Day 30; HOME Safely and a Glorious Reminder!

Thinking I was completely finished with this blog after yesterday's post, and thus taking no additional pictures, I was excited to hear from hordes of our blog readers (1), who wanted a final wrap-up.  And not to disappoint any faithful readers, here is the unphotoed conclusion:

We arose at 5:59 according to the alarm clock, but neither Peggy nor I had slept the night before...wondering about potential logistic challenges, pondering the Glory of God's faithfulness and watchcare, reviewing the great memories and preparing for our early return flight...we left the Casa Ressia with a cold peach and refrigerated yogurt...graciously left for us by Alessandro.

We left Alessandro 4 bottles of wine that would have put us above British Airways free allowance weight limits...
The 2 1/2 hour ride to Linate airport on the east side of Milan was relatively uneventful, with just a few slowdowns due to truck traffic jams and a bit of rush hour..and there were no surprises when I returned our Cinque Cento.  The $921 I paid for the month was the only cost...and there was no damage...and so far, no speeding tickets mailed to us:)

Flights were uneventful, although long (10 hours from London to SFO)... and we breezed through customs (legally, as always...), carefully and accurately documenting our purchases: Balsamic Vinegar ($180....as you can imagine there is a loooong story about this), 2 bottles of digestivos ($20) and 4 bottles of wine ($30) for a total of $230.

Dan was at SFO to meet us within just a few minutes of our entry onto the arrival curb...and I drove us directly to a favorite Gubitz haunt...the In-N -Out burger near the Nut Tree in Vacaville.

Arrived home by 8:30 pm, in time for some luggage unloading, kudos to Dan for such a great caretaking job, refreshing shower and sack time at about 10, while watching a few past highlight shows of the Tour de France.
My first peek at the alarm clock saw the exact time that all travelers know all too well...3:15 am.  Thankfully falling back asleep, Peggy and I both arose about 7 to start the "day after" with normal travel duties...feeding cats, washes, vacuuming, shopping, mail toss, bill paying, email responding and light eating...

This is where the glorious reminder comes in...thanks to Dan.  He wanted to share with me the salami he bought at Raleys in case I wanted a slice or two with my eggs.  Looking at the package, and totally unknown to him...he had purchased something special.  I saw the label.  It was called Bussetto Salami!  This is the tiniest little town the the Jordan's and the Gubitzs rode bicycles to from Zibello..and the logo on the package was a picture of the Verdi Theater right in the town square that we had cycled, had pizza and returned to on two separate days ....is this just an amazing coincidence?  I think not.  Rather, God personally was reminding me again, that He is with me always..even to Italy, even to Bussetto, even in Granite Bay, wherever I go...and, as well, wherever you go...even unto the end of the age.  and that's a Glorious reminder!

Praise the Lord for His gracious care of us throughout this past month.

Bless each one of you for reading these ramblings...you made me feel as though you were with me...and I hope the feeling was mutual.

Really signing off, Ben...really...with abounding love and a prayer that God would bless each of you...ciao bella!  Gary and Peggy Gubitz