Posts by Bernadette

Bernadette

13 Feb 2009

Language / Has anyone experienced Polish language learning homestays..? [4]

Dear Vincent,

Thanks so much for your thoughts. Your course sounds wonderful! I'm glad you were able to learn so much.

I only wish I had the time to devote to such intense study of Polish. In my case, I am a stay-at-home mother of four boys, ages four through nine years. I'll be lucky if I can get away for even one week-- let alone three! Hah hah!

:-)

Thanks again for your input. Best of luck in your study of Polish!

Sincerely,
Bernadette

Bernadette

12 Feb 2009

Language / Has anyone experienced Polish language learning homestays..? [4]

Hello!

Has anyone had any experience with the Polish language learning homestay programs advertised online? They seem to be rather full-immersion programs that offer a one or two week stay with a typical Polish family; during the day the participant attends Polish school and cultural events.

Does anyone know anything about these schools? If so, do you feel this type of experience could benefit a beginner with NO knowledge of Polish??

Thanks!

:-)

Bernadette

10 Feb 2009

Food / Polish bismarcks or doughnuts, known as "pączki." [7]

Wow, we enjoyed these often at home, and they were also sold at neighborhood fairs and festivals. I always assumed they really were a Polish treat. I guess it's just another one of those "Polish-American" traditions; not genuinely Polish at all. Oh well, they're still delicious!

Thanks for the links!

:-)

Bernadette

10 Feb 2009

Food / Polish bismarcks or doughnuts, known as "pączki." [7]

Last night we made pączki for our little boys. This is a dessert I remember fondly from growing up in eastern Pennsylvania. I made the batter, and my husband fried them up. Our little ones went crazyfor them! We could hardly keep them coming out of the pot fast enough. Hah hah! I think our oldest (9 years old) ate four all by himself!

Here's an online recipe if you would like one:

easteuropeanfood.about.com/od/recipestepbyst2/r/FunnelCakes.htm

Enjoy!!

:-)

Bernadette

9 Feb 2009

Genealogy / Alex and Katherine Yascuk, of Krakow..? [7]

I found some people in Kraków with the name Jaszczuk. Do you have and know any family in Poland?

WOW, Magda! :-) Yes, I may still have family there. That's how I began this thread: my great-grandmother, Katarzyna Jaszczuk (thanks, Davey!) came from Krakow. She passed away in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA, back in the late 1970s; I don't know if she had brothers and sisters..?

I would LOVE to know if I have family in Poland! Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

I am very proud of my Polish heritage, and hope to learn much more about your beautiful country.

Thanks SO much for looking into this; that was most kind of you, Magda. With the language barrier, I wouldn't even know where to begin!

Blessings to you!

Bernadette

9 Feb 2009

Genealogy / Alex and Katherine Yascuk, of Krakow..? [7]

Thank you, Magda. Yes, I thought that sounded strange, too. I wonder where he came from, then, and how he managed to marry a girl in Poland! So many mysteries in my family. Thanks for your input!

Bernadette

9 Feb 2009

Genealogy / Alex and Katherine Yascuk, of Krakow..? [7]

Gee, David, thanks a lot! Yeah, their names maybe were Americanized (awful, isn't it?). I am clueless when it comes to Polish, so I really appreciate your suggestions.

Something I forgot to mention is they had four children that I know of, all girls:

Victoria, Mary (my grandmother), Anita and Rose. I think all were born in the USA (New York area?), but I'm not 100% positive.

Thanks again! :-)

Those last names don't look very Polish

Yes, Davey. I am really wondering about "Metro"?!? That isn't a common Polish first name, is it??

(Longing to learn Polish!!)

Bernadette

9 Feb 2009

Genealogy / Alex and Katherine Yascuk, of Krakow..? [7]

Hello friends! I am trying to locate relatives who may still be in Poland. My great-grandmother (died in the late 1970s), Mrs. Katherine Yascuk, was born in Krakow, where I believe she married my great-grandfather, Mr. Alex Yascuk. Katherine's parents' names were Metro and Anna Glagouski Kesak. (I don't know Alex's parents' names, unfortunately; I'm pretty sure he died before I was born.) I knew and dearly loved my great-grandmother-- even though I couldn't understand a word she said! :-)

Alex and Katherina Yascuk had four children that I know of, all daughters, and I think all were born in the USA (New York area): Mary (my grandmother), Victoria, Anita and Rose.

Does anyone know of living relatives of these dear people in Poland? Any help is greatly appreciated!

Christ's peace and blessings to all,
Donna (Bernadette)