December Greetings

Isn't it great when time flies? I'm there. And as these holidays are fast approaching, I thought I'd remember to post a little announcement to all you out there who read my posts.

Doug and I are traveling into the Chicago area for Christmas. We'd love to see as many folks as possible. We both arrive in late afternoon of Saturday Dec. 23rd but we have different departure dates. Doug's leaving on the 31st of December and I'll be leaving on the 10th. There's 2 groups of folks that hang out quite a bit and I'd love to swing them and help arrange something. Ladies' night and Check Please.

As for other news, I do have some more, but I'll wait a little for the holidays to share it. As for Lund, Sweden, the holidays are closing in and St. Lucia will be celebrated next week. The holiday originated in Spain or Italy but the Swedes have totally adopted it. You may be familiar with the little girls that wear white dresses, red sash belts and wreaths/crowns with candles in them. (I can't help but think about the fire hazard) None the less, it's such a huge tradition here and stems back to the 1700s when time was evaluated a little weird I guess. They thought the 13th was the darkest day of the year, so that's when the "festival" takes place. As a big celebration to welcome more light to the world.

Treats that are festive and very popular are saffron breads with raisins in them called lussekatter, pepparkakor - a thin gingerbread type cookie... a lot like the thin Annas cookies you can find in supermarkets or IKEA and they definitely have the Swedish flag on the box, and glögg - a dark spice seasoned alcoholic beverage served warm.

We're going to have a pot-luck little party on Wednesday to celebrate St. Lucia Day in our class. Children will be coming through our adult education school to sing the Lucia songs as well. So, I'm meeting up with my new British friend to make the lussekatter. Way yum! (She makes them almost weekly, so I'm quite familar with them now.)

Swedish is going really well. I've started to get a clear handle on basic grammer and verbs and sentence structure. So, my writing skills in swedish have vastly improved. My speaking skills are a little on the slow side, but no worse than anybody else in my class, really when it comes down to it. Doug's been the best coach too.

Well, anyhoo, I'm working on a few Christmas presents for my grandmas, so I best be off. Talk with you soon. I'm thinking about a New Year's resolution of writing at least weekly to y'all. What d'ya think?

Thanks-giving

Mood: mild, recovering from nasty lingering cold
Music: KEXP Seattle Radio
Weather: Dark now, but was so beautifully sunny! Yay!

I'd like to take this post to give thanks, in a traditional observation of the American holiday, Thanksgiving.

First, I want to say that I thanks all those wonderful people in my life. There are so many people that make life so sweet, add a unique flavor to the spice of life. From my brothers whom I can never send enough hugs of gratitude out to and my parents for always being there for me.

For the friends that weave the delicate bonds of support and sharing through days, nights, troubles and joys. For my extended family back in the States who continue to support my being, whether near or far. And for my new extended family here in Sweden, for reaching out to their son's girlfriend through hugs, suggestions for cold recovery and appreciation for talents I have to share. My "old" coworkers from various institutions that have continued to keep in touch because work doesn't just stay at work; we create interwoven lives with all the people we encounter. Thanks for being in the mix too! (CCR, Caribou girls and family, GJ ladies too)

Secondly to God. Hardly a second place, but that without Him, I wouldn't even be here to say thanks to all these other great things that I enjoy and appreciate in life, not to forget the little things that I don't quite consciously notice that contribute to such great things!

And then a generic one to encompass the beautiful things all around us. Even the wet cold Swedish weather has it gorgeous moments, like today, it was magnificently sunny and the blue of the sky is unlike any I have seen in the States, truly. Not to forget these pretty pics from this autumn. I mean, I've never seen so many blueberries; it compared with the wild blackberries of Seattle, that grow wild everywhere, and I mean everywhere... and totally edible! I wasn't sure if these were, but they sure looked inviting!!

I'm even thankful for the Swedish language. I'm still just grasping this language, but it somehow feels empowering. I mean, I can relate in a new way to how Thanksgiving must have been founded. Immigrants taking a time out to feast with friends and enjoy what they have. I can truly relate with the new found struggle of being that immigrant. You really do have to be above par to get anywhere. You need to have skills, practice, experience, both languages... fluently! and you need to want it more. I'll save that for another post.

Happy Thanksgiving Everybody!!

Little Holidays

Weather: grey, still
Sounds: the hum of the laptop

Thank goodness for little vacations! Don't you just totally love those random days off from work or school. Those little bonus days to just do whatever your body needs. Sometimes we get sick and just have to sleep. Sometimes we get to go somewhere. Sometimes we play. But even if we do absolutely nothing, there's something so relaxing or enjoyable about it, isn't it?

I happen to be in one of those vacations. (Won't see another until Christmas though) None the less, I'm so enjoying this week. We had Wed-Fri off and it's been a lot of fun. From a little computer gaming to catch up on a few projects, like I just finished up a few pages and sent them to my wonderful and adorable niece, Cadence; I'm reading my totally fun novel; we're watching the third 24 season and just about done. We toyed with the idea of going to Scotland to visit Doug's brother, but it sorta dissipated for no great reason other than it's tough on Otto to just ask him to help us out. Not really a treat for him. So, I'm trying to push a little care package. This guy is truly a world traveler, however, this is his first time "away" for college. He's the guy in the Marimba band. Incredible music, absolutely fantastic. I mean, just this past summer alone he went to Botswana for 6 weeks, came back to Sweden, then in just 1.5 days, went back out with the Marimba band to Zimbabwe and yet another place I can't remember where. Now, he's in Scotland. Truly, the world is his oyster!

