JOEY’s FOOD TRUCKS………
“Only a FOOL argues with a Skunk,a Chef,or a Kangaroo.”
I took a little trip back EAST to SEE my youngest and his FOOD TRUCKS!
I had such a WONDERFUL TRIP I really doNOT know where to BEGIN.
Maybe, it is BEST if I just START at the beginning!
My BIRTHDAY gift from THE ITALIAN was a TRIP to see NICHOLAS.
I had to scramble to get an affordable airplane ticket and lodging as there was NO ROOM for me at the BOY’s HOUSE!
I got the LAST ROOM in WELLFLEET.
WHAT A DIVE…………my neighbors watched TV until 2 AM then the other DRUNK neighbors arrived and went SWIMMING!
SLEEP wasNOT often at this SPOT but that’s OKAY cause I drove 7 miles for my COFFEE every morning made by my SON or his employee WILL.
Will is adorable.
16 years old and IN CHARGE of the JOEY FOOD TRUCK INSTAGRAM!(that explained a couple of things for me!)HE WAS ADORABLE; I know I already said that BUT IT IS TRUE!
He hails from CONNECTICUT and wants to be a computer WIZARD……………
AS did TWO of the GORGEOUS 4 girls that work there did TOO.
The other TWO Girls came from the CZECH REPUBLIC.
GRAND DOG LOVE!
Nollie,
under the truck at
HEAD OF THE MEADOW beach.
She had a pile of sand to sit upon in the SHADE.
GOOSE making HIS ROUNDS.
They are the ONLY DOGS ALLOWED on the BEACH without a LEASH!
They have GOOD MANNERS!
And BOY do they attract CUSTOMERS!
This LOVELY LADY reads MY BLOG!
SHE found out I would be in the CAPE and came to eat a TACO with ME!
I was THRILLED!
THANK YOU KATHY!
I LOVE this PHOTO!
MY SON in the middle but these THREE started kindergarten together and have remained GOOD FRIENDS for over 20 years!
When MY son acquired TWO more trucks this SPRING he needed people he could TRUST and called upon them to HELP him out.
One drove Cross Country.
The other left a WELL PAYING JOB in MANHATTAN and scooted up TO the CAPE!!
THAT IS FRIENDSHIP!
Waiting for DINNER sitting on a fence at the back of a PARKING LOT!
That is a meadow behind us.
WiTH CRICKETS playing their MUSIC!
FULL MOON coming UP behind us which made me think of HOME.
As the MOON is ALWAYS at the end of our CUL-DE-SAC.
Maybe I could attach a note to it to give to THE ITALIAN!
THANK YOU for The BEST GIFT EVER!!!
NEXT STOP COVENTRY, RHODE ISLAND
The home of MY ANCESTOR
MAJOR GENERAL NATHANAEL GREENE!!!!
I had wanted to see MY GREAT,GREAT, GREAT, GREAT GRANDFATHER’s house HE built in the 1700’s when he was 28 years old.
It is now a museum.
I ANNOUNCED UPON ARRIVAL I was a descendent and that I had his DUELING PISTOLS.
I was looked at with skepticism.
By the end of the TOUR I was behind the roped off part and holding HIS GUN POWDER BAG!
I was given a PRIVATE TOUR of the HOME.
I caNOT tell YOU how much this PORTRAIT looks like MY FATHER!
Me holding HIS gun POWDER POUCH.
I AM VERY PROUD.
I actually got TEARY EYED!
This silk sash I found out was a PALLET to carry him off the battlefield if he was killed!I saw it in person and took a photo of the SASH.
SEE BELOW.
NOTE
They spelled his name WRONG!
I spied the MISTAKE!
WE all have seen this PAINTING in our AMERICAN HISTORY classes!
THE REAL PAINTING IS IN NEW YORK AT THE MET.
What I found out is that my GREAT GRAND DADDY SECURED the BOATS to GO back and fourth with the Supplies and MEN and HORSES.
They ROWED
ALL NIGHT LONG
BACK and FOUTH.
THIS is what enabled them to WIN the WAR!
GEORGE WASHINGTON and MY GREAT times 4 GRAND DADDY
were best of FRIENDS!
In fact, NATHANAEL and his wife named Two of their children after him and his wife MARTHA!
Do you know about THAT HIT BROADWAY MUSICAL HAMILTON?
I understand from a GOOD source that they mention
MAJOR GENERAL NATHANAEL GREENE!
After the WAR MAJOR GENERAL NATHANAEL GREENE moved to NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND!
