Well, if it weren't for the better quality and lower price of the wine, I'd think I were in Seattle!!  Rain came in sheets today, powered from time to time by wind!!  However, since the garden got a thorough going-over yesterday, I could almost hear the sigh of contentment from the new flowers and newly weeded beds.  I understand that you in Seattle are having lovely spring weather!  Ah, well.  Here the spring artichokes are coming up from southern Italy, together with fava beans.  Spring risotto is now on the VM menu.  And today, a special harvest from the garden  ~~ 

It's amazing the difference in flavor - vegetables from the grocery store and a veg eaten within an hour of harvest.

Mmmmmm........