Folinazzo

I did a Google search for the phrase testa dura which, in Italian, means “hard head”. It should come as no surprise that the search lead me to a site dedicated to the culture of Calabria, for the Calabrese are the original teste dure. The name of that site is Il Circolo Calabrese, and its goal is “to become the worldwide focal point for all information concerning the history, culture, language, and genealogy of Calabria–the southernmost region of the Italian mainland.” Cool enough… Well, there is a link on that site to Calabria 2010. It looked interesting so I checked it out. Calabria 2010, or il ritorno (the return), is a campaign to increase tourism in Calabria, a region visited annually by only 3% of Italy’s 45 million tourists. To jump start the flood of tourists to Calabria, the organizers are encouraging people from around the world with Calabrian roots to travel to Calabria in 2010 between June and September. More info from the Calabria 2010 website:
There are millions of Calabrese around the world who can trace their ancestors to Calabria. But…even though Calabria is bred in their bones, many of the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of those who left do not know much about the fantastic, complicated, beguiling, difficult place they and their ancestors have come from.

The Calabria 2010 Homecoming is an invitation to Calabrese everywhere to “come home” and celebrate the history, culture, art, music, food and stunning landscape of this veritable paradise on earth.

When thousands of Calabrese visit in 2010 it could begin an economic chain reaction that will bring confidence and prosperity to Calabria. Thousands of Calabrians will tell their friends and neighbors about their trip to Calabria, travel agents around the world will learn about the Region, and media organizations of all kinds will report on the event and about the Region generally.

Sounds like a fantastic idea to me! So, uh, Dad… shall we go?

Posted by Francesca

It’s true. Read about it here.

The city that works…

Posted by Francesca

Playa Platanares, originally uploaded by Francesca….

A few months back, a woman by the name of Liz Roquet contacted me via Flickr to ask permission to use one of my photos for her mail-order gourmet coffee business. Each month for each different coffee blend, she uses different photos instead of a boring, generic label. Liz wanted to use this photo of Mark doing a belly flop for the November shipment of the “Sunriser” blend. (I took this photo of Mark back in January when we were in Costa Rica.) We’ve gotten one shipment already and, I can tell you, it’s pretty darn good. You, too, can have your very own package of coffee with Mark’s rear end on it The company name and site is Lizzy’s Fresh Coffee (she is based in Ketchum, Idaho). You can learn more on the site about Liz and her coffee, and if you’d like to order Mark’s Sunriser edition, or any of the other blends, email me at francesca underscore maz at yahoo dot com and I’ll give you a coupon code to receive 30% off. But hurry! Mark’s bum will be on the label only during November of this year.

There has been a noticeable lull in our blog posting, at least on my behalf. No exciting trips to write about, nor are there any travel plans in the works. That is because Mark and I are embarking on a completely different type of adventure: parenthood! My due date is March 30, 2009, and I’ll post updates every now and then until the baby arrives. Below is a photo from my latest ultrasound, taken just this past Monday, November 3, during my 19th week.

Baby’s first Flickr picture, originally uploaded by Francesca….

Joe & me back in the 1950’s, originally uploaded by Felicia Folinazzo.

I am my mother’s daughter!!!

“I’m tired of being sick!”, originally uploaded by Felicia Folinazzo.

Vega was unable to receive his chemotherapy treatment today. He’s had a recurring ear infection since July. After 3 aggressive rounds of antibiotics as well as my cleaning and medicating the infected ear, the infection is baaaaack! On top of the ear infection, his oncologist noticed his left hind leg is swollen. Upon inspection, she discovered that one of his toe nails was practically missing and oozing. I hadn’t noticed the swelling nor any signs of “ooze” or blood prior to the visit. His toe may be infected as well, which could cause his leg to swell. There’s no way of knowing what is causing the swelling so I have to keep my eye on him for the next few days. If the swelling goes away, great! If not, I have to bring him back for testing. Next step is to bring Vega back to his regular vet so she can put him under and properly flush his ear. Otherwise, the infection will not effectively go away. Due to the ear infection, possible toe infection, and fever, Vega couldn’t be treated with chemotherapy for his lymphoma. Poor baby.

Chemotherapy makes Vega mad, originally uploaded by Felicia Folinazzo.

Vega had his third chemotherapy treatment. The chemo leaves him lethargic and it’s hard to see him NOT being his usual happy, playful self.

Vega is pissed off about his chemotherapy. He doesn’t like the way it makes him feel. He doesn’t like that his bandage looks like a bracelet. He doesn’t like that it makes his Mommy sad.

The Cubs kick butt all season, decidedly win the NL Central Division, and get swept out of the first round of the playoffs by a team that squeaked in. I’m shocked, confused, upset, sick to my stomach - you name it. I expected this to happen last season when they were swept in the first round by the Diamondbacks, but not this year. So now I guess it’s Let’s Go Blackhawks.

Posted by Francesca

This Saturday, September 20th, is the first ever Blackhawks Training Camp Festival at the United Center. Admission is $5 and it includes entry into the United Center for a Blackhawks’ public practice and all other activities at the festival. It goes from 8am to 4pm. The training camp festival seems like it’s going to be a lot of fun, especially for families, as there will be 3-on-3 street hockey tournaments and air hockey tables, among other things. The Blackhawks really are trying to increase their fan base as well as fan involvement and it’s working. I’ll be there on Saturday.

Posted by Francesca

I don’t know where this originated as I receive it as an email.  These 10 commandments are especially touching now that I have found out my Rottweiler has lymphoma.

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment.  You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please.  Never say  you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.  ALWAYS!

Take a moment today to thank God for your pets.  Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God’s critters.  Now please pass this on to other pet owners. We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!

Posted by Felicia