Toes in the Med

So yesterday we borrowed the "June Bug" (the aqua green Fiat Panda) and drove around the hillsides after lunch. We found a 2nd century Roman villa archeological site. The workers let us in the gate and we got to walk around it for a while. There were a few interpretive signs that had English translations. Julia Rose and Stella kept saying, "So they walked right where we are walking?" It was fascinating to think about 2000 years.

Terry brought the map of Italy, and we looked at it for a while trying to decide where we would drive. We ended up getting on the highway and driving the hour to Livorno where we found a public beach. It was cool and breezy, and we waded in the ocean for a while. We got some gelato in the little tourist area there, then headed back to Scandicci. Once we got back into the Florence metro area, somehow we ended up on a toll road, driving by the villa up on the hillside, unable to get off the highway. We just couldn't "get there from here." We finally found an exit and worked our way back to Scandicci and supper at 8 p.m.

We are having a wonderful time! The girls have started attending Mona's Italian class...I haven't yet, and Mona says I will get Alzheimer's. She's sweet that way.

Today we have an onsite Humanities class at the Duomo and then are eating out pizza together tonight. I stay perpetually stuffed, but am losing weight with all the walking. It's great!

Living on Scandicci Time

We've had lots of "firsts" the last few days. First gelato, first cappucino, first bus ride, first sunburn, first blister, first pesto, first pizza (see photo on left for the best pizza ever), first worship with the Florence church, etc. We started classes yesterday afternoon (Sunday). Kind of forgot about that for a few days, but now we are working out a little routine. The girls are enjoying staying up late. I like the cooler weather because we get to sleep with the doors open and the birds wake us up in the morning.

Today, after classes, Terry, the girls, & I drove to the Coop (Italian equivalent of Wal-Mart) to shop around for a while before chapel and lunch. It was so interesting! I loved walking through all the wonderful produce, meat and bread. We have some onsite classes in Florence this week and get to have a class in the Duomo.

ME - Zeus flashed his one tooth when I mentioned your name!

The Engels hit Scandicci...

We are in Florence, tucked away in the villa all safe & sound, with all our luggage, and most of our people. Had a few bumps along the way with students that missed connections, lost a passport, lost a bag. But all is well. We have a 2 bedroom apartment that is just off the dining room. The master bedroom has a private veranda with big doors that swing open onto it. Everything is so nice - I heard a student outside our window finding a new passageway and she said, "This is so cool. It's like living in a castle!" The villa was built in the 16th century and sits in a grove of olive trees. The olive oil used in the kitchen comes from the estate!

We've already had 2 great meals and enjoyed meeting our hosts, Robbie, Mona, & Kyle. The ladies in the kitchen are excellent cooks - Paola & Leda. Julia Rose & Stella are exhausted to say the least. They both slept a little on the way from New York to Pisa, but it wasn't a restful sleep. Last night, showers and an early bedtime helped out. This morning they are their normal selves again. Julia Rose met me at the bedside before 8 am, dressed completely, hat on, camera on her shoulder, Natchez & her journal in her hands. She was READY.

All in all, the travel was difficult physically, but so exciting and fun at the same time. Long flights are definitely different when children are involved. The weather is great - low 70's - and the windows and doors are all flung open. We can hear doves, roosters, and Vespas going around the curves honking. It is beautiful!
Ciao for now!

Micah Rine Pate
1983 - 2009

The Harding family mourns, and our hearts ache over the tragic loss of Micah Rine (‘06) Pate on Thursday, April 30, in Bartlett, Tenn. She is the daughter of Dennis (’78) and Terri Pittman (’82) Rine and the sister of Casey (’01) Rine. Micah’s roots are deep in the Harding family, and she was a joy to everyone who knew her. Dennis is the baseball coach, teacher and guidance counselor at Harding Academy. Terri taught in the family and consumer science department at Harding for many years. Her grandparents are Floyd and Patty Rine, who retired from Camp Tahkodah, and Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Pittman of Proctorville, Ohio. Her aunts and uncles are: Mel (’84) and Lori Pittman (’85) Sansom , John (’98) and Penny Rine (’82) Hitt and Tim (’02) and Becky (’94) Rine. She is also survived by a host of cousins and friends.
Micah was a graduate of Harding Academy and the College of Nursing at Harding University. She was a member of Zeta Rho social club. Always thinking of others, she recently cut her hair for Locks of Love. She was a nurse’s nurse and the best of the best. On Tuesday, she celebrated her 26th birthday.
One of her high school friends, Justin Mueller, told her once that she was so kind that he knew she had a full scholarship to heaven. We believe that is true. When Darren Mathews (’90) drove her truck back to Searcy, he turned on her CD player and wondered what was the last song she heard. It was “Blessed be the Name of the Lord.” Our hearts are heavy, and the rain has fallen since her passing like tears from heaven. Through our grief and sorrow, we rejoice in her victory in Jesus. As an avid runner and a Christian, she finished the race, kept the faith and will receive her crown of righteousness.
Memorials may be made in memory of Micah to the Harding Academy Wildcat Trust Fund, Box 12238, Searcy, AR 72149
The Rine family sends this message, “Love your children and cherish your time with them...” Please keep the Rine and Pate families in your prayers during this difficult time.
Cards may be sent to:1816 Stonecrest Searcy, AR 72143

The packing/repacking has begun

Well, it's only 48 hours until we leave. I have been throwing things in suitcases for a few weeks. Now it's time to unpack them, organize, check the lists, and repack. Julia Rose & Stella had their dance recitals this weekend - on separate days this year, due to size of the school. That made for a busy weekend up and down the roads to Little Rock. The girls only have 2 days of school left. We're getting excited!!!!!!!!!!!