Time to call in the family memory: Dziadzio and Babci. They oldest of the young boys, bout age 12, was sent into the house to get them to come out and join the discussion. We talked about the storks in their front yard while waiting: How long had they been there. Since March. They would be leaving soon because their baby was nearly grown enough to be on it's own. Did they come every year? Yes, for about 50 years they have returned in March. Did anyone ever try to scare them off or shoot them? Of course not! That is the national bird! They go where they want! This conversation is done while the cat taunts the dogs, a Shepard, dauchsand, and a medium mix, causing much barking and running amongst those of us awaiting Dziadzio and Babci.
Dziadzio arrives and is briefed on what is going on. Babci also arrives. The two of them look exactly as I remember my Dziadzio and Babci. He is about 5' 9" and she is at most 5' 4". Both are stocky and look like what eve Pole is supposed to be. He is dressed in work pants and long sleeve work shirt. She looks like she was working in the kitchen; apron, cotton longish skirt and sleeveless top, that had had many washes, each with small flowers on them. Dziadzio immediately moves the group to the grapevine covered patio where there is a nice home made table and benches. Babci wants to know what i would like to drink; fruit juice, home made apple or black currant. My genealogist/translator cautions me as to what i ask select. I choose water. Babci immediately sends the young wife and her oldest daughter into the house to get some refreshments.
The conversation begins. They vaguely recall a Mozdzen. They then show themselves to be true Kurpies. A loud discussion ensues. Everyone has an opinion. No one has a definite answer. The refreshments arrive: wonderful Polish peasant bread with pork bits, garlic and sliced thin onions; drinks are sparkling water over ice with sprigs of mint. We all sit at the table on benches and share the food while kidding each other as to how we look and speak. They want more details from me. How old am I? Nearly 70. You look very healthy for 70! Your face is nice and full. You look Polish! They are 86 and 85. I tell them i have a long time before i get to 85. Everyone laughs. They are disappointed i do not speak Polish; but, they like that i am trying to learn. They kid Linda about being Italian. How come i married an Italian? How many children do we have. I show them the t-shirt i am wearing with Piotr and Rosalja. Very interested in the shirt. Everyone, especially the girls and Babci, want to see.
Yes, they recall Mozdzens, but that was very long ago and they were so young. There is a friend/cousin who knows where the Mozdzens lived. He is 95. More discussion. It all reminds me of the family gatherings in the farmhouse kitchen in Three Rivers when my grandparents were alive and well. We will go to the cousin who is located on the other side of the village, one kilometer.
Dziadzio changes his clothes and spiffs up. Nice clean pants and nice clean long sleeve shirt. All buttons are fastened and his hair is neatly combed. We give him the front seat of our car, a Polish built Opel, that our driver tells us is considered a rich man's car in Poland. The whole family comes out to see him get into the car. They want a picture for their living room.
Part 3 in next entry. Pictures between.
Dziadzio Mozdzen
Sent from my iPad
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