Home & Family – Signora Sheila

The Saga of Our Summer House

A vintage white flatbed truck carries a wooden cabinet and colorful items along a highway, captured in motion against blurred trees.

June has been a month of movement for us. We’re clearing out two houses at the same time. When we bought our current house—the only home we’ve ever owned—I thought we’d never have to move again. Over the course of our 50-year marriage, we’ve moved over 50 times, but I stopped counting after the 50thContinueContinue reading “The Saga of Our Summer House”

What Makes a Home {and a Blogging Home}?

Serene mid-century living room with cream sofa, rattan chairs, plants, botanical art, warm lamp light, and sunlight through tall windows.

Today, I remembered the day our daughter and her family moved back to the USA, which was several years ago. They kept their house here in Italy, so in the beginning we had to go there frequently. We had to empty the fridge, close windows, and tidy things up. Then we went upstairs to stripContinueContinue reading “What Makes a Home {and a Blogging Home}?”

Springing Forward, Bouncing Back & an Amazing Gift

Red coffee cup beside a napkin on a rustic blue-and-brown wooden table, printed with “Keep moving forward,” conveying motivation.

Our Spring time change is scheduled for the last weekend of March, despite rumors circulating about canceling it. I don’t understand why they insist on doing it or why they call it “moving forward.” Losing an hour of sleep never makes me feel like I’m springing ahead. My biological clock really struggles to adjust, leavingContinueContinue reading “Springing Forward, Bouncing Back & an Amazing Gift”

Never an Orphan

Cropped child in a gray sweater and jeans holds a floppy brown teddy bear against a textured beige wall, evoking comfort and loneliness.

Growing up, I thought I was an orphan, unwanted and abandoned by my “real” family. I imagine many kids have such thoughts, possibly influenced by books or movies. But in my case, these thoughts came from my own family and friends. “Is Sheila adopted?” family friends would ask. “She doesn’t look like anyone in theContinueContinue reading “Never an Orphan”

I’m Back Again & with the Light I Can See!

Blonde woman in a cozy knit sweater presses her forehead with eyes closed, appearing tired, stressed, or unwell at home.

I’ve been absent from this blog again, which seems to happen far too often. But I’m back now, and I’m immensely thankful for all the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness. I was hospitalized for another surgery on October 23. (I had barely recovered from my prolapse surgery done on July 22.) This time, it was anContinueContinue reading “I’m Back Again & with the Light I Can See!”

Goodbye to Our Nonno House

Panoramic village view framed by leafy branches, with red-tiled rooftops, lush gardens, and a dramatic rocky mountain cliff in warm light.

Autumn is slowly creeping into our area. The grape and olive harvests are in full swing. The days are lovely and warm, but not uncomfortably hot. Nights are sometimes cool enough for a light blanket. For some reason, autumn always reminds me of Nonno’s house, our summer home. It’s the house my husband was bornContinueContinue reading “Goodbye to Our Nonno House”