#this week I'm going to make limoncello.

[thememecrown]

What happened is quite funny lmao

I'm currently on the train back to my homeland, for this whole week... I didn't bring my computer with me because i already know I won't be able to do anything lol

I'm going to spend this week eating and also drinking exorbitant amounts of limoncello while playing cards with my uncles.

I'm back in business on November 6th folks, so I'm taking this week off. !!!

I had also forgotten that I had to leave, but I already know how to make up for it....

Baby nie mingjue is coming 🌚

[theoriginalmarke]

SATURDAY SALUTATIONS

“Do you know what I love most about baseball? The pine tar, the resin, the grass, the dirt. And that’s just in the hot dogs.” – David Letterman

I joined an Illinois camping group on Facebook this week. I introduced myself, mentioned that I'm moving from California, and asked if there were any campgrounds open in the winter for hammock camping.

SMH. "But it gets cold here!" "This isn't California!" Gasp. What a surprise. Like this Hoosier actually thought January on the Great Lakes was going to be 70 degrees and sunny.

Do Transformers get car insurance or life insurance?

With proper equipment hammock camping in winter is awesome. There's nothing cozier than being bundled up in your hammock with a down underquilt and down top quilt.

There's going to be a Frozen Butt Hang (group camping) in Wisconsin in January. You have to hike 1.5 miles through the snow just to get to the site. I think I'll skip that one.

“Life is like a box of chocolates. It doesn’t last long if you’re fat.” – Joe Lycett

I'm waiting to hear from the transporter about picking up the bikes. Got a really good price, about the same as renting a U-haul motorcycle trailer.

I've made a checklist to make sure I remember things like Change of Address and such. Google Keep is awesome, BTW. I use it for a lot of things like checklists, notes, and more.

I'm going to have to start making hotel reservations for the drive soon. At least I already know how far I can get each day after June's trip.

“Here’s a picture of me with REM. That’s me in the corner.” – Milton Jones

Another FB group post I made was in a Trader Joe's group. I shared my idea for adding Limoncello to TJ's cold brew tea. It's kinda gone viral, apparently I created a thing. It goes great with sweet tea too BTW.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go roll my eyes at Illinois people's FB responses.

I love you, baby. Even if you are from Illinois. *wink*

Y'all have a great weekend.

[flownintothesun]

𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐊 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐘 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐒𝐄 who wished Westley and Marin a happy birthday. Today has been a bit of a rough day, and those well wishes made it a bit better, so thank you dearly, I appreciate you. ♡

 ⋆ ✰ ⋆ ───    Thank you to @batteredoptimist for being my best friend, partner in so much not-crime, my co-author and my sounding board. Thank you for loving these hellions like they're your own. They absolutely love you right back. Thank you for indulging in my ideas, for the love, for bringing our worlds and characters to life through our discussions, through our writing and through your gorgeous art... and for asking about my sailor boy all that time ago. Of all of the things I am grateful to Westley for, I think my favorite is that he brought us closely together. That means a lot to me, and so do you. You should always, always know that.

 ⋆ ✰ ⋆ ───    Thank you to @dutyworn and @wehavefoundthestars for sending asks today. Those made me feel very warm and fuzzy and cared about. Thank you both for showing interest in Westley and Marin both and helping me grow in their development and put them in different situations. Thank you for believing in my writing enough to give original characters a chance when I come from big canon blogs.

 ⋆ ✰ ⋆ ───    Thank you to @unfinishedbusincss for wishing them an early birthday last week because I broke out the limoncello (oops!). Thank you for coming back to Tumblr and being here. Thank you for giving me every single reason in the world to poke at Marin's siren lore and explore her in new ways (and for allowing Westley to torture Izzy and Ed, although admittedly I think Westley's the one being tortured right now and he kinda likes it.) Thank you for trusting me with your Anne. I hope to do these two badass ladies so much justice, and I can't wait to meet more of your muses as they make their way into the world of Tumblr.

 ⋆ ✰ ⋆ ───    Thank you to @imprvdente for sending a sweet birthday message and for always having AMAZING ideas for me to mull over and think about. It's because of things like that I get excited and see so much potential in all of my muses. Because you see the potential in them too. I'm really glad we met. I really admire your writing and am glad you gave my crew a chance and that you're as excited to explore the depths of their connections as I am. I am seriously so unbelievably excited to explore the worlds we're creating. Also, your message really meant a lot to me today, thank you.

 ⋆ ✰ ⋆ ───    Thank you to those of you who liked my birthday post for them: @ofburningsouls ; @sacrivoiced ; @spynorth & @sylkshe in addition to the other lovely people I just mentioned. Don't ever think that being kind and hitting the heart doesn't make a difference, it absolutely does. Thank you for your care.

 ⋆ ✰ ⋆ ───    Thank you to Westley and Marin's writing partners. I'm not going to tag all of you because I don't want to accidentally forget anyone. Thank you to every single person who has encouraged me to grow as a writer and a person. Thank you also for those who are making eyes emojis at Westley and Marin and haven't reached out yet. I am so grateful to all of you, and appreciate the hell out of you being here.

[arthoure]

Some Things I Noticed in Naples

It makes sense that my family is from here

It smells like stale smoke, church incense, sometimes piss, sometimes a breeze from the sea, sweet and clear

Little shrines to Maria in the walls, on the corners, sometimes shadowed, sometimes lit with blue neon

The streets are full of cigarette butts, trash bins, confetti

Whole city still draped in plastic streamers, blue and white, from winning the scudetto weeks ago. They outnumber the laundry lines. They cover the churches

Old men in fold-out chairs chat on the street corners

Limoncello in an iced glass, frosty against wet July heat

SANTO DIEGO here, there, haloed in gold foil on a virgin-blue field. Veneration at the Iglesia Maradoniana, all parishioners with nothing, from nowhere

"Why would you go back," Granddad said over the phone as I packed, dark laughter in what's left of his voice. "We worked so hard to leave."

