Orange Loren

Christmas in July

2009-07-24T12:27:00.008+02:00

I thought I'd finally reach out and show and tell what I've been up to.

Really, there's so much.

I knitted like a mad woman for last Christmas and I thought the gifts turned out beautiful. I'll have those pics up in just a bit.
I studied at one of the best massage schools in Sweden, Hälsoteket, and am now ready to do Swedish massage for a living. Studied from Feb to June. Turns out I have to sort of start my own practice to survive, so I've resumed serving coffee to help my pregnant boss out while I form some picture of design and web and image and paperwork for my idea.
I've knitted like crazy since Christmas. It's my new passion and I can't get enough of it. I've even done 2 special request pairs of socks for girlfriends of mine here! They turned out just as beautiful as the first pairs!
Doug and I have renovated our entire hallway, only walk-in closet and much of our living room, with tearing down a wall and cabinetry, putting up a different wall, new door, new paint and floor trimmings, new floor... much has been done! Pics on that later some time.
Garden planted and tomatoes and herbs are the most flourishing, woo hoo!

I thought I'd show a few pics from the Christmas gifting because I find it very unlikely even the whole family has seen each others gifts. I thought they all turned out very lovely.... and that brings me to this year. I have lots of yarn peeps! I would love to knit some more presents... but I don't want to just guess. I hardly talk with so many of you, so I don't know what you might need or even desire. This goes mainly for the family for gifts, but I'd be happy to try to squeeze in some special requests by others as well, depending on the demands. I'm quite certain I can work something out.

After this blog, I'm gonna post some more pics of stuff I've made since Christmas and then of course ideas for y'all to ponder that you might enjoy.

My sisters-in-laws each received a scarf. Sarah bought this chunky alpaca soft yarn with me and I turned it into this handsome chunky cabled scarf. I thought of Seattle weather being similar to here, and thus did this bamboo woven look for Ali because I thought the color fun and bright, but the fabric soft and light.

Then I made a pair each of coffee clutches and ice cream clutches for Ali and Charles in Seattle since many Chicago family members already got a coffee clutch or 2. I used left over organic natural shades of wool from Jason's convertible glove-mittens to make them. I thought that was cool! Jay's turned out beefy, but I still imagine him enjoying them on his never-ending drives... especially for Periphix.

I made sunny yellow leaf laced but double padded sole socks for my mom. I tried to think of something comfy around the house since they have so much cold tile! But yet, a nice warm and springy color to bring out the brighter days of February and late winter when we're all sick of the grays. And since my mom's birthday is in January, I made and sent this little hug scarf. the sleeves, or rather main scarf body in dark purple and the fleshy tone hands. What a funny treat for anybody! My cousin Yiota has just placed an request for one of those! Girl! I got you covered!

I almost forgot the farmyard animals I knitted for my niece, Cadence! That little cutie lined up the tiny animals into a fun row, and they're knit in 100% cotton for easy care too. Sarah took this cute photo of them, thanks again for that. I love the pic. I bought a fun red box as a make shift barn to hold them all when not in play. There's 2 cows, 2 horses, 3 pigs, and 3 geese. Turned out so cute, I had made a green horse for a friend and a monkey for my best friend, Rebecca, wearing the red scarf above. And one little piggy made it to Doug's work computer!

And I've just finished this beautiful alpaca red and cream blanket for my bosses, Cristina and Sebastian. Their baby is due in August and I hope to give this fun treat, colored with their business in mind, all red and white too, next week. Ted E. Bear couldn't help but be in the photo shoot!

More photos soon of all the cool, or rather warm creations since Christmas 2008!

gloves, cozies, and stoles

2008-04-15T16:18:00.007+02:00

Happy Birthday Dad! These lovely green gloves are for you and your (at times) chilly home... and along with this snazzy pair, are a pair of matching opposite stitched java sweaters too! Hope you like 'em!

I must say, I really do enjoy how they all turned out. In case you readers haven't noticed, I used the same yarn from my Mary Jane slippers in the little java sweaters. They really are smashing together. So, in that note, here's a pic of the first slipper done and knitted! Just the second to whip out. I must say, the one is really comfortable and stretchy... they're gonna come with me whenever I travel... perfect for cold floors, and even probably airplanes!

I've been continuing on my light blue t-shirt and am nearing the end of the first piece, the back side piece of the shirt. I think I'll still wait to take a pick. ha ha!

However, I've had a blast beginning the knitting of this fabulous lacy 100% Organic Pakucho cotton stole! I love it already. If the white matches well enough, I'm offering my soon-to-be-sister-in-law to borrow it for her big wedding day in October! They call this a heart pattern, and it sure is supper lovely! Seriously, isn't it gorgeous??

And just for fun, (as if all of these projects weren't already!) I've whipped out an adorable little stuffed cow! How cute is this little guy?? I'm pondering a few of these and other animals for a cute gift for my niece, come Christmas time. Not sure of farmyard or zoo or Noah's ark... I'm open to suggestions folks. Whether it be themes or specific animals or collections or what not. Open to what your kids (if you have had or have some) enjoyed or perhaps something you wish you had as a little 4 year old.

Next week, I hope to just keep going, along with this week, but I will be headed to Gothenburg to attend a huge horse show and serve espresso for 5 days. Should be long, slow at times and busy-crazy at times. Minimum 3 hours drive north of here. Wish me luck and fun!

Beaded Socks

2008-04-07T09:30:00.004+02:00

I finished these really cute socks... last week? Maybe even a little earlier actually. Aren't they so so lovely?! I was so bored knitting them around the heals, but I'm so glad I kept to them and knitted a few rounds each morning. Because, when I finally got into the foot portion, I started to get back into them and before I knew it, I was knitting the toes and closing them shut! I've worn them, much thicker than I really thought they'd feel, but they're a ton of fun! Whoo hoo!.

On the needles now are a pair of fingerless mitts for my dad. I found this absolutely gorgeous dark green tweedy yarn with wool, merino wool and viscose in it. I absolutely adore the colours. The yarn was not cheep at all... especially here in Lund. For each standard 50 gram ball it was 72:-, which is about $11 each! I bought 2 due to the uncertainty of needing just more than one ball or not. So, Dad? You're getting some seriously fancy gloves! They're knitting up famously though... which just adds not only to the joy of knitting, but to the joy of giving them as well. :)

Also on the needles are a pair of Mary Jane slippers. Here's a cute photo of the butterscotch wool and nylon yarn I've chosen for them. Sadly, the photo looks a little muted. I'm learning about Photoshop, so soon, I'll be able to adjust the photos to help make them represent a little better. It's a fun twisted yarn of 4 colors, dark yellow, orange, blue and brown. They've got a really comfortable sole too. I can't wait to keep working on them this week as well.

The on going t-shirt, which, when I eventually get more done, I'll take pics. I'm expecting that one to take me all summer to make... so don't hold your breath, but it's coming along nicely... even if all I have done is the hem and lower back side panel of the shirt!

And then I'm swatching up 2 yarns for 2 other patterns. One lovely light yellow for a pair of footies that will have double knitting on the sole for added padding and comfort, and the other in a natural tone of organic cotton for an absolutely gorgeous heart lace shawl/shrug.

Perhaps, the next post will be about the auto show I was serving espresso at. Very fun show, to put it shortly. Happy Spring everybody! Not much else happening, except for my self learning Adobe Photoshop, knitting like a mad woman, reading a book in Swedish, and designing a new website and blog for my dear friend Bekki and I to post our artistic endeavors... very excited about that.

"Bubby"

2008-03-28T08:17:00.006+01:00

I've finished a really cute bear named Bubby. He's been knitted out of a cotton/acrylic blend and is a really fun red and white blend of colors. I wondered if I could pull it off and I did! He's really quite cute and I'm giving him to our nephew, Shepherd. He turned one on Easter, but we're going to a dessert party tomorrow, Saturday. Very nice.

We see "Bubby" laying and enjoying completion and then a closeup of his little face and bow/scarf. He's a happy-go-lucky interested sort of character. He's seen with Teddy next and well, diving for a toasted almond muffin I baked. Adventurous little guy. I hope Shep likes him!

So, along with this mini photo shoot of the more than full of life little bear, I've got some cute photos of snowy daffodils I took just 2 days ago with some light fresh snowfall... which is already melted and gone. :(

I really enjoyed these though. Great bright lovely spring yellow flowers engulfed in the fluffy white snow. Quite pretty really!

And for those interested, here's a shot of my latest colors in the hairdo. Lots of pinks and purples now. Really only one side of my head, the left side, has good bits of blue left. I'm certain that's because the hairdresser began on the left side, so there's more time for the dye to set in there!

I do miss the rich blue, and am beginning to ponder what I can do with the hair once the color has really really faded. I'm pondering red at the end of the summer. I can get it freshened up and/or cut in October, when I plan to travel to the States again. Lots to ponder about.

A recap on knitting though...
I've done "Bubby" last week and I've just finished my beaded blue socks too, today. Pictures to come later though. I have a light blue t-shirt on the needles and a pair of gold Mary Jane slippers, from Purl Bee's website, on the needles too. (That's it, heh heh) Thanks to Sarah-Ji for finding those for me! We'll see how they cruise. So far, so good.

