','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/7803-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(7833,1,'2011-10-11 20:51:20','2011-10-12 03:51:20','[caption id=\"attachment_7830\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"A vineyard along the Strada del Vino\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160032.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7830 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160032-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nRemember when I cryptically mentioned that I was still here but <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/29/yes-im-still-here/\" target=\"_blank\">SOMETHING happened in Italia</a></strong> that prevented me from updating the blog in my usual, almost every day fashion?  I promised a legit excuse?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the morning of Day 356, I hit my stride.  It was my 4th day on the bike, and my cycling immersion training in Tuscany was paying off.  Instead of being the weakest link at the back of the pack, I led at the front!  I am not sure if my tour group was humoring me, or if I was genuinely racing like the wind, but whatever the case, I felt AMAZING!  Lance Armstrong, kiss my bike shorts!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe were cycling along the Strada del Vino, a picturesque cypress-lined street famous for its numerous vineyards.  Many of the vineyards of the Super Tuscan wines are located along this street.  The ride was precisely as the itinerary described:  \"relaxing\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA group of racing cyclists whizzed by us.  Fabio 1 charged ahead to join them.  I <em>attempted</em> to join them as my tour group cheered me on from behind, but no way, no how.  The racers were probably clocking 35 mph, maybe more.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI slowed down to my original pace and soaked in the perfection of this morning.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWell...it was ALMOST perfection.  90 degrees is a bit warm, even on a tree-shaded street.  Feeling thirsty, I reached for my water bottle and...\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Crash!</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Boom!</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Splat!</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI can\'t remember exactly, but I\'m pretty sure that I flew diagonally over the handle bars.  I am also unaware of what I hit first, my head or my shoulder.  I do remember the tremendous THUD as my head pounded the pavement.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7826\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Luckily, I cracked my helmet and not my head. Boys and Girls, ALWAYS wear your helmet. This has been a Public Service Announcement from Late Bloomer.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7826\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI remained conscious as the tour group approached from behind shouting, \"Don\'t move!  Don\'t move!\"  I was too dazed to move.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs fate would have it, one of the members of our group was a trauma nurse.  She quickly examined me and determined that I could get up and walk to the side of the road.  This was a quiet street, but yes, we did share the road with cars.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nConcerned tour group members threw questions at me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Are you nauseous?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Are you dizzy?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Do you feel like you are going to pass out?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMia cugina, the mother of a lacrosse player, checked my pupils.  She announced to the others, \"They are same size -- not dilated!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was coherent, so I knew exactly what they thinking.  \"Does she have a concussion???\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSuperChuck, one of the madmen uber-fit cyclists, rushed off to find Fabio 1 who was still in the midst of Testosterone Central.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 arrived at the scene and asked, \"Are you nauseous?  Dizzy?  Feel like you\'re going to pass out?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"No, I don\'t feel any of those things.  I just feel like my head is being squeezed on either side.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 then enquired, \"Do you want to go to the hospital?  I have to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"HELL NO!!!!  I am not going to the hospital.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Sorry.  I had to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI laughed.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil Fabio 2 showed up in the van with first aid supplies.  He sprayed the road rash on my shoulder with disinfectant and liquid bandage.  It burned like crazy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7827\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Owie.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7827\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Fabios then announced that I couldn\'t ride that day since I hit my head.  I choked back tears at that point.  I was bummed and thoroughly disappointed with myself.  <em>Why</em> had I chosen to grab the water bottle with my dominant, right-hand this time?  I was experimenting to see if this move made balancing easier.  WHY????\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, well.  I suppose there are worse fates in life than riding around in a van with the Italian version of Matthew McConaughey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere was also The Best Lunch of My Life which included The Best Soup of My Life at the Fonte di Foiano Olive Oil Mill.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7818\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7819\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf this wasn\'t fabulous enough, there was wine, sunset, and spontaneous dancing to live music on the terrace overlooking the ocean at sunset.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7823\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7825\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then that night our group helped cook and partake in one of The Most Memorable Meals of My life at a 500 year-old Tuscan farmhouse.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7820\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI almost forgot that my head hurt.  Wine and rich life experiences have wonderful numbing powers.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSpeaking of forgetting . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy tour group peeps unanimously agreed that day that I DID NOT have a concussion.  No one was worried.  <em>Whew!  </em>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs the days passed, the headache \"squeeze\" did not disappear.  Colleagues at work were worried.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<em>I</em> was officially worried when every time I sat down to write my blog posts  . . . nothing.  I tried not to panic.  I wondered when I would be able to write again.  I wondered if my readers would stick with me if I wasn\'t updating regularly.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt work, I couldn\'t concentrate.  I became overwhelmed by the mounting emails and phone calls.  I felt \"foggy\".  And then one night I felt a slight numbness along my jawline.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n12 days after my accident, I hauled my cookies to the ER.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Diagnosis:  Concussion.</strong></span>  Which apparently can drag on for weeks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFollow up:  Non-urgent MRI to check out a spot on my brain in the exact location where I hit my head.  Doc not concerned.  <em>Whew!  </em>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Harvey\" target=\"_blank\">Mr. Harvey</a></strong> used to say, now you know the <em>rest</em> of the story.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI apologize for the extreme posting delays.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am happy to report that I am finally feeling \"normal\" and ready to rock with the remaining 9 posts for The Year of Living Curiously.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGood day!\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;','Day 356:  My Very First Concussion.  Italian Style.','','inherit','open','open','','7803-revision-13','','','2011-10-11 20:51:20','2011-10-12 03:51:20','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/7803-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(7834,1,'2011-10-11 20:55:06','2011-10-12 03:55:06','[caption id=\"attachment_7830\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"A vineyard along the Strada del Vino\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160032.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7830 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160032-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nRemember when I cryptically mentioned that I was still here but <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/29/yes-im-still-here/\" target=\"_blank\">SOMETHING happened in Italia</a></strong> that prevented me from updating the blog in my usual, almost every day fashion?  I promised a legit excuse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the morning of Day 356, I hit my stride.  It was my 4th day on the bike, and my cycling immersion training in Tuscany was paying off.  Instead of being the weakest link at the back of the pack, I led at the front!  I am not sure if my tour group was humoring me, or if I was genuinely racing like the wind, but whatever the case, I felt AMAZING!  Lance Armstrong, kiss my bike shorts!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe were cycling along the Strada del Vino, a picturesque cypress-lined street famous for its numerous vineyards.  Many of the vineyards of the Super Tuscan wines are located along this street.  The ride was precisely as the itinerary described:  \"relaxing\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA group of racing cyclists whizzed by us.  Fabio 1 charged ahead to join them.  I <em>attempted</em> to join them as my tour group cheered me on from behind, but no way, no how.  The racers were probably clocking 35 mph, maybe more.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI slowed down to my original pace and soaked in the perfection of this morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...it was ALMOST perfection.  90 degrees is a bit warm, even on a tree-shaded street.  Feeling thirsty, I reached for my water bottle and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Crash!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Boom!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Splat!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI can\'t remember exactly, but I\'m pretty sure that I flew diagonally over the handle bars.  I am also unaware of what I hit first, my head or my shoulder.  I do remember the tremendous THUD as my head pounded the pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7826\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Luckily, I cracked my helmet and not my head. Boys and Girls, ALWAYS wear your helmet. This has been a Public Service Announcement from Late Bloomer.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7826\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI remained conscious as the tour group approached from behind shouting, \"Don\'t move!  Don\'t move!\"  I was too dazed to move.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs fate would have it, one of the members of our group was a trauma nurse.  She quickly examined me and determined that I could get up and walk to the side of the road.  This was a quiet street, but yes, we did share the road with cars.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nConcerned tour group members threw questions at me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Are you nauseous?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Are you dizzy?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Do you feel like you are going to pass out?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMia cugina, the mother of a lacrosse player, checked my pupils.  She announced to the others, \"They are same size -- not dilated!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was coherent, so I knew exactly what they thinking.  \"Does she have a concussion???\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSuperChuck, one of the madmen uber-fit cyclists, rushed off to find Fabio 1 who was still in the midst of Testosterone Central.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 arrived at the scene and asked, \"Are you nauseous?  Dizzy?  Feel like you\'re going to pass out?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"No, I don\'t feel any of those things.  I just feel like my head is being squeezed on either side.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 then enquired, \"Do you want to go to the hospital?  I have to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"HELL NO!!!!  I am not going to the hospital.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Sorry.  I had to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI laughed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Fabio 2 showed up in the van with first aid supplies.  He sprayed the road rash on my shoulder with disinfectant and liquid bandage.  It burned like crazy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7827\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Owie.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7827\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Fabios then announced that I couldn\'t ride that day since I hit my head.  I choked back tears at that point.  I was bummed and thoroughly disappointed with myself.  <em>Why</em> had I chosen to grab the water bottle with my dominant, right-hand this time?  I was experimenting to see if this move made balancing easier.  WHY????\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  I suppose there are worse fates in life than riding around in a van with the Italian version of Matthew McConaughey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was also The Best Lunch of My Life which included The Best Soup of My Life at the Fonte di Foiano Olive Oil Mill.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7818\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7819\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf this wasn\'t fabulous enough, there was wine, sunset, and spontaneous dancing to live music on the terrace overlooking the ocean at sunset.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7823\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7825\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then that night our group helped cook and partake in one of The Most Memorable Meals of My life at a 500 year-old Tuscan farmhouse.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7820\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI almost forgot that my head hurt.  Wine and rich life experiences have wonderful numbing powers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSpeaking of forgetting . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy tour group peeps unanimously agreed that day that I DID NOT have a concussion.  No one was worried.  <em>Whew!  </em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs the days passed, the headache \"squeeze\" did not disappear.  Colleagues at work were worried.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>I</em> was officially worried when every time I sat down to write my blog posts  . . . nothing.  I tried not to panic.  I wondered when I would be able to write again.  I wondered if my readers would stick with me if I wasn\'t updating regularly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt work, I couldn\'t concentrate.  I became overwhelmed by the mounting emails and phone calls.  I felt \"foggy\".  And then one night I felt a slight numbness along my jawline.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n12 days after my accident, I hauled my cookies to the ER.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Diagnosis:  Concussion.</strong></span>  Which apparently can drag on for weeks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFollow up:  Non-urgent MRI to check out a spot on my brain in the exact location where I hit my head.  Doc not concerned.  <em>Whew!  </em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Harvey\" target=\"_blank\">Mr. Harvey</a></strong> used to say, now you know the <em>rest</em> of the story.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI apologize for the extreme posting delays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am happy to report that I am finally feeling \"normal\" and ready to rock with the remaining 9 posts for The Year of Living Curiously.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGood day!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 356:  My Very First Concussion.  Italian Style.','','inherit','open','open','','7803-revision-14','','','2011-10-11 20:55:06','2011-10-12 03:55:06','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/7803-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(7835,1,'2011-10-11 20:55:44','2011-10-12 03:55:44','[caption id=\"attachment_7830\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"A vineyard along the Strada del Vino\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160032.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7830 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160032-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nRemember when I cryptically mentioned that I was still here but <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/29/yes-im-still-here/\" target=\"_blank\">SOMETHING happened in Italia</a></strong> that prevented me from updating the blog in my usual, almost every day fashion?  I promised a legit excuse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the morning of Day 356, I hit my stride.  It was my 4th day on the bike, and my cycling immersion training in Tuscany was paying off.  Instead of being the weakest link at the back of the pack, I led at the front!  I am not sure if my tour group was humoring me, or if I was genuinely racing like the wind, but whatever the case, I felt AMAZING!  Lance Armstrong, kiss my bike shorts!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe were cycling along the Strada del Vino, a picturesque cypress-lined street famous for its numerous vineyards.  Many of the vineyards of the Super Tuscan wines are located along this street.  The ride was precisely as the itinerary described:  \"relaxing\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA group of racing cyclists whizzed by us.  Fabio 1 charged ahead to join them.  I <em>attempted</em> to join them as my tour group cheered me on from behind, but no way, no how.  The racers were probably clocking 35 mph, maybe more.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI slowed down to my original pace and soaked in the perfection of this morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...it was ALMOST perfection.  90 degrees is a bit warm, even on a tree-shaded street.  Feeling thirsty, I reached for my water bottle and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Crash!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Boom!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Splat!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI can\'t remember exactly, but I\'m pretty sure that I flew diagonally over the handle bars.  I am also unaware of what I hit first, my head or my shoulder.  I do remember the tremendous THUD as my head pounded the pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7826\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Luckily, I cracked my helmet and not my head. Boys and Girls, ALWAYS wear your helmet. This has been a Public Service Announcement from Late Bloomer.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7826\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI remained conscious as the tour group approached from behind shouting, \"Don\'t move!  Don\'t move!\"  I was too dazed to move.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs fate would have it, one of the members of our group was a trauma nurse.  She quickly examined me and determined that I could get up and walk to the side of the road.  This was a quiet street, but yes, we did share the road with cars.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nConcerned tour group members threw questions at me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Are you nauseous?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Are you dizzy?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Do you feel like you are going to pass out?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMia cugina, the mother of a lacrosse player, checked my pupils.  She announced to the others, \"They are same size -- not dilated!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was coherent, so I knew exactly what they thinking.  \"Does she have a concussion???\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSuperChuck, one of the madmen uber-fit cyclists, rushed off to find Fabio 1 who was still in the midst of Testosterone Central.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 arrived at the scene and asked, \"Are you nauseous?  Dizzy?  Feel like you\'re going to pass out?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"No, I don\'t feel any of those things.  I just feel like my head is being squeezed on either side.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 then enquired, \"Do you want to go to the hospital?  I have to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"HELL NO!!!!  I am not going to the hospital.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Sorry.  I had to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI laughed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Fabio 2 showed up in the van with first aid supplies.  He sprayed the road rash on my shoulder with disinfectant and liquid bandage.  It burned like crazy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7827\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Owie.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7827\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Fabios then announced that I couldn\'t ride that day since I hit my head.  I choked back tears at that point.  I was bummed and thoroughly disappointed with myself.  <em>Why</em> had I chosen to grab the water bottle with my dominant, right-hand this time?  I was experimenting to see if this move made balancing easier.  WHY????\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  I suppose there are worse fates in life than riding around in a van with the Italian version of Matthew McConaughey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was also The Best Lunch of My Life which included The Best Soup of My Life at the Fonte di Foiano Olive Oil Mill.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7818\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7819\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf this wasn\'t fabulous enough, there was wine, sunset, and spontaneous dancing to live music on the terrace overlooking the ocean at sunset.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7823\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7825\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then that night our group helped cook and partake in one of The Most Memorable Meals of My life at a 500 year-old Tuscan farmhouse.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7820\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI almost forgot that my head hurt.  Wine and rich life experiences have wonderful numbing powers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSpeaking of forgetting . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy tour group peeps unanimously agreed that day that I DID NOT have a concussion.  No one was worried.  <em>Whew!  </em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs the days passed, the headache \"squeeze\" did not disappear.  Upon returning home, colleagues at work were worried.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>I</em> was officially worried when every time I sat down to write my blog posts  . . . nothing.  I tried not to panic.  I wondered when I would be able to write again.  I wondered if my readers would stick with me if I wasn\'t updating regularly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt work, I couldn\'t concentrate.  I became overwhelmed by the mounting emails and phone calls.  I felt \"foggy\".  And then one night I felt a slight numbness along my jawline.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n12 days after my accident, I hauled my cookies to the ER.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Diagnosis:  Concussion.</strong></span>  Which apparently can drag on for weeks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFollow up:  Non-urgent MRI to check out a spot on my brain in the exact location where I hit my head.  Doc not concerned.  <em>Whew!  </em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Harvey\" target=\"_blank\">Mr. Harvey</a></strong> used to say, now you know the <em>rest</em> of the story.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI apologize for the extreme posting delays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am happy to report that I am finally feeling \"normal\" and ready to rock with the remaining 9 posts for The Year of Living Curiously.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGood day!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 356:  My Very First Concussion.  Italian Style.','','inherit','open','open','','7803-revision-15','','','2011-10-11 20:55:44','2011-10-12 03:55:44','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/7803-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(7836,1,'2011-10-11 20:56:17','2011-10-12 03:56:17','[caption id=\"attachment_7830\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"A vineyard along the Strada del Vino\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160032.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7830 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160032-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nRemember when I cryptically mentioned that I was still here but <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/29/yes-im-still-here/\" target=\"_blank\">SOMETHING happened in Italia</a></strong> that prevented me from updating the blog in my usual, almost every day fashion?  I promised a legit excuse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the morning of Day 356, I hit my stride.  It was my 4th day on the bike, and my cycling immersion training in Tuscany was paying off.  Instead of being the weakest link at the back of the pack, I led at the front!  I am not sure if my tour group was humoring me, or if I was genuinely racing like the wind, but whatever the case, I felt AMAZING!  Lance Armstrong, kiss my bike shorts!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe were cycling along the Strada del Vino, a picturesque cypress-lined street famous for its numerous vineyards.  Many of the vineyards of the Super Tuscan wines are located along this street.  The ride was precisely as the itinerary described:  \"relaxing\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA group of racing cyclists whizzed by us.  Fabio 1 charged ahead to join them.  I <em>attempted</em> to join them as my tour group cheered me on from behind, but no way, no how.  The racers were probably clocking 35 mph, maybe more.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI slowed down to my original pace and soaked in the perfection of this morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...it was ALMOST perfection.  90 degrees is a bit warm, even on a tree-shaded street.  Feeling thirsty, I reached for my water bottle and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Crash!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Boom!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Splat!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI can\'t remember exactly, but I\'m pretty sure that I flew diagonally over the handle bars.  I am also unaware of what I hit first, my head or my shoulder.  I do remember the tremendous THUD as my head pounded the pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7826\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Luckily, I cracked my helmet and not my head. Boys and Girls, ALWAYS wear your helmet. This has been a Public Service Announcement from Late Bloomer.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7826\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI remained conscious as the tour group approached from behind shouting, \"Don\'t move!  Don\'t move!\"  I was too dazed to move.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs fate would have it, one of the members of our group was a trauma nurse.  She quickly examined me and determined that I could get up and walk to the side of the road.  This was a quiet street, but yes, we did share the road with cars.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nConcerned tour group members threw questions at me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Are you nauseous?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Are you dizzy?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Do you feel like you are going to pass out?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMia cugina, the mother of a lacrosse player, checked my pupils.  She announced to the others, \"They are same size -- not dilated!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was coherent, so I knew exactly what they thinking.  \"Does she have a concussion???\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSuperChuck, one of the madmen uber-fit cyclists, rushed off to find Fabio 1 who was still in the midst of Testosterone Central.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 arrived at the scene and asked, \"Are you nauseous?  Dizzy?  Feel like you\'re going to pass out?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"No, I don\'t feel any of those things.  I just feel like my head is being squeezed on either side.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 then enquired, \"Do you want to go to the hospital?  I have to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"HELL NO!!!!  I am not going to the hospital.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Sorry.  I had to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI laughed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Fabio 2 showed up in the van with first aid supplies.  He sprayed the road rash on my shoulder with disinfectant and liquid bandage.  It burned like crazy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7827\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Owie.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7827\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Fabios then announced that I couldn\'t ride that day since I hit my head.  I choked back tears at that point.  I was bummed and thoroughly disappointed with myself.  <em>Why</em> had I chosen to grab the water bottle with my dominant, right-hand this time?  I was experimenting to see if this move made balancing easier.  WHY????\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  I suppose there are worse fates in life than riding around in a van with the Italian version of Matthew McConaughey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was also The Best Lunch of My Life which included The Best Soup of My Life at the Fonte di Foiano Olive Oil Mill.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7818\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7819\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf this wasn\'t fabulous enough, there was wine, sunset, and spontaneous dancing to live music on the terrace overlooking the ocean at sunset.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7823\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7825\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then that night our group helped cook and partake in one of The Most Memorable Meals of My life at a 500 year-old Tuscan farmhouse.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7820\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI almost forgot that my head hurt.  Wine and rich life experiences have wonderful numbing powers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSpeaking of forgetting . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy tour group peeps unanimously agreed that day that I DID NOT have a concussion.  No one was worried.  <em>Whew!  </em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs the days passed, the headache \"squeeze\" did not disappear.  Upon returning home, colleagues at work were worried.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>I</em> was officially worried when every time I sat down to write my blog posts  . . . nothing.  I tried not to panic.  I wondered when I would be able to write again.  I wondered if my readers would stick with me if I wasn\'t updating regularly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt work, I couldn\'t concentrate.  I became overwhelmed by the mounting emails and phone calls.  I felt \"foggy\".  At first, I attributed this to jet lag.  But a week later???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then one night I felt a slight numbness along my jawline.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n12 days after my accident, I hauled my cookies to the ER.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Diagnosis:  Concussion.</strong></span>  Which apparently can drag on for weeks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFollow up:  Non-urgent MRI to check out a spot on my brain in the exact location where I hit my head.  Doc not concerned.  <em>Whew!  </em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Harvey\" target=\"_blank\">Mr. Harvey</a></strong> used to say, now you know the <em>rest</em> of the story.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI apologize for the extreme posting delays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am happy to report that I am finally feeling \"normal\" and ready to rock with the remaining 9 posts for The Year of Living Curiously.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGood day!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 356:  My Very First Concussion.  Italian Style.','','inherit','open','open','','7803-revision-16','','','2011-10-11 20:56:17','2011-10-12 03:56:17','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/7803-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(7837,1,'2011-10-11 20:56:55','2011-10-12 03:56:55','[caption id=\"attachment_7830\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"A vineyard along the Strada del Vino\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160032.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7830 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160032-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nRemember when I cryptically mentioned that I was still here but <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/29/yes-im-still-here/\" target=\"_blank\">SOMETHING happened in Italia</a></strong> that prevented me from updating the blog in my usual, almost every day fashion?  I promised a legit excuse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the morning of Day 356, I hit my stride.  It was my 4th day on the bike, and my cycling immersion training in Tuscany was paying off.  Instead of being the weakest link at the back of the pack, I led at the front!  I am not sure if my tour group was humoring me, or if I was genuinely racing like the wind, but whatever the case, I felt AMAZING!  Lance Armstrong, kiss my bike shorts!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe were cycling along the Strada del Vino, a picturesque cypress-lined street famous for its numerous vineyards.  Many of the vineyards of the Super Tuscan wines are located along this street.  The ride was precisely as the itinerary described:  \"relaxing\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA group of racing cyclists whizzed by us.  Fabio 1 charged ahead to join them.  I <em>attempted</em> to join them as my tour group cheered me on from behind, but no way, no how.  The racers were probably clocking 35 mph, maybe more.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI slowed down to my original pace and soaked in the perfection of this morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...it was ALMOST perfection.  90 degrees is a bit warm, even on a tree-shaded street.  Feeling thirsty, I reached for my water bottle and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Crash!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Boom!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Splat!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI can\'t remember exactly, but I\'m pretty sure that I flew diagonally over the handle bars.  I am also unaware of what I hit first, my head or my shoulder.  I do remember the tremendous THUD as my head pounded the pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7826\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Luckily, I cracked my helmet and not my head. Boys and Girls, ALWAYS wear your helmet. This has been a Public Service Announcement from Late Bloomer.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7826\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI remained conscious as the tour group approached from behind shouting, \"Don\'t move!  Don\'t move!\"  I was too dazed to move.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs fate would have it, one of the members of our group was a trauma nurse.  She quickly examined me and determined that I could get up and walk to the side of the road.  This was a quiet street, but yes, we did share the road with cars.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nConcerned tour group members threw questions at me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Are you nauseous?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Are you dizzy?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Do you feel like you are going to pass out?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMia cugina, the mother of a lacrosse player, checked my pupils.  She announced to the others, \"They are same size -- not dilated!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was coherent, so I knew exactly what they thinking.  \"Does she have a concussion???\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSuperChuck, one of the madmen uber-fit cyclists, rushed off to find Fabio 1 who was still in the midst of Testosterone Central.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 arrived at the scene and asked, \"Are you nauseous?  Dizzy?  Feel like you\'re going to pass out?