Paolo and Elizabeth needed help harvesting their olives. The window of opportunity was closing and with rain in the forecast, this was possibly their last chance for raccolta delle olive.
Temperatures have dropped considerably in Umbria and a chilly wind was blowing. However, being the good friend that I am, I didn’t hesitate to offer my assistance. After all, what are friends for if not to come to the rescue in times of need?
The promise of free olive oil and a homemade meal prepared by Paolo’s mother, Franca, had absolutely nothing to do with it.
Orvieto or Bust: 
Soo envious! I really would have loved to have made it as well!! When do you get to taste the fruits of your labour?
Hi Ingrid. How is life in the motherland (mine). LOL. The olives have their appointment at the frantoia on Wednesday, so sometime next week I will be pouring it on everything! Do you have trees at your property? Hugs. toni
Ciao. Freezing here but heading to Fort Lauderdale tomorrow so should be warmer there 🙂
Can’t wait to hear about your liquid gold! Sadly my garden only has a fig tree and a laurel and certainly not enough space for an olive grove. xo
About 4 years ago I helped one of Mrs Sensible’s cousins collect his olives. I remember it was great fun, but very hard work.
Yeah, today I am having trouble lifting my cappuccino cup! Ahhhh, but the flowing liquid (green) gold makes it all worth it, huh?
Toni
Yes the (green) gold is worth every pain. We only use it for dressing food, we buy supermarket stuff for frying with.
What a great love story of your parents; great memories for you to cheris. Loved all the photos and every bit and article written. In Italy I live in my heart for years now. Thanks for refreshing my spirit. Linda
Linda, That lovely story was actually written by Elizabeth Heath who’s blog, “My Village in Umbria”, that I linked to my olive harvest post. If you don’t mind, I will pass your kind words on to her. She will be happy knowing you liked the story of the best lie ever. Warm regards. Toni
Toni, we are in Orvieto until 11/29. We are staying at 17 Vicolo del Pozzo Bianco. Unfortunately, the internet is out, but if you see two large Americans around town stop and say hello. We will treat you to some wine!
Margaret and Steve Wachenfeld.
Hi Margaret & Steve,
Since you don’t have internet you may not be able to read this in time, but if you do…I doubt I’d be able to pick you out among all the Americans that come to town, so since you’ve seen a photo of me, if you see me walking down the street, yell out my name. Hope to see you. toni
Will do! The internet in our apartment isn’t working so we check every time we eat out! If we don’t connect, keep writing! love every post!
I cherish good Italian Olive oil….so enjoyed your photos! The work involved is so worth the liquid gold outcome!!
There is nothing like the taste of fresh, homegrown oil. Now I am just waiting for “take”from the harvest….yummmmmm. Thanks for stopping by. toni