Saturday, July 28, 2012

Day 67: Årstaviken

Today a friend from NY was in town for the afternoon on break from Herräng Dance Camp. She brought the lovely weather with her...sunny and warm with just a bit of a breeze. The perfect day for a long walk along Årstaviken where sunbathers, swimmers and cyclists were also out enjoying summer.

My friend was amazed that the water is safe for bathing. She was also impressed by the gardening plots that run all along Årstaviken where city folk plant flowers and vegetables and fruits to enjoy throughout the spring, summer and fall. As we headed up to street level to continue to my place, she was surprised by how close to a major thoroughfare this oasis is situated and how close to where I live. Yup, I am too; surprised and delighted :-)

Snapped some shots of the flowers along Årstaviken...enjoy!



Friday, July 27, 2012

Day 66: Loaning

Only recently did I discover that the public library system in Stockholm has a rather wide selection of books in English. I joined an American book club a few years back and had been buying my books online or electronically. It never occurred to me to look for the books in the library. I don't remember what made me think of it for the May book but I do remember how delighted I was to find the book in the library.



The icing on the cake is visiting the library to fetch the book. Stockholms Stadsbiblioteket (City Library) is an architectural wonder. The library was designed by Gunnar Asplund and boasts a collection of 700,000 books. It is an impressive building with a breathtaking rotunda. As you climb the steps into the rotunda your gaze is met by a large circular set of bookshelves that are mesmerizing. Visiting the library is a treat both for the eye and the mind. 

And now to this month's book.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Day 65: Nothing turns to something

As much as I love lazy days, I know I'm much happier on days when I have someplace to be, something to do and someone(s) to do it with. This is especially true when it's at somebody else's initiative or comes by surprise.

My morning ritual (coffee and a round of RummiKub online) was over and I'd already caught up my WordFeud games when I looked at the clock. 8:16. AM. The day stretched long ahead with no plans and, in fact, nothing of any significance on the master To Do list. I sat right down and finally edited and posted the photos from my vacation with the Sweeties (you can see them, with commentary, here :::link). That done, it was back to lazying around and more WordFeud. Cesar Millán is always good for an hour; other than that it's slim pickings on TV. Well, you're getting the picture.

"So," I thought. "Better plan something for tomorrow. One lazy day in a row is sufficient :-))." Off I sent a message to a friend I have not seen for some months, suggesting a walk for today or tomorrow. One thing led to another and as it turned out I'm off to dinner and the theater with him this evening. It's a production I've had on my radar; an acquaintance of mine is in it. And a restaurant I like but eat at only occasionally. All in all, a promising combination.

Have a great evening (or day, depending on your time zone) everyone!


Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Day 64: "Into the woods...

...and down the dell, the path is long, I know it well. Into the woods and who can tell what's waiting on the journey." --Stephen Sondheim.

Today's journey, on one of the few truly summery days we've had this year, took me past this beautiful scene.


A lake, a lawn and many sunbathers. One of the wonderful things about living in Stockholm is how close you are to sites and sights like this one. When one of my friends suggested a walk, I jumped at the opportunity. I took the subway to her house (13 minutes) and we set off. Less than 10 yards from her front door, we entered the woods. One hour and five kilometers later, we were back at her place, happy, sweaty and pleased with ourselves. Now that's what I'm talking about!

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Day 63: Calm before dinner

The table is set.



The chicken's in the oven.



Dessert is done and in the freezer.



Guests arrive in half an hour and preparations are done, done, done!

Love days like this when I have all the time in the world and dinner guests to look forward to. It's a great opportunity to try out new recipes and I'm lucky to have friends who are adventurous eaters willing to try new things.

And now, some elderberry soda and a good book before the guests are here. Bon appetit all!

Monday, July 23, 2012

Day 62: Honored guest

I have a new friend. She is nine years old and proudly made her way to visit today all on her own. She doesn't live all that far away, but still, it was an accomplishment. She's bright, curious, multilingual and likes playing cards. In fact, she taught me a fun new card game today.


It's amazing to find someone in Sweden who does not need to be taught RummiKub, a card game played with tiles which I learned as a kid from my Aunt Giza. Some of my fondest memories are of playing on her terrace, with her and her tile playing friends who were all in their 60s when I was a kid.




Sitting across the table playing today, I felt like I was playing with my younger self. It was eerie. And beautiful. I hope that this is the first of many visits from my young friend. She's promised to take me for a bike ride too. Now all I have to do is borrow a bicycle! Any volunteers?

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Day 61: Auld acquaintance

My idea of a perfect day: Slept late. Straightened out. Showered. Dressed. Ate. And then I welcomed eight strangers (and three friends) into my home for an afternoon of board games, conversation, snacks and more. We began at 2 PM and the first time I looked at the clock it was 9:10 PM. Wow.

Off I sent them and 10 minutes later the place was back in order...I just adore having a dishwasher.

What really put a smile on my face, though, was the e-mail waiting in my inbox. Yesterday, I'd tracked down what I hoped was the daughter of a person very near and dear to my heart. A man now in his late 80s and whom I've known since 1982. Thirty years. We'd kept in touch long after I moved to Sweden and I would visit him every time I was in NY. A few years ago, for health reasons, he stopped wanting to meet. We kept up by phone and e-mail until his hearing deteriorated and he no longer felt comfortable taking phone calls. For the past year or more, I was no longer getting replies to my mails and began fearing the worst.

I found this man's daughter via the internet naturally. She is teaching at a university and her faculty profile page lists an e-mail address. So, off I sent a mail, apologizing for the intrusion and explaining who I was and why I was writing. This evening, I received her reply. Her father is alive and doing fine. A stone was lifted from my heart and deep sense of gratitude and relief swept through me.