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

A MEMORIAL PLAQUE FOR GRANPA

 Covid meant no service and hard to honour Adolph.

So a plaque on a bench in the park where the grandchildren played with him and still go when visiting Nana helped to create a memorial spot.

#memorialplaque#rememberingadolph#theparkwheretheyplayed#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro

GRANPA ALWAYS LOVED BIRTHDAY CAKES

 Special occasions like birthdays warrant birthday cakes.

A granddaughter turns 16 so of course a special birthday cake for her.

Goodies from family. Youngest granddaughter Allegra bought special cupcakes for her cousin.

Wonderful cake with very sweet icing.

A small celebration due to COVID restrictions.

Fun can be had in small doses. 

And Granpa always liked to celebrate!!

#birthdays#sweetsixteen#birthdaycakes#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro

LIKE FATHER LIKE DAUGHTERS

 Adolph loved to cook. Now Sonya has picked up the torch of trying new dishes.

I had the benefit of a barbecue at Natasha's home Saturday. Then some meals Sunday by delivery by Sonya.

Cooking for one is mundane. So one take out meal once or twice a month helps too.

Joining up with family under safe public health protocols supports a positive meal time.

#eatingalone#joiningfamily#goodhomecookedmeals#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro