Sunny Sunday
Sunday I took a day off from unpacking, well, almost. The day was just too gorgeous to stay in. Around noon, Chester came by and took me for a ride in his Mercedes convertible. Actually, I took him for a ride, since I REALLY wanted to test drive his car. It was awesome! Finally some serious speed. :-) I told Chester that he will be paying for the speeding ticket if I get one, because he showed me all the tricks how to make his car just take off in seconds! I loved it. And the day was just perfect for the ride.
Then we went to visit Chester's dad, Frank, who lives very close to Carolina Trace, in a retirement home. Frank's real name is Franciszek Ciechowski, and he was born in Poland. He fought in World War II, and then settled in England. Later in his life, Frank, together with his family, moved to the US. Now he is 85 years old, soon to be remarried, and surrounded by loving kids, like Chester. He was surprised, but also happy that Chester didn't come alone. After 45 years of not speaking Polish, he did pretty good; his memory of the language was very impressive. It was fun. We all talked, laughed, and just enjoyed the visit. Frank sang about 10 songs while we were there, and I have to admit--I was impressed of the strength and volume of his voice. Wow. And half of those songs he sang in Polish! His last song was the Polish anthem, and we did that one together, causing my eyes to tear up... Well, couldn't help it.
Frank also told me about his girlfriend, Dolores, who proposed to him a few days ago and he said yes. So Frank is going to be married soon. He said, the biggest advantage of that is, that they don't have to worry about birth control. OK, that was already too much information both for me and Chester, and since it was getting late, we had to leave. But we had a blast! And I will definitely come back again with Chester to see his dad.
When I came home, I did a little unpacking and around 3.00 pm I called my friend, Malgosia, in Denmark. I use this great program on my computer, so some phone calls are for free. We talked about 2 hours, while I was preparing snacks and ice tea for the pool party. I miss Malgosia a lot and I wish she could come and visit me here. But we are working on that ... :-)
Around 5.00 pm my sweet neighbour, Tom, came to pick me up, and we went to the pool party. Kathryn was gone for the weekend so it was only the two of us. There were already some neighbours by the pool, with drinks and snacks, enjoying the wonderful view. I still have a hard time remember people's names, but they didn't seem to mind. Especially because most of them can't prenounce my name, and they just call me B. It was a really nice gathering, and we all had a good time. I still can't believe that Rob and I live here, and we are part of this wonderful community!
Tom and I left about 7.00 pm and went home. But before I let Tom go, I had to show him what progress I did with the house. He loved the way that weird wall paper looked now, with our library furniture in the room. It is really pretty. I also showed him some of the other places around the house, and all the bags, and broked down boxes, that I was planning to take out the next morning for the trash pick-up. I think he felt sorry for me about the amount of trash in the house, and as sweet as he is, Tom offered his help to take it all out. Which I really appreciate it.
After Tom went home, I worked on unpacking until midnight. Once I got going, I couldn't stop.
Here are pictures of Chester and his dad, Frank.
Then we went to visit Chester's dad, Frank, who lives very close to Carolina Trace, in a retirement home. Frank's real name is Franciszek Ciechowski, and he was born in Poland. He fought in World War II, and then settled in England. Later in his life, Frank, together with his family, moved to the US. Now he is 85 years old, soon to be remarried, and surrounded by loving kids, like Chester. He was surprised, but also happy that Chester didn't come alone. After 45 years of not speaking Polish, he did pretty good; his memory of the language was very impressive. It was fun. We all talked, laughed, and just enjoyed the visit. Frank sang about 10 songs while we were there, and I have to admit--I was impressed of the strength and volume of his voice. Wow. And half of those songs he sang in Polish! His last song was the Polish anthem, and we did that one together, causing my eyes to tear up... Well, couldn't help it.
Frank also told me about his girlfriend, Dolores, who proposed to him a few days ago and he said yes. So Frank is going to be married soon. He said, the biggest advantage of that is, that they don't have to worry about birth control. OK, that was already too much information both for me and Chester, and since it was getting late, we had to leave. But we had a blast! And I will definitely come back again with Chester to see his dad.
When I came home, I did a little unpacking and around 3.00 pm I called my friend, Malgosia, in Denmark. I use this great program on my computer, so some phone calls are for free. We talked about 2 hours, while I was preparing snacks and ice tea for the pool party. I miss Malgosia a lot and I wish she could come and visit me here. But we are working on that ... :-)
Around 5.00 pm my sweet neighbour, Tom, came to pick me up, and we went to the pool party. Kathryn was gone for the weekend so it was only the two of us. There were already some neighbours by the pool, with drinks and snacks, enjoying the wonderful view. I still have a hard time remember people's names, but they didn't seem to mind. Especially because most of them can't prenounce my name, and they just call me B. It was a really nice gathering, and we all had a good time. I still can't believe that Rob and I live here, and we are part of this wonderful community!
Tom and I left about 7.00 pm and went home. But before I let Tom go, I had to show him what progress I did with the house. He loved the way that weird wall paper looked now, with our library furniture in the room. It is really pretty. I also showed him some of the other places around the house, and all the bags, and broked down boxes, that I was planning to take out the next morning for the trash pick-up. I think he felt sorry for me about the amount of trash in the house, and as sweet as he is, Tom offered his help to take it all out. Which I really appreciate it.
After Tom went home, I worked on unpacking until midnight. Once I got going, I couldn't stop.
Here are pictures of Chester and his dad, Frank.
posted by Beata | 9:14 AM
7 Comments:
Looks like you had so much fun. And I'm glad you are making friends, since Rob is gone so much. Love you, Mom
Hi Mom, yes, I did had a great day. Our neigbours are like a family to us, and we couldn't ask for better friends. :-)
Love the pictures, baby. It looks like Chester's dad had a great time too. Did you take any pictures at the pool?
Love you,
Rob
Hi Honey, I am glad you liked the pictures. Next time you need to come with us to see Frank. He is going to love it! :-)
No, I didn't take any pictures at the pool... Next Sunday I will, maybe. I love you!
Hi Sweetie,
Chester's Dad, Frank, has such wonderful character in his face! I bet he really enjoyed having you guys visit! You are a good person, Beatka.
Hope the unpacking is going well. I miss you and am still checking dates. Take more pictures of the house as you get it put together so I can see everything.
I am so happy, and relieved, that you have such wonderful neighbors. It puts my mind at ease.
Any more news on the job search?
Love ya,
Aunt Karen
My dear Aunt Karen,
I really did enjoyed spending time with Chester and his dad. It was different and it just felt good inside. I am truely surrounded by amazing people, I couldn't ask for a better place to live. Plus I have you guys--the best family in the world! :-)
I hope to see you soon, can't wait!
Love you tons! - Beata.
I can well imagine you tearing up at your Anthem. I have rarely sang the Star Spangled Banner without tears...I sometimes think I was born patriotic, and as I age, I have more comprehension of just what it all means, and how much has been sacrificed for my freedoms. God Bless America, God bless Poland and the World. I am sure speaking Polish again with such a beautiful young woman made him happy for a week. Such a sweet girl you are.
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