That is were I was headed on MY TRIP to spend the weekend, SO I asked what street and told my tour guide I would do a DRIVE BY!
He gave me a photo out of a book and off I went to DISCOVER NEWPORT!
I had secured LODGING at OLD BEACH ROAD INN close to downtown and within walking distance of those MANSIONS!
I had many KISMET experiences…….
FIRST OFF I DROVE around the EAST COAST in MY HAT CAR!
With MY HAT riding in the back window!
Easy to find in a PARKING LOT!
I found my INN on OLD BEACH ROAD and let myself into the CARRIAGE HOUSE.
I had THE MAGNOLIA ROOM!
Do you know this HOUSE was owned by THE WEBSTER DICTIONARY’s GRAND DAUGHTER at ONE TIME!
Off to dinner I go walking down OLD BEACH ROAD, which then turns into MILL STREET.
Guess who lived on MILL STREET 233 years ago?
MY GRAND DADDY!
So, I am determined to find the house in NEWPORT as I took a snap with my phone of the house which is located in NEWPORT, R.I.
As soon as I reached MILL STREET my eyes went to THE POT below.
I have a thing for POTS!
I think I actually GROANED outLOAD.
I walked the length of the street but NO HOUSE that looked like the PHOTO I had.
Could they have torn DOWN a house from the 1700’s?
There was NEW CONSTRUCTION on this SHORT street!
I went to dinner.
Had my FIRST LOBSTER ROLL on a GLUTEN FREE BUN!
Determined to LOOK harder for THE HOUSE on my way back to THE CARRIAGE HOUSE!
As I reach the end of the road before it turns INTO OLD BEACH ROAD I look over at THAT POT!
OH MY GOODNESS!
I
MUST NOT HAVE LOOKED UP!
TOO BUSY GROANING thinking how could I get one or THREE HOME!
THERE SHE WAS!
LOOKING ALMOST IDENTICAL to the photo I had from a photo taken in 1901!
I even counted the windows.
Pretty DARN NEAT I was staying basically on the same STREET less then a BLOCK away!
What’s even more interesting is the OWNER of The INN had almost bought THAT HOUSE!
Just think if he had done that I would have been sleeping in the SAME HOUSE!
Never mind this MAN had lived in MILL VALLEY and played ROCK IN ROLL Musica in MUIR WOODS in the 1970’s!
After the PARK was CLOSED!!!
I GREW up in MILL VALLEY, CALIFORNIA!
Never mind the night before my waitress had lived in MILL VALLEY!
I walked into a JEWELRY shop cause I DONOT OWN ENOUGH and chatted with a lovely girl named ELIZABETH.
She came from LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA and her GRAND PARENTS live in MY TOWN NOW!
There was another MILL VALLEY connection but it has left me NOW!
OH Yes!
When I inquired about DIRECTIONS to MAJOR GENERAL NATHANAEL GREENE’s BIRTH HOME
I met a MAN who had a SON
Guess WHERE that SON lives?
MILL VALLEY!
I ENJOYED NEWPORT SO MUCH I want to MOVE THERE!
I texted THE ITALIAN one night at dinner telling HIM I had the RETIREMENT YEARS FIGURED OUT!
He has ALWAYS wanted to rent a RV
and drive cross COUNTRY!
I told HIM to start shopping!
WE
HAVE to take ALL the animals however, so that means a chicken coop on the back end!
HE CAN DO IT!
HE is a USEFUL MAN.
Like THE ELMS MANSION HAD!
We will load up and drive cross country in MAY and stay through OCTOBER!
Then head back to CALIFORNIA for the WINTER months.
JUST LIKE THOSE PEOPLE in THOSE MANSIONS!
Do you know some of them only lived there for 6 weeks out of the YEAR!
It is TRUE!
I can PRETEND the RV is MY COACH.
A CHANDELIER will be installed as well!
YES
I CAN DREAM.
NEXT BLOG POST those MANSIONS and HOW I WAS RECOGNIZED CLEAR ACROSS THE COUNTRY!
Plus, how an INSTAGRAM FOLLOWER led me to an ANCESTOR.
I will start WRITING THAT POST SOON!
PROMISE.
BUT FIRST LOOK AT THESE PEE WEE HYDRANGEA’s!!!
Andrea@WellnessNotes says
What a trip, Contessa!
Love that you got to spend time with your boy! And how lovely that you got to connect with some of your blog readers! And how wonderful that you got to explore some of your family history!
