May Review 2026

May Review 2026

by | Jun 1, 2026 | 2026

May Gets us Closer to the End of Construction . . .

This is what we are looking at.

And soon it’ll be better . . .

I Need A Drone To Get This Shot

Our “Futuro” Parcheggio

VISITING US FOR AN EVENING?

Naida’s Fav’s-1

Naida’s Photos (early in May)

The beginning of May some special friends visited us one evening. Naida took some great photos of what it looks like TO SPEND TIME WITH US.

When are YOU going to visit?

VISITING US FOR 2 WEEKS?

Naida’s Fav’s-2

Naida’s Best Friend from High School

Providentially, Naida and Diane picked up their friendship again when we moved here to Italy. Their daily communication made much of the difficulties in this move, more tolerable for Naida.

So this month, Diane and her husband and a couple from church visited us. We spent time in #Roma, #Ferenze, #Bolsena, #Sulmona and of course #Capestrano.

The photos below show you our trip with our friends, and the photo and it’s video is of IG @SilviaViolinist who was a great treat for all of us in Bolsena.

Another great, short, video of Silvia playing “Moon River” and knowing her audience, she worked her audience. As I videoed she got next to our group. Brilliant!

PHOTOS OF OUR 2 WEEKS TOGETHER

ROMA

We joined Diane’s Crew on their 2nd day in Roma.

FIRENZE

What a different “feel” compared to Roma.

BOLSENA

Sweet Bolsena. We’ll return in July (our 4th visit).

Sulmona & Capestrano

The first 4 photos are from Sulmona, all the rest are various vignets of the time we spent in Capestrano.

Capestrano was a sweet time of rest for all of us . . . 

This is Mark, and I confess that there is NO RHYME OR REASON to the order of these photos, and NO, ABSOLUTELY NO, I did not purposely put photographs Diane might be embrassed by, no sirree!!!

I know I can speak for all 6 of us, WE HAD A GREAT TIME!

Mark & Naida

Sweet Times with Friends in May

Enjoy the photos above of these GREAT friends of ours . . .

Mark’s Giardino

Naida and I Currently have 1 Main Prayer Request:

Language Learning (which includes our “driver’s license test prep”)

April Review 2026

April Review 2026

by | May 1, 2026 | 2026

April was warmer weather, yardwork, and Easter . . .

On Easter morning I had an overwhelming thought, “What must that 1st Pasqua morning have looked like?” And so I took a short video of what I think that 1st Easter morning might have looked like.

Here in Capestrano on that day the weather was crisp, beautiful, peaceful, serene, and more. In Italy we’d say: INCREDIBILE!

And as I did the 45 second video below, I had a hard time speaking and thinking and wondering if this morning in Capestrano mirrored what that 1st Pasqua morning might have looked like.”

I think it might have looked something like this . . .

Mark's 45 Second Video "That 1st Pasqua Morn"

We had a sweet time with old friends and new friends, celebrating Pasqua in Raiano.

READY FOR A NEW MONTHLY FEATURE?

Naida’s Fav’s

Naida’s Favorite Photos

We’re starting a new section where each month, Naida will show you her favorite photos from the various locations around our home, around our village, wherever she’s inspired.

They should be pretty spectacular!

NAIDA’S PHOTOS & VIDEOS

NAIDA & SULMONA

We went to Sulmona with our friend Peter. Note the 2000 year old aqueduct, the musicisti rendition of an American favorite, and a jumprope competition.

NAIDA & CATS

Our neighbor has a number of cats and Naida loves photographing them as they do life all around us.

FOXY NAIDA

She won’t like that title (but I’m writing the blog).

Naida did a GREAT JOB (“Ben Fatto” in Italiano) photographing this fox which was at our neighbor’s eating his cat’s food.

