Barn porch seating for a rest from field work. Don’t mind if I do!
Catch a ride on a gypsy wagon. and enjoy the view as the world goes by.
If the day is too hot and the stoop in front of your shop is being showered with sun, move your table and chairs to the shadier side of the street. and enjoy.
When the day is done and you need to rest. finding a swing is just the thing.
I am the lady from Noddy. I relish this. probably too much. But I do. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be from a place called Toyland where the bad guys always lose. Sounds perfect to me.
Last week, I visited a friend who has three little girls. Later the oldest asked her mother when the lady was coming back. She asked what lady and her daughter replied, “The lady from Noddy.”
Children here in my little Serbian town are always interested at first and then later often annoyed at my speaking English. It is new and different. If I am a friend of their parents, they often get frustrated that they cannot understand what we are saying. This is the case even if we are attempting to speak Serbian, as my Serbian is like that of a cow.
They are much more honest about how bad it is as they just tend to ignore my attempts as if I didn’t even say a word. Grown-ups attempt to understand an even humor me by telling me how good my Serbian is… but, I know it is NOT GOOD!
So, I am the Lady from Noddy, speaking English most of the time.
I imagine myself as Tessie the bear.
She is described as clever and kind. I would love for those to be my adjectives! I must admit, at first I fancied myself as Miss Harriet, the pink cat!
Apparently she is fussy and neat. I am fussy, but not neat. Then, I read she speaks with a french accent. Not it! lol
Tessie the bear from Noddy is also a bit naughty… but then frolicking topless is much less of a big deal here in Europe is much less of a big deal in the States! I haven’t indulged in that yet. 🙂 Since I am still nursing, that would be a real milkshake. But I doubt it would bring all the boys to the yard. Na na na na naa.
In case you didn’t get that reference…
Milkshake http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CIUkmERKA4
The Bear Naked Lady from Noddy wishes you all a Happy Sunday!
Part one
December 8, 2008
Deda means Grandpa
Today I went for a walk to take pictures in Knjazevac. There are still many places I haven’t seen here yet and it still feels like an adventure just to take a walk around town. It wasn’t a long walk, because as I walked I realized I was close to Deda Tole’s house. I really like him and wanted to stop by but wasn’t sure if it was a good idea. I was afraid hey may be busy with something. Deda is known for his hard working character. He is always busy working on something. His super large hands filled with muscles are a witness to that hard work. Small sweet man with very large hands. He is definitely the kind of man you want for a grandpa!
Deda Tole
As I was walking to his hous,e I saw an old lady dressed in Serbian granny clothes. A sweater, thick stockings, plastic “Maryjane” type shoes (good for anytime of work outside and are used by male and females),and a kerchief tied around her head like in All the old nursery rhyme books. She was adorable!
She had mail in her hand and was looking toward Deda’s house. I asked he in my very limited Serbian if Tole was home and she didn’t think so and was probably going to turn back. I rang his door bell that is actually located on the fence outside of his house. It’s different and cool. When he came outside he looked really happy to see me. He said a few words to the little lady and she gave me his mail and we, Deda and I, go inside his cozy little home.
Words cannot express how warm and loved I feel from Milan’s family. Family is so important here, and I am a novelty family member being from the U.S. Deda Tole loves to tell his friends about his American grand daughter. I can see it in his eyes. Adorable! America is like a mythical place to some of the people here. There are may misconceptions about how wonderful the U.S. is, kinda like a Disney world for life… Brought on by the happy ending movies and television shows as well as the years of hard living in Serbia caused by war, communism, and corruption.
Deda made me coffee and gave me apple and grapes to munch on, as well as a loaf of bread, unsliced old world style, and hard boiled eggs not yet peeled. There is really nice homey feeling there. So casual and friendly. It makes me relax…until I have to struggle to speak in Serbia. Then I get a little frazzled and have to tell myself, slow down and think. I know a lot of words, I just have a hard time remembering them when I need them. And, there are so may basic words used in sentences that I am lacking, I am sure I sound like a toddler when I speak.
He and I talk as much as we can and then needs to do some farm work. I tell him I want to help and he tries to deter me but I insist. I help him mix the pigs food, which consists of small whole apples, grain, hot water, scraps and then we take it out to the shed for the finishing touch. He chops up dry ears of corn into small inch wide pieces. He chops them with an ax and the skill of a chef. when he is finished and much of the corn kernels have flown all over the room he ads the chopped Cob to the. hot pig slop stew.
It has been raining outside for the past few days, there is mud everywhere so he insists I put on a pair of boots that he takes out of a bag. I believe they are his new winter boots and fear I will ruin them before he even gets to wear them. They only get dirty on the bottom while we are tramping around the “farm”.
His house is in the town of Knjazevac. It is not unusual to see houses that have the makings of what we would see only in the country. At his house there are only pigs, chickens, a dog and a cat that I saw. But there is also a large building across the street (4 Stories!) that works as a large storehouse like a barn. On the bottom level Milan told me there is a garage for fixing cars, there is storage for dried corn cobs, Barrels of wheat, grapes layed out to dry, tools, and all kinds of odds and ends. There is also a large clothes line hung up in one of the large rooms for drying clothes, as there are very few clothes driers. They exist, but mostly just in stores.
It is amazing. I had such an education today. I really had a good day.