Anywho, the weather took a fantastic dip to be in the low 30's and 20's at night, but what makes that so lovely? We had 2 luscious days of fantastic blue skies and sun and even snow flurries! Oh, I had such a huge smile.

To celebrate a little of Halloween, Doug and I carved up a sweet snack ending in a deluxe rather tasty little orane ice cream sundae. Halloween isn't really all that celebrated here, but I understand it's growing. It's still pretty much just a kids' holiday. But I do think that we got the holiday off of school for some reason for the all souls day in this week; even though they don't actually do anything special for it.

I've already been asked what am I going to do for Thanksgiving and seeing that it is only an American holiday, I may throw us a small version of the traditional turkey day dinner. Get my hands on a turkey leg and make up a couple potatoes and some lingon sauce, I mean cranberry sauce! *heh heh heh* Actually, I do like lingon way better than cranberry sauce. Yeah, it's sweeter, without just being sugary and such. Mmm, lingon, good stuff.

Anywho, I ought get to a few things. Doug and I just got a how-to book for Photoshop and I'd really love to help him out with his business, from an art/design perspective on the website creation stuff... .so, I gotta put some time in and learn about the program, eh?

Oh, also, I applied for a barista position with a company called The Espresso House, but no word yet. Frustrating, but I understand that's very typical for Sweden. It's okay, I'll keep trying.

Cave Bear

Weather: cold, wet and darkish

Swedish of the day: Jag kan förstå en liten mer svenska! = I can understand a little more Swedish!

I was super proud yesterday when Nils (Doug's uncle) called and I answered the phone. Of course, answering with something like, Lauren here. But then of course, he breaks into the Swedish, like I do English. He asked, "Hur mår du?" I proudly answered, "Jag är bra, och en liten trött." He was pretty excited that I actually answered with confidence and said some more about the day and did we go shopping, I said, "Nej, I have been studying." (in english) where he responded that I need to study a lot? and did I understand him? I said, "Ja, jag förstår du." I could hear him smile and he responded with saying that I'm learning very fast. I said, "Ja, det är snabbt, mycket snabbt." Again, he was smiling, I could totally tell. Then, he asked to speak to Doug, mind you, all his was in Swedish. I said, "Ja, javisst!" I was so proud, even if my responses were really short, I actually understood the small talk and could respond back to them!!! Yay yay!

In a nut shell, here's a translation of our comments:

• "Hur mår du?" = How are you/How do you feel?
• "Jag är bra, och en liten trött." = I am good/well, and a little tired.
• Nej = nah, no
• "Ja, jag förstår du." = Yes, I understand you.
• Ja, det är snabbt, mycket snabbt." = Yes, it is fast, very fast.
• "Ja, javisst!" = Yes, of course!
• Hej då! = Bye!

So, about 2 months in and I can really begin to show for all my hard work. I even held a little chat with Doug's mom and her classmate during our pause from our classes today. (In swedish) I tell you, it's been really boosting to see a little shape from all these efforts. I really believe I'll be saying stuff by Christmas now, not just a hope.

As for the Cave Bear. That's part of the title of a novel I just finished, suggested by Doug's dad, The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel. This is an absolutely delightful period piece that takes place between the Neanderthal and the Cro Magnon era of "man" around the ice age. Jean is a Chicagoan and the story takes place pretty much in Eastern Europe or bits of Russia. This book is actually the first of 6, and I'm now on book 2, The Valley of Horses.

The story revolves around one particular Cro Magnon woman who is sort of adopted by the Neanderthal people and the obstacles she faces into young woman hood. I understand in this second one, she may actually meet some folks of her own kind; but how she gets there is written really intelligently and beautifully. You feel the cold or the beauty of the plants they see. You can see that knowing the environment for herbs, cures, nutrition, remedies and much more are available if you just care to learn about them. Very cool stories. I'm definately diving into the second one now.

Chilly Weather's Arrived

Weather: Chilly! Mornings are about 8C or 47F and by tomorrow, that'll just be the high in the afternoon. With the winds and overcast, it honestly feels much colder.

I officially have my first head cold here. I'm battling it well I think. Loads of drinkable Vitamin C, tea and soup, and sleep. Took a nap yesterday, translated a Swedish article for class and then just sorta slept not too long after that! Ah, the wonders that sleep can do. I'm just hanging in a dreamy state this morning, but at least the symptoms of pressure in my sinuses is way down.

So, yeah, I translated this article from a study done in France about people whom are more overweight actually lose more memory brain cells. They're calling it the Homer Simpson-effect. Evidently from the 2,223 people they studied over 5 years, the more overweight folks couldn't remember as much! 20 Body Mass Index folks could remember 9 of 16 words, but those at 30 could only remember 7 of 16. They say that the arteries in the brain get fattened and that reduces quickness. They even say that in the USA, it's already a dubbed name of the Homer Simpson effect. Can anybody vouch for that? I'm not sure that I can, but oh well. I don't really have to.

Whoop, it's that time; gotta head out for class.
Catch ya soon.

Reflections

Weather: sunrise and thin sheets of clouds most everywhere; chilly: 52 degrees.

I was captured by a lovely blog my sister-in-law wrote about her baby girl. She mentioned a little about her connection with God and I must say she put it so well; at least for me. I find that I agree with the simplicity of her belief. That I know I can't control everything or watch everything, and that's where trust in God comes in to help soothe the parts that would otherwise feel or go crazy if we had to deal with them by ourselves. I was also touched by wordless prayer. I feel that way sometimes. That words don't express it or the pain to God; like when you hear about something tragic; but that God can understand what your meaning is anyways and words aren't always necessary.

