COLORS AT THE MARKET

 The green markets here not only sell produce, but a variety of other items like these fans and shoelaces.

THEME DAY-AUGUST 2025--SWEETS

 Serbia does not lack in sweets.  Many are adaptations of desserts from former occupying countries like Turkey or Austria and are usually super-sweet. The ones pictured are from neither of those countnries, but are from the US!  They are banana/peanut butter bars and I'm typing the recipe below. Super easy and not sweet, unless you overdo the honey or add sugar.  See other SWEETS on THEME DAY.

Here's the recipe:  

One mashed banana

2 tablespoons of honey

1/2 cup of peanut butter

one teaspoon of vanilla extract

sprinkle of cinnamon

2 cups of oatmeal (dry)

Mix all; pat into lightly greased pan and chill.

(Note: I bet coconut would be good too if added....)

FERAL PIGS--YOU'RE IN THEIR 'HOOD!

 My dog and I (she was leashed) went for a walk yesterday on Belgrade's GREAT WAR ISLAND in the Danube River. It was overcast, few people. A lovely, sylvan walk, and despite the possibility of running  into (or away from....) feral piggies, I saw nothing bigger than a butterfly. Note:  Never run from them; walk backwards slowly or climb a tree. Walking backwards I can do, but forget the tree climbing....

FLOWERS IN HER HAIR

 This senior lady in the bus still looks good with 'flowers in her hair'. She sets her own style with the wild prints on her skirt and blouse, and a snazzy bracelet.

BAD FOR ME

 Coke Zero has stuff in it that's not good for me....or anybody. I still indulge from time to time. Ovcasionally, like yesterday, I got a zest of vitamin C ... good for me.

FINALLY

 Rain!! Our heat spell has a bit of a reprieve. I darted over with pup to a café between cloudbursts. Honestly, I hope tomorrow will be the same.

START THE DAY OFF RIGHT

 As a kid, I was a Wheaties, Shredded Wheat, Rice Crispies, and Sugar Pops kid. Later, in France I morphed into a croissant/beurre/confiture person. Serbs eat breakfast 'late. They only have a strong, black Turkish-style coffee and go to work and stop around 10 for some savory pastry like BUREK WITH CHEESE. Kind of heavy. Now I do a substantial but healthy breakfast like above. And strong coffee with milk, too.

PAUSE

This lady was oblivious to my passing by....and to my sneaking a shot. It was a hot day, but I imagine this bench was cooler than perhaps her apartment.

FORTUNE COOKIE COKE?

 Of course this Coke did not come with a fortune cookie nor even a fortune, most likely. I came upon both the Coke and the cards on a bench while walking the dog. If I had to choose one, I'd choose "Take the road less traveled; you'll find joy."  Good advice and it is true.

Please enlarge the photo to read the cards and perhaps find your fortune.

NIKOLA TESLA MUSEUM

 There is always a crowd in front of the NIKOLA TESLA MUSEUM and visitors seem undaunted by the extreme heat. If you do not know, Nikola Tesla was (1856-1943) a Serbian-American inventor, futurist, and an inventor. He is especially known for his contributions to the modern alternating current electric supply system.  Click the link; you will learn a lot. 

MINI-ME

 

For several years, mostly on and off and primarily off, I've been trying to write my life story. I intend to make several copies just for my family. I do this in spurts....  Part of my writing also includes photos of places and things dear to me. One such item is 'my' doll, which really is me. I do not remember playing with it. When I was about two or three (not sure how old I saw in the face abve) my mother had my photo taken at a local department store. Apparently they had a contest going on and I ended up winning Second Place (yes, second....I am still looking for the person who took First Place, ha.)  I don't know if there was any other prize, but part of winning included a doll with my winning photo face. The doll has been with me many years now, but she's lost her shoes and socks.