May 1st is a Day for Lovers...so find that blossoming cherry tree and kiss your love!

On the first of May, lovers are supposed to kiss under a blossoming cherry tree to ensure a year of good health.  Also, a girl should be kissed under a cherry blossom so that she will stay beautiful all year round.  Finding a cherry tree in Prague can be difficult, so kissing under any blossoming tree will do!  

(Psssst...I'll tell you a secret... there's one at Vysehrad)

Another tradition is to meet at the statue of Karel Hynek Mácha.  Why?  Mácha was a Czech romantic poet, and today he stands on Petřín Hill.  

Couples who kiss in front of his statue believe that their love will be as strong as the stone that the statue is made from.  Mácha is best known for his lyrical epic poem, Máj, which is a poem about a tragic love between two young people.  A well-known verse is:

It was late evening, on the first of May,

The eve of May was the time of love.

The turtle-dove's voice called to love,

Where rich and sweet pinewoods lay.

Máj is regarded as a classic work of Czech Romanticism, and is considered one of the best Czech poems ever written.

Všechno nejlepší k svátku! (All the best on your name day, Blahoslav!)

Today we honor Blahoslav.  Happy Name Day, Blahoslav!

Blahoslav is a Czech name of Slavonic origin, meaning "fame; glory".

Všechno nejlepší k svátku! (All the best for your name day, Robert!)

Today we honor Robert.  Happy Name Day, Robert!

The name Robert is of Old German origin, meaning "bright fame".  Robert has been a favorite name for boys since the Middle Ages.  It's especially favored by the Scots due to 14th century King Robert the Bruce.

Home Sweet Ostredek!

As much as I love life in Prague, being home in Ostredek encompasses me in happiness.  I always feel a sense of calm...that warm and fuzzy feeling that you just can't explain, but that feels soooo right.

Won't you come home with me?

Enjoy the scenery along the way...

Almost there!...

A mere 20 minute drive from Prague...

And Home Sweet Home!

Nothing like looking outside and seeing a rainbow...

Oh Peugeot, how I've missed driving you so...

Hello fish... I see you've survived the winter...

Sweet little Kaca...

and my darling, Sammi

Let's take a stroll through the village, shall we?  ...

Up for a pivo at the local hospoda?

Calm lake...

And beautiful views...

I adore this old mill...wish I could convert it into a home...

Old homes along the road...

A "chata" (simple cottage)

Pretty much every Czech has a chata, or a weekend house, simply because we're obsessed with getting away!  Chata's are typically built next to a forest, river, or lake, and do vary in size (although I'm quite fascinated by the itty bitty ones!)  There are quite a few chata's in our village.

This chata has definitely seen better days!

Another old home that would be spectacular to renovate...

Sometimes I'm in the mood for a bike ride...

Um, yes, those are indeed carrots strapped to my bike.  I have lots of furry friends to visit!

The sheep usually ignore me...

But the goats certainly do not!

A friend I truly miss... "Semik" 

(he went to live with a new family...hope he's happy!)

He always knew I had a bag of treats for him...

And showed his love in return... 

This must have once been a beautiful villa.  It's still a stunning building, but is now a home for the elderly; sadly mostly those with alzhemer's...

Town hall...

Just call me the Cat Whisperer...

Some more fuzzy friends...

This guy's the friendliest of them all... or maybe he just knows that I come bearing goodies... 

I just adore this...in person it looks like a gnome's home.  Not sure what they store there but I like to think wine...or homemade Slivovice!

Lake #2

Feels good to be surrounded by rolling hills and green grass...

A new home being built...looks sturdy!

Our village bus stop...

Cemetery ...look how well kept it is.  There's always someone visiting a gravesite and planting flowers for their loved ones...

Sunset over Lake #2

Another fine day comes to a close... home with the family, perhaps a night out in Prague, or dinner in Benesov?  No matter what I do, being with family & my love is where my heart will always be.