INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (8342,1,'2011-12-08 21:28:10','2011-12-09 04:28:10','<strong><em>“Think of your worst day of running. Think about your hard training. Think about your blisters, your black toes and your aching muscles. Now think of how lucky you are that you\'re able to run because right now there is a child who can\'t because they are dying of cancer. You can do something about this.” </em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><em>                                                                                                                                                                    --</em>The Snowdrop Foundation</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn 2007 at the age of 62, I was encouraged (challenged) to run the Houston Half Marathon by my son-in-law.  One of the programs associated with the Houston Marathon is named Run For A Reason.  It is comprised of various, selected charities which provide an incentive for runners by being fundraisers for the charity.  Based on a personal experience with Brianna Garza (who was diagnosed with Leukemia at the age of three months), I decided to help raise funds for the Snowdrop Foundation.  The Snowdrop Foundation is a pediatric cancer charity that provides funds for pediatric cancer research, family assistance and college scholarships for cancer survivors.  It was founded in 2006 by a local radio DJ, Kevin Kline.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince that first year, I have completed three half marathons and one full marathon while raising nearly $35,000 for the Snowdrop Foundation, but I wanted to do more.  I heard about an organization named Medals for Mettle that collected “recycled” finisher medals from half marathons and marathons, put new ribbons on the medals and then donated them to patients in cancer hospitals.  Although it is a nationwide organization, it was not represented in Houston!  I liked the idea so much, however, that after discussing with them how their program was structured, I decided to attempt to start a similar program through the Snowdrop foundation.  The name I selected was <span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong><em>Bling for Bravery</em></strong>.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-8314\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Bling-for-Bravery-Medal.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong><em>Bling for Bravery</em> </strong></span>is a program developed through the Snowdrop Foundation to celebrate and reward the bravery of the pediatric cancer patients at Texas Children’s Cancer Center in Houston, TX.  The mission is to distribute finisher’s medals from races from Half Marathons through Ultra Marathons including Triathlons to the children at the hospital to recognize and celebrate their bravery in dealing with cancer.  The common thread of dedication and bravery of training for long distance races and triathlons is mirrored by the patients at the hospital.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have been surprised at the generosity of the runners and the medals they have donated, e.g. the Boston Marathon Finisher’s medal in the picture!  What I also learned in this first year is that athletes in other sports such as swimming are also willing to donate medals and exhibit the same threads of dedication as runners.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the first year I have collected over 200 medals and have visited the Texas Children’s Cancer Center once.  We are scheduled for our second visit on December 10.  In addition, one of the races run last year had a finisher’s medal in the shape of a snowflake!  I thought, how apropos!  So not only did we distribute the snowflake medals to the children at the hospital, we also awarded them to scholarship recipients as a reminder of what they had accomplished and what they could accomplish in the future.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>If you have a medal that you would like to donate, please mention in the comments section below.  Michelle will then contact you about how to mail in your medal.  Thank you for your generosity! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>2010-2011 was a big year for the Snowdrop Foundation in several areas. </strong></span> It was the 5<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the organization and it received an award from the Houston Marathon Run for A Reason program for exceeding its goal by the largest amount.  The goal is set by the Run for A Reason committee based on past performance and the goals of similar sized organizations, and Snowdrop exceeded that goal by 204%!  That allowed us to award a record setting 35 scholarships totaling $82,000 this year!  Also, the Snowdrop Foundation was selected by the American Cancer Society as the organization to provide college scholarships for college bound cancer survivors.  And last but not least, the founder of the Snowdrop Foundation, Kevin Kline was nominated for the Energizer Keep Going Hall of Fame.  He made the cut of the top 100 across the country, then the top 10 and was notified on June 14 that he was the winner.  He was inducted into the Hall of Fame by Cal Ripken, Jr. (the first inductee) on June 22.   What a year!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you would like more information on the history and activities of the Snowdrop Foundation, their website is <strong><a href=\"http://www.snowdropfoundation.org\" target=\"_blank\">www.snowdropfoundation.org.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/08/a-very-special-guest-post-from-my-dad/chelseas-5k/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8297\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-8297 alignleft\" title=\"Chelsea\'s 5K\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Chelseas-5K.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>I will be running the 2012 Aramco Half Marathon on January 15, 2012.  My goal is to raise $13,100 for two reasons. </strong></span> First, it mirrors the length of the Half Marathon (13.1 miles), and second, in my 5<sup>th</sup> year it will bring the total that I have raised to over $50,000.  As a side note, I have never raised this amount in the past, so it will be a challenge.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a novel contribution plan, I thought it would be interesting to receive donations in increments of 13.1; e.g. $13.10, $26.20, $39.30, $52.40, $65.50, $78.60, $91.70, $117.90, $131.00 ………., etc.  If this is too complicated, however, normal amounts are acceptable!  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you would like to help me reach my goal , challenge me in my running and support the Snowdrop Foundation, you can access my personal fundraising page by clicking on the link below:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.ChevronHoustonMarathon.com/Donate/PersonalPage.cfm?MID=7326&amp;CRID=33&amp;CID=329\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>http://www.ChevronHoustonMarathon.com/Donate/PersonalPage.cfm?MID=7326&amp;CRID=33&amp;CID=329</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','A Very Special Guest Post from My Dad  :-) ','','inherit','open','open','','8289-revision-48','','','2011-12-08 21:28:10','2011-12-09 04:28:10','',8289,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/08/8289-revision-48/',0,'revision','',0),(8462,1,'2011-12-18 20:04:40','2011-12-19 03:04:40','[caption id=\"attachment_8463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"He prefers to remain anonymous for professional and personal reasons, but My Man from a Land Far, Far Away is all for a brand new nickname!\"]<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/nethyb/215572696/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8463     \" title=\"215572696_d5f471998c\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/215572696_d5f471998c-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy Man from the Land Far, Far Away was quite intrigued by my proposition in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>last week\'s blog post</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, it wasn\'t <em>that </em>kind of proposition.  Get your minds out of the gutter, naughty girls and boys.  Santa is watching!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was referring to my idea of brainstorming a new nickname for My Man from the Land Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt occurred to me that the nickname is much too long when written repeatedly in a blog post.  I also wondered why I was keeping up with this mysterious charade of the Land Far, Far Away when we all know from my not-so-subtle clues that the man hails from Italy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI solicited new nickname ideas at the very end of last week\'s post, and I already received a couple of suggestions:  Uncle C and Fabio.  (Thank you to Jennie and Kimeee!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>The next day over Skype, my Man from the Land Far, Far Away dreamed up yet another idea:  An entire blog post devoted to choosing his nickname!  Readers share their suggestions in the comments section below, and then he chooses the winner! </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be thinking, \"Well...Didn\'t we kinda sorta do that already at the end of the last blog post?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>But we\'re dealing with an Italian here.  Remember that the terms \"Diva\" and \"Divo\" also hail from Italy.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd as a formerly christened \"Junior Diva\" of Wagner College\'s Theatre Department, I understand the man\'s need for a more focused spotlight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: large;\"><strong>Please humor us and \"Name That Italian!\" in the comments section below.  (<strong>Voting remains open through this week</strong>.)