Autumn Comes to Lazienki Park

We finally made it out to Lazienki Park to view the Autumn leaves. Last Sunday we took the camera with us on a chilly walk. After the shneg incident we worried that fall would turn to winter and squash opportunities to enjoy fall colors.

Here's David on his last carefree Sunday. As of today he's serving as a counselor in the Branch Presidency along with President Rob Smith who works at the US Embassy.

Last night we ate at the Smith's house with a few other families. We are getting to know some people in the branch including a "nomadic opera family" whom we feel are like "old friends," especially as 3-year-old Colin called out "Where's my Polish Grandpa?" when David went to sit on the stand in church. Our branch was treated to Brian's vocal and piano talent singing, "I Need Thee Every Hour." We'll blog more about them and the opera house after seeing "The Fall of the House of Usher" in November. Although Ann claims it's not virtuous, lovely, or of good report, we're sure it will be praiseworthy and look forward to that.

We are told that, even in the winter, the park continues to be a great place to retreat and enjoy its natural beauty. The stillness and striking views provide a great place to relax in spite of the temperature extremes of the Warsaw Winter.

These photos provide you with a small glimpse of the serenity encountered in our favorite place to visit in the city of Warsaw.

Speaking of striking views - Lisa found it necessary to strike one from my view.

Warszawa Gets Shnegged

Looked out the window to a white winter scene this morning--what happened to fall? Notice in the picture taken from our mieszkanie window that some leaves haven't turned colors yet! It has snowed continuously (although not sticking much) all day.

People at work assured David that this is unusual for this early in the year.

Piotr, the security guy in our complex says it's supposed to snow for two days, then temperatures should get up to 10 degrees (C. of course) I like the word snieg (shneg) which means snow in Polish. It should have an accent above the s, but we don't know how to use Polish alphabet characters.

Shneg sheems to fit the mood of the shurprise shtorm--SHOOT its's too early for Shnow!

Notice the snow on the bear's back at the neighborhood water-well. Here we fill jugs with mineral water for drinking.

Back in Warsaw after a Trip Across the Pond

After four weeks of travel for Lisa and a couple for David, we're back in our Warsaw apartment. Upon our arrival, we quickly noted the change in the season. The leaves are beginning to turn and we are anxious to make a trip to Lazienki Park and enjoy the scenery.

We had no interest in cooking (after the long flight) so we went out to one of the neighborhood restaurants and enjoyed a traditional Polish meal. We suspect that the umbrellas will soon come down and all of the eateries and shops will move indoors. Hopefully, the loss of the outdoor dining will be offset by the warmth inside.

Lisa: Two days have passed while we're adjusting to the time change. David's cooking garlic chicken while I update our blog (a barley, brown rice and mushroom side dish is also simmering, so in case you're wondering I contribute in the kitchen too:)

We had planned to take our camera on an afternoon walk to capture the beautiful autumn leaves from around the city, but it's raining so I settled for making a cup of cocoa and curling up with a book my sister recommended. I'm more than half-way through "The Help," and enjoying it

immensely. The only reason I can put it down from time to time is that it's the only Southern Lit book I brought.

My carefree, minimalist attitude kicked in about the time I started packing for our return trip. Unfortunately, that means we didn't pack an umbrella (and we own about 10 purchased on a hurried trip to Walmart the night before Lauren's wedding.) Also, I forgot to double check where I put my new Poland-purchased pumps, and assumed amongst my full suitcases that I'd packed my favorite black shoes; but unfortunately no, we had to shop at a mall yesterday. Please, no pity though--all malls have grocery stores included--so the dreaded shopping trip was multi-functional!

On the sidewalk outside of our second-story apartment I see dozens of stylish kobietas walking around in boots and I'm sure it's a sign of cold weather to come! Hope we get a chance to snap some photos before autumn's over.

I had a wonderful time visiting sisters, my parents, and all three daughters and son-in-law while in the States. It was great to share in celebrating Adrienne's and then Lindsay's birthdays! We hope to see Nate at Christmas if his job will allow the time off when we return to Charlotte for the Holidays. Next year our return to the States will be less-frequent as we hope to have each kid visit us here during our stay!

David kept busy in Poland before returning to Charlotte and Washington D.C. to get his visa. He made a few "business" trips. Here's a sample of places he visited (and promises to take me

sometime soon:)

David: Yes, it is true, I am able to mix business with pleasure. In one of our trips to the north in the Gdansk area, I was able to visit Historic Malbork Castle and Sopot. Lisa was virtually there as well, as I called her multiple times to let her know all she was missing.

Here are a couple of pictures. I'll have to devote a full blog to this at a later date.

Needless to say the views were breathtaking and the history surrounding this area is astounding. This is one castle where you can get up close and personal. The castle society has done a remarkable job in preservation and restoration of what was the largest castle of its time (1300 -1400)

This is just a small portion of the Castle that you are able to tour.