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"No, I don\'t feel any of those things.  I just feel like my head is being squeezed on either side.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 then enquired, \"Do you want to go to the hospital?  I have to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"HELL NO!!!!  I am not going to the hospital.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Sorry.  I had to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI laughed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Fabio 2 showed up in the van with first aid supplies.  He sprayed the road rash on my shoulder with disinfectant and liquid bandage.  It burned like crazy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7827\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Owie.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7827\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Fabios then announced that I couldn\'t ride that day since I hit my head.  I choked back tears at that point.  I was bummed and thoroughly disappointed with myself.  <em>Why</em> had I chosen to grab the water bottle with my dominant, right-hand this time?  I was experimenting to see if this move made balancing easier.  WHY????\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  I suppose there are worse fates in life than riding around in a van with the Italian version of Matthew McConaughey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was also The Best Lunch of My Life which included The Best Soup of My Life at the Fonte di Foiano Olive Oil Mill.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7818\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7819\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf this wasn\'t fabulous enough, there was wine, sunset, and spontaneous dancing to live music on the terrace overlooking the ocean at sunset.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7823\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7825\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then that night our group helped cook and partake in one of The Most Memorable Meals of My life at a 500 year-old Tuscan farmhouse.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7820\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI almost forgot that my head hurt.  Wine and rich life experiences have wonderful numbing powers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSpeaking of forgetting . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy tour group peeps unanimously agreed that day that I DID NOT have a concussion.  No one was worried.  <em>Whew!  </em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs the days passed, the headache \"squeeze\" did not disappear.  Upon returning home, colleagues at work were worried.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>I</em> was officially worried when every time I sat down to write my blog posts  . . . nothing.  I tried not to panic.  I wondered when I would be able to write again.  I wondered if my readers would stick with me if I wasn\'t updating regularly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt work, I couldn\'t concentrate.  I became overwhelmed by the mounting emails and phone calls.  I felt \"foggy\".  At first, I attributed this to jet lag.  But a week later???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then one night I felt a slight numbness along my jawline.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n12 days after my accident, I hauled my cookies to the ER.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Diagnosis:  Concussion.</strong></span>  Which apparently can drag on for weeks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFollow up:  Non-urgent MRI to check out a spot on my brain in the exact location where I hit my head.  Doc not concerned.  <em>Whew!  </em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Harvey\" target=\"_blank\">Mr. Harvey</a></strong> used to say, now you know the <em>rest</em> of the story.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI apologize for the extreme posting delays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am happy to report that I am finally feeling \"normal\" and ready to rock with the remaining 9 posts for The Year of Living Curiously.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGood day!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 356:  My Very First Concussion.  Italian Style.','','inherit','open','open','','7803-revision-17','','','2011-10-11 20:56:55','2011-10-12 03:56:55','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/7803-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(7838,1,'2011-10-11 20:57:22','2011-10-12 03:57:22','[caption id=\"attachment_7830\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"A vineyard along the Strada del Vino\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160032.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7830 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160032-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nRemember when I cryptically mentioned that I was still here but <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/29/yes-im-still-here/\" target=\"_blank\">SOMETHING happened in Italia</a></strong> that prevented me from updating the blog in my usual, almost every day fashion?  I promised a legit excuse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the morning of Day 356, I hit my stride.  It was my 4th day on the bike, and my cycling immersion training in Tuscany was paying off.  Instead of being the weakest link at the back of the pack, I led at the front!  I am not sure if my tour group was humoring me, or if I was genuinely racing like the wind, but whatever the case, I felt AMAZING!  Lance Armstrong, kiss my bike shorts!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe were cycling along the Strada del Vino, a picturesque cypress-lined street famous for its numerous vineyards.  Many of the vineyards of the Super Tuscan wines are located along this street.  The ride was precisely as the itinerary described:  \"relaxing\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA group of racing cyclists whizzed by us.  Fabio 1 charged ahead to join them.  I <em>attempted</em> to join them as my tour group cheered me on from behind, but no way, no how.  The racers were probably clocking 35 mph, maybe more.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI slowed down to my original pace and soaked in the perfection of this morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...it was ALMOST perfection.  90 degrees is a bit warm, even on a tree-shaded street.  Feeling thirsty, I reached for my water bottle and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Crash!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Boom!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Splat!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI can\'t remember exactly, but I\'m pretty sure that I flew diagonally over the handle bars.  I am also unaware of what I hit first, my head or my shoulder.  I do remember the tremendous THUD as my head pounded the pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7826\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Luckily, I cracked my helmet and not my head. Boys and Girls, ALWAYS wear your helmet. This has been a Public Service Announcement from Late Bloomer.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7826\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI remained conscious as the tour group approached from behind shouting, \"Don\'t move!  Don\'t move!\"  I was too dazed to move.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs fate would have it, one of the members of our group was a trauma nurse.  She quickly examined me and determined that I could get up and walk to the side of the road.  This was a quiet street, but yes, we did share the road with cars.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nConcerned tour group members threw questions at me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Are you nauseous?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Are you dizzy?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Do you feel like you are going to pass out?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMia cugina, the mother of a lacrosse player, checked my pupils.  She announced to the others, \"They are same size -- not dilated!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was coherent, so I knew exactly what they thinking.  \"Does she have a concussion???\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSuperChuck, one of the madmen uber-fit cyclists, rushed off to find Fabio 1 who was still in the midst of Testosterone Central.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 arrived at the scene and asked, \"Are you nauseous?  Dizzy?  Feel like you\'re going to pass out?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"No, I don\'t feel any of those things.  I just feel like my head is being squeezed on either side.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 then enquired, \"Do you want to go to the hospital?  I have to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"HELL NO!!!!  I am not going to the hospital.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Sorry.  I had to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI laughed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Fabio 2 showed up in the van with first aid supplies.  He sprayed the road rash on my shoulder with disinfectant and liquid bandage.  It burned like crazy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7827\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Owie.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7827\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Fabios then announced that I couldn\'t ride that day since I hit my head.  I choked back tears at that point.  I was bummed and thoroughly disappointed with myself.  <em>Why</em> had I chosen to grab the water bottle with my dominant, right-hand this time?  I was experimenting to see if this move made balancing easier.  WHY????\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  I suppose there are worse fates in life than riding around in a van with the Italian version of Matthew McConaughey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was also The Best Lunch of My Life which included The Best Soup of My Life at the Fonte di Foiano Olive Oil Mill.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7818\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7819\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf this wasn\'t fabulous enough, there was wine, sunset, and spontaneous dancing to live music on the terrace overlooking the ocean at sunset.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7823\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7825\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then that night our group helped cook and partake in one of The Most Memorable Meals of My life at a 500 year-old Tuscan farmhouse.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7820\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI almost forgot that my head hurt.  Wine and rich life experiences have wonderful numbing powers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSpeaking of forgetting . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy tour group peeps unanimously agreed that day that I DID NOT have a concussion.  No one was worried.  <em>Whew!  </em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs the days passed, the headache \"squeeze\" did not disappear.  Upon returning home, colleagues at work were worried.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>I</em> was officially worried when every time I sat down to write my blog posts  . . . nothing.  I tried not to panic.  I wondered when I would be able to write again.  I wondered if my readers would stick with me if I wasn\'t updating regularly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt work, I couldn\'t concentrate.  I became overwhelmed by the mounting emails and phone calls.  I felt \"foggy\".  At first, I attributed this to jet lag.  But a week later???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then one night I felt a slight numbness along my jawline.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n12 days after my accident, I hauled my cookies to the ER.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Diagnosis:  Concussion.</strong></span>  Which apparently can drag on for weeks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFollow up:  Non-urgent MRI to check out a spot on my brain in the exact location where I hit my head.  Doc not concerned.  <em>Whew!  </em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Harvey\" target=\"_blank\">Mr. Harvey</a></strong> used to say, now you know the <em>rest</em> of the story.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI apologize for the extreme posting delays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am happy to report that I am finally feeling \"normal\" and ready to rock with the remaining 9 posts for The Year of Living Curiously.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGood day!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 356:  My Very First Concussion.  Italian Style.','','inherit','open','open','','7803-revision-18','','','2011-10-11 20:57:22','2011-10-12 03:57:22','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/7803-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(7839,1,'2011-10-11 21:01:13','2011-10-12 04:01:13','[caption id=\"attachment_7830\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"A vineyard along the Strada del Vino\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160032.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7830 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160032-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nRemember when I cryptically mentioned that I was still here but <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/29/yes-im-still-here/\" target=\"_blank\">SOMETHING happened in Italia</a></strong> that prevented me from updating the blog in my usual, almost every day fashion?  I promised a legit excuse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the morning of Day 356, I hit my stride.  It was my 4th day on the bike, and my cycling immersion training in Tuscany was paying off.  Instead of being the weakest link at the back of the pack, I led at the front!  I am not sure if my tour group was humoring me, or if I was genuinely racing like the wind, but whatever the case, I felt AMAZING!  Lance Armstrong, kiss my bike shorts!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe were cycling along the Strada del Vino, a picturesque cypress-lined street famous for its numerous vineyards.  Many of the vineyards of the Super Tuscan wines are located along this street.  The ride was precisely as the itinerary described:  \"relaxing\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA group of racing cyclists whizzed by us.  Fabio 1 charged ahead to join them.  I <em>attempted</em> to join them as my tour group cheered me on from behind, but no way, no how.  The racers were probably clocking 35 mph, maybe more.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI slowed down to my original pace and soaked in the perfection of this morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...it was ALMOST perfection.  90 degrees is a bit warm, even on a tree-shaded street.  Feeling thirsty, I reached for my water bottle and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Crash!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Boom!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Splat!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI can\'t remember exactly, but I\'m pretty sure that I flew diagonally over the handle bars.  I am also unaware of what I hit first, my head or my shoulder.  I do remember the tremendous THUD as my head pounded the pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7826\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Luckily, I cracked my helmet and not my head. Boys and Girls, ALWAYS wear your helmet. This has been a Public Service Announcement from Late Bloomer.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7826\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI remained conscious as the tour group approached from behind shouting, \"Don\'t move!  Don\'t move!\"  I was too dazed to move.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs fate would have it, one of the members of our group was a trauma nurse.  She quickly examined me and determined that I could get up and walk to the side of the road.  This was a quiet street, but yes, we did share the road with cars.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nConcerned tour group members threw questions at me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Are you nauseous?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Are you dizzy?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Do you feel like you are going to pass out?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMia cugina, the mother of a lacrosse player, checked my pupils.  She announced to the others, \"They are same size -- not dilated!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was coherent, so I knew exactly what they thinking.  \"Does she have a concussion???\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSuperChuck, one of the madmen uber-fit cyclists, rushed off to find Fabio 1 who was still in the midst of Testosterone Central.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 arrived at the scene and asked, \"Are you nauseous?  Dizzy?  Feel like you\'re going to pass out?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"No, I don\'t feel any of those things.  I just feel like my head is being squeezed on either side.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 then enquired, \"Do you want to go to the hospital?  I have to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"HELL NO!!!!  I am not going to the hospital.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Sorry.  I had to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI laughed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Fabio 2 showed up in the van with first aid supplies.  He sprayed the road rash on my shoulder with disinfectant and liquid bandage.  It burned like crazy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7827\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Owie.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7827\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Fabios then announced that I couldn\'t ride that day since I hit my head.  I choked back tears at that point.  I was bummed and thoroughly disappointed with myself.  <em>Why</em> had I chosen to grab the water bottle with my dominant, right-hand this time?  I was experimenting to see if this move made balancing easier.  WHY????\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  I suppose there are worse fates in life than riding around in a van with the Italian version of Matthew McConaughey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was also The Best Lunch of My Life which included The Best Soup of My Life at the Fonte di Foiano Olive Oil Mill.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7818\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7819\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf this wasn\'t fabulous enough, there was wine, sunset, and spontaneous dancing to live music on the terrace overlooking the ocean at sunset.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7823\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7825\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then that night our group helped cook and partake in one of The Most Memorable Meals of My life at a 500 year-old Tuscan farmhouse.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7820\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI almost forgot that my head hurt.  Wine and rich life experiences have wonderful numbing powers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSpeaking of forgetting . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy tour group peeps unanimously agreed that day that I DID NOT have a concussion.  No one was worried.  <em>Whew!  </em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs the days passed, the headache \"squeeze\" did not disappear.  Upon returning home, colleagues at work were worried.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>I</em> was officially worried when every time I sat down to write my blog posts  . . . nothing.  I tried not to panic.  I wondered when I would be able to write again.  I wondered if my readers would stick with me if I wasn\'t updating regularly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt work, I couldn\'t concentrate.  I became overwhelmed by the mounting emails and phone calls.  I felt \"foggy\".  At first, I attributed this to jet lag.  But a week later???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then one night I felt a slight numbness along my jawline.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n12 days after my accident, I hauled my cookies to the ER.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Diagnosis:  Concussion.</strong></span>  Which apparently can drag on for weeks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFollow up:  Non-urgent MRI to check out a spot on my brain in the exact location where I hit my head.  Doc not concerned.  <em>Whew!  </em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Harvey\" target=\"_blank\">Mr. Harvey</a></strong> used to say, now you know the <em>rest</em> of the story.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI apologize for the extreme posting delays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am happy to report that I am finally feeling \"normal\" and ready to rock with the remaining 9 posts for The Year of Living Curiously.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGood day!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 356:  My Very First Concussion.  Italian Style.','','inherit','open','open','','7803-revision-19','','','2011-10-11 21:01:13','2011-10-12 04:01:13','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/7803-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(7840,1,'2011-10-11 21:02:04','2011-10-12 04:02:04','[caption id=\"attachment_7830\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"A vineyard along the Strada del Vino\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160032.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7830 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160032-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nRemember when I cryptically mentioned that I was still here but <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/29/yes-im-still-here/\" target=\"_blank\">SOMETHING happened in Italia</a></strong> that prevented me from updating the blog in my usual, almost every day fashion?  I promised a legit excuse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the morning of Day 356, I hit my stride.  It was my 4th day on the bike, and my cycling immersion training in Tuscany was paying off.  Instead of being the weakest link at the back of the pack, I led at the front!  I am not sure if my tour group was humoring me, or if I was genuinely racing like the wind, but whatever the case, I felt AMAZING!  Lance Armstrong, kiss my bike shorts!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe were cycling along the Strada del Vino, a picturesque cypress-lined street famous for its numerous vineyards.  Many of the vineyards of the Super Tuscan wines are located along this street.  The ride was precisely as the itinerary described:  \"relaxing\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA group of racing cyclists whizzed by us.  Fabio 1 charged ahead to join them.  I <em>attempted</em> to join them as my tour group cheered me on from behind, but no way, no how.  The racers were probably clocking 35 mph, maybe more.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI slowed down to my original pace and soaked in the perfection of this morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...it was ALMOST perfection.  90 degrees is a bit warm, even on a tree-shaded street.  Feeling thirsty, I reached for my water bottle and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Crash!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Boom!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Splat!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI can\'t remember exactly, but I\'m pretty sure that I flew diagonally over the handle bars.  I am also unaware of what I hit first, my head or my shoulder.  I do remember the tremendous THUD as my head pounded the pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7826\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Luckily, I cracked my helmet and not my head. Boys and Girls, ALWAYS wear your helmet. This has been a Public Service Announcement from Late Bloomer.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7826\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI remained conscious as the tour group approached from behind shouting, \"Don\'t move!  Don\'t move!\"  I was too dazed to move.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs fate would have it, one of the members of our group was a trauma nurse.  She quickly examined me and determined that I could get up and walk to the side of the road.  This was a quiet street, but yes, we did share the road with cars.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nConcerned tour group members threw questions at me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Are you nauseous?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Are you dizzy?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Do you feel like you are going to pass out?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMia cugina, the mother of a lacrosse player, checked my pupils.  She announced to the others, \"They are same size -- not dilated!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was coherent, so I knew exactly what they thinking.  \"Does she have a concussion???\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSuperChuck, one of the madmen uber-fit cyclists, rushed off to find Fabio 1 who was still in the midst of Testosterone Central.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 arrived at the scene and asked, \"Are you nauseous?  Dizzy?  Feel like you\'re going to pass out?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"No, I don\'t feel any of those things.  I just feel like my head is being squeezed on either side.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 then enquired, \"Do you want to go to the hospital?  I have to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"HELL NO!!!!  I am not going to the hospital.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Sorry.  I had to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI laughed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Fabio 2 showed up in the van with first aid supplies.  He sprayed the road rash on my shoulder with disinfectant and liquid bandage.  It burned like crazy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7827\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Owie.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7827\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Fabios then announced that I couldn\'t ride that day since I hit my head.  I choked back tears at that point.  I was bummed and thoroughly disappointed with myself.  <em>Why</em> had I chosen to grab the water bottle with my dominant, right-hand this time?  I was experimenting to see if this move made balancing easier.  WHY????\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  I suppose there are worse fates in life than riding around in a van with the Italian version of Matthew McConaughey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was also The Best Lunch of My Life which included The Best Soup of My Life at the Fonte di Foiano Olive Oil Mill.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7818\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7819\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf this wasn\'t fabulous enough, there was wine, sunset, and spontaneous dancing to live music on the terrace overlooking the ocean at sunset.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7823\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7825\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then that night our group helped cook and partake in one of The Most Memorable Meals of My life at a 500 year-old Tuscan farmhouse.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7820\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI almost forgot that my head hurt.  Wine and rich life experiences have wonderful numbing powers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSpeaking of forgetting . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy tour group peeps unanimously agreed that day that I DID NOT have a concussion.  No one was worried.  <em>Whew!  </em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs the days passed, the headache \"squeeze\" did not disappear.  Upon returning home, colleagues at work were worried.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>I</em> was officially worried when every time I sat down to write my blog posts  . . . nothing.  I tried not to panic.  I wondered when I would be able to write again.  I wondered if my readers would stick with me if I wasn\'t updating regularly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt work, I couldn\'t concentrate.  I became overwhelmed by the mounting emails and phone calls.  I felt \"foggy\".  At first, I attributed this to jet lag.  But a week later???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then one night I felt a slight numbness along my jawline.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n12 days after my accident, I hauled my cookies to the ER.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Diagnosis:  Concussion.</strong></span>  Which apparently can drag on for weeks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFollow up:  Non-urgent MRI to check out a spot on my brain in the exact location where I hit my head.  Doc not concerned.  <em>Whew!  </em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Harvey\" target=\"_blank\">Mr. Harvey</a></strong> used to say, now you know the <em>rest</em> of the story.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI apologize for the extreme posting delays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am happy to report that I am finally feeling \"normal\" and ready to rock with the remaining 9 posts for The Year of Living Curiously.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGood day!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 356:  My Very First Concussion.  Italian Style.','','inherit','open','open','','7803-revision-20','','','2011-10-11 21:02:04','2011-10-12 04:02:04','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/7803-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(7841,1,'2011-10-11 21:02:29','2011-10-12 04:02:29','[caption id=\"attachment_7830\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"A vineyard along the Strada del Vino\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160032.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7830 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160032-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nRemember when I cryptically mentioned that I was still here but <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/29/yes-im-still-here/\" target=\"_blank\">SOMETHING happened in Italia</a></strong> that prevented me from updating the blog in my usual, almost every day fashion?  I promised a legit excuse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the morning of Day 356, I hit my stride.  It was my 4th day on the bike, and my cycling immersion training in Tuscany was paying off.  Instead of being the weakest link at the back of the pack, I led at the front!  I am not sure if my tour group was humoring me, or if I was genuinely racing like the wind, but whatever the case, I felt AMAZING!  Lance Armstrong, kiss my bike shorts!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe were cycling along the Strada del Vino, a picturesque cypress-lined street famous for its numerous vineyards.  Many of the vineyards of the Super Tuscan wines are located along this street.  The ride was precisely as the itinerary described:  \"relaxing\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA group of racing cyclists whizzed by us.  Fabio 1 charged ahead to join them.  I <em>attempted</em> to join them as my tour group cheered me on from behind, but no way, no how.  The racers were probably clocking 35 mph, maybe more.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI slowed down to my original pace and soaked in the perfection of this morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...it was ALMOST perfection.  90 degrees is a bit warm, even on a tree-shaded street.  Feeling thirsty, I reached for my water bottle and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Crash!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Boom!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Splat!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI can\'t remember exactly, but I\'m pretty sure that I flew diagonally over the handle bars.  I am also unaware of what I hit first, my head or my shoulder.  I do remember the tremendous THUD as my head pounded the pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7826\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Luckily, I cracked my helmet and not my head. Boys and Girls, ALWAYS wear your helmet. This has been a Public Service Announcement from Late Bloomer.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7826\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI remained conscious as the tour group approached from behind shouting, \"Don\'t move!  Don\'t move!\"  I was too dazed to move.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs fate would have it, one of the members of our group was a trauma nurse.  She quickly examined me and determined that I could get up and walk to the side of the road.  This was a quiet street, but yes, we did share the road with cars.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nConcerned tour group members threw questions at me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Are you nauseous?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Are you dizzy?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Do you feel like you are going to pass out?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMia cugina, the mother of a lacrosse player, checked my pupils.  She announced to the others, \"They are same size -- not dilated!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was coherent, so I knew exactly what they thinking.  \"Does she have a concussion???\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSuperChuck, one of the madmen uber-fit cyclists, rushed off to find Fabio 1 who was still in the midst of Testosterone Central.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 arrived at the scene and asked, \"Are you nauseous?  Dizzy?  Feel like you\'re going to pass out?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"No, I don\'t feel any of those things.  I just feel like my head is being squeezed on either side.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 then enquired, \"Do you want to go to the hospital?  I have to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"HELL NO!!!!  I am not going to the hospital.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Sorry.  I had to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI laughed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Fabio 2 showed up in the van with first aid supplies.  He sprayed the road rash on my shoulder with disinfectant and liquid bandage.  It burned like crazy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7827\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Owie.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7827\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Fabios then announced that I couldn\'t ride that day since I hit my head.  I choked back tears at that point.  I was bummed and thoroughly disappointed with myself.  <em>Why</em> had I chosen to grab the water bottle with my dominant, right-hand this time?  I was experimenting to see if this move made balancing easier.  WHY????\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  I suppose there are worse fates in life than riding around in a van with the Italian version of Matthew McConaughey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was also The Best Lunch of My Life which included The Best Soup of My Life at the Fonte di Foiano Olive Oil Mill.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7818\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7819\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf this wasn\'t fabulous enough, there was wine, sunset, and spontaneous dancing to live music on the terrace overlooking the ocean at sunset.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7823\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7825\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then that night our group helped cook and partake in one of The Most Memorable Meals of My life at a 500 year-old Tuscan farmhouse.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7820\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI almost forgot that my head hurt.  Wine and rich life experiences have wonderful numbing powers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSpeaking of forgetting . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy tour group peeps unanimously agreed that day that I DID NOT have a concussion.  No one was worried.  <em>Whew!  </em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs the days passed, the headache \"squeeze\" did not disappear.  Upon returning home, colleagues at work were worried.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>I</em> was officially worried when every time I sat down to write my blog posts  . . . nothing.  I tried not to panic.  I wondered when I would be able to write again.  I wondered if my readers would stick with me if I wasn\'t updating regularly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt work, I couldn\'t concentrate.  I became overwhelmed by the mounting emails and phone calls.  I felt \"foggy\".  At first, I attributed this to jet lag.  But a week later???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then one night I felt a slight numbness along my jawline.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n12 days after my accident, I hauled my cookies to the ER.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Diagnosis:  Concussion.</strong></span>  Which apparently can drag on for weeks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFollow up:  Non-urgent MRI to check out a spot on my brain in the exact location where I hit my head.  Doc not concerned.  <em>Whew!  </em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Harvey\" target=\"_blank\">Mr. Harvey</a></strong> used to say, now you know the <em>rest</em> of the story.