Playing chicken with cars to cross the street -- any street. Learn fast or get nowhere. Learn fast or die. But everyone learns. The trick is to be aware, but not to look. Don't hesitate, but don't hurry

Why be afraid of the bricks my ancestors laid before starving? I remember the scrape of Granddad's trowel when I came over after school, the neat slap of the mortar, a tiered garden for tomatoes along the side of the house, letting me draw my initials with my finger, concrete dust and no mask, throat cancer. My hands are big too after all these years, wide palms, long fingers, but so soft. We all end someday. There are bones on display in Pompeii. The Herculaneum stonemasons came from Pozzuoli. Guess who else came from Pozzuoli. Guess who didn't

Seafood shops open in the mornings. Plastic bins of water filled with little clams, sardines. A line of customers outside, stretching just as far out the door as the fresh-sea smell

"You want to know what to do in Napoli?" Granddad said, mouth heavy with his shrug. "I don't know what to say. Go to Capri." It escaped in Italian, he corrected immediately: "CapREE. And when you're in Naples, watch out for thieves."

2.50€ CAMPARI SPRITZ TO GO

The server at the restaurant shows the customer a big silver fish on a plate. The customer inspects it, mouth tight and tough, nods approval

Preteen girls in dark pink lipstick roar past on black motorcycles. Do they even have a license. Wherever their parents are, I hope they never catch up

Fancy café selling fresh-squeezed lemon juice by Castel Sant'elmo. The young man working there blasts dance music, singing along at the top of his lungs. Out the window you can see Vesuvius. His boss comes in and he sings louder

From the top of the castle, Naples sprawls, red-roofed and baking, breathless with heat by the sea. A hermitage hovers on a green hill to the northwest. Wish that were me

I write Granddad an email: So many people worked so hard for so many years, and now I can do something like this. I'm very grateful. He writes back in the language he refused to teach me: VEDI NAPOLI E POI MUORI

Ditalini with peas. Pasta e piselli -- is that what it's called? Is that what it's always been called?

"You look like you belong here," my husband says over fried squid, surprising me. "I mean, a lot of the women here look like you, and vice-versa. The big eyes."

Granitarias turning, colors so bright you can almost taste them. Blueberry, cantaloupe, lemon, mint

Train doors screaming before they close, no AC, windows open, wind blasting, wheels rattling

A little girl shouts "CIAO!" to the train car and waves goodbye before she takes her mother's hand. We all wave back

[cllnsllvn]

Happy birthday to me! I took the day off of work Friday to give myself a long weekend. Before I started working, I used to go to a weekly coffee with a wonderful group of women, but I don't have the opportunity anymore now that I'm working that M-F 9-5 grind. So, this lovely Friday morning, I headed off to Dune in New Brighton for some lovely breakfast and coffee. I have some amazing friends back home who kindly sent me a few little treats, and they were able to give me a great day!

Once breakfast was over, I decided to go to the hot pools, which was only about 2 minutes away. It was a bit of a crappy weather day - the day started by raining sideways with high winds, but I kept an eye on it, and, when there was only one ticket left in the time slot I wanted, booked in real quick to make sure I didn't miss out!

It was still a bit miserable when I got there (as you can tell), but it was so nice to sit and relax in the hot pools. The rain let up and the blue sky peeked out after all!

After that, I went to grab myself a few cupcakes (salted caramel macaron and lemon meringue) and got ready for dinner.

I went out for dinner at a place called Bar Franco with Lauren and Heather. We had a nice meal that ended with some limoncello, before heading back home for a few more drinks.

All in all it was a great day!

Saturday, I took the day to rest and relax. I caught up with the Meg(h)ans, Erin, and Katie Cooney for a while, including a slide by slide review of the PowerPoint they put together from their visit to me. Afterwards, I went for a nice walk and had a chill day, ending with watching the JLo/Owen Wilson film "Marry Me."

Sunday, I joined the group I usually walk with for a great walk around Hagley Park with a lovely coffee break. After, I caught up with Erin (not the same one as Saturday) before getting ready to head into the week. Felt very loved this weekend with all the birthday well wishes!

[spaceytingz]

1, 13, 23, 48, 58, 59, 79, 83, 85, 100.

hi bestie, thanks for the ask!

1 . What's your biggest insecurity?

That I might be too much for people. Like, everyone is so low energy, so apathetic, so laser focused on what they already know and their comfort zone that I feel like any connection I might want from a person might overwhelm them. also other things but we are NOT getting into them today.

13. Tell a secret

I ratted out my best friend for using drugs to her mom cause she ratted me out for something small (and changed the facts to make me look bad) cause she was being spiteful and we were arguing before that. She still doesn't know, I manipulated literally everyone involved to mask my interference. In a sense I actually did the right thing considering her life was going extremely downhill cause of addiction and technically if I were a truly good friend I should have ratted her out earlier. Sadly, her mom learning about it didn't make her stop and she's been rolling downhill for a while.

23 . Do you believe in an afterlife?

Not really, I think the traditional idea of an afterlife is stupid. I think if I die, my "soul" would just merge with the universe. Maybe another way of existing, who knows. However, I'm also a fan of the theory that everyone's afterlife depends on their belief.

48. Are you afraid of death?

Inconclusive. To me, death is an exceedingly boring concept, second only to decay. If I were to die in ten seconds, I don't think I would care, simply cause I can't panic much in ten seconds. If I knew I'd die in a week I'd be mad as fuck. Honesly, if I knew I'd die anytime I'd be mad as fuck. I'm not afraid of death, I'm angry at its inevitability.

58. What's the most terrifying thing that has ever happened to you?

Honestly, I don't dwell on the bad parts of my past, so I really can't remember anything I'd define as terrifying. Like sure, there's been some times I almost got ran over by a car, the time my legs got stuck in mud and couldn't get out, that one random party where a psychopath was threatening to pull a knife on everyone but like.... i didn't get run over, my dad pulled me out of the mud and the psychopath got handled and even if he didn't i could have beaten his ass with a chair so................ honestly the only form of terror i feel is when I'm faced with the possibility of things not turning out in the best way possible.

59. What's the happiest day of your life you've ever had?

I think that's a question no one but married couples or people with children can genuinely answer cause.... I'm having a lot of fun most days, but I don't think I've had one day that's sooo much better than the others. I'll take the safe answer and say one of the days in september while I was in Italy and having fun and drinking limoncello every day.

