It is a common practice when you travel to Italy and spend more than a day or two in any given place you find your bar. You want it to be a local place opposed to a tourist haute. Relaxed and friendly. I found all of these things in Bar D Angolo at Porta Romana when Zoe and I spent 2 1/2 months living in Firenze fall of 2015.
On 05/07/2016 we moved here permanently and I’m sure within a day or two I went to the bar and it was like I had never left. About 10 days later (14/07/2016) I was sitting there on the patio enjoying
the summer evening sitting at a table with two chairs. I hate to waste a chair when a place is busy so I looked around saw this nice looking women who looked friendly and maybe spoke English. She caught my eye so I pointed at her and than the empty chair. She came over with a big smile on her face. We exchanged all that first time information and really clicked right off the bat. From than on we met several times a week at the bar and got to know each other. She is smart, loves to read, has a great career, tons of friends and funny. We had so much in common, our styles were different, our politics were different but our beliefs were similar. She isn’t judgmental. She says what she thinks with few filters and truly cared for my opinion. Two things I look for in a friendship. You inspire and nurture each other, and we did. Catherine Bolton I would have to say is the best friend I have ever had, which is pretty aat this age.
Three weeks ago my friend left us. It was sudden and shocking. I have not referred to her in the past tense because she is still with me. Just as I never do with John. It hurts to say it.
I have gone back through all my pictures to find all the ones of us together to share with you. There is one thing that is the same in every picture, we are always laughing.

Our bar

A fun trip to Torrigiani Gardens

Lunch with our friend Vannessa

Aperitivo with our friend Lucia.

Catherine had this group of friends who met for lunch every few months and she made Zoe and part of it.

This was at Todo Modo bookstore/caffè for a cookbook launching of a friend of Catherine’s. I wish I remembered what made us laugh so hard.

This is a group of my friends who became her friend.



My party to celebrate our first year in Firenze.
Love this picture. It was Catherine’s 60th birthday party.



I treasure this picture. Taken only 2 weeks before she died.
It was a very special night with Vannessa and Andy. 
When dramatic things happen in your life it makes you reflect on your own life and how suddenly things can change. As when John died it confirms that life is short and you have live each day to the fullest. Do all the things you want to. Take chances and don’t be afraid of new challenges good and bad. Do new and different things Step out of your comfort zone, you will be better and happier for it. I’m wrong probably once a day and sometimes more. But I am sure I am right about this.

Sometimes our light goes out
But it is blown again into flame
by an encounter with another human being.
Each of us owes the deppest thanks
To those who have rekindled this inner light.
Albert Schweitzer
What a beautiful tribute! Thanks for sharing! Yes we should enjoy every minute for this too shall pass, we should “go for it”, and follow our dreams! love the last quote from Albert Schweitzer. You are an inspiration ! You were both blessed with a beautiful friendship! Rejoice in the lonely memories!
Thank you I do.
Very beautiful tribute to your dear friend.
Hi Sally: thanks for sharing. In the wise words of (believe it or not) Luke Skywalker – “Nobody ever really goes away.”
We Miss you! Danny
Thank you Danny.
My heart was warmed by that beautiful remembrance. What a special friendship you shared. Much love to you Sally. Xxx
Thank you Felicity. You are special to Zoe and I.
Sally what a caring post and tribute to your sweet friend. Thank you so much for sharing. We think about you often cause you are such an inspiration.
Love and miss you.
Mario and Michele
Thank you so much Michele. Your words mean very much to me.
What a beautiful tribute to the undying memory and value of a friendship.
Sally, so sorry for the loss of your forever.friend There is a reason she was in your life so briefly but it sounds like she has a seat in one of those tiny chairs in your heart ❤️ Sue
Sue that is a very sweet thought, thank you.
Sally, this is a wonderful, moving testimonial to Catherine.. She was fortunate to have you as such a caring friend.
Thank you Victor. I’m glad you got to spend some time with her.
Indeed you have to cherish every moment as sometimes life is all together way too brief. We will miss the lovely Catherine..
Thank you I appreciate that.
So very sorry Sally. What a huge lossof a beautiful friend.
Thank you Brenda. I appreciate that. It’s nice to hear from you. It’s been a long time.
Oh, Sally, I’m so sorry! That is such a beautiful tribute to your friend….xoxoxo
Thank you Helen. I know we were put together for a reason.
Sally – What a beautiful post about your friendship with Catherine! I especially love how in each of the photos you are either laughing or grinning ear to ear. Sending you a virtual hug. Xx
Thank you Jaclyn. We had such fun together. You never know when your going to meet that special friend n
And will the breezes blow the petals from your hand
And will some loving ease your pain
And will the silence strike confusion from your soul
And will the swallows come again?
R. Fariña
Who also left us before his time.
Thank you for this beautiful tribute. As I said before, “You were a good friend to her. That’s all one can ask”
Wonderful friendship. Wonderful photos. May one live on in the other. Condolences, Sally & Zoe.
Anna & Rocco
Thank you for this heartfelt tribute. Catherine and I were high school friends, and we continued to stay in touch. I often admired her exciting life and will keep her spirit in my heart.
Thank you so much. I miss her everyday.