Been to Viro's yet?
We are there twice a week, not just because the food is so good, but the people...the people - they are family! Today, I was talking to Vito, the owner, and telling him - he could be rich if he didn't help so many people...he told me "Dave, I could be rich, but I feel richer because I know so many people and have so many friends - if I was in it for the money, I would not have so many friends". He said one of the things he loves most, is that him and Rosa, get to come out, sit and mingle with their customers - his friends.
Vito and Vito Jr. sit with us for breakfast and strategize increasing traffic...let me tell you, if you have not ever eaten here, try it - you will be hooked!
And, sadly, it was Christina's last day - she made the best omelets, was so helpful, friendly - Kimmy absolutely loved her!!
Christina prepares to make our omelets wielding her trusty spatula!
Ahhh, I still can't figure out how to rotate these photos before posting, sorry! But, here, Christina joins Autumn, Lexy, Tonio and I for awhile as we enjoy breakfast (please note the wonderful, double cappuccino that Erica made for me in the middle of the table!). Ohhhhh, we ate so much! Rosa had made a cake from panetone, soaking it in rum, dipping it in chocolate and adding a chocolate,cream filling - it was sooooooo good!!!
Now, I'm sure I mentioned this before, but, Kimmy loved to got to Viro's each Sunday after church, where we felt so at home. The variety, the home cooked taste and, of course, the people, made her day. Christina would make us veggie omelets, before we even asked...
After breakfast, we headed back home, where Lexy and Autumn made a movie party - inviting Hadley over and decorating our house - very festive!
Once the movie was over, we headed down to Angie's house to watch the University of Arizona square off against Texas in the next round of March Madness! She made some incredible tacos, beans, Mario made rice, Janene made chiletillas (is that spelled right?) and I ate at least as much there as I ate at Viro's for breakfast!! And Angie puts peas on the tacos. The game was intense, with U of A winning in the final seconds - the house erupted! Well, except for Janene's husband, Brad (a fellow Penn State fan from just outside of Pittsburgh) - he is a Tucson police officer, and is rooting against Arizona, because, if they beat Duke on Thursday, he will be on crowd, more like riot control down on 4th avenue following the game! The kids had fun chasing lizards outside while we watched hoops and ate.
As I sat on the couch, watching the game, I couldn't help but remember watching many games on that very couch with Kimmy sitting next to me at various holidays and occasions. She always loved the food and the company, especially on Christmas, at Angie's house. On Christmas, she would make pizzelle cookies to bring along. Angie's family always had a huge spread at every occaision and it would challenge Kim's creativity to try to bring something that everyone would enjoy, without being a duplicate dish! Mark commented tonight, that he feels we are doing remarkably well, and doesn't know how I do it - I told him, without hesitation, that between the bambini and his family, we are making our way - of course, we have a lot of support throughout our days to help us through this maze...
And how about that moon tonight? So beautiful and bright! Tonight, there was some cloud cover as we said goodnight to Kimmy, but, we noticed, that the Big Dipper was clear and unobscured by clouds! And, thinking back on our day, getting to spend it with our Viro's family and then Angie's large family, we are in good hands, just the way Kimmy liked it, and just the way she intended it to be...
The Family is the Country of the heart. There is an angel in the Family who, by the mysterious influence of grace, of sweetness, and of love, renders the fulfillment of duties less wearisome, sorrows less bitter. The only pure joys unmixed with sadness.
- Giuseppe Mazzini
This quote personifies Kimmy and all of her being.... I think, that Giuseppe somehow knew Kimmy...
You know, I'd been to Viro's quite a few times at lunchtime with friends and never had any idea how good of friends they were to you guys!! I'll have to try them out for breakfast some time! :)
ReplyDeleteI can't even begin to tell you what you guys have meant to me. I remember when I first started at the bakery, working under Vanessa's wing, and she would tell me stories of all the regular guests that would come in. She went on and on about the Conca family, saying how nice and pleasant and beautiful - inside and out- they were. When I first met all of you, I was immediately welcomed, like we'd known each other forever. From that point on, I've always looked forward to seeing each and every one of your faces.
ReplyDeleteYou guys have been one of the families that I've watched go through amazing times. I remember when Antonio went through his phase of wanting salt on everything, and always asking for salt of his omelet. And now Cody orders two omelets! I remember when he decided to change his order, and I kid you not, I almost cried as I turned to Vito Jr. and said "oh my gosh, he really is growing up!" I know it was only a small order change, but it was a change nonetheless. These kids just keep growing!
Dave, I never really voiced how I felt about you and Kimmy and the kids, but I have to tell you that your whole family has been completely inspiring. Every time I get the chance to talk to you guys, I feel like I'm a better person for it. My day would completely turn around just by seeing Kim walking in the door with a beaming smile. I tell people about your family all the time, because to me, you all are perfection. Your family is absolutely beautiful, inside and out, and I hope that I'll obtain that in life. Out of all of the guests at the bakery, I will honestly and truly miss you guys the most; you've changed my outlook on life, and I do feel like I'm a better person for having known you.
So I just wanted to thank you Dave, Kim, Cody, Autumn and Antonio. You inspire me. I'm sure I will see you again, maybe at the bakery, or maybe we'll run into each other in some crazy place...like disneyland!
I love you all, and always will.
Christina, your omelet girl