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI apologize for the extreme posting delays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am happy to report that I am finally feeling \"normal\" and ready to rock with the remaining 9 posts for The Year of Living Curiously.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGood day!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 356:  My Very First Concussion.  Italian Style.','','inherit','open','open','','7803-revision-21','','','2011-10-11 21:02:29','2011-10-12 04:02:29','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/7803-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),(7842,1,'2011-10-11 21:03:10','2011-10-12 04:03:10','[caption id=\"attachment_7830\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"A vineyard along the Strada del Vino\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160032.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7830 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160032-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nRemember when I cryptically mentioned that I was still here but <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/29/yes-im-still-here/\" target=\"_blank\">SOMETHING happened in Italia</a></strong> that prevented me from updating the blog in my usual, almost every day fashion?  I promised a legit excuse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the morning of Day 356, I hit my stride.  It was my 4th day on the bike, and my cycling immersion training in Tuscany was paying off.  Instead of being the weakest link at the back of the pack, I led at the front!  I am not sure if my tour group was humoring me, or if I was genuinely racing like the wind, but whatever the case, I felt AMAZING!  Lance Armstrong, kiss my bike shorts!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe were cycling along the Strada del Vino, a picturesque cypress-lined street famous for its numerous vineyards.  Many of the vineyards of the Super Tuscan wines are located along this street.  The ride was precisely as the itinerary described:  \"relaxing\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA group of racing cyclists whizzed by us.  Fabio 1 charged ahead to join them.  I <em>attempted</em> to join them as my tour group cheered me on from behind, but no way, no how.  The racers were probably clocking 35 mph, maybe more.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI slowed down to my original pace and soaked in the perfection of this morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...it was ALMOST perfection.  90 degrees is a bit warm, even on a tree-shaded street.  Feeling thirsty, I reached for my water bottle and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Crash!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Boom!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Splat!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI can\'t remember exactly, but I\'m pretty sure that I flew diagonally over the handle bars.  I am also unaware of what I hit first, my head or my shoulder.  I do remember the tremendous THUD as my head pounded the pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7826\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Luckily, I cracked my helmet and not my head. Boys and Girls, ALWAYS wear your helmet. This has been a Public Service Announcement from Late Bloomer.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7826\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI remained conscious as the tour group approached from behind shouting, \"Don\'t move!  Don\'t move!\"  I was too dazed to move.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs fate would have it, one of the members of our group was a trauma nurse.  She quickly examined me and determined that I could get up and walk to the side of the road.  This was a quiet street, but yes, we did share the road with cars.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nConcerned tour group members threw questions at me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Are you nauseous?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Are you dizzy?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Do you feel like you are going to pass out?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMia cugina, the mother of a lacrosse player, checked my pupils.  She announced to the others, \"They are same size -- not dilated!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was coherent, so I knew exactly what they thinking.  \"Does she have a concussion???\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSuperChuck, one of the madmen uber-fit cyclists, rushed off to find Fabio 1 who was still in the midst of Testosterone Central.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 arrived at the scene and asked, \"Are you nauseous?  Dizzy?  Feel like you\'re going to pass out?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"No, I don\'t feel any of those things.  I just feel like my head is being squeezed on either side.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 then enquired, \"Do you want to go to the hospital?  I have to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"HELL NO!!!!  I am not going to the hospital.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Sorry.  I had to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI laughed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Fabio 2 showed up in the van with first aid supplies.  He sprayed the road rash on my shoulder with disinfectant and liquid bandage.  It burned like crazy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7827\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Owie.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7827\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Fabios then announced that I couldn\'t ride that day since I hit my head.  I choked back tears at that point.  I was bummed and thoroughly disappointed with myself.  <em>Why</em> had I chosen to grab the water bottle with my dominant, right-hand this time?  I was experimenting to see if this move made balancing easier.  WHY????\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  I suppose there are worse fates in life than riding around in a van with the Italian version of Matthew McConaughey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was also The Best Lunch of My Life which included The Best Soup of My Life at the Fonte di Foiano Olive Oil Mill.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7818\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7819\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf this wasn\'t fabulous enough, there was wine, sunset, and spontaneous dancing to live music on the terrace overlooking the ocean at sunset.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7823\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7825\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then that night our group helped cook and partake in one of The Most Memorable Meals of My life at a 500 year-old Tuscan farmhouse.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7820\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI almost forgot that my head hurt.  Wine and rich life experiences have wonderful numbing powers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSpeaking of forgetting . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy tour group peeps unanimously agreed that day that I DID NOT have a concussion.  No one was worried.  <em>Whew!  </em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs the days passed, the headache \"squeeze\" did not disappear.  Upon returning home, colleagues at work were worried.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>I</em> was officially worried when every time I sat down to write my blog posts  . . . nothing.  I tried not to panic.  I wondered when I would be able to write again.  I wondered if my readers would stick with me if I wasn\'t updating regularly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt work, I couldn\'t concentrate.  I became overwhelmed by the mounting emails and phone calls.  I felt \"foggy\".  At first, I attributed this to jet lag.  But a week later???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then one night I felt a slight numbness along my jawline.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n12 days after my accident, I hauled my cookies to the ER.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Diagnosis:  Concussion.</strong></span>  Which apparently can drag on for weeks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFollow up:  Non-urgent MRI to check out a spot on my brain in the exact location where I hit my head.  Doc not concerned.  <em>Whew!  </em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Harvey\" target=\"_blank\">Mr. Harvey</a></strong> used to say, now you know the <em>rest</em> of the story.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI apologize for the extreme posting delays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am happy to report that I am finally feeling \"normal\" and ready to rock with the remaining 9 posts for The Year of Living Curiously.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGood day!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 356:  My Very First Concussion.  Italian Style.','','inherit','open','open','','7803-revision-22','','','2011-10-11 21:03:10','2011-10-12 04:03:10','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/7803-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(7843,1,'2011-10-11 21:06:31','2011-10-12 04:06:31','[caption id=\"attachment_7830\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"A vineyard along the Strada del Vino\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160032.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7830 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9160032-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nRemember when I cryptically mentioned that I was still here but <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/29/yes-im-still-here/\" target=\"_blank\">SOMETHING happened in Italia</a></strong> that prevented me from updating the blog in my usual, almost every day fashion?  I promised a legit excuse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the morning of Day 356, I hit my stride.  It was my 4th day on the bike, and my cycling immersion training in Tuscany was paying off.  Instead of being the weakest link at the back of the pack, I led at the front!  I am not sure if my tour group was humoring me, or if I was genuinely racing like the wind, but whatever the case, I felt AMAZING!  Lance Armstrong, kiss my bike shorts!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe were cycling along the Strada del Vino, a picturesque cypress-lined street famous for its numerous vineyards.  Many of the vineyards of the Super Tuscan wines are located along this street.  The ride was precisely as the itinerary described:  \"relaxing\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA group of racing cyclists whizzed by us.  Fabio 1 charged ahead to join them.  I <em>attempted</em> to join them as my tour group cheered me on from behind, but no way, no how.  The racers were probably clocking 35 mph, maybe more.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI slowed down to my original pace and soaked in the perfection of this morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...it was ALMOST perfection.  90 degrees is a bit warm, even on a tree-shaded street.  Feeling thirsty, I reached for my water bottle and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Crash!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Boom!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Splat!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI can\'t remember exactly, but I\'m pretty sure that I flew diagonally over the handle bars.  I am also unaware of what I hit first, my head or my shoulder.  I do remember the tremendous THUD as my head pounded the pavement.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7826\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Luckily, I cracked my helmet and not my head. Boys and Girls, ALWAYS wear your helmet. This has been a Public Service Announcement from Late Bloomer.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7826\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170051-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI remained conscious as the tour group approached from behind shouting, \"Don\'t move!  Don\'t move!\"  I was too dazed to move.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs fate would have it, one of the members of our group was a trauma nurse.  She quickly examined me and determined that I could get up and walk to the side of the road.  This was a quiet street, but yes, we did share the road with cars.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nConcerned tour group members threw questions at me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Are you nauseous?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Are you dizzy?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Do you feel like you are going to pass out?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMia cugina, the mother of a lacrosse player, checked my pupils.  She announced to the others, \"They are same size -- not dilated!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was coherent, so I knew exactly what they thinking.  \"Does she have a concussion???\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSuperChuck, one of the madmen uber-fit cyclists, rushed off to find Fabio 1 who was still in the midst of Testosterone Central.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 arrived at the scene and asked, \"Are you nauseous?  Dizzy?  Feel like you\'re going to pass out?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"No, I don\'t feel any of those things.  I just feel like my head is being squeezed on either side.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 then enquired, \"Do you want to go to the hospital?  I have to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"HELL NO!!!!  I am not going to the hospital.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Sorry.  I had to ask.  It\'s the American way.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI laughed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Fabio 2 showed up in the van with first aid supplies.  He sprayed the road rash on my shoulder with disinfectant and liquid bandage.  It burned like crazy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7827\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Owie.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7827\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170049-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Fabios then announced that I couldn\'t ride that day since I hit my head.  I choked back tears at that point.  I was bummed and thoroughly disappointed with myself.  <em>Why</em> had I chosen to grab the water bottle with my dominant, right-hand this time?  I was experimenting to see if this move made balancing easier.  WHY????\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, well.  I suppose there are worse fates in life than riding around in a van with the Italian version of Matthew McConaughey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was also The Best Lunch of My Life which included The Best Soup of My Life at the Fonte di Foiano Olive Oil Mill.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7818\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170046-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7819\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170045-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf this wasn\'t fabulous enough, there was wine, sunset, and spontaneous dancing to live music on the terrace overlooking the ocean at sunset.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7823\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170064-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7825\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170059-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then that night our group helped cook and partake in one of The Most Memorable Meals of My life at a 500 year-old Tuscan farmhouse.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7820\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9170086-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI almost forgot that my head hurt.  Wine and rich life experiences have wonderful numbing powers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSpeaking of forgetting . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy tour group peeps unanimously agreed that day that I DID NOT have a concussion.  No one was worried.  <em>Whew!  </em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs the days passed, the headache \"squeeze\" did not disappear.  Upon returning home, colleagues at work were worried.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>I</em> was officially worried when every time I sat down to write my blog posts  . . . nothing.  I tried not to panic.  I wondered when I would be able to write again.  I wondered if my readers would stick with me if I wasn\'t updating regularly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt work, I couldn\'t concentrate.  I became overwhelmed by the mounting emails and phone calls.  I felt \"foggy\".  At first, I attributed this to jet lag.  But a week later???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then one night I felt a slight numbness along my jawline.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n12 days after my accident, I hauled my cookies to the ER.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Diagnosis:  Concussion.</strong></span>  Which apparently can drag on for weeks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a follow up, I am to schedule a non-urgent MRI to check out a spot on my brain in the exact location where I hit my head.  Doc not concerned.  <em>Whew!  </em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Harvey\" target=\"_blank\">Mr. Harvey</a></strong> used to say, now you know the <em>rest</em> of the story.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI apologize for the extreme posting delays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am happy to report that I am finally feeling \"normal\" and ready to rock with the remaining 9 posts for The Year of Living Curiously.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGood day!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 356:  My Very First Concussion.  Italian Style.','','inherit','open','open','','7803-revision-23','','','2011-10-11 21:06:31','2011-10-12 04:06:31','',7803,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/7803-revision-23/',0,'revision','',0),(7845,1,'2011-10-13 18:31:32','2011-10-14 01:31:32','I signed up for the Tuscan Coast Cycling Tour, but after slamming my head into the pavement on Day 356, I pondered my options post-crash.  Should I suck it up and get back on the bike, or take it easy and sit the day out in the van with Fabio 1?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI decided to follow that old \"listen to your body\" adage.  With my head feeling like it was still being squeezed by a giant clamp, I felt as though it was the prudent thing to do.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDon\'t feel too sorry for me.   And how often does a single woman get the chance to lock herself up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who showers her with compliments by the minute.','Day 357:  Tuscan Coast Van Tour ','','inherit','open','open','','7844-revision','','','2011-10-13 18:31:32','2011-10-14 01:31:32','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/7844-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(7846,1,'2011-10-13 18:32:32','2011-10-14 01:32:32','I signed up for the Tuscan Coast Cycling Tour, but after slamming my head into the pavement on Day 356, I pondered my options post-crash.  Should I suck it up and get back on the bike, or take it easy and sit the day out in the van with Fabio 1?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI decided to follow that old \"listen to your body\" adage.  With my head feeling like it was still being squeezed by a giant clamp, I felt as though it was the prudent thing to do.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDon\'t feel too sorry for me.   How often does a single woman get the chance to lock herself up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who showers her with compliments by the minute?  Carpe Diem, Sisters!  A girl\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 357:  Tuscan Coast Van Tour ','','inherit','open','open','','7844-revision-2','','','2011-10-13 18:32:32','2011-10-14 01:32:32','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/7844-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(7847,1,'2011-10-13 18:32:36','2011-10-14 01:32:36','I signed up for the Tuscan Coast Cycling Tour, but after slamming my head into the pavement on Day 356, I pondered my options post-crash.  Should I suck it up and get back on the bike, or take it easy and sit the day out in the van with Fabio 1?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided to follow that old \"listen to your body\" adage.  With my head feeling like it was still being squeezed by a giant clamp, I felt as though it was the prudent thing to do.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDon\'t feel too sorry for me.   How often does a single woman get the chance to lock herself up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who showers her with compliments by the minute?  Carpe Diem, Sisters!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 357:  Tuscan Coast Van Tour ','','inherit','open','open','','7844-revision-3','','','2011-10-13 18:32:36','2011-10-14 01:32:36','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/7844-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(8030,1,'2011-10-23 19:35:56','2011-10-24 02:35:56','blah blah blah','Little Miss B','Destined to be a One Hit Wonder','inherit','open','open','','bella-2','','','2011-10-23 19:35:56','2011-10-24 02:35:56','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Bella-2.m4a',0,'attachment','audio/mpeg',0),(7849,1,'2011-10-13 18:35:44','2011-10-14 01:35:44','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-617','','','2011-10-13 18:35:44','2011-10-14 01:35:44','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7850,1,'2011-10-13 18:37:15','2011-10-14 01:37:15','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','We followed the same road as the cyclists.  ','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-618','','','2011-10-13 18:37:15','2011-10-14 01:37:15','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7851,1,'2011-10-13 18:36:51','2011-10-14 01:36:51','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7849\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I signed up for the Tuscan Coast Cycling Tour, but after slamming my head into the pavement on Day 356, I pondered my options post-crash.  Should I suck it up and get back on the bike, or take it easy and sit the day out in the van with Fabio 1?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI decided to follow that old \"listen to your body\" adage.  With my head feeling like it was still being squeezed by a giant clamp, I felt as though it was the prudent thing to do.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDon\'t feel too sorry for me.   How often does a single woman get the chance to lock herself up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who showers her with compliments by the minute?  Carpe Diem, Sisters!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd guess what?  Tuscany is just as beautiful from a van window.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 357:  Tuscan Coast Van Tour ','','inherit','open','open','','7844-revision-4','','','2011-10-13 18:36:51','2011-10-14 01:36:51','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/7844-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(7852,1,'2011-10-13 18:48:19','2011-10-14 01:48:19','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','Snack prep is tough, but somebody has to do it! ','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-619','','','2011-10-13 18:48:19','2011-10-14 01:48:19','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7853,1,'2011-10-13 18:58:18','2011-10-14 01:58:18','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7849\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I signed up for the Tuscan Coast Cycling Tour, but after slamming my head into the pavement on Day 356, I pondered my options post-crash.  Should I suck it up and get back on the bike, or take it easy and sit the day out in the van with Fabio 1?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI decided to follow that old \"listen to your body\" adage.  With my head feeling like it was still being squeezed by a giant clamp, I felt as though it was the prudent thing to do.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDon\'t feel too sorry for me.   How often does a single woman get the chance to lock herself up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who showers her with compliments by the minute?  (Not to mention that somehow, compliments always sound better with an accent, do they not?)  Carpe Diem, Sisters!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd guess what?  Tuscany is just as beautiful from a van window.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7850\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"We followed the same road as the cyclists.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7850\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 was an excellent host.  He was on a mission to make my van tour day special.  We made a few extra cappuccino stops in the morning, and we pulled over for G.O.D (Gelato of the Day) in the afternoon.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs honorary tour guide sidekick, I even helped set out the snacks for the cyclists.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7852\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Snack prep is tough, but somebody has to do it!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7852\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince it was a transfer day to a different agrihotel, I was the first to see my personal favorite lodging of the tour:  Montebelli.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRemember how Scarlett\'s love of Tara?  Montebelli is the Italian Tara.  It . . . is . . .','Day 357:  Tuscan Coast Van Tour ','','inherit','open','open','','7844-revision-5','','','2011-10-13 18:58:18','2011-10-14 01:58:18','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/7844-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(7854,1,'2011-10-13 19:42:21','2011-10-14 02:42:21','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','Montebelli:  The Italian Tara','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-620','','','2011-10-13 19:42:21','2011-10-14 02:42:21','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7855,1,'2011-10-13 19:48:21','2011-10-14 02:48:21','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-621','','','2011-10-13 19:48:21','2011-10-14 02:48:21','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7856,1,'2011-10-13 19:49:20','2011-10-14 02:49:20','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-622','','','2011-10-13 19:49:20','2011-10-14 02:49:20','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7857,1,'2011-10-13 19:47:08','2011-10-14 02:47:08','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7849\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I signed up for the Tuscan Coast Cycling Tour, but after slamming my head into the pavement on Day 356, I pondered my options post-crash.  Should I suck it up and get back on the bike, or take it easy and sit the day out in the van with Fabio 1?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI decided to follow that old \"listen to your body\" adage.  With my head feeling like it was still being squeezed by a giant clamp, I felt as though it was the prudent thing to do.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDon\'t feel too sorry for me.   How often does a single woman get the chance to lock herself up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who showers her with compliments by the minute?  (Not to mention that somehow, compliments always sound better with an accent, do they not?)  Carpe Diem, Sisters!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd guess what?  Tuscany is just as beautiful from a van window.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7850\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"We followed the same road as the cyclists.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7850\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 was an excellent host.  He was on a mission to make my van tour day special.  We made a few extra cappuccino stops in the morning, and we pulled over for G.O.D (Gelato of the Day) in the afternoon.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs honorary tour guide sidekick, I even helped set out the snacks for the cyclists.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7852\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Snack prep is tough, but somebody has to do it!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7852\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince it was a transfer day to a different agri, I was the first to see my personal favorite lodging of the tour:  Montebelli.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRemember how Scarlett talked about <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_Plantation\" target=\"_blank\">Tara</a></strong>?  That\'s how I now talk about <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Montebelli</a></strong>.  The grounds are peacefully spectacular.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7854\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Montebelli: The Italian Tara\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7854\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCare to see more photos of Montebelli?  You can view their photo gallery <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/gallery.html\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.','Day 357:  Tuscan Coast Van Tour ','','inherit','open','open','','7844-revision-6','','','2011-10-13 19:47:08','2011-10-14 02:47:08','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/7844-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(7858,1,'2011-10-13 19:50:08','2011-10-14 02:50:08','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7849\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I signed up for the Tuscan Coast Cycling Tour, but after slamming my head into the pavement on Day 356, I pondered my options post-crash.  Should I suck it up and get back on the bike, or take it easy and sit the day out in the van with Fabio 1?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI decided to follow that old \"listen to your body\" adage.  With my head feeling like it was still being squeezed by a giant clamp, I felt as though it was the prudent thing to do.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDon\'t feel too sorry for me.   How often does a single woman get the chance to lock herself up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who showers her with compliments by the minute?  (Not to mention that somehow, compliments always sound better with an accent, do they not?)  Carpe Diem, Sisters!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd guess what?  Tuscany is just as beautiful from a van window.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7850\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"We followed the same road as the cyclists.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7850\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 was an excellent host.  He was on a mission to make my van tour day special.  We made a few extra cappuccino stops in the morning, and we pulled over for G.O.D (Gelato of the Day) in the afternoon.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs honorary tour guide sidekick, I even helped set out the snacks for the cyclists.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7852\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Snack prep is tough, but somebody has to do it!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7852\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince it was a transfer day to a different agriturismo, I was the first to see my personal favorite lodging of the tour:  Montebelli.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRemember how Scarlett talked about <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_Plantation\" target=\"_blank\">Tara</a></strong>?  That\'s how I now talk about <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Montebelli</a></strong>.  The grounds are peacefully spectacular.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7854\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Montebelli: The Italian Tara\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7854\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCare to see more photos of Montebelli?  You can view their photo gallery <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/gallery.html\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7855\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7856\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 357:  Tuscan Coast Van Tour ','','inherit','open','open','','7844-revision-7','','','2011-10-13 19:50:08','2011-10-14 02:50:08','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/7844-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(7859,1,'2011-10-13 19:54:59','2011-10-14 02:54:59','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-623','','','2011-10-13 19:54:59','2011-10-14 02:54:59','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7860,1,'2011-10-13 19:58:39','2011-10-14 02:58:39','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','Bath Paradise Found','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-624','','','2011-10-13 19:58:39','2011-10-14 02:58:39','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7861,1,'2011-10-13 20:00:46','2011-10-14 03:00:46','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7849\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I signed up for the Tuscan Coast Cycling Tour, but after slamming my head into the pavement on Day 356, I pondered my options post-crash.  Should I suck it up and get back on the bike, or take it easy and sit the day out in the van with Fabio 1?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI decided to follow that old \"listen to your body\" adage.  With my head feeling like it was still being squeezed by a giant clamp, I felt as though it was the prudent thing to do.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDon\'t feel too sorry for me.   How often does a single woman get the chance to lock herself up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who showers her with compliments by the minute?  (Not to mention that somehow, compliments always sound better with an accent, do they not?)  Carpe Diem, Sisters!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd guess what?  Tuscany is just as beautiful from a van window.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7850\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"We followed the same road as the cyclists.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7850\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 was an excellent host.  He was on a mission to make my van tour day special.  We made a few extra cappuccino stops in the morning, and we pulled over for G.O.D (Gelato of the Day) in the afternoon.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs honorary tour guide sidekick, I even helped set out the snacks for the cyclists.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7852\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Snack prep is tough, but somebody has to do it!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7852\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince it was a transfer day to a different agriturismo, I was the first to see my personal favorite lodging of the tour:  Montebelli.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRemember how Scarlett talked about <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_Plantation\" target=\"_blank\">Tara</a></strong>?  That\'s how I now talk about <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Montebelli</a></strong>.  The grounds are peacefully spectacular.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7854\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Montebelli: The Italian Tara\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7854\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Care to see more photos of the Montebelli grounds?  You can view their photo gallery <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/gallery.html\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had a suite -- yes, a SUITE! -- with a view.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7855\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7856\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEven more charming:  I was greeted with a handwritten note!  (Louise is my middle name.  I planned on changing it to \"Louisette\" on one of my \"blog days\", but I never found the time.  I was also worried about hurting my parents feelings.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7859\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn the bathroom, I discovered My New Favorite Bath Products which I am currently addicted to and don\'t know how I\'m going to live without them once I finish milking them of every last drop.  :-(\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7860\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Bath Paradise Found\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7860\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 357:  Tuscan Coast Van Tour and . . . Montebelli.','','inherit','open','open','','7844-revision-8','','','2011-10-13 20:00:46','2011-10-14 03:00:46','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/7844-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(7862,1,'2011-10-13 20:05:47','2011-10-14 03:05:47','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7849\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I signed up for the Tuscan Coast Cycling Tour, but after slamming my head into the pavement on Day 356, I pondered my options post-crash.  Should I suck it up and get back on the bike, or take it easy and sit the day out in the van with Fabio 1?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI decided to follow that old \"listen to your body\" adage.  With my head feeling like it was still being squeezed by a giant clamp, I felt as though it was the prudent thing to do.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDon\'t feel too sorry for me.   How often does a single woman get the chance to lock herself up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who showers her with compliments by the minute?  (Not to mention that somehow, compliments always sound better with an accent, do they not?)  Carpe Diem, Sisters!