Welcome to my blog!  Benvenuto!  E komo mai!

My name is Susan. When I first started out blogging, I used the name girasoli (the Italian word for sunflowers) as a user name in honor of my love for all the sunflowers in Italy. 

I lived in Hawaii for 30 years. I loved spending time at the beach, watching sunsets, and going on hikes.

I retired from teaching in 2015 and moved to Colorado. Even though I miss the beach, I love the mountains & I do a happy dance each and every time it snows!

My first trip to Italy was in 1999. The day I stepped on Italian soil, I was hooked! I have traveled to Italy 12 times so far. While in Italy, I love to climb towers, take photographs, drink espresso in the morning, eat fabulous Italian food, meet new people, and work on improving my Italian. I also enjoy the history, art, architecture, and beautiful scenery of this beautiful country.

Since being retired, I have taken up pottery and have gotten back into genealogy research.

I grew up as a HUGE Red Sox. The first World Series win on October 27th, 2004 will always be the most special win. It was a feeling I will probably never experience again. What made it even extra special was that I was able to watch the Red Sox win with my dad. We both just would not believe they were actually going to win until that very last out!

I started this blog in 2007 (although some of my posts/photos are from earlier Italy trips).  I came up with the name shave ice & gelato by using words representing both Hawaii & Italy. I hope my blog posts will provide you with inspiration and/or some valuable information.