If you can open it, here’s a link with these fox photos as a GIF: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipORro34pjY4EXkyGuGIlkir7J7zoBN9RkQ3z-Ed9M2_o3SFq7o0EiUZzzsnV8TbFA?key=OWNIN0NUalEtd0RNZE1vQ3lMS0JaODFzQXloekJB

Rocca Calascio

On the edge of the Fiumi Tirino Valley, also known as the “Valle Tritana” is Rocca Calascio, the highest castle in the Apennines. There are only a half dozen residents and one of them is a woman who has a loom and does incredible work. I know, I have a scarf to prove it.

SERIOUSLY, LIFE CAN BE DIFFICULT HERE

STUDY ITALIAN,
YEAH RIGHT!

I forgot how beautiful the views are here. And now that the weather has improved and I can sit outside and practice my Italian, I have another problem.

I DON’T WANNA!

I’d rather enjoy the view, wouldn’t you?

INSPIRATION

I’m alwys amazed at the inspiration which comes to me, from the sources of beauty here.

In particular, the rocks, the rocks in their natural habitat and their use by the artisans here.

ROCK AND MORE ROCK

The rock, the company, the work which the artisans do.

It’s amazing! What more can I say.

The top photo of a step inspiried me to build in my giardino, which you’ll see below.

Li’l Ole Bricklayer, “Me!”

Mark’s Paternal grandfather was a brick layer back in Iran. He, and eventually his grandmother, left Iran in the “19-teens” escaping persecution from the Turks. His great grandmother was martryred for her faith, and it precipitated the move. Her death was memorialized and updated in the novel, “Divided Nation.”

Mark’s rock “stardina” might just make his grandfather proud.

And this was the finished product . . .

ADDITIONAL WORK AROUND THE CASA

Sweet Times with Friends in April (both human and not)

This month, the variety of friends was all over the board . . .

  • My great neighbor, Alfredo
  • Steve & Gina from Arizona VIA Raiano
  • Peter from NYC VIA Capestrano
  • And some friends we video’d

But, in all honesty, this month our friends also included . . .

  • Weeds (BTW, I showed the pretty ones)
  • The cats, as normal
  • The moon above the Castle
  • And of course, MY FIRST FIG

Ci vediamo, presto,
Mark & Naida

 

Mark’s Giardino

Naida and I have 3 Main Prayer Requests:

  1. Language Learning (which includes our “driver’s license test prep”)
  2. Stubborn “Building” Issues (and a speedy and FINAL resolution)
  3. Residency Paperwork (as not all of it is at hand, but we’re very, very close)

DEVO NOTES FROM APRIL

These are a few notes I’ve shared with a group of friends

Is HOPE the prayer?

I never tire of Paul’s breadth of meaning in such a small prayer.

NOISE when you pray?

Hang in there.

Here’s the link: https://youtu.be/TTpeaGb52hE 

POLITICS and prayer.

Not always so easy.

TWO reasons to get into the Word.

Here’s the link: https://youtu.be/GOljMXvZkX0 

HIM, always.

A profound recognition and yet, often so contrary to my thoughts.

March Review 2026

March Review 2026

by | Mar 31, 2026 | 2026

And the Art is Up On the Walls

This is Sterling, the first horse Naida and I purchased when she got back into riding in 2008. This piece was painted by a fellow rider and she perfectly showed the entire world Sterling’s true character.

He now sits above our dining table.

Thank you A.M.

Our YouTube Channel

March Was Overnight Guests, Snow, Blossoms, a Night Out in Pescara, and of course, Daily Italian Learning

When you come to visit, you’ll see that our home has a nice advantage, namely, that it was formerly a B-n-B. You will have your own room, with your own private bathroom, nearly as much privacy as a hotel.
Our Italian learning remains our focus. We study, not just to communicate with our neighbors, but we prepare for our driving test, which is all in Italian, and not easy.
One of the ways we “study” is to meet Ivana and Romano in the piazza, where we do our best to communicate. Thankfully, they are VERY PATIENT with us.
Remember to click on the link below to see our previous posts, going back to 2024, when this adventure began.
Look Back at All Our Posts

THE FOLLOWING PHOTOS SHOW SOME OF OUR ART

Not on the Walls Yet

Mark’s maternal great grandparents look like they could be from Italy.