A special thanks to Sarah; I appreciate your words.

I don't really have news on the Swedish front. Learning Swedish has truly taken over my days. I was kind of enjoying my class when all of a sudden, it decided to accelerate to the fast track of learning and boy, was I overwhelmed. I couldn't take it. Fortunately, it only lasted last week and into this. We should slow back down a bit. (I'm in a class that's kinda progressive anyways; much faster as it is than a few other classes for less educated immigrants and such)

What's cool about it, is that our teacher's taken an initiative with my and others' concerns of going too fast to pull aside the few that the class is too slow for them and is constructing a super fast paced lesson plan for them. Good! That way, they're not dragging the most of the class with them in the dust and non-learning. I'm just spilling these thoughts; I apologize if they're a bit scattered.

None the less; I trudge on. With this small separation of the more easily learned folks; I feel like I'll be able to gain some confidence again. I swear, it got grim last week. I'm still piled to my ears in homework that I haven't gotten to because there's just not enough time in the days for me to complete it! Hopefully, this week, it will thin a bit and become more manageable by next week. Phew!

Shortly here, I will be able to add living situations to my repetoire of words. Last lessons were discussions of the body and doctor/patient scenarios as well as customer/cashier situations from changing rooms and sizes of clothing to ordering a sausage or cheese in a deli. Mmm, cheese.

Sunny Days

Mood: relaxed
Music: the wind outside
Swedish for the day: engelksa, spanska, svenska = english, spanish, swedish
Sverige = Sweden

We've now had a whole week of sunshine! I really cannot believe it. I think... oddly enough, my U.S. homeplace is experiencing autumn weather, with a cool down and quite a bit of shade? Crazy how opposite that can be. It's been so beautiful all week, warm even... in the afternoons. I'm so taking advantage of it. Being productive with my projects and going for little extra bike rides... even enjoying ICED teas. (Crazy, huh Sarah?)

Swedish is a crazy thing. It's got some huge similaries to english... but then there's words that are so obtuse... it's discouraging. But... I can tell that over-all the grammer has a lot less rules and verbs have less formats; but the organization of it all is still a huge challenge. Remembering words is equally difficult. I'm definately gonna start increasing my study time during the week. Swedish is my main thing right now... in order to get into this society... so I think I feel like I gotta learn it... and the more I can stay on top or even ahead of class, the more confident I feel over all. It's tough though. I mean, my memory isn't so flash as it was just 5 years ago... so I think that's surprising too; on top of wanting to learn a whole new language A.S.A.P.

None the less, Doug's truly my best supporter and cheerleader. I cannot thank him enough for that. He helps me keep it real and not get too lost in trying to learn the language too fast, too frustratedly, and/or too self criticized. Instead to pace myself, relax once in a while, just take it steady... I can't help but feel like I need to put in that time though. By the end of an almost 30 hour study week, I truly am burnt by the weekend. I always have ambitions of staying at the same pace... like 3+ hours a day, but I just don't. It ends up like 1-2 a day for up to only about 4 for the whole weekend. Ah, I'm getting by though. I really am very hard on myself. I mean, as Doug pointed out... what could I say before the class started? and now? how well am I deciphering sentences? pretty good with the exception of past tense verb forms and a few vocab type words. In celebration of my progress I'll might write a little passage for ya... and then of course, tell you what it means. Good practice too.

Keeping the nose to the books. phew!

Cramming the Swedish in

I guess I'm in the thick of learning Swedish and being just about entirely surrounded by it; with the exception of Doug, but even then, he's been a priceless resource in my learning and understanding what I got from class.

Swedish of the day: att arbeta - to work.

I tell ya, the 3 hours and then up to at least 3 more later? I'm already exhausted. But my class... I have mixed feelings. It's a self propelled class, yet still encouraged by the teacher (en lärare). Oh the plus, the class is a bunch of immigrants from all over the world. And I mean all. From the Americas: Peru, Brasil and El Salvador and the USA; from Europe: England, Romania, and well, Russia, not quite Europe; from Arabia in Lybia and Iran I think; from Africa in Zimbabwe; from Asia in China, Thailand, and Vietnam. So, from the diversity angle, it's incredible to meet people from so many places.

From a work ethic perspective, the class is a bit imbalanced. Some really want to learn it or are just young, so they can handle it; others are a bit less interested or a little elder, and thus aren't catching on as quickly. Most of the class is there for love; for a romantic connection that has thus brought them here... and well, need work to keep their brains and bodies bus; so they, like myself, need to learn Swedish.

I recently have been sent to a link by an american friend... I think it really does sum up Swedish culture and tendencies... Feel free to check it out. Been in Sweden Too Long

Last Saturday (lördag), Doug and I went to Copenhagen to visit Nance. She'd been working on a really unique art project. Here's some of her work as she learned about migration and the stories that made people who the unique that they are. and making tacos without the solar energy she planned on and using a small custom oven made of cans. Incredibly resourceful!

Anyhoo, I gotta go to class... keep cramming that swedish in! phew! (already feel like I need a break, but that's why I gotta keep going right? keep it sinking in?... something like that)

Grey Days

Grey days are already abundant in our well established autumn season. When the sun comes out, I now understand the efforts to flock and bathe in it. Tanning is still a mystery to me, but enjoying the sun, that's a different story.