</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Name That Italian! ','','publish','open','open','','name-that-italian','','\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/','2011-12-19 17:11:51','2011-12-20 00:11:51','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=8462',0,'post','',42),(8345,1,'2011-12-09 10:01:37','2011-12-09 17:01:37','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-661','','','2011-12-09 10:01:37','2011-12-09 17:01:37','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Bling-for-Bravery-Medal1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(8498,1,'2011-12-20 20:33:45','2011-12-21 03:33:45','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/mind_the_goat/310538617/sizes/o/in/photostream/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8535\" title=\"310538617_7eba0dc35b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/310538617_7eba0dc35b-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>A couple of months ago, I announced that I was forming a book club.  Or more specifically, a Wishing Club.  (You can read more about it <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMany girls at work enthusiastically agreed to read the book, <em>The Wishing Year</em>, as well as form a Wishing Club in which we would share our wishes for 2012.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy plan was to discuss the book and wishes for 2012 over a Holiday Tea at a lovely and charming Tea House.  Somehow, this \"Tea House\" evolved into \"Michelle\'s House\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Let me just say that I am not an entertainer.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOkay, I take that back.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer on the stage?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertainer in a blog?  Yes.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining people in my humble home?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to gatherings, I prefer to be one of the entertained.  I enjoy relaxing at gatherings, not running around like a harried, hot mess.  Silly me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEntertaining comes naturally to some people.  My friend, Sarah, for example.  She entertains effortlessly.  She appears to relish Hostessing with the Mostessing.  And I always delight in being a guest at one of her domestic goddess productions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when my idea of \"Tea House\" was <strong><a href=\"http://www.thephoenician.com/dining/lounges-casual-dining/lounges-casual-dining\" target=\"_blank\">Lobby Tea Court at The Phoenician</a></strong> and the girls\' idea of \"Tea House\" was Chez Michelle, I instantly panicked.  Not only am I a Late Bloomer of an entertainer, I also don\'t decorate for Christmas.  And shouldn\'t a Holiday Tea boast a few decorations?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>No, I am not a Scrooge.  I am single.</strong>  </span>And putting up (by myself!) an 8 foot artificial tree dating back from my previous life as a smug married does not sound like fun to me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd why go through the hassle when I will eventually arrive in H-Town and soak up every square inch of parental unit Christmas decorating.  We\'re talking a couple of trees, countless candles that could fill a Hallmark store, a heavenly host of angels, a Nativity scene, a singing and dancing Santa, an award-winning outside light display, and probably a lot more that I am forgetting but will be reminded of in less than 24 hours.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis strategy has always worked for me.  I always delight in securing a backstage pass to the Parental Unit\'s Christmas Spectacular!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil this year.  When suddenly I found myself directing a Holiday Tea.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumbug.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>And then I realized something pivotal:  Even though my 365 Days of Living Curiously project was technically over, shouldn\'t I still be Carpe Diem-ing regardless?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumb...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I suppose so.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI told myself that I would think myself into the Christmas Spirit!  I envisioned a manageable live tree (a first for me!) with a tasteful motif (another first!) and a few other simple decorations of holiday cheer.  I could almost smell the fresh pine scent.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pictured myself floating around my house as Hostess with the Mostess.  I would bake scones from scratch!  I would serve them with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves!  I would offer a wide variety of teas!  I would ask all book club/Wishing Club members to bring a dish!  (I may be a dreamer, but I\'m also a realist.  It was going to take a village to host a Holiday Tea at a non-entertainer\'s home.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act One:  The Decorating</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned, I\'ve never put up a live tree at Christmas, although I\'ve always dreamed of \"someday\".  Live trees somehow seem more \"Christmasy\" to me.  And this was the year of turning \"someday\" into \"today\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8503\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Live Tree Expedition\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/photo/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8503\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8503  \" title=\"photo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/photo-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had never strung lights before.  I kid you not.  That job was always performed by either Dad or a significant other.  This year, it was tackled by yours truly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI found a strand of 150 white lights in the closet.  They looked like something from one of my Christmases Past.  I found a date on a tag:  1995.  Yep.  Waaayyyyy past.  But Christmas is a season of miracles, and those puppies lit up like...well...a Christmas Tree!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-671/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8504\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8504 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-672/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8505\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC060003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext step:  ornaments in a tasteful motif.  In Christmases past, I crept down memory lane with childhood ornaments, ornaments from my former students, yada, yada, yada.  Yes, it\'s awfully sweet and sentimental, but this year I craved style over substance.  Is that wrong?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI Googled \"Christmas tree decorating ideas\" and found this:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/christmas-tree-decorations2/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8510\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8510 alignnone\" title=\"christmas-tree-decorations2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas-tree-decorations2-177x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI consulted those with decorating prowess (Dina <em>dah</em>ling and my mother) as to where I could find baubles such as these at a reasonable price.  They agreed with my \"hunch\":  <strong><a href=\"http://target.com\" target=\"_blank\">Tar-zhay.</a></strong>  Hurrah!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI popped in during my lunch hour with the above photo on my Crackberry.  I swept up and down the Christmas aisles holding my phone up to various boxes of ornaments.  I\'m sure people thought I was strange, but when you\'re a former theatre major, you\'re used to acting weird in front of people.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter approximately 30 minutes of this phone to ornament box \"method\" (I don\'t do well with too many choices), I realized that my lunch hour was quickly dwindling.  I settled on a box of 40 small ball ornaments for $6 and 20 sparkly star ornaments for $5.  Tar-zhay, I don\'t know how you do it, but MERRY CHRISTMAS!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8521\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Did I come remotely close to my target? (Pun intended.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-673/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8521\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8521  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100023-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nObviously, I\'m not giving up my day job for a career in interior design, but I think I did fairly well for a clueless decorator.  (That fab faux fur skirt is also from Tar-zhay.  The family heirloom disintegrated upon removal from the storage box.  Sorry, Mom.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nExcited over my live tree and it\'s fresh pine scent, I opted to leave all Christmas chachkes in the closet and focus on decorating with more greenery.  MERRY CHRISTMAS, Trader Joe\'s!  (Members of the TJ cult are jumping up and down at their computers right about now.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8524\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Poinsettia: $2.99 Rosemary Tree: $8.99. Rosemary scent and Holiday Cheer: Priceless\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-674/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8524\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8524 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100020-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that\'s not all.  Because <strong><a href=\"http://www.traderjoes.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Trader Joe\'s </a></strong>has Holiday Cheer bursting out of those giant boxes outside of the store . