Many of you know I grew up in upstate New York and have an older sister who lives in CA and a young brother who lives in Pittsburgh. Mom and dad have been gone for years but the three of us siblings remain close even though living worlds apart.
I remember Dad left early for work each day coming back home with his hat in his hand, tired after a long day. As kids we loved climbing trees, building forts, damming up creeks, playing kickball & baseball, picking apples and pears from our trees, ice skating, snow skiing, sledding, building ice forts and having vicious snow ball fights.
The fall was always chilly but I loved gathering bittersweet along the road and cattails to make big bouquets for the table. We raked thousands of brightly colored leaves and always marveled at Jack Frost knocking at our door.
Spring awakened the dreary end of winter with the first Forsythe blooms, crocus and daffodils. The lilac trees, peony and rhododendron bushes were my favorites and loved their aroma!
Italians dominated half of my high school graduating class so you can bet there were plenty of authentic Italian restaurants we frequented. Guinea grinders were a favorite and of course pizza. My mom was a Home Economics teacher and an excellent cook. Still remember her fresh cherry, apple, blueberry, lemon meringue and mincemeat pies, fresh bread, rolls, cakes and cookies, fried chicken, pot roast, turkey and the list goes on!
It’s amazing to think I’ve lived in Texas for 37 years now, worked as a teacher and in real estate agent for 27 years! Even though I grew up in a much different climate, living with 4 seasons, this is where I belong. I still marvel I never had a taco, enchilada, artichoke, jalapeño or con queso and hot sauce until 37 years ago!
I’ve always loved to travel, explore and not afraid of change. I’m grateful my Geno has been my personal tour guide for almost the last 25 years. He traveled the world before meeting me and loves sharing his love for different countries, traditions and cultures. It’s something we both find irresistible and enjoy sharing with our family. The traveling bug has spread to our children and grandchildren….…life is good!
“Travel enough, you meet yourself.” David Mitchell
“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” Gustav Flaubert
