An Unexpected Lunch Invite

Maria, Raffaella, Luigi, Hubby & Angelo

We were on our way to La Torretta for lunch,

as is our wont on a Saturday, and we stopped off

at the Russo's to hand back the carboy

that had held the olive oil they'd given us

at Christmas back in 2012 (yes, we've only just emptied it, 

our own oil from 2011's harvest having lasted

until mid November).

As usual, we were greeted in true Italian

style - big hugs, kissing of both cheeks

& "come stai?"

We tried to just hand back the carboy & quickly leave.

But no, we were invited to stay for lunch.

Being the reserved Brits that we are (she says,

tongue in cheek), we politely refused.

Maria got quite upset at our refusal & wanted to

know why we didn't want to eat with them.

It's not that we didn't want to - the smells coming from

the kitchen were somewhat mouthwatering -

but neither of us were brought up that you 

drop in unexpectedly & end up sharing a meal.

But all the family insisted, so we stayed...

and it was good.

Pasta 'semplice'

And, finally, after knowing them for 3 years, I managed to 

get a couple of photos of them together.

The Russos have 'adopted' us