I do love snow

2008-03-19T08:23:00.007+01:00

I love snow, I miss snow, I enjoy snow... Snow makes winter bearable, beautiful, lovely, serene, quiet, gorgeous, different and bright!

It has been deemed Spring here, since well, before Valentine's Day! Can you believe that? Well, it's true. Crocuses are well bloomed and nearing their finish. Daffodils are up and Tulips are on their way. Trees and bushes are budding with leaves too. Seriously, it's been that nice, and not too rainy and too dark with the overcast business either.

Well, we've got some snow as of 2 days ago and some of it is still around! We are expected to get a lot in Southern Sweden by the weekend (Easter!) Here are some irresistibly pretty trees from ourwindows.

Here's some lovely flowers around our kitchen that help brighten the space. Thanks to Doug for buying these at Valentine's Day! They're a wonderful touch to the kitchen, especially when the weather's so gray. They're still bright and blue and lasting! YAY!

I couldn't wait, here is a pick of the gloves and beverage sweater I made for Becki. I love how they turned out. They were tough, and I had to undo portions several times, but I'm quite proud of the Superhero mits and sweater! Hope you like them too Becki!

On the needles are still the beaded blue socks. I work on them a little most weekday mornings after I wake and while caffeine starts to engage my brain over coffee or tea in that early morning. I trudge on them because I got bored during the heel portion, but I'm proud to say, the heels are all done and now I'm on the home stretch in the foot part knitting round and round until I get to the toes! I had gotten bored, but now, slowly and surely, I will finish these cuties! I guess I'm a little concerned they won't be tremendously comfy, but we'll see. I'll finish them anyways.

Also on the needles are a light baby blue and navy t-shirt. Got a long way to go on this one, but I'm hoping to learn, not just basic knitting, but piecing a project together. I want to design a kick butt navy 2-D butterfly to put into the front of the t-shirt. The pattern suggests a snappy clever word, and I love my little mantra word: BREATHE, but I've decided to go with an image instead, so I'm working on a butterfly... I have a long way to go before that needs to be decided though!

And thirdly on the needles is a little teddy bear. From the same pattern as Bubby that I mentioned in a previous post, but new yarn, in a cool dark red and bright white super soft acrylic and cotton blend yarn. I'm knitting this in hopes that it'll be ready by the end of the week for Easter. Our nephew, Shepherd is turning one on the 23rd.

And, I have a question to anybody out there who knits. I was balling a hank of cottony yarn when I got it into the biggest of messy tangled messes. Are there any tips on how to do this? I have some ideas for next time, but if I can avoid it, I'd love to! I did finally get this ball of yarn undone and balled nicely, but it took me a good week to unravel!

2nd to latest finished work...

2008-03-17T08:05:00.006+01:00

This here scarflet is my 2nd to latest finished work. I must wait until the end of the week or next week to post the latest since they were a pair gift to my maid of honor for her birthday this week!

None the less, the felt bag is considered done by the directions, but I'm gonna keep going on it, embroider around the handle cuts and maybe try to reinforce the top of the bag to be a bit sturdier... the whole thing seems a bit floppy and weak. :( Pictures to come later when I feel a bit more proud and "finished" with the bag.

This little scarf... I love it. It's stretched a little from wear, which is I guess to be expected. So, I need to move the button over so it sits a little more snug again. But I seriously love this thing! It's comfortable, the extra little "flap" that curves up under the chin, oh man, it's so nice and comfy.

Yarn used: 100% new wool in a fabulous red (that could be felted if I'm not careful)
Knitted on US size 6/4 mm needles.
Found my leather button in town for about 15kr or $2, but well worth the price!

And for those of you craving a hair colour update, here are some photos from about 1-2 weeks ago. I need to take more this week since the tops of my blues are fast fading into a weird pale purple and pink, even whitish in places, like the bleach! so, I try to style the hair to show minimal colour or to show as much of the lower more deep set blue as I can. I was nervous at the start, but now I'm sad that it's fading so quickly!

works in progress

2008-02-20T10:07:00.005+01:00

Here's some pictures of what on the needles, or just off of them.

Here's the bag awaiting felting. Purple on top, which, after felting, I'll slice handle holes into the fabric, and navy on the bottom.

Here's the little cute scarflet that I'm beginning. Awesome little cables already!! I can't wait to wear this one! and even try other designs into other cute little scarflets.

Here's the bead in socks I was talking about. A picture of the pattern and a closeup of the beading before I enter the heal work.

And lastly the bright yarns of merino wool to make my and Becki's gloves from. Question to the viewers though... do you like the dimmer picture or the flashed picture better? I'm trying to determine which is best to continue putting on the web. I like the dim, but the brighter one shows the colors only a little better? Just don't know, really. Maybe Sarah has suggestions?

And last pics yet, are some photos I finally took from what I think may be the graffiti knitters' work! More about them later...

Busy Bee

2008-02-18T13:36:00.004+01:00

It's funny... here, I thought I'd be able to just chill out and knit. Well, apparently not only that!

I've been trying to catch up with all sorts of folks here from after the holidays and loads of traveling... well, my bosses already hired me back on! Tomorrow even. I only called them today! Wow wow, that's pretty awesome though, however slow they've even assured me tomorrow will be. I really am just glad to be working a bit. I can still knit when I'm home... which I fully intend to do!

For those of you whom haven't seen these, they are my first pair of socks, knitted one, then the other, with a nice long ribbed cuff for easy folding over. This pair was knitted in a mostly wool with poly blend yarn. Very easy to use. Superwash too, so, it's easier than just normal wool to take care of! Me love that!

I've just finished knitting a handbag that I'm planning to felt up. It's purple and blue. And I'm knitting a pair of blue socks at the same time with some cute beads in the simple lace pattern by the cuff. Almost done with the leg to be moving into the "daunting" heal portion next.

On the needles also as of today, will be a little neck scarf with ribbing and cable knitting. It'll just wrap around the neck and close with a button. Very very cute.

Also needing to be worked on are 3 pairs of fingerless gloves. One for me with a fun stitch pattern in the glove, a pair for my dad, and a pair for my so lovely and hard workin' soon to be sister in law, Becki with Super Hero red and blue. Lots to do, pics to come as they're completed. If you'd rather I try to get pics up of the process too, let me know... didn't know if that'd bore y'all. Gotta keep knitting!

Let me know if something strikes your interests. We can always talk in the comments, email, or phone to set up any requests you might have. I know there are some interested parties out there, don't hesitate to get on the list! Java sweaters are the hottest new thing! Aren't nearly as clumsy as cardboard, fits nice and snuggly around the cup and still comforts against the heat (or icy touch), and you get to save trees by not using all that cardboard! Many smiles, enjoy those warmers sibs. More to come... (I haven't forgotten the star Sarah, it'll be better than I could have done it while in the states, I've learned some tricks ;))

Knitting, knitting and more knitting...

2008-01-04T15:15:00.000+01:00

I can officially say that my new hobby is knitting! I have taught myself, with the help of many websites, but one to be the most help, knitting help, how to knit!

I love it, and have come a long way in just really 2 months. I began with a little holiday week we got off from class at the last days of October and the beginning days of November. I studied a lot due to a huge exams that were coming up soon after that, but the knitting was such a fun way to relax and get away from the usual studying and a way to give myself something else to focus on.

Boy, did I underestimate how much of a new crush I would have on this new craft! Since starting I've done: a cloth, 2 java sweaters, a beaded bracelet, and well, 4 pairs of fingerless gloves!! I want to do another pair for me in yellow with some knitting pattern in it, rather than colour changes like I've done with Doug's and Otto's pairs. I also want to make a pair for my lovely and dear friend, Becki. Thanks for traveling to Sweden and Greece over the holidays girl!! And thank you too, for bringing my dear brother David with you, I kinda doubt he would have made the trip otherwise... :)

Left are mine in a self striping sock yarn, right are my friend Rebecca's with a matching java sweater with the left over yarn, then Doug's pair and Otto's pair with tougher thicker wool and my own attempts at striping and intarsia patterns in the gloves! Try to do a little something different, so I don't become too bored with the same pattern over and over again.

I'm actually about half done with a little teddy bear called Bubby. More photos of that cutie when I'm done or close to it... we'll have to see what Ted E. Bear has to say about Bubby... if he's too cute, we'll have to give Bubby away because Teddy won't allow 2 adorable bears to be in the center of the spotlight!

We'll see if I get some photos of Greece up too, we'll just see...

But I must say, I've passed my Swedish exam and the social studies class I took, in Swedish... and passed both with flying colours! So, technically, I know enough, for what beats me, cuz it sure feels like I don't know enough, but they say I'm at a high school level of Swedish now. So, that's nice to hear.

Greece was fantastic! Just loved it, aside from all the smoking. (not a single soul doesn't smoke, even kids are getting constant second hand smoke!) But other than that, I really loved the food, the people, and even the sites. Didn't do much more than Athens seeings much was closed for Christmas and the holidays! But great time, none the less.

The holidays were relaxed and subtle otherwise here in the Gumaelius home, but I hope that all had a wonderful little holiday as well, and seriously, I wish a wonderful and eventful new year to you as well. Thanks for reading! I'll try to be better about posts this year, but we'll see, so keep checking in, and don't be a stranger, leave a note and share your thoughts as well.

