With the 3rd & 4th generation off on their beach holiday, we headed off with Ivan & Biserka to swim in the thermal springs & do some sight-seeing for the day. The Varaždinske Toplice (thermal springs) were originally built by the Romans (the site has recently been excavated). Now the springs feed 5 different pools; 3 indoor & 2 outdoors that range in temperature, size & depth. Many Croatians use these poos for relaxation & others use the...

Sunday lunch is a family event. Today we had a traditional special event family lunch with Ivan's family, Biserka's parents, Valentina's parents & sister. In their eyes, we were the 'special event' & their kids were heading off to the beach for a couple of weeks. The gathering was large, so we set up the wine cellar outside. Loads of food, wine & beer were served & all of us relaxed, & of course ate & drank too much. Just in case you...

Today was another day where Biserka had to trim the vines while Ivan & Marin sprayed. I on the other hand had lunch duty, soup, crumbed chicken, spuds & salads. All had to be ready for 1:00 pm. No problems - all done without any issues. Biserka & Milica (her helper) were late - but that's OK as here the meals are never served red hot, only warm. After lunch the workers went back to their tasks & we went to visit dad's sister Barica & her son...

I had an extremely early start - 6:30am. I couldn't get back to sleep so I exercised my brain with Sudokos & drank tea until the others came down stairs. We chilled out with family, did some chores & ate & drank. As I sit here in the attic next to the modem I can hear the neighbourhood pigs having a squeal. The full moon looks particularly good tonight so we thought we might share it with you.

This morning we headed off to help Aunty Mare - her windows are being replaced, so we offered to help her move things to allow the tradesmen room to work. We took all morning to pack up her plates, kitchenware & knick knacks. For lunch she made us some soup & burek. She made the pastry & drew it out into thin layers using a thick piece of dowel. I found it very interesting as I carefully watched her work. A Slivovic (plum brandy) & a couple of be...