Swedish has become my biggest thing. I spend 3 hours in class in the mornings Monday through Friday, and then from 1-3 hours practicing and doing homework in the evenings. I'm starting to be able to say a few basics like: My name is Lauren. I come from the USA. I have 4 brothers and many relatives, a mom and a dad, ... and well, that can go on a bit. I speak english and a little spanish and now a little swedish. My relatives live in the USA. I have lived here in Sweden for 3 months. I study Swedish. Yeah... you get the picture. Not too shabby for only a week and a half!

As a result, my other readings have taken a back seat and a much lessor time invested in them. However, I'm gradually getting through the ever so entertaining life of cadavers in Stiff. I have to share a passage (in fact it's a footnote) with you; just made me chuckle.

People have trouble believing Thomas Edison to be a loopy individual. I offer as evidence the following passage on human memory, taken from his diaries: "We do not remember. A certain group of our little people do this for us. They live in that part of the brain which has become known as the 'fold of Broca'... There may be 12 or 15 shifts that change about and are on duty at different times like men in a factory....Therefore it seems likely that remembering a thing is all a matter of getting in touch with the shift that was on duty when the recording was done."

This footnote was added in reference to a chapter about the search for the human soul and where it resides in the body; using cadavers to research that in the brain, heart, or liver which have been top choices over time.

Anyhoo. More praise when I'm through with that... and more swedish to come soon too. Hopefully I'll get to see Nance, from Chicago tomorrow, if not, there's next Saturday. She's in Copenhagen doing somthing with solar energy and a taco stand. I really have yet to find out what all that means. Feel free to visit her website and her photos for more about her nature loving sprit.

Swedish for the day: Hej då! This is pronounced sorta like hay-doe. It means bye bye/goodbye.

Shark!

Ahh! Shark!!

no, no, I fortunately was nowhere near this shark, but I could have just eaten its relative.

For the first time, we've prepared a mako shark meal. I must say, I'm quite proud of our efforts. We've found a variety of tasty sounding recipes online and ended up with a first try called Shark Mexicana from a cool chefs website. We needed the beer to marinate the shark in, with lime, garlic, parsley, and some cumin and mustard. Then made a salsa with fresh tomatoes, red onion, mild green chilies, and a splash of hot sauce. To add a little to this entree, we added some brown rice and a quick and tasty side dish of broccoli with garlic and red onion sauteed with a little of the marinade. We broiled the fish to a flaky finish and served the items with some fresh ripe avocado on the side.

I must say, I think that the meal turned out really well. I had a little suspicion, but kept up the optimism and I think it was a cool success. Next though, we'll have to try a recipe we found with a sauce made from anchovies and capers in a white wine sauce/marinade. Yum Shark! These are some pictures of real mako sharks, by the way. Crazy, huh?? Although an expensive meal, I would have it again.

Thumbs up to that salsa garnish too. That was really really tasty; could be used on a chip, fish, or even atop other Mexican style cuisine. It was very easy to prepare and I highly recommend that, if not the fish too.!

Beer Tasting

Ah what to do when a really cool lookin' recipe calls for beer? Well, I suppose you gotta taste the beer you end up using for the dish! And that's just what I took the liberty of doing. We ended up with a Danish beer called Harboe Beer GULDØL. In honor of Ted, David, Charles, Heidi, and EJ, I gave this little beer a taste.

I must say, it was tasty when we first opened it to use in the marinade, even at room temp. The aroma reminded me of nutmeg. Kinda sweet. But when I had some later, after shopping and then cooled down, it well, tasted like beer, and just whatever beer. But I really have to say, that initially, I did enjoy the flavors of the first popped open beer. (Wow huh??) This little beer has 5.7% alcohol and it's a nice yellow beer, not too light, as I understand lite and pale ales would be.

So, yeah, I can hardly believe it myself. I tasted some beer. Anyhoo, moreabout our beer marinated entree tomorrow It's gonna be good!

Small Gods

Nothing like reading a fun, enthralling, and provokative novel. Terry Pratchett's Small Gods was my last read. I thought it was clever, fun and well, intelligent. This guy used clever names, like Brutha or the Great God Om, and how he went into beliefs and faith of the characters in their gods or ideas of how the universe works. I must say this is a must read.

In a delightfully humorous way, Pratchett dives into some parallels between the Omnians and Christianity, like blindly follwing rules because the church says so; or some prophet added his 2 cents to what God might have said. What caugt me was how militant the Omnian religion was, they wanted more people under their "rule" and would kill people for committing something that displeased the "clergy." Bloodthirst, humor, theology, positive light for humanity, and yet still a mystery for the world of the gods.

I'm telling you, this was a great read. Before this one, I had read Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. Now I've read a book by both of these authors independently, and I must say they are both incredible inspired writers. When they came together for Good Omens, that was a brilliant take on the Armageddon... but I tell ya, if you need something to escape and jump into a great and entertaining read, these guys are it. American Gods by Neil Gaiman was the other book I read. That one was delightful in a different way than Small Gods, different idea behind many gods needing their belivers in order to survive, but yet still containing similarities to Christianity and some of its ways or traditions.

I'm looking forward to some more of Pratchett's writngs. But in the mean-time, I'm switching off between fiction and non-fiction.

Current book being tackled: Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach.
This one's so far, amazing. Disgusting and yet humorous and real. Very insightful about what happens to a dead human body, what people have done with them over time, and how the deceased are used in various methods of science and study. More on this one later.

Little updates

There's not a whole lot happening lately. No big adventures, just little progresses.

I've been designing a whole range of cards for my collection/for sale eventually. Thinking up patterns, prints, designs, simple messages (from famous people like Amelia Erhart and such), colours, fun, special, meaningful, and always, beautiful. I need to get those pictures uploaded, but don't worry, you will see some soon.

