AWOL again……

Wow, I’m really having a hard time keeping it together to write the blog. Another week or two have already gone by. Too many distractions.

Speaking of which, I still don’t have a visa, residency or citizenship. We’re working on it but the legalities are endless. Roberto got an appointment for me with a “syndicate” in Arezzo this past Monday. This organization helps people with things like what I’m dealing with. Now it’s wait and see what’s next.

In one of the previous posts I talked about the Arno River and how it was more of a stream it was so shallow. Well, since then the city (I’m assuming) cleared out some of the big rocks and laid down some pipe creating a bridge of sorts for the farmers so as not to disrupt the river’s flow when they cross. The result is that the river has deepened to 2-3 feet in some places and is flowing along nicely. I’ve seen egrets wading and perching in the shallows since the machines are finished. Haven’t seen any fish, though. I’ll bet the local animals are enjoying it, too. I’ve heard the hunters out there for the past couple of weeks but I’m not sure what they’re hunting. The dogs and I have to be careful to wear something bright when we’re out walking near the river and in the woods.

I’ve discovered that there are walnut trees all over the place. I thought Henry was picking up small, rotten apples and carrying them around, but it’s actually the black husk covering the walnut shell. They’ve been falling out of the trees everywhere. We’ve also discovered wild blackberry vines where we walk. I’ve only eaten about 6 since it is so late in the season, but wait until next summer!

I was getting worried about my various medicines running out and since I’m still in limbo with documentation, I can’t just call up and see a doctor. I discussed this with Roberto, he made a few phone calls, and lo and behold, this afternoon his doctor made a house visit to me! So I now have prescriptions for the medicine I need and the doctor has ordered blood work to be done at a local lab. After that, we’ll talk again about any changes. Isn’t that incredible? He’s also going to arrange for me to get my flu shot and COVID booster. I’ll have to pay for this out of pocket for now, though. This doctor is so nice, I like him a lot and I hope he’ll keep me on as a patient. This is NOT a service I would have received in Spain.

I’m going to try to insert a picture I took today during our walk. It shows the Castello di Poppi in the background.

Anyone reading these blogs is welcome to make comments if you should choose to do so. Thanks.