Spring in Umbria

Photocollage byJanet Strayer 

This is my non-chronological update on what's happening in my little but abundant life in Europe. I had wanted to tell this chronologically, like a narrative with a beginning-middle-end (well, leave out the "end" part). But there's too much happening right now for me to wait to wind up to it. Besides, my friend Ruth (see her Ruthless Cosmopolitan blog), an American writer living in and reporting from Europe for many years, tells me that is not how a blog works: it's an in-process thing.

So, get used to going back and forth in time with me during the posting of this blog. I'm now in Umbria, in a little rural community (smaller than a village) of Morruzze, near Todi (20 min. drive). Todi is near Orvieto, one of my favorite Italian cities which is near another favorite, Perugia (ah, the chocolate; ah, the art!).

Now, in early Spring, the new little lambkins are out in the meadow beside the rocky road up from our house, their bells alerting me that sheep are grazing here. The not too distant lawns covering the rounded hills everywhere I look are covered in so softly lush a green that I feel like licking them. I won't, of course. There are ticks! Along this walk, those in the know can find wild asparagus. What a chef can make of those treasured stalks!

Yesterday's morning visit Todi  was  a non-pleasure trip to the emergency ward, the Pronto Soccorso,  to check out pretty severe pains endured by Jim (my spouse of many talents). Such an event is always a terrible worry, especially for foreign travellers. A polyglot consultation ensued, using the limited Italian Jim can speak, my impressive command of gesture (and some comprehension ability), and the local medical team's patience, skill, and a smattering of English. A full array of tests was done, with us waiting on site for 5 hrs. for all the results. We read during that time: A.S. Byatt's, The Children's Book and essays by T.H. White kept us company (not very Italian, but the mind needs freedom to roam). Thankfully, the diagnosis was good and easily managed. The fee for all this was 25 Euros. I don't know what the Italians think about their medical system. But this visitor from Canada (which has a very good medical system, despite all the gripes) feels very grateful.

That evening I visited the nearby community of Acqualoreto (one can, if feeling energetic, walk the distance to it from Morruzze). There's a nice little pub-club there where I was introduced to some of the locals and foreign-residents (an oxymoron, isn't it). I met a very easy, welcoming group of varied people who have made their permanent or semi-permanent homes here. Rural as it is here, with it's "off the beaten track-ness " coupled with  its "not really far by car from everything-ness", this is an  an inviting place to be.

Remembering the advice given me by a pro, I'll sign off now... and write another post soon.
Happy trails to you,