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd guess what?  Tuscany is just as beautiful from a van window.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7850\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"We followed the same road as the cyclists.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7850\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 was an excellent host.  He was on a mission to make my van tour day special.  We made a few extra cappuccino stops in the morning, and we pulled over for G.O.D (Gelato of the Day) in the afternoon.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs honorary tour guide sidekick, I even helped set out the snacks for the cyclists.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7852\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Snack prep is tough, but somebody has to do it!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7852\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince it was a transfer day to a different agriturismo, I was the first to see my personal favorite lodging of the tour:  Montebelli.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRemember how Scarlett talked about <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_Plantation\" target=\"_blank\">Tara</a></strong>?  That\'s how I now talk about <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Montebelli</a></strong>.  The grounds are peacefully spectacular.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7854\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Montebelli: The Italian Tara\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7854\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Care to see more photos of the Montebelli grounds?  You can view their photo gallery <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/gallery.html\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had a suite -- yes, a SUITE! -- with a view.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7855\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7856\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEven more charming:  I was greeted with a handwritten note!  (Louise is my middle name.  I planned on changing it to \"Louisette\" on one of my \"blog days\", but I never found the time.  I was also worried about hurting my parents feelings.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7859\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn the bathroom, I discovered My New Favorite Bath Products which I am currently addicted to and don\'t know how I\'m going to live without them once I finish milking them of every last drop.  :-(\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7860\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Bath Paradise Found\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7860\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt yet another wine tasting that evening, I was introduced to My New Favorite Wine which I loved a little too much on Night 358 which made for a rather loooonnnnngggg bus trip to Roma on Day 359.  (To be continued.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs for Day and Night 357 . . . Bliss.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;','Day 357:  Tuscan Coast Van Tour and . . . Montebelli.  Sigh.','','inherit','open','open','','7844-revision-9','','','2011-10-13 20:05:47','2011-10-14 03:05:47','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/7844-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(7863,1,'2011-10-13 20:12:05','2011-10-14 03:12:05','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-625','','','2011-10-13 20:12:05','2011-10-14 03:12:05','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7864,1,'2011-10-13 20:10:47','2011-10-14 03:10:47','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7849\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I signed up for the Tuscan Coast Cycling Tour, but after slamming my head into the pavement on Day 356, I pondered my post-crash options. Should I suck it up and get back on the bike, or take it easy and sit the day out in the van with Fabio 1?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI decided to follow that old \"listen to your body\" adage.  With my head feeling like it was still being squeezed by a giant clamp, I felt as though resting was the prudent thing to do.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDon\'t feel too sorry for me.   How often does a single woman get the chance to lock herself up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who showers her with compliments by the minute?  (Not to mention that somehow, compliments always sound better with an accent, do they not?)  Carpe Diem, Sisters!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd guess what?  Tuscany is just as beautiful from a van window.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7850\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"We followed the same road as the cyclists.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7850\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 was an excellent host.  He was on a mission to make my van day special.  We made a few extra cappuccino stops in the morning, and we pulled over for G.O.D (Gelato of the Day) in the afternoon.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs honorary tour guide sidekick, I even helped set out the snacks for the cyclists.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7852\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Snack prep is a tough job, but somebody has to do it!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7852 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince it was a transfer day to a different agriturismo, I was the first tour member to see what turned out to be my personal favorite lodging of the tour:  Montebelli.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRemember how Scarlett talked about <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_Plantation\" target=\"_blank\">Tara</a></strong>?  That\'s how I now talk about <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Montebelli</a></strong>.  The grounds are peacefully spectacular.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7854\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Montebelli: The Italian Tara\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7854\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had a suite -- yes, a SUITE! -- with a view.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7855\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7856\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEven more charming:  I was greeted with a handwritten note!  (Louise is my middle name.  I planned on changing it to \"Louisette\" on one of my \"blog days\", but I never found the time.  I was also worried about hurting my parents feelings.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7859\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn the bathroom, I discovered My New Favorite Bath Products which I am currently addicted to and don\'t know how I\'m going to live without them once I finish milking them of every last drop.  :-(\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7860\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Bath Paradise Found\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7860\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt yet another wine tasting that evening, I was introduced to My New Favorite Wine which I loved a little too much on Night 358 which made for a rather loooonnnnngggg bus trip to Roma on Day 359.  (To be continued.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs for Day and Night 357 . . . Bliss.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCare to see more photos of the Montebelli grounds?  You can view their photo gallery <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/gallery.html\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.','Day 357:  Tuscan Coast Van Tour and . . . Montebelli.  Sigh.','','inherit','open','open','','7844-revision-10','','','2011-10-13 20:10:47','2011-10-14 03:10:47','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/7844-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(7865,1,'2011-10-13 20:12:46','2011-10-14 03:12:46','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7849\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I signed up for the Tuscan Coast Cycling Tour, but after slamming my head into the pavement on Day 356, I pondered my post-crash options. Should I suck it up and get back on the bike, or take it easy and sit the day out in the van with Fabio 1?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI decided to follow that old \"listen to your body\" adage.  With my head feeling like it was still being squeezed by a giant clamp, I felt as though resting was the prudent thing to do.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDon\'t feel too sorry for me.   How often does a single woman get the chance to lock herself up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who showers her with compliments by the minute?  (Not to mention that somehow, compliments always sound better with an accent, do they not?)  Carpe Diem, Sisters!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd guess what?  Tuscany is just as beautiful from a van window.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7850\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"We followed the same road as the cyclists.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7850\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 was an excellent host.  He was on a mission to make my van day special.  We made a few extra cappuccino stops in the morning, and we pulled over for G.O.D (Gelato of the Day) in the afternoon.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs honorary tour guide sidekick, I even helped set out the snacks for the cyclists.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7852\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Snack prep is a tough job, but somebody has to do it!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7852 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince it was a transfer day to a different agriturismo, I was the first tour member to see what turned out to be my personal favorite lodging of the tour:  Montebelli.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRemember how Scarlett talked about <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_Plantation\" target=\"_blank\">Tara</a></strong>?  That\'s how I now talk about <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Montebelli</a></strong>.  The grounds are peacefully spectacular.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7854\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Montebelli: The Italian Tara\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7854\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had a suite -- yes, a SUITE! -- with a view.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7855\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7856\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEven more charming:  I was greeted with a handwritten note!  (Louise is my middle name.  I planned on changing it to \"Louisette\" on one of my \"blog days\", but I never found the time.  I was also worried about hurting my parents feelings.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7859\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn the bathroom, I discovered My New Favorite Bath Products which I am currently addicted to and don\'t know how I\'m going to live without them once I finish milking every last drop.  :-(\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7860\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Bath Paradise Found\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7860\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt yet <em>another</em> wine tasting that evening, I was introduced to My New Favorite Wine which I loved a little too much on Night 358 which made for a rather loooonnnnngggg bus trip to Roma on Day 359.  (To be continued.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7863\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs for Day and Night 357 . . . Bliss.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCare to see more photos of the Montebelli grounds?  You can view their photo gallery <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/gallery.html\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.','Day 357:  Tuscan Coast Van Tour and . . . Montebelli.  Sigh.','','inherit','open','open','','7844-revision-11','','','2011-10-13 20:12:46','2011-10-14 03:12:46','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/7844-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(7866,1,'2011-10-13 20:16:35','2011-10-14 03:16:35','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7849\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I signed up for the Tuscan Coast Cycling Tour, but after slamming my head into the pavement on Day 356, I pondered my post-crash options. Should I suck it up and get back on the bike, or take it easy and sit the day out in the van with Fabio 1?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI decided to follow that old \"listen to your body\" adage.  With my head feeling like it was still being squeezed by a giant clamp, I felt as though resting was the prudent thing to do.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDon\'t feel too sorry for me.   How often does a single woman get the chance to lock herself up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who showers her with compliments by the minute?  (Not to mention that somehow, compliments always sound better with an accent, do they not?)  Carpe Diem, Sisters!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd guess what?  Tuscany is just as beautiful from a van window.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7850\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"We followed the same road as the cyclists.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7850\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 was an excellent host.  He was on a mission to make my van day special.  We made a few extra cappuccino stops in the morning, and we pulled over for G.O.D (Gelato of the Day) in the afternoon.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs honorary tour guide sidekick, I even helped set out the snacks for the cyclists.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7852\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Snack prep is a tough job, but somebody has to do it!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7852 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince it was a transfer day to a different agriturismo, I was the first tour member to see what turned out to be my personal favorite lodging of the tour:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Montebelli.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRemember how Scarlett talked about <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_Plantation\" target=\"_blank\">Tara</a></strong>?  That\'s how I now talk about Montebelli.  The grounds are peacefully spectacular.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7854\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Montebelli: The Italian Tara\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7854\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had a suite -- yes, a SUITE! -- with a view.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7855\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7856\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEven more charming:  I was greeted with a handwritten note!  (Louise is my middle name.  Bleck.  I planned on changing it to \"Louisette\" on one of my \"blog days\", but I never found the time.  I was also worried about hurting my parents feelings.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7859\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn the bathroom, I discovered My New Favorite Bath Products which I am currently addicted to and don\'t know how I\'m going to live without them once I finish milking every last drop.  :-(\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7860\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Bath Paradise Found\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7860\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt yet <em>another</em> wine tasting that evening, I was introduced to My New Favorite Wine which I loved a little too much on Night 358 which made for a rather loooonnnnngggg bus trip to Roma on Day 359.  (To be continued.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7863\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs for Day and Night 357 . . . Bliss.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCare to see more photos of the Montebelli grounds?  You can view their photo gallery <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/gallery.html\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.','Day 357:  Tuscan Coast Van Tour and . . . Montebelli.  Sigh.','','inherit','open','open','','7844-revision-12','','','2011-10-13 20:16:35','2011-10-14 03:16:35','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/7844-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(7867,1,'2011-10-13 20:16:37','2011-10-14 03:16:37','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7849\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I signed up for the Tuscan Coast Cycling Tour, but after slamming my head into the pavement on Day 356, I pondered my post-crash options. Should I suck it up and get back on the bike, or take it easy and sit the day out in the van with Fabio 1?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided to follow that old \"listen to your body\" adage.  With my head feeling like it was still being squeezed by a giant clamp, I felt as though resting was the prudent thing to do.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDon\'t feel too sorry for me.   How often does a single woman get the chance to lock herself up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who showers her with compliments by the minute?  (Not to mention that somehow, compliments always sound better with an accent, do they not?)  Carpe Diem, Sisters!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd guess what?  Tuscany is just as beautiful from a van window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7850\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"We followed the same road as the cyclists.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7850\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 was an excellent host.  He was on a mission to make my van day special.  We made a few extra cappuccino stops in the morning, and we pulled over for G.O.D (Gelato of the Day) in the afternoon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs honorary tour guide sidekick, I even helped set out the snacks for the cyclists.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7852\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Snack prep is a tough job, but somebody has to do it!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7852 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince it was a transfer day to a different agriturismo, I was the first tour member to see what turned out to be my personal favorite lodging of the tour:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Montebelli.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember how Scarlett talked about <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_Plantation\" target=\"_blank\">Tara</a></strong>?  That\'s how I now talk about Montebelli.  The grounds are peacefully spectacular.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7854\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Montebelli: The Italian Tara\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7854\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a suite -- yes, a SUITE! -- with a view.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7855\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7856\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven more charming:  I was greeted with a handwritten note!  (Louise is my middle name.  Bleck.  I planned on changing it to \"Louisette\" on one of my \"blog days\", but I never found the time.  I was also worried about hurting my parents feelings.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7859\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the bathroom, I discovered My New Favorite Bath Products which I am currently addicted to and don\'t know how I\'m going to live without them once I finish milking every last drop.  :-(\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7860\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Bath Paradise Found\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7860\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt yet <em>another</em> wine tasting that evening, I was introduced to My New Favorite Wine which I loved a little too much on Night 358 which made for a rather loooonnnnngggg bus trip to Roma on Day 359.  (To be continued.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7863\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs for Day and Night 357 . . . Bliss.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCare to see more photos of the Montebelli grounds?  You can view their photo gallery <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/gallery.html\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.','Day 357:  Tuscan Coast Van Tour and . . . Montebelli.  Sigh.','','inherit','open','open','','7844-revision-13','','','2011-10-13 20:16:37','2011-10-14 03:16:37','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/7844-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(7868,1,'2011-10-13 20:17:56','2011-10-14 03:17:56','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7849\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I signed up for the Tuscan Coast Cycling Tour, but after slamming my head into the pavement on Day 356, I pondered my post-crash options. Should I suck it up and get back on the bike, or take it easy and sit the day out in the van with Fabio 1?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided to follow that old \"listen to your body\" adage.  With my head feeling like it was still being squeezed by a giant clamp, I felt as though resting was the prudent thing to do.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDon\'t feel too sorry for me.   How often does a single woman get the chance to lock herself up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who showers her with compliments by the minute?  (Not to mention that somehow, compliments always sound better with an accent, do they not?)  Carpe Diem, Sisters!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd guess what?  Tuscany is just as beautiful from a van window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7850\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"We followed the same road as the cyclists.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7850\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 was an excellent host.  He was on a mission to make my van day special.  We made a few extra cappuccino stops in the morning, and we pulled over for G.O.D (Gelato of the Day) in the afternoon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs honorary tour guide sidekick, I even helped set out the snacks for the cyclists.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7852\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Snack prep is a tough job, but somebody has to do it!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7852 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince it was a transfer day to a different agriturismo, I was the first tour member to see what turned out to be my personal favorite lodging of the tour:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Montebelli.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember how Scarlett talked about <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_Plantation\" target=\"_blank\">Tara</a></strong>?  That\'s how I now talk about Montebelli.  The grounds are peacefully spectacular.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7854\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Montebelli: The Italian Tara\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7854\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a suite -- yes, a SUITE! -- with a view.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7855\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7856\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven more charming:  I was greeted with a handwritten note!  (Louise is my middle name.  Bleck.  I planned on changing it to \"Louisette\" on one of my \"blog days\", but I never found the time.  I was also worried about hurting my parents feelings.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7859\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the bathroom, I discovered My New Favorite Bath Products which I am currently addicted to and don\'t know how I\'m going to live without them once I finish milking every last drop.  :-(\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7860\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Bath Paradise Found\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7860\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt yet <em>another</em> wine tasting that evening, I was introduced to My New Favorite Wine which I loved a little too much on Night 358 and therefore made for a rather loooonnnnngggg bus trip to Roma on Day 359.  (To be continued.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7863\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs for Day and Night 357 . . . Bliss.\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\nCare to see more photos of the Montebelli grounds?  You can view their photo gallery <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/gallery.html\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.','Day 357:  Tuscan Coast Van Tour and . . . Montebelli.  Sigh.','','inherit','open','open','','7844-revision-14','','','2011-10-13 20:17:56','2011-10-14 03:17:56','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/7844-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(7869,1,'2011-10-13 20:18:20','2011-10-14 03:18:20','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7849\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I signed up for the Tuscan Coast Cycling Tour, but after slamming my head into the pavement on Day 356, I pondered my post-crash options. Should I suck it up and get back on the bike, or take it easy and sit the day out in the van with Fabio 1?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided to follow that old \"listen to your body\" adage.  With my head feeling like it was still being squeezed by a giant clamp, I felt as though resting was the prudent thing to do.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDon\'t feel too sorry for me.   How often does a single woman get the chance to lock herself up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who showers her with compliments by the minute?  (Not to mention that somehow, compliments always sound better with an accent, do they not?)  Carpe Diem, Sisters!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd guess what?  Tuscany is just as beautiful from a van window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7850\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"We followed the same road as the cyclists.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7850\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 was an excellent host.  He was on a mission to make my van day special.  We made a few extra cappuccino stops in the morning, and we pulled over for G.O.D (Gelato of the Day) in the afternoon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs honorary tour guide sidekick, I even helped set out the snacks for the cyclists.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7852\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Snack prep is a tough job, but somebody has to do it!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7852 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince it was a transfer day to a different agriturismo, I was the first tour member to see what turned out to be my personal favorite lodging of the tour:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Montebelli.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember how Scarlett talked about <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_Plantation\" target=\"_blank\">Tara</a></strong>?  That\'s how I now talk about Montebelli.  The grounds are peacefully spectacular.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7854\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Montebelli: The Italian Tara\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7854\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a suite -- yes, a SUITE! -- with a view.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7855\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7856\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven more charming:  I was greeted with a handwritten note!  (Louise is my middle name.  Bleck.  I planned on changing it to \"Louisette\" on one of my \"blog days\", but I never found the time.  I was also worried about hurting my parents feelings.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7859\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the bathroom, I discovered My New Favorite Bath Products which I am currently addicted to and don\'t know how I\'m going to live without them once I finish milking every last drop.  :-(\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7860\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Bath Paradise Found\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7860\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt yet <em>another</em> wine tasting that evening, I was introduced to My New Favorite Wine which I loved a little too much on Night 358 and therefore made for a rather loooonnnnngggg bus trip to Roma on Day 359.  (To be continued.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7863\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs for Day and Night 357 . . . Bliss.\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\nCare to see more photos of the Montebelli grounds?  You can view their photo gallery <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/gallery.html\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 357:  Tuscan Coast Van Tour and . . . Montebelli.  Sigh.','','inherit','open','open','','7844-revision-15','','','2011-10-13 20:18:20','2011-10-14 03:18:20','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/7844-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(7870,1,'2011-10-13 20:18:31','2011-10-14 03:18:31','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7849\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I signed up for the Tuscan Coast Cycling Tour, but after slamming my head into the pavement on Day 356, I pondered my post-crash options. Should I suck it up and get back on the bike, or take it easy and sit the day out in the van with Fabio 1?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided to follow that old \"listen to your body\" adage.  With my head feeling like it was still being squeezed by a giant clamp, I felt as though resting was the prudent thing to do.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDon\'t feel too sorry for me.   How often does a single woman get the chance to lock herself up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who showers her with compliments by the minute?  (Not to mention that somehow, compliments always sound better with an accent, do they not?)  Carpe Diem, Sisters!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd guess what?  Tuscany is just as beautiful from a van window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7850\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"We followed the same road as the cyclists.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7850\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 was an excellent host.  He was on a mission to make my van day special.  We made a few extra cappuccino stops in the morning, and we pulled over for G.O.D (Gelato of the Day) in the afternoon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs honorary tour guide sidekick, I even helped set out the snacks for the cyclists.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7852\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Snack prep is a tough job, but somebody has to do it!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7852 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince it was a transfer day to a different agriturismo, I was the first tour member to see what turned out to be my personal favorite lodging of the tour:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Montebelli.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember how Scarlett talked about <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_Plantation\" target=\"_blank\">Tara</a></strong>?  That\'s how I now talk about Montebelli.  The grounds are peacefully spectacular.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7854\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Montebelli: The Italian Tara\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7854\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a suite -- yes, a SUITE! -- with a view.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7855\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7856\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven more charming:  I was greeted with a handwritten note!  (Louise is my middle name.  Bleck.  I planned on changing it to \"Louisette\" on one of my \"blog days\", but I never found the time.  I was also worried about hurting my parents feelings.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7859\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the bathroom, I discovered My New Favorite Bath Products which I am currently addicted to and don\'t know how I\'m going to live without them once I finish milking every last drop.  :-(\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7860\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Bath Paradise Found\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7860\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt yet <em>another</em> wine tasting that evening, I was introduced to My New Favorite Wine which I loved a little too much on Night 358 and therefore made for a rather loooonnnnngggg bus trip to Roma on Day 359.  (To be continued.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7863\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs for Day and Night 357 . . . Bliss.\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\nCare to see more photos of the Montebelli grounds?  You can view their photo gallery <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/gallery.html\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 357:  Tuscan Coast Van Tour and . . . Montebelli.  Sigh.','','inherit','open','open','','7844-revision-16','','','2011-10-13 20:18:31','2011-10-14 03:18:31','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/7844-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(7871,1,'2012-03-31 11:02:14','2012-03-31 18:02:14','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7849\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I signed up for the Tuscan Coast Cycling Tour, but after slamming my head into the pavement on Day 356, I pondered my post-crash options. Should I suck it up and get back on the bike, or take it easy and sit the day out in the van with Fabio 1?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI decided to follow that old \"listen to your body\" adage.  With my head feeling like it was still being squeezed by a giant clamp, I felt as though resting was the prudent thing to do.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDon\'t feel too sorry for me.   How often does a single woman get the chance to lock herself up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who showers her with compliments by the minute?  (Not to mention that somehow, compliments always sound better with an accent, do they not?)  Carpe Diem, Sisters!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd guess what?  Tuscany is just as beautiful from a van window.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7850\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"We followed the same road as the cyclists.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7850\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFabio 1 was an excellent host.  He was on a mission to make my van day special.  We made a few extra cappuccino stops in the morning, and we pulled over for G.O.D (Gelato of the Day) in the afternoon.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs honorary tour guide sidekick, I even helped set out the snacks for the cyclists.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7852\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Snack prep is a tough job, but somebody has to do it!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7852 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince it was a transfer day to a different agriturismo, I was the first tour member to see what turned out to be my personal favorite lodging of the tour:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Montebelli.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRemember how Scarlett O\'Hara waxed nostalgic about <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_Plantation\" target=\"_blank\">Tara</a></strong>?  That\'s how I now feel about Montebelli.  The grounds are peacefully spectacular.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7854\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Montebelli: The Italian Tara\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7854\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had a suite -- yes, a SUITE! -- with a view.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7855\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7856\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEven more charming:  I was greeted with a handwritten note!  (Louise is my middle name.  Bleck.  I planned on changing it to the more enticing and very French \"Louisette\" on one of my \"blog days\", but I never found the time.  I was also worried about hurting my parents feelings.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7859\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIn the bathroom, I discovered My New Favorite Bath Products which I am currently addicted to and don\'t know how I\'m going to live without them once I finish milking every last drop.  :-(\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7860\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Bath Paradise Found\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7860\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt yet <em>another</em> wine tasting that evening, I was introduced to My New Favorite Wine which I loved a little too much on Night 358 which made for a rather loooonnnnngggg bus trip to Roma on Day 359.  (To be continued.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7863\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs for Day and Night 357 . . . Bliss.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCare to see more photos of the Montebelli grounds?  You can view their photo gallery <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/gallery.html\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.\n\n&nbsp;','Day 357:  Tuscan Coast Van Tour and . . . Montebelli.  Sigh.','','inherit','open','open','','7844-autosave','','','2012-03-31 11:02:14','2012-03-31 18:02:14','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/7844-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(7872,1,'2011-10-13 20:21:02','2011-10-14 03:21:02','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7849\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I signed up for the Tuscan Coast Cycling Tour, but after slamming my head into the pavement on Day 356, I pondered my post-crash options. Should I suck it up and get back on the bike, or take it easy and sit the day out in the van with Fabio 1?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided to follow that old \"listen to your body\" adage.  With my head feeling like it was still being squeezed by a giant clamp, I felt as though resting was the prudent thing to do.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDon\'t feel too sorry for me.   How often does a single woman get the chance to lock herself up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who showers her with compliments by the minute?  (Not to mention that somehow, compliments always sound better with an accent, do they not?)  Carpe Diem, Sisters!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd guess what?  Tuscany is just as beautiful from a van window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7850\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"We followed the same road as the cyclists.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7850\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 was an excellent host.  He was on a mission to make my van day special.  We made a few extra cappuccino stops in the morning, and we pulled over for G.O.D (Gelato of the Day) in the afternoon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs honorary tour guide sidekick, I even helped set out the snacks for the cyclists.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7852\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Snack prep is a tough job, but somebody has to do it!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7852 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince it was a transfer day to a different agriturismo, I was the first tour member to see what turned out to be my personal favorite lodging of the tour:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Montebelli.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember how Scarlett talked about <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_Plantation\" target=\"_blank\">Tara</a></strong>?  That\'s how I now talk about Montebelli.  The grounds are peacefully spectacular.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7854\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Montebelli: The Italian Tara\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7854\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a suite -- yes, a SUITE! -- with a view.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7855\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7856\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven more charming:  I was greeted with a handwritten note!  (Louise is my middle name.  Bleck.  I planned on changing it to \"Louisette\" on one of my \"blog days\", but I never found the time.  I was also worried about hurting my parents feelings.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7859\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the bathroom, I discovered My New Favorite Bath Products which I am currently addicted to and don\'t know how I\'m going to live without them once I finish milking every last drop.  :-(\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7860\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Bath Paradise Found\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7860\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt yet <em>another</em> wine tasting that evening, I was introduced to My New Favorite Wine which I loved a little too much on Night 358 and which made for a rather loooonnnnngggg bus trip to Roma on Day 359.  (To be continued.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7863\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs for Day and Night 357 . . . Bliss.\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\nCare to see more photos of the Montebelli grounds?  You can view their photo gallery <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/gallery.html\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 357:  Tuscan Coast Van Tour and . . . Montebelli.  Sigh.','','inherit','open','open','','7844-revision-17','','','2011-10-13 20:21:02','2011-10-14 03:21:02','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/7844-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(7873,1,'2011-10-13 20:29:23','2011-10-14 03:29:23','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7849\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I signed up for the Tuscan Coast Cycling Tour, but after slamming my head into the pavement on Day 356, I pondered my post-crash options. Should I suck it up and get back on the bike, or take it easy and sit the day out in the van with Fabio 1?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided to follow that old \"listen to your body\" adage.  With my head feeling like it was still being squeezed by a giant clamp, I felt as though resting was the prudent thing to do.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDon\'t feel too sorry for me.   How often does a single woman get the chance to lock herself up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who showers her with compliments by the minute?  (Not to mention that somehow, compliments always sound better with an accent, do they not?)  Carpe Diem, Sisters!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd guess what?  Tuscany is just as beautiful from a van window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7850\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"We followed the same road as the cyclists.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7850\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 was an excellent host.  He was on a mission to make my van day special.  We made a few extra cappuccino stops in the morning, and we pulled over for G.O.D (Gelato of the Day) in the afternoon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs honorary tour guide sidekick, I even helped set out the snacks for the cyclists.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7852\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Snack prep is a tough job, but somebody has to do it!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7852 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince it was a transfer day to a different agriturismo, I was the first tour member to see what turned out to be my personal favorite lodging of the tour:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Montebelli.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember how Scarlett O\'Hara waxed nostalgic about <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_Plantation\" target=\"_blank\">Tara</a></strong>?  That\'s how I now talk about Montebelli.  The grounds are peacefully spectacular.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7854\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Montebelli: The Italian Tara\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7854\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a suite -- yes, a SUITE! -- with a view.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7855\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7856\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven more charming:  I was greeted with a handwritten note!  (Louise is my middle name.  Bleck.  I planned on changing it to \"Louisette\" on one of my \"blog days\", but I never found the time.  I was also worried about hurting my parents feelings.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7859\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the bathroom, I discovered My New Favorite Bath Products which I am currently addicted to and don\'t know how I\'m going to live without them once I finish milking every last drop.  :-(\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7860\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Bath Paradise Found\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7860\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt yet <em>another</em> wine tasting that evening, I was introduced to My New Favorite Wine which I loved a little too much on Night 358 and which made for a rather loooonnnnngggg bus trip to Roma on Day 359.  (To be continued.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7863\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs for Day and Night 357 . . . Bliss.\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\nCare to see more photos of the Montebelli grounds?  You can view their photo gallery <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/gallery.html\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 357:  Tuscan Coast Van Tour and . . . Montebelli.  Sigh.','','inherit','open','open','','7844-revision-18','','','2011-10-13 20:29:23','2011-10-14 03:29:23','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/7844-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(7874,1,'2011-10-13 20:29:39','2011-10-14 03:29:39','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7849\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I signed up for the Tuscan Coast Cycling Tour, but after slamming my head into the pavement on Day 356, I pondered my post-crash options. Should I suck it up and get back on the bike, or take it easy and sit the day out in the van with Fabio 1?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided to follow that old \"listen to your body\" adage.  With my head feeling like it was still being squeezed by a giant clamp, I felt as though resting was the prudent thing to do.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDon\'t feel too sorry for me.   How often does a single woman get the chance to lock herself up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who showers her with compliments by the minute?  (Not to mention that somehow, compliments always sound better with an accent, do they not?)  Carpe Diem, Sisters!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd guess what?  Tuscany is just as beautiful from a van window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7850\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"We followed the same road as the cyclists.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7850\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 was an excellent host.  He was on a mission to make my van day special.  We made a few extra cappuccino stops in the morning, and we pulled over for G.O.D (Gelato of the Day) in the afternoon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs honorary tour guide sidekick, I even helped set out the snacks for the cyclists.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7852\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Snack prep is a tough job, but somebody has to do it!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7852 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince it was a transfer day to a different agriturismo, I was the first tour member to see what turned out to be my personal favorite lodging of the tour:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Montebelli.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember how Scarlett O\'Hara waxed nostalgic about <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_Plantation\" target=\"_blank\">Tara</a></strong>?  That\'s how I now feel about Montebelli.  The grounds are peacefully spectacular.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7854\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Montebelli: The Italian Tara\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7854\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a suite -- yes, a SUITE! -- with a view.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7855\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7856\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven more charming:  I was greeted with a handwritten note!  (Louise is my middle name.  Bleck.  I planned on changing it to \"Louisette\" on one of my \"blog days\", but I never found the time.  I was also worried about hurting my parents feelings.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7859\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the bathroom, I discovered My New Favorite Bath Products which I am currently addicted to and don\'t know how I\'m going to live without them once I finish milking every last drop.  :-(\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7860\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Bath Paradise Found\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7860\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt yet <em>another</em> wine tasting that evening, I was introduced to My New Favorite Wine which I loved a little too much on Night 358 and which made for a rather loooonnnnngggg bus trip to Roma on Day 359.  (To be continued.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7863\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs for Day and Night 357 . . . Bliss.\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\nCare to see more photos of the Montebelli grounds?  You can view their photo gallery <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/gallery.html\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 357:  Tuscan Coast Van Tour and . . . Montebelli.  Sigh.','','inherit','open','open','','7844-revision-19','','','2011-10-13 20:29:39','2011-10-14 03:29:39','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/7844-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(7875,1,'2011-10-13 20:30:41','2011-10-14 03:30:41','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7849\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180092-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I signed up for the Tuscan Coast Cycling Tour, but after slamming my head into the pavement on Day 356, I pondered my post-crash options. Should I suck it up and get back on the bike, or take it easy and sit the day out in the van with Fabio 1?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI decided to follow that old \"listen to your body\" adage.  With my head feeling like it was still being squeezed by a giant clamp, I felt as though resting was the prudent thing to do.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDon\'t feel too sorry for me.   How often does a single woman get the chance to lock herself up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who showers her with compliments by the minute?  (Not to mention that somehow, compliments always sound better with an accent, do they not?)  Carpe Diem, Sisters!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd guess what?  Tuscany is just as beautiful from a van window.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7850\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"We followed the same road as the cyclists.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7850\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180090-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFabio 1 was an excellent host.  He was on a mission to make my van day special.  We made a few extra cappuccino stops in the morning, and we pulled over for G.O.D (Gelato of the Day) in the afternoon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs honorary tour guide sidekick, I even helped set out the snacks for the cyclists.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7852\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Snack prep is a tough job, but somebody has to do it!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7852 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180091-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince it was a transfer day to a different agriturismo, I was the first tour member to see what turned out to be my personal favorite lodging of the tour:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Montebelli.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember how Scarlett O\'Hara waxed nostalgic about <strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_Plantation\" target=\"_blank\">Tara</a></strong>?  That\'s how I now feel about Montebelli.  The grounds are peacefully spectacular.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7854\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Montebelli: The Italian Tara\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7854\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180093-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a suite -- yes, a SUITE! -- with a view.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7855\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180101-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7856\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180102-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven more charming:  I was greeted with a handwritten note!  (Louise is my middle name.  Bleck.  I planned on changing it to \"Louisette\" on one of my \"blog days\", but I never found the time.  I was also worried about hurting my parents feelings.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7859\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180104-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the bathroom, I discovered My New Favorite Bath Products which I am currently addicted to and don\'t know how I\'m going to live without them once I finish milking every last drop.  :-(\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7860\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Bath Paradise Found\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7860\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180110-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt yet <em>another</em> wine tasting that evening, I was introduced to My New Favorite Wine which I loved a little too much on Night 358 and which made for a rather loooonnnnngggg bus trip to Roma on Day 359.  (To be continued.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7863\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs for Day and Night 357 . . . Bliss.\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\nCare to see more photos of the Montebelli grounds?  You can view their photo gallery <strong><a href=\"http://www.montebelli.com/gallery.html\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 357:  Tuscan Coast Van Tour and . . . Montebelli.  Sigh.','','inherit','open','open','','7844-revision-20','','','2011-10-13 20:30:41','2011-10-14 03:30:41','',7844,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/7844-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(7876,1,'2011-10-16 19:49:37','2011-10-17 02:49:37','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 356</a></strong>, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/day-357-tuscan-coast-van-tour-and-montebelli-sigh/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 357</a></strong>, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhy?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause if you slam your head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: x-large; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Oops!  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into an ER in Phoenix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the morning of Day 358, with the knowledge I had at that time, I sucked it up and rode.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was TERRIFIED!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.  It\'s easier conquering your fears when coaxed by a gregarious Italian man with a sexy accent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Weakest Link Advantages: Private Tour Guide Who Breaks for Kitties\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"And fills your water bottle for you.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7885\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI did it!  I cycled the full 28 miles that day, including a brutal uphill at the very end.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI originally planned to ride for the morning only, but I was sidetracked in the old town of Castiglione della Pescaia, and therefore missed the van back to Montebelli.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7888\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sidetracked\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7888\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter imbibing a surprisingly well-made mojito, and yet another pizza for lunch, I was determined to hike up the hill to the castle.  The first inhabitants of this town were the Etruscans and the Romans.  During medieval times, a fortress was built to defend the city from pirate attacks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7890\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, I needed to get up THERE. Maybe I should have drunk only 1/2 of the mojito.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7890 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am so glad that I missed that van.  Look at what I would have missed!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7894\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7895\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThis is my new dream home.  I think I could live here.\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7896\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7897\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe definition of Old World Charm, is it not?\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7898\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7899\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe reward for the climb.  Fabio 1 told us that we\'d be able to see the island of Monte Cristo off in the distance.  I think that\'s it in the background of the photo on the right.  (Yes, we\'re talking about the island known for The Count!)\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7901\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7902\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLeft:  Oh, what a view!\r\n\r\nRight:  Italians graffiti everything, and I do mean <em>everything</em>.  Click the photo on the right to enlarge and see what I mean.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI took a risk, and it paid off.  Don\'t you just love it when that happens?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom:</strong>  </span>DO pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and ride all over again.  You might just create Memories of a Lifetime.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom Part \"Due\" (That\'s \"two\" in Italian):</strong></span>  DON\'T consume a mojito at lunch, followed by half a bottle of wine at dinner, followed by a nightcap, and then board a bouncy bus for Rome the next day.  To be continued....\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again','','publish','open','open','','day-358-picked-myself-up-dusted-myself-off-and-rode-all-over-again','','\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/day-357-tuscan-coast-van-tour-and-montebelli-sigh/','2012-03-21 00:07:47','2012-03-21 07:07:47','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=7876',0,'post','',2),(7877,1,'2011-10-14 17:40:04','2011-10-15 00:40:04','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision','','','2011-10-14 17:40:04','2011-10-15 00:40:04','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/14/7876-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(7878,1,'2011-10-17 21:03:37','2011-10-18 04:03:37','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7863\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>I mentioned previously that I consumed a bit too much (half a bottle) of my new favorite wine on Night 358.  This wine is indeed fab, so if you ever come across it, then cin cin!  (That means \"drink half a bottle\" in Italian.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRocket scientist that I was that day, I also chose to celebrate my \"feel the fear and do it anyway\" bike moment with a mojito at lunch.  And a nightcap later that evening.  And I think I may have tasted someone\'s homemade beer.  I don\'t even like beer.  But I\'m a gracious guest.  I would rather take a few sips than insult someone\'s pride and joy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid I mention that I really don\'t drink too much or too often?  I\'m that girl who always orders water.  It drives my friend, Sarah, nuts.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCombine the day\'s sloshfest with only a few hours sleep, and you have a woman who has no business boarding a bus headed for Rome.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7926\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"You know you&#39;re hungover when...you&#39;re at an autogrill in Italy and the only thing you can even think about stomaching is Pringles.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200208.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7926\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200208-300x263.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"263\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShame.  On.  Me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am an embarrassment to all Foodies across the good ol\' U.S. of A.  I misrepresented our kind, and I am truly sorry for my actions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets worse.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>What I <em>really</em> wanted more than <em>anything</em> that day was Taco Bell.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s right.  I would have sacrificed an entire week\'s worth of cappuccinos for two Crunchy Taco Supremes (hold the tomato, please).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHorrific, isn\'t it?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>As fate would have it, I was SOL because tacos don\'t exist in Italia.  I believe they are banned.  </strong></span>Along with any other ethnic cuisine that isn\'t Italian.  Except for Pringles.  The CEO\'s grandmother more than likely hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the longest, bumpiest, and most nauseating bus ride of my life, we arrived in Roma.  Upon exiting the bus, I kissed the ground.  (Not really.  I added that for dramatic effect.  My parents, however, <em>did</em> suffer through a nightmare of a plane trip once from Cancun.  After vacating the plane, the passengers actually kissed the ground before racing to the nearest restroom.  I suppose that I should be thankful for small miracles.  It can always be worse, my friends.  It can always be worse.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy cousins and I discussed lunch.  Bill voted for McDonald\'s.  Apparently, a junk food demon possessed my body that day.  I heard myself uttering, \"I\'ll have McDonald\'s!\"  I don\'t even like McDonald\'s.  But I am a gracious cousin who supports my kin when he needs me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Rhonda gasped.  I thought she might grab the nearest crucifix (we were a block away from the Vatican) and shout, \"Begone, vile junk food demon!!!!\"</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nInstead, she put her foot down and insisted on a trattoria, God bless her.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI scoped out the menu.  \"GRILLED CHEESE!!!!!\"  That would suffice as hangover cure.  Another small miracle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBill carefully studied every menu item as he always does.  \"FRENCH FRIES!!!!\"  A miracle of biblical proportions!  It must have been our close proximity to the Vatican.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTime passed.  And passed.  And passed.  Italians enjoy leisurely meals.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe waiter arrived with our lunch.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is what grilled cheese in Rome looks like:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7927\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"You got it! It&#39;s a piece of cheese that is grilled.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200229.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7927\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200229-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBill immediately looked around for our waiter.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis time, it was I who gasped, \"NO!!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am by no means going to insult an Italian because his grilled cheese is different than my grilled cheese.  I am not going to be one of <em>those</em> Americans.  I AM A GRACIOUS GUEST!!! Even when I\'m nursing one of the worst hangovers of my life and want to cry at this point.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nInstead of crying, I turned lemons into lemonade.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7930\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Or, if you want me to be literal, I turned a piece of cheese that is grilled and a hunk of bread into an American grilled cheese sandwich.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200230.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7930\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200230-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith a full belly, I was ready to conquer the Ancient World!  I had only the rest of the afternoon.  (I would leave for the airport at 3 a.m. the next morning!)  Rome wasn\'t built in a day, and I had only 1/2 a day to explore.  Not ideal, but neither is a lack of a Taco Bell nor a piece of cheese that is grilled slapped on top of a slice of bread.  When in Rome, you make do.  It\'s Roma!!!  It\'s magnificent!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe descended upon Ancient Rome, and I stood transfixed.  I started to cry.  Not from my throbbing head and iffy stomach, but from a sense of awe that I had never experienced.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am from a baby country.  Since I had never been outside of North America, I had never witnessed anything of such historical depth.  Sure, I had just seen medieval villages all over Tuscany, but those remains were <em>new</em> compared to these!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'ve never been you <em>must</em> go.  Please leave more than 1/2 a day.  In the meantime, you can cyber-visit through my photo portal.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200250.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7933\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200250-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200254.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7934\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200254-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200302.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7938\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200302-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200307.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7939\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200307-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200322.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7940\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200322-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200319.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7941\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200319-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200269.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7935\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200269-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200333.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7937\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200333-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering about the final photo.  Remember when I mentioned in Day 358\'s post that Italians graffiti <em>everything,</em> and I do mean <em>everything</em>?  I learned in the coliseum that Italians have been graffiti-ing since the beginning of time.  Yes, there\'s <em>ancient</em> graffiti depicting gladiators in the coliseum!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe graffiti above is modern day <span style=\"color: #000000;\">Texas A &amp; M</span> graffiti.  Not in Texas, but in Rome.  IN THE COLISEUM!!!  Where my cousin just so happened to be wearing his Texas A &amp; M shirt.  Oh, the oddities and surprises of life!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA couple days of sightseeing packed into 1/2 a day made us hungry.  Italians eat all the time, so why shouldn\'t we?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe stopped at a bar (translation:  sidewalk cafe in the States) for a light supper.  Bill and I decided to order french fries for a SECOND time that day at dinner, much to Rhonda\'s horror.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200334.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7942\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200334-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was no ketchup to be found.  Italians eat their french fries with mayo.  When in Rome, do as the Romans do.  Since we are gracious guests, we ate our french fries with mayo, too.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 359:  When In Rome...Eat French Fries with Mayo!','','publish','open','open','','day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo','','','2012-03-12 21:31:55','2012-03-13 04:31:55','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=7878',0,'post','',8),(7879,1,'2011-10-14 19:36:52','2011-10-15 02:36:52','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','7878-revision','','','2011-10-14 19:36:52','2011-10-15 02:36:52','',7878,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/14/7878-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(7880,1,'2011-10-14 19:58:34','2011-10-15 02:58:34','In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 356, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 357, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhy?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBecause if you slam you head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOops.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo on the morning of Day 358, I sucked it up and rode.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHELL YES, I','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-2','','','2011-10-14 19:58:34','2011-10-15 02:58:34','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/14/7876-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(7881,1,'2011-10-14 20:00:34','2011-10-15 03:00:34','In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 356, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 357, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhy?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBecause if you slam you head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOops.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo on the morning of Day 358, I sucked it up and rode.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was TERRIFIED!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI opted for the role of weakest link again and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-3','','','2011-10-14 20:00:34','2011-10-15 03:00:34','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/14/7876-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(7882,1,'2011-10-14 20:03:31','2011-10-15 03:03:31','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-626','','','2011-10-14 20:03:31','2011-10-15 03:03:31','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7883,1,'2011-10-14 20:05:27','2011-10-15 03:05:27','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-627','','','2011-10-14 20:05:27','2011-10-15 03:05:27','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7884,1,'2011-10-14 20:06:34','2011-10-15 03:06:34','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 356, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 357, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhy?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBecause if you slam you head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOops.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo on the morning of Day 358, I sucked it up and rode.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was TERRIFIED!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-4','','','2011-10-14 20:06:34','2011-10-15 03:06:34','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/14/7876-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(7885,1,'2011-10-14 20:14:47','2011-10-15 03:14:47','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','And fills your water bottle for you.  ','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-628','','','2011-10-14 20:14:47','2011-10-15 03:14:47','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7886,1,'2011-10-14 20:15:34','2011-10-15 03:15:34','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 356, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 357, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhy?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBecause if you slam you head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOops.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo on the morning of Day 358, I sucked it up and rode.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was TERRIFIED!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Weakest Link Advantages: Private Tour Guide Who Breaks for Kitties\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"And fills your water bottle for you.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7885\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-5','','','2011-10-14 20:15:34','2011-10-15 03:15:34','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/14/7876-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(7887,1,'2011-10-14 20:17:30','2011-10-15 03:17:30','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 356, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 357, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhy?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause if you slam you head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOops.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo on the morning of Day 358, I sucked it up and rode.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was TERRIFIED!