I'm all alone now, but in the waning days of Summer 2010, I'm setting the stage out on the deck for an Italian Dinner al fresco...................

First, you must set an inviting table................. And then invite a simpatico group--in this case, the usual suspects--our little dinner group........

To set the right note, there's lots of red wine and a beautiful antipasto of prosciutto and melon prepared by sous-chef Giancarlo..................... There's nothing like a bigga macho man to say "Italia"!....

Scusi Terrie, are you up from Albuquerque?.....................

Main course--or course--spaghetti!.......................

Dwight G shows off his porcelain place card, but Bob says: "What is this?--Arizona? Do we need to show our "papers" to eat here?".........................

But the beautiful Louise is proud to show off her "papers"...................... Soaking up the culture with the only real Italian in the group--Richie..............

Mr. Handsome, Randy................

"Grazi, Prego, Scusi!"--it's an Italian song, but also apropos for a fine evening..........

Miss Solange is frightened by all the lively guests............ But Bella Bimba, Mei Toy, takes it all in stride..............

And a lovely time was had by all! As my pal Angie Rubino would say: "Ciao bella!"..........