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8525\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My First Ever Live Wreath. Inhale...Ahhhh. (I&#39;ll never go back to artificial again.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-675/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8525\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8525\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100019-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n. . . . And at the checkout for those Impulse Holiday Shoppers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8528\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Christmas Magic for $3.99. The Trader Joe&#39;s Cinnamon Broom.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-676/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8528\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8528  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC220002-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOprah, are you still making your Favorite Things List, and if so, is the TJ\'s Cinnamon Broom at the top?  It\'s magic powers will send aromas of cinnamon throughout your entire house!  (O.k., not <em>your</em> house, Oprah, but certainly throughout my comfy condo.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s it, Ladies and Few Token Gents!  A few Gold Canyon Christmas candles that smell like Mrs. Claus\'s kitchen, and I was set for my dream of simplified, smell-good decorating!  Good thing this isn\'t a design blog, eh?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to admit that all of this sprucing up around the house for the party and in the name of Carpe Diem-ing worked wonders.  As I write this blog post, I am looking over at my sweet little tree, and I think my heart just swelled to three times its size.  ho, Ho, HO!  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Act Two:  The Holiday Tea </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have to pack for H-Town, and you have to shop (and maybe pack for hopefully a more Winter Wonderland of a destination), so let\'s cut to the chase.  The Holiday Tea was lovely.  You really can\'t go wrong when sipping tea (caffeinated a plus), nibbling on tea sandwiches, and slathering homemade scones with Devonshire cream (you don\'t want to know the fat content, girls).  It\'s all terribly civilized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8532\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Not exactly a Martha Stewart presentation, but I do my best. The wine helped me to not care. Good thing this isn&#39;t a food blog, eh?\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/olympus-digital-camera-678/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8532\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8532  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC100013-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere was the small \"incident\" of me underestimating my timeline and therefore waiting until my guests\' arrival time to start baking the scones, but hey!  I warned each and every one of them that I am not an entertainer!  No one was surprised.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll the girls coached me through the initial uncivilized, self-induced mayhem with soothing voices and gracious spirits.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd my homemade scones turned out to be the best I\'ve ever had, so all was well in my world.   (Yes, they were even better than <em>yours</em>, Phoenician!  Imagine that!!!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Act Three:  Wishes for 2012</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued after a brief intermission.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause we all need to pack, travel, shop, and then share our wishes together next week in the tradition of New Year\'s.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Carpe Diem!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Let Me Entertain You.  (Although I\'d Rather You Entertain Me.)','','publish','open','open','','let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me','','\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/','2012-01-03 20:10:52','2012-01-04 03:10:52','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=8498',0,'post','',10),(8348,1,'2011-12-12 20:46:26','2011-12-13 03:46:26','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision','','','2011-12-12 20:46:26','2011-12-13 03:46:26','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/12/8346-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(8349,1,'2011-12-12 20:46:58','2011-12-13 03:46:58','','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-2','','','2011-12-12 20:46:58','2011-12-13 03:46:58','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/12/8346-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(8451,1,'2011-12-13 22:24:15','2011-12-14 05:24:15','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-662','','','2011-12-13 22:24:15','2011-12-14 05:24:15','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200281.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(8351,1,'2011-12-12 20:48:03','2011-12-13 03:48:03','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" /></a>','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-3','','','2011-12-12 20:48:03','2011-12-13 03:48:03','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/12/8346-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(8352,1,'2011-12-12 20:48:47','2011-12-13 03:48:47','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-4','','','2011-12-12 20:48:47','2011-12-13 03:48:47','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/12/8346-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(8353,1,'2011-12-12 20:48:47','2011-12-13 03:48:47','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-5','','','2011-12-12 20:48:47','2011-12-13 03:48:47','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/12/8346-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(8358,1,'2011-12-12 20:50:42','2011-12-13 03:50:42','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-10','','','2011-12-12 20:50:42','2011-12-13 03:50:42','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/12/8346-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(8354,1,'2011-12-12 20:49:50','2011-12-13 03:49:50','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-6','','','2011-12-12 20:49:50','2011-12-13 03:49:50','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/12/8346-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(8355,1,'2011-12-12 20:49:50','2011-12-13 03:49:50','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-7','','','2011-12-12 20:49:50','2011-12-13 03:49:50','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/12/8346-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(8356,1,'2011-12-12 20:50:17','2011-12-13 03:50:17','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-8','','','2011-12-12 20:50:17','2011-12-13 03:50:17','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/12/8346-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(8357,1,'2011-12-12 20:50:18','2011-12-13 03:50:18','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-9','','','2011-12-12 20:50:18','2011-12-13 03:50:18','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/12/8346-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(8361,1,'2011-12-12 21:05:49','2011-12-13 04:05:49','\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\n','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-12','','','2011-12-12 21:05:49','2011-12-13 04:05:49','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/12/8346-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(8360,1,'2011-12-12 21:05:21','2011-12-13 04:05:21','&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<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-11','','','2011-12-12 21:05:21','2011-12-13 04:05:21','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/12/8346-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(8362,1,'2011-12-12 21:26:25','2011-12-13 04:26:25','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never brooded about my because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  My mom has been putting pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMe:  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSis:  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-13','','','2011-12-12 21:26:25','2011-12-13 04:26:25','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/12/8346-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(8363,1,'2011-12-12 21:27:02','2011-12-13 04:27:02','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  This past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMe:  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSis:  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\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;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-14','','','2011-12-12 21:27:02','2011-12-13 04:27:02','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/12/8346-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(8366,1,'2011-12-13 17:56:37','2011-12-14 00:56:37','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from\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;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-16','','','2011-12-13 17:56:37','2011-12-14 00:56:37','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(8367,1,'2011-12-13 18:01:00','2011-12-14 01:01:00','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSee what I mean?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo....when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAlthough maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent visit.\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;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-17','','','2011-12-13 18:01:00','2011-12-14 01:01:00','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(8368,1,'2011-12-13 18:01:20','2011-12-14 01:01:20','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent visit.