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Fashions from the 1950s.

I choose Saint Dorothy as my patron saint.

Dorothy is my kind of girl!

I see coats-of-arms all over Italy. I want to know who they signify. I have the Medici sign down pat, but now its time to expand!

So great to see and to enjoy.

Never forget.

 

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I don’t know why it took me so long to watch this fine film; somehow it was not on my radar.

But, I just watched it recently and I can’t recommend it highly enough!

If you haven’t yet seen the Netflix special on Chef Cecchini, you simply must watch it ASAP.  A part of “The Chef’s Table” series, the hour or so devoted to this living treasure is a delight.

I had the great pleasure of meeting Mr. Cecchini a couple of summers ago at an al fresco dinner in Chianti.  I hope to dine at one of his restaurants soon.

On 8th September, Florence celebrated the birthday of the Virgin Mary and on that day in the year 1296, the first stone was laid for the city’s beautiful cathedral – Santa Maria del Fiore – a tribute to the Virgin.

Fiore (flower) in the name has a double meaning. On the one hand it is associated with Christ, who is “the flower” which flourished in Mary’s womb, but on the other hand it shows the pride of the people of “Fiorenza” as a community. The Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore was created by the Republic to manage and oversee the design and construction of the new Cathedral which would symbolise the spiritual and civic richness of Florence.

A very Happy Birthday belated birthday wish for the Virgin Mary!