79. What's your most prized possession?

I don't....really have any valuables. Love my laptop but it can be replaced. Love my books but I wouldn't die to save them from a fire. Love my childhood plushies but I don't play with them anymore.... Frankly I'm a bit of a hoarder so I don't think I can pick one of my many beloved things.

83. Do you like it when people guess how you're feeling?

Not really, I don't really like when people assume I'm feeling some way and I hate it when they're correct cause......what do you mean i'm not like super mysterious and baffling.....how dare you assume you can read me

85. What kind of interview questions do you answer to yourself?

When I'm pretending I'm getting interviewed on TV, I love answering questions about my personality. Like.... maybe a bit of a shock factor for the audience, just.... maybe it's a fantasy that me just being #real and funny would be enough to entertain the audience.

100. Are you okay?

Yup! You know, there might be some things to work out, but as I've said before, I think I'm the only truly happy person I know.

[umichenginabroad]

Sorrento Week 3: Olive Oil, Gelato, and Pasta, oh my!

Ciao!

This week I visited an olive oil farm, did a gelato making class, and got to tour a pasta factory as part of either CIS Abroad or the Sant'Anna Institute! It was cool to learn more about these Italian staples and how they're actually produced.

On Monday, I got to tour Frantoio Gargiulo, a local olive oil producer, as one of the cultural activities planned by CIS Abroad. This involved us walking to a Piazza where we waited for our van transfers to the farm. One of the vans was 30 minutes late which, while stressful for us, is pretty typical of Italian transportation but we all got to the olive oil farm eventually. At the farm, we were shown some of the olive trees and the old olive oil press before getting shown the new equipment. After learning how olive oil was made, we got to try some ourselves along with a sample of limoncello. I couldn't believe how many olive oils, balsamic, and other things they had for us to try! My favorites were the rosemary infused olive oil and the truffle balsamic vinegar. I ended up buying some olive oil there as it was cheaper (and higher quality) than at the store.

The olive trees (left), the variety of olive oils we got to try (center), and the amazing views from the building's terrace (right)

After class on Tuesday, I went to a gelato making class as part of CIS Abroad at Gelateria David (a local gelato place). After meeting at the restaurant, we went into the kitchen where Mario David (the owner) explained to us the differences between gelato and ice cream as well as how to actually make gelato at home. We then got to help weigh out the ingredients to make a lemon gelato and taste it after we were done. Afterwards we got cute certificates as well as a cup or cone with up to two flavors of gelato (I got mixed berry and Nutella). It was so cool to get to learn actually make gelato and understand how (and why) it's different from ice cream from someone who is clearly very passionate about his work and his family business. Not to mention that I can't complain about free gelato.

The ingredients to make gelato along with the finished product (left) and the cute certificate as well as the gelato I got after the class (right)

On Wednesday, I had a field trip to Pastificio Ducato D'Amalfi Gragnano which is a pasta factory about 45 minutes from Sorrento as part of my History of Italian Food and Culture. After boarding a tour bus, we drove to the pasta factory where we met our professor. At the factory, we split into two groups and got to learn about the modern pasta making process as well as do a VR experience explaining how pasta was made historically. After the tour, we got a lunch consisting of three different pasta dishes which were a marinara, zucchini, and a cheese sauce. As someone who eats pasta on almost a daily basis here, it was cool to learn about how pasta is actually produced, how its production has changed over time, and how modern machinery and historical methods live in harmony at this pasta factory. I also can't complain about free food and it was truly some of the best pasta I've had in Italy.

The actual pasta making equipment (left and center) and the marinara pasta we got to try which was my favorite pasta dish (right)

Overall, this was a very food filled week and I got to learn so much about the processes involved in making these Italian staples. I'm looking forward to going to Ischia on a day trip this week as well as a farm tour for my History of Italian Food and Culture class and going to Rome this weekend. I just have to get through the first physics exam (eek!) and the second food and culture exam.

Until next time, arrivederci!

Reganne Watts

Aerospace Engineering

Engineering in Sorrento, Italy

[someotherdog]

selena was definitely a better roommate than her mother, big barb. the apartment was kept relatively clean, selena didn't make a ton of noise most nights, and there weren't loan sharks and debt collectors beating down the door every few weeks. in comparison, selena was a model roommate, so barbie could forgive unwashed dishes or hair in the shower. she could even forgive the wolf that selena brought home—figuratively, since she apparently didn't have bill dozing in her bedroom. “alright, miss mysterious.” barbie giggled good-naturedly as her roommate walked further into the kitchen.

despite her disapproval of bill, she tried to keep her tone light and airy whenever she brought up selena's kinda-sorta boyfriend. certainly, barbie was in no position to judge her. her own relationship with daniel was practically legendary around encantadora, and when compared, daniel didn't really measure up to bill. not in the money department, anyway. or the personality department, since in the few times she went to a club with selena and bill, he talked her ear off; she had to begrudgingly admit that she did have a good time with them (until they started making out in front of her and she had to fake a stomachache just to get away from their pda). if it weren't for the wolf tattoo on his neck, she might've thought bill was just some car salesmen or some other sleazy job that required him to be unctuous. well, selena apparently liked dangerous men, and barbie liked ne'er-do-wells.

besides, if there was any reason to dislike bill, it was the fact he was a lobo. technically, barbie's loyalties lay with the cucuys—her late father had been a member long ago, and while she hadn't actively had anything to do with the club in a long time, the city of encantadora had been split in two for years: either you sided with the gang, or the mc. because of her familial ties, barbie sided with the cucuys by default, but she personally thought they could both get fucked. the lobos were easy to spot anyway. not just the wolf tattoos they all had, but their attitudes. there was a gravitas the cucuys possessed that the lobos didn't. up against the mc, the lobos all looked like little boys playing gangster. maybe it was because to barbie, all the cucuys she knew were old men now. bill was no spring chicken as far as she knew, but he, like all the lobos, ran wild around town like the lost boys of neverland.

barbie didn't judge selena (much), but she was jealous of her. they didn't know each other very well, but something about selena seemed so carefree. like she never had a worry in her life. maybe it was because she was from vegas or something, and in barbie's mind, las vegas was a nonstop party city. maybe she was just envious that selena could basically do what she wanted and barbie had only ever known responsibility. she no longer lived in her mother's house, but whenever big barb got too drunk at scavengers too, the surly bartender always called little barb to come collect her. which, unfortunately, was a weekly thing. in fact, barbie would normally be in bed already, but she knew it was inevitable she'd be woken up at one in the morning to go get her mom. there wasn't any point in officially going to bed yet.