\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;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-18','','','2011-12-13 18:01:20','2011-12-14 01:01:20','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(8369,1,'2011-12-13 18:50:16','2011-12-14 01:50:16','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSee what I mean?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo....when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAlthough maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent visit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.*\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid he sleep?  No.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOnce home, I insisted that he mangia mangia!  He asked me to wait\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body to haul out the gifties.\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;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-19','','','2011-12-13 18:50:16','2011-12-14 01:50:16','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(8371,1,'2011-12-13 18:51:16','2011-12-14 01:51:16','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSee what I mean?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo....when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAlthough maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent visit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.*\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid he sleep?  No.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOnce home, I insisted that he mangia mangia!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out the gifties.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It\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;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-21','','','2011-12-13 18:51:16','2011-12-14 01:51:16','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),(8370,1,'2011-12-13 18:51:01','2011-12-14 01:51:01','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he mangia mangia!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out the gifties.\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;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-20','','','2011-12-13 18:51:01','2011-12-14 01:51:01','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(8372,1,'2011-12-13 18:51:47','2011-12-14 01:51:47','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he mangia mangia!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out the gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&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;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-22','','','2011-12-13 18:51:47','2011-12-14 01:51:47','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(8373,1,'2011-12-13 18:55:16','2011-12-14 01:55:16','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSee what I mean?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo....when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAlthough maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent visit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid he sleep?  No.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out the gifties.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSigh...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.  Firstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.  Secondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.  I will consult the source tomorrow and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take\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;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-23','','','2011-12-13 18:55:16','2011-12-14 01:55:16','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-23/',0,'revision','',0),(8375,1,'2011-12-13 18:57:16','2011-12-14 01:57:16','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSee what I mean?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo....when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAlthough maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent visit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid he sleep?  No.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out the gifties.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSigh...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\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;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-25','','','2011-12-13 18:57:16','2011-12-14 01:57:16','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-25/',0,'revision','',0),(8374,1,'2011-12-13 18:56:13','2011-12-14 01:56:13','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out the gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\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;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-24','','','2011-12-13 18:56:13','2011-12-14 01:56:13','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-24/',0,'revision','',0),(8376,1,'2011-12-13 18:57:38','2011-12-14 01:57:38','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out the gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\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;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-26','','','2011-12-13 18:57:38','2011-12-14 01:57:38','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-26/',0,'revision','',0),(8377,1,'2011-12-13 19:01:16','2011-12-14 02:01:16','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSee what I mean?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo....when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAlthough maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent visit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid he sleep?  No.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out the gifties.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSigh...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy first giftie (pictured above) he had made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 15 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAwwwwww...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSigh....\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\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;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-27','','','2011-12-13 19:01:16','2011-12-14 02:01:16','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-27/',0,'revision','',0),(8378,1,'2011-12-13 19:01:24','2011-12-14 02:01:24','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out the gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) he had made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 15 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh....\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\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;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-28','','','2011-12-13 19:01:24','2011-12-14 02:01:24','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-28/',0,'revision','',0),(8379,1,'2011-12-13 19:01:24','2011-12-14 02:01:24','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out the gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) he had made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 15 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh....\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\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;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-29','','','2011-12-13 19:01:24','2011-12-14 02:01:24','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-29/',0,'revision','',0),(8380,1,'2011-12-13 19:01:37','2011-12-14 02:01:37','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out the gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) he had made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 15 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\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**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\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;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-30','','','2011-12-13 19:01:37','2011-12-14 02:01:37','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-30/',0,'revision','',0),(8381,1,'2011-12-13 19:10:17','2011-12-14 02:10:17','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSee what I mean?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo....when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAlthough maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent visit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid he sleep?  No.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out the gifties.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSigh...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAwwwwww...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\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;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-31','','','2011-12-13 19:10:17','2011-12-14 02:10:17','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-31/',0,'revision','',0),(8383,1,'2011-12-13 19:12:35','2011-12-14 02:12:35','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-663','','','2011-12-13 19:12:35','2011-12-14 02:12:35','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(8382,1,'2011-12-13 19:10:30','2011-12-14 02:10:30','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out the gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\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;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-32','','','2011-12-13 19:10:30','2011-12-14 02:10:30','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-32/',0,'revision','',0),(8384,1,'2011-12-13 19:23:18','2011-12-14 02:23:18','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSee what I mean?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo....when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAlthough maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent visit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid he sleep?  No.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out the gifties.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSigh...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAwwwwww...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8383\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\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;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-33','','','2011-12-13 19:23:18','2011-12-14 02:23:18','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-33/',0,'revision','',0),(8386,1,'2011-12-13 19:54:19','2011-12-14 02:54:19','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSee what I mean?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo....when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAlthough maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent visit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid he sleep?  No.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out the gifties.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSigh...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAwwwwww...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8383\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\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**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\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;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-35','','','2011-12-13 19:54:19','2011-12-14 02:54:19','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-35/',0,'revision','',0),(8385,1,'2011-12-13 19:51:51','2011-12-14 02:51:51','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out the gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8383\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\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**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\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;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-34','','','2011-12-13 19:51:51','2011-12-14 02:51:51','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-34/',0,'revision','',0),(8387,1,'2011-12-13 19:56:26','2011-12-14 02:56:26','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out the gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8383\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&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**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\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;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-36','','','2011-12-13 19:56:26','2011-12-14 02:56:26','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-36/',0,'revision','',0),(8388,1,'2011-12-13 19:57:08','2011-12-14 02:57:08','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-664','','','2011-12-13 19:57:08','2011-12-14 02:57:08','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(8389,1,'2011-12-13 19:59:57','2011-12-14 02:59:57','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-665','','','2011-12-13 19:59:57','2011-12-14 02:59:57','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(8390,1,'2011-12-13 20:10:41','2011-12-14 03:10:41','','IMG00614-20110921-1017','Lost in Amsterdam.  But guess what?  I now have more olive oil than I can handle!  Terrorists, you can kiss my olive oiled grits!','inherit','open','open','','img00614-20110921-1017','','','2011-12-13 20:10:41','2011-12-14 03:10:41','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(8391,1,'2011-12-13 20:15:31','2011-12-14 03:15:31','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSee what I mean?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo....when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAlthough maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent visit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid he sleep?  No.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out the gifties.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSigh...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAwwwwww...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8383\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8388\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water an wine from during my visit to Italia!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8389\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <strong>the olive oil mill that makes the best soup on Earth.</strong>   (And a cute wee can to store it in!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8390\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390\" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\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**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\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;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-37','','','2011-12-13 20:15:31','2011-12-14 03:15:31','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-37/',0,'revision','',0),(8392,1,'2011-12-13 20:20:16','2011-12-14 03:20:16','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out the gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8383\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8388\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water an wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8389\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <strong>the olive oil mill that makes the best soup on Earth.</strong>   (And a cute wee can to store it in!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8390\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390\" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\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**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\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;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-38','','','2011-12-13 20:20:16','2011-12-14 03:20:16','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-38/',0,'revision','',0),(8393,1,'2011-12-13 20:23:36','2011-12-14 03:23:36','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-666','','','2011-12-13 20:23:36','2011-12-14 03:23:36','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(8394,1,'2011-12-13 20:28:21','2011-12-14 03:28:21','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-667','','','2011-12-13 20:28:21','2011-12-14 03:28:21','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(8395,1,'2011-12-13 20:47:32','2011-12-14 03:47:32','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSee what I mean?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo....when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAlthough maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent visit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid he sleep?  No.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out the gifties.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSigh...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAwwwwww...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8383\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8388\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8389\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <strong>the olive oil mill that makes the best soup on Earth.</strong>   (And a cute wee can to store it in!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8390\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOlive oil needs a canva\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8393\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8393\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8394\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8394\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\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;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-39','','','2011-12-13 20:47:32','2011-12-14 03:47:32','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-39/',0,'revision','',0),(8396,1,'2011-12-13 20:48:21','2011-12-14 03:48:21','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out the gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8383\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8388\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8389\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <strong>the olive oil mill that makes the best soup on Earth.</strong>   (And a cute wee can to store it in!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8390\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8393\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8393\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8394\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8394\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\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;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-40','','','2011-12-13 20:48:21','2011-12-14 03:48:21','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-40/',0,'revision','',0),(8397,1,'2011-12-13 20:48:44','2011-12-14 03:48:44','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-668','','','2011-12-13 20:48:44','2011-12-14 03:48:44','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(8398,1,'2011-12-13 20:58:20','2011-12-14 03:58:20','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-669','','','2011-12-13 20:58:20','2011-12-14 03:58:20','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(8399,1,'2011-12-13 21:00:41','2011-12-14 04:00:41','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-670','','','2011-12-13 21:00:41','2011-12-14 04:00:41','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(8400,1,'2011-12-13 21:12:34','2011-12-14 04:12:34','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSee what I mean?