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Weakest Link Advantages: Private Tour Guide Who Breaks for Kitties\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"And fills your water bottle for you.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7885\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130-225x300.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;','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-6','','','2011-10-14 20:17:30','2011-10-15 03:17:30','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/14/7876-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(7888,1,'2011-10-16 09:45:36','2011-10-16 16:45:36','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','Sidetracked','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-629','','','2011-10-16 09:45:36','2011-10-16 16:45:36','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7889,1,'2011-10-16 10:08:36','2011-10-16 17:08:36','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 356, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 357, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhy?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBecause if you slam you head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOops.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the morning of Day 358, with the knowledge I had at that time, I sucked it up and rode.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was TERRIFIED!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.  It\'s easier conquering your fears when coaxed my an Italian man.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Weakest Link Advantages: Private Tour Guide Who Breaks for Kitties\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"And fills your water bottle for you.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7885\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI did it!  I cycled the full 28 miles that day, including a brutal uphill at the\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI originally planned to ride for the morning only, but I was sidetracked in the old town of Castiglione della Pescaia, and therefore missed the van back to Montebelli.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7888\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sidetracked\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7888\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter imbibing a surprisingly well-made mojito, and yet another pizza for lunch, I was determined to hike up the hill to the castle.  The first inhabitants of this town were the Etruscans and the Romans.  During medieval times, a fortress was built to defend the city from pirate attacks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am so glad that I missed that van.  Look at what I would have missed!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-7','','','2011-10-16 10:08:36','2011-10-16 17:08:36','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/7876-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(7890,1,'2011-10-16 10:12:49','2011-10-16 17:12:49','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','Yes, I need to get up THERE.  Maybe I should have drunk only 1/2 of the mojito.  ','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-630','','','2011-10-16 10:12:49','2011-10-16 17:12:49','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7891,1,'2011-10-16 10:14:36','2011-10-16 17:14:36','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 356, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 357, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhy?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBecause if you slam you head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOops.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the morning of Day 358, with the knowledge I had at that time, I sucked it up and rode.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was TERRIFIED!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.  It\'s easier conquering your fears when coaxed my an Italian man.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Weakest Link Advantages: Private Tour Guide Who Breaks for Kitties\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"And fills your water bottle for you.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7885\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI did it!  I cycled the full 28 miles that day, including a brutal uphill at the very end.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI originally planned to ride for the morning only, but I was sidetracked in the old town of Castiglione della Pescaia, and therefore missed the van back to Montebelli.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7888\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sidetracked\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7888\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter imbibing a surprisingly well-made mojito, and yet another pizza for lunch, I was determined to hike up the hill to the castle.  The first inhabitants of this town were the Etruscans and the Romans.  During medieval times, a fortress was built to defend the city from pirate attacks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7890\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, I need to get up THERE. Maybe I should have drunk only 1/2 of the mojito.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7890\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am so glad that I missed that van.  Look at what I would have missed!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-8','','','2011-10-16 10:14:36','2011-10-16 17:14:36','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/7876-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(7894,1,'2011-10-16 11:14:53','2011-10-16 18:14:53','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-631','','','2011-10-16 11:14:53','2011-10-16 18:14:53','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7892,1,'2011-10-16 10:21:56','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','Day 358:  THe Lost Footage:  The Oak at Montebelli ','','draft','open','open','','','','','2011-10-16 10:21:56','2011-10-16 17:21:56','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=7892',0,'post','',0),(7893,1,'2011-10-16 10:21:38','2011-10-16 17:21:38','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','7892-revision','','','2011-10-16 10:21:38','2011-10-16 17:21:38','',7892,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/7892-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(7895,1,'2011-10-16 11:15:33','2011-10-16 18:15:33','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-632','','','2011-10-16 11:15:33','2011-10-16 18:15:33','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7896,1,'2011-10-16 11:16:46','2011-10-16 18:16:46','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-633','','','2011-10-16 11:16:46','2011-10-16 18:16:46','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7897,1,'2011-10-16 11:17:29','2011-10-16 18:17:29','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-634','','','2011-10-16 11:17:29','2011-10-16 18:17:29','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7898,1,'2011-10-16 11:19:04','2011-10-16 18:19:04','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-635','','','2011-10-16 11:19:04','2011-10-16 18:19:04','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7899,1,'2011-10-16 11:20:40','2011-10-16 18:20:40','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-636','','','2011-10-16 11:20:40','2011-10-16 18:20:40','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7900,1,'2011-10-16 11:22:46','2011-10-16 18:22:46','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 356, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 357, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhy?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBecause if you slam you head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOops.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the morning of Day 358, with the knowledge I had at that time, I sucked it up and rode.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was TERRIFIED!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.  It\'s easier conquering your fears when coaxed my an Italian man.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Weakest Link Advantages: Private Tour Guide Who Breaks for Kitties\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"And fills your water bottle for you.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7885\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI did it!  I cycled the full 28 miles that day, including a brutal uphill at the very end.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI originally planned to ride for the morning only, but I was sidetracked in the old town of Castiglione della Pescaia, and therefore missed the van back to Montebelli.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7888\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sidetracked\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7888\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter imbibing a surprisingly well-made mojito, and yet another pizza for lunch, I was determined to hike up the hill to the castle.  The first inhabitants of this town were the Etruscans and the Romans.  During medieval times, a fortress was built to defend the city from pirate attacks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7890\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, I need to get up THERE. Maybe I should have drunk only 1/2 of the mojito.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7890\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am so glad that I missed that van.  Look at what I would have missed!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7894\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7895\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThis is my new dream home.  I think I could live here.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7896\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7897\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nThis is the definition of Old World Charm.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7898\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7899\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThe reward for the climb.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-9','','','2011-10-16 11:22:46','2011-10-16 18:22:46','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/7876-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(7901,1,'2011-10-16 11:24:17','2011-10-16 18:24:17','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-637','','','2011-10-16 11:24:17','2011-10-16 18:24:17','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7902,1,'2011-10-16 11:25:03','2011-10-16 18:25:03','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-638','','','2011-10-16 11:25:03','2011-10-16 18:25:03','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7903,1,'2011-10-16 11:26:46','2011-10-16 18:26:46','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 356, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 357, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhy?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBecause if you slam you head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOops.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the morning of Day 358, with the knowledge I had at that time, I sucked it up and rode.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was TERRIFIED!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.  It\'s easier conquering your fears when coaxed my an Italian man.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Weakest Link Advantages: Private Tour Guide Who Breaks for Kitties\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"And fills your water bottle for you.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7885\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI did it!  I cycled the full 28 miles that day, including a brutal uphill at the very end.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI originally planned to ride for the morning only, but I was sidetracked in the old town of Castiglione della Pescaia, and therefore missed the van back to Montebelli.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7888\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sidetracked\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7888\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter imbibing a surprisingly well-made mojito, and yet another pizza for lunch, I was determined to hike up the hill to the castle.  The first inhabitants of this town were the Etruscans and the Romans.  During medieval times, a fortress was built to defend the city from pirate attacks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7890\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, I need to get up THERE. Maybe I should have drunk only 1/2 of the mojito.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7890\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am so glad that I missed that van.  Look at what I would have missed!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7894\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7895\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThis is my new dream home.  I think I could live here.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7896\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7897\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nThis is the definition of Old World Charm.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7898\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7899\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThe reward for the climb.  Fabio 1 told us that we\'d be able to see the island of Monte Cristo off in the distance.  I think that\'s it in the background of the photo on the right.  (Yes, the island where the count was from!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7901\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7902\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-10','','','2011-10-16 11:26:46','2011-10-16 18:26:46','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/7876-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(7904,1,'2011-10-16 11:29:46','2011-10-16 18:29:46','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 356, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 357, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhy?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBecause if you slam you head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOops.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the morning of Day 358, with the knowledge I had at that time, I sucked it up and rode.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was TERRIFIED!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.  It\'s easier conquering your fears when coaxed my an Italian man.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Weakest Link Advantages: Private Tour Guide Who Breaks for Kitties\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"And fills your water bottle for you.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7885\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI did it!  I cycled the full 28 miles that day, including a brutal uphill at the very end.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI originally planned to ride for the morning only, but I was sidetracked in the old town of Castiglione della Pescaia, and therefore missed the van back to Montebelli.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7888\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sidetracked\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7888\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter imbibing a surprisingly well-made mojito, and yet another pizza for lunch, I was determined to hike up the hill to the castle.  The first inhabitants of this town were the Etruscans and the Romans.  During medieval times, a fortress was built to defend the city from pirate attacks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7890\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, I need to get up THERE. Maybe I should have drunk only 1/2 of the mojito.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7890\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am so glad that I missed that van.  Look at what I would have missed!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7894\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7895\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThis is my new dream home.  I think I could live here.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7896\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7897\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nThis is the definition of Old World Charm.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7898\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7899\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThe reward for the climb.  Fabio 1 told us that we\'d be able to see the island of Monte Cristo off in the distance.  I think that\'s it in the background of the photo on the right.  (Yes, we\'re talking about the island where the Count was from!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7901\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7902\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-11','','','2011-10-16 11:29:46','2011-10-16 18:29:46','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/7876-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(7905,1,'2011-10-16 11:31:47','2011-10-16 18:31:47','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 356, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 357, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhy?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBecause if you slam you head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOops.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the morning of Day 358, with the knowledge I had at that time, I sucked it up and rode.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was TERRIFIED!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.  It\'s easier conquering your fears when coaxed my an Italian man.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Weakest Link Advantages: Private Tour Guide Who Breaks for Kitties\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"And fills your water bottle for you.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7885\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI did it!  I cycled the full 28 miles that day, including a brutal uphill at the very end.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI originally planned to ride for the morning only, but I was sidetracked in the old town of Castiglione della Pescaia, and therefore missed the van back to Montebelli.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7888\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sidetracked\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7888\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter imbibing a surprisingly well-made mojito, and yet another pizza for lunch, I was determined to hike up the hill to the castle.  The first inhabitants of this town were the Etruscans and the Romans.  During medieval times, a fortress was built to defend the city from pirate attacks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7890\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, I need to get up THERE. Maybe I should have drunk only 1/2 of the mojito.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7890\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am so glad that I missed that van.  Look at what I would have missed!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7894\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7895\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThis is my new dream home.  I think I could live here.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7896\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7897\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nThis is the definition of Old World Charm.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7898\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7899\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThe reward for the climb.  Fabio 1 told us that we\'d be able to see the island of Monte Cristo off in the distance.  I think that\'s it in the background of the photo on the right.  (Yes, we\'re talking about the island where the Count was from!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7901\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7902\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nLeft:  Oh, what a view!\n\nRight:  Italian graffiti everything, and I do mean <em>everything</em>.  Click the photo on the right to enlarge and see what I mean.','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-12','','','2011-10-16 11:31:47','2011-10-16 18:31:47','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/7876-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(7906,1,'2011-10-16 11:32:53','2011-10-16 18:32:53','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 356, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 357, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhy?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBecause if you slam you head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOops.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the morning of Day 358, with the knowledge I had at that time, I sucked it up and rode.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was TERRIFIED!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.  It\'s easier conquering your fears when coaxed my an Italian man.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Weakest Link Advantages: Private Tour Guide Who Breaks for Kitties\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"And fills your water bottle for you.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7885\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI did it!  I cycled the full 28 miles that day, including a brutal uphill at the very end.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI originally planned to ride for the morning only, but I was sidetracked in the old town of Castiglione della Pescaia, and therefore missed the van back to Montebelli.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7888\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sidetracked\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7888\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter imbibing a surprisingly well-made mojito, and yet another pizza for lunch, I was determined to hike up the hill to the castle.  The first inhabitants of this town were the Etruscans and the Romans.  During medieval times, a fortress was built to defend the city from pirate attacks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7890\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, I need to get up THERE. Maybe I should have drunk only 1/2 of the mojito.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7890\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am so glad that I missed that van.  Look at what I would have missed!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7894\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7895\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThis is my new dream home.  I think I could live here.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7896\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7897\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nThis is the definition of Old World Charm.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7898\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7899\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThe reward for the climb.  Fabio 1 told us that we\'d be able to see the island of Monte Cristo off in the distance.  I think that\'s it in the background of the photo on the right.  (Yes, we\'re talking about the island where the Count was from!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7901\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7902\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nLeft:  Oh, what a view!\n\nRight:  Italian graffiti everything, and I do mean <em>everything</em>.  Click the photo on the right to enlarge and see what I mean.','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-13','','','2011-10-16 11:32:53','2011-10-16 18:32:53','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/7876-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(7908,1,'2011-10-16 17:22:28','2011-10-17 00:22:28','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 356, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 357, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhy?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBecause if you slam you head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOops.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the morning of Day 358, with the knowledge I had at that time, I sucked it up and rode.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was TERRIFIED!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.  It\'s easier conquering your fears when coaxed my an Italian man.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Weakest Link Advantages: Private Tour Guide Who Breaks for Kitties\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"And fills your water bottle for you.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7885\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI did it!  I cycled the full 28 miles that day, including a brutal uphill at the very end.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI originally planned to ride for the morning only, but I was sidetracked in the old town of Castiglione della Pescaia, and therefore missed the van back to Montebelli.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7888\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sidetracked\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7888\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter imbibing a surprisingly well-made mojito, and yet another pizza for lunch, I was determined to hike up the hill to the castle.  The first inhabitants of this town were the Etruscans and the Romans.  During medieval times, a fortress was built to defend the city from pirate attacks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7890\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, I needed to get up THERE. Maybe I should have drunk only 1/2 of the mojito.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7890 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am so glad that I missed that van.  Look at what I would have missed!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7894\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7895\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThis is my new dream home.  I think I could live here.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7896\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7897\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nThe definition of Old World Charm, is it not?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7898\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7899\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThe reward for the climb.  Fabio 1 told us that we\'d be able to see the island of Monte Cristo off in the distance.  I think that\'s it in the background of the photo on the right.  (Yes, we\'re talking about the island known for The Count!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7901\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7902\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nLeft:  Oh, what a view!\n\nRight:  Italian graffiti everything, and I do mean <em>everything</em>.  Click the photo on the right to enlarge and see what I mean.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI took a risk, and it paid off.  Don\'t you just love it when that happens?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLate Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom:  DO pick yourself up, brush yourself off, and ride all over again.  You might just create memories of a lifetime.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLate Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom Part <em>Due</em> (That\'s \"two\" in Italian):  Never consume a mojito at lunch\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-14','','','2011-10-16 17:22:28','2011-10-17 00:22:28','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/7876-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(7909,1,'2011-10-16 17:29:28','2011-10-17 00:29:28','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 356</a></strong>, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/day-357-tuscan-coast-van-tour-and-montebelli-sigh/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 357</a></strong>, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhy?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBecause if you slam you head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOops.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the morning of Day 358, with the knowledge I had at that time, I sucked it up and rode.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was TERRIFIED!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.  It\'s easier conquering your fears when coaxed my an gregarious Italian man with a great accent.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Weakest Link Advantages: Private Tour Guide Who Breaks for Kitties\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"And fills your water bottle for you.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7885\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI did it!  I cycled the full 28 miles that day, including a brutal uphill at the very end.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI originally planned to ride for the morning only, but I was sidetracked in the old town of Castiglione della Pescaia, and therefore missed the van back to Montebelli.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7888\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sidetracked\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7888\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter imbibing a surprisingly well-made mojito, and yet another pizza for lunch, I was determined to hike up the hill to the castle.  The first inhabitants of this town were the Etruscans and the Romans.  During medieval times, a fortress was built to defend the city from pirate attacks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7890\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, I needed to get up THERE. Maybe I should have drunk only 1/2 of the mojito.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7890 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am so glad that I missed that van.  Look at what I would have missed!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7894\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7895\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThis is my new dream home.  I think I could live here.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7896\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7897\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nThe definition of Old World Charm, is it not?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7898\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7899\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThe reward for the climb.  Fabio 1 told us that we\'d be able to see the island of Monte Cristo off in the distance.  I think that\'s it in the background of the photo on the right.  (Yes, we\'re talking about the island known for The Count!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7901\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7902\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nLeft:  Oh, what a view!\n\nRight:  Italian graffiti everything, and I do mean <em>everything</em>.  Click the photo on the right to enlarge and see what I mean.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI took a risk, and it paid off.  Don\'t you just love it when that happens?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom:</strong>  DO pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and ride all over again.  You might just create Memories of a Lifetime.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLate Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom Part <em>Due</em> (That\'s \"two\" in Italian):  Never consume a mojito at lunch, followed by half a bottle of wine at dinner, followed by a nightcap, and then board a bouncy bus for Rome the next day.  To be continued....\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-15','','','2011-10-16 17:29:28','2011-10-17 00:29:28','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/7876-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(7910,1,'2011-10-16 19:06:27','2011-10-17 02:06:27','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 356</a></strong>, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/day-357-tuscan-coast-van-tour-and-montebelli-sigh/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 357</a></strong>, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhy?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBecause if you slam you head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOops.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the morning of Day 358, with the knowledge I had at that time, I sucked it up and rode.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was TERRIFIED!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.  It\'s easier conquering your fears when coaxed my an gregarious Italian man with a great accent.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Weakest Link Advantages: Private Tour Guide Who Breaks for Kitties\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"And fills your water bottle for you.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7885\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI did it!  I cycled the full 28 miles that day, including a brutal uphill at the very end.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI originally planned to ride for the morning only, but I was sidetracked in the old town of Castiglione della Pescaia, and therefore missed the van back to Montebelli.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7888\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sidetracked\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7888\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter imbibing a surprisingly well-made mojito, and yet another pizza for lunch, I was determined to hike up the hill to the castle.  The first inhabitants of this town were the Etruscans and the Romans.  During medieval times, a fortress was built to defend the city from pirate attacks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7890\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, I needed to get up THERE. Maybe I should have drunk only 1/2 of the mojito.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7890 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am so glad that I missed that van.  Look at what I would have missed!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7894\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7895\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThis is my new dream home.  I think I could live here.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7896\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7897\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nThe definition of Old World Charm, is it not?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7898\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7899\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThe reward for the climb.  Fabio 1 told us that we\'d be able to see the island of Monte Cristo off in the distance.  I think that\'s it in the background of the photo on the right.  (Yes, we\'re talking about the island known for The Count!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7901\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7902\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nLeft:  Oh, what a view!\n\nRight:  Italian graffiti everything, and I do mean <em>everything</em>.  Click the photo on the right to enlarge and see what I mean.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI took a risk, and it paid off.  Don\'t you just love it when that happens?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom:</strong>  </span>DO pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and ride all over again.  You might just create Memories of a Lifetime.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom Part <em>Due</em> (That\'s \"two\" in Italian):</strong></span>  Never consume a mojito at lunch, followed by half a bottle of wine at dinner, followed by a nightcap, and then board a bouncy bus for Rome the next day.  To be continued....\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-16','','','2011-10-16 19:06:27','2011-10-17 02:06:27','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/7876-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(7912,1,'2011-10-16 19:09:43','2011-10-17 02:09:43','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 356</a></strong>, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/day-357-tuscan-coast-van-tour-and-montebelli-sigh/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 357</a></strong>, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhy?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBecause if you slam you head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Oops!  </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the morning of Day 358, with the knowledge I had at that time, I sucked it up and rode.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was TERRIFIED!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.  It\'s easier conquering your fears when coaxed my an gregarious Italian man with a sexy accent.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Weakest Link Advantages: Private Tour Guide Who Breaks for Kitties\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"And fills your water bottle for you.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7885\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI did it!  I cycled the full 28 miles that day, including a brutal uphill at the very end.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI originally planned to ride for the morning only, but I was sidetracked in the old town of Castiglione della Pescaia, and therefore missed the van back to Montebelli.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7888\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sidetracked\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7888\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter imbibing a surprisingly well-made mojito, and yet another pizza for lunch, I was determined to hike up the hill to the castle.  The first inhabitants of this town were the Etruscans and the Romans.  