Your hydrangeas are AMAZING!
contessa says
NOT MINE!
YOU SEE THESE EVERY WHERE BACK EAST!!!!!!!!!
WHAT are WE doing WRONG???
XX
Taste of France says
So much in one blog post! A son and his food trucks–so cool. If I were younger, I would do Mexican food trucks in the south of France. Cassoulet is delicious, but you can’t eat it every day. I have eaten Mexican cuisine every day (I worked in a Mexican restaurant long ago). The French people deserve good Mexican food, and not just in Paris. Really.
And then the ancestor search! How totally and completely cool. All your coincidences are just marvelous. I think you bring them on with your positive karma.
contessa says
I doNOT think I mentioned HIS FOOD TRUCKS ARE MEXICAN FOOD!
TACOS,BURRITOS,HUEVOS RANCHERO’s,STREET CORN ON THE COB,and MUCH MUCH MORE!
I ADORE YOUR IDEA!
Here in NORTHERN CALIFORNIA I have YET to FIND A GOOD MEXICAN SPOT to dine!
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA YES……….BUT UP NORTH still searching!
IT IS WONDERFUL FOOD I AGREE!!!!!!!!
BIG HUG,
XX
Bonnie groves poppe says
I have also say the south of france needs a Real Mexican Food truck. The only thing you can get in the grocery stores here is Old El Paso bra d, and it has sugar in the tortillas! When my friends come from san diego they bring fresh tortillas, which freeze ok. When people ask me what i miss about the US i think a minute and say Mexican food!
Bonnie in vaucluse, provence
contessa says
WE use to take TORTILLAS back to ITALY and freeze……..and red kidney beans for my THREE BEAN SALAD!
XX
Kathy L says
A pleasure meeting you! A coincidence that we were in the same place at the same time.
Regardless, I would have stopped at Joey’s food truck to try a delicious jerk chicken taco with all the fresh toppings. That far out on the Cape is heavenly. How fortunate that your son Nicholas (what a nice guy!) can spend his summer there with friends, can earn a living and make so many visitors happy with his Mexican food and ice cream trucks.
You have a notable link to our American history via your great x 4 grandfather – so fun that you could travel to the east coast and investigate in person.
The perfect birthday present all around!
contessa says
THANK YOU KATHY!
IT was a GRAND GIFT TO ME……….as I miss HIM and I had to see this OPERATION in ACTION plus THOSE GRAND DOGS are a BIG part of MY LIFE!
You were VERY kind to come SEARCH ME OUT!
XX
Loree says
I love the photo of you with the hydrangeas. You look amazing. My goodness, you always end up meeting interesting people and finding out curious little facts. That is why we all love your blog so much. You’re such a sweet, fun-loving person. I wish I was a bit more like you and a little less serious. It would probably make my life more interesting,
contessa says
IT comes with AGE!!!!!!!!!!
I PROMISE it will happen to YOU!!!
XX
Catherine says
What a fabulous trip and lovely gift…I wish your son much success, I love the truck! How sweet of one of your blog readers to come and meet you…you touch so many people’s hearts Contessa. Sending you lots of love.
contessa says
THANK YOU………….YOUR Phone does the question marks everyONE’s does THAT…….YOU would THINK they could FIX that BY NOW!
THE ITALIAN Is a KEEPER………….just wish HE would have GONE with ME!
XX
Katie Clooney says
My dear CONTESSA! What a MAGNIFICENT post!! Love the pic of YOU and your great, great, great, … GRANDFATHER!!!! What a charming place you STAYED IN in NEWPORT!!! WE are very fortunate with our beautiful HYDRANGEAS!! Lastly, LOVE the pics of your SON and his wonderfully loyal FRIENDS. Please COME BACK next summer and you are welcome to stay with me. I PROMISE the Mister and I won’t get DRUNK and watch TV all night long!
contessa says
CAN YOU HEAR ME HOWLING!!!!!!!!
YOU MAKE ME LAUGH OUT LOAD which is SO GOOD FOR ME!
Only coming for SLEEP over if I get the DOGS in MY ROOM!!!!!!
THANK YOU!
I PASSED INSPECTION me THINKS!!!!!!!!!
XX
Nita says
Love the bright colors on the food truck! Always fun to take a blog adventure with you. It’s as if I can taste the tacos and burritos:)
Sandra says
Oh your son’s food looks soooooo delicious!!! I want it! I love the sweet computer nerd that makes you delicious looking coffee! Amazing coincidences, from Nathanael, to Mill Valley and back again. How exciting! Love your license plate. How did they know? Just fabulousness all around!
contessa says
Did YOU note his BUTTON?