Doug and I have successfully sketched our mural drawing onto the wall in a corner of our balcony...however, pictures don't take the pencil to well, sorry folks. However, we seem to be stuck on how to paint this bad boy. I mean, we've got ideas, so we try them on a piece of paper and we aren't too happy with the results... so we have a ways to go before we start slapping pretty colours of paint on the wall to create a more come-to-life image of the viney tree we've corroberated.

Doug's been studying for one last exam that will officially complete his masters program. It was a neglected exam that should be finished. This is on Monday morning... no sissy multiple choice exams here, ever! All essay and problem style, you've really got to know your stuff!

On the topic of school, I'm really hoping to hear from Komvux, the Swedish lessons place. I haven't yet, so I'm in limbo, I hate that. I think we'll have to go in and ask questions and find out for ourselves, even though they said they'd be sending me the info. Good Grief! They love to wait to the last minute! So, next week, we'll have to do that.

Doug's mom came back from her summer in Botswana (well, winter there). I assume it went well, but it was cute, she actually missed the summer here. Well, we did have an unusually nice summer here. But I think she missed creature comforts more than weather. None the less, it's great to see her back. She and I are going to church on Sundays together, so it's kinda cool to get the alone time with her, even if most of it's going through motions of a foreign language ceremony. Plus, we both get out of our homes and just walk and/or talk a bit. Even if we are still quite new in the "getting to know one another phase."

I think I owe you guys a little story about Lake Fagertärn, so I'll do that real soon for ya. There's some interesting history of the founder, Bernhard Kjellmark and then the stories that have come about as to how the red water lily came about. More on that next time! Ciao!

The Pirate Ship

Mood: Cool
Music: KEXP podcast (radio station out of Seattle, WA; can be visited at www.kexp.org)

Doug and I joined Dad (Herman Erik), Uncle Nils, and Gaby to see a rebuilt pirate ship in Malmö. It was a real cool time just hanging out in the kinda hot day, by the coast, in town, and with the family. We ended up missing the first tour, so we wandered the museum and the folks around the boats whom were versed in the time period, I think about 1300.



It was nice while we waited for the second tour. Enjoying the sun, learning little bits translated to me, and a little lunch too. It was just cool to wander the bigger rebuilt ship at our leisure. They say that this was probably one of the first pirate ships due to the age of the wreck and the cannon they found, with 19 concrete cannon balls. Their rebuilding was impressive. I tell you, just being on this ship felt better than watching the Pirates of the Caribbean sequel. Doug was knighted and that's Gaby in the head lock!


Here's just a bunch of pictures from the bigger boat wanderings. Up there are the 3 guys, Nils, Dad, and Doug. And Gaby at the cannon. Here's a cool view of the mast and a general view of the deck. There was even a lower level, which sorta put living on a ship like this into more of a reality. Tight, a bit cramped, very low, just my height tall, and you feel the movements of the water a lot more in there. Just rows of benches and tables in there, with a sort of kitchen corner.

And then, the landmark of Malmö, the tallest building and one of the most "pretty" is the Turning Torso. The building does twist 90 degrees from the base to the top. It really is a beautiful building, I understand it was built for condos; however it's ironic because nobody is buying them and they are crazy building massive amounts of new condo buildings all around the base of the Turning Torso... only like 5 stories high. I guess nobody wants to live that high or something. I'd love to see one though. See what they offer, feel the height and see the view. This is the building you can see on a lot of my horiizon shots from other towns, like the Lomma beaches. Sadly, it's all by itself in larger skyscraper innovation. This building belongs in a city that can handle it; it's just sort of out of place here. At least that's my opinion.

Ah, finally got that trip back onto the computer. I feel better now, and you got to see a fun little tour day we went on. Enjoy the summer. I'm continually trying to! (and succeeding!)

Computer Letdown; Pirate Ship Postponed

Mood: was good, now crushed
Music: was www.putumayo.com - iTunes radio, now nothing

I wrote this big long blog with loads of pictures in it when my computer crashed. I was running a spell check for any crazy typo-s since my spelling isn't what it used to be and it just quit on me. I'm sorry folks. I'll try again later, or tomorrow, I just can't sit through a whole nother hour or more re-writing it. Enthusiasm is gone too. But, I just need a break. I'll return and tell you about the pirate ships we got to visit, take photos of, tour, and ride. Just not right now.

I'm off to work on some stationary designs, maybe our 3-D mural designs... don't know, maybe some reading from this great pile I have going, we'll see. Story time will have to be later though.

My heart goes out to the folks at Chicago Coffee Roastery though. I feel for you in Chicago's heat wave this week. I wish I could send you some ice or popsicles or something! As Sandy would always remind me, drink plenty of water. Good luck guys! Stay as cool as you can!

Biking Saga

Mood: Much improved in recovery
Music: Beatles, Aphex Twin

Hey folks,

I'm feeling way better than yesterday... which was a day of super recovery for me. We went for a long bike ride the day before... our longest trek thus far, but spanning such a long amount of time that I have never ridden out of need or sheer mind power. I mean, when we figure the numbers, they're not that impressive, but in the moment, it sure was.

We biked 75 km or roughly 46.6 miles. It took us about 5.5 hours with a several stops to check our map for directions. It's crazy how un-representative the maps are to real streets, or how a bike path that looks clear as day on the map turns into nothingness and you just sort of lose yourself in a town or something. Sometimes, that really got on my nerve! But, it was a beautiful day, not too sunny/hot, and later in the evening, so we had more gentle sunlight to contend with than mid-day sun. Oh, and a really clear day. From the beach we ended up at, you could see Malmö with the Turning Torso building and the bridge to Copenhagen was clearer than when we've visited southern cities!