During medieval times, a fortress was built to defend the city from pirate attacks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7890\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, I needed to get up THERE. Maybe I should have drunk only 1/2 of the mojito.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7890 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am so glad that I missed that van.  Look at what I would have missed!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7894\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7895\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThis is my new dream home.  I think I could live here.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7896\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7897\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nThe definition of Old World Charm, is it not?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7898\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7899\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThe reward for the climb.  Fabio 1 told us that we\'d be able to see the island of Monte Cristo off in the distance.  I think that\'s it in the background of the photo on the right.  (Yes, we\'re talking about the island known for The Count!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7901\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7902\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nLeft:  Oh, what a view!\n\nRight:  Italian graffiti everything, and I do mean <em>everything</em>.  Click the photo on the right to enlarge and see what I mean.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI took a risk, and it paid off.  Don\'t you just love it when that happens?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom:</strong>  </span>DO pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and ride all over again.  You might just create Memories of a Lifetime.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom Part <em>Due</em> (That\'s \"two\" in Italian):</strong></span>  Never consume a mojito at lunch, followed by half a bottle of wine at dinner, followed by a nightcap, and then board a bouncy bus for Rome the next day.  To be continued....\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-18','','','2011-10-16 19:09:43','2011-10-17 02:09:43','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/7876-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(7911,1,'2011-10-16 19:06:31','2011-10-17 02:06:31','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 356</a></strong>, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/day-357-tuscan-coast-van-tour-and-montebelli-sigh/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 357</a></strong>, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhy?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause if you slam you head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOops.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the morning of Day 358, with the knowledge I had at that time, I sucked it up and rode.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was TERRIFIED!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.  It\'s easier conquering your fears when coaxed my an gregarious Italian man with a great accent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Weakest Link Advantages: Private Tour Guide Who Breaks for Kitties\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"And fills your water bottle for you.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7885\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI did it!  I cycled the full 28 miles that day, including a brutal uphill at the very end.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI originally planned to ride for the morning only, but I was sidetracked in the old town of Castiglione della Pescaia, and therefore missed the van back to Montebelli.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7888\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sidetracked\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7888\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter imbibing a surprisingly well-made mojito, and yet another pizza for lunch, I was determined to hike up the hill to the castle.  The first inhabitants of this town were the Etruscans and the Romans.  During medieval times, a fortress was built to defend the city from pirate attacks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7890\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, I needed to get up THERE. Maybe I should have drunk only 1/2 of the mojito.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7890 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am so glad that I missed that van.  Look at what I would have missed!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7894\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7895\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThis is my new dream home.  I think I could live here.\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7896\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7897\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe definition of Old World Charm, is it not?\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7898\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7899\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe reward for the climb.  Fabio 1 told us that we\'d be able to see the island of Monte Cristo off in the distance.  I think that\'s it in the background of the photo on the right.  (Yes, we\'re talking about the island known for The Count!)\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7901\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7902\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLeft:  Oh, what a view!\r\n\r\nRight:  Italian graffiti everything, and I do mean <em>everything</em>.  Click the photo on the right to enlarge and see what I mean.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI took a risk, and it paid off.  Don\'t you just love it when that happens?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom:</strong>  </span>DO pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and ride all over again.  You might just create Memories of a Lifetime.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom Part <em>Due</em> (That\'s \"two\" in Italian):</strong></span>  Never consume a mojito at lunch, followed by half a bottle of wine at dinner, followed by a nightcap, and then board a bouncy bus for Rome the next day.  To be continued....\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;','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-17','','','2011-10-16 19:06:31','2011-10-17 02:06:31','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/7876-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(7913,1,'2011-10-16 19:10:58','2011-10-17 02:10:58','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 356</a></strong>, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/day-357-tuscan-coast-van-tour-and-montebelli-sigh/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 357</a></strong>, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhy?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBecause if you slam you head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: x-large; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Oops!  </strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the morning of Day 358, with the knowledge I had at that time, I sucked it up and rode.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was TERRIFIED!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.  It\'s easier conquering your fears when coaxed my an gregarious Italian man with a sexy accent.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Weakest Link Advantages: Private Tour Guide Who Breaks for Kitties\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"And fills your water bottle for you.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7885\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI did it!  I cycled the full 28 miles that day, including a brutal uphill at the very end.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI originally planned to ride for the morning only, but I was sidetracked in the old town of Castiglione della Pescaia, and therefore missed the van back to Montebelli.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7888\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sidetracked\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7888\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter imbibing a surprisingly well-made mojito, and yet another pizza for lunch, I was determined to hike up the hill to the castle.  The first inhabitants of this town were the Etruscans and the Romans.  During medieval times, a fortress was built to defend the city from pirate attacks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7890\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, I needed to get up THERE. Maybe I should have drunk only 1/2 of the mojito.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7890 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am so glad that I missed that van.  Look at what I would have missed!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7894\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7895\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThis is my new dream home.  I think I could live here.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7896\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7897\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nThe definition of Old World Charm, is it not?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7898\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7899\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThe reward for the climb.  Fabio 1 told us that we\'d be able to see the island of Monte Cristo off in the distance.  I think that\'s it in the background of the photo on the right.  (Yes, we\'re talking about the island known for The Count!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7901\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7902\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nLeft:  Oh, what a view!\n\nRight:  Italian graffiti everything, and I do mean <em>everything</em>.  Click the photo on the right to enlarge and see what I mean.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI took a risk, and it paid off.  Don\'t you just love it when that happens?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom:</strong>  </span>DO pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and ride all over again.  You might just create Memories of a Lifetime.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom Part <em>Due</em> (That\'s \"two\" in Italian):</strong></span>  Never consume a mojito at lunch, followed by half a bottle of wine at dinner, followed by a nightcap, and then board a bouncy bus for Rome the next day.  To be continued....\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-19','','','2011-10-16 19:10:58','2011-10-17 02:10:58','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/7876-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(7915,1,'2011-10-16 19:23:46','2011-10-17 02:23:46','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 356</a></strong>, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/day-357-tuscan-coast-van-tour-and-montebelli-sigh/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 357</a></strong>, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhy?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBecause if you slam you head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: x-large; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Oops!  </strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the morning of Day 358, with the knowledge I had at that time, I sucked it up and rode.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was TERRIFIED!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.  It\'s easier conquering your fears when coaxed my an gregarious Italian man with a sexy accent.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Weakest Link Advantages: Private Tour Guide Who Breaks for Kitties\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"And fills your water bottle for you.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7885\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI did it!  I cycled the full 28 miles that day, including a brutal uphill at the very end.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI originally planned to ride for the morning only, but I was sidetracked in the old town of Castiglione della Pescaia, and therefore missed the van back to Montebelli.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7888\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sidetracked\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7888\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter imbibing a surprisingly well-made mojito, and yet another pizza for lunch, I was determined to hike up the hill to the castle.  The first inhabitants of this town were the Etruscans and the Romans.  During medieval times, a fortress was built to defend the city from pirate attacks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7890\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, I needed to get up THERE. Maybe I should have drunk only 1/2 of the mojito.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7890 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am so glad that I missed that van.  Look at what I would have missed!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7894\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7895\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThis is my new dream home.  I think I could live here.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7896\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7897\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nThe definition of Old World Charm, is it not?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7898\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7899\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThe reward for the climb.  Fabio 1 told us that we\'d be able to see the island of Monte Cristo off in the distance.  I think that\'s it in the background of the photo on the right.  (Yes, we\'re talking about the island known for The Count!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7901\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7902\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nLeft:  Oh, what a view!\n\nRight:  Italian graffiti everything, and I do mean <em>everything</em>.  Click the photo on the right to enlarge and see what I mean.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI took a risk, and it paid off.  Don\'t you just love it when that happens?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom:</strong>  </span>DO pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and ride all over again.  You might just create Memories of a Lifetime.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom Part <em>Due</em> (That\'s \"two\" in Italian):</strong></span>  Never consume a mojito at lunch, followed by half a bottle of wine at dinner, followed by a nightcap, and then board a bouncy bus for Rome the next day.  To be continued....\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-21','','','2011-10-16 19:23:46','2011-10-17 02:23:46','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/7876-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),(7914,1,'2011-10-16 19:22:32','2011-10-17 02:22:32','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 356</a></strong>, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/day-357-tuscan-coast-van-tour-and-montebelli-sigh/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 357</a></strong>, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhy?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause if you slam you head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: x-large; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Oops!  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the morning of Day 358, with the knowledge I had at that time, I sucked it up and rode.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was TERRIFIED!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.  It\'s easier conquering your fears when coaxed my an gregarious Italian man with a sexy accent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Weakest Link Advantages: Private Tour Guide Who Breaks for Kitties\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"And fills your water bottle for you.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7885\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI did it!  I cycled the full 28 miles that day, including a brutal uphill at the very end.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI originally planned to ride for the morning only, but I was sidetracked in the old town of Castiglione della Pescaia, and therefore missed the van back to Montebelli.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7888\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sidetracked\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7888\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter imbibing a surprisingly well-made mojito, and yet another pizza for lunch, I was determined to hike up the hill to the castle.  The first inhabitants of this town were the Etruscans and the Romans.  During medieval times, a fortress was built to defend the city from pirate attacks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7890\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, I needed to get up THERE. Maybe I should have drunk only 1/2 of the mojito.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7890 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am so glad that I missed that van.  Look at what I would have missed!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7894\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7895\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThis is my new dream home.  I think I could live here.\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7896\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7897\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe definition of Old World Charm, is it not?\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7898\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7899\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe reward for the climb.  Fabio 1 told us that we\'d be able to see the island of Monte Cristo off in the distance.  I think that\'s it in the background of the photo on the right.  (Yes, we\'re talking about the island known for The Count!)\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7901\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7902\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLeft:  Oh, what a view!\r\n\r\nRight:  Italian graffiti everything, and I do mean <em>everything</em>.  Click the photo on the right to enlarge and see what I mean.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI took a risk, and it paid off.  Don\'t you just love it when that happens?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom:</strong>  </span>DO pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and ride all over again.  You might just create Memories of a Lifetime.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom Part <em>Due</em> (That\'s \"two\" in Italian):</strong></span>  Never consume a mojito at lunch, followed by half a bottle of wine at dinner, followed by a nightcap, and then board a bouncy bus for Rome the next day.  To be continued....\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-20','','','2011-10-16 19:22:32','2011-10-17 02:22:32','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/7876-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(7916,1,'2011-10-16 19:37:25','2011-10-17 02:37:25','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 356</a></strong>, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/day-357-tuscan-coast-van-tour-and-montebelli-sigh/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 357</a></strong>, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhy?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause if you slam you head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: x-large; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Oops!  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the morning of Day 358, with the knowledge I had at that time, I sucked it up and rode.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was TERRIFIED!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.  It\'s easier conquering your fears when coaxed my an gregarious Italian man with a sexy accent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Weakest Link Advantages: Private Tour Guide Who Breaks for Kitties\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"And fills your water bottle for you.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7885\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI did it!  I cycled the full 28 miles that day, including a brutal uphill at the very end.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI originally planned to ride for the morning only, but I was sidetracked in the old town of Castiglione della Pescaia, and therefore missed the van back to Montebelli.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7888\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sidetracked\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7888\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter imbibing a surprisingly well-made mojito, and yet another pizza for lunch, I was determined to hike up the hill to the castle.  The first inhabitants of this town were the Etruscans and the Romans.  During medieval times, a fortress was built to defend the city from pirate attacks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7890\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, I needed to get up THERE. Maybe I should have drunk only 1/2 of the mojito.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7890 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am so glad that I missed that van.  Look at what I would have missed!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7894\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7895\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThis is my new dream home.  I think I could live here.\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7896\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7897\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe definition of Old World Charm, is it not?\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7898\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7899\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe reward for the climb.  Fabio 1 told us that we\'d be able to see the island of Monte Cristo off in the distance.  I think that\'s it in the background of the photo on the right.  (Yes, we\'re talking about the island known for The Count!)\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7901\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7902\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLeft:  Oh, what a view!\r\n\r\nRight:  Italian graffiti everything, and I do mean <em>everything</em>.  Click the photo on the right to enlarge and see what I mean.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI took a risk, and it paid off.  Don\'t you just love it when that happens?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom:</strong>  </span>DO pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and ride all over again.  You might just create Memories of a Lifetime.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom Part <em>Due</em> (That\'s \"two\" in Italian):</strong></span>  Never consume a mojito at lunch, followed by half a bottle of wine at dinner, followed by a nightcap, and then board a bouncy bus for Rome the next day.  To be continued....\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-22','','','2011-10-16 19:37:25','2011-10-17 02:37:25','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/7876-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(7917,1,'2011-10-16 19:39:12','2011-10-17 02:39:12','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 356</a></strong>, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/day-357-tuscan-coast-van-tour-and-montebelli-sigh/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 357</a></strong>, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhy?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBecause if you slam you head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: x-large; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Oops!  </strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the morning of Day 358, with the knowledge I had at that time, I sucked it up and rode.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was TERRIFIED!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.  It\'s easier conquering your fears when coaxed my an gregarious Italian man with a sexy accent.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Weakest Link Advantages: Private Tour Guide Who Breaks for Kitties\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"And fills your water bottle for you.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7885\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI did it!  I cycled the full 28 miles that day, including a brutal uphill at the very end.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI originally planned to ride for the morning only, but I was sidetracked in the old town of Castiglione della Pescaia, and therefore missed the van back to Montebelli.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7888\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sidetracked\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7888\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter imbibing a surprisingly well-made mojito, and yet another pizza for lunch, I was determined to hike up the hill to the castle.  The first inhabitants of this town were the Etruscans and the Romans.  During medieval times, a fortress was built to defend the city from pirate attacks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7890\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, I needed to get up THERE. Maybe I should have drunk only 1/2 of the mojito.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7890 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am so glad that I missed that van.  Look at what I would have missed!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7894\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7895\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThis is my new dream home.  I think I could live here.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7896\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7897\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nThe definition of Old World Charm, is it not?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7898\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7899\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThe reward for the climb.  Fabio 1 told us that we\'d be able to see the island of Monte Cristo off in the distance.  I think that\'s it in the background of the photo on the right.  (Yes, we\'re talking about the island known for The Count!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7901\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7902\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nLeft:  Oh, what a view!\n\nRight:  Italian graffiti everything, and I do mean <em>everything</em>.  Click the photo on the right to enlarge and see what I mean.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI took a risk, and it paid off.  Don\'t you just love it when that happens?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom:</strong>  </span>DO pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and ride all over again.  You might just create Memories of a Lifetime.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom Part <em>Due</em> (That\'s \"two\" in Italian):</strong></span>  Never consume a mojito at lunch, followed by half a bottle of wine at dinner, followed by a nightcap, and then board a bouncy bus for Rome the next day.  To be continued....\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-23','','','2011-10-16 19:39:12','2011-10-17 02:39:12','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/7876-revision-23/',0,'revision','',0),(7918,1,'2011-10-16 19:42:28','2011-10-17 02:42:28','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 356</a></strong>, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/day-357-tuscan-coast-van-tour-and-montebelli-sigh/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 357</a></strong>, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhy?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBecause if you slam you head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: x-large; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Oops!  </strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the morning of Day 358, with the knowledge I had at that time, I sucked it up and rode.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was TERRIFIED!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.  It\'s easier conquering your fears when coaxed my a gregarious Italian man with a sexy accent.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Weakest Link Advantages: Private Tour Guide Who Breaks for Kitties\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"And fills your water bottle for you.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7885\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI did it!  I cycled the full 28 miles that day, including a brutal uphill at the very end.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI originally planned to ride for the morning only, but I was sidetracked in the old town of Castiglione della Pescaia, and therefore missed the van back to Montebelli.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7888\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sidetracked\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7888\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter imbibing a surprisingly well-made mojito, and yet another pizza for lunch, I was determined to hike up the hill to the castle.  The first inhabitants of this town were the Etruscans and the Romans.  During medieval times, a fortress was built to defend the city from pirate attacks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7890\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, I needed to get up THERE. Maybe I should have drunk only 1/2 of the mojito.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7890 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am so glad that I missed that van.  Look at what I would have missed!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7894\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7895\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThis is my new dream home.  I think I could live here.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7896\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7897\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nThe definition of Old World Charm, is it not?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7898\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7899\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThe reward for the climb.  Fabio 1 told us that we\'d be able to see the island of Monte Cristo off in the distance.  I think that\'s it in the background of the photo on the right.  (Yes, we\'re talking about the island known for The Count!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7901\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7902\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nLeft:  Oh, what a view!\n\nRight:  Italian graffiti everything, and I do mean <em>everything</em>.  Click the photo on the right to enlarge and see what I mean.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI took a risk, and it paid off.  Don\'t you just love it when that happens?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom:</strong>  </span>DO pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and ride all over again.  You might just create Memories of a Lifetime.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom Part <em>Due</em> (That\'s \"two\" in Italian):</strong></span>  Never consume a mojito at lunch, followed by half a bottle of wine at dinner, followed by a nightcap, and then board a bouncy bus for Rome the next day.  To be continued....\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-24','','','2011-10-16 19:42:28','2011-10-17 02:42:28','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/7876-revision-24/',0,'revision','',0),(7919,1,'2011-10-16 19:47:57','2011-10-17 02:47:57','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 356</a></strong>, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/day-357-tuscan-coast-van-tour-and-montebelli-sigh/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 357</a></strong>, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhy?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBecause if you slam you head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: x-large; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Oops!  </strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the morning of Day 358, with the knowledge I had at that time, I sucked it up and rode.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was TERRIFIED!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.  It\'s easier conquering your fears when coaxed my a gregarious Italian man with a sexy accent.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Weakest Link Advantages: Private Tour Guide Who Breaks for Kitties\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"And fills your water bottle for you.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7885\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI did it!  I cycled the full 28 miles that day, including a brutal uphill at the very end.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI originally planned to ride for the morning only, but I was sidetracked in the old town of Castiglione della Pescaia, and therefore missed the van back to Montebelli.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7888\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sidetracked\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7888\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter imbibing a surprisingly well-made mojito, and yet another pizza for lunch, I was determined to hike up the hill to the castle.  The first inhabitants of this town were the Etruscans and the Romans.  During medieval times, a fortress was built to defend the city from pirate attacks.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7890\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, I needed to get up THERE. Maybe I should have drunk only 1/2 of the mojito.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7890 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am so glad that I missed that van.  Look at what I would have missed!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7894\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7895\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThis is my new dream home.  I think I could live here.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7896\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7897\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nThe definition of Old World Charm, is it not?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7898\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7899\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThe reward for the climb.  Fabio 1 told us that we\'d be able to see the island of Monte Cristo off in the distance.  I think that\'s it in the background of the photo on the right.  (Yes, we\'re talking about the island known for The Count!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7901\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7902\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nLeft:  Oh, what a view!\n\nRight:  Italians graffiti everything, and I do mean <em>everything</em>.  Click the photo on the right to enlarge and see what I mean.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI took a risk, and it paid off.  Don\'t you just love it when that happens?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom:</strong>  </span>DO pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and ride all over again.  You might just create Memories of a Lifetime.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom Part \"Due\" (That\'s \"two\" in Italian):</strong></span>  Never consume a mojito at lunch, followed by half a bottle of wine at dinner, followed by a nightcap, and then board a bouncy bus for Rome the next day.  To be continued....\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-25','','','2011-10-16 19:47:57','2011-10-17 02:47:57','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/7876-revision-25/',0,'revision','',0),(7920,1,'2011-10-16 19:47:58','2011-10-17 02:47:58','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 356</a></strong>, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/day-357-tuscan-coast-van-tour-and-montebelli-sigh/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 357</a></strong>, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhy?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause if you slam you head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: x-large; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Oops!  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the morning of Day 358, with the knowledge I had at that time, I sucked it up and rode.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was TERRIFIED!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.  It\'s easier conquering your fears when coaxed my a gregarious Italian man with a sexy accent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Weakest Link Advantages: Private Tour Guide Who Breaks for Kitties\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"And fills your water bottle for you.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7885\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI did it!  I cycled the full 28 miles that day, including a brutal uphill at the very end.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI originally planned to ride for the morning only, but I was sidetracked in the old town of Castiglione della Pescaia, and therefore missed the van back to Montebelli.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7888\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sidetracked\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7888\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter imbibing a surprisingly well-made mojito, and yet another pizza for lunch, I was determined to hike up the hill to the castle.  The first inhabitants of this town were the Etruscans and the Romans.  