I found that in a shop there for $3.00!!!
I was SO Pleased HE wore it while scooping and grinding!
XX
Jennifer says
I particularly liked reading about your hunt for ancestors. As always, your descriptions are so rich and visual. Loved hearing about your son’s growing food truck business. The food looks delicious!
Jennifer says
What an amazing trip!! It was so fabulous for your husband to realize the special treat it would fit you to visit your son!!! Bravo. It sounds like an amazing adventure.
Penelope Bianchi says
OMIGOD!!!
I almost drooled all over my computer! Those tacos! That corn! He is so smart to do that food exactly where he is doing it!
So much fun!! It is so fun to hear of your fab adventures!
I love that house…..taste runs in your family!!!
I am so disappointed you couldn’t do the WALK!!!! You have to go back! I forgot about the parking; you have to UBER and get dropped off! Get that app right away; so that doesn’t happen again!!!
Can’t wait for the next installment!!!
Catherine says
Elizabeth. I swear your post made me cry. It made me cry because I was so happy that you got to see your son and also because I know that great feeling when I get to see my own kids. Your time spent with him must have been just so much fun. The photos say so. But..I was enchanted by your love of a full moon. When my kids were young I would take them out at night to look at what we still call a full moon “The Beautiful Moon”. This post was just so touching and enjoyable. I loved reading about your family history and all the connections. And the hydrangeas are beautiful! XOXOXOXO!
Lis says
What a fun adventure. Thank you for sharing your trip with us. By the way I saw you on a
PBS travel show recently.
contessa says
YOU DID!!!!!!!
They were suppose to send me the CLIP!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU for telling ME!!!!
XX
SAJ says
How fabulous! I love Newport and looooove that house! And that you got to see your son on the Cape with a full moon as your backdrop! Princess Diana’s American relatives are in Newport and I desperately tried to find a relation to them as they originally (generations ago) are from Chilicothe where half my family is from but whatever connection there was was laughably distant. It was the only slight interest I’ve had in genealogy. But I think I take it for granted because my grandpa did it so the information was always there rather than a question mark.
It is nice to have the information when interest strikes. My grandpa did it long before the internet so it’s all handwritten and in leather albums. A little bit more visually pleasing than printouts. Glad you had such a nice trip! Funny thing that you’d be a descendant from a Revolutionary figure! Perhaps where your penchant for big fabulous hats came from!
contessa says
PERHAPS!
I DO feel I came from a DIFFERENT ERA!
YOU are SO LUCKY to have those leather albums!WHAT A GIFT HE GAVE YOU and YOUR family!
DIANA had AMERICAN RELATIVES?How did I miss THAT ONE?!!Just tell me where they are and I will GO KNOCK!I must tell them what a GOOD JOB both WILLIAM and HARRY are doing!SHE would be SO PROUD!Heck, I’m PROUD of them……..seeing their DEAD mother on MAGAZINE covers for YEARSand hearing the HORRIBLE STORIES…………….they have turned into FINE YOUNG MEN!
I MUST RETURN TO NEWPORT!SOONER then LATER as I did not get to do THAT WALK!!
XX
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
Fabulous adventure! Love your ancestor too.
T.BRANAGH
Susan says
That food truck is fabulous. Success all around. Fun at the same time. Great trip, great adventure finding your relatives historic homes. Amazing how everywhere you go people find you and connect. Your road trip plan sounds outstanding. Those RV’s can be spacious. Plenty of room for your decor and the pets. Looking forward to your next post. Susan
contessa says
I tend to CHAT maybe too much when I travel…………this trip the fact; I was from SAN FRANCISCO brought up MILL VALLEY!But wait until YOU hear what HAPPENED NEXT!!!!!!
MUST WRITE THAT THIS AFTERNOON……..before I forget the details!!
XX
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
What fun to have such a colorful history! You are so lucky.
Jennifer A.
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
Can’t wait for the next chapter! I have GOOSE bumps!
LESLIE HAWS
contessa says
Leslie,
You will LOVE The NEXT INSTALLMENT!
XX
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
Thanks for the adventure. It seems you did not miss a thing and you found it all yourself. You have apparently found the right formula for getting husband separated from the business and on the
road. Congratulations! Great to see Nicholas in that wonderful environment he has made for himself.