“just catching up on a few things so i won't have to do them tomorrow.” closing out of her email tab, her eyes followed selena as she walked to the fridge and pulled out one of barbie's limoncello lacroix cans. “sure, go ahead!” barbie granted permission with a sweet smile, but there was a part of her that was a little annoyed by it. if there was a flaw in living with selena, it was that she seemed to run out of her own food often. but again, small annoyances. better that than having her mother accuse her of witchcraft or beg her to drive her to the liquor store at six in the morning. “hmm... tough choice. i mean i'm never not down for a bit of vanderpump rules, but you're right, we're not getting any younger. i'll let you decide. if you say stay, we stay. if you say let's go out, just give me, like, an hour to get ready.” it had been a long time since she hooked up with someone who wasn't daniel anyway. maybe she'd get lucky tonight and forget all about her ex-boyfriend.

"oooh, hmmm, maybe we don't worry about who is or isn't in my room right now." selena joked, hoping barbie knew she wouldn't just invite some rando to sleepover without at least a warning. first of all, it was shitty and, second, barbie did not seem like the type to tolerate her messier qualities. so, no, there wasn't anyone in her room at the moment, but that was because the one-night-stands were mostly an away game situation.

at least her roommate wasn't too judgey. or, at least, she didn't feel like she had the moral high ground to be because of dan. if not for the veterinary job, selena would've called him a feckless loser, but hard to call someone who saved cats and dogs the same thing she called the guy who cut her off coming out of the taco bell drive thru. bill on the other hand, was a tornado and, probably, a terrible house guest. only, she tended to spend time with him solely when she was good and tipsy. still, she snapchatted him a lot. even sober, she still had terrible judgement.

"working late?" she asked, crossing the room to look through the fridge. nothing that good. mostly food that wasn't hers. she frowned and held up a bubbly water. "can i have this?" it was her turn to hit the costco anyways. "want to cash in on our youth and good looks and see what the night holds for us or maybe just watch the latest vanderpump rules?"

[notbecauseofvictories]

what if I tried making limoncello. do you think that would make me calm down.

[msmercury84]

The Feast of the Seven Fishes in Aldebourne

*Author's Note: Bill Guarnere frequently made anonymous donations to charities. He favored anything concerning children and American veterans.*

Bill and Leigh knew that going home for Christmas was impossible since they were stationed in the United Kingdom. Spencer had been writing regularly to Augusta Guarnere. Since V Mail took one month to deliver, Leigh began requesting some of Mrs. Guarnere's recipes for the Feast of the Seven Fishes in October, 1943.

She had told Augusta in a letter that she needed cooking tips, saying,

"I'm not foolish enough to think that I can replicate that delicious feast you prepared the first time I visited. If it isn't too much of an imposition, would you please suggest what I could prepare? More than anything, I want Bill to have a wonderful Christmas Eve meal that would remind him of home."

Mrs. Guarnere was very pleased that Leigh wanted to put so much effort into giving her son the traditional feast. She wrote,

"Sweetie, I'm glad to help any way that I can. I wish you and Billy could be here. Leigh, I couldn't have picked a better girl for my son. You're devoted to him and I know that you love him as much as he loves you. I hope we can celebrate Christmas with you and Billy next year."

Augusta sent recipes for the Fish Baccala soup, Oysters in a Polenta Crust, Fried Oysters, Linguine and Clams, Grilled Sea Bass, Fried Cod and Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta. She also included the recipe for Limoncello. Leigh started making the potent lemon infused vodka aperitif in October.

Spencer made both types of pasta well in advance, since the pasta was dry and could be stored in containers. Bill showed her how to make homemade pasta shortly after they had arrived in the village.

Aldebourne got a fair amount of snow in December. Melissa and Leigh decided to get a freshly cut Christmas Tree a week before Christmas. They used ornaments from their families' homes, most of them had a great sentimental value to both Adams and Spencer.

They enjoyed listening to Christmas music on the radio as Christmas Eve drew closer. Both women were pleasantly surprised when Bill and Bull insisted upon attending a Christmas program put on at the village's church by the local children.

The women weren't aware that Guarnere and Randleman got their fellow paratroopers to donate money for the children's gifts. The community of farmers made enough money to survive, but the extra funds weren't available for Christmas presents.

Had the war not been happening, the majority of the local men would have been tending to their gardens, farms and livestock and making more money. It was difficult for the women to raise their children as temporarily single parents. They couldn't tend the farm, the farm animals and work in the fields or the large gardens since they had their hands full of domestic duties.

Bill and Bull met with the pastor of the church and donated the money. Neither man wanted to be formally recognized for their donation. Their primary concern was that the children would have a happy Christmas.

The pastor convinced Bull to take part in the Christmas progam. He was playing the role of the British version of Santa Clause, Father Christmas. Randleman looked forward to handing out the gifts to the children. Melissa and Leigh knew about Bull being in the program. They both thought that he was sweet to take on the role of the beloved Christmas icon.

Leigh overheard the pastor thanking Bill for spearheading the idea of getting donations for the children's gifts. Guarnere said,

"Sir, seein' the smiles on those kids' faces is all the thanks I need. Bull deserves credit for gettin' the money, too." As Bill, Leigh, Bull and Melissa walked back to the house, Leigh told Bill,

"Honey, what you and Bull did for those kids was wonderful and thoughtful. I couldn't help but hear you speaking with the pastor.Bill, I love you even more after learning about what you did. You have a heart of gold." Guarnere smiled, replying,

"Thanks, Baby. I didn't do nothin' special. Bull an' I thought that the kids should have somethin' under the tree for Christmas."