Two pieces of art need to be framed yet. They were given to us by an elderly woman in our village, one is a watercolor and the other is a photo.

And the middle piece is from Albania and sits above our kitchen door.

Art from the Past

Naida and I had lots of great meals near the Alamo at “Jim Cullums Landing.”

Naida’s horses have always been a big deal to us (and still are).

The middle photo is an 1885 scene from local Sulmona, Italy.

And the church bulletin I picked up on Father’s Day, in San Francisco 1999. The service had a profound impact upon my life. It was only weeks after that service I met Naida, and shortly after that we decided to marry.

Not All Art is on the Walls

Auntie Martha when she heard we brought the carpet she gave us to Italy, “I’m Glad it made the cut.”

The top photo has a lot of art on it, but what’s in the center is the REAL ART!

Our first wooden horse we purchased in Greece, 2014.

Miscellaneous art which is important to us, from the Ark Encounter Miniature, to the bowl I made in school 5 decades ago. Along with 3 recent Italians aquisitions, a handmade walking stick, a leather change container and a stone Christmas ribbon.

Some Fun Art

A unique piece of Michael the Archangel.

Howard, Naida’s father “in his element” circa 1975.

Naida and I from 2 decades ago, at our church, FBA (where we are members again).

And a very cool Italian clock given to us by Howard’s wife.

Walking the Valley

Naida will often video record our walks. This one shows the valley and our village from the perspective of the valley.

APOLOGIES FOR THE SOUND.

1st Lunch Outside

We love taking advantage of our view and our patio, when the weather cooperates. Gladly, we are experiencing an early spring (we think).

From House to Home

Naida has really done a GREAT job making our house a home. And this is just one room.

I’m a VERY LUCKY husband.

Naida’s Brilliant Snow Video

Snow rarely happens here, so when it came down and as thick as it did it was wonderful. The snow was gone in a few hours, but it was special!

It reminds me of a great 13 second video I did of Jumper & Naida, “Slow-Mo-Snow” I called it . . .

Sweet, Sweet Times with Friends in March

Mark’s Giardino

Naida and I have 3 Prayer Main Requests:

  1. Language Learning (which includes our “driver’s license test prep”)
  2. Stubborn Roof Issues (and a speedy and FINAL resolution)
  3. Residency Paperwork (as not all of it is at hand yet)

DEVO NOTES FROM MARCH

These are a few notes I’ve shared with a group of friends

The prayer is one that can “cut through” worry and complaining.

Afterall, you can’t complain or worry if you’re sincerely acknowledging what the Lord has done in your life.

While the English notes explain the Italian verse, I think the simple version is: “TRUST HIM.”

As I heard someone say recently:

Be People of Prayer
Not People of Panic

Paul is so practical.

Praying about distractions could not be more practical. 

February Review 2026

February Review 2026

by | Feb 28, 2026 | 2026, Italy

Our YouTube Channel

The New Roof

It was a longtime coming, but once they started they were done in 3½ weeks!

1st major project behind us.

Whew!

View our Recent Posts

MOVIES MOVIES MOVIES

Step right up for your next movie!

Uhm, well, actually its going to be a few short videos from Febbraio “February” so cuddle-up to someone, get a blanket and a hot cup of tea.

Never mind, just enjoy!

About Us

Please enjoy our videos and photos.

But please, please, pray for us.

We covet your prayers.

God’s Beauty

I just can’t get over the beauty here. Every day that Naida and I walk it’s different. The incredible sights, and colors, and plants. This afternoon we saw a little red fox cross the road. This evening there was a porcupine, or something like it near our front door.

We are so blessed. I can’t say anything else!

I Gotta Add One More

I’m sorry, but this one allows you to laugh at me.

