Spring/Winter/huh?

Winter has come back with a vengeance. Just 2 days ago I was sporting Birkenstocks and had the windows open in the house, now I am in my winter fleece huddled next to the heater. Outside there are gale force winds and ominous grey clouds.
Since today is so wintry I had minestrone at Pellegro today for lunch. I met Fabio and we had a very unromantic but pleasant lunch alongside the other workmen. As usual, I was the only girl in the house except for Michaela, the waitress. I then went to the store and bought the fixings to make lasagne for tonight. Nonna said that she has been craving lasagne so I'll make extra to sneak into the hospital.
My birthday was 2 days ago. I am now 39. It got me thinking that my first birthday celebrated in Europe occurred 20 years ago. I have had more birthdays in Europe than in America.
So now am I an expat Texan or an inpat Italian? Or would I be a duopat Texalian? It's nice how when you move to America, you automatically become an American, albeit of[Mexican/Italian/Irish/Venezuelan/Lebanese/Whatever, etc. etc] descent. In every other country you become a [fill-in-the blank-nationality] living in [whatever country]. I, for example, have lived more years in Italy than in the US, I have dual citizenship and live a typical Italian life. However, I will always remain an American living in Italy. I will never, ever, in a million years, be considered an Italian. That's ok though- I'm proud to be a Texan.
So, next year is the big 4-0. It doesn't seem like it will be that big of a deal. At least I will get to have an enormous party. Hopefully our house will be ready by then!
Off to make lasagne for the family-