Melissa had been telling Randleman how she was happy that he played Father Christmas. She overheard Leigh and Adams immediately gave Bull a passionate kiss. She was very proud of his helping the children.

Spencer was becoming anxious as Christmas drew closer. She was waiting for a package from her parents. Leigh sent money to her father, asking him to buy a carton of Bill's favorite brand of cigarettes, Pall Mall. This brand was very hard to find in the United Kingdom and Spencer knew that the carton would be a surprise for Guarnere.

The following day, the package finally arrived. Leigh wrapped it and stashed the gift under her bed. She found a nice card to go with it. The outside of the card read, "Happy Christmas to My Love." Spencer wrote inside it,

"Bill, I'm happy to celebrate another Christmas with you. When I count my blessings, I count you first. I love you, Honey.

Leigh"

Guarnere made a secret trip to London on the train to buy Spencer's Christmas gift. Bill searched several jewelry stores until he finally located the gift he had in mind for Leigh.

He saw a sterling silver bracelet with delicate butterflies and flowers carved into the rectangular panels. Bill had been searching for a silver bracelet to compliment the angel necklace she constantly wore.

The jeweler had the box gift wrapped in shiny silver paper and topped with a red bow. Guarnere thanked the jeweler for his help and paid for the gift. He found a Christmas card with a beautiful drawing of an angel on the front of the card. It had the message,

"Happy Christmas to My Angel." Bill wrote,

"Baby, you have my heart for eternity. I hope we have many Christmas celebrations together. I love you to the moon and back.

All My Love,

Bill"

He couldn't wait to give the bracelet to Spencer. Guarnere seriously considered giving her his grandmother's engagement ring, but he wanted to wait until the war was nearly over and the time was right.

Two days before Christmas Eve, Leigh made a morning trip to London with Colonel Sink's permission. She purchased all of the seafood and the items to make the polenta crust, plus three bottles of white wine.

Spencer had the seafood packed in ice. It went into a metal container with a lid. Once she arrived at the house, Leigh began to prepare the food, since it would take a couple of days to get ready. She followed Augusta Guarnere's instructions and recipes to the letter.

The next day after work, she saw Frank Perconte. They exchanged small talk and he mentioned that he hated to miss the traditional Christmas Eve feast.

She invited him to the house for the Feast of the Seven Fishes supper. Leigh made him promise not to tell Bill. She told him,

"I'm also making pizzelles and I've made Limoncello. Bill's mother gave me her recipes. She's a fabulous cook." Frank thanked her, saying,

"This would've been my first Christmas not eating the feast my mom prepares. Thanks, Leigh."

Melissa and Bull accepted an invitation to have supper with one of the local families. A woman with three children wanted to thank Randleman for helping provide the Christmas gifts for them

The offices at the Army base closed on December 24. Leigh devoted the day to getting everything ready. The local butcher allowed Spencer to store the prepared items in his refrigerated storeroom so Bill wouldn't be tipped off about his surprise.

Finally, everything was ready. Leigh put on her red Wiggle Dress, black open toed pumps and her angel necklace.She wore the red silk and white lace bra and tap panty set Bill gave her for her birthday plus her garter belt, slip and stockings.

Spencer's hair was styled and she wore powder and a hint of blush on her face, along with eyeliner, mascara and eyebrow pencil. She also applied red lipstick that matched her fingernail polish and her dress.

Leigh put a red linen tablecloth and white linen placemats embroidered around the edges with small candy canes on the table.

Spencer set the table and she got out some wine glasses that had belonged to her Grandmother Spencer. The radio was on, and a mixture of Big Band and Christmas music played on the radio station she selected.

Leigh plugged in the lights on the Christmas Tree after ensuring that the tree had adequate water in its stand. She had containers of cookies and homemade candy that she and Melissa made.

Soon, she heard someone knocking at the door. Leigh had told Perconte the usual time Bill arrived at the house, asking him to wait about ten minutes before he walked to the house. She wanted Bill to be surprised and Frank understood.

Leigh opened the door and Bill came in. After he embraced and kissed her, Guarnere said,

"Somethin' smells delicious, Baby!" She told him,

"Bill, this is part of your Christmas present from me. I got your mom's recipes and I made the Feast of the Seven Fishes for you." Guarnere looked surprised as she told him what was on the menu. He said,

"I coulda sworn I smelled Oysters in Polenta, but I thought that I was imaginin' things." He was in awe of the task she had undertaken. Bill told her,

"You went to all o' this trouble so I could still have Christmas Eve Dinner. Sweetheart, I love you so much!

I know how long it takes to make everythin'. What I can't figure out is how ya hid all o' this stuff so I wouldn't see it." Spencer told him about the butcher letting her store the food in his store room.

She told Guarnere,

"Help yourself to any homemade candy or cookies you want. I also made three batches of pizzelles and I even made Limoncello" Bill pulled Spencer closer, giving her a passionate kiss. He said,

"You're an angel, Leigh. Doin' all o' this to make it seem like home. I'm really blessed to have ya for my girl." Guarnere looked at Spencer, telling her,

"Honey, you look beautiful. I love that Wiggle Dress on ya." Leigh replied,

"I'm blessed to have you, too, Bill. I love you, that's why I made the feast. By the way, I'm wearing the red silk and lace set you bought for my birthday. Sometimes I wear it to work. Only you and I know that beneath my uniform, I'm wearing sexy lingerie." Bill grinned, saying,

"You're somethin' else, ya little devil. Now I'll probably get excited any time I see you in your uniform. If I put my hands on your sweet, sexy ass someday when ya get off work, would ya like it, or would I get my ass kicked?" Spencer laughed, telling Bill,

"I love to have your hands on me." He nibbled on her ear, asking,

"Is that so?" She replied,

"You bet your ass it's so. If we didn't have a guest coming over, we could get up to something, so we'd better behave. I hope you don't mind, but I ran into Perconte earlier in the week. He was feeling sad because this was his first Christmas Eve without his family and the feast, so I invited him." Guarnere said,

"I don't mind a bit, Baby. There's plenty o'food to go around. That's sweet of ya to invite him. You're right, we'd better be good for now. Later on tonight, I intend to get up to somethin' wit' ya." She said,

"I'm holding you to that promise. "Would you like some fresh pizzelles?" Guarnere answered,

"I'd enjoy a few before our feast." Leigh went into the kitchen. She put on an apron made of material printed with small poinsettias. Then, she put the cookies on a dish.

