PIZZA PICNIC AT GRANPA'S PARK FOR A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

 A simple get together with family at Granpa's Park.

While his plaque and bench was nearby, the grandkids played and ran around.

Pizza.

Drinks and cupcakes on a sunny Sunday.

#eatingatgranpa'spark#grandpa#grandpa'spark#granpalovetocook#adolphdimambro

APPLE PICKING SEASON

 A quick farm visit to Applewood Farm Souffville Road in Markham with Sonya and two youngest grandchildren.

Variety of apples- cortland, empire, macintosh and more.

A pumpkin or butternut squash came with the entrance fee.

Very busy and lots of people. But outside and physically distanced.

A fun time with family.

Reminds me of my first "date" with Adolph. Apple picking at the Manning Farm on Dufferin Street Maple Ontario in October 1966.

The number of farm activities with play for children are prolific now in a number of places in the GTA.

Maybe we will do another visit soon.

#applepicking#dayoutwithfamilyapplepicking#funwithgrandchildren#picksomeapples#pickapumpkin#pickasquash#funatthefarm#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro

TOBERMORY AND FOOD

 A mini family Vacay to Tobermory Ontario.

Eating Wood Fired Pizza, homemade egg sandwiches on trip up, Jerk chicken, burger and fries, tacos and lots of ice cream.

Fun to be away for a few days.

And of course, glasses of wine!!

#tobermoryandfood#eatingout#pizza#burgersandfires#tacos#icecream#wine#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro

GRANPA AND MEMORIES OF THE FIRST TRIP TO ITALY

 30 years ago Adolph wanted me to go to Italy.

So August 1991 was my first time there.

We went to his hometown of Cassino. I took a picture of him by his first school

We went up the mountain and I got out to take pictures. Afterwards he warned me about snakes!!

There are so many memories from this first trip.

His cousin Carolina's hospitality of letting us stay in her flat in Rome. It was central to everything. 

We took the train for a day trip to Florence.

His cousin Rosario took us around Pompei.

I want to write more about this trip on my blog. But felt to give a little shoutout here.

#firsttriptoItaly#granpalovestocook#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#cassino#cassinoitaly#lotsofgoodmemoriesofourtrip

GRANPA LOVED ITALIAN SOCCER/CALCIO AND HIS ITALIAN FLAG

 World Cup 1982 and Italy was doing well.

So in 1982 when flags were not available everywhere like they are today, I decided to buy the material and make Adolph an Italian Flag. I made smaller ones for the girls to pin on their tops.

I did not tell him I was making the flag. I was on a week's vacation so had the time to shop for the material and then sew it into the flag.

I put it up in the living room window at our house on Woodward Ave in Thornhill.

I knew when he was coming home. It was also a busy construction season for him. He was tired but enjoying the soccer matches.

 So I waited inside to see his reaction. 

Adolph drove up our small driveway. He looked at the house and saw the flag.

The smile on his face just kept getting bigger and bigger as he got out of his car and approached the house. It was one of those moments when a simple thing brought so much joy.

Sonya with her little Italian flag and bag.

July 1982 Natasha waving the flag with Adolph on the front porch. It was the day Italy won the World Cup.

We watched at Mama's house and afterwards got in the car with the flag to go beeping around Willowdale where the Italians from the Ciociaria area lived in Toronto. We went to Nino D'Aversa which was on Steeles near Yonge so we joined up with others who were celebrating there.

A fun day and memory for the Di Mambro family.

FORZA ITALIA!

#worldcup#italianflag#celebratingthewinin1982#ontheporchwavingtheflag#celebratingwithGranpa#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro

GRANPA ALWAYS COOKED ON CANADA DAY

 Adolph liked to do a family barbecue on Canada Day. 

The kids remember it well.

So today a trip to a daughter's house for a barbecue. 

Everyone is bringing some goodies so it is a family affair of good eating.

The grandkids want to do an Orange Crush toast to Granpa so it has become our new ritual.

Happy Canada Day! A day of celebration and reflection this year!

#canadaday#familybarbecue#timeforquietreflection#timetocelebrate#anorangecrushtoasttogranpabythegrandhildren#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro

GRANPA LOVED TO COOK FOR THE GRANDCHILDREN

 As we approach one year since Adolph died, the grandchildren often talk about Granpa's cooking.

He would make pancakes on a sleepover.

Sauce and fresh egg noodle for fettucine or spaghetti.

His lasagna was so delicious. Not just for the grandchildren but for special occasions or a treat for someone who was ill.

So to those other Dads and Granpas that love to cook, this is your day.

#father'sday2021#granpalovedtocook#adolphdimambro