Skål!
Kram (hugs)

Too cold, too soon.

2007-11-12T16:02:00.000+01:00

Don't you just hate when it gets a little too cold, too fast?I took these pics only last week and well, now, it's hovering only around 0 C (32 F). Plus, most of the leaves have left their trees leaving them in their naked winter splendor.

Seriously, brrrrr.

Well, on the plus side, we actually had snow flurries just 2 days ago. It was lovely and crisp! Doug and I joined (Uncle) Nils with Dad and Gabbi for a walk and lunch. It was for Nils' birthday. What a treat. It was fun, to hang out and just wander about and talk and stuff... and then eat a tasty meal. Good times, good times.

I figured I'd post that pic of my friend, Rebecca. We do a lot together these days. We have craft days once a week where we create and work on all sorts of crafts together or just in company of one another. We study our classes together, and now, we work together. I thought she'd enjoy some of the aspects of working with Caffe Italiano, and well, it proved to a well beginning! Who knows where this chapter may lead next! This is her first job, but her head's in the right place to have any job, just wish many companies would realize that.

Anywho, I'm out, wanna keep knitting some projects!

A Random Reme

2007-11-10T16:18:00.000+01:00

I have been tagged by my sweetie sister in law, Sarah. Since she has tagged me and I haven't written in a while, I will use this as an opportunity to do so; so, here goes. Sad to say, however, I don't know how random my points will be... but I hope fun anyways.

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Rules:
Once tagged, you must link to the person who tagged you. Then post the rules before your list, and list 8 random things about yourself. At the end of the post, you must tag and link to 8 other people, visit their sites, and leave a comment letting them know they've been tagged.

1. I have officially begun a new craft. Knitting! And I love it. I find it the most wonderful get-a-way from studying Swedish. Perhaps, one day I can knit little cupcakes and "treats" for my niece, Cadence and my new nephew, Shepherd. But here is a pic of my 2 new completed projects, a deer printed cloth and a little java sweater! YAY!

2. I went to Catholic schools in primary school but switched to public schools in middle school and for high school. Although the classmates were rougher over all, I found the education to be far more quality over all... until I hit Universities. DePaul was far more interesting and quality than University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh, however, neither had any religious leaning.

3. I thought I had a clear idea of what I wanted to do after college, but after business school realized that I know not what I want to do. I still have no idea what to do other than coffee related industry work, since I feel sadly, but yet in a way advantaged to know. I have a job and my peers need one. So, that's cool, but, I can't really tell if I really want to stay in it... I think I will for a time being. It's easier, I do know it and understand it, and well, I think Caffe Itlaiano and I work amazing well together.

4. I love to cook! Getting gourmet is one of my favorite things! Take this Mushroom Bisque Soup for example! Oh yum. I made this lovely number inspired from the soup we had at the wedding. I used 2 huge portabellos, a few fresh shitakes I think, and a massive amount of these lovely button mushrooms! Oh yum. I wish you all could have tasted it.

5. I think I have to have chocolate almost each and every day.

6. I actually gave up coffee drinking for about a whole year and a half, and caffeine for about 2 years. I actually loved it... after all the toxins were out, but now have returned to having a bit almost every day.

7. I enjoyed only very small pockets of high school or college. In fact I will say that I hated most of those 8 years. I'm very glad to be out and have a different mindset should I go back to any given university.

8. My favorite colour is a rainbow, not orange. I really enjoy all colours, not just orange, although it is uniquely friendly and warm and apparently, as I'm noticing, an extremely popular colour with blue and/or green in web design!

So, now it is my turn to tag this fun randomness to another. David and Ted, my blogging brothers, and my soon-to-be-sister-in-law, Becki, consider yourselves "it"!

Happy Holloween?

2007-10-23T16:57:00.000+02:00

You'd never guess it was Halloween around here... other than the georgous autumn we are having. I haven't been up for writing for a long time, but things are going very well. Our wedding and celebrations went wonderfully and was thoroughly exhausting.

I was totally caught by my dear sister in laws website today and just had to post about her photos. She has a wonderful eye and her photos made me really miss being around their family. I love her pics. They give me shivers I love their colour or their balance or focus... I'm telling you.

So, for the lack of pictures here, you must go to her site and stroll this beautiful post. Then, hopefully soon, I will post more of my own... particularly my culinary successes. I will tell you that I've started working with Caffe Italiano again for the holiday season seeings they needed some extra help. So, I'll be super busy there with school in between (which is sadly... a bore). Yay to great coffee and the art of doing it beautifully and tastefully.

You can also read about my brother's new found happiness in homebrewing beers... and how this has just launched into a new career prospect with Half Acre Beer Company! Congratulations again Ted! I raise my glass to you!

Tyvärr = unfortunately

2007-07-17T10:37:00.000+02:00

Kritianstad was sadly a bore. What made it most exhausting was a combination of the rainy cold weather and the lack of "business." Who ever thought that town needed a 9 day festival was out of their minds! Those weekdays were outright painful at times.

Music did have a variety, but some afternoons were just out of tune voices singing cover songs or a DJ, some were pretty good, some not... and then bands in the night... again, some were good, some weren't. Pop band from Denmark, a Frank Sinatra cover guy with a big band jazz night, country music another night, and the finale night was something out of the oldies era... was a little out-dated, but whatever, tons of people were there for the last night.

So, I did my best to just take it easy when I could since sleep is never good for me at these festivals. Wandered through their 1600's Renaissance cathedral, practised my latte art, and even made a couple of new friends. It's funny, while my sister-in-law, Sarah, was talking about heat and sun in her blog, I get to share the very opposite of shady clouds and seemingly incessant rain!

None the less though, Cristina and I made the best of our trip there. Met new people, kept each other in check for sleep, breaks, food, energy, even inspiring moments, whether it be latte art, hearty oatmeal breakfasts, or funny faces.

I must say, there was a truly fine gentleman to come our way. He requested a heart on the latte to give to his girlfriend with a biscotti for a special treat. I happened to just come back from a break in time because Cristina can make the most beautiful leaves and rosettas, but I've got a better knack for hearts. Well, we made this guy's and his gal's night! It was too too sweet, ya know? What girl wouldn't like or appreciate that gesture. Sure enough, they came round to say thanks again and danced to the live music near our moped for a little bit. Too sweet!

Since I'm proud of my new success, here's the pictures I got a chance to take. Cool, huh??! I can't wait to see if I can get my machine in the States to perform this well at the after party after the wedding reception. Wouldn't that just be too cool? If it doesn't work, I have a back up idea, but it is less artistic. Cute anyways, just not as impressive. Cristina has also said she'd give me a few tins of whole bean espresso for the party! How sweet is that? Too cool. I know that my family and friends will love this espresso. 100% arabica beans and from 5 countries in South America, roasted in northern Italy. Really sweet tasting coffee, excellent blend.

Please go to my flickr page to see the rest of the photos from this trip... I sadly do not have the power to go into a story for all the pics, but I did try to put captions in most of them. So, you can see a little of my thoughts. Gorgeous cathedral pictures, funny odd pictures, cute kids picking out balloons... lots of fun pics.

There's even a few pictures that show this here close encounter! That's a mobile stage that got within 3 inches of out 'little' moped that a lot of burly men surrounding the moped couldn't even lift, what a funny sight. (more than meets the eyes) Kinda scary too though, didn't know if they'd take it out or scratch it up or something! One light bulb did end up busting, so they bought us 4. That was kind of them.

Well, tonight, I'm off to Västervik, which is about 4-5 hours drive north east on the east coast, and more than half way to Stockholm. I thought I'd be in another place, but they've switched me! Sebastian and I'll be running a moped there for the next 4 days. We'll return on Sunday sometime. What's cool, is that it's a boat show related festival. That's pretty cool... not hard rock or bad cover artists...

Well folks, see you with a review of yet another town/city in Sweden next time!

More work!

2007-07-06T08:01:00.000+02:00

It's funny to me. When we are working full time and all the time, we need a break, a vacation... but when we don't work full time, we fell lucky to have a few days or hours to be working... it's a strange feeling, isn't it?

I have very limited time this morning to chat or story tell, sorry folks. But I need to send a special "Thank You" out to Sarah, Becki and my parents for helping out with all our wedding planning details. It truly allows me to chill out a bit and really be able to take on the jobs that have just come to my calling. Caffe Italiano wants me back, heheh eh, I don't blame them!

I'm off to meet with Lena in Malmö! Then take a train out to Kristianstad for 9 days of town festivalage. Back for about 2.5 days then off to Karlshamn for 4 days, then back for the same sort of 2.5 days, and then way up north to Uddevalla (north of Gothenburg) for another 4 days. I'm so thrilled to be helping them out and feel needed too. Look for new posts from me, but only every so often. I hope to take loads of pics and share what I see about these new cities around Sweden.

I must head out. I'm all out of time. I hope y'all had a lovely Independence Day as mine was spent doing nothing in particular... watermelons just aren't the same here... but I have cooked a couple dynamite dishes using my new grill pan! Makes it taste so much better! Chicken breast stuffed with goat cheese and mushrooms, or a delicious asian flared ox filet mingion with wasabi mashed potatoes. Oh, we've been tasting some really good things!

