There is no graceful way to put this: I sound like an idiot when I order a coffee here.

The culture is so different from America. My favorite coffee drink in Italy is a cappucino, but I was just reading on-line that you will raise eyebrows if you order one in the afternoon. It's a drink intended for the morning only. I asked one of our drivers to teach me how to say "I'm sorry, I'm a tourist" so they get it when it's 4pm and I'm craving one. Spelled somewhat phonetically (I think) it sounds like this, "mi diaspatche, sono una tourista."

I had a day off yesterday and it was sooooo nice. I never got a day off in Greece and I used most of yesterday to sleep. I've picked up a cold and plan to head home and conk out for 8 hours before I have to get back to work. It snowed these heavy, wet flakes all over downtown and made things look beautiful. And the snow didn't stick on the roads which made getting around today a little easier than I anticipated.

Here's a shot of Mike Redding, a reporter/host based out of Charlotte (he works for WCNC). Look at the snow sticking to him!!

So, have you ever done this?? Last night I was talking to my husband and I told him to put the dog on the phone so I could say hi. My poor husband. I could just tell how nice he was trying to be when he gently said, "Ummm, sweetheart.. the dog doesn't really know it's you when you talk to him on the phone." But god bless him, he played along with me and sure enough Milo could have cared less. My husband is probably the most patient man on the planet.

Wait.. one more snow photo to show you... Andy Benton took this:

He works with Mike at WCNC as a photographer and I get such a kick out of him. We're like the odd couple. The other day he walks up to me and says, "How do you do it?".. and I'm thinking 'do what?'. He says after taking a long, deep breath, "How are you always so...... happy?". I'm telling you, I really do get teased here in the workspace by my co-workers because I'm always smiling and bopping around no matter how little sleep I'm getting. Most people here are surly, sick, or just plain worn out as they shuffle to and from the live shot platform. I can't blame them. Maybe it's the coffee I'm drinking. Normally I drink decaf and the Italians know how to make a strong shot of espresso.

QRT:

Linda writes: I noticed you mentioned Evergreen Curling on your blog - can you do the
same for Mountain View Speedskating? http://www.mountainviewspeedskating.org
Thanks! Enjoy Torino! Go USA!! Linda, there you go!!

Sue: I am not covering the paralympic games. The station only has me here through the 29th. Here is a link: http://www.paralympicgames.torino2006.org/

Megan: I have no idea what the blue lines on the snow are made of (to mark the course). It reminds me of Kool Aid, though.

Shelia writes: You may know that 3 of the players on the Slovakia hockey team played in Portland for the Winterhawks! Richard Zednick and brothers Marcel and Marian Hossa (their father is the Olympic coach). It's great to see them playing hockey together. I believe former Winterhawk, Jakub Klepis, is on the roster but hasn't yet hit the ice. Shelia, THANKS for letting me know!!! I would have had NO idea!!

Mark: Sarah Hughes (the ice skater) took her medal and went professional. She's making a ton of money working as a commentator for NBC. That's why she's not competing against (or with) her younger sister.

Kim: If I could buy you some cool Olympic stuff like shirts I totally would, but I tell you what..... it's WAY expensive. Someone is making a fortune off this stuff. I went to the Olympic superstore and didn't buy a thing. They have these fun cowbells which are at every Olympics that cost $25 euro EACH. Sheesh.

AND TO MY HUSBAND JOHN: I know I keep telling you this when we talk on the phone, but I absolutely, positively can not wait to see you in a few more weeks. Thank you for holding down the fort, listening to me whine and always being there for me. I miss you!!!!! xoxoxo

Drop me an email!!!!!! sstricklen@kgw.com