LOU FLEMING
Amie says
Oh my. I knew you were brewing something, what an adventure. Kismet indeed, it seems.
I love your new picture at the top, very pretty.
I’m so glad you got this trip, so cool. So very cool!
Handsome men, from son, son’s friends, grand dog (pretty girl dog, too!) and great great great ancestor! And his house? You found his house? There are 2 houses?
How fortunate you actually have a picture of a family member that far back! That’s crazy. I only have pictures of grandfathers. My grandparents were 1st generation Americans, except one who came herself from Sweden in 1916. We don’t go back far here inUS.
I think your plan to drive through America is a fantastic plan.
I know you will come through Nebraska! Drop by and say hi!!!!
I will wait with bated breath for part 2.
Love, Amie
contessa says
THREE HOUSES………………..I will CHAT about the THIRD house in the next POST!
OF COURSE, I will come through and PARK IN YOUR DRIVEWAY………must check out YOUR GARDEN!I CANNOT MISS NEBRASKA…………..and YOU!
XX
foodiefan says
What a fabulous family themed trip to the East Coast! NICHOLAS, is building an empire with those wonderful food trucks – loved seeing all the photos of his food and trucks and that gorgeous coffee boy!! Can you believe that your grandfather x4 built that house when he was only 28….extraordinary!! But even more extraordinary is that Australia was only settled in 1788 and there was your grandfather residing in this beautifully crafted home. Really enjoyed reading the history of your esteemed family so will delve more into your American History. I think the dream of taking the RV over to the East for the summers is such a brilliant idea….. of course with the chandelier and animals on board!! x
contessa says
I think THE ITALIAN likes the IDEA TOO!LOT’s of SAILORS walking around NEWPORT!In their GORGEOUS UNIFORMS and MY SAILOR went to the NAVAL ACADEMY in ITALY so would enjoy chatting it up with these people!
There is a THIRD HOUSE I have yet to mention………..NATHANAEL’s BIRTH HOUSE.I had a VERY exciting visit there as well.I BEST get to it before I forget………..OFF I DASH!
XO
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
Ciao Elizabeth…..I LOOOVE that your trip was magical!! It was meant to be that you experience
this & I bet in a few years you will be spending time there!!
Thanks SO much for sharing your pictures……You have such a GIFT of sharing your memories!!
XXBrenda
kim says
Contessa, Wonderful you got to be with your handsome son. I love that he is doing this. So cool to be young and adventurous. They should try everything! I love your story about Nathanael Greene!! Neat to trace all these places back in time and be there. Really Magical. I wait with baited breath for the mansions post. I am not surprised you were spotted.. You have that star quality. 😉 xoxo Kim
contessa says
NO STAR QUALITY…………I just mention THE ITALIAN and that was ALL it TOOK!
XX
Leslie Harris says
One of my favorite posts ever Contessa! I love stories and adore history and as a mom of two boys I was tickled pink with the idea of you heading out to spend time with him. So all three reasons add up to a delightful read! What a great gift and you are such a good traveler–I would worry about getting lost on my own. I have such a terrible sense of direction in new places when we relocated down here my husband ended up telling me to think of the first instinct I have when it comes to turning down a street and do the exact opposite. And it worked! Anyway, I love your pictures, so happy to see the fur babies adapting so well. And of course I’m so excited for your son–what a great adventure he’ll never forget and those bonds with his friends are precious! Friends forever after all this. I can’t wait to hear the next installment in the story!
contessa says
I WORRY TOO about getting LOST and driving at NIGHT but THE GODS were with ME!
PLANE was LATE arriving into PROVIDENCE,R.I. and the GPS on the rental didNOT work so It was me and MY WAZE on my PHONE which I had brought the phone charger for the CAR!That was NEW for me had never used that before!AS My SON had told me it is a MUCH easier DRIVE out of PROVIDENCE then BOSTON.STRAIGHT up and hang a RIGHT!IT was SO green the highways…………….SO GREEN.HIghway into the CAPE one LANE!!!!!!!!!WE GOTTA SEE OUR BOYS!!!!!!!!!!!XX
Ros Short says
Loving the boxing kangaroo We had one on our kombi travelling around Europe in 70s . Your son is soo handsome dear Contessa & such an entrepreneur ! He thinks outside the square like you do with your creative spirit & flair . Such fun to be part of this magical adventure & see where you slept & chased that ancestor of yours all the way to his original home . Love those bizarre co incidences in life I think we have more now time to notice & cherish them . You make me much more aware of what is important in our lives , laughter& shared moments with family & those friends that pop up in our lives when we least expect them . Enjoy dear girl
contessa says
I DID ENJOY ROS………………it was a GRAND TRIP!Wish you were there with ME!