Ta ta folks, See you in 10 days!

Our babies

2007-07-02T13:41:00.000+02:00

We're parents! Of a beautiful little garden. We have a fluffly lookin' lavender bush, a huge and tall olive tomato plant, yellow chili peppars, and purple peppers!

Check our our new little prides and joys. They've grown since I took these pictures, but aren't they beautiful? I'm so thrilled to be working with these plants. We've started to plan a layout with the bikes, the couch, and about 10 more plants for next year... and starting the seeds ourselves in March or something. Crazy, but amazingly enriching. I love it. They will have to undergo more care from other hands throughout July and then the end of August when we're traveling, so we'll just see how they fare, but I'm keeping my hopes up real high for some yummy produce potential, even if it's all of one little side salad for the both of us! heh heh.

I've done it. I've bought a stove top coffee maker. Here is the new little beauty, alongside 1 of 2 new cutie mugs to drink the lovely coffee. I really enjoyed the geo-floral design that wraps around the mug without a break in the design. Really cool and pretty. I think they do make my coffee taste better. And the coffee and maker cost about what 3 coffees do out in the cafe world. Um, how could I not??!? And now I can offer guests coffee and tea!

Birthday Celebration x3

2007-06-25T13:17:00.000+02:00

I had the pleasure of throwing a birthday meal and dessert for 3 birthday folks just last Friday evening. Otto from middle May, Gabi from late middle May, and Doug from just the 20th of June.

Doug and I decided to make some grand pizzas. We had 1 huge pan with a tomato basil sauce, sliced tomatoes, chopped marinated garlic, red peppers and Gouda cheese with some dried Italian spices too. The other thin crust pizza had a Parmesan tomato sauce, roast beef, sliced tomatoes, chopped marinated garlic, sliced marinated green olives with feta cheese, Gouda cheese and some dried spices, including a Spanish chili powder. Yum yum. I made the dough with a blend of white and whole wheat flour (both organic... is there any other?)

They turned out fantastic.

Thanks to Lena's cake recipe, I made up a delicious simple sweet cake with a cherry and blueberry filling. I whipped the cream up with a bit of sugar and vanilla. That cake was presented on my new cake plate with a clever doily pattern right on the underside of the plate. No useless and annoying paper doilies! But still the cuteness.

Here's the guests. From left to right we have Otto, Erik, Nils, Phinah and Gabi. I'd like to take this pause to say, "Happy Birthday Doug, Otto, and Gabi; I hope that the evening was as pleasant for you as it was sweet for me."

In the center of the table, we stumbled upon some brilliant gerbera daisies on sale, so I decided to share a sample of the colour tones we expect to use in our wedding display as well. Delicious rich red, orange and yellow with a hint of pink and then lime green tones. Way bright and fun and lively!

And for extra measure, although sadly not the best focus from the camera are these shots from a side street in Lund here. All these bursts of flowers and "bushes" are stunning roses! Isn't the overload amazing? Anywhere there's a bit of ground, they plant something or something finds it's way to grow there!

Next post... our own efforts of green thumb and our growing produce! That's right! We have produce!

Got Water?

2007-06-15T12:55:00.000+02:00

This rock festival was too much for words... so I'll try to add some to the few picutres I managed to snag and capture. As the festival wore on, it grew more challenging to just pause and take pictures... especially since energy was so lacking. So, hope you like them!

Anders here is working 1 of the 3 moped kiosks that make up Caffee Italiano. On the right pic, Cristina is on the right coaching him. He's had training in Malmö for barista training, but until this festival, hasn't actually worked with it yet! He learned quickly and was totally open to coaching. What a cool sport.

Ted, you're absolutely right, they're drivable 3 wheeled mopeds. This brown one was stationed in the main way "outside" by a ton of shops and food stalls. The red one from the other post I worked at and we drove it in 2 or 3 afternoons to an area that you need to be secured to enter and then you can enjoy all the music you want. So, we started on the "outside" for the mornings and then about 12-2pm we'd move "inside" nearer the bands and people! Well, inside, we were perfectly positioned to be near the 3 biggest bandstands (ahem Aerosmith) and 2 were just in other areas. The 3rd moped was always on the "inside" and nearer one of those other areas just mentioned.

Next here is the bandstand that the 3rd moped was nearer to. And another shot with peoples and then more so. Each afternoon bringing more and more. The last days, it'd been so crazy to capture the masses! These were from Wednesday and Thursday only.

These next were attemts at catching just a bit of the place these folks called home for about a week. That's right, lots and lots of tents. These extended so much further than I even cared to wander!

My new friends fortunately had one more space in their camper so I didn't need to set up my new tent. Sometimes, it was a blessing, and other times, just plain sauna quality. But it was cool not to have to worry about my things in a tent!

Here's finally a photo of the 3rd moped. It's sweeter than the rest because it's bigger and has an access door on the side. What's cooler still is Cristina here, is wearing a t-shirt that says: "I love snowboarding." How cool is that? Have I mentioned how much I like this girl? Cool chic. So, looking at the espresso machine straight on, then around to the right would be the stage you saw above. to the left and further are the other 3 I was nearer and at the meeting point of (and by the watering hole).

I think this whole festival had cleaning issues. Throughout the night, garbage sat, and this was only Wednesday morning... didn't actually start until Wednesday afternoon! Here's one of many situations where I saw groups of cleaners (städ = clean) just standing around idle.

Meat anyone? kött kött = meat meat.
I just loved this sign. Made me think of all the vegetarians I've known and know of... but seriously, meat anyone?

Or rather water anyone? This place got so toasty, well over 80 degrees. And crazy open sun, no cloud relief. So hot in the afternoon. We were parked right by this here watering hole. Even got our water there too. But I'll tell ya, the people would flock after a band ended like there was only the 2 things, water and the bands, but I understand they flocked everywhere too... food, beer... you know, important things. See the poor earth? That used to be green and grassy. It's so torn up, that it's just dust and loose soil. The crowds literally kicked it all up with the evening bands too. Huge multi-story dust clouds would move with them. If you had to walk in it, well, brace your eyes and get ready for sting and a bit of coughing as you breathe in the dirt. Quite nasty. But I guess, it's better than if it rained? Just can't tell personally, but I suppose they're right.

Ted, I'm proud you actually looked at the photos from the last post. Because I have never seen so many people only clad in undies as they walk about. A man in boxers? yeah, a woman in a bra and briefs? oh yeah, and a man in a thong? sadly, even so! I don't have many pics of them due to never having the camera at the ready for them... but I don't think you'll miss seeing them. Would've had to put a rating on this blog then, don't you think?

This here last photo was a fun moment whereby this fellow played a little complimentary air guitar for us as we were so shearly exhausted on the last night (Saturday). These sorts of folks made the festival so much fun; got to admit.

I hope you guys enjoyed the festival tour. Feel free to ask more questions, I'm just spent and don't quite know where else to elaborate.

Sweden Rock Festival

2007-06-13T12:48:00.001+02:00

The Sweden Rock Festival: a place where loads of people from all over the world (but mostly Sweden and Europe) come to a no-name place near Sölvesborg on the East coast of Sweden for an exhausting, thouroughly intoxicating, crazy rock and roll adventure for 4+ days! And I got to go and serve excellent espresso drinks to these (10s of?) thousands of people for the night before the morning after a bit and all those days in-between! (Picture on right: only Friday, before more and more people came... that red and blue tent is a a massive beer tent and I was sorta close to it as we moved the moped I was at everyday outside of the music area [top picture] to the inside past and well around the corner of the green tent in the right picture for the afternoons and nights... CRAZY!) By Sunday morning, that blue and red tent was pastel from the earth dust that was kicked up into the air!

My 3 worst bits from the festival:

I am experiencing the worst detoxifying experience in my entire life. The environment was so filthy and toxic that each half day that passed, I experienced a new problem. By the time Doug got me home, I just collapsed with exhaustion on the hallway floor. He helped me draw a bath and then I essentially slept. Fevered too. From early on coughs to eye irritation and battling over 80 degree heat and loads of sunblock and tons of dust in the air to becoming an outright flu like situation with congestion, sore throat, light fever and exhausted body muscles and irritated and sensitive skin. Way nasty.
Sheer exhaustion and a bit of confusion throughout the festival.
I realized I don't like festivals and am not so sure I really want to keep doing this line of work... none the less, my bosses want me back and I could use more work anyways, right?

My 6 largest prizes from the festival:

I officially have a job in Sweden. We all hit it off serendipitously. We're really happy to have found one another. Sebastian and Cristina couldn't be cooler or more motivated people.
I have finally mastered the technique of Latte Art. I successfully and purposefully created the BB, the heart, the leaf and a rosetta (not as many of the last 2, but still made them!!!!!)
I have a souvenier rock n' roll devil guitar pick.
I got to practice my swedish and learn loads of new words and how to say stuff.
I was compensated a bit more than offered for all my hard work.
Avoided getting hardly even a sun tan whilst most were burnt to a crisp!

More fun details later folks. I'm gonna take a break again. Still recovering ya know.

