December 2001 - Year II, No. 12

Year 2000:  1 ,  2  || Year 2001:  3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 ,  12 || Year 2002:  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16 ,  17 ,  18 || Year 2003:  19 ,  20 || Year 2004:  21 ,  22 || Other Years:  23 ,  24 ,  25 ,  26 

Between Torricella Peligna and Montenerodomo, against an astounding natural scenery at over 3000 ft above sea level just below the great mother mountain, lies the ancient Roman town of Juvanum.

The Barile/Barrile family, originating from the Great Marsi Counts, powerful in the areas of Casentino and Monteodorisio up to the late 1300, were later an important family in the Kingdom of Naples.

"The Bloody Christmas Tree" a moving story dated 1918 about war and suffering found among the copper mines of Wyoming. Courtesy of Clara Cortese.

Up along the North-Eastern side of the Majella, an easy walk to visit the fine hermitages of Santo Spirito. With its gentle slopes, forested valleys, wealth of streams and springs, the Majella certainly is the sacred mountain of Abruzzo.

The history and traditions of the "Befana", the benevolent old fairy fading away, year after year, obscured by the fat red-dressed servant of consumerism.

The "Polenta", traditions, recipes and memories of this traditional, wintertime dish of togetherness.