Part 2
Fast forward 4+ years
I have finally visited Deda Tole again. Yesterday was the first time Millie and I made the short trek to his place. It was much the same as the first post accept my Serbian has improved and we had a munchkin to entertain.
Deda didn’t disappoint in the entertainment. He danced for Millie, stomping his feet and snapping his fingers. He is the most adorable little man. I wish he could meet my grandpa back home.
Every visit he puts out food. Yesterday as soon as I arrived he threw some small potatoes in the stove and some eggs on to boil. Small crackers he calls cakes were set out for Millie and I immediately.
Boiled eggs, roasted potatoes, cakes, and apples to go with the best beer. 🙂
Tole likes his beer. He always has one when he visits us and insists Milan have one when we visit him. I had some too. It is my favorite kind. Millie had to settle for milk. But did try to share some of my little pivo.
We kept Millie busy while we peeled the hot potatoes and chatted lightly. Regretfully, I still cannot do more than that.
Sadly, this time no cats warmed themselves by the fire. When I inquired about them he said his daughter doesn’t like them. But he misses having them. His only animals now are chickens for laying eggs. And bees for honey out in the country. He butchered the pig about a month ago.
I hope when the weather gets warmer I can drive him out to the country to his bee hives. I always love going there and it makes for a great blog post!
Today after I got home from going to the market, called Piyats, Deda came for a visit. 🙂
I think he is just too cute. The way he dresses is traditional but it reminds of what I have seen in Ireland.
Grandpa Piggly From the Irish cartoon “Jakers” Link credit http://www.jakers.co.uk/parentsteachers/program/slideshow2.html
Just like this cartoon Grandpa, Deda caters to his little Millie. Today, not only did he come to visit, and do a dance upon entering to room to get her attention, he also brought her a little treat.
A Stark chocolate, the chocolate of choice for Grandparents all over Serbia.
Stark is pronounced Shtark, is a Serbian Chocolate company. They have some tasty candy bars.
Treats from Deda
I love the time I get to spend with him. Hooray for Grandpas all over the world!
To all my readers, Stay warm!
Dobar Dan
Yesterday, I had a nice stroll in the morning and then in the evening. I took a few pics.
Cat, Shadow, and Graffiti
The wild kitty was enjoying the sun on a cold winter day. I walked around town and when I got back. Kitty was still there. He likes that spot.
Our Furry Family
Yesterday, I caught our kitty up on the table. He isn’t allowed up there, but following orders isn’t his strong suit. Kinda like Garfield. The two of them are like a Serbian Garfield and Odie. On a few levels.
Mama and the Munchkin checking out the animals.
Millie loves seeing the animals. She could watch them for ever. She gets so excited when we see them as they run to our car. Immediately she starts grunting and leaning down to touch them. True love.
The little monster is in need of a nap now. and I must go.
One last pic for the day.
Pavillion in the park
The park is still lit for the holidays. I love seeing the town lit up with strings of lights along with bells and snow flakes to make it seem festive. Lights add to the sweet ambiance this town has.
Today is Serbian Orthodox Christmas. If you are Greek or Russian or any other Orthodox Christian, today Christmas! Best wishes to you all!!
This is a popular picture circulating around my Serbian community on Facebook, wishing all a marvelous holiday.
Virtual Serbian Christmas Card
Here people are greeted with the saying Christ is born or Hristos se rodi (Cyrillic spelling Христос се роди).
Phones were buzzing all morning with friends and family calling each other exclaiming Hristos Se Rodi!
The car seat view on the way to Grandma’s
Today was a family day. The way Christmas should be. Mama and Papa played with the baby. The munchkin learned how to pet the kitty. carefully.
Loving on Tomo
Auntie and Papa vied for the little one’s attentions while we all waited for the yummy food to finish cooking. It was worth the wait, I assure you.
Deda and Tetka with our little wiggle worm.
Deda was in hog heaven as the Milster played happily in his lap. It didn’t last long enough, she always wants the mommy so soon! I did get quite a nice break today. Longer than normal, so I got to help in the kitchen. I even had enough time to make the cabbage salad and later I washed the dishes, a welcome break from the little love.
There is always salad to start, fresh bread, and gibanica. YUM!
We had many of the same salads from yesterday with the addition of the cabbage. There was soup, then Rimfleish. This is a German dish normally served with beef, but our family eats it with Chicken primarily. Boiled carrots and potatoes accompany this dish. As always it was served with gibanica, a filo dough with egg and cheese pastry. Super yummy. I love making it!
Rimfleish made from the bad rooster (One of my stock fotos) forgot to take a pic today
Next there was smoked meats from the turkey and pig we just killed. Plus meatballs. After all that there was the turkey. But, I didn’t have any room left, believe it or not. 😉
Half the Turkey is still a huge!
The special bread was cut after yesterday’s pick and pull tradition. Almost none is left. Most families put a coin in the bread for a lucky person to find. I can imagine as a child that would be thrilling! Who am I kidding, I would be tickled to death now to get a coin in my bread.
Mama out did herself again. We were all stuffed to bits at the end of dinner. I didn’t even have room for the sour cherry desert. I will have some later… I brought it home with me!
As usual, we all had some coffee. Serbian style. so it was Turkish. 🙂
Turkish coffee on a tray. That’s just how we roll.
After dinner it was back to relaxing with the family. What and excellent day!
*Regretfully, only the only food picture from today was the one with the broken bread and the turkey, I was too busy eating to take pics!
Chronicles of Serbia 