Birthday Redefinition

2007-06-04T13:36:00.000+02:00

Before I head out tomorrow for my big event with the espresso service at the rock festival, I felt like reflecting on my new birthday conclusions.

I'm thinking that it's a birthday like this one I've had that starts to get people to not like them, rather than the age itself. I mean, hey, at least for a while, I'm embracing aging, nothing I can prevent, just live the best and healthiest that I can to enjoy the years that I have. So, aging is not my concern here with my new grand 27 completed years on this little rock of a planet hurtling through dark space only happening to be lit by our beautiful and searing sun.

No, my thoughts are within unknown expectations. It's funny how leading up, I didn't think I had any, but now realize I was full of them. Expecting some cool surprise in the mailbox, some fun thoughts from somebody I love from the US. It's funny, I did get a couple greatings and I must say they really did make me smile and enjoy that moment. But it's funny, well maybe not. Because I expected a few other folks, at least, to mention a happy day or something, ya know, nice and simple. It's funny how it didn't happen. Vague at best. Out of family, I gotta thank Mom, Aunt Martha and Sarah & Ted, and Grandma Carol for thinking of me. It meant the world to me that you mentioned it. Because now, I can officially say that I don't like birthdays anymore. I feel let down and that they really don't matter more than keeping track of how many days or years we revolve around that spectacularly toasty sun of "ours".

I don't know, I had to get that out there. It's bizarre how you don't even realize you have expectations until you've noticed them let down. Doug and I, on the other hand, celebrated a sweet birthday. We ate at a really tasty Mediterranean/Greek restaurant and he gave me a sweet and stylish little necklace. We then headed to his folks' place to have sweets and I must say that is was a nice evening with lots of jokes and light air. They were sweet and graced me with a few gifts that I didn't really expect though. Mostly, I think I was stuck on the idea of my family not doing very much to highlight the day. When I talked with my brother, I found out that if he didn't have a party for himself, then quite likely, he wouldn't have had much either? Weird. What's going on here? I don't reallly understand. I also know I'm just writing to vent and get it out of my head.

Mostly, right now, my focus is Swedish and getting siked up for the upcoming work week. Then after that, the end of my course and more wedding preparations in full gear. So, I'll see ya in a week or so after the Rock Festival to show some pics and tell some good stories, I hope.... hmm, expectations? Wonder what I've built in there and don't even know it.

Caffe Italiano - part 2

2007-05-25T11:42:00.000+02:00

Great news! We all get along famously! I shared some stories and some photos from my little Tropic of Coffee biz and they loved them. They saw that I did what they're doing, just with a few variations really.

We hung out all afternoon. I got a mild face sunburn too, glad I wore long sleeves. But yeah, we hit it off, just chatting, getting to know one another through the world of coffee and our histories. Sure enough, they had a "gig" that late afternoon, evening. So, I helped and watched them set up their cool moped stand and we started making espressos. They only use arabica beans, which of course is the only way to go. We compared techniques and I tried to absorb as fast as I could, as many of their nuances in brewing as I could. What's really brilliant about their business is that they only offer the core espresso drinks.

Espresso
Macchiatto
Americano
Cappuccino
Latte

They don't even have chocolate unless the party requests it, nor other flavorings, nor ICE for cold drinks! So simple. But I think that it's easier to accomplish here because Swedes are content with lattes (80+% of their business) and they actually don't give a flying hoot about sweetener flavor syrups and even sugar, most of the time. How brilliant is that?!! It makes me realize how complicated it was to please Americans, no really. They all have to have their special darn twist. Wether it's low fat milk, or sugar free syrup, or any syrup, or a blended frappuccino or something with whipped cream. They can't just enjoy the cool drinks for the simple splendor that they are!

We'll be offering 3 sizes of drinks (biggest is only about the 16 oz size). I get to sleep in a sleeping bag in a tent or the truck or something for 5 nights and I've been told the showers they have are really dirty and less than pleasant, great. Spot cleaning at its finest I suppose. I need to bring clothes for all weather because rain is always a possibility and so is sun and the nights are gonna get real cold; naturally. But I'm trhilled to be helping these young folks out and they're helping me too; so, for now, it's gonna be the start to a great relationship. We'll be expected to work solo at one of the 3 mopeds for 10-12 hours a day. Whoo!

What's cool is that they've just started a website: Caffe Italiano; you can see some pics, but sadly, it's in swedish. Sorry folks! So, yeah, I'm gonna be getting up there on Tuesday and serving Wednesday through Saturday and coming back on Sunday (June 5-10) Skål!

Caffe Italiano

2007-05-24T12:11:00.000+02:00

I'm hoping for the best. I have an "interview" this afternoon with Caffe Italiano. The couple whom run this little coffee kiosk business are super nice. (Cristina and Sebastian)

We met in February at the wedding expo and we really hit it off after I casually invited myself to work for them. Well, they called me back only a couple of weeks ago... and well, looks like I'm in. I'm going to begin working with one of their mopeds at a rock festival in the far northeast part of Skåne (quite a train ride or drive away). The festival lasts for 4 days! Go to Sweden Rock for more info about the concert. I'm quite certain I'm in, but can't help but feel nervous. I guess I'm going to be nervous about my swedish for quite some time. But the cool thing is that Cristina is from Italy and is learning Swedish herself! So, she and Sebastian quite understand the learning process. I guess my coffee history has truly sparked their attention. Can't argue with that!

What's I think even more crazy, or ironic, is that my brazilian classmate, Eduardo, and his girlfriend are going to be at the same festival working the beer tent! I just about flipped. Here, I thought I'd be totally alone... and well, still might be, but that's rockin' I may actually see a face I already know! Way awesome.

Anywho, gotta fly, don't want to be late or anything. Hejdå!

Movie Rating Systems

2007-05-19T17:10:00.000+02:00

Mood: Fantastic and bright.
Music: Jazz all morning and electronica by early evening now.
Happenings: Hosted a sweet and rockin' high tea party for a few of my new classmate girlfriends.

Tons of teas, lots of sugars, including Mickey Mouse shaped sugar cubes and brown rock sugar... 2 light tea sandwiches: 1. smoked salmon with fresh ginger, cilantro and lime cream cheese and butter spread; 2. cucumber with butter and daikon sprouts and a little S&P. Kicked up pigs in a blanket with mustard.... then there was dessert with truffles, brownies and cheese cake, as well as delicate raisin sugar cookies. FABULOUS! Only 3 of the 6 invited came, but it was a really sweet time anyways.

Perhaps picks later, since I actually have none...

But, you've got to love this here explanation of a movie rating system. It couldn't be more simple, straightforward and explanatory. Makes me wish most were like this.

5 stars: briljant = brilliant
4 stars: mycket bra = really good
3 stars: helt okey rulle = OK flick
2 stars: i brist på annat = if nothing else, then this is OK
1 star: inte ens i brist på annat = not even if there's nothing else
no stars: borde aldrig blivit gjord = should never have been made

I just think that movies get so ambiguous with a variety of stars attached to films and we don't really know what they mean anymore... but this newspaper seems to have it smart! I quite like it anyways.... particularly that last one, shouldn't have even been made. Sometimes, films really need a no star rating, or even a 1 star rating, because they can be pretty generous with the 3 stars on films that don't end... like the second Pirates of the Caribbean movie, good grief the critics liked that one. Just can't agree. Anyways, I'm off to enjoy a gorgeous afternoon from a rainy and cold earlier half of the day! Ta ta!

A Garden Walk

2007-05-15T08:11:00.000+02:00

I am not going to sit here and apologize for not having written. April was too busy for me to care to review it here. Thus, I'm going to take you on a nature walk about Lund. We have had such a lovely spring here, all early blooming and such (typical blooming is later in May and June, not April).

When you first walk outside of our apartment complex, you are greeted with these fantastic pink tulips. They remind me of a cross of roses and peonies, but everything else screams tulips!

As you continue into our courtyard, there is such a breathtaking array of flowers. So many tulip clusters and the flowering trees! So much colour, and the fragrance. I really cannot begin to describe the awesome perfume in the air. It's all around town and Lund, these beautiful trees, we'll see some more in a bit. Purple tulips, White tulips, Red tulips, Yellow tulips surrounded by a too cute blue flower ground cover... Tiny bluish purple flower bunches, yellow flowers I don't know the name of with too beautiful dark green foliage to compliment.

Even in the cracks along and in the paved brick paths are little flowering "weeds" with too cool little bluish flowers amidst a great effort of green inviting. I guess it's all the colour they add... yes, even foliage. I tell you, even the weeds look cute and dandelions and these tiny daisy looking ones the are just as everywhere as the dandelions.

The yard is filled with these pink trees and I've got a photo here of a white one with the pink in the background. So so stunning! And to see some of these amazing flowers up close, here's a second photo. I am quite overwhelmed this spring by the gorgeous season here. I don't think I've ever seen such a colourful and fragrant spring ever in the Chicago suburbs. I don't know if these lovely trees don't grow well there or what! But I guess there, you'll have a much prettier autumn. The colours are drab an unimpressive here in that season.

As we leave this impressive sanctuary where people bring their children to play, or just sunbathe and take a stroll through it, we are graced with other unique and beautiful patches of spring bulbs. I missed taking pictures of the crocuses, but here's a cool blend of dafodils and tulips. And this red and yellow tulip? I don't know what it's called. But I've nick-named it a flame tulip. This one appears in a few random home gardens. I've even come accross a couple other striking varieties.

