It has been amazing.. this year 2018, though almost behind us as we approach the New Year. We found a true home in Roccaspinalveti.. a perfect match. Wonderful neighbors, a comfortable home, wide open vistas, a village that has pretty much everything we need, mountains all around us, sea just 40 minutes by car.. and of course, the amazing food of this region. That’s the short list. The folks here scratch their heads, always asking if we like it here in Rocca and why Rocca? If you look at our short list and you’re from Nelson County VA, you’ll see many similarities… we found our place here… it works for us..
For a good portion of the year, we rented a farmhouse between Atri and Silvi Marina in the Pescara provence. A gorgeous setting and great friendships made. Unfortunately, we knew that house hunting would most likely take us away from these friendships, but hopefully not too far. As we found our home here in Rocca, we are only a few hours away from some dear friends. House hunting went faster than we planned, with a few bumps along the way. But in the end, we are home.
We spent most of the summer moving our belongings to our new home as well as preparing area for the dogs. Our neighbors jumped in to help in many ways. We are so blessed. During the summer, my daughter, Brooke, and our son-in-law, Ryan, came to visit for about 10 days. They live in Chile and travel as much as their busy schedules allow. They have seen a fair amount of this world to date. I was thrilled to be able to show them a bit of Abruzzo, especially since it is also my daughter’s heritage. Hopefully, a return visit in 2019 can happen for them and they can truly experience Rocca and the surrounding area.
Our two canines, Orso and Romeo, handled the move to their permanent home like troopers. Romeo and I had been active in the water rescue group, Sea Rescue Dog Association, out of Pescara. Unfortunately, with the move to Rocca, the longer drive became problematic and we sadly left the group in November (a visit or two will definitely happen this summer). Orso, my old retired search dog, just recently succumbed to complications with pneumonia and we are heartbroken. Dogs just do not live long enough, as most of us know. Romeo, my younger dog, is now adjusting and receiving an abundance of love, interactive playtime with me, long walks and visits to our neighbor’s dog down the road.
The house we purchased doesn’t need much work as it is well constructed and relatively new by Italian standards. (circa 1970s) John has done some internal work to warm the house up a bit, such as adding shades, insulation in colder areas of the lower apartment and cantina. But mostly, we wish to put our personal stamp on our new home. We are changing the front courtyard configuration and adding some fencing, hopefully to create some exterior space for entertaining and relaxing. I’ve added plantings of shrubs to soften walls and also to add some privacy, as we live right on a road. It’s a work in progress between John and I, and I think by next summer it will all come together and make visual sense.
Original front courtyard layout with parking area and dirt-filled soaking pool
Work in progress – parking area now will be for outdoor entertainment and relaxation
Christmas time in Rocca is centered primarily around activities at the stunning local Catholic church. The piazza in front of the church, as well as the village, is strung with Christmas decorations and the Nativity scene is set waiting the arrival of Baby Jesus. Just recently, the defunct fountain has been beautifully repaired in time for the festivities. John and I attended the late night mass on Christmas Eve with some friends, as well as a music program presented by the children’s choir. The piazza, that evening, filled with folks from the performance to enjoy the chestnuts ( traditional) roasting on an open fire.
Tonight is New Year’s Eve, and John and I are heading to Trattoria La Fonte for a long night of food and fun. We meet up with our neighbors to enjoy the delicious Abruzzese cuisine and dance a bit. And of course, we will stay long enough to meet the New Year together with our neighbors and friends…hopefully… John and I are notorious for bailing and heading home early.
Sure there have been some bumps in the road this year, but we navigated over them just fine. Then our hearts were broken by the passing of Orso, but we knew his time was drawing near as he celebrated his 13th birthday December 7. Big labs just don’t live very long. We miss him but we are so very thankful for the time given to us to have him in our lives. It’s been an amazing year and we are so very thankful for our new home here in Roccaspinalveti. We wish everyone of our readers and friends a Blessed Christmas and Happy Holiday Season. And may your New Year bring you love, joy and good health, and if you so desire, the chance to visit Italy….ciao for now..
Navigating Life in Abruzzo 