Gotta make THE MOST of DAY TO DAY living!
FIND THE BEAUTY…………FIND THE FUN PEOPLE………not that easy BUT I DID HERE!
I found the people back EAST to be SO NICE and FRIENDLY.DidNOT see people walking with CELL phones in their hands…………..and those MANSIONS!TOTALLY worth the TRIP!
XX
Daron says
Contessa – I believe that one of your secrets is (wait for it with a drum roll please!!!!!) that you are open to all opportunities and that is why you have, what appears to us peons (that’s how I feel about myself at the moment – it doesn’t happen often, though) as if you have this absolutely fantasmagorical life. It’s because every opportunity you come upon is an adventure, and that is so so magical. Of course, you will drive with the Delicious Italian in an RV with a chandelier and not just any piddly little chandelier but one of note!
contessa says
PEON!
I have NEVER seen that word WRITTEN before!!!!!!!!
YOU ARENOT a PEON!
I LOVE MY DRUM ROLL……………by the way!.
NOT every opportunity BUT I do get a KICK out of the one’s I PLAN because I have an interest or PASSION.
The fact YOU used the word DELICIOUS tells me YOU are SOUTH AFRICAN?YOU are GORGEOUS PEEPS if I DO say SO MYSELF!
I just happen to have a CHANDELIER sitting on a broken bench in my little HALLWAY!
Now, to get THE ITALIAN to take another VACAY will be the TUFF PART………..
THANK YOU!
ADORE YOUR COMMENT!
XX
Penelope Bianchi says
You have indeed discovered and revealed her secret! It is total truth…and she makes these things happen! I consider myself a bit of adventurer; but compared to La Contessa I am a shy shadow!
Go for it is the motto!! Look at the payoff!!!
She barely complained about a nightmare hotel room; she focuses on all the positives….and that is one reason more and more happen!!! Brava Contessa!
She comes by some genetically: (her aunt Katherine ,whom I was lucky enough to know; once covered her bedroom walls and made an enormous canopy HERSELF with some old curtain fabric and a glue gun!) That bedroom made the COVER of Architectural Digest!!
stephanie thonet says
fascinating post to read! and how wonderful, that your son is so successful! must’ve been a really fun trip!
xxx stephanie
Grayson says
Whoa! I see your son’s face in the portrait you said looks so much like your father. Major resemblance…apparent even through your son’s beard. Same face shape, eyes….
contessa says
YES!
YOU ARE RIGHT!!!!!!!!
XX
PS.Those beards have got to GO!He has such an EXQUISITE JAW LINE!
Anita Rivera says
Good morning Contessa dear! I am late once again; school started yesterday,and I simply can’t keep up with social media when school starts, not until I regain a new rhythm again!
WHAT FUN to go back to the East; I lived there for many years and enjoyed all the beauty and history as you now share. ENJOY YOUR MEMORIES!
Lillian Plummer says
Great post, so wonderful to visit the place of your ancestors. Must have been quite an emotional experience. Love the food trucks. Great to see young people doing well.
contessa says
IT WAS LILLIAN at every STOP!!!!
XX
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:Wonderful adventure!!!!!!!!! And wonderful blog/photos. Your son is living The Life a young guy should. Love that he is doing what he loves.
Funny, I was just telling Mike that we need to rent an RV and go to Santa Fe or plan an adventure. Let’s get a caravan and take off!
Glad it was such a grand experience retracing your great, great, great, great Granddaddy General Greene…:-P Happy Belated Birthday.
Let’s plan a little lunch after you have recovered from so much excitement!
RAE
contessa says
SOUNDS DELIGHTFUL!
XX
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
Love your trip notes..most of all love your enthusiasm for life.
That’s pretty darn exciting to see the history of your family,
and thankfully it has not been removed nor forgotten!
Happy trails, beautiful one .
xx
jody
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
Am revisiting your trip in my mind. Want a burrito from your son’s truck. ..do they deliver?
contessa says
FOR YOU YES!
Then you can show HIM his GREAT GRAND DADDY’s HOUSE!
XX
Mumbai says
something happens accidental but is there such a thing? I discern that I get in contact
with people/places from my youth as I got older. I also like the business idea from your son selling Mexican food out of the truck.
contessa says
EVERYTHING Happens for a REASON!