Ah, as we walk into town, our noses are slammed with a crazy amount of fragrance. Thanks to these 2 varieties of purple flowering trees. There's also pink ones and magnolias. My goodness, I've never seen those up close before. So so beautiful. I really like those. These white blossoms appear in almost all the parks. They've since turned a burnt pink as they've matured and are probably dying out. These trees are so huge and immense that these hover above my head around 6 ft "low" and these are at the very bottom. These trees are so high, I really cannot estimate how tall they are. So lovely.

And this last photo is something I saw alongside a shop's planter of flowers. I've never seen it before either and found it beyond stunning. The sort of geometric nature to it. Bright white on top and a deep purple on the underside. Way too cool.

Now you see what I'm in awe by this spring. It's really been beautiful and I'm really glad and I think, lucky to have seen it and been a part of its enjoyment and beauty. When I'm walking and riding from place to place, I just take it a bit more calm these recent days to enjoy and smell the flowers. Really enchanting, I tell you.

Could it be spring?

2007-03-13T18:20:00.000+01:00

Mood: Mild and good
Music: National Public Radio podcast

I cannot believe how beautiful the last 2 days have been. Spring flowers have truly reached out into the new warmth; like crocuses and other ground flowers. Folks' natural hedge fencing are all gettin' green too. Doug and I (and the rest of Swedes) took advantage and went to parks and took their bikes out for fun rides to enjoy the "warm" and cloud free days. It makes studying all the more difficult!!

I'm so studying my brains out for this exam. Tweaking what I know and trying to learn from my mistakes. It's weird and tough. It makes me remember how tough I found English throughout life! But I keep on studying my text book and I'm trying to fit in a grammar workbook on the side to keep fresh on grammar rules and well, learn more details about how stuff works, like all the extra pronouns in this language. I'm optimistic though... and I think I'm doing pretty damn well.

I send kudos and awe to all my vegetarian friends out there. We've taken the Lent season to diligently try vegetarianism with allowance for dairy, eggs, and fish. We've been so hungry! We have to eat all the time! IT'S SO BIZARRE! In the last 3 weeks and today, I've baked a cheese herb bread, a sunflower seed whole wheat bread, 3 huge pizzas (big cookie sheet sized pizzas) [and plans to make 2 more tomorrow], 3 banana walnut breads (2 with blueberries and 1 with dark chocolate chunks), an apple granola bar thing and just now an apple bread and a banana walnut chocolate chip bar... like a cookie/brownie thing. The very surprising thing about our extra intake of carbs and even sweet things is.... here's the punch.... We've both lost weight!

That's not cool for Doug, he's such a thin guy! But no worries, we're taking extra precautions to eat more pasta and rice when those are in the meals, more bread yet.. like carrot bread or garlic bread toasted up. So, we're sure it'll be OK, but boy was it a little of a surprise.

I'm not sure how you guys don't just eat all the time. Do you, vegetarians, have any special tips? Is it just a period of body adjustment? How often do you find yourselves dining or snacking on something? I don't want to fill my diet with more pastry-like options, but it seems that is what is happening. Fortunately, they're all homemade! We buy organic sugar, eggs, milk, and flour is whole grain and/or organic too! So, they're good things and contents!

I'm gonna go back to my schoolwork, but vegetarians, I'd love your input!

Snabbt Februari

2007-02-22T16:50:00.000+01:00

Title: Snabbt Februari = Fast February
Mood: Fair, Determined, Busy

Music: iTunes Random, lots of Thievery Corporation and random jazz I haven't heard in forever, and a surprising amount of Blur.

Weather: Stunningly snowy! It snowed a crazy lot yesterday and last night... and more projected tonight! So blustery and I absolutely couldn't ride my bike to school because they only just started plowing all the stuff around 8am... boy am I used to Chicago/Illinois effeciency! So, I locked my bike on the way, only a couple blocks out and just walked. I don't think I'll be going to school tomorrow. Took me an hour of trudging through other peoples' deep foot prints to get there. In a surreal way, it was fun for me, I guess snow really does make winter and colder temps worth it for me.

I was really determined this afternoon though. I made a nice cornbread and a vegetarian chili. I think I make a little macaroni to go with that... and so I dressed up and went out to our courtyard to make some sort of Calvin and Hobbes snow sculpture. It was aweful. So much snow and no ability to "clump." The stuff just dusted away from my hands. Oh man, I was defeated in less than 2 minutes. It's so windy though, I just didn't realize how dry the snow is... especially since it seemed so wet this morning! Oh well.

Hope you like the pics. They're just a few things we took pictures of from a Wedding Expo nearby in Malmö. I really enjoy the relative simplicity to all the flower and the cakes. Feel free to give any info/opinions about them. No pink though, but I like the style of the delicate flowers, they're not roses, just delicate and pretty and even many colours. Really pretty though. I really enjoy the photos down the right side of this blog post.

Crazy busy making paper, studying swedish for my exam at the end of March, and wedding planning! Check in soon for more hectic updates.

Oh, and you must check my brother's new blog. It's wonderful. And I don't even drink beer! But it's really fun to read about his adventures in homebrewing! Heidi and Joe, I really think you'll enjoy it. I think he'd even be game to let you try some of them sometimes!

2007-02-01T19:00:00.000+01:00

Mood: Surprisingly "chipper"
Music: Bara bra musik: a Swedish Euro-dance music radio station

I'm fighting the urge to want winter back. But I must admit I'm already looking forward to the spring... did I just say that outloud? Oh boy. Will I ever snowboard again? That too depends on more than just the greenhouse effect. I mean, I'd need to be reunited with my board, which happens to be in Lake in the Hills anyways. We'll see what happens there, but I still have a goal to reach the Chilean mountains someday! It could be that I'm simply more excited to be touring on the bike again instead of freezing in the moutain thin air.

This little view is out our west-view window out into our fantastic courtyard, in the very few days we had snow (snö). We've also been getting a few more sunny days here. I can't tell you how welcome they are!

We've been busy here in Lund. We've been heading out into town and nearby towns to check out the wedding dress selections. To my surprise, a lighter simpler dress is much easier to find here, and some.... are get this.... a little cheaper than in the States! So, I may just end up with something here in the next coupla weeks. I've been crazy studying Swedish and taking mock exams while beginning and designing all of our fun wedding stationary. I think you folks are gonna like what you see. We've come up with some really fantastic and creatively beautiful and handsom ideas. Ha Ha! No peaks! You'll just have to wait and see if you get one, or access to one!

I've actually been active making my own handmade paper as well. I've done one with 100% newspaper (tidning) and another with 100% recycled computer pages from old school days. I even made a batch of cardstock for my classmate, Rebecca, to make thank-you notes, out of the recycled white computer paper with gold flecks, and even flower petals. It turned out really lovely.

And for a little thoughts to chew on, visit this next link. This site has a music video that has a really cool message. Yeah, it's political, but moving and powerful as well. Go Esther!

Peace out for now.

Winter? Wuz that?

2007-01-23T17:43:00.000+01:00

Mood: Thrilled
Music: My favorites list in iTunes
Weather: Cold, crisp and well, white!

I cannot believe that winter has arrived. I understand it may very well end before the week is up. That will be a tragedy; however, in the mean time, we must enjoy the beauty that we have, right? Funny how that can be applied to so very many things. Well, I couldn't help myself and just went out and took lots of pics and here's a few of the very lovely day (yesterday) that began a nice big smile of childhood giddiness on my face. Where's that cute little Cadence? I need a snow-angel buddy!

This was truly my first biking experience in a winter situation. I must say, it went really well. Going to class was fine, but then, while there for the 3 hours, it must have snowed at least an inch. So, it was a slushy fun cold mess on the way home! Not too cool if you were in a car though. Today was just icy and a little more difficult to ride on, but very manageable. I mean, they salt and put down a TON of gravel mix out on all the bike paths, so, by the end of today, they're all real passable. Here left is a photo of the biking pathway that's just outside our place.

I also promised Mom that I'd post a pic of our fantastic lasagne creation made of a totally delicious and savory and tasty meat sauce (custom made by us/Doug) and a delightfully light creamy spinach layer with a swedish cheese and then mozzarella and Parmesan on top too. Oh yum! I'm just sorry it's already gone! Eat your hearts out!

Hello 2007

2007-01-16T17:58:00.000+01:00

Mood: Pretty Good

Well, cheers to the new year of 2007 to everybody. I hope that January is starting off well for all of you. Mine is gonna fly, I just know it. With full days of Swedish, studying said Swedish, and then wedding planning of all sorts for a great and fun party in Chicago suburbs in August, I just know that 2007 will be a fun a super busy year, gone in an "ögonblick." (That means an eye blink.)

I also look forward to keeping y'all posted a little more frequently, whether it's the "un" winter weather, the wedding planning/meltdowns, or the Swedish progress reports. I want to send a big thanks to everybody back at home. I had such a wonderful time driving in Jay's VW Deisel Golf to meet up with so many bunches of folks, happenings, and tea parties! Those were so much fun. Ted's New Year's Eve Eve party was super fun as well... I loved the jam session. I'm wondering about coordinating those boys, instruments and Otto in the mix to have a little fun at our wedding shin dig. Teddy, what'd'ya think?