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo....when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAlthough maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent visit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid he sleep?  No.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out the gifties.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSigh...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAwwwwww...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8383\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8388\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8389\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <strong>the olive oil mill that makes the best soup on Earth.</strong>   (And a cute wee can to store it in!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8390\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8397\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8393\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat else . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8398\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI saved the best for last.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8399\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Tres Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\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;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-41','','','2011-12-13 21:12:34','2011-12-14 04:12:34','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-41/',0,'revision','',0),(8404,1,'2011-12-13 21:20:07','2011-12-14 04:20:07','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSee what I mean?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Although maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid he sleep?  No.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSigh...\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAwwwwww...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8383\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8388\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8389\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <strong>the olive oil mill that makes the best soup on Earth.</strong>   (And a cute wee can to store it in!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8390\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8397\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8393\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat else . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8398\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI saved the best for last.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8399\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-45','','','2011-12-13 21:20:07','2011-12-14 04:20:07','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-45/',0,'revision','',0),(8403,1,'2011-12-13 21:13:20','2011-12-14 04:13:20','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out the gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8383\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8388\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8389\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <strong>the olive oil mill that makes the best soup on Earth.</strong>   (And a cute wee can to store it in!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8390\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8397\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8393\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8398\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8399\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Tres Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-44','','','2011-12-13 21:13:20','2011-12-14 04:13:20','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-44/',0,'revision','',0),(8401,1,'2011-12-13 21:12:50','2011-12-14 04:12:50','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out the gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8383\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8388\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8389\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <strong>the olive oil mill that makes the best soup on Earth.</strong>   (And a cute wee can to store it in!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8390\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8397\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8393\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8398\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8399\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Tres Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\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;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-42','','','2011-12-13 21:12:50','2011-12-14 04:12:50','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-42/',0,'revision','',0),(8402,1,'2011-12-13 21:12:50','2011-12-14 04:12:50','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my point.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of <strong>my favorite Gap PJs</strong> (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), <strong>a book,</strong> and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out the gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8383\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8388\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8389\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <strong>the olive oil mill that makes the best soup on Earth.</strong>   (And a cute wee can to store it in!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8390\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8397\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8393\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8398\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8399\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Tres Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\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;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-43','','','2011-12-13 21:12:50','2011-12-14 04:12:50','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-43/',0,'revision','',0),(8405,1,'2011-12-13 21:22:08','2011-12-14 04:22:08','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Although maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8383\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8388\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8389\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <strong>the olive oil mill that makes the best soup on Earth.</strong>   (And a cute wee can to store it in!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8390\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8397\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8393\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8398\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8399\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-46','','','2011-12-13 21:22:08','2011-12-14 04:22:08','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-46/',0,'revision','',0),(8406,1,'2011-12-13 21:22:08','2011-12-14 04:22:08','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Although maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8383\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8388\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8389\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <strong>the olive oil mill that makes the best soup on Earth.</strong>   (And a cute wee can to store it in!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8390\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8397\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8393\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8398\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8399\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-47','','','2011-12-13 21:22:08','2011-12-14 04:22:08','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-47/',0,'revision','',0),(8407,1,'2011-12-13 21:22:55','2011-12-14 04:22:55','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8383\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8388\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8389\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <strong>the olive oil mill that makes the best soup on Earth.</strong>   (And a cute wee can to store it in!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8390\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8397\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8393\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8398\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8399\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-48','','','2011-12-13 21:22:55','2011-12-14 04:22:55','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-48/',0,'revision','',0),(8408,1,'2011-12-13 21:22:55','2011-12-14 04:22:55','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8383\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8388\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8389\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <strong>the olive oil mill that makes the best soup on Earth.</strong>   (And a cute wee can to store it in!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8390\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8397\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8393\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8398\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8399\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-49','','','2011-12-13 21:22:55','2011-12-14 04:22:55','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-49/',0,'revision','',0),(8409,1,'2011-12-13 21:23:01','2011-12-14 04:23:01','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8350\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8383\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8388\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8389\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <strong>the olive oil mill that makes the best soup on Earth.