This may just be a sign that the powers above don't want to see us leave! We woke up this morning after a terrible night's sleep. It is probably not common knowledge, but Fiske (III) got covid on his return trip to Toronto last week. He has been taking things easy and was put on paxlovid to help his treatment. In the past couple of days he has started to feel worse.....and was confronted with worsening congestion and a rapid heart rate. Making a long story a bit shorter, his doctor told him to go to Urgent Care.......and Urgent Care sent him to the Emergency Room at the Layhey Clinic. This was a bit of a fiasco as he had to wait in a hallway for over 3 hours, at which time they did some blood work, a couple of EKG's and a Ct scan to check for blood clots.......which ended up as their primary concern. Apparently the paxlovid was in conflict with his thyroid medication, and he never should have had it prescribed. In the end, the prognosis was pneumonia. He finally go
t home at a little past 1:00 am, which was about 7:00 am here. It was nice to be able to text on What'sApp, but following the saga left little time for sleep. It was a rather scary experience.
Anyway, we hope all is on the right track now. The early morning was actually rather nice. It was not bright sunshine, but it was nice enough for us to eat on the terrace. About an hour later, however, heavy rain and thunder moved in. It was a dramatic shift and actually a very nice background for going back to bed for a few hours!
There is not much to report on or talk about today! It rained heavily until after lunch. We got some of our lost sleep back and worked during the afternoon on slowly packing things away........and napping again. It actually worked out well.
I think this short video may give a good indication of the rain!
NO FUN!
A couple of shots from yesterday. Two of the key folks here at the Study Center. Alessandra Natale is an Assistant Director (left) and Ivana Folle is the Director (right). They have been here for almost 20 years. Last night, Ale told us that she was stepping down to spend more time with her family........and her new hobby of water color painting. She will be missed by all......what a wonderful and energetic spirit she has been!
From the guestbook in our "Camera and Studio 5 - Palma."
As the afternoon advanced, the rain and clouds drifted away and the sun actually came out! Our record of sunshine is intact! 23 days straight! We took advantage of the occasion to go for a walk in the upper garden (Gianni's Garden) to check on the advance of the veggies! Part of the intrigue of this particular garden is the fact that we are missing the start of our own vegetable garden in Wayland. We got a fair amount planted before we left, but are not optimistic about growth.......due to a large rabbit family and challenges with the watering. We love seeing the success of this garden!
Such a beautiful place and so difficult to say goodbye! at least for now!
Gardenia's are blooming........what a fragrance!
From our window after our walk in the garden.
Cocktails (aperitivi) were served in the living room and everyone moved out to the terrace to enjoy the beautiful early evening. There were, however, some hints of rather dramatic clouds moving in. Dinner was enjoyable but somewhat bitter sweet as we all ended up talking about our departure plans. There was an after dinner 'sing along' planned again, but several of us opted out due to the need to 'recharge' for tomorrow's travel. (and as we write this, the skies have opened up again and it is pouring!!!! pioggia battente!
And a final view from our window for the evening!