Anywho, I've just begun the craft of making my own paper. I must admit to a wonderful first try. I started with a load of newspaper and I think I made a very successful 4 sheets of paper, varying in thickness of course, but marvelous light grey with specks in there. Oh, I'm unbelievably excited to keep that up for my crafting efforts.

December Greetings

2006-12-08T14:50:00.000+01:00

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

2006-11-22T17:48:00.000+01:00

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

2006-11-04T09:18:00.000+01:00

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

2006-10-23T15:57:00.000+02:00

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

2006-10-17T07:52:00.000+02:00

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

2006-10-10T07:37:00.000+02:00

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

2006-09-16T11:10:00.000+02:00

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

2006-09-13T07:34:00.000+02:00

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

2006-09-01T17:44:00.000+02:00

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!

2006-08-28T13:24:00.000+02:00

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

2006-08-27T18:17:00.000+02:00

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

2006-08-21T11:25:00.000+02:00

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

2006-08-12T12:17:00.000+02:00

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

2006-07-26T11:12:00.000+02:00

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

2006-07-20T14:05:00.000+02:00

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

2006-07-14T15:13:00.002+02:00

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

2006-07-04T23:24:00.000+02:00

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

2006-06-29T11:53:00.000+02:00

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

2006-06-22T12:06:00.000+02:00

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

2006-06-19T11:27:00.000+02:00

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!

Take a guess at this evening picture

2006-06-13T14:10:00.000+02:00

Mood: Increasingly annoyed by the noisy balcony mainenance drilling type noises. O_0
Music: iTunes radio - SecretAgent
Word of the Day: hög - which means loud

I've got a pic for you. I want you to guess what time this picture was taken. It's the view out of our sorta westerly window from our balcony. Wild guesses are encouraged!

2006-06-12T11:09:00.000+02:00

Mood: Relaxed, chillin'
Music: Latin Jazz, Fugazi, Twin Brakes - Underdog,
Word of the day: Hjärup = the name of a neighboring town, where Doug's uncle Nils lives. Very cute and mostly residential town. For vocabulary, triangeln = triangle.

We went into Malmö yesterday by car to drop of Doug's bro. and friend when we heard they were going to be watching the "football" (that's soccer to Americans) game. Mexico versus I can't remember (and it doesn't matter since Mexico won). So, we got to talkin' about Mexican food, well, Doug and I thought it best we search some out there! We ended up at a quiet little place called Los Arcos and had ourselves a very tasty meal (and expensive by Swedish standards). This is tough for me to spend a lot on Mexican cuisine because I know that's it's not that costly, especially in the States! But it was a good meal, and it came close. We won't be frequenting there, but it was a good and tasty time. Well, this restaurant was located in a little area known as Triangeln, I was gonna call it a square, even though it's called a triangle. Looked like that was more of a mall type building with a hotel next to it (Hilton) and then busy block activity with shops and such.

These pics of trees are from the park I admire especially so that I think Millenium Park could take some notes. This is one tree with a couple takes. I loved how huge it is and the feeling of the shady, rainy like canopy. It's shaped like a giant umbrella the way those streamers of green drape from the trunk and branches. Too cool.

Here's another view in that park with one of many of the fountains behind us. This was a pretty little spot with the pond/lake, fountain, ducks, flowering trees and bushes and the list really does go on and on. There are many other spots that are a bit more tailored with benches, flowers, paths, and fountains, but I think this spot is one of my favorites, along with that tree above!

Here is this fun new bike that I bought. Fun little Trek! And Doug will have ths same kind! (just different size) and we both have Nike biking shoes, and Goretex jackets; seriously, we will be coordinated, and it's funny because it's entirely unintentional. Tune in next time for more biking adventure stories.

2006-06-10T20:00:00.000+02:00

Another beautiful day, something like the mid 70's. Lots of sun, that's always good.

Musik: If I Had a Million Dollars - Barenaked Ladies, other random tunes
Word of the Day: svettig - means sweaty

We went for more walks today, but this one was more like a prequel to a bike ride we'll be taking soon. Yesterday was an adventurous day. We bought some touring bikes, and a little bit of gear (a jacket for me) soon another bike lock and some other accessories... like paneers down the road. But we took advantage of a fantastic afternoon and the new bike and we took off for Lomma.
I promised pics of there... so here's a load of them. Starting with a great shot of the sailboats in the marina. Next are some locals, wading in the shallow shore areas.

We took a walk out on the pier and the sand, ah, can you smell the fresh seaweed air? and salty sea freshness? I sure wouldn't want to take a dip in that water though, way way coooooold! Like, all year round too!

So, the next pic, I snag of Doug after another angle didn't turn out so well with the sun behind him. But this one's cool, because there's Doug, leaning on the wall, and the pier behind him and then the town of Malmö (where we'll be biking tomorrow!) But in that city, you can see the one tall skyscraper, the Turning Torso. The building really twists by 90 degrees from the bottom to the top of the building. It's really pretty, but supposedly a flunk in its success as a condominium tower. Unfortunate really.

The next couple pics were up a little bit from the water edge. There were these impressive rocks, so we went to see them, and sadly, they were nearly as tall as we expected, but here's a pic of 'em none the less. And just opposite them was this valley area perfect for midsommer and the pole dancing. See all those benches in the background and the pole too? They're off to the right of the clearing. Yeah, the water is out there too, past all the greenery.

Enjoy the views, and the locals ^_^

2006-06-08T14:34:00.000+02:00

Mood: Mellow
Music: pleasant outdoor sounds
Word of the Day: kall - cool

Pleasant and cool today, bright pale blue/white sky with some scattered white clouds. Lovely is what I would call today. We've signed me up for a Swedish class... but that shouldn't start until August sometime, so in the mean time, I have Rosetta Stone and shopping and translating a cool book titled "The Ultimate Guide to the Galaxy" among other things, to keep me busy getting a start on the language. Doug's going to be one of the best supplements to learning Swedish I could ask for. He knows accent and tone and such to hone me into some proper words. It's funny how many words sound so similar, but just one wrong vowel sound and you've said something totally irrelevent to the conversation at hand. Much to learn o_O

Here's a fun picture of some ads we've seen just outside our nearby market... where I was standing with the shoe guy statue. You know you're in Europe when even the veggie ads are sexy! I really dig the asparagus. What are your favs? The garlic takes a close second for me. Ah, funny pics.

Speaking of pics, don't worry, I've got a couple more coming, with Lars too... but he's out and about doing some thesis work, so I need a refresher on getting at the pics. Soon, I'll be totally in charge and with that knowledge in my head! We went through some more cool parks, totally wish Millenium Park had some of these qualities... well, more on that when I get at the pics, eh?

Now now, you all concerned about beers... you do realize you've got a non-drinker doing alcohol research for you, right? I have heard that Swedes tend to like Danish beers better, but don't worry, I will keep my ears pricked for anything on the topic. I will not let you 2+ down, I promise!

Okay, off I go, study some Swedish and work on some new card designs. Ta ta, y'all. SMILES!

2006-06-05T21:15:00.000+02:00

Cheery greetings

Yesterday's word of the day: blått = blue
Word of the day: regn = rain
and... blött = wet

Hey y'all! Charles, this one's for you. You requested a photo of me in front of something... well, this is real close to the apt, and it's near our close by market. This statue dude dude looked cool enough to take a picture of... with me! We're not sure exactly what this guy is or stands for, but we just figured he was some kind of shoesmith. This was the same day I landed, however, I've still been getting aquainted to uploading photos... so, up to better horizons there too!

Speaking of, Doug and I went for some awesome long walks about Lund yesterday and we took this one to show you of the beautiful park just a bit away from our apt. I love forests for their immense size and greenery and intense age.

This park is called St. Lars, yep girls, that's right. I had myself quite a giggle when I heard that one! ^_^

Tomorrow, not a whole lot will be open, similar to our Independence day, this one is just a sort of Sweden day...
so, we'll see where we can roam tomorrow. Hopefully then, on wednesday, we'll start to look into getting me a bike! Weee!

Toodles, from accross the pond. -L

2006-06-02T18:28:00.000+02:00

I'm safe and sound in Sweden!

Music: Swedish TV
Mood: Walking Fatigued
Word of the Day: trött = tired

My goodness was my flight jouney lengthened. I got caught up in O'Hare with weather/thunderstorm delays for a good 1.5 -2 hours; just sitting on the plane all that time too, waiting in line to take off when the weather cleared. But I think I've discovered a mighty fun trick to getting food first... get a special meal. I got vegetarian meals and I was served way before everybody else. The flight went pretty well despite the slow start... however lots of us missed our connecting flights; Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Stockholm... So, then, we had to wait for new connecting flights. The cool thing about that is that we were upgraded to business class and got food on the plane, which otherwise would have had to pay for. So that was really great. Still had to wait a couple of hours for the 1.5-2 hour flight from Manchester to Copenhagen.