We biked north of Lund and then west to the coast and we rode to the beach, eventually to have an energy bar, where the beach had beautiful white sand and loads of campers and folks just resting in their evening. Real pleasant, that's for sure. We rode right past the nuclear power plant that's been shut down or is nearly done being shut down due to popular demand/complaints just to have it shut down. This is where we got a bit lost... ended up riding south as we hoped but then that path just ended and we had to ride back north to ride back south. Oh man, that's when I really started to get just tired. We had hoped to just ride along the coast south, but that obviously didn't work! Back north then south and we didn't see signs again for Lund, and were just about to the town on the coast south of Lund called Lomma (I've shown pictures of there before). Fortunately, we just found a route that would bring us into Lund from almost due west. Oh man, this was the stretch where we just had to ride slow and steady. Too far to walk, the gentlly setting sun (takes about 1.5-2 hours when it approaches the horizon, not at all like Chicago, where it'd be gone in a half hour or less) and shear exhausted muscles!

If we knew we'd be out that long, we would have stopped for a real meal somewhere. I think we thought it'd be 3-4 hours, not 5.5. We figured, no locks because we won't need to stop anywhere. Boy, what a journey! So, I spent all of yesterday moving migranely slow and just recovering. I was hurting so bad! I think the only 2 times that sorta compare would be my first few tries snowboarding with total body pain, or learning to roast coffee in that first week of serious heavy lifting! But, I must say, after taking it real and slow yesterday, even going for a slow nature walk to gently massage the muscles a bit, I feel really good today and I hope we can fit in another ride tomorrow!

We did want to go to Göteborg beginning with this Saturday, but we've decided to wait just a couple more weeks and try to get in a few more distance rides. So, we will head north to Landskrona (which we can take a short ferry to an island and bike around) and Helsingborg above that which we can take a ferry to Denmark and then bike down the coast to Copenhagen and take a ferry or train into Malmö or all the way to Lund. That'd be a nice long and beautiful ride; can't wait for that one. Also, we're planning to head south to where Doug's friend Alex (a guy a know of from the States also... high school days). That'd take all day too. Not sure if we'd take a train back or sleep somewhere, that sort of timing though.

But after this last ride, it's clear I need a little more working up than to head for Göteborg this soon. But we'll take a more relaxed rhythm when we go especially since we know it'll take 4-5 days of riding.

In the mean time, on days off, we've been making this place more homey. We've painted the deck/balcony. For some reason, the association thought pavement gray was a great colour! Well, we found a nice warm off white colour that just about matches the indoor walls to paint the exterior walls into a creamy warm and inviting colour. It's called Cafe Latte! And we kept the far wall gray that has all the windows. We hope to paint a plant style mural with 3-D origami flowers and leaves in a corner. Doug had added a cool wood floor to the concrete floor to make it more warm too. We've got a red and white stripe couch in our basement storage, but it needs a little TLC cleaning. Yeah, it'll be a great room to read in, enjoy the weather, type and read blogs!

Sorry I haven't posted the water lily pics, there's a lot of photos to photoshop and change their sizing, so don't worry, they'll be coming soon. They really are too beautiful to keep from you all!
Talk to y'all soon.

By the way, anybody seen the second Pirates of the Caribbean? We're gonna go on Saturday, but I hear it's selling really well in the States. Anybody seen, like, or hate it?

Peace.

Independence day

Happy 4th of July my American friends! We had a Sweden day a little while ago, but it was no celebration like the 4th of July! Just an excuse to get a couple of days off of work, ya know? Midsommar was a far bigger holiday with the dancing and the days off and the hoopla. I am missing the general festivity style to the 4th, so I wanted to wish y'all a fun, festive, safe, and happy celebration of the U.S. Independence Day!

I was out on a huge adventure north in Sweden(really only about 4-5 hours north, not even yet by Stokholm) over the holiday with loads and loads of pictures, and really really pretty shots of nature. Apparently, Doug has a relative in history whom discovered a red water lily in Sweden, so we had a bit of a family reunion and a show for this discovery. Really good time; met lots of new people, took a really great walk around the lake and just enjoyed good food and company. More on that tomorrow I hope. Makes me want to do a bit of my own family history research... so family, get ready, I may be askin' some serious heritage questions!

Cheers friends, I hope you have a great holiday!

Midsommar

Mood exhausted
Music: nearby church bells, hum of kitchen appliances

We went for a reasonable bike ride yesterday, or at least I thought so. Boy did it take me out! I mean, I guess the head wind and the gentle hills were enough that I'm toast. We did keep up a reasonable pace though, and biked for about 2 hours and 20 minute with a small 15 minute rest in the park we went to. I have a ways to go before Helsingborg, or even Göteborg! (Gothemburg, our finish line destination, before we really start covering distances.) Well, this weekend, we'll get some more riding in...

We're headed north to see some water lilies that a Gumaelius discovered a while back. Going to be a bit of a family reunion too, from folks accross the world. (US included) So, I'll be sure to post a good long message about all that!

But last weekend, was Midsommar. A bit of a pagan style holiday where by Swedes dance around a pole they've decorated incelebration of the summer. Not really much more to it.

In the first couple pics, they're decorating the pole and wreaths, preparing it for the little party. When that's all done, they get a bunch of folks to move it to the dancing site (not that far away) where they put it in place. You can see it going up in the next pic. Then the folks are all awed and happy.

