On Sunday, my dad, my brother, and sister, her partner, and I went to see my Zia Mirella (91 years old) and Zio Nerino (82 or so years old) - yes Zia Mirella was a cradle snatcher! . But they've been married for 60 odd years; so, I guess it all worked out for the best.
Zia Mirella is my mum's sister. She is last living sister of 7. All the others, including my mum, have passed on - may they all rest in peace.
Anyway, when we got there (a suburb round wollongong, thorrouil -I ...can't recall it's name.) Zia Mirella had prepared a banquet for us -even though my sister had rang and told her NOT to go to any bother and that we would take her (Zia) and Zio out for lunch. Zia had prepared the table all fancy as if she was expecting royalty and cooked enough for 100 people - starters -main meal - fruit -desserts - coffee. Alcohol.
Zia Mirella is my mum's sister. She is last living sister of 7. All the others, including my mum, have passed on - may they all rest in peace.
Anyway, when we got there (a suburb round wollongong, thorrouil -I ...can't recall it's name.) Zia Mirella had prepared a banquet for us -even though my sister had rang and told her NOT to go to any bother and that we would take her (Zia) and Zio out for lunch. Zia had prepared the table all fancy as if she was expecting royalty and cooked enough for 100 people - starters -main meal - fruit -desserts - coffee. Alcohol.
We talked. We laughed. Remincised. Spoke of daily current life. Politics. Religion. Food. Culture. Heard some great news about family and friends and some sad things. There was a row, and argument or two and then back to laughing.
Zia gave up driving a few back. Zio still drives but only locally, to do the shopping. He wakes early. 5.00am and goes to buy 3 newspapers (which he reads every morning - despite knowing they are full of biased, manipulative bullshit) he also watches the morning and evening and nightly news.
Men of his (and my father's) generation LOVE the news -reading multiple newspapers (my dad reads the Italian and Aussie newspapers) and watching it on TV. Ssshhhhh! I'm watching the news! - it is as if they are expecting the Prime Minister, The Queen of England and The President of the USA and of NATO to ring them up and ask their advice on global matters.
I guess it has kept their minds active right into old age.
They also do aquaaerobics in the warmer months. Zia loves spending time at the local club with her mates.
I have heard that the 'secret' of living well in one's later years is to keep your mind and body active, participate in the local community, and keep in contact with famly and friends of all ages. My Zia Mirella and Zio Nerino are proof of this. It was good to see them.
Zia gave up driving a few back. Zio still drives but only locally, to do the shopping. He wakes early. 5.00am and goes to buy 3 newspapers (which he reads every morning - despite knowing they are full of biased, manipulative bullshit) he also watches the morning and evening and nightly news.
Men of his (and my father's) generation LOVE the news -reading multiple newspapers (my dad reads the Italian and Aussie newspapers) and watching it on TV. Ssshhhhh! I'm watching the news! - it is as if they are expecting the Prime Minister, The Queen of England and The President of the USA and of NATO to ring them up and ask their advice on global matters.
I guess it has kept their minds active right into old age.
They also do aquaaerobics in the warmer months. Zia loves spending time at the local club with her mates.
I have heard that the 'secret' of living well in one's later years is to keep your mind and body active, participate in the local community, and keep in contact with famly and friends of all ages. My Zia Mirella and Zio Nerino are proof of this. It was good to see them.