When I got to Copenhagen, we ended up getting on a train that went right past our stop. Oy, we were riding around quite some time to get back. But alas, I am at my new home. It is a great place and really contemporary and peaceful and pretty. There's a garden out one veiw of our 6th floor home, and trees and such out the other side. Sadly, there's exterior balcony maintenence going on and that's quite a noisemaker. Oh well, at least it'll be nice, spiffy, and freshly painted, eh?

We've been wandering all about, and a special thanks to Doug for that, especially since he's been under the weather since about a day before I got here. Trooper! But yeah, we've wandered a nice bit of Lund, and I got to visit his school area and a cool outdoor marketplace to buy some great lookin' fresh fruit and veggies. The event reminded me of when they put up those kiosks downtown in the loop of Chicago in that federal plaza area? yeah, kinda like them, just a little more tame about the whole thing. We got me a personal number to be able to get services here in Sweden.

I met the folks today. I must say, that went very well, or at least I thought so. They were really cool and sweet folks. We didn't stay too long, just to sort of get acquainted and all; which was nice. We borrowed the car and went to nearby Lomma (sort of in between Malmö and Lund, just off the path though) and we wandered all along the coast there. That was really beautiful. Way off in the distance you could make out a shadowy Copenhagen and the gorgeous bridge that connects Malmö with Copenhagen. Then you could see Malmö too, much closer of course. The sea air, breezing in on the paths, was salty, yet fresh, and cool too. The sun shined perfectly bright today, all day, which is a true sign that summer may have arrived here. ^_^ But the sun will not last too long, that is the way that it is. o_O

Well, hey, for now, I'm out. I'm gonna be in charge of the camera, so I'll be bringing it along on our adventures! So, more pics soon.

2006-05-28T18:19:00.000+02:00

Packing Endeavors

Music: Acid Jazz, Beatles, Femi Kuti, random tunes...
Mood: Mellow, black tea awake, nerves brewing.

Finally I am embarking on the task of packing. I've spent the last several days meeting with brothers, and ladies of the family (awesome to see ya Auntie Martha!) and friends (eat your hearts out Check Please folks because I actually dined with the legendary Chely!). What wonderful times, kinda got almost weepy at those departures. I'm still getting butterflies from the goodbyes with my bros. and my sisters. (that's still a novel title for me!) Now, after a deluxe breakfast with the folks and some great church-going company as well, I'm finally on to more of this necessary packing thing. My home is truly in a disarray, but it is an organized chaos... oh wait, is there such a thing?

I've been to see some new movies too: Mission Impossible 3, Da Vinci Code, and X-men 3. All aweright, but I think of the 3 films, I'd say Da Vinci was the most entertaining especially because I got to go with my sweet boss lady, Sandy and some good friends Jeff and Lena. X-men next because I really like superhero stories, if they're done well, and this was fair enough for the continued series. MI3 last and least... just didn't like the filming style or the story layout. Good times, thanks to Jay for those, especially the X-Men 3 midnight show. I'm glad we went. Sadly no popcorn due to those wretchedly long concession lines... must have been at least 2600 people there for that midnight opening. That's always a good energy crowd to watch new movies in.

Well, hey, I'm not gonna keep on blabin' for now, I gotta keep moving, I'm sure you understand. Toodles!

2006-05-23T07:47:00.000+02:00

Fantastic Birthday Dinner!

A super special thanks to Ted for organizing a really wonderful mediterranean birthday dinner for his lady Sarah, Jay, and I. I thought it was super tasty, awesome company of the immediate family, and a fun leisure time. Thanks to my Grandma for the dolmades and the baklava, well done! Thanks to David for the hummus and babaganoush, excellent work. And Ted, for those little fritter dudes, what are they called? They were real tasty! Mom, oh man, savory meatballs, fresh tzatziki, and that fresh parsley loaded salad of sorts (I forget the name of that one too), great work; along with a totally rich and humongo triple decker cake with delectible strawberries and a delicious chocolate frosting! Thanks so much. Not to forget Ted's home-brew, a few olives and goat feta cheese, olive oil, root beers, and fresh roasted coffee. I swear, I had an awesome time and my thanks go out to my whole family for pulling that together. Thanks so much!

I love dinners like that, because I then get to rave and rave about them and make everybody around me drool with envy and then I get to say, "Ha Ha! You didn't get any!" ^_^ I don't know about the other 2 birthday celebrators, but I can't rave enough about it. okay okay, I will let it rest. I do have a coffee burlap art collage to tend to. It's going okay, but it's capturing what I wanted... pretty burlap, gathered together in a cutie collage, in one place, from all over the world. ta ta!

2006-05-21T17:59:00.000+02:00

Mmmm, Chocolate...

Mood: Fatigued yet Content
Music: African Rhythm Travellers - Khululuma

This chocolate bar was an amazing delight.. We each had a different martini to get the meal rolling. I- an orange and chocolate martini; Lena- white chocolate with strawberry martini; Becki- a chocolate almond martini; David- an espresso martini. My goodness were those strong, potent, you name it. 0_O (YES HEIDI! It's true!)

The chocolate delicacies were amazing, I don't know where to begin to describe them... but before I do, let me say where it was. We were in the lobby (7th floor) of the new and beautiful Pennisula Hotel downtown Chicago. Most items were only a couple of bites, some more. There were a few different bite-sized cheesecake items and I loved this sorta standard one with a bit of whipped cream, a gorgeous curl of really dark chocolate and a perfect blueberry on top. YUM! and this berry goo topped with a chocolate mousse and whipped cream and some crunchy chocolate dots. Oh my. and then the little macaroon type treat; and this intense and wonderful packed dried fruit bar with a bit of dipped chocolate on them.... OH! and the dipped strawberries were perfect! They had a few biscottis and a couple of their own homemade marshmallows (plain and strawberry) to enjoy with the thick, rich, and sensational drinking chocolates (white or "as regular as you can get"). There were a few cookies, a tangy orange and coconut topped tapioca, a truffle, a supurb mocha - I don't know what to call it - almost pudding, but stiffer than that - wonderful.... I had Nika in mind for that dark chocolate coffee delight! You would have loved that one! I sure did.

Yeah, to wrap up my wonderful evening, there was some live jazz. Oh man, was I a happy lady lasat night. We then wandered a little about the 'mag mile' and found our parking spot. So sweet! Lena and I enjoyed our drive home reveling in all of the evening. I highly recommend it, with martinis it got about $40/person; without those and it was closer to $30. What a truly exquisite time out.

Well, tonight I'm on for another fun-filled night with my family. Ted's throwing a birthday party for his lady, Sarah, Jay and I. (Isn't he sweet??!) I'm not sure, but I think he's prepared another home brew to try, very nice. He is such a thoughtful brother. Thanks Ted! More about that later, I have things to do! Ta ta.

2006-05-20T17:12:00.000+02:00

Mood: Excitement
Music: The Colours of Acid Jazz

Chocolate Lover's Heaven!
Oh my gosh. I cannot wait for tonight. Becki, Dave, and I... and maybe Lena? will be indulging in a chocolate bar for dinner tonight. I'm so thrilled. I don't know if I'll be able to sleep after that, but I sure am intertested to find out what kinds of good eats there will be consisting of CHOCOLATE! Oh yum. I understand that everything has some chocolate in/on it ^_^ Like cheesecake with a chocolate sauce or a chocolate martini... man oh man, I know I'll be visiting heaven! A special thanks to Becki for the invite. You rock girl! Hold on inspiration, here I come!

2006-05-18T05:14:00.000+02:00

My my,
what whirls through a head when we near a big move; at least I am. I don't know, I'm just excited for this. My excitement is up and I'm feeling like I'm just killing time. I feel almost caught up as I think I need to be for my move. Sorting and packing stuff. *sigh* I'm definately growing in nervousness too; tasting the reality of all this. I'm optimistic; not just because I need to be, but because I really am. Unless I have something really profound before I go, I doubt I'll post before I depart on May 30. The thing is, I'm still defining how I want to go with this here blog... sometimes, I think I'll venture a little philosophy, sometimes I'll rant, and sometimes I'll be vague, heads up, I can't really forecast what'll evolve from this whole online journal thing.

So, yeah, I'll post again soon. Ta ta, and thanks-a-gazillion for all the support I've received. I feel really warm and loved from you all. (you know who you are!)

2006-05-07T16:44:00.000+02:00

Hello to my beloved family and friends.

The time is growing nearer that I may be embarking on a new journey, in life, in country, in language, and in relationships. Sweden is the current home of my boyfriend, Doug, and soon, me. I'm a little scared of the complexity that will really bring to my life, however, I know in my heart that if I don't, I will regret not having tried to make our relationship work on another dimension than the sporadic vacation and long-distance phone calls.

I'm keeping this post short and sweet, as an introduction to the online journal I display before you. It's going to be tough to keep in touch with each and every one of you; so, you may come here to see what my latest news is. Whether we've taken a long cycling journey north in Sweden, or west to Denmark. I'll keep you posted on this waterlilies show we're scheduled to see in July with Doug's family. Also of my job hunting, and learning Swedish. I look forward to your comments and questions as well; whether through blogger or through my email. That's what 2 way conversation is all about!

Remember, I love you. If you're having troubles getting used to my move, know that I love Doug too, and that you can always email me and ask more to understand. Peace.