Primavera! In this episode, we talk about what it’s like to have people come and visit, give (another) update on the (never ending) landscaping project, and argue about who’s worse at speaking Italian. Plus a bonus segment: FAKE LISTENER EMAIL!

This episode comes from Mesa, Arizona – we’re in the US in advance of Bob’s book launch! This week, we share a lesson learned from a recent dinner party, share some key differences between grocery stores in Italy and the States, and talk about our problem child / dog, Princess Buttercup. Plus some shout outs to you all!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! We’ve struck the friend and food gold mine: a convent in our little town that serves delicious meals every day AND nuns that are as nice as can be. Plus, we talk about how we’re navigating our hankering for non-Italian food. We also talk a bit about the 2015 grape harvest… trying to talk some of you into helping out this year.

Bob and G recap their first full summer on the farm – time with lots of visitors to Tutto Doppio, trips near (Frasassi caverns) and far (Venice; okay, not that far), and the big landscaping project that seems to never end.

Bob and G share a bit of what it’s like to go to an Italian wedding, tour the amazing borgo of Abbadia di Fiastra (and wolf down BBQ Italian style), and revel in the poetry of identity cards courtesy of our little town. Plus a special listener e-mail about what it’s like to be filmed by German TV!

Bob and Sweet Baby G finally put in a couple of honest days’ farm work… and lived to talk about it. We share a bit about friends new and old who’ve stopped by to spend time with us. G makes Bob talk about his growing obsession with meat as well as his soon-to-be published book (The Power of Fifty Bits). Plus listener emails, and a few snorts from G!

After a long break, we’re back to some thoughts and memories of G’s mom, Addie. We also talk about the world’s best house sitters (www.travellingweasels.com), our new landscaping adventure, and how the wine is coming along. Plus, WORM SOUP!! We’re glad to be back!

This week we share a bit about our very first grape harvest (vendemmia in Italian) here at Tutto Doppio! Bob also gloats about getting his hands on a new Vespa, and we’re both wrung out having to actually speak Italian during our Italian lessons. And as a bonus, Bob revolts over two days of soup in a row.

Settle in as we talk about new friends and guests at Tutto Doppio, one of whom we met via another dog escape (not Buttercup). Also, a nice fresh plate of listener mail!

We didn’t record this episode laying on a couch, but other than that it’s a lot like listening in on a therapy session. We talk about surprise visitors, how great our new friends are, and things we think we’ve learned so far. If you like feelings and thoughts and reflections and dirty laundry, this one’s for you! (And if that’s not your thing, hang around for G’s melodic voice and mesmerizing laugh – that’s worth it.)