Vacation Time

Day 264 of My Italian Learning Journal*

_____________________

The school year was a fast and furious one. Today is my official last work day.

Ascolta Questo:

• Questo è stato un anno scolastico impegnativo in cui lavoro.
  This has been a busy school year where I work.

• Oggi è il mio ultimo giorno lavorativo dell'anno scolastico.
  Today is my last workday of the school year.

• Le vacanze iniziano domani.
  Vacation time starts tomorrow.

Grazie per i commenti di
- Ang17
- caaaaamiiii

Alla prossima!

- - - - - - - - - -

*Note: This is my personal journal of daily practice in learning Italian. I welcome Italian grammar corrections. Grazie.

The Carpenter

Day 263 of My Italian Learning Journal*

_____________________

During the last hurricane season we had a close call with Hurricane Harvey. Our house had a section of medal soffit blown off a gable. I have mentioned this before, yet I am impressed how each occupation and profession has it own vocabulary -- soffit, for example. Now, how many persons know what soffit is. I had to conduct a little research for the Italian word for soffit -- intradosso. Today I had a carpenter replace that bit of soffit. Carpenters have been quite busy for months. The one I employed happen to be working on a neighbor's roof. Fortunately he was willing to take on my small repair job.

Ascolta Questo:

• Un falegname stava lavorando sul tetto di un vicino.
  A carpenter was working on a neighbor's roof.

• Ho chiesto al falegname se fosse riuscito a sostituire la sezione di soffitto soffiata durante una tempesta di vento.
  I asked the carpenter if he could replace the section of soffit blown off during a wind storm.

• Il falegname è un buon lavoratore.
  The carpenter is a good worker.

• È un uomo abile.
  He is a skillful man.

Alla prossima!

- - - - - - - - - -

*Note: This is my personal journal of daily practice in learning Italian. I welcome Italian grammar corrections. Grazie.

Hot Weather

Day 262 of My Italian Learning Journal*

_____________________

The first day of summer is still three weeks away and the hot weather is here in South Texas already. In some surrounding areas, the heat index was over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. That can be dangerous heat for outdoors activities. (Corrections for any part of my practice Italian script below are welcome.)

Ascolta Questo:

• Mancano ancora tre settimane all'estate, ma il nostro clima è già molto caldo.
  Summer is still three weeks away, but our weather is already very hot.

• Alcune aree del sud del Texas stanno registrando temperature oltre i 100º F.
  Some areas of South Texas are having temperatures over 100º F.

• L'estate scorsa ho viaggiato in Spagna a giugno alcuni di quei giorni erano piuttosto caldi.
  Last Summer I traveled through Spain in June and some of those days were quite hot.

Grazie per i commenti di
- Alessio22
- sshhha12
- Ariel87

Alla prossima!

- - - - - - - - - -

*Note: This is my personal journal of daily practice in learning Italian. I welcome Italian grammar corrections. Grazie.

Memorial Day

Day 261 of My Italian Learning Journal*

_____________________

Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. 

Il Memorial Day è una festa americana, osservata l'ultimo lunedì di maggio, in onore degli uomini e delle donne che sono morti mentre prestavano servizio nell'esercito degli Stati Uniti.

* * * Dio benedica l'America * * *

Alla prossima!

- - - - - - - - - -

*Note: This is my personal journal of daily practice in learning Italian. I welcome Italian grammar corrections. Grazie.

Getting ready for family gathering

Day 260 of My Italian Learning Journal*

_____________________

Next Saturday a group of out-of-town relatives are coming for a family gathering. So, it is time to clean up around the house and backyard. I have set up a backyard swing and a ten by ten feet canopy to go over a picnic table. My wife and I also bought beef, sausage, and chick to Bar-B-Q. Our son-in-law has volunteered to cook. (Corrections for any part of my practice Italian script below are welcome.)

Ascolta Questo:

• Il prossimo sabato avremo una riunione di famiglia.
  Next Saturday we will have a family gathering.

• Parenti provenienti da due diverse città verrà a visitarci.
  Relatives from two different towns will come to visit us.

• Ho cinque giorni per pulire il nostro cortile.
  I have five days to cleanup our backyard.

Alla prossima!

- - - - - - - - - -

*Note: This is my personal journal of daily practice in learning Italian. I welcome Italian grammar corrections. Grazie.

Graduation Day

Day 259 of My Italian Learning Journal*

_____________________

My practice script in Italian is about our high school's graduation ceremony for the class of 2018. I have worked with most of these students for the last four years, as their academic counselor.(I'm still learning Italian on my own, so any corrections are welcome.)