They start gathering around the pole; others just sit on blankets a little distance back to watch, like picnics for fireworks. A band, folk style, kicks up a little tune and gives instructions to the rings of peoples to gather around the pole. The rings alternate directions, and they do funny little moves and kicks or steps and such. Gaby and I were gigglin' a few moments.

Doug took a cool pic of the crowds, nice shot of the flag, the pole, the crowd, and our party in the bottom of the pic! That's me in the long sleeve light blue and dark gray jacket, sitting. Standing to my left is Gaby, with Jacklyn to her left, sitting. Then there's a space to my right, where Doug was sitting, then Erik (Doug's dad), standing and Nils next to him, also in light blue. So, behind us were many rows of scattered lounge folks, sitting back and watching the whole thing.

Nils is a funny guy, amazing energy and will and excitement for a guy in his 80's at least. Man does he love his nature and get around to enjoy it! After this bit of dancing, they took a break and we got a some sodas and went for a nature walk. That Nils! It was really nice though, This is where Doug and I ended up biking to yesterday, out east from Lund. Skryllegården is the name of the park, a preserve/path filled place with picnic tables about and campfire spots.

Anyways, here's some fun pics of that little nature walk. I took a pause and got Doug off in the distance leading for a little while, and up on the slope I just came down are the other 4 in our group. We hung about this little preservation spot to enjoy the beauty, the little lake, skipping rocks, catch our breath, wonder about rain from some dark clouds in the distance, and just hang about. ^_^

Later, on our journey, we came back to a clearing with this wooden structure, so Gaby and Doug climbed up there and stood proud. Nobody really knows why that's there. Soon after that, you can tell Nils wanted a little spot light, so he claimed the campsite area for his victory ^_^ Reminds me of a picture that I/we have somewhere, of myself with Ted, Jay, and my cousins, all on our old cherry swing/playset back in Itasca. We're all peering from in and around this big fun thing and Ted's standing there, like he's defeated something with one hand fisted on his hip and the other fisted triumphantly in the air. Excellent memory tie-in. Fun times. Good times.

After all that, we had ourselves some ice creams to reward our walks (Nils' treat) and we headed back to Lund. What a day, kinda kooky, those Swedes. Funny traditions, but then, who doesn't? I mean, Americans take a small bit of the earth and blow it up by means of beautiful colours and shapes called fireworks. Celebrations are what brings the communities together, and you just can't dis that. Well, hey, I'm winded, more soon about the water lily thing this weekend.

Also, I just wanted to add, that it's been a month! One whole month in Sweden! I like to say that I think I'm doing well, and I have the summer, Doug, Doug's family, my family and friends, and God to thank for all of it!

Word of the day: skål which means cheers, as in when drinking and offering a toast. ^_^

Birthdays and Chillin' With That

Mood: Relaxed

Music: Johnny Cash - Jackson, Thievery Corporation- The Mirror Conspiracy, Blur - Parklife, Hugh Masekela - Child of the Earth, Ujang Suryana - Kang Mandor (Music from the Tea Lands), Robert Miles - Children

Word of the Day: molnig = which means cloudy

We enjoyed a really nice lunch for Doug's birthday on Tuesday. Uncle Nils' treat to Doug. Doug's dad came too, so the 4 of us went for a little nature walk, lunch off a golf course and then off to the beach to watch the locals and then play a little mini golf with an ice cream bar to top the outting off! I do enjoy these Magnum ice cream bars! I swear this chocolate covered bar is far tastier than your ordinary treat in the US! (Did I just say that?!? ^_^) Lunch was nice, definately Swedish. Leek soup to start with a variety of wholesome slices of breads. A salad bar with just a few offerings, and a few pickled items, like carrots and different olives, including kalamata! YUM! We had breaded and fried flounder with boiled and dilled potatoes. A clarified butter dressing for the potatoes. On the fish was a little mix of capers and finely chopped beats. Sounds light enough, but when finished, we just sat for a bit, to settle before we went on for mini-golf.

(What a sad sight that was... I've never seen such a poorly maintained course. No scenery, gravel in the greens, totally ghetto... but I understand that's how they are, just something to enjoy a little, but nothing like the asthetics back home!) I guess the cool part was the sea air, and the what-cha-ma-call-it... with the parachute sailing? That's one in the air, and one getting ready on the beach. Later therewere 6 in the air! Made me want to try it! In the pic just above this one with the "chutes" is a great shot of locals enjoying the sun and the coast. Just on the shore line is a naked child, enjoying the cool waters! Ah, Swedes. In the pic above that, it's hard to see, but people are in the distance of the light blue water lines. At the dark blue, the coastal shore just drops off, but it's that shallow for quite some distance, just about the length of that old pier supports in the first pic.

It was a lot to hang with these 2 old guys. They use their swedish and try to teach me some, and then switch to english, and then talk to Doug in swedish, and then back again. Takes a lot of energy out of me to concentrate for the afternoon for all that! But it was a fun time. Just takin' it easy, enjoying the company, and the fabulous afternoon. Sunny, breezy, really beautiful. Which is more than I can say for yesterday or today.

Yesterday was all grey cloudy and drizzly/rainy most of the day... today, partly cloudy, I do see some sun and blue sky, so that's cool. I've already learned that the moment there is blue in the sky, you enjoy it! Take advantage of it. Truly, I'm finally beginning to understand how this vacation/time-off mentality is here. I mean, hours of operation are far shorter now than the rest of the year, and it's because people are enjoying the fine days while they have them! Once that sun starts to go in the autumn and it all is grey and cloudy, it's not the same anymore.