She poured fresh coffee into a tall china coffee pot. Next, Spencer put those items, plus napkins and two coffee cups on a tray. She brought the tray into the dining room, placing it on the table. Bill told her,

"Baby, I would've brought that in for ya. It's really like home, wit' the coffee an' the pizzelles. You look adorable in that apron, Sweetheart." Leigh replied,

"Thanks, Bill. Would you like to open your gift now? He replied,

"Baby, the feast is a huge gift. You shouldn't have bought anythin' else. Do you mind if we wait until tomorrow? I don't want to sound ungrateful, it's just that we always opened gifts on Christmas Day." Leigh told him that she understood.

Someone knocked on the door. Spencer answered the door and welcomed Frank into the house.

Guarnere told him,

"It's good to see ya, Buddy." Leigh excused herself to check on the food. Frank and Bill talked for a few minutes. Then Spencer announced that supper was ready. Both men helped carry in the food, putting it on the table.

She poured the white wine into the glasses and asked Bill to say the blessing. After Guarnere finished the prayer, it was the moment of truth for Leigh.

They passed serving dishes back and forth, getting a sample of everything. Spencer waited for Bill and Frank to sample the food. Guarnere tried the oysters first. After he swallowed the food, he told her,

"Sweetheart, that tastes just like Ma's cookin'. " She smiled and felt more relaxed. Leigh began to eat and she was enjoying the food. Perconte told her,

"Leigh, this is great! It makes me feel like I'm at home with my family, eating my mom's cooking." She thanked him, replying,

"The credit goes to Bill's mother. All of the recipes I'm using are hers." Frank told Bill,

"Please thank your mom for sending the recipes. She's a damned good cook! Leigh, you're such a good cook that I would propose to you if you weren't already spoken for." She smiled, replying,

"Thanks, Frank. I appreciate the compliment." As soon as the men emptied their plates, they loaded them up again. Spencer had seconds of a few items. Guarnere told Perconte,

"I told my family about the thing you said about the Army noodles an' ketchup. They loved it. You have a standin' invitation to visit anytime you're in South Philadelphia." Frank thanked Bill, saying,

"Whenever you're in Chicago, you have a standing invitation to visit, Buddy." He asked Bill,

"How did you and Leigh meet?" Guarnere asked,

"Didn't I tell ya about Leigh an' the guy from Dog Company?" Perconte replied,

"No." Bill began his story about how Leigh ran into him. They all laughed as Guarnere told of how Spencer gave the paratrooper in training a swift kick.

Leigh excused herself to get the fresh pizzelles, more fresh coffee and the Limoncello. Bill excused himself to help her in the kitchen. He brought out more coffee and filled the china coffee pot. He went back into the kitchen, returning with a large platter of pizzelles. Guarnere placed the platter on the table.

Meanwhile, Leigh carefully removed a sturdy box from a cabinet and removed three delicate cordial glasses from a set she bought in London. The dainty glasses had images of flowers etched into them.

Spencer poured three servings of Limoncello into the glasses. She found another tray and placed the glasses and the bottle of the homemade aperitif on the tray.

She carried the tray into the dining room, placing it on the table. Leigh gave the men their drinks and then she took her glass after she sat down. Frank sipped the strong drink, remarking,

"This is excellent, it's just like the Limoncello my dad makes." Bill sampled his drink and commented,

"Baby, that's exactly like Ma's. Ya really outdid yourself wit' this feast. Everythin' is perfect!" A brilliant smile appeared on her face when Leigh heard Bill's compliments.

Spencer told both men to be sure to help themselves to more cookies or coffee. Perconte grinned as he took three more pizzelles.

Each person had a little more Limoncello and coffee. They sat at the table talking and laughing. When supper was over and Leigh began to get up to do the dishes, Bill and Frank insisted that they would do the dishes. Guarnere decided to dry the dishes and put them away since he knew where everything belonged.Spencer teased Frank and Bill, saying that she had aprons for them to wear.

While the men worked in the kitchen, Leigh visited the bathroom. After she had finished her business there and washed her hands, Spencer touched up her powder and lipstick.

She went downstairs and took a seat on the couch. The song "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," from the movie "Meet Me In St. Louis", was playing on the radio.

Leigh began to sing along with Judy Garland. She looked out the living room window and noticed a light amount of snow was falling. Spencer got engrossed in the song and some Christmas spirit.

She didn't see Bill and Frank standing behind her. Perconte heard her singing while he worked in the kitchen with Guarnere. He stopped washing the dishes and asked,

"Who's singing on the radio?" Bill listened and he grinned, replying,

"That's Leigh." Frank had never heard her sing before. He left the kitchen to stand at the entrance of the living room. Bill followed him and he looked at Leigh adoringly as she sang. When the song ended, Spencer was startled by the men applauding. Perconte told her,

"You're a very talented singer, Leigh. You sounded better than Judy Garland on that song." Bill replied,

"That was beautiful, Baby. We'll get back to doin' those dishes." She told Guarnere,

"I can help you guys and the work will go much faster with an extra pair of hands." Bill said,

"Nothin' doin', Honey. You worked hard for days to make everythin' an' you deserve to take it easy." Frank agreed, saying,

"It's the least we can do, Leigh. It's thanks to you that I got to enjoy this feast." He and Bill went into the kitchen and they soon finished washing the dishes and getting everything put away.

Perconte and Guarnere enjoyed a cigarette as they talked in the living room. Frank told Leigh how much he had enjoyed the feast, saying,

"I was feeling pretty blue, but then you invited me and I enjoyed Christmas Eve after all." Spencer replied,

"I'm glad you enjoyed everything, Frank. You're more than welcome to come back tomorrow because there are lots of leftovers. I still have a few cans of oysters to cook,too." Perconte thanked Spencer, saying,

"I'll take you up on that if it's OK with Bill." Guarnere assured Frank that he would be glad to see him. Perconte asked Leigh,

"I hope this doesn't sound too rude, but was the pasta homemade?" Spencer told him,

"Yes, the pasta was homemade. Bill taught me how to make it." Perconte replied,

"I thought it tasted homemade. Stuff in a box doesn't taste as good as fresh, homemade pasta." Both Guarnere and Frank returned to the kitchen. After they finished, Leigh thanked them, asking,

"Frank, would you like more coffee or cookies? How about you, Bill?"

