A Day With Professor Forlino

On Monday May 22 my Italian classmates Isa, Mitra and Marion and I drove to Claremont to spend the late afternoon with our friend Dr. Marino Forlino.

It was a very hot day.  When we arrived in the village town we were early so we stopped for some treats at Le Pain Quotidian

Then we drove to Marino's house very close to the Scripps College campus.

He then took us on a very nice tour of the Scripps campus 

 We enjoyed seeing Marino's office.

We then returned to the Claremont Village and had dinner at a nice Italian restaurant called Il Mattone. 

 Here we are with the owner Davide who is from Le Marche in Italy.

 Yummy dinner

 Congratulations Professor Forlino for completing your first academic year at Scripps College.  We are certain you will have many rewarding experiences here in the years to come.  As you pointed out this translation on the Scripps College plaque "Incipit Vita Novi"  - a new life begins! Bravo Marino!

Today

Celebrating Isa's Birthday

Friday May 19th was my last Italian language class for this semester.  My friend Isa will celebrate her upcoming birthday in June but since I will not see her we celebrated early with our classmates.

 A delicious lunch was prepared by our friend Marion.

 My classmates and my teacher are such wonderful women.  We have a very special bond with each other. 

Wishing a very Happy Birthday to my friend Isa and to everyone of my classmates and teacher a very happy summer vacation!

Some Encouragement

"Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it." -Interpretive Translation Talmudic Texts

Meeting My Friend Tracy's Grandson Dominic

 My dear friend Tracy became a grandmother for the first time with the birth of her grandson Dominic late last year.    Tracy and her husband Rick hosted a meet and greet last night so that all the family and friends here could meet the latest addition to the family. 

 Her son Scott and daughter in law Ally were in town this weekend. It was so nice to see everyone together and to finally meet this cutie.

 Family and friends arrived

Dominic's "Uncle Wade"

Great grandma 

 Dominic was happy to see everyone

 Lots of margaritas

 and a wonderful taco bar

I'm so happy for my friend Tracy! Dominic picked a wonderful "Grammie!"