During medieval times, a fortress was built to defend the city from pirate attacks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7890\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, I needed to get up THERE. Maybe I should have drunk only 1/2 of the mojito.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7890 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am so glad that I missed that van.  Look at what I would have missed!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7894\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7895\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThis is my new dream home.  I think I could live here.\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7896\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7897\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe definition of Old World Charm, is it not?\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7898\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7899\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe reward for the climb.  Fabio 1 told us that we\'d be able to see the island of Monte Cristo off in the distance.  I think that\'s it in the background of the photo on the right.  (Yes, we\'re talking about the island known for The Count!)\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7901\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7902\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLeft:  Oh, what a view!\r\n\r\nRight:  Italians graffiti everything, and I do mean <em>everything</em>.  Click the photo on the right to enlarge and see what I mean.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI took a risk, and it paid off.  Don\'t you just love it when that happens?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom:</strong>  </span>DO pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and ride all over again.  You might just create Memories of a Lifetime.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom Part \"Due\" (That\'s \"two\" in Italian):</strong></span>  Never consume a mojito at lunch, followed by half a bottle of wine at dinner, followed by a nightcap, and then board a bouncy bus for Rome the next day.  To be continued....\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-26','','','2011-10-16 19:47:58','2011-10-17 02:47:58','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/7876-revision-26/',0,'revision','',0),(7921,1,'2011-10-16 19:49:32','2011-10-17 02:49:32','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 356</a></strong>, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/day-357-tuscan-coast-van-tour-and-montebelli-sigh/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 357</a></strong>, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhy?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause if you slam you head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: x-large; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Oops!  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the morning of Day 358, with the knowledge I had at that time, I sucked it up and rode.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was TERRIFIED!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.  It\'s easier conquering your fears when coaxed my a gregarious Italian man with a sexy accent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Weakest Link Advantages: Private Tour Guide Who Breaks for Kitties\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"And fills your water bottle for you.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7885\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI did it!  I cycled the full 28 miles that day, including a brutal uphill at the very end.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI originally planned to ride for the morning only, but I was sidetracked in the old town of Castiglione della Pescaia, and therefore missed the van back to Montebelli.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7888\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sidetracked\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7888\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter imbibing a surprisingly well-made mojito, and yet another pizza for lunch, I was determined to hike up the hill to the castle.  The first inhabitants of this town were the Etruscans and the Romans.  During medieval times, a fortress was built to defend the city from pirate attacks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7890\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, I needed to get up THERE. Maybe I should have drunk only 1/2 of the mojito.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7890 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am so glad that I missed that van.  Look at what I would have missed!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7894\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7895\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThis is my new dream home.  I think I could live here.\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7896\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7897\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe definition of Old World Charm, is it not?\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7898\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7899\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe reward for the climb.  Fabio 1 told us that we\'d be able to see the island of Monte Cristo off in the distance.  I think that\'s it in the background of the photo on the right.  (Yes, we\'re talking about the island known for The Count!)\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7901\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7902\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLeft:  Oh, what a view!\r\n\r\nRight:  Italians graffiti everything, and I do mean <em>everything</em>.  Click the photo on the right to enlarge and see what I mean.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI took a risk, and it paid off.  Don\'t you just love it when that happens?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom:</strong>  </span>DO pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and ride all over again.  You might just create Memories of a Lifetime.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom Part \"Due\" (That\'s \"two\" in Italian):</strong></span>  Never consume a mojito at lunch, followed by half a bottle of wine at dinner, followed by a nightcap, and then board a bouncy bus for Rome the next day.  To be continued....\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-27','','','2011-10-16 19:49:32','2011-10-17 02:49:32','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/7876-revision-27/',0,'revision','',0),(7922,1,'2011-10-16 19:49:37','2011-10-17 02:49:37','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 356</a></strong>, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/day-357-tuscan-coast-van-tour-and-montebelli-sigh/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 357</a></strong>, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhy?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause if you slam you head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: x-large; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Oops!  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the morning of Day 358, with the knowledge I had at that time, I sucked it up and rode.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was TERRIFIED!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.  It\'s easier conquering your fears when coaxed my a gregarious Italian man with a sexy accent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Weakest Link Advantages: Private Tour Guide Who Breaks for Kitties\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"And fills your water bottle for you.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7885\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI did it!  I cycled the full 28 miles that day, including a brutal uphill at the very end.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI originally planned to ride for the morning only, but I was sidetracked in the old town of Castiglione della Pescaia, and therefore missed the van back to Montebelli.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7888\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sidetracked\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7888\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter imbibing a surprisingly well-made mojito, and yet another pizza for lunch, I was determined to hike up the hill to the castle.  The first inhabitants of this town were the Etruscans and the Romans.  During medieval times, a fortress was built to defend the city from pirate attacks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7890\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, I needed to get up THERE. Maybe I should have drunk only 1/2 of the mojito.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7890 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am so glad that I missed that van.  Look at what I would have missed!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7894\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7895\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThis is my new dream home.  I think I could live here.\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7896\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7897\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe definition of Old World Charm, is it not?\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7898\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7899\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe reward for the climb.  Fabio 1 told us that we\'d be able to see the island of Monte Cristo off in the distance.  I think that\'s it in the background of the photo on the right.  (Yes, we\'re talking about the island known for The Count!)\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7901\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7902\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLeft:  Oh, what a view!\r\n\r\nRight:  Italians graffiti everything, and I do mean <em>everything</em>.  Click the photo on the right to enlarge and see what I mean.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI took a risk, and it paid off.  Don\'t you just love it when that happens?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom:</strong>  </span>DO pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and ride all over again.  You might just create Memories of a Lifetime.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom Part \"Due\" (That\'s \"two\" in Italian):</strong></span>  Never consume a mojito at lunch, followed by half a bottle of wine at dinner, followed by a nightcap, and then board a bouncy bus for Rome the next day.  To be continued....\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-28','','','2011-10-16 19:49:37','2011-10-17 02:49:37','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/7876-revision-28/',0,'revision','',0),(7923,1,'2011-10-16 19:55:48','2011-10-17 02:55:48','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 356</a></strong>, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/day-357-tuscan-coast-van-tour-and-montebelli-sigh/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 357</a></strong>, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhy?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause if you slam you head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: x-large; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Oops!  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the morning of Day 358, with the knowledge I had at that time, I sucked it up and rode.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was TERRIFIED!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.  It\'s easier conquering your fears when coaxed my a gregarious Italian man with a sexy accent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Weakest Link Advantages: Private Tour Guide Who Breaks for Kitties\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"And fills your water bottle for you.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7885\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI did it!  I cycled the full 28 miles that day, including a brutal uphill at the very end.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI originally planned to ride for the morning only, but I was sidetracked in the old town of Castiglione della Pescaia, and therefore missed the van back to Montebelli.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7888\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sidetracked\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7888\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter imbibing a surprisingly well-made mojito, and yet another pizza for lunch, I was determined to hike up the hill to the castle.  The first inhabitants of this town were the Etruscans and the Romans.  During medieval times, a fortress was built to defend the city from pirate attacks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7890\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, I needed to get up THERE. Maybe I should have drunk only 1/2 of the mojito.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7890 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am so glad that I missed that van.  Look at what I would have missed!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7894\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7895\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThis is my new dream home.  I think I could live here.\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7896\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7897\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe definition of Old World Charm, is it not?\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7898\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7899\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe reward for the climb.  Fabio 1 told us that we\'d be able to see the island of Monte Cristo off in the distance.  I think that\'s it in the background of the photo on the right.  (Yes, we\'re talking about the island known for The Count!)\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7901\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7902\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLeft:  Oh, what a view!\r\n\r\nRight:  Italians graffiti everything, and I do mean <em>everything</em>.  Click the photo on the right to enlarge and see what I mean.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI took a risk, and it paid off.  Don\'t you just love it when that happens?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom:</strong>  </span>DO pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and ride all over again.  You might just create Memories of a Lifetime.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom Part \"Due\" (That\'s \"two\" in Italian):</strong></span>  DON\'T consume a mojito at lunch, followed by half a bottle of wine at dinner, followed by a nightcap, and then board a bouncy bus for Rome the next day.  To be continued....\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-29','','','2011-10-16 19:55:48','2011-10-17 02:55:48','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/7876-revision-29/',0,'revision','',0),(7924,1,'2011-10-16 20:05:02','2011-10-17 03:05:02','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 356</a></strong>, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/day-357-tuscan-coast-van-tour-and-montebelli-sigh/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 357</a></strong>, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhy?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause if you slam you head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: x-large; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Oops!  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the morning of Day 358, with the knowledge I had at that time, I sucked it up and rode.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was TERRIFIED!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.  It\'s easier conquering your fears when coaxed by a gregarious Italian man with a sexy accent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Weakest Link Advantages: Private Tour Guide Who Breaks for Kitties\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"And fills your water bottle for you.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7885\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI did it!  I cycled the full 28 miles that day, including a brutal uphill at the very end.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI originally planned to ride for the morning only, but I was sidetracked in the old town of Castiglione della Pescaia, and therefore missed the van back to Montebelli.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7888\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sidetracked\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7888\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter imbibing a surprisingly well-made mojito, and yet another pizza for lunch, I was determined to hike up the hill to the castle.  The first inhabitants of this town were the Etruscans and the Romans.  During medieval times, a fortress was built to defend the city from pirate attacks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7890\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, I needed to get up THERE. Maybe I should have drunk only 1/2 of the mojito.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7890 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am so glad that I missed that van.  Look at what I would have missed!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7894\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7895\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThis is my new dream home.  I think I could live here.\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7896\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7897\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe definition of Old World Charm, is it not?\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7898\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7899\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe reward for the climb.  Fabio 1 told us that we\'d be able to see the island of Monte Cristo off in the distance.  I think that\'s it in the background of the photo on the right.  (Yes, we\'re talking about the island known for The Count!)\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7901\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7902\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLeft:  Oh, what a view!\r\n\r\nRight:  Italians graffiti everything, and I do mean <em>everything</em>.  Click the photo on the right to enlarge and see what I mean.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI took a risk, and it paid off.  Don\'t you just love it when that happens?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom:</strong>  </span>DO pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and ride all over again.  You might just create Memories of a Lifetime.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom Part \"Due\" (That\'s \"two\" in Italian):</strong></span>  DON\'T consume a mojito at lunch, followed by half a bottle of wine at dinner, followed by a nightcap, and then board a bouncy bus for Rome the next day.  To be continued....\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-30','','','2011-10-16 20:05:02','2011-10-17 03:05:02','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/7876-revision-30/',0,'revision','',0),(7925,1,'2011-10-16 20:07:12','2011-10-17 03:07:12','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7882\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190131-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>In case you\'ve missed the past few blog posts, here\'s a recap:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 356</a></strong>, I crash-boom-splatted, hit my head, cracked my helmet, and was absolutely fine except for a Massive Headache.  The tour leaders asked me to sit the rest of the day out.  Phooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/13/day-357-tuscan-coast-van-tour-and-montebelli-sigh/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 357</a></strong>, Massive Headache/Massive Head Squeeze continued, and I wisely chose to stay cooped up in a van with a hot-blooded Italian male who spoiled me rotten with cappuccinos, gelato, and excessive compliments.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 358, the last cycling day of our tour, I felt a bit better and decided to get my hiney back on that bike.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany of you who remember the details from Day 356 are now freaking out.  Everybody breathe!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes, as it turns out, I had a concussion.  Yes, when you have a concussion, you are not allowed to do ANYTHING where you might hit your head again including...getting back on a bike.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhy?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause if you slam your head into the pavement a second time, it could cause a brain bleed, which would cause the Late Bloomer to wilt.  Permanently.  Instead of blooming, she\'d be pushing up daisies.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: x-large; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Oops!  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease recall that I didn\'t know I had a concussion until 12 days later when I checked my foggy, headachy self into the ER.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the morning of Day 358, with the knowledge I had at that time, I sucked it up and rode.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe number one question that I\'ve been asked since is, \"Were you scared to ride after your crash?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo.  I wasn\'t scared.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was TERRIFIED!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut as they said in that old deodorant commercial, \"Never let them see you sweat.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI opted for the role of weakest link and hid at the back of the pack where Fabio 1 coached me through my comeback.  It\'s easier conquering your fears when coaxed by a gregarious Italian man with a sexy accent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Weakest Link Advantages: Private Tour Guide Who Breaks for Kitties\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7883\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190128-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"And fills your water bottle for you.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7885\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190130-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI did it!  I cycled the full 28 miles that day, including a brutal uphill at the very end.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI originally planned to ride for the morning only, but I was sidetracked in the old town of Castiglione della Pescaia, and therefore missed the van back to Montebelli.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7888\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sidetracked\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7888\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter imbibing a surprisingly well-made mojito, and yet another pizza for lunch, I was determined to hike up the hill to the castle.  The first inhabitants of this town were the Etruscans and the Romans.  During medieval times, a fortress was built to defend the city from pirate attacks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7890\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, I needed to get up THERE. Maybe I should have drunk only 1/2 of the mojito.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7890 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190141-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am so glad that I missed that van.  Look at what I would have missed!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7894\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190155-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7895\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190156-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThis is my new dream home.  I think I could live here.\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7896\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7897\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe definition of Old World Charm, is it not?\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7898\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190189-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7899\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190158-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe reward for the climb.  Fabio 1 told us that we\'d be able to see the island of Monte Cristo off in the distance.  I think that\'s it in the background of the photo on the right.  (Yes, we\'re talking about the island known for The Count!)\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/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7901\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190166-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7902\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9190170-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLeft:  Oh, what a view!\r\n\r\nRight:  Italians graffiti everything, and I do mean <em>everything</em>.  Click the photo on the right to enlarge and see what I mean.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI took a risk, and it paid off.  Don\'t you just love it when that happens?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom:</strong>  </span>DO pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and ride all over again.  You might just create Memories of a Lifetime.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Newfound Words of Wisdom Part \"Due\" (That\'s \"two\" in Italian):</strong></span>  DON\'T consume a mojito at lunch, followed by half a bottle of wine at dinner, followed by a nightcap, and then board a bouncy bus for Rome the next day.  To be continued....\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 358:  Picked Myself Up, Dusted Myself Off, and Rode All Over Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','7876-revision-31','','','2011-10-16 20:07:12','2011-10-17 03:07:12','',7876,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/16/7876-revision-31/',0,'revision','',0),(7926,1,'2011-10-17 19:17:19','2011-10-18 02:17:19','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','You know you\'re hungover when...you\'re at an autogrill in Italy and the only thing you can even think about stomaching is Pringles.','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-639','','','2011-10-17 19:17:19','2011-10-18 02:17:19','',7878,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200208.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7927,1,'2011-10-17 19:47:02','2011-10-18 02:47:02','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','You got it!  It\'s a piece of cheese that is grilled.','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-640','','','2011-10-17 19:47:02','2011-10-18 02:47:02','',7878,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200229.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(7928,1,'2011-10-17 19:50:10','2011-10-18 02:50:10','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7863\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>I mentioned previously that I consumed a bit too much (half a bottle) of my new favorite wine on Night 358.  This wine is indeed fab, so if you ever come across it, then cin cin!  (That means \"drink half a bottle\" in Italian.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRocket scientist that I was that day, I also chose to celebrate my \"feel the fear and do it anyway\" bike moment with a mojito at lunch.  And a nightcap later that evening.  And I think I may have tasted someone\'s homemade beer.  I don\'t even like beer.  But I\'m a gracious guest.  I would rather take a few sips then insult someone\'s pride and joy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid I mention that I really don\'t drink too much or too often?  I\'m that girl who always orders water.  It drives my friend, Sarah, nuts.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCombine the day\'s sloshfest with only a few hours sleep, and you have a woman who has no business boarding a bus headed for Rome.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7926\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"You know you&#39;re hungover when...you&#39;re at an autogrill in Italy and the only thing you can even think about stomaching is Pringles.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200208.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7926\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200208-300x263.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"263\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nShame.  On.  Me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am an embarrassment to all Foodies in the good ol\' U.S. of A.  I misrepresented our kind, and I am truly sorry for my actions.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt gets worse.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat I <em>really</em> wanted more than <em>anything</em> that day was Taco Bell.  That\'s right.  I would have sacrificed an entire week\'s worth of cappuccinos for two Crunchy Taco Supremes (hold the tomato, please).\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHorrific, isn\'t it?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs fate would have it, I was SOL because tacos don\'t exist in Italia.  I believe they are banned.  Along with any other ethnic cuisine that isn\'t Italian.  Except for Pringles.  The CEO\'s grandmother more than likely hails from Italy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter the longest, bumpiest, and most nauseating bus ride of my life, we arrived in Roma.  Upon exiting the bus, I kissed the ground.  (Not really.  I added that for dramatic effect.  My parents, however, did suffer through a nightmare of a plane trip once from Cancun.  After vacating the plane, the passengers actually kissed the ground before racing to the nearest restroom.  I suppose that I should thankful for small miracles.  It can always be worse, my friends.  It can always be worse.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy cousins and I discussed lunch.  Bill voted for McDonald\'s.  Apparently, a junk food demon possessed my body that day.  I heard myself uttering, \"I\'ll have McDonald\'s!\"  I don\'t even like McDonald\'s.  But I am a gracious cousin who supports my cousin when he needs me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRhonda gasped.  I thought she might grab the nearest crucifix (we were a block away from the Vatican) and shout, \"Begone, vile junk food demon!!!!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nInstead, she put her foot down and insisted on a trattoria, God bless her.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI scoped out the menu.  \"GRILLED CHEESE!!!!!\"  Another small miracle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBill carefully studied every menu item as he always does.  \"FRENCH FRIES!!!!\"  A miracle of epic proportions.  It must have been our close proximity to the Vatican.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTime passed.  And passed.  And passed.  Italians enjoy leisurely meals.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe waiter arrived with our lunch.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis is what grilled cheese in Rome looks like:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_7927\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"You got it! It&#39;s a piece of cheese that is grilled.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200229.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7927\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200229-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBill immediately looked around for our waiter.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis time, it was I who gasped, \"NO!!!!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am by no means going to insult an Italian because his grilled cheese is different than my grilled cheese.  I am not going to be one of <em>those</em> Americans.  I AM A GRACIOUS GUEST!!! Even when I\'m nursing one of the worst hangovers of my life\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;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 359:  When In Rome...Eat French Fries with Mayo! ','','inherit','open','open','','7878-revision-2','','','2011-10-17 19:50:10','2011-10-18 02:50:10','',7878,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/7878-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(7929,1,'2011-10-17 19:52:48','2011-10-18 02:52:48','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-7863\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9180115-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>I mentioned previously that I consumed a bit too much (half a bottle) of my new favorite wine on Night 358.  This wine is indeed fab, so if you ever come across it, then cin cin!  (That means \"drink half a bottle\" in Italian.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRocket scientist that I was that day, I also chose to celebrate my \"feel the fear and do it anyway\" bike moment with a mojito at lunch.  And a nightcap later that evening.  And I think I may have tasted someone\'s homemade beer.  I don\'t even like beer.  But I\'m a gracious guest.  I would rather take a few sips then insult someone\'s pride and joy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid I mention that I really don\'t drink too much or too often?  I\'m that girl who always orders water.  It drives my friend, Sarah, nuts.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCombine the day\'s sloshfest with only a few hours sleep, and you have a woman who has no business boarding a bus headed for Rome.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7926\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"You know you&#39;re hungover when...you&#39;re at an autogrill in Italy and the only thing you can even think about stomaching is Pringles.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200208.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7926\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200208-300x263.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"263\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShame.  On.  Me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am an embarrassment to all Foodies in the good ol\' U.S. of A.  I misrepresented our kind, and I am truly sorry for my actions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets worse.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat I <em>really</em> wanted more than <em>anything</em> that day was Taco Bell.  That\'s right.  I would have sacrificed an entire week\'s worth of cappuccinos for two Crunchy Taco Supremes (hold the tomato, please).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHorrific, isn\'t it?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs fate would have it, I was SOL because tacos don\'t exist in Italia.  I believe they are banned.  Along with any other ethnic cuisine that isn\'t Italian.  Except for Pringles.  The CEO\'s grandmother more than likely hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the longest, bumpiest, and most nauseating bus ride of my life, we arrived in Roma.  Upon exiting the bus, I kissed the ground.  (Not really.  I added that for dramatic effect.  My parents, however, did suffer through a nightmare of a plane trip once from Cancun.  After vacating the plane, the passengers actually kissed the ground before racing to the nearest restroom.  I suppose that I should thankful for small miracles.  It can always be worse, my friends.  It can always be worse.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy cousins and I discussed lunch.  Bill voted for McDonald\'s.  Apparently, a junk food demon possessed my body that day.  I heard myself uttering, \"I\'ll have McDonald\'s!\"  I don\'t even like McDonald\'s.  But I am a gracious cousin who supports my cousin when he needs me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRhonda gasped.  I thought she might grab the nearest crucifix (we were a block away from the Vatican) and shout, \"Begone, vile junk food demon!!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nInstead, she put her foot down and insisted on a trattoria, God bless her.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI scoped out the menu.  \"GRILLED CHEESE!!!!!\"  Another small miracle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBill carefully studied every menu item as he always does.  \"FRENCH FRIES!!!!\"  A miracle of epic proportions.  It must have been our close proximity to the Vatican.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTime passed.  And passed.  And passed.  Italians enjoy leisurely meals.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe waiter arrived with our lunch.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is what grilled cheese in Rome looks like:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7927\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"You got it! It&#39;s a piece of cheese that is grilled.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200229.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7927\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200229-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBill immediately looked around for our waiter.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis time, it was I who gasped, \"NO!!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am by no means going to insult an Italian because his grilled cheese is different than my grilled cheese.  I am not going to be one of <em>those</em> Americans.  I AM A GRACIOUS GUEST!!! Even when I\'m nursing one of the worst hangovers of my life and want to cry at this point.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI turned lemons into lemonade.\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;\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;','Day 359:  When In Rome...Eat French Fries with Mayo! ','','inherit','open','open','','7878-revision-3','','','2011-10-17 19:52:48','2011-10-18 02:52:48','',7878,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/7878-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(7930,1,'2011-10-17 19:57:23','2011-10-18 02:57:23','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','Or, if you want me to be literal, I turned a piece of cheese that is grilled and a hunk of bread into an American grilled cheese sandwich.','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-641','','','2011-10-17 19:57:23','2011-10-18 02:57:23','',7878,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P9200230.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),