A Little of Italy

It was at this moment I knew my parents were at home here in the Twin Cities. We walked into Ciao Bella in Edina and the staff welcomed Eddie and Millie as if they were long time patrons. Dad said they had walked three long blocks to get there and ate a late lunch. Mom had been restless and convinced dad to get a late afternoon lunch. Dad's sense of time is off and mom seems to have lost her sense of time. Anyhow they had enjoyed a long lunch and left a very good tip because the bill confused dad a bit. Their fine and funny dispositions and generous tip left a memorable impression on the staff.

Dad kept saying: " aren't these sauces fine, a little of Italy. " In fact the sauces were fine and the service was tender and efficient. When mom and I took our evening stroll to the restroom the wait staff very gently walked us over and made sure we were taken care of. Almost wiped our..... Kidding.

As I held mom's hand off and on and she pointed out planes , Tom and dad spoke of Italy, the oil spill and Obama's inaction. I think dad has become a chauvinist and thinks men plan trips, speak of politics and figure out the tips. Mom and I sat in our own world as the men spoke. She couldn't find words and got easily frustrated even pointing out the planes. She smiled and couldn't follow the conversation.

The warmth of the late spring season passed over us as we enjoyed the the little taste of Italy together and the warmth of our love and history together felt so good.

The Olive Garden of Green Bay has been left in the dirt! How time change things. Ciao Bella the new " Cheers" a place where they belong.