A Taste of Italy

Our gracious friends (and Bubba’s Italian dark-doe-eyed girlfriend) invited us over for lunch yesterday.

I know, right? THIS is LUNCH? Looks more like a Roman holiday to me!

Well it kinda was…

You see, their Nonna, who in fact lives in Rome, came to visit over Christmas. She’s famous for her homemade pastas. One frozen batch of fettucine was all that was leftover from the holidays. Why they decided to share it with us is beyond me. I would’ve hoarded this stuff like it was my last ounce of gold!

This experience was a good reminder to make some days extraordinarily special, aside from our everyday routines. To take time to dress the table in white linens, adorned with fresh flowers, and serve a lovely meal that was made with others in mind.

And to think, this type of lunch affair is a “normal” everyday occurrence in Italy. The Papas come home from work mid day, sit down with their families for a long drawn-out feast, and then return back to work a few hours later.

I absolutely love that.

The idea of ensuring at least one meal a day is shared with every family member in attendance. No one missing. Time set aside to putting first things first. Family first. As it should be.

Around this table, we were loved & fed just like family.