A Farmer’s Story That Needs To Be Told: Reprint of 2017 Special to the Mountain Democrat
The year was 1947. The place is Pasadena, California. The people gathered around the bridge table are regulars. The topic is a regular complaint about the lousy weather, and the city congestion. It was, as L. G. “Frank” Beals put it at the time, “making him sick.” Frank was is one...[Read More]
Born in Italy, Carnevale is one of the world’s most celebrated events, especially in Venice and Viareggio. But every town, even the smallest, has it’s own parade, feasts of local specialties, dancing, masquerading and fun before the Lent season begins.
Some experts claim the term Carnevale comes from the Latin “carne, vale” meaning “taking away meat” associated with the day Lent...[Read More]
Did early Romans and those party-loving Etruscans ever wonder if they would run out of pasta, fish or wine? ( We are still in B.C. mode here.) Plutarch was a Greek-born writer, later a citizen of Rome who spoke and wrote freely about Italy’s food-centric exploits. He seemed mostly worried that too many guests would interfere with sociability and conversation since that was key to their get...[Read More]
The magnificent Neptune Fountain in Piazza Signoria in Florence is on full view again after being covered for restoration for 2 years. The restoration project costing €1.5 million was funded by Salvatore Ferragamo.
The first public fountain in Florence, it was commissioned by Cosimo I de Medici in 1559 after a competition to chose a design. Baccio Bandinelli was chosen as the winner but he...[Read More]
Like so many things in Italy, bread and cakes come by many names, especially if it is a holiday and then, it depends on what kind of holiday or occasion it might be. Of course the names and kinds of bread and cakes come with their own legends, traditions, cautions, and ingredients born from science, literature, ancient manuscripts or the simple competitiveness of the Italian people....[Read More]
Dubbed "the house that kills", this 500 year old Venetian Gothic palace has claimed lives and repelled boatmen, boarders, renters, owners and potential owners like Woody Allen. Built for the aristocrat Giovanni Dario in 1479, the house then passed on to a long list of owners who were stabbed to death, murdered, or died by suicide or assassin...[Read More]
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), aka All Saints Day, All Souls Day, is celebrated throughout the world, especially in Mexico, South America, the Caribbean and is associated with American Halloween....[Read More]
L’Italo-Americano on-line newspaper celebrates “The #1 source for all things Italian since 1908”. In their recent articles, I especially appreciated the exclusive interview with Superstar Chef Massimo Bottura, “Knowing the Past to Shape the Future of Italian Cuisine.”...[Read More]
Debbie did such a fine job describing this spot in Italy we visited on our tour that I want to share it with you. She really captured it! Sirmione is a beautiful town built on the edge of Lake Garda in northern Italy. We visited in late spring to find a busy town full of holiday makers....[Read More]
Italy’s World Famous “Elixir”
The Historical Tradition of Grappa found in Bassano del Grappa, Italy
Bassano del Grappa sits on the Brenta River; Andrea Palladio designed bridge rebuilt by "Alpini" after WWI...[Read More]
Betty is a California-based writer whose work explores local history, travel, food, and the people who shape community life. Her storytelling is rooted in curiosity, culture, and real-world experience.
Stories of place, people, and culture - told with curiosity and heart - telling stories that bring places and people to life.
Betty is a Gold Country-based writer covering regional history, travel, food, and human-interest stories, with a focus on the people and traditions that define a place.