She is mostly Italian, though I think there might be a little English mixed in. I think because her grandparents on her dad's side were straight off the boat and made a big deal of their heritage, so I only ever hear about the Italian side.

That's funny you mention that about the clouds, my mom said the exact same thing!

Actually we have re-started the tradition, my kids have been having wine at certain dinners since they were probably eleven or twelve.
We're supposed to be going to see my mom's family, her twin, my uncle, my cousins etc. in Vermont at the end of September. Really looking forward to that. first I'll be camping with my brother there, then heading to their houses. Lots of pictures will be taken :)