Kacio and Lina are clearly having trouble with the move. Kacio is on an eating strike, except for ice cream of course. But, a boy who went from human garbage disposal two weeks ago to refusing all food and just demanding to nurse, is clearly having issues of some sort. I blame the move, and expect him to be right as rain soon enough. It's just frustrating. And Lina, well, Lina is just Lina but on about an 8 all the time, as opposed to about a 5 which is what she had finally achieved right before we left. This too shall get better. Right now my ear drums are bleeding from the screaming and crying in this hollow, echo-y empty house and my nerves are a little frayed. I am managing to keep my patience though. I have to understand their share in this, and it's a big one for such little people.
We have made great progress on the house in the last couple of days. Mostly shopping at IKEA means that we have to put all the furniture together ourselves which is fine, but it also means that it takes several days to come together. All in good time. At least we have the kitchen.
The weather has been rainy and cool but it will warm up again tomorrow. I haven't gotten tired of the weather yet. The rain, or the cooler than normal air. I know all will be eager to tell me how much I will hate it next summer after a winter of precipitation and cold, but I love it for now. And now is all I really need to worry about.
Our back yard.
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| A large cherry tree in the far back right corner of the yard. An old swing used to hang here and all that's left is a rope. it's great big ol' tree. |
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| Walnuts. Not quite ready. |
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| One lone raspberry from a neighbors yard that managed to grow on our side of the fence. Hey, it's on our side, it's ours, right? |
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| Apples! Tons of them. They're gettin' there... |
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| Plums. Coming along nicely. |
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| Not the whole yard but an idea of what's out there. |
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| Of course, there is a pile of wood, so it must be kicked and destroyed. |
The fruit trees are beautiful! What a great yard to play in and such great weather. We had a taste of coolish and rainy weather the other day. It was fleeting but worth it. Glad to hear that there isn't a heat wave to accompany your transition. OMG, you will HATE this cool weather next summer! ;)
ReplyDeletethe weather is wonderful and the yard is awesome. There are several trees that are so big that I have ideas of making a fairy playland for Lina under the branches. I figure that she and her imaginary friends would appreciate it.
DeleteAccording to Polish law the fruits from a tree that grows on your neighbour's part, but the fruit itself hangs over the border on your side, are lawfully yours. So enjoy the raspberry :)
ReplyDeleteAnd welcome to Poland!
Marta
Whew! No worries there then. Hejjo sort of just ate it without asking anyway, but it's good to know the law!
DeleteThanks for the welcome. It has been a rocky but good beginning.
My kids also had issues with food when we moved. Kids don't like unfamiliar food. I suggest a trip to the Aqua Park (ul. Dobrego Pasterza 126) to stimulate the appetite and maybe a lunch in McDonald's from time to time.
ReplyDeleteI never really thought about the food being weird. The others are having no problem but the baby is having none of it. I also wonder if it's just his way of dealing with all new, rejecting what he can, and food is one place where he can control things for himself. I know it will get better.
DeleteMcDonald's is one place my children do recognize. They have only eaten there a handful of times in America but in one week since we've been here we have already been once. Also, because I can't figure out how to work the oven and the instructions are in Polish. :p... sandwiches are getting old!
What a beautiful yard! You'll enjoy those fresh walnuts in a few months - One of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteI hope the search for the land for the new house is going well. We made sure to get something with a nice view... Building a house is a big project, we are just halfway through with ours (making most of the building decisions from here in California). This is what we ended up doing, just outside of Nowy Sacz. Not perfect... but it'll do :)
https://picasaweb.google.com/118343134737310537660/July212012?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKnokJjq9eeXwQE&feat=directlink
The view is amazing! Oh my goodness, how wonderful to wake up to that every morning. And your house is so open, with so many windows. I like it very much, from what I can see. The horror stories you hear abotu it taking forever to build a house here must be that much more intimidating when you are building it from thousands of miles away. It's all looks great. When was the last time you saw it? When will you all be here again?
DeleteUnfortunately we have to wait for Babcia to arrive before we can start looking or land, so next week! We are very excited and anxious. There will be nothing left! ;)
Thanks Olivia! The views are beautiful yearround... You can see the city, river, and on a clear day, the tatra mountains. Once we finish, you guys are are invited for lunch anytime.
DeleteHours of planning went into this... It was a bit harder than normal as the property is narrow and we had an old existing house on there already that we saved a few walls (helped classify as a remodel so we could build taller, full walls upstairs, less steep roof, and closer to the back property line. We are fans of big windows and open/light floor plans so we tried to go in this direction... And keeping it functional.
Knock on wood, no horror stories for us... My father in law is supervising the project which made the entire difference. Without him we would not be doing this remotely.
The architect took forever (about a year and a half of nagging to pump out an approved plan). For the build, we tried to find companies that had good references, and got multiple estimates per job. Everthing was under clear contract with deadlines which tured out good. Seperate groups to do each of the major jobs (raw house, windows, exterior insulation, etc.). I would plan 2 years from start to finish if you are tring to do it quick.
With a 4 month baby at home, we havent been able to make it out for a while to see the progress (I only saw the foundation in 2010, my wife the raw state in early 2011... But planning to visit in late September/October.
We can't wait to make our move like you (looking like mid 2013 for us). :-)
Hi Olivia-
ReplyDeleteDiscovered your blog today and have really enjoyed reading your posts. Looking forward to reading more about your new life in Poland. I visited Krakow once. Loved it! I hope you will be very happy there.
Thanks, Halinka! So far I love Krakow. I have been here many times so it is not such a huge shock for me but actually like living in a place that I might call my 3rd home. ;) If you ever visit again look us up!
DeleteOlivia
Hi Olivia, just found your interesting blog (from Raverly). I'm originally from Nowa Huta my parents apartment was off the Plac Centralny. Now I live in Sydney Australia. Good luck with your move - I'm sure you'll love it. Even after 30 years away from the town I still miss it from time to time. Your blog reminded me about my roots and the time I had to get used to a new strange country and learn a foreign language. Poland has changed a lot and you'll find that there are more and more foodstuff being imported. I hope you'll find your peanut butter which I love too. Actually, currently I buy one that is made in the US and I reckon it is the best I ever ate. I wish the tree in my one garden as big and with as many fruits as yours.
ReplyDeleteGood luck
Teresa
Hi, Teresa, thanks for commenting! Your parents used to live in what is now becoming a much more trendy area, and one of my favorites. If you ever decide that you want to come and visit please don't hesitate to contact me.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes,
Olivia