I BELIEVE THAT………….even if WE do not see it RIGHT AWAY!
The FOOD is GOOD and his partner is the one to get CREDIT for THAT!
XX
Penelope Bianchi says
NOTHING is accidental. There is so much SERENDIPITY! Most of it you make FOR YOURSELF! (I AM EXHAUSTED TRYING TO COPY YOU!!)
You are the best…..and you bring all of your beautiful and wonderful experiences upon yourself!!
YOU ALSO BRING out the best in others! Astonishing! Examples abound!
ALL of them! You are a “lighthouse” who beams light all around you; and attracts light toward you!
It is a real gift…..people…..and many can learn it. It starts with a tremendous positive attitude. Dig for the positives (they are always there); focus on them…..and make your dreams come true!! Right where you are!!! (we need before and afters of your house in Orinda) Soon!!!
Then she “makes magic” wherever she lands……and digs for the positive in every situation.
NOt many can do this……but we all can TRY!!
Has she even told the story yet?……that when THE ITALIANS’s parents died…..La Contessa and THE ITALIAN had to move to Italy to raise the sisters? YES!!! She is from San Francisco! (sorry…it is all SanFrancisco to me up there!)They did! THEY MOVED TO ITALY TO RAISE HIS SISTERS!
NEWLYWEDS! YES!!!
This woman is a modern miracle….and needs to write a book!
Elizabeth (I call her that when I am bossing her around!) tell the story of when THE ITALIANS PARENTS DIED!!! I mean it!!
As soon as you finish the Newport story!!
This is “not a suggestion”!!!
Tee hee! Remember?
Penelope
Akeia says
This is Akeia! I’m so glad you enjoyed your time in Newport 🙂
Did you happen to leave behind a lens cover? If so, you can email me with your address and I’ll make sure Luke gets it mailed to you!
Great pictures of your entire trip.
Hope you come back to Newport soon!
contessa says
I MUST COME BACK and THANK YOU for writing I have emailed YOU and YES I do believe it is MINE!I will send the postage BACK!!!!!!!
THANK YOU!
XX
April says
Oh, Contessa……how I love to read your posts/descriptions of your life. It is all so colorful. What a wonderful trip-love the photos of son and friends. I particularly love the photo of the couple in black at the window of the truck—-I would frame and put somewhere on my wall.
Thank you for sharing in such a delightful way. I can’t wait to read about the mansions.
contessa says
I was WONDERING WHO would COMMENT on them!
There was a FESTIVAL in P-TOWN that day…………….so it was a COSTUME!
I nearly fell off my PERCH as that was UNDERWEAR SHE was wearing!!!!!!!!!
GOOD EYE……….GOOD EYE!
One of those BOYS made a wonderful comment about YOU!
XX
Penelope Bianchi says
They were classic! Especially in the State of Rhode Islad……anyone will come from anywhere for a great Nantufket lobster roll!!
Karen Persson says
Such a wonderful story with beautiful photos! You must be so proud of your son with his business! A good excuse, too, to travel to the east coast of the USA! Your photos and texts are so entertaining and inspiring! Thank you so much for the your inspiration to our world!
xoxo
Penelope Bianchi says
How cool they were in costume! they win my prize for a costume! The best!
Penelope Bianchi says
Perfect description…….she is an inspiration to all of us! Brava!
contessa says
KAREN,
THANK YOU…………you are SO kind to read me!
XX.
Karen Persson says
Of course I have to read you, Elizabeth! You’re so inspiring, interesting and entertaining! Such a great energy! xoxo
RebeccaNYC says
Fascinating history! How cool that you know who this ancestor is. Too bad you are not coming to NYC on this trip! If you had, a trip around the corner from me to Hamilton’s house would have been in order….after I had taken you on a backstage tour, of course. next time?
contessa says
I WILL ARRIVE ONE DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!
NO TOURIST ATTRACTION can OUT DO your TOUR in MY BOOK!!!!!!!!
I would ADORE to meet YOU!
SINGING GRAND DAME of the OPERA!
XX
Loreen says
OMG! Those tacos, the street corn! I think he is definitely on to something! Since he is all the way on the east coast I will have to try and make my own…Can’t wait!
Have a great week! Thank you for sharing!
contessa says
Chop those VEGGIES FINE……..I do believe that is part of HIS success!