Ascolta Questo:

• Questa mattina abbiamo festeggiato Il diploma di scuola superiore di 58 studenti.
  This morning we celebrated the high school graduation of 58 students.

• Sono il consulente accademico di una piccola scuola privata.
  I am the academic counselor at a small private high school.

• l nostro valedictorian e salutatorian hanno pronunciato i loro bellissimi discorsi di commiato.
  Our valedictorian and salutatorian gave excellent speeches.

• È stata una bella cerimonia.
  It was a beautiful ceremony.

Grazie per i commenti di
- Miky75
- ilariapego
- sailorcya

Alla prossima!

- - - - - - - - - -

*Note: This is my personal journal of daily practice in learning Italian. I welcome Italian grammar corrections. Grazie.

Graduation Rehearsal

Day 258 of My Italian Learning Journal*

_____________________

This morning our graduating students participated in a rehearsal for tomorrow's graduation ceremony. There will be 60 students graduating. We will meet at 8:00 a.m. and the ceremony begins at 10:00 a.m. (Corrections for any part of my practice script in Italian are welcome -- I still have a lot to learn.)

Ascolta Questo:

• Questa mattina abbiamo fatto le prove per la laurea.
  This morning we had a rehearsal for graduation.

• Domani 60 studenti si diplomeranno alla nostra scuola superiore.
  Tomorrow 60 students will graduate from our high school.

• I genitori di questi studenti hanno aspettato 12 anni per questa occasione speciale.
  The parents of these students have been waiting 12 years for this special occasion.

Alla prossima!

- - - - - - - - - -

*Note: This is my personal journal of daily practice in learning Italian. I welcome Italian grammar corrections. Grazie.

Movie About Pope Francis

Day 257 of My Italian Learning Journal*

_____________________

Tonight I and three family members saw the movie Pope Francis: A Man of His Word." This is a moving and inspirational documentary. As you may have noticed, my blog's purpose is for me to practice some Italian every day. Well, I was pleased that I could understand most of the Italian dialog in segments of the movie. This is rewarding. It appears that I am making some progress in learning Italian on my own. (Corrections for any part of the practice script in Italian below are welcome.)

Ascolta Questo:

• Questa sera ho visto il film Papa Francesco: Un uomo della sua parola.
  This evening I saw the movie Pope Francis: A Man of His Word.

• Il film è ispiratore ed emotivo.
  The movie is inspirational and emotional.

• Sono stato in grado di capire la maggior parte del dialogo italiano - che è stato molto gratificante.
  I was able to understand most of the Italian dialog -- that was very rewarding.

• Sto facendo progressi nell'apprendimento dell'italiano.
  I am making progress in learning Italian.

Alla prossima!

- - - - - - - - - -

*Note: This is my personal journal of daily practice in learning Italian. I welcome Italian grammar corrections. Grazie
.

Gift for Granddaughter

Day 256 of My Italian Learning Journal*

_____________________

Our granddaughter has had an exceptionally successful 9th grade school year, with impressive grades and involvement with an outstanding dance team. For these accomplishments, I have a special gift, an iWatch, which I will give her at the end of the school year. (Any corrections for my practice Italian script below are welcome.)

Ascolta Questo:

• La nostra nipotina completerà presto il suo primo anno al liceo.
  Our granddaughter will soon complete her first year in high school.

• Ha avuto molto successo.
  She has been highly successful.

• Ho un regalo speciale per lei: un Apple Watch.
  I have a special gift for her: an Apple Watch.

Alla prossima!

- - - - - - - - - -

*Note: This is my personal journal of daily practice in learning Italian. I welcome Italian grammar corrections. Grazie.

Porco Rosso

Day 255 of My Italian Learning Journal*

_____________________

Every once in a while a movie preview or advertisement really piques my interest. Such a movie is Porco Rosso (Crimson Pig), a 1992 Japanese animated comedy-adventure film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. I had never heard of the movie until it's recent re-release. I ordered the blu-ray version and look forward to watching the movie this weekend -- too busy on workdays. (Corrections to any part of my practice script below are welcome.)

Ascolta Questo:

• Voglio vedere il film Porco Rosso.
  I want to see the movie Porco Rosso.

• Il film è un'avventura comica giapponese del 1992.
  The movie is a 1992 Japanese animated comedy-adventure.