You see, I understood A LOT LESS than I made it sound like I did. A LOT LESS!!!

Ohhhhh, me.

B-n-B Time

Naida and I “accidently” found a BnB that is a 14th century convent. While the surroundings are incredible, and the breakfast is always brilliant, the dinners made by Claudio are the real star, and, frankly, the reason Naida and I spend the night at a B-n-B only 17 miles from our home.

Antonio runs the place, Claudio “chefs” and we are grateful.

Did I tell you we don’t order dinner. No! Claudio makes “what’ere he wants.”

“Incredibile!”

A Few Photos Tell The Story of Febbraio

Il Tetto

Il Tetto (the roof) was project number one in our home.

Enlarge Photo

Alotta Work

These guys worked so hard. Carrying everything by hand, including the coffee we GLADLY supplied 3 times per day.

Enlarge Photo

Their Attention to Detail

Naida and I realized early that these are not “general contractors” — They are artisans.

Enlarge Photo

Transportation

Getting around in Italy is very easy and inexpensive, but if you expect drivers to respect your space, “DON’T”!

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11 Minutes!

That’s all it took, 11 minutes, for the valley to go from, “No fog” to “Fog-filled.”

“Incredibile”

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Our Online Tutor

Isabella went to school to learn to teach foreigners. She STILL takes lessons, herself, to learn English.

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Carnivale

But this “Carnivale” was family oriented. It was a brilliant celebration.

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Friends

We are so grateful for the various friends we have met. From ex-pats to locals we are a part of a completely unique community.

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Another Project

Soon we’ll start on this HUGE room, a new “soggiorno” for us (I think).

Enlarge Photo

January Review 2026

January Review 2026

by | Jan 31, 2026 | 2026, Italy

January 2026

Remember that Naida and I have a YouTube channel you might find interesting

Our YouTube Channel

January Brought . . .

  • Friends, new friends & renewed friendships.

  • Food, oh my, food. Naida says she’s never eaten more cheese or pasta (not to mention her favorite pizza, made with truffles).

  • Roof repair, at least the beginning.

  • And ITALIAN LEARNING! Tutto i Giorni (every day), in class with others, over the internet with our live tutor, and in the Piazza, with Ivana and Romano.

Christmas till January 6.

That’s right, Christmas is celebrated here until January 6th. Needless to say, we had a number of events we could go to, even after December 25th.

Clockwise, beginning with the detailed Nativity scene is very typical here. I can’t imagine how long it takes to put one of these together.

Next is a huge Christmas tree in old-town L’Aquila. We spent the night there due to an early morning meeting to get one of our documents, and we didn’t want to deal with snow and ice. We found a great Bed and Breakfast in the heart of “L’Aquila Centro” which suited our needs well.

The service we attended was a “post-Christmas” musical which was very Evangelical in the choices of music.

Finally, I thought Naida was stunning in her suit she wore to the New Years Eve party and since we didn’t leave until after midnight, I decided that photo qualified for 2026 photos.

Friends, NOT the TV Program.

Friends are a HUGE part of our life. Amazingly, in the USA we barely knew our neighbors. Here? We are constantly meeting new ones and getting reacquainted with old ones. Pier (yes, that’s the proper spelling) who I’m hugging took us to dinner one evening, his wife was there, and she ordered. AMAZING! She ordered things we had no idea were on the menu.

Mark’s Hair-Care!

Our Italian Learning!

Mark’s Tooth!

January forced us to deal with some issues we had put off in every other trip to Capestrano. But we were here permanently now, so I needed a “Parrucchiera” in my own village. Alessandra has been an answer to my “hair-prayers” (not that I pray about that sort of thing, of course).

Our “Comune” payed for and set up a series of Italian lessons for “Straniere” to learn the local language (local dialects not withstanding).

And then there’s the issue of a dentist, when you need it. He’s a GREAT DENTIST and I couldn’t be more pleased, but drilling into my tooth without novocaine was, well, interesting. I’m lying, IT WAS SCARY!