Both Perconte and Guarnere said that they couldn't eat or drink anything else. Frank was getting ready to go back to the Army base. He told Leigh,

"You've been a perfect hostess. Thanks again for inviting me." Spencer asked,

"Would you like to take some pizzelles with you? I'll make another batch tomorrow." She found an empty sack from the butcher's shop. Leigh went into the kitchen and got a small box. She came back into the dining room and handed both items to Perconte, telling him,

"Take as many as you want." Frank thanked her and filled the box with the crispy cookies. He said,

"Merry Christmas a few hours early. I'll stop by tomorrow. Your food is much better than whatever they're trying to pass off as Christmas Dinner.

I really enjoyed Christmas Eve with the Guarneres. I mean, I enjoyed dinner with you and Bill." Leigh and Bill wished him an early Merry Christmas and Perconte began his walk back to the house on the Army base that he shared with Malarkey, Muck and Penkala.

Frank's words caused Leigh to smile and daydream for a moment. She thought,

"Christmas with the Guarneres. It could be just like this, with me cooking and getting ready for guests. Bill would ask the blessing..." She was looking out the window as Guarnere came up behind her. He held the cigarette in his left hand and kept that hand away from Leigh so she wouldn't be accidentally burned.

He wrapped his arms around Leigh, kissing her neck. Bill wanted to find out what she thought about them getting married. He asked,

"Did ya hear Perconte sayin' 'Christmas Eve wit' the Guarneres?'" That's a sweet idea, Baby." She replied,

"I agree, Bill. It would be wonderful." Guarnere smiled. He knew that Leigh liked the idea of becoming his wife someday. Bill told her,

"You really were a perfect hostess. Ma couldn't have done a better job." He gently turned Leigh to face him, telling her,

" This is one o' the nicest gifts anybody ever gave me." Spencer said,

" I'm so glad you enjoyed the feast, Honey. While I was looking out of the window, I noticed that the ground is covered with snow. It may sound crazy to you, but I'm going to make a snow angel. Would you like to join me?" Bill chuckled and said,

"That's somethin' I ain't done in a long time. OK, I'll join ya." The wind started to blow and the snow came down faster. Guarnere asked Leigh,

"Baby, are ya sure about goin' outdoors. It looks like we're gettin' a snowstorm." Spencer looked out of the window and replied,

"We'd be better off staying indoors. I need to put some coal in the basement furnace and get more wood for the fire." Bill told her,

"I'll take care of keepin' us warm, Sweetheart. You stay in where it's warm. Besides, you don't want to ruin that hot lookin' Wiggle Dress wit' coal dust." Before Leigh could protest or ask Guarnere to change his mind, he said,

"I don't mind doin' this an' it's the least I can do for the sweet angel who made that feast for me." Spencer thanked him and Bill went upstairs to get his coat an gloves.

Guarnere went outside and brought in a large amount of fire wood. He wiped his feet on the door mat and stomped on the mat to get the snow from his boots. Bill said,

"It's really comin' down out there an' it's gettin' colder, too." He went downstairs, found a shovel and stoked the furnace. After Guarnere returned upstairs, Leigh thanked him for his help. He replied,

"It's my pleasure, Baby. Let me get this coat hung up an take care o' these gloves, then we can snuggle on the couch in front of the fireplace."

While Bill was upstairs, the telephone rang. Leigh answered it and spoke with Melissa. Adams told her about the storm and said that she and Bull were invited to stay at the home of the woman who invited them to supper.

Guarnere walked downstairs and Spencer told him,

"I just finished talking with Melissa. According to the news on the radio, this area could get up to a foot of snow overnight. She and Bull were invited to spend the night with the woman who invited them to supper and they accepted the woman's offer.

Bull was taking care of a furnace and getting wood for the fire, too. The woman's children are happy to have them staying there. Melissa said that he promised to tell the children some stories before they went to bed." Bill smiled, replying,

"The Bull is a big softy, 'specially where kids are concerned. He's a nice guy." Leigh smiled, telling him,

"That sounds exactly like a man I know and love. Both of you guys will be excellent fathers someday." Guarnere hugged Spencer and gave her a tender kiss, replying,

"Thanks, Honey. I'd like to have a family someday. You would be one hell of a good mother." Leigh said,

"Thanks, Bill. I'd like to have a family someday, too. First, I need to learn how to take care of babies. I know where they come from and which end to feed and diaper, but that's it." Guarnere chuckled, telling her,

"That's a good start, Sweetheart. Let me get the Limoncello an' the glasses. I'll be careful wit' 'em, an' you can get all cozy on the couch." Spencer said,

"That sounds like a good idea. I love to snuggle with you. First, let me go upstairs and brush my teeth. There was quite a bit of garlic in our food." While she was upstairs, Bill stubbed out the remainder of the cigarette in an ashtray.

After Leigh got finished brushing her teeth, he decided to brush his teeth, too. Guarnere told her,

"You just relax, Honey, I'll take care of the drinks for us." Bill soon returned and he went into the kitchen. He got a tray out of a cabinet and he carefully got the box with the cordial glasses from the same cabinet.

Next, Bill got two glasses out, putting them on the tray and he got the bottle of Limoncello. He carried the tray to the living room, placing it on the coffee table. Guarnere poured a small amount of the potent alcohol into each glass.

Bill raised his glass, saying,

"To my Baby. Thanks for goin' to all o' that trouble for me. I swear to God that I'll never forget that feast. It was perfect." Leigh sipped the Limoncello. She replied,

"It was no trouble at all, because you're worth it and I love you. I'm glad everything turned out the way it should. Your mom gave me very detailed directions on how to fix everything. It's thanks to her that the feast was a success." Guarnere swallowed some of the liquor and said,

"Ma ain't the only reason it turned out right. You're a damned good cook, Sweetheart. When I think of how long it took for ya to do all o' this by yourself, it's goddamned impressive.