• Il personaggio principale è Porco Rosso, il Crimson Pig.
  The main character is Porco Rosso, the Crimson Pig.

• La storia ruota intorno a un pilota dell'asso di ex combattente italiano della prima guerra mondiale.
  The plot revolves around an Italian World War I ex-fighter ace pilot.

Alla prossima!

- - - - - - - - - -

*Note: This is my personal journal of daily practice in learning Italian. I welcome Italian grammar corrections. Grazie.

Dental Appointment

Day 254 of My Italian Learning Journal*

_____________________

Today I had an appointment for a routine dental cleaning and exam. The dental hygienist I have been seeing for several years is a gracious lady and she takes pride in her work. It was time for x-rays, teeth cleaning and a check-up by the dentist. All was well. (Corrections are welcome for any part of my practice script in Italian below.)

Ascolta Questo:

• Oggi ho visitato il mio igienista dentale e il dentista.
  Today I visited my dental hygienist and dentist.

• Era giunto il momento per le radiografie e la pulizia dei denti.
  It was time for x-rays and teeth cleaning.

• L'igienista dentale che vedo è una gentile signora.
  The dental hygienist I see is a gracious lady.

• Il dentista ha detto che tutto sembrava OK.
  The dentist said everything looked OK.

Alla prossima!

- - - - - - - - - -

*Note: This is my personal journal of daily practice in learning Italian. I welcome Italian grammar corrections. Grazie.

Patio Swing

Day 253 of My Italian Learning Journal*

_____________________

This afternoon I had expected to have lunch with my two grandsons, however, their parents decided to return with the boys to San Antonio, Texas a bit early to beat some predicted rainy weather. So, I decided to assemble a two-person swing for our backyard patio. I had ordered the swing online and it had arrived yesterday. My handy-man nature does come in handy. (Any corrections for my grammar in the practice Italian script below are welcome.)

Ascolta Questo:

• L'altalena che avevo ordinato è stata consegnata ieri, in una scatola.
  A swing I had ordered was delivered yesterday, in a box.

• Ho montato l'altalena del patio questo pomeriggio.
  I assembled the patio swing this afternoon.

• L'altalena del patio ha una bella tettoia.
  The swing has a nice canopy.

• Mia moglie ed io apprezzeremo questa l'altalena nel nostro cortile.
  My wife and I will enjoy this patio swing in our backyard.

Alla prossima!

- - - - - - - - - -

*Note: This is my personal journal of daily practice in learning Italian. I welcome Italian grammar corrections. Grazie.

Dance Show

Day 252 of My Italian Learning Journal*

_____________________

Our family attended an impressive end-of-year dance review performance by the Carroll High School Tigerettes. Our granddaughter is a freshman on the dance team. Great Show!

Ascolta Questo:

• Stasera la nostra famiglia ha assistito a un grande spettacolo di danza.
  Tonight our family attended a great dance show.

• Lo spettacolo ha evidenziato la squadra di ballo Carroll High School Tigerettes.
  The show highlighted the Carroll High School Tigerettes dance team.

• È stato emozionante vedere la nostra nipotina ballare sul palco.
  It was exciting to watch our granddaughter perform.

Alla prossima!

- - - - - - - - - -

*Note: This is my personal journal of daily practice in learning Italian. I welcome Italian grammar corrections. Grazie.

Awards Dinner

Day 251 of My Italian Learning Journal*

_____________________

Tonight we hosted our senior awards dinner. This is always an exciting event. We began with a delicious dinner. Then I presented each graduating student and read some of the accomplishments, college plans, and awards. (Corrections for my Italian grammar in the practice script below are welcome.)

Ascolta Questo:

• Questa sera la nostra scuola ha ospitato la cena annuale per gli studenti che si stanno laureando.
  Tonight our school hosted the annual awards dinner for the students who are graduating.

• La cena era eccellente.
  The dinner was excellent.

• Ho presentato gli studenti e letto alcuni dei loro piani di realizzazione e futuri del college.
  I introduced students and read some of their accomplishment and future college plans.

• La prossima settimana è la nostra cerimonia di laurea.
  Next week is our graduation ceremony.

Alla prossima!

- - - - - - - - - -

*Note: This is my personal journal of daily practice in learning Italian. I welcome Italian grammar corrections. Grazie.

