It’s over. Our whirlwind romance with Silvio is winding down. The man with the pushbroom is knocking at the door, asking when he can sweep up the streamers.

A melancholy state of mind adheres to our blog today. I believe the Italians call it La Bella Melalancholalia.

By the way, take a closer look at the photo above. . .

He’s wiping his face off.

Photo credit: Daniel Dal Zennaro/epa/Corbis. AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE.