And It Would Be .....

Well my friend Dayle got it right - though Yellowdog Granny's mind was obviously going in the same direction as a few friends who ventured a guess on Facebook and via e-mail. It is indeed a Citrus press. I will give it a try at lunch tomorrow - not that anything on the menu requires lemon juice but more because I want to try it.  And I may follow Jacques suggestion and see if it works as a funnel.

I have to admit I was rather at a loss as to what Platinum Silicone was - but a quick Google reveals its a method of curing the silicone to increase its tensile strength.  Who knew?

And Dayle as the winner you have your choice of one of these lovely fridge magnets imported from Italy at great expense.  Let me know by e-mail which one you wish to grace the door of your Kalvinator!  Or maybe you can use it on that freezer you're so fond of????

19 novembre/November - Santa Matilde di Hackeborne

And This Would Be???????

Gary and I have been friends for at least the past 40 years - barring the odd time when I was in a snit about something but come to think of it even then he was still my friend - and still he never fails to surprise and delight me.  Take for example the little gift we received from him today to welcome us to the new apartment.

Bright! Eye catching! And highly utilitarian! Something that no home should be without.  And I'll think of him every time I use it!


Okay so what the hell is it?  The first person who can tell me what it is will get their choice from the wonderful collection of  fridge magnets I bought back from Italy - all, I might add giving you a broad hint, food related.

Any guesses?


17 novembre/November - Gregorio il Taumaturgo

And It Is.....

My friend Vicki sent me an e-mail suggesting it was a juicer - and as she has been in most things since we first crossed paths 55 years ago (she was still in her mother's womb okay!) she was right. This little gem by Alessi, the Italian Design Factory, was indeed meant to juice all manner of citrus stuff.


Though in his comments Jacques brought up a few design flaws that could make it one of those things that looks fabulous on the counter but a disaster when you go to use it. I'm still debating.

09 agosto - Santa Teresa Benedetta della Croce

And This Would Be .....????

Thursday evening we went to the new MAXXI gallery out near the Parco del Musica. I think it is a stunning example of modern architecture. Designed by the flamboyant British-Iraqi architect Saha Hadid it incorporates the facade of the former military buildings on the site while making a very bold statement of its purpose as a museum for contemporary art. It doesn't appear all that large from the outside but once through the towering glass doors it opens up into a brilliantly conceived display space.


That gigantic skeleton laid out in front of the entrance is the work of Gino De Dominicis - and he is the subject of a special exhibition and I'll be sharing a bit more of his work on Monday.

In the meantime yesterday we said goodbye to one of our colleagues and presented her with this little gift that clearly demonstrates the sleek lines and style of Italian design.



It gives rise to two questions.

1. What the hell is it?
2. What the heck does it do?

So what would you use this for? Any suggestions? And YDG remember Nicky and Nora sometimes read the blog.

07 agosto - San Sisto e compagni

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• Rome's MAXXI gallery of modern art (telegraph.co.uk)

Its A Mystery to Me!

The small balcony of the apartment is crowded with plants - as indeed are most balconies here. However unlike our neighbours we use the outdoor space for dining during the warm/hot weather. And believe me it has suddenly become hot here - it is not quite noon yet and it is already 27C. We'd been complaining about the cool/cold damp spring so summer decided to hit us right between our sweat-soaked shoulder blades!


In one corner there are two plants that I am sure I use to know the name of but that has totally escaped me - that seems to be happening a lot these day!!! It has clumps of white, very highly scented, blossoms in the spring.



Last year and again this year there is a strange fungus? insect? something! that has attached itself to the plant. It is white, ribbed, soft and when removed and crushed almost exudes a blood coloured substance - which makes me think it is the cocoon of some type of insect.




Does anyone have any ideas as to what it is? How to get rid of it - preferably without using anything that would harm puppies or dinners - particularly puppies?

13 giugno - Sant'Antonio di Padova