</strong>   (And a cute wee can to store it in!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8390\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8397\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8393\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8398\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=8399\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-50','','','2011-12-13 21:23:01','2011-12-14 04:23:01','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-50/',0,'revision','',0),(8410,1,'2011-12-14 08:52:29','2011-12-14 15:52:29','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8451\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8451\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200281-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSee what I mean?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid he sleep?  No.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSigh...\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAwwwwww...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>And now for a brief rewind to 3 months ago...</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #808000;\"><strong>Back to the Thanksgiving visit...</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat else . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI saved the best for last.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOne week before his arrival, my Man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped it into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was more than worth the wait.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\n\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-autosave','','','2011-12-14 08:52:29','2011-12-14 15:52:29','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(8411,1,'2011-12-13 21:23:01','2011-12-14 04:23:01','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although maybe these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-663/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <strong>the olive oil mill that makes the best soup on Earth.</strong>   (And a cute wee can to store it in!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-51','','','2011-12-13 21:23:01','2011-12-14 04:23:01','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-51/',0,'revision','',0),(8412,1,'2011-12-13 21:24:33','2011-12-14 04:24:33','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-663/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <strong>the olive oil mill that makes the best soup on Earth.</strong>   (And a cute wee can to store it in!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-52','','','2011-12-13 21:24:33','2011-12-14 04:24:33','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-52/',0,'revision','',0),(8413,1,'2011-12-13 21:24:33','2011-12-14 04:24:33','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-663/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <strong>the olive oil mill that makes the best soup on Earth.</strong>   (And a cute wee can to store it in!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-53','','','2011-12-13 21:24:33','2011-12-14 04:24:33','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-53/',0,'revision','',0),(8414,1,'2011-12-13 21:24:33','2011-12-14 04:24:33','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-663/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <strong>the olive oil mill that makes the best soup on Earth.</strong>   (And a cute wee can to store it in!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-54','','','2011-12-13 21:24:33','2011-12-14 04:24:33','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-54/',0,'revision','',0),(8415,1,'2011-12-13 21:24:33','2011-12-14 04:24:33','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-663/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <strong>the olive oil mill that makes the best soup on Earth.</strong>   (And a cute wee can to store it in!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-55','','','2011-12-13 21:24:33','2011-12-14 04:24:33','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-55/',0,'revision','',0),(8416,1,'2011-12-13 21:27:30','2011-12-14 04:27:30','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-663/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-56','','','2011-12-13 21:27:30','2011-12-14 04:27:30','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-56/',0,'revision','',0),(8417,1,'2011-12-13 21:27:30','2011-12-14 04:27:30','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-663/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-57','','','2011-12-13 21:27:30','2011-12-14 04:27:30','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-57/',0,'revision','',0),(8418,1,'2011-12-13 21:28:38','2011-12-14 04:28:38','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-663/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-58','','','2011-12-13 21:28:38','2011-12-14 04:28:38','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-58/',0,'revision','',0),(8419,1,'2011-12-13 21:28:38','2011-12-14 04:28:38','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more.  Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-663/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-59','','','2011-12-13 21:28:38','2011-12-14 04:28:38','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-59/',0,'revision','',0),(8420,1,'2011-12-13 21:28:51','2011-12-14 04:28:51','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-663/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-60','','','2011-12-13 21:28:51','2011-12-14 04:28:51','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-60/',0,'revision','',0),(8421,1,'2011-12-13 21:28:52','2011-12-14 04:28:52','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the thoughtfulness.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-663/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-61','','','2011-12-13 21:28:52','2011-12-14 04:28:52','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-61/',0,'revision','',0),(8422,1,'2011-12-13 21:30:19','2011-12-14 04:30:19','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-663/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-62','','','2011-12-13 21:30:19','2011-12-14 04:30:19','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-62/',0,'revision','',0),(8423,1,'2011-12-13 21:30:19','2011-12-14 04:30:19','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up in sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-663/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-63','','','2011-12-13 21:30:19','2011-12-14 04:30:19','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-63/',0,'revision','',0),(8424,1,'2011-12-13 21:31:40','2011-12-14 04:31:40','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-663/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-64','','','2011-12-13 21:31:40','2011-12-14 04:31:40','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-64/',0,'revision','',0),(8425,1,'2011-12-13 21:31:40','2011-12-14 04:31:40','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-663/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-65','','','2011-12-13 21:31:40','2011-12-14 04:31:40','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-65/',0,'revision','',0),(8434,1,'2011-12-13 21:42:34','2011-12-14 04:42:34','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd now for a brief rewind to 3 months ago...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack to the Thanksgiving visit...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped it into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-74','','','2011-12-13 21:42:34','2011-12-14 04:42:34','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-74/',0,'revision','',0),(8426,1,'2011-12-13 21:32:39','2011-12-14 04:32:39','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-663/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-66','','','2011-12-13 21:32:39','2011-12-14 04:32:39','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-66/',0,'revision','',0),(8433,1,'2011-12-13 21:38:15','2011-12-14 04:38:15','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-663/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in the confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped it into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-73','','','2011-12-13 21:38:15','2011-12-14 04:38:15','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-73/',0,'revision','',0),(8427,1,'2011-12-13 21:32:40','2011-12-14 04:32:40','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-662/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8350\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8350\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120028.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'ve never been showered with gifts by a man.  Ever.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell...I suppose that\'s not entirely true.  My father has always been extraordinarily generous.  And so has my uncle.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou get my gist.  It\'s a bit on the pathetic side.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never brooded about my fate because I\'m not someone who wants lots of things.  Just this past week, my mom put pressure on me for my Christmas Wish List for <em>days</em>.  I couldn\'t think of anything.  I called my sister for ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me:</strong>  What did you tell mom you wanted for Christmas?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Sis:</strong>  Nothing.  I couldn\'t think of anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI finally wrote a list of four things:  another pair of my favorite Gap PJs (they\'re the most comfy I\'ve ever worn!), a book, and I honestly can\'t remember the other two.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee what I mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo....in my past, when the romantic interests of my life failed to lavish me with gifts, I didn\'t think about it.  