Dear Providence, August 7, 2020
Has it really been 20 years? So many years that I have missed you…
I feel like you have missed so much and I hope you get a little glimpse, at least of the good stuff.
I am applying for dual citizenship (Italian) through your Dad, my Grandfather. It’s hard to believe that he came to America over 100 years ago, for a better life. Ha-ha! and now the reverse, I would like to live in Italy! Wish you were here so that I could ask you all kinds of questions? About the families they left behind, what their families did for a living? What did Grandpa do for a living in Italy? He was 25 when he came to the USA. Grandma was only 4 years old when she arrived with her family. They were both from Chiusa Sclafani, Sicily. Grandma’s family came from Palermo to New Orleans and Grandpa sailed from Naples to New York.
My documents are all collected, Apostilled, and translated! Thanks to your niece, Kathy’s son, Robert, who did a lot of the research and shared. He just had his appointment on July 28! My appointment is set for May 2023, but I am hoping to move up, as soon as the LA Consulate opens online reservations. It’s been closed due to Covid-19.
Oh Covid-19?!? Life has been a bit crazy down here with the Covid-19 Pandemic. Millions sick and to date 716K dead from it. Everywhere around the world people are affected by Covid-19. Very sadL
The girls started meetings this week for school. They begin in person classes next week. You would be very proud of them. The public schools are starting online but their school wanted to go forward with in person. Everyone will have to mask up and desks will have to be 6’ apart. Online or in person, it would be hard either way, but I think a scarier in person. Oh, Covid-19!
Joel is graduated in May! Again, you would be very proud! He is looking for a job. Not a lot of jobs out there with Covid-19. Many people are unemployed. A lot of businesses are shut down or just running with a limited staff. Prayerfully he will find something soon.
Gary is doing maintenance at school and wishing that he could retire, like yesterday. He just turned 63 so he has 2 more years until Medicare kicks in. That’s one of the biggest obstacles for retiring, health insurance.
Travel has been put on hold, with Covid-19. Hopefully next summer Europe. No travel for the US to Europe, right now anyway. We haven’t gotten our Covid-19 under control. Our leadership hasn’t been too good.
Arcadia Farms restaurant hasn’t opened yet. She is doing some remodeling and being cautious with this Covid-19 thing. Restaurants have really been hit hard. The experience will probably never be the same. Covid-19 has brought a lot of change, some good and some not so good.
You would love Chino’s two girls, Kelly & Khloe. They are beautiful, smart and keeping their parents busy.
I’ve mastered making homemade pasta noodles and great Arancini!
Pam remodeled with taking up the carpet and going with the original hard wood floors. They look really nice!
I have a successful catering business, (not so much this year with Covid-19).
Randi did a studied abroad in Florence Italy! I’ve always loved your middle name, Florence. Wish that I would have named one of my kids that name. I’ll just have to wait for grandchildren. Someday?!? But I will look at the bright side I don’t have to share them with anyoneJ
We started traveling at Christmas. Our first year was to Italy, then (Paris, Portugal & Spain, all the same year) and the last two years to Puerto Vallarta! We love it!! I know Christmas was always your favorite!
Well as you would say in all the letters (I’ve saved them all) that you wrote, time for me to get back to work. Hmmm, I wonder what I’ll make for dinner??
Missing you Mom! Say Hi to Papa and everyone up there!
Love, Julie Alma