XX
Diana Amato says
Dear Contessa,
As always, I believe Summertime adventures are the absolute best! Your time with your son was most precious, I’m certain. Love, love your grand dogs!! Serendipity is the best way to describe all the good vibrations you brought your way! I loved hearing of and seeing your East Coast Escapade! Thanks so much for sharing!
contessa says
HAPPY to HEAR as I wasNOT certain people would be INTERESTED in my FAMILY and ANCESTOR!
I LOVE SUMMER……….wish it would NEVER END!
XX
Lindy says
Wonderful!!!! Really wonder-full!!!
contessa says
KISS to YOU!
XX
Vicki says
Amazing Elizabeth… what a trip to evoke powerful emotions and create new memories…
And congrats to your clever son… fantastic … wish we had one in London.. 🙂 xv
Donna says
Elizabeth,
Such a grand adventure this was for you! I’m so glad you got to see your son at work this summer! So incredibly special. All the food he makes looks over the top delicious. Does he cook for you when he’s home??
You must do the RV thing and of course stop and park in Ohio. Our neighbors go INSANE when ours is parked in our driveway I’m sure they’d LOVE two of them! The only bad thing about these rvs is that stuff swings and slides off so badly. I wanted a chandelier and realized on our last journey what folly it would be. I’ve petitioned to cover the ceiling and walls in oriental rugs…..
so bizarre that we both traveled east within a month of one another and walked the same footsteps.
Thanks for sharing another grand adventure with IG. Ohio hugs and smooches.
Faded Velvet
Donna
contessa says
YOU BET we will TRAVEL Via OHIO to SEE YOU TWO!YOU might even HAVE a FEW ACCESSORIES for me to ADD to the RV!
NO MY SON DOES NOT COOK!HE HAS STAFF TO DO THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He has 15 employee’s!!!!!!!!!
I AM VERY PROUD!As you could IMAGINE!
XX
Jacqueline says
That was the best birthday gift EVER Elizabeth ….. quality time with our children is so precious.
….. and, I love the woman in the black leather corset with her partner, the biker boots and the tattoos at the food truck !!!!
contessa says
A BIG CARNIVAL in PROVINCE TOWN at the end of the CAPE!I guess YOUR OUTFITS COUNT!!!IT was HOT to be wearing those nylons and leather STUFF!
XX
P says
Those two win the costume prize!
S says
Contessa:
I just viewed Ellie Instagram page and everyone is commenting RIP: No other info.
When did she die? Please do a post.
contessa says
WORKING ON IT!
SHE DIED YESTERDAY……..AUGUST 30,2016 at 4:20 in the AFTERNOON with FAMILY & FRIENDS CLOSE BY.
XX
S says
Contessa:
I google and found out she died Tuesday Aug 30th. Her friend Yolanda Hadid posted on her Instagram page.
She will be missed.
donna says
It is so nice to read about the first part of your trip! Bravo for your enterprising son and his friends…the Cape needs him and his trucks! I spent my summers on the Cape and we only had one ice cream truck. Tant pis….
contessa says
LUCKY YOU growing up on THE CAPE!!!!!!!!
YOU will be in PART TWO!
XX
Emily says
I was reading with bated breathe, knowing you would find the home, but eager to read how! I think you need a new hobby….exploring more of your family tree in this area. I bet you are related to many nice people in this town. Your son’s food truck story is great, and I love how he is working with life long friends. Wishing him much success!
Very sad to hear about Ellie. What a beautiful soul she was, and I know your friendship with her meant a lot Elizabeth.
contessa says
DARLING comment Emily!
I think I definitely NEED to GO BACK to the EAST COAST as I LOVED what I saw the people and SPOTS by the WATER!
I ADORED HER……………she is MISSED ALREADY!Having a hard time putting together a POST in HER HONOR!
XX
That's Not My Age says
This looks like a FANTASTIC trip. I want to visit your son’s food truck!
contessa says
POP Over to NEW YORK in the SUMMER Time and then DRIVE up the CAPE!
IT will be on ME!!!!!!!!FREE for YOU!!!
XX
Allena Behnke says
Nicholas looks so happy! Living a life that most of us would have only dreamed of at his age. Great for him to be so creative (where did he get that…lol!) and a traveller at that….and with Nolle, such a beautiful flashy boxer! OMG, melts my heart. Why don’t I recognize his childhood friends? Is one another “Nick” or his brother? Yikes! What a wonderful trip to not only see your darling son, but to connect with your family history! Your jewelry is fantastic, but I’m not surprised! Thanks for sharing my friend, you set the standard, a great example for women like me, who need to BE MORE BOLD! Love ya, Lena HELP, LOL!