It's Croatia Time

"Mami quiero chai!"

I woke up confused and wondered what time it was. "Mami, quiero chai," repeated Beli. I called out to my hubby who was in the living room, "Beli wants tea." He walked in and greeted us good morning and as I rubbed my eyes I asked for the time, he replied "it's 12:30 and my parents have invited us for lunch." For clarification purposes I asked, "is that Iowa or Croatia time?" He said, "Croatian time." Wow, I didn't realize how tired I was. This jet-lag is no joke, but then again, I was up for 24 hours straight so I guess that takes a toll on your body. Hint.hint. I'm not getting any younger.

In a way, I feel like the trip to Iowa was a dream. Weird hu? Has this ever happened to you, that you go on vacation and then wonder if it was real? (Note: I'm working on several posts from the trip Beli and I took to the States, but I also wanted to keep you posted on our current day to day activities.) Thanks for being patient.

And it's only been 2 days since we arrived and Beli is ready to travel again! Our next destination? Grandma's house!

For lunch: Mussels in olive oil, fresh parsley and garlic with warm bread from the oven. Delicioso!

And for dessert, a yummy white layered fruit cake. Did I mention what a great cook my mother-in-law is? How did you spend your weekend? By the way is it raining world wide?

Family Time

I love family and today we spent the afternoon in Rogoznica with my husband's great aunt and uncle and cousins. They prepared a wonderful lunch and their home has a beautiful view of the sea. Weather was around the 70's.

Isabela and Laura. Don't they look like sisters instead of great,great cousins? Laura was so cute, she is only five but she volunteered to look out for Isabela. They got along great to be the first time they met!

Tomorrow we are hiking the Mosor Mountains. I will tell you how that goes!

Day To Remember

Yesterday being Labor Day weekend I asked Davor if he remembered what we did last year during this time because I couldn't remember. My parents visited us every year we lived in Colorado except last year (why didn't they visit last year? again can't remember). I gave up remembering for the time being.

We went over to Parents home for lunch. Most Sundays we try and get together and I like to call it "FAMILY DAY". Grandparents and Uncle get to see Isabela and she LOVES running around in their apartment and grabbing stuff she shouldn't. I say she is spoiled, "chiple" because if she wants something she shouldn't have(ie:picture frame) and I say No! then she cries but more of a I want it, and I want it NOW cry. Well grandma or grandpa hear her cry and give it to her and Nada tells me she is not spoiled. Isabela is their first grandchild after all, can't blame them.

Well let me tell you what we had for lunch. Nada is a great cook and I personally think she should open her own KONOBA (family restaurant).

Noodle Soup (made with real Veal stock)

Octopus Salad (cooked octopus cut in small pieces tastes like calamari but without being fried and then she added cooked potatoes, onions, olive oil, parsley and garlic it was so GOOD)

Shrimp(with shells) cooked with pasta and a white sauce and parsley (this was prepared for me since I don't eat meat derived from 4 legged creatures)

Cooked Veal with vegetables

And to accompany all that, yeap white wine

I really really really wanted to know what we did last year for labor day weekend 2008, just because, the stubborness in me..

So...................

As we were eating I asked Nada if she remembered what we did last year at this time because she was with us in Colorado at the time. She said maybe you worked and you erased it from your memory? I said you are right, I probably did have to work..

And then Nada said I proprose a toast:

"May today be a day you will remember"

Ahhh what a wonderful toast!!

CHEERS to all of YOU!!!!!!!! and may you also remember Labor Day 2009!!!!