Feragosto, the great midsummer Italian holiday and I've never seen the city so gridlocked. We went to Vespers last evening and could hardly move in the streets around San Marco. Tempers are VERY short. But I'm outta here, off to the UK on business for 24 hours. There gales and heavy rain are forecast but the good news is I get to have dinner with one of my daughters. I hope someone invites Mr F to dinner tonight. I hate to think of him eating his ravioli and watching Groundhog Day all alone.