We have chatted about the dogs going to have their hair cut and made clean. I have agreed but he wants me to come with him so that he doesn’t make any mistakes (i.e have them cut too short or something). We agreed over the weekend that it would be done and he would make the appointment.
And then, by email, he sent me this:
The picture, taken by him at the weekend of the boys on the balcony, seriously in need of a wash and hair cut – but it made me laugh out loud.
Well, of course, as you all, probably, expected, everything was fine. No, that’s not quite right. It was wonderful.
It was a delightful couple of days in Pallanza, in spite of one whole 24 hours of rain. We played cards but it was so enjoyable. B was there, with her friend S and the four of us had fun and relaxed. I learnt some new card games, which was good since F really likes to play cards – and really likes to win, which I find very amusing. I was struck, from time to time, how like V he could be but there are many things, also, that are different and that I really like.
He loves the dogs so much and I love him for that.
And, although he may not say it, he makes me feel loved. And that is, after all, what counts.
As I suspected, he wasn’t that keen on going. Or, at least, that’s the implication afterwards. But he really likes B (which makes me very happy as I do too) and he liked S and liked that everyone liked playing cards (including the fact that the liked that I liked playing cards) and so, after a few hours, he relaxed and enjoyed it. And now he is talking about going back there and spending some weekends there. And as I truly love the place, for me it is great. And now we have something in common 
I suppose, the most notable event, apart from me (almost, phew!) losing the keys that B had to lend me because I had forgotten the set at home (!), was the loss of the chocolate Easter Bunny. Bought by Betta for us to enjoy on Easter Day, we left it in the lounge/bedroom that F & I used. The plan was that, after the meal at Osteria Dell’Angolo, we would go back, have a game of cards or two and eat the chocolate egg.
The dogs were out of the bedroom when we got back, in spite of the closed door and greeted us a little too enthusiastically. The reason became clear. The wrapping on the floor and one tiny bow were the only things that remained of the chocolate bunny. I knew it was Dino since Rufus would never have done that. Of course, it being Dino, everyone forgave him almost immediately and everyone was worried as to whether he would be OK, so it stopped me being really angry with him.
But, for me, the real highlight was the fact that F & I seemed to be closer than ever before. And, therefore, Easter was fantastic.
We got back last night and, later, went for a pizza. He said – ‘Imagine how it would have been if I didn’t like dogs’ and, yes, it does make a huge difference that he likes them so much.