Snow? Not Here, Baby!

One of the things we love about Capestrano is that we get to see the snow, OUT YONDER. It is beautiful, and tops the mountains in our valley, on the OTHER-SIDE of our valley.

Until, that is, a few days this year.

Naida and I were “kind-of” okay with it, but my Aloe Vera plants are still grumpy at me.

Food? It’s How We do Life Here.

I’m serious! When you’re at a restaurant, you own the table, all night! It’s amazing. The waiters are not kicking you out to prepare for the next sitting. I can’t tell you how often we do 3-4 hour dinners and 2-3 hour lunches.

And, regarding the food we put into our bodies, OUR BODIES notice the difference the moment we start to eat it. When we returned to the USA, after being in Italy for two months, our bodies wanted to rebel at the food.

And then when you find something you like, you keep ordering it. At this particular restaurant Naida has found a Sausage and Truffle Pizza which is incredible.

I wish I knew what she was smiling at, but doesn’t she look like she’s just eaten half the pizza all by herself?

Vaca in Abruzzo!

Our “Region” is known for its outdoor activities. Italians love to vaca in Abruzzo. Our little valley is known by two names; “Valle del Tirino” & “Valle Tritana” for the three mountain springs which feed the “Fiumi Tirino” (Tirino River).

Naida and I try to walk every day. We have found some brilliant trails, paved and not, where we can walk for hours.

Incredibile! (that’s the Italian word, not a misspelling of the English)

Are We Having Fun Yet?

YOU never have to ask that here. Believe me, WE NEVER have to ask that here. The move hasn’t been easy, but we are much more comfortable than we were the first year.

We walk everywhere. We try to never take the car up to the piazza. We have a brilliant little outdoor market every Friday, our own mini supermarket, a doctor, pharmacy, post office . . . all the comforts of home.

Oh, hey! It is our home, at least the home in the upper left corner. The home in the lower left corner is a former restaurant right on the river. It looks like it is being renovated. We’ll see. The river actually runs under the edge of the building. One of the videos below shows you this building and the SUPER CLEAR Fiumi Tirino.

All the Comforts of Home.

Naida is actually carrying down the hill the “separated-out garbage” which was not taken by the garbage men on that day . . . we had put out the wrong bags for the day.

Naida has done A PHENOMENAL JOB making our new house a home. Using ideas like, mirrored armoire’s to give the room more depth. And glass shower doors which open around the sink without hitting the sink.

And the coup de gras? Her hair. I feel sorry for her. My hair is pretty oily but hers is pretty dry and the water here has challenged it. But she is getting the better of it, trying various remedies, and talking to the older women who have lived here for a long time. Even I’ve gotten involved making a “Jojoba oil & Rosemary Concoction” which I’ll try to convince her to use.

They Started on Our Tetto (our roof)!

YIPPEE!

I don’t need to say anymore than that. That one word says it all! Believe me.

But I will say this, Santo and Sebastiano, a father and son team are brilliant! I have loved watching Santo look at a problem, and then he thinks thru the solution. You can see the wheels turning over in his head.

We are very, very grateful for them. Next month I’ll have more photos of where they’re working right now. At the beginning of April they’ll get started on our “Parcheggio” (parking area).

Did I tell you how much Naida and I appreciate them?

I’m Sorry for These Photos.

I am. I’m sorry. I got greedy!

There are so many good, no, GREAT photos of our valley from our place, I just wanted to give you a taste of them.

Depending upon the weather, sometimes 10 minutes is all it takes to fill the valley with fog and then reveal the beauty.

What can I say?

È magnifico!

 

 

Our Biggest Need???

Naida and I Covet Your Prayers. Please Don’t Stop.

Our Posts

CHECK OUT OUR TWO SHORT VIDEOS BELOW. 

The first one is January 7th in L’Aquila and the snow.

The second one was January 31st, taken as Naida and I walked down the hill from our home.