Every Sunday in a small country town on the border of two states parted by a river there is a tradition honoured.
Every Sunday.
Every Sunday for the last 50 odd years bocce is played at Zia Lucia's house. Gusieppe's sister.
Normally just the men play. I told you it is a tradition. Women play with the men occasionally. I played with them a few times, many years ago. You need to know some Italian, but there are a few regular 'aussies'. Some come and some go. They play for beer. Once upon a time beer was sold (and home made vino tasted) in the old cottage when there were many players. That's when they used both the courts. Now only one is maintained as the young men of 50 years ago are now old, weathered and wise.
Last Sunday we dropped in on Lucia and Don whilst on our way home. We wanted to show the kids what farm life is like and of course to show them the tradition of bocce that their nonno played every Sunday before moving to the city.
They played, they rode a motorbike, they discovered cow patties, held 4 day old chicks in their tiny hands, chased a cow up the road, and lit a fire. And we were only there for 2 hours.
It was a good Sunday.
But my thoughts are now with their nonno, my father in law, Gusieppe or as he is simply known by all as Jo.
Last night he had a mild heart attack and he is on his way to Brisbane for further tests.
We'll know more in the morning.
I'm glad we are now home, to be close to him.
Every Sunday.
Every Sunday for the last 50 odd years bocce is played at Zia Lucia's house. Gusieppe's sister.
Normally just the men play. I told you it is a tradition. Women play with the men occasionally. I played with them a few times, many years ago. You need to know some Italian, but there are a few regular 'aussies'. Some come and some go. They play for beer. Once upon a time beer was sold (and home made vino tasted) in the old cottage when there were many players. That's when they used both the courts. Now only one is maintained as the young men of 50 years ago are now old, weathered and wise.
Last Sunday we dropped in on Lucia and Don whilst on our way home. We wanted to show the kids what farm life is like and of course to show them the tradition of bocce that their nonno played every Sunday before moving to the city.
They played, they rode a motorbike, they discovered cow patties, held 4 day old chicks in their tiny hands, chased a cow up the road, and lit a fire. And we were only there for 2 hours.
It was a good Sunday.
But my thoughts are now with their nonno, my father in law, Gusieppe or as he is simply known by all as Jo.
Last night he had a mild heart attack and he is on his way to Brisbane for further tests.
We'll know more in the morning.
I'm glad we are now home, to be close to him.
oh no. Hope is ok.
My father in law is to have a triple bypass at the end of this month... scary stuff.
And bocce? Bocce is FAB!!
Posted by: monica | July 08, 2009 at 05:07 PM
Hope he's ok Tiel,
Posted by: Anna | July 07, 2009 at 11:45 PM
I hope all is well. I love your photos, they capture the sentiment of the story beautifully. And we have the same red cardy at our house.
Posted by: Violet and Rose | July 07, 2009 at 05:13 PM
Lovely photos, hope all is well.
Posted by: Vanessa De Lacy | July 07, 2009 at 04:00 PM
What a lovely story of family tradition and friendship, beautiful photos and thoughts. also good wishes to gusieppe, i am sure that he will feel better now that you are all close to him.
Posted by: broderie | July 07, 2009 at 10:15 AM
My eight year old boy loves bocce and we often go down to the local park on a saturday and watch the old me play. Here's hoping Nonno will be back to normal soon!
Posted by: MsGourmet | July 07, 2009 at 09:11 AM
That sunset is amazing!
Best wishes for your F-I-L.
Posted by: Lin | July 07, 2009 at 08:10 AM
Oh no, I hope your Father-in-law is comfortable and you're right...it is good timing that you are home, close by.
Your holiday images are beautiful, I think it's all that red that has captured me. Very European feel to your post!
Best wishes to you all.
Posted by: Kiki | July 07, 2009 at 12:54 AM