Honey, you did the work of at least two women all by yourself. You need to give yourself credit for doin' somethin' amazin'." Spencer smiled, telling him,

"I don't regret the time I put into cooking everything. It's my way of paying you back for being sweet, kind and considerate. I never thought I'd have a good relationship with a man.

When I got to Camp Toccoa, I resigned myself to the fact that my job would be my life. I had given up on meeting a nice guy. The only man interested in me was that fool from Dog Company.

Actually, it's thanks to him that I met you. He was good for something after all." Leigh laughed, adding, "All I wanted to do after I finished work for the day was to have supper and take a shower. Then, I ran into Sergeant Guarnere." Bill told her,

"Meetin' you is the best thing that ever happened to me. Sweetheart, I'll be right back." Guarnere went upstairs to the bathroom. While he was there, Leigh decided to finish her Limoncello.

Drinking the contents of the glass all at once made the alcohol get into her bloodstream faster. Other than feeling a momentary burning sensation in her throat and making her a little tipsy, Spencer felt fine.

She decided to have just a tiny bit more of the lemon infused vodka. Leigh didn't notice the burning sensation as much as she did before. Spencer felt very warm, so she removed everything but the bra and matching panties. She carefully folded the items of clothing, putting them on the coffee table.

She heard Bill walking down the stairs. He came into the living room and immediately noticed her lack of most of her clothes. Guarnere commented,

"Looks like my sexy little fireball is ready to get up to somethin'" Leigh grinned, saying,

"I'm more than ready for some action." Bill grinned, replying,

"You're the perfect girl for me. That's what I thought when I saw ya give that guy a good, swift kick in the ass. I never told ya this before, but I wanted to put my arm around you right from the start.

'course I didn't do it because I didn't want ya to kick my ass, too. Just like I said before, the first time I saw ya, that was it for me. I didn't want any other girl, just you." Leigh smiled, telling him,

"Actually, I wouldn't have stopped you from putting your arm around me." Bill laughed, saying,

"Now ya tell me! If you would've said somethin' I could've enjoyed bein' close to ya wit'out thinkin' that you would tell me that my boot was untied." Both Guarnere and Spencer laughed. Leigh commented,

"I would have never accepted an invitation to go to dinner with someone I didn't know that well. From the beginning I instinctively knew that I was safe with you.

When you kissed my hand, that was it for me. If I had been standing, my knees would have felt weak. You single handedly destroyed my notion of not wanting to have another relationship. All I could think about was how nice it would be if you kissed me." Bill asked,

"That so? What if I did somethin' like this?" He looked into her eyes and tenderly kissed Leigh's hand. Then, he pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her. Spencer returned his embrace. She closed her eyes as Bill kissed her gently.

He deepened the kiss and Leigh ran her fingers through his hair. They enjoyed the slow, sensual kissing. There was no need to rush and no chance of anyone coming in unexpectedly to interrupt them.

They had the entire night to themselves. All that mattered was sharing and expressing the love they felt for each other. Leigh opened her lips to allow Bill's tongue into her mouth.

She tasted the lemon flavored liquor as she gently sucked on the tip of his tongue. From the moment of their first kiss in her office in Camp Toccoa, it felt so right to her.

Leigh felt herself becoming wet from being kissed. Guarnere held her, and he was in no rush to explore her body. She softly moaned into his mouth as the kissing continued. Bill broke the kiss and he softly asked,

"Am I gettin' my baby worked up?" She replied,

"Oh, hell, yes. Honey, you are so damned good at kissing." Bill had an idea, asking her,

"How 'bout we sleep here tonight? It would be warmer than your room. I don't wanna be a pain in the ass, but I have trouble sleepin' in a cold room. These old houses need heating vents in every room like the houses back in the states." Spencer replied,

"You're not a pain in the ass, Bill. It's fine with me if we sleep down here." Guarnere had noticed the strong taste of the liquor when he kissed Leigh. He told her,

"Baby, it ain't up to me to tell ya what to do, but you might wanna take it easy wit' the Limoncello. It's probably 100 proof, really strong. Now, I need to put coal in the furnace, get more wood on the fire, get the bedding from upstairs an' take care o ' some stuff down here.

Before I get started on that I'm gonna get a glass o' water an' some aspirin for ya. That should keep ya from havin' a hangover." He went back upstairs to get the aspirin and the bedding, carrying everything into the living room.

Bill got a glass of water from the kitchen and gave it to Leigh. She opened the bottle and got out two aspirin tablets. Spencer drank the water and put the glass on a table at the side of the couch. Leigh thanked him for taking care of her.

Guarnere removed the pillows from the back of the couch. This made the couch like a small bed. Spencer helped him get the bedding on the couch.

As Bill went into the basement, Leigh felt as if the room was slightly spinning. She stretched out on the couch, intending to close her eyes for a moment, hoping that would stop the spinning sensation she had.

When Guarnere returned upstairs, he shut off the radio and the lights in the kitchen, dining room and living room. He saw Leigh asleep on the couch. Bill put the wood on the fire, unplugged the lights on the Christmas tree and removed everything but his boxer shorts. Bill gave Spencer a tender kiss as he stretched out beside her.

Guarnere wasn't upset that the lovemaking was put on hold. He decided to wait until morning for the erotic activity. Bill ensured that Leigh was covered by the sheet and blankets.

He gently moved Spencer onto her side and snuggled close, spooning with her. Bill whispered,

"Goodnight, Baby." Guarnere wrapped his arms around her and settled in to sleep.

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[stepfordgoth]

I don't think I mentioned this but I'm attempting to make limoncello

Soak the peels of 10 organic lemons (with as little of the white pith on the peels as possible) in a bottle of high proof vodka (I'm using 90 proof 😳) for one week. After that week, strain out the peels and add 3 cups of simple syrup to the infused vodka. Stir or shake, and let rest for three more weeks. Taste, and if necessary add more simple syrup. If adding more simple syrup let it rest for at least another week before chilling, if not it can go straight in the fridge or freezer and will be ready to drink as soon as it's chilled 🍋