A WONDERFUL LUCIA EVENING

Yesterday we had the AWL Lucia Party, for volunteers, kids and four legged kids. Max and Olivia were in Heaven with all the attention, and so were our 17 dogs. Lindy in the picture above was loved up on by Sammy.

I had requested that instead of bringing me flowers and wine, bring dog food for the shelter dogs instead. This is a tradition we started after a Christmas party we went to in Fayetteville did the same thing. We've done it here in Italy 3 years now. This year, we got approximately 25 dog food bags and 23 big cans of wet food. Thank you all so much!!

Jaz in the picture above was in delight getting her ears scratched by Bruce.

Aidan is the Lucia 2009 --- a very handsome one.

Mitra and her wonderful fiance drove down from Rome with their car full of dog food, treats and gifts for me. Aguri to your engagement!!!!! You guys are so fantastic.

Vania, thank you for your generous donation. And to all my AWL guests, thank you so much.

LUCIA

Today is Lucia day. I missed watching the Lucia train on Swedish TV. But I got one live...my friend Ylwa and my daughter Olivia.

Of course I Amore cried!

Swedish Lucia ... in Italy

Yesterday we got to see a pretty Lucia at a very nice glogg party (Swedish Christmas smorgasbord) at the "other" Mercer's house (not related but great friends)

Of course I got so emotional when our little Mui walked up next to the Lucia, as a little Starlight.

Since we are so many people with different nationalities here, we celebrated Lucia yesterday instead of December 13. Many families are going home to their own countries over Christmas.

It was a wonderful Lucia Amore evening!