Tuesday, September 25, 2012

20 Weeks Pregnant and In Italy

As most of you have noticed from the markets post (which was suppose to be a private post - oops!), we made it to Italy. We got here on September 15 and have been going nonstop since. Searching for a house, getting to know the area, in-processing, situating Mr. Buttons and Baby A.... it's all been a busy time for us.

Before we came here, we went home on COT leave. We went from England to Louisiana to England to drive to Italy. Our trip home was absolutely amazing. I hope to get some pictures up soon. Baby A got to meet all of her family, finally. Mr. Buttons had to stay in the kennels in England because if we would have brought him back to the states, he would have had to do the 6 months quarantine all over again. We had agreed that we wanted to avoid that at all costs.

Once we made it back to England, we had to pick up Buttons and get his health certificate. We had to prepare the car for the drive to Italy. The drive was about 17 hours.. just under 1,000 miles. We did it in 3 days with Baby A and Buttons. Both of them were amazing during the trip. Even I survived.

During all of this, the power steering in my car went out. We had planned on buying a new car when we got to Italy but since it happened sooner than expected we ended up buying a car in England and driving it to Italy while my car got fixed. Mr. Man will be going back for my car. We bought a 2013 Audi A4, which is what we wanted.

Once we arrived in Italy, it has been the normal with any military move. In processing, briefings, getting to know the area, finding a housing solution, and ... all the other normal things that come with moving.

We still have not found a house, but are looking at 3 very good possibles. It completely fits our desires and looks like the kids will have their own rooms, I will have a craft room, the parents will have an office, and the kids will have a playroom. I am COMPLETELY stoked about that. Hopefully we will officially have a house by tomorrow to call our's. However, there is a long process here in Italy to actually moving in, so we could be in a hotel for another month or so. Hopefully it flies by or goes quicker than expected. We've been living out of suitcases and (6) hotels the last 2 months.

On the pregnancy, I am already 20 weeks. I seriously can not believe that. It's been going by so quickly. Sometimes I don't feel like I have time to enjoy it, but then others I'm anxious to meet our little monster. More on the pregnancy when I have time. Things are good, everything looks great. Just normal, everyday pregnancy fun!

Until next time...
And yes, I'm trying to get back on a routine of blogging because there is so much to write about!!

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

PCS: Local Markets (Aviano)


The open air markets are held one day a week starting at around 0630 in the morning until about noon. They are usually located in the town square. Be aware that some markets are closed during national holidays.
 
Monday: Maniago, Azzano Decino, Vittorio Veneto and Lignano
Tuesday: Aviano, Casarsa, Udine, Codriopo and San Quirino
Wednesday: Pordenone, Budoia, San Daniele, Cordignano, Oderzo and Latisana
Thursday: Roveredo, Fontanafredda, Fiume Veneto, Sacile, and Portogruaro
Friday: Cordenons, Porcia, San Vito al Tagliamento, Montereale and Conegliano, Caneva
Saturday: Pordenone, Spilimbergo, Caorle and Treviso
Sunday: Meduno
Everyday: Trieste