…and with it the double entendre.

I went for espresso and a light breakfast at my favorite cafe in the piazza this morning. The sky was grey and overcast but, at least for the moment, the rain had stopped. I sipped my coffee and treat at the bar in silence shoulder to shoulder with a sixtyish gentleman from the neighborhood with whom I usually exchange a “good day,” but the cafe was crowded and noisy because the chilly weather had dissuaded patrons, a mix of locals and international visitors, from sitting outdoors, so any pleasantries went unspoken.

A few minutes later I passed the newsstand on my way to run errands and the gentleman caught me by surprise: “Sì, signora, lei è veramente fortunata perche vive la bella vita.” (”You’re a lucky lady living the good life.”)

Instantaneously and in silence, one version of the good life (X-rated) flashed through my mind and I replied: “Perche? Perche ho appena mangiato un tramezzino con tonno e carciofini”? ( “Why? Because I’ve just eaten a sandwich with tuna and preserved artichokes”?)

The newspaper vendor smiled at my humor and the gentleman replied politely:

“No, signora, perche il tramezzino si è lasciato mangiare da te.” (”No, ma’am, because the sandwich allowed itself to be eaten by you.”)

March 2, 1941

Happy Anniversary, Mommy and Daddy. It would have been 67 years, but you didn’t make it that far. Gone, but not forgotten. Always a part of me, always in my heart.