One week ago today, we launched My Bella Vita DOT COM. And, we had a great week!
To celebrate, we hosted a contest and offered one lucky winner her choice of a free night at Il Cedro Bed and Breakfast, an item from Il Cedro Shop, or a Calabrese Gift Package.
I listed the names, and a winner was selected by the random generator at Random.Org.
And, the winner is …
Andrea of Andrea Unplugged
Woo hoo!
Congratulations, Andrea, and grazie mille to all of you who played along!
And, now, just for fun. Here’s a random picture of Catanzaro taken from the middle of my street. Don’t you just love the construction crane in the landscape?

NAVY IDENTIFIES SEAL WHO DIED DURING TRAINING EXERCISE go to website navy seals training
US Fed News Service, Including US State News February 2, 2008 The U.S. Navy issued the following press release:
Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class (SEAL) Shapoor Alexander Ghane Jr., 22, of Las Vegas, Nev., died from gunshot wounds suffered during a live-fire close quarters combat training exercise in Lake Cormorant, Miss., Jan. 30.
“Our family is devastated at the sudden loss of Alexander Ghane,” his family said in a statement released by the Navy on their behalf. “He will be forever missed by his mother, Farideh Ghane; sister, Tala Ghane; and fianc?©e, Tina Borys. He was a wonderful son, great brother and true patriot. Alexander enjoyed life and loved being a Navy SEAL. He had a kind and generous soul which will be missed dearly. We are proud of him, proud of all his accomplishments and the man that he had become. Though his life has been cut short, we will forever cherish the time we had with him.” The incident took place at a contractor facility, the Mid-South Institute of Self-Defense Shooting, in Mississippi. Ghane was rushed via Life Flight to Elvis Presley Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
An investigation by the Navy, Naval Criminal Investigative Service and local authorities to determine the details of the incident is in progress. go to website navy seals training
“Alex Ghane will always be remembered as a true friend and a dedicated SEAL,” said Ghane’s task unit operational commander. “He was particularly proud of earning his Trident and would do anything asked of him with a smile. Alex died doing what he loved. He died a SEAL, with his teammates around him. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family.” Ghane enlisted in the U.S. Navy June 30, 2004 and graduated from boot camp at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill., in September. In November 2004, Ghane entered Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, Calif, Class 256.
“Alex Ghane was a dedicated young man who embodied the word ‘teammate,’” said Ghane’s troop senior enlisted advisor. “He was equally quick with a joke or an offer to help. He overcame more than most to become a SEAL, and his drive and infectious energy served as an example to everyone who had the privilege of working with him. He will be sorely missed.” Following graduation from BUD/S, Ghane attend several advanced training courses until arriving at a West Coast-based SEAL Team in June 2007.
His military awards and decorations include the Navy Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Expert Rifleman Marksmanship Medal and Expert Pistol Marksmanship Medal.

Congrats to Andrea!
And I think that construction crane pretty much sums up life in Calabria, actually
[Reply]
Yes, it does. But, that one is new. I noticed it after I took this pic!
[Reply]
Congrats to Andrea!
Didn’t you know that construction cranes are all the rage in countryside decoration this spring? lol
[Reply]
I know, Rhea. I am SO behind the times! lol
[Reply]
I just saw your new site. Congratulations! Finally all of your hard work has come to light. It looks great!
Evidently I am going to have to hit Andrea up for an Italian girl’s weekend since she won your contest. What luck!!!
[Reply]
Thanks, Brooke! I’m actually having a small issue with one part… I am going to email you about it.
You and Andrea, definitely need to visit Calabria. Although, she didn’t choose the free night at Il Cedro! You’ll have to get on her about that!
[Reply]