31 October 2024–Halloween and Transition: Happy Fun and Safe Halloween to all who celebrate today! Around us today, I saw no masks and costumes, nor did I see nor hear about anyone going door-to-door trick-or-treating. Some do celebrate, I hear, but it’s not a big deal here, only because they (the people I’ve asked) do not consider it their country’s holiday, really. It is getting to be a bigger thing than it once was, but it still does not seem to share the same notoriety as Halloween in the U.S. Early this morning, the views at our Agriturismo were gorgeous, as usual; and this morning, the beautiful Maremmani Abruzzesi dogs that protect the sheep and goats from wolves joined some of their protégées at the edge of the fence close to all of us, just curious and looking for a treat. It is so interesting to see the bond between the dogs and their protégées. I checked out of our Agriturismo, and hopped a ride with GianCarlo, who had come to pick me up and bring me to the new B&B we had reserved the night before. This is B&B I Sassetti, and it is, indeed, just across the street from the hospital! After a quick orientation to the room, my new host, Assunta, walked with me to the hospital to show me the shortest way to get there. Again, above and beyond. So many people I’ve met here have been absolutely wonderful! The doc wanted to speak with me. I do not think she spoke English confidently, so…. She explained that culture results were in and everything was negative; white blood cell count was down; and asked a couple of questions about Dad’s condition. We compared his new values with the most recent he had in the U.S. The doc would not let John come home. She was concerned about the treatment he should have for a pre-existing condition, and wanted to first figure out if it was secondary to the symptoms that brought him to the hospital or if it was chronic. The answer would determine the kind off treatment for the pre-existing condition John should have upon discharge. She wanted him on IVs at least until Saturday, and then she would review the bloodwork and see where things were. If necessary at that time, she said, they might consult with a specialist, and ordered a 24-48-hour urine catch.. Dad was not coming home today, either. Nor was he coming home tomorrow. As for Saturday, I don’t know yet…. My cousin from Italy tells me that it is not usual for docs to discharge patients on weekends. Tomorrow is Nov. 1, and it is All Saints Day. I hear that medics will not do rounds tomorrow, then, only for emergency cases. Keep in mind, that on Monday, it will be Nov. 4. We are scheduled to go down to check out of this B&B and go down to Puglia that day. And…Dad is feeling and looking so much better! We want OUT! Let’s hope that we can be liberated on Saturday at the latest!
Our Travels 