Too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>Although perhaps these romantic interests should have thought about it a little more. Because all women enjoy gifts of \"just because\" every now and then.  It\'s not the<em> things </em>that make us feel special.  It\'s the <em>thoughtfulness</em>.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is one of many attributes that I adore about my Man from a Land Far, Far Away.  He\'s thoughtful.  About many, many things.  Including showering me with gifties almost immediately upon arrival during his recent Thanksgiving visit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 25+ hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was concerned about the welfare and physical state of my Man from Far, Far Away.*\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he sleep?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid his 6\'2\" frame lock up from sardine-like conditions for ungodly amounts of time?  Si.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDid he eat?  Sort of.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>We all know airline food is crap, but how does a man from a culinary culture survive for 25+ hours without cheese, pasta, gelato and espresso???  Wings and a beer in Philly!  That\'s how!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had a cheese plate with a smorgasbord of Italian meats ready to eat in the car.  He opted to wait for home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce home, I insisted that he \"mangia mangia\"!  He asked me to wait a few minutes as he plunged into his suitcase.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe ignored his growling belly and sore, sleep-deprived body while hauling out numerous gifties.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt wasn\'t my birthday.  It wasn\'t Christmas.  It was \"just because\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993300;\"><strong>I\'m not sure who was more elated, me or my Man from Far, Far Away.  It may not have been Christmas, but he acted like a kid on Christmas morning.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy first giftie (pictured above) was made especially for me.  How incredibly sweet is that???  I sense that all women reading this blog are letting out a collective \"Awwwwww!!!\" right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt gets sweeter.  The apron -- with our shared motto of \"Carpe Diem\" -- was custom-made 50 feet from Juliet\'s balcony.  Yes, girls, I\'m talking about <em>that</em> Juliet.  From Verona.  Could you die?!?!?!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAwwwwww...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to visit the website of where the apron was made, please <strong><a href=\"http://ricamiverona.it/punto_vendita.php\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-663/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8383\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8383 alignnone\" style=\"border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC1200341-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe next gift was for the woman who craves espresso nearly as much as the Italians.  As my Man from Far, Far Away describes it, this mini chocolate filled with caffeinated bliss is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Now that I\'ve tried it, I agree.  Buonissimo!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was thrilled with the apron and the chocolates, but apparently there was more!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-664/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8388\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8388 alignnone\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120035-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA glass carafe just like the ones I drank water and wine from during my visit to Italia!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-665/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8389\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8389\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB180020-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n2 liters (yes, LITERS!) of fresh pressed olive oil from <a href=\"http://www.fontedifoiano.it/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>the olive oil mill that makes not only the best olive oil, but the best Tuscan soup on Earth.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am also the recipient of a cute wee can in which to store the olive oil!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"9-23-11: Lost in Amsterdam. But guess what? I now have more olive oil than I can handle! Terrorists, you can kiss my olive-oiled grits!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/img00614-20110921-1017/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8390\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8390  \" title=\"IMG00614-20110921-1017\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG00614-20110921-1017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake<em> THAT,</em> terrorists!  I may have been <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/17/day-359-when-in-rome-eat-french-fries-with-mayo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>too sleep-deprived and hungover</strong> </a>to remember to transfer my olive oil from my carryon to my checked baggage in Rome which resulted in confiscation of my olive oil in Amsterdam!  But we lovers of freedom take care of one another, and now I have two liters!  TWO LITERS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else did my thoughtful man from far, far away bring?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOlive oil needs a canvas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8397\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yes, it tastes better than any imports I&#39;ve purchased at Whole Paycheck.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-668/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8397\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8397\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd pasta needs seasoning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8393\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What he calls &quot;Magic Powder&quot;. It is, in fact, so magical that I&#39;m currently addicted to it. I&#39;ve had pasta almost every night since he&#39;s left. I better stop that pronto.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-666/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8393\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-8393 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd the his inner techie/Mac Worshipper couldn\'t resist treating me to Apple TV.  (The actual \"TV\" is the streaming device, not the flat screen.  Mom and others who have been wondering, \"What the heck is Apple TV?\" go <strong><a href=\"http://www.apple.com/appletv/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8394\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC120040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow he tells me that there\'s absolutely no reason why I shouldn\'t cut my cable like I\'ve been threatening to do for eons.  EEEeeeekkk!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt will be good for me.  I know it.  Has anyone else out there cut the cord?  I mean, cut the cable?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat else . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yes.  What Italian would show up without wine?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-669/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8398\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8398\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PB2400281-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI saved the best for last.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/gifts-from-my-man-from-far-far-away/olympus-digital-camera-670/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8399\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8399\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PC130008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'re probably wondering what could possibly top the apron from Verona?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne week before his arrival, my man from Far, Far away sent me The Most Special Gift of My Life via snail mail.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I opened it, I thought it was a homemade CD of Italian music.  I popped into my computer to find a DVD with eye-catching graphics entitled \"Our Carpe Diem Wish List\".  I gasped out loud upon stumbling upon my discovery.  Each chapter included slideshows (set to Italian or French music) of his own photos from places he would like to share with me and Carpe Diem together:  Toscana, Corsica, Les Trois Vallees, Torino, Venezia and Cinque Terre.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI may have waited a looooonnnnng time for a man to bestow gifts upon me, but it was well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* I\'ve decided that my Man from a Land Far, Far Away needs a new nickname.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirstly, it\'s too long to write out every time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecondly, you\'ve probably surmised from very obvious clues that he\'s from Italy, so I\'m not sure why I\'m still using the oh-so-dramatic-and-romantic \"Land from Far, Far Away\" reference.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will consult the source and ask if he would like to christen himself with a new nickname.  You may also take a shot at it in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gifts from My Man from Far, Far Away','','inherit','open','open','','8346-revision-67','','','2011-12-13 21:32:40','2011-12-14 04:32:40','',8346,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/13/8346-revision-67/',0,'revision','',0),