We’ve now surpassed the 1st day of September. The weather has turned cool. In the chilly morning air, cotton sweaters are de rigueur. The sharp squawk of the Bluejays and the shrill scream of the cicadas regularly punctuate the atmosphere. The vast green corn fields stand high, golden tassel crowns gleaming in the sunshine row on row. No doubt youngsters are planning whatever peculiar devotions they naturally have as they contemplate another year of studies and companionship, perhaps at a high school. Though I delight in their zeal, nothing however persuades me to repeat the exigencies of youth. I am shamefully complacent.

We restored the day’s routine mechanics by going bicycling throughout the neighbourhood and along the erstwhile B&O railway line through the canyon of lush and verdant foliage to Carss Street and back. It was evident, as it was on the highway earlier this morning when we drove to Renfrew County for another medical-type meeting, that the Labour Day weekend traffic everywhere is surging. And seemingly abroad as well. A moment ago I received a cheery note from Marco Dante Ferraris as he galavants en famille about the Eastern Hemisphere while devouring exotic food and entertaining vinery debate. The heat and ebullience of the moment is ubiquitous and palpable!

Unquestionably the spirit of the day engrosses me wholly. It is a classic combination of psychic, philosophic, visceral, intellectual and dogmatic ingredients, each blending together to create a consumable and energizing entirety. Another season – and perhaps an acclaimed “Indian summer” – is within reach. The value of modification and change is never to be underrated.  It is distinction and difference that makes both the remainder and the advent remarkable. So much to celebrate!

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Manarola, Italy
September 1, 2022

Hello Darlings,

We currently dine at “Trattoria Billy” located in Manarola, one of the smaller villages of Cinque Terra, in your honour. It has nothing to do with the fact it was the only place with an open table and good swordfish.

I miss thee homeboys! Tomorrow we depart via high speed train to meet the family + little monster niece. A fine relaxation to look forward to as well as a tense panel of judges combatting over the choice the evening’s wine.

The lady Morgan, also known as “Empress Morgana”, does just fine and adapts to the Euro culture with ease.

Talk soon, included are some photos of this evening’s appetizers. Make sure to get your daily steps and/or pedals!

Sincerely,
MDF

Manarola may be the oldest of the towns in the Cinque Terre, with the cornerstone of the church, San Lorenzo, dating from 1338. The local dialect is Manarolese, which is marginally different from the dialects in the nearby area. The name “Manarola” is probably a dialectical evolution of the Latin, ” Magna rota”. In the Manarolese dialect, this was changed to “Magna roea” which means “large wheel”, about the mill wheel in the town.