Time To Water Our Lawns

Day 250 of My Italian Learning Journal*

_____________________

It appears that we are having a rather short Spring weather this year. The temperatures during the day are already in the 80s and 90s . . . and no rain. That means start watering the lawn. The last several years I have been using adjustable lawn sprinklers with timers. I strive to conserve water and I water the lawn in sections for short periods of time. In some ways, it is strange that our city is on the of Texas, yet at times we do experience periods of near drought. (Corrections to any part of my practice script in Italian below are welcome.)

Ascolta Questo:

• Il nostro clima primaverile è stato molto piacevole.
  Our Spring weather has been very pleasant.

• Tuttavia, i giorni caldi del sud del Texas sono già qui.
  However, the warm days of South Texas are already here.

• L'irrigazione dei nostri prati è importante, così come la conservazione dell'acqua.
  Watering our lawns is important and so is water conservation.

• L'irrigazione dei prati è a volte limitata alle prime ore del mattino e nel tardo pomeriggio.
  The watering of lawns is sometimes restricted to early in the morning and late in the afternoon.

Alla prossima!

- - - - - - - - - -

*Note: This is my personal journal of daily practice in learning Italian. I welcome Italian grammar corrections. Grazie.

Desktop Drum Set

Day 249 of My Italian Learning Journal*

_____________________

One the students who is graduating at our high school is a percussionist, and he invited me to his graduation party. So, I thought about giving him a miniature drum set for his graduation present, along with a gift card. I found the item at amazon.com and placed an order. I think this miniature drum set will be a reminder of his days at our high school and our school band, as he moves on to our local university. (Corrections for any part of my practice Italian script below are welcome.)

Ascolta Questo:

• Uno dei nostri studenti laureati è un batterista nella nostra banda musicale della scuola.
  One of our graduating students is a drummer in our school marching band.

• Gli darò una batteria in miniatura come regalo di laurea; più una carta regalo.
  I will give him a miniature drum set as a graduation gift; plus a gift card.

• Forse la batteria gli ricorderà del suo tempo nella nostra banda musicale della scuola.
  Perhaps the small drum set will remind him of his time in our school marching band.

Alla prossima!

- - - - - - - - - -

*Note: This is my personal journal of daily practice in learning Italian. I welcome Italian grammar corrections. Grazie.

An Important Event

Day 248 of My Italian Learning Journal*

_____________________

Even with a good planner on a smartphone or PC, events are bound to conflict. This Saturday our granddaughter has a school dance team show and the high school where I work has its senior prom. This conflict will not take much resolution -- we're going to our granddaughter's event. Our whole family has been looking forward to the annual dance show. This is our granddaughter's first year with the dance team. (Corrections for any part of my practice Italian script below are welcome.)

Ascolta Questo:

• La nostra nipotina parteciperà a uno spettacolo di danza questo sabato.
  Our granddaughter will be on a dance team show this Saturday.

• Questo è il primo anno della nostra nipotina con la squadra di ballo della scuola.
  This is our granddaughter's first year with this school dance team.

• La squadra di ballo del liceo ha una lunga tradizione.
  The dance team has a long tradition at the high school.

• Attendo con ansia lo spettacolo di danza.
  I look forward to the dance show.

Grazie per i commenti da
- fabymax4

- MrMax
- irenee00
- justgoogleit

Alla prossima!

- - - - - - - - - -

*Note: This is my personal journal of daily practice in learning Italian. I welcome Italian grammar corrections. Grazie.

La Sonora Santanera

Day 247 of My Italian Learning Journal*

_____________________

This evening I was ordering an item online for our granddaughter, and then I searched for music by an international band I heard live many years ago when I was in college. La Sonora Santanera performed at a public dance in my city, as they toured the United States. The musical arrangements are simple and harmonious. I still enjoy the brassy trumpets, and Spanish lyrics. (Corrections for any part of my practice Italian script below are welcome.)

Ascolta Questo:

• Ho ascoltato per la prima volta l'orchestra La Sonora Santanera quando ero al college, molti anni fa.
  I first heard La Sonora Santatera orchestra when I was in college, many years ago.

• I semplici arrangiamenti musicali e l'uso delle trombe mi hanno colpito.
  The simple musical arrangements and the use of trumpets impressed me.

• L'orchestra presentava una ricchezza di canzoni latine in spagnolo.
  The the orchestra featured a wealth of Latin songs in Spanish.

• Quelle registrazioni di decenni fa suonano ancora alla grande alle mie orecchie.
  Those recordings from decades ago still sound great to my ears.

Alla prossima!

- - - - - - - - - -

*Note: This is my personal journal of daily practice in learning Italian. I welcome Italian grammar corrections. Grazie.