But enough about the grey that's ever so inevitable. Italy's gonna be tough to swing. It's looking rather pricey to go. Airfare is one thing, but lodging is quite another! Whoo, that's high. So, we'll see if Beck has any suggestions near/off of Rome. Because this trip may be a bit more pricey than we're comfortable with. It'd be one thing if we could have booked some 4 months ago, or more, but this'll be tight. Speaking of long distance planning... We're already tossing dates for travel around the holiday. That's tough too, since we both don't have jobs to consider in our timing, so we'll most likely wait a little longer before we pick that out too. I may book something and hope for some part-time job in the autumn that won't be too problematic, and then maybe Doug can book later dependent on his new job life. Well, it's a start.

Anyhoo... we did get to trek out to Malmö and come back via Lomma along the coast (which is where we enjoyed lunch with Nils and Dad). That ended up being about 3 hours with a half hour walk in Malmö. It was a nice ride, not too rough, but a fair consistant pace. I think we'll be able to kick it up a notch soon with a couple more local-ish rides. I'll keep you posted on those journies. Here's my fun hair-doo at a pause in Lomma to apply a little more sun block and drink a little H2O. Gotta enjoy that helmet hair! o_O (Malmö is behind my head, even though the grey clouds make that hard to see.)

I'm thinkin' we will be able to trek out tomorrow afternoon to a new spot. Today is filled with some computer work that Doug's up to. That's cool though, I needed some time to make some cards and work on that creative energy. I think you'll like 'em, each one is so unique! Eventually, you'll get a taste of them. I know it.

Smiles

Otto's Graduation

Mood: Mellow
Music: Pleasant outdoor breeze, birds, planes, trains, and rustling trees.

Wow, a high school graduation in Sweden. Quite a bit different of a celebration. A load more hoopla, and noise than anything I'd seen/whitnessed in the states. And days and days of celebration too! So, Otto, Doug's brother, was the graduate. I took pics during the day, Doug was on video camera, and then Doug took pics at the party later... where Otto's own little celebration took place. The whole day was eventful. We began in our kitchen by preparing 'pigs in a blanket' as munchies for the party... as requested by Otto. We followed Emril's recipe from the food network... I highly recommend it. With a wheat flour too! oh yum! Then, Otto was running out of time, so we ended up preparing tossed salads and some dressings for that, and cut melons too.

Man the feast this guy was preparing. He in the mean time prepared oven-baked chicken pieces, massive amounts of potato salad, and others prepared this lamb rice dish and a fish dish... then there was 2 cakes sorta cornbread style cake with coolwhip and loads of fresh berries all on the top. Yum yum!

Now, that all came with the evening party back at home, and in their courtyard, but let me show you some pics of the entertainment earlier in the day...

The left pic are the students gathering before their ceremony. The ladies are in white and the fellas in dark suits... all wear that white sailor hat. It's what they wear, customary. The next photo on the right is just folks milling about, waiting for the graduates. It's funny. The grads go inside and only them. Family and friends wait outside. (The next pic, is another group of students, and Otto is in the center, facing left.) Soon enough, they emerge by class, and we hunt down our peep with signs made up with a kid/baby photo and their name and class on it. Something that's also very traditional, these name signs. Otto's mum is holding the sign and Doug & Otto's niece, Gabby is on the left there with yellow roses.

Next, we have a pic of a little band that was raising some noise in celebration for the grads. And then Otto and Doug in a happy moment. The next is a family shot. From left to right is Uncle Nils, Otto, Doug, Jacklyn, Mum, and Dad. (Gabby missed this pic due to running about with herphoto camera, I think looking for Otto ^_^)

There were a bunch more pics, and I think I'll have to post them to the flicker site and y'all can check them out there... cool hug shots and such. None the less, the day moved on! While Otto gets to drive about with friends blowing whistles and noise-makers and waving streamers all through town, the rest of us get to prepare the party. Bring the food out, bring the furniture out to the courtyard, set up the marimbas, yup! Otto and the band played some live music for us! So cool.

Here's Gabby and Dad. He's just adjusting his old grad cap. And a couple shots of the marimba band. The lady in front with the blue shirt is the instructor/lady in charge of the band and marimbas. The rest are in it, and I know there's possibly a few more too, that play drums and such, but this crowd was enough for the celebration. The next picture shows Otto jammin' with the band. I tell you, the moment he steps up to the intruments, the band just oozes and bursts with energy. People couldn't help but look out from the windows into the courtyard! Finally, a family came out onto a deck to watch. That was cool. It's like the Swedes knew something fun was happening, but didn't know what to do! You see Nils in the next shot, just letting the music work right into his bones. He's so funny! He just can't help but move to the tunes. There shakin' her booty, was the lady in the blue shirt, the instructor, just enjoying the rhythms as well. I'm tellin' ya, smiles all around!

And almost lastly here, you see Otto getting some folks up to dance. He's teaching them a little count deal that they can keep boppin' out to the music. Good times, good times. And what really cool thing, that I absolutely love... is rainbows. We saw a full arcing rainbow at the end of our day as we were heading home. So clear and full, always take my breath away. Simple little refracting light waves, but none the less, impressive.

And, this all took place on a Wednesday! I tell ya, should have been Friday, but I guess they intentionally spread it out to accomodate all the graduating classes. This all took my breath away. Cheers and here's to great celebrations! Also, Happy American Father's Day to all you dads out there!