Whiff Here's some replies to your many encouraging comments and queries. Re the inevitable arthritis at around age eighty, three years ago was on two crutches for a while after a fall stimulated the arthritis in my left hip. This was the second bout. However, it has disappeared totally once more and I wonder if this is due to taking 1gr daily of pure cod liver oil periodically. This oil is supposed to lubricate the joints. I also think the daily peddling on my indoor bike helps. Am dreading falling over another time and so a very careful.
The hairy skin on kiwis (well-washed of course) gives excellent gentle roughage for the rectum. My brother, who suffers from rectal bleeding after laser therapy, swears by same. Cut the kiwi into small chunks and eat with a toothpick. This ensures you chew well.
I live thirty kilometres due north of Rome. This is agricultural, olive-growing countryside. The olive oil not of the quality of Tuscan or Pugliese oil but I buy it at kilometre zero and even know the man who produces it. So good enough for me. Most of my veg and some fruit also local.
Alas, no rural walking around here. We are infested with wild boar and vipers in the spring. One can also get the odd wild dog.
I love cake making but nobody wants to eat my cakes. Italians seem to be very careful about their calory intake. Even my grandchildren have been brought up to avoid most sweet things and never touch fizzy drinks. Are not even allowed fruit juices as over-sugared. I make the odd fruit crumble from scratch, which my husband and relations all enjoy.
I finally lost around half a pound this week!
