Monday was the last day I spent with my Dad, the two of us sipping coffees at El Gato. I love the laid-back atmosphere there – the slow pace, the easy chatter of customers in the background, everyone happy, unhurried. The staff add to it all, focused, but cheerful and open.
Was a little surprised by how relaxed my parents were at the airport. There we were again, sitting around a table with teas and a coffee (for Dad), chatting about random things. It all felt quite easy-going, no sense of rush. And that's what I like.
So, it happened I started Tuesday on a plane. After the journey that ended around two a.m., I managed about three hours of sleep before heading off to work the morning shift. I thought I was doing grand, all things considered, but by the early evening I felt washed out and unwell. It was a strange feeling; looking back, I think I simply forgot to drink enough water (especially, that I was walking a lot, mostly drawn out by the sunshine), and I paid the price for that little lapse in judgement.
It's the second full day at my parents' house now, we've had two (and a half) days of lovely sunshine and warmth. The flight on the 2nd was quite smooth, though we had a bit of a bumpy landing. Surprisingly, once on the ground, there was almost no wind.
All the pets are healthy, though little stinky Max is even stinkier than before. My parents aren't sure how old he is; he started living with them only five years ago, and he could have been around 5 at the time. For sure, he's definitely getting on in years, especially for a mix of Shih Tzu from a puppy farm. On the other hand, Gosia, Little Raspberry's sister, is living her dream. As her aggression has subsided with age, though deaf and partially blind, she's now happier than ever before, enjoying the sunshine in the open space instead of in a kennel.
As I love walking and there aren't many places to walk here (the lumberjacks are working in the forest, it's not too safe there at the moment), yesterday I took a leisurely stroll to the local cemetery and back with Dad. We lit candles on both graves – my grandparents' and my granddad's aunt; then we drove to another cemetery, the one in Hochkirch, where my dad's parents are buried.
Today we went for a walk around the town. Still very warm, my olive coat is too much for this weather.
Of course, we had coffees at El Gato twice, again only Dad and I; Mum wasn't part of our adventures, as she's still working full-time and usually wraps up at 3 p.m. Quite unusual for someone her age (71), but I feel it keeps her going. She once told me she doesn't want to be considered a senior citizen.
I've been avoiding political subjects, no news, no talk shows. The first day Mum suggested I should take all my old diplomas with me, as people are talking about the war coming from Ukraine. It’s certainly not impossible (those pampered in the West rarely have any idea what's going on in the East, it's just the way it is; they live in alternate reality and vote for tv personalities instead of politicians), but I won't let it spoil my inner peace.
Fred noticed I was awake (I coughed a lot), with a mischievous grin popped his head through the door and later, after kissing me and wishing me a happy Women's Day, he reached into the wardrobe and pulled out a big sack with two presents inside: a lovely crew neck top made from pure New Zealand merino wool (it's actually a retro mod attire, J. Smedey, with white and apple red stripes – oh my gods, so cool!) and a pair of cashmere pants in a kind of red violet colour (Ralph Lauren X). Am I not a one lucky woman to have this guy for a husband?
The day was very quiet; I read, did some paper work, did some ironing, cooked dinner (Fred came back home before 6 p.m.), watched youtube videos, among others a very interesting vlog by Bernadette Banner on how to recognise natural fiber, such as protein or cellulose fiber. It was very informative, indeed. Most of my wardrobe now consists of clothes made from natural fibres, and I consciously avoid acrylic fabric.
I had a video call with my parents and got a lil bit irritated by my Mum's usual response, that they can't fly to Ireland to visit us, because ... I think over time I cope better with this autistic stubbornness of hers; however, I can't help but feel sad that she limits herself, and also restricts Dad's experience. Life is so short.
Another much longer video call was with my friend, Lucy. It's good to be able to connect, talk about random staff, not really gossips, rather about feelings and emotions. I want to work more on this, connection with people I like.
From Monday afternoon to Friday morning with my parents in a family home surrounded by the forests of Lower Silesia. I had the whole bed to myself (though the cats might argue otherwise, especially Wojtuś), took a peek at old series, like Kojak (episodes from the best year 1975), visited cemetry twice and bonded with Rozalka, who loved me more every day.
During my stay discovered that I was invited for the second interview (actually, the invitation was sent on Friday, but I hadn't checked that email account until last Wednesday, hope it won’t affect the whole process), and an hour later Fred got feedback about his CT scan: clear, no changes. Great news! The same day I took my parents for lunch in an Italian restaurant. I had better culinary experience, but Ma & Pa were happy.
On Thursday we went to Magnolia Park, the largest shopping centre in Lower Silesia; first we had lunch in Lepione, than a solid cup of coffee & a crusty croissant with carmel dip in Karmello Chocolatier. Pure satisfaction. The only thing that got me concerned was how quick Mum wore out, we hadn't even walked that much.
Overall, I had a great time, and felt the stay was much too short. That said, I wouldn't want to live there for good. More than ever I need my own space, my own pace, my own ways of doing things.
Below: Wrocław Główny railway station, always the best first coffee in my grandma's glass cup, Gosia (Little Raspberry's sister), a good girl greeting me cheerfully, Rozalka, Wojtuś sitting with Maksio (the dog) and Rózia in the backgroud (minding her own business), coffee and croissants in Karmello with Mum & Dad.
