Italian family life always centers around the dining room table.  It is the one place where the entire family gathers for extended, if heated discussions about life, and about living it.

When I was young (and living in Florida), Mamma would have a feast every Sunday.  Il Nonno and La Nonna (Grandma and Grandpa) would be there, and we learned about the hard times back in northern Italy before World War II.  “Believe-a you me Barry, I-a taught I was a gonna die…” Grandpa Delfino would always end his stories.