Page 28 - A Life - my Live - my path

Herding goats and sheep in Italy

young goats between 14 days and 4 months. It has a
slightly stronger flavour, but its meat is less fatty.
In fact, only well-to-do families could afford young goat
meat.

The fire in the chimney was used to heat the kitchen, light
the room, and prepare meals. In winter, bricks were placed
in the fireplace then wrapped in a towel to warm the sheets
and, especially, the feet. Embers were used to heat the bed,
placed in an iron container secured in a wooden structure
then inserted under the sheets.

From the age of 4, attended the nursery near the village
square. I went there with my sister or with other children

who lived near the fountain. I often came back alone around
midday, as the school was closed in the afternoon. In this
situation, my mother had to undergo a well-orchestrated
ritual several times a week.

The road leading from the village square to the house
makes a 90° bend about halfway along. At this spot, on the
side of the road, was a stone pedestal on which was erected
a cross (a calvary). From this exact point, I could see the
house in front of me on the hillside above the fountain. I
would stop - with my legs spread a little - and call out at
the top of my voice for my mother to come and get me. As
you can imagine, the situation was tricky, and I didn't want
to take so much as a step. If anyone heard me screaming
and wanted to help me, I categorically refusal, because I

16