Goodbye Number Four Hundred and Eighty Nine

Okay, so maybe it's not #489, but it's close.... On Thursday we said goodbye to yet another friend. Since we've been here, we've said arrivederci to so many different friends that it almost seems the norm now. It's sad but true.

Mike, we're going to miss your fun-loving outlook, positive spirit, and contagious laugh. I know Chris will miss watching baseball with you (whether it be real OR fantasy) and although I won't lose any sleep over that one, I'll definitely miss our barbeques and hanging out on the weekends, but only when I'm feelin' "cool." We know we'll always be in touch with you and look forward to visiting you in Philly. And don't forget that we're holding you personally accountable for introducing us to a genuine Philly cheese steak when we visit you. Arrivederci, e Stammi bene! (take care)

A Man's Best Friend

My trip to the beach on Monday proved to be fruitful. Not only did I get to relax on the beach with friends, but the day trip reaffirmed my wholehearted desire for a furry canine of my own. Rosalita, the cute, cuddly French Bulldog was the star of our trip. She stole the stage as she pounced around, flirting with the sand and chasing fellow friends. Dogs really are a man's best friend because...

.. they are always there for you! They stand by you in every sense of the word, even if they have to squeeze between your legs to be near.

..then they look at you with those big, human-like eyes.

And then, they win you over again with their cute personalities and friendly demeanor,

or tag along with you and your friends...

or cuddle up and take a nap.

I can't wait to have one of my own!!!!

For Everything Else There's Mastercard

Garden for the Cause Garden Set from Target

Knowing that hot pink garden tools would rock your friends world: Intuition. (Or just knowing your friend!)

The amount of time it took for me to decide on this perfect birthday gift: Five seconds flat

Shipping and handling for these fun, girly garden items: $5.95

The look on your friends' face when she opens her present: PRICELESS

Festa della Donna

This Sunday, March 8th, was Festa della Donna, or Women's Day. Before Sunday, I used to think this was an annual holiday only for women in Italy. After reading this explanation of International Women's Day, I learned that it is indeed celebrated all over the world. Which led me to wonder why this day is not celebrated in the U.S? Yes, we have Mother's Day, but so does Italy and a lot of other countries, in addition to Women's Day. Interestingly enough, International Women's Day has been observed since the early 1900's! Here in Florence, women of all ages go out with their friends and celebrate. These flowers (mimose) are the traditional flowers for Women's Day in Italy and can be found everywhere from restaurants to supermarkets to street vendors.

Our group went out to eat for pizza on Sunday. We were a group of eleven girls- ten Americans and one Italian. We even had a baby on board to pass around! There was plenty of "ooh-ing" and "ahh-ing" over this little one.

This is only one half of our table. (I didn't get any good shots of the other side). Happy Women's Day!

Girly Stuff

Another bridesmaid and I helped organize a surprise bridal shower on Saturday at the historical Palazzo Borghese. The bride-to-be had no idea what we were up to and although I think she was a little suspicious, she seemed genuinely surprised! :) This was our room, the Salone di Buon Consiglio

Girls being silly. The bride-to-be, JL, is in the middle.

JL opening her presents. Overall, it was a great success!

Baby Kate

I finally have a picture of Baby Kate. Isn't she a cutie!? I can't wait

to meet both she and Baby Graham!