Happy Halloween and All Saints' Day

I just got home from a long experiment at work. Unfortunately, that means that I missed all the trick-or-treaters. I didn't even carve a pumpkin this year, something that I've enjoyed doing with friends the last couple of years. Oh well. I hope all of you who went out tonight had a great time and got lots of candy!
I am excited and nostalgic at the same time about the All Saints' Day. This is a really important holy day in Croatia and it is very family oriented. Every year, on this day, most people go to the cemetary to light a candle and pray for their ancestors, family friends, historical figures, etc. The cemetary is so beautiful that day. In the evening, the whole cemetary is lit by candlelight from the plethora ( ;-) ) of candles that are placed around the center cross or on individual graves.
The cathedral in Baltimore has been under repair for 2 years now and it is supposed to reopen either tomorrow or Sat (I've received conflicting information). I would really like to go to mass there tomorrow night because it is such a beautiful church. Plus, L said he wanted to go with me - I think that would be really nice. I know, L is a new name in these pages, but I hope it will reappear for quite some time... But I'm not really ready (and don't have the time) to elaborate or explain right now.
Well, I better go to sleep - it will be time to get up waaaaaaay too soon...
Happy Halloween!
May God bless you and keep you. May all your departed relatives and friends be blessed and enjoy the grace of God for eternity.

babies

Finally a moment to tell another story... I am kind of ignoring things that are happening daily just to continue this small journal about my summer trip. I think it helps keep my relaxed, vacation attitude - at least that's what I'm telling myself. So, yes, where was I? Babies!
One of the special treats this summer was the timing - my second cousin and one of my best friends from childhood had babies!
My cousin Ivana had her first baby - a boy! His name is Vid and he was only three weeks old when we went to see him. Isn't he precious? I always forget how tiny they are... She is very happy to be a mom especially because she has had a rough time last year. Both of her parents died last year as well as her grandmother. So she is kind of alone (with her husband) and I think the baby is a reminder that life goes on. I am thrilled for her!
The other baby is Jakov, born just a few days later (August 10). My friend Anita already has a baby girl, so she is a "pro" at this point. The other picture has her sister Irena, their mom, and all of the kids (Irena has three and Anita now has 2). We had a great time hanging out, talking, revisiting old memories and creating new ones. There is something to be said about old friends like that - no matter how far apart we may be and how little we actually stay in touch, in some ways, time stands still. So when we do see each other, it's like we were never apart.
I hope you enjoy the photos...

fishy business

One of my favorite things about being home in the summertime is the seafood! There are so many different kinds of fish and mussels and they can be prepared in so many delicious ways. Here are some photos of the gourmet meals we had either at my brother's, or at a friend's house in Dubrovnik, or that my mom prepared. They were all delicious!!! Baltimore has great fish too, but I don't have a grill so I rarely prepare them. Occasionally I'll bake some fillets but it's not quite the same.
I love seafood!