Railing and Tile, Casa Somerset

They started installing it today, the wrought iron railing. It was built just a few blocks from where we live. We really try to support local businesses. Russell O'Meara is great at iron work. You have to come and see it.

Mitch and his tile guys did a great job last week laying tile on porch. Russell told me today that this was a great tile job, it was very level. Russell said normally he has much more work to do to make it all fit.

I was sitting out on the porch (should I call it a veranda?) with some vino this afternoon, thinking of having friends just stop by to spend time with us. We had Tom and Shelly this last weekend and Mitch and Kathy. Life is all about friends and family.

Jasper will see this and think he is in Italy.

There was a Bald Eagle out on the property today, my son Josh told me and I finally saw it. Now, if it will just stop raining!!

Mike

The "God of Wine" Bacchus

I told Christine I thought I should be the "God of Vino". I got straightened out quickly. And I told her that we should consider Bacchus.

The Roman god of wine and intoxication, equated with the Greek Dionysus. The Bacchanalia, orgies in honor of Dionysus (or Bacchus), were introduced in Rome around 200 BCE. These notorious celebrations, got so out of hand that they were forbidden by the Roman Senate in 186 BCE. Bacchus is also identified with the old-Italian god Liber.

Christine was quick to tell me that we were NOT going to be replicating the orgies nor the celebrations of Bacchus at Casa Somerset. I think we can come close. It just has to be legal. :-)

Mike

Dinner at Jasper's

Christine and I were sooooo excited to be invited to Jasper's house for dinner. Judy Witts-Francini was going to be there from Italy.

Let's see.... Jasper cooking at home and Judy our tour guide in Italy, many friends. WOW!!!! It is just like traveling Italy with Jasper. Judy was working online at the table, and Marianne was helping. The only thing that was missing was Christine and Jasper were not lost!

You know if you are at Jasper's restaurant you are going to overeat. Well, it even gets better at his home. Lisa and Jasper created the perfect meal. It started as soon as we walked in. Cheese from Wisconsin with fig sauce. The clams, with buttered bread crumbs, I loved. The pasta, fried cauliflower, asparagus fritatta, foccacia, and pork falling off the bone.

Jasper's Mom, Nana Jo, made cream puffs to finish off the evening. She is like my own Mom, she always cooks the best for her family. We love you Jo!

Jasper and Lisa were wonderful hosts. It was a great night.

Mike and Christine

Winter Storm at Casa Somerset.

You remember a couple weeks ago we got a late winter shock. Well Christine decide to come down to Casa Somerset. We stayed at the guest house. It was storming and she wanted pictures in April of the snow storm. Guess who she elected to take them ???? This is a democracy??

With my northern up bringing, it was off to see the house and what it is going to be like in the winter snows.

I went all over to take pictures. The snow was blowing and the flakes were beautiful, so large. Christine said when I came back inside, how big the flakes were and how she enjoyed looking out the window seeing them. Honey, I knew all about it.... I was the one out there!!!!!

Well, I love Christine, and can't wait for us to have a fire in the fireplace, a glass of Casa Somerset Cabernet, and enjoy each other's company in our new Italian Villa.

Mike