The last time I was in Florence back in OCT 2007 I went with Julia to meet “ The Book Club”. If I remember correctly it was maybe their second
official meeting. The club included at that time Julia, Angie, Kelly and Holly. I've known Kelly since Julia's first arrival in Florence from the
FSU office but this was the first time meeting Holly who is a friend of Kelly’s and she works at another US university in Florence. Angie was Julia’s roommate and she is a fellow artist. So I was in town and I went not to
discuss a book but to see my friends and have some drinks. If I remember correctly the book that was
chosen for the next meeting was "A Prayer for Owen Meany". Here are the girls back then...
Flash forward to FEB 2008 – I’m in town again and Jules says BTW “The Book Club” is meeting to discuss Owen Meany.
Heehee! Has it been such a short time since the last meeting? With the holidays and all it seems that this was the first time the club has been able to meet . AND the club now has two more members…the
Angies. Now there are 3
Angies…Angie the Painter, Angie the RA, and Angie Angie with the Four Seasons. We meet up a bar called Kitsch which has a huge
appretivo spread. If you have never been to an
appretivo bar it is basically a happy hour with food. I guess Kitsch is know for a huge spread…anything from pasta to grilled veggies to stuffed
brussel sprouts to assorted meats. It was crazy and I now know why it was so packed with people young and old and even kids were there to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and great food. Of course there was not a LOT of the book discussed but is was discussed. The meeting is more of a social meeting to get together and visit and drink. Since Kelly and Holly remembered that I was at the last meeting there was some talk if I wanted to join so I am now the official transatlantic member. I can either write in, be a part of the discussion via
Skype or just catch a plane for the next meeting. ;) We discussed several options for the next book and more rules for the meeting like one book written by an Italian author and a book of poetry must be included in the readings at some point. Everyone put in three choices for the next book choice and “The Unbearable Lightness of Being” was
chosen as the next read. I can’t wait! Here they are now....
My Mom's birthday was March 2nd. I won't tell you how old she is because she wouldn't like that but she would be the first to tell you that she now has her medicare card. WOW...my parents are getting old...heehee! Not to worry...I won't get in trouble unless I spelled it out...65...I mean SIXTY-FIVE! And she looks GREAT!!!!!!! Ohhhh, I'm in so much trouble! 
There are so many good places to eat in Florence but the Rocco Trattoria is by far one of my favorites. It is an unpretentious family restaurant in the middle of the San Marco Market. The surrounding outside market has fruits, veggies, clothes, books, household items and jewelry which is in an open air market with a roof. In the middle is a building where on the inside housed a coffee shop, 3 butchers, a fish monger, and the Rocco Trattoria. Needless to say the Rocco is supplied the best of the best of produce and meats. The last time I came I had stuffed zucchini which was most delicious. They also serve a baked pear in a caramel sauce that is out of this world. Luckily on the back of the daily menu is an English version so I can do some translating. The Rocco is the equivalent of a “meat and 2 vegetables” type of place with the great hospitality of an Italian family. Father and son run the front while the mom is in the back. There are several other family members helping out. The father is my favorite with his handlebar mustache and sparkling eyes. Anytime you are in Florence I would highly suggest that you search out this gem!
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