I rarely highlight, so blessing be upon you (lol). Love your tale of the raucous family brew. It brings up a memory in the early 80s of a Sunday gathering of an Italian Brunch/Dinner food fest. It was only of the only time I saw my Mom and Dad happy (my Mom didn't have to cook) and they were both in a social element.

I was raised in a New England fam like your S.O. only my dad was a non red-neck conservative yelling at those damn Democrats on TV. I was a lefty liberal.

Anyway I've lived on the edges of Italian family warmth for years. It's robust and wonderful. Thanks for the treat into your bIg, Big, BIG family.

Excellent writing too.