Days in Stockholm

We have been spending two days during Easter in Stockholm, just being tourists in our capital and old home town (we used to live in a suburb to Stockholm for five years). Really nice to relax, show Björn all the places that he has almost forgotten and discover some new places together. The sun have been shining on us, but it has been cold, just a few degrees over freezing (0 C).

So we have been walking around in the central shopping district with its fancy shops, the old town with its narrow alleys and the charming Söder with nice cafés. And just spending time together. A very nice little adventure!



At the Royal Castle



View of the Old Town and Skeppsholmen

Easter

Ah, it’s so nice to have some days off from work, just be together and chill out. In Sweden Good Friday and Boxing Day (Monday) are public holidays, so we have four days off. We have been at home Friday and Saturday, but tomorrow we will take the train to Stockholm for some mini holidays. J

Today we’ve been having my mother and father, my uncle and Håkans mother and her husband over for Easter dinner. Traditionally we eat a lot of eggs, herring (Swe: sill), salmon, potato and sour cream as a starter. And then we had lamb and potato gratin as main course. The funny thing is that we have almost the same food for Christmas and Midsummer (at least the starter is the same)….

Another Easter tradition is that kids dress up as witches (but often looks more like old ladies) and walk around in the neighborhood and give away Easter cards and expect to get candy (a bit like “trick or treat” at Halloween, but without the trick). The tradition comes from the folklore belief in witches and that they fly on their brooms to “Blåkulla” for their annual meeting on Maundy Thursday. In some regions in Sweden people still light fires to scare the witches away.

I wish you all a nice Easter with family and friends!

Stuff from US

Today our things from US arriwed. 2 months after they were send from Columbus, Georgia. But it's mainly summer cloths, which we haven't really needed since we left US. I think everything got through the customs, but I don't really know what was in the boxes when they was send away. Håkan was reponsible for that part since I left one month earlier. The strange thing was that the largest box was filled with paper, three tiny candleholders and a glas plate from a microwave owen.... And I don't even think it's our stuff.

Waffles

Today, 25th March is Waffle Day. And what’s that? Well it’s a day when you eat waffles. But why? Well it’s a bit funny because it’s actually a confusion of words. The day comes from the Christian holiday of Annunciation, 9 months before Christmas. An old Swedish name for it is “Vårfrudagen” (Our Lady’s Day). And if you say “Vårfrudagen” quick it sounds almost like “Våffeldagen” (Waffle Day). But I think that is just an excuse to make waffles.

Swedish waffles are light and crispy and traditionally served with whipped cream and jam.

A recipe:
125g butter
200 ml full fat milk
400 ml plain flour (note: this meature is volume, not grams)
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
200ml very cold water

Melt the butter and leave it to cool. Whisk milk, flour, baking powder and eggs well until smooth and then add the butter and water. Bake is a heart waffle iron.

But today we cheated with a “just add water mix”. It tasted great anyway J

Reading in Swedish school

When we lived in US Björn took part in the reading program “Accelerated reader” in elementary school. He was reading at least 120 minutes/week at home and some additional time in school as well. Here in Sweden we have been missing something similar to it. And we have been a little bit too lazy to force Björn to read that much as he did in US. They have a “reading marathon” in school, adding up how many books they read in school. And last week they start a reinforcement program for reading at home as well. So I went to the library last weekend to pick up some good reads for Björn.

Since Björn now is bilingual he is allowed to read books in both Swedish and English. So I brought home a couple of fantasy books in Swedish by a Danish author Jan Kjær and some fantasy and classics in English. Among the classics Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (short version). Now he have a reading log making notes of which books he reads every day and after he has finished a book he has to fill in a form about the book and make a little drawing of a scene in the book.

I also found one of those Swedish classics that you have to read; Ronia the Robber’s Daughter by Astrid Lindgren. And I do read it loud for Björn remembering when it was published and I read it for the first time. I was nine years, just as Björn. And I was totally absorbed into the world in the deep forest with real animals and fantasy creatures, friends and enemies. The very independent girl Ronia escapes the family for the summer and lives a very free and simple life in the forest. A very inspiring story about growing up and getting more independent. And of course it is an exciting fairytale with a lot of adventures in the forest. A really good read!

(A couple of years after the book release the Ronia story was turned in to a film in a excellent way, I can really recommend the film as well.)

Another sport Sunday

Another sunny weekend has passed. And of course it did contain some sport activities. Two hours of cross-country skiing in the sun for me….

The skiing yesterday was almost magic. About 45 min from home there is a nature reserve in a mountain area where it’s usually plenty of snow. And so this year, about 50 centimeters this weekend. It’s very peaceful and silent to ski in this area. You don’t hear a car. No scooters. You go in your own pace. You get sweaty. You stop and drink something in a sunny spot. You can bring some hot dogs for barbeque. You can even stay overnight in an open cabin in the area (or in a wind shelter if you are that kind of guy…). You might see tracks of wolfs and wolverines. But I just did see some tracks of hare. And three deer’s playing around on the way home. It was by far the best ski experience this season. I’m so thankful!  



Meanwhile I was skiing Björn played in a badminton tournament for Björn. And he won 3 of 4 games, so he is also pleased......

Cold outside - Fires inside

It's very cold in whole Europe at the moment. During the weekend it was around -15C in the mornings and now during the week around -10C. But during the days the temperature have raised to a little bit under 0C most of the days. Lucky enough we have a good heating system in the house with a heat pump that uses thermal energy from the ground. But the best thing is our fireplaces. One wood stove in the kitchen and a large fireplace in the living room. And we have our own forest, so we can keep the fires burning as much as we want!

Solar energy

After a very sunny weekend with a lot of outdoor activities I feel charged for the week. I might even be a bit over charged. My face is a bit red. And that is not the common thing in March.

I really enjoy beeing outside during the sunny days in March. We call this time of year "vårvinter" = spring winter. We still have enough snow for skiing, the ice on the lakes can be fantastic for ice-skating and the days are getting longer and longer. And of course the sun is heating you up again for the first time of the year.

The energy is returning, literally. I'm awake earlier in the mornings, before the alarm. And I don't drop dead in the sofa after dinner.

I hope the energy will last the week!

Lovely Saturday morning

The day started with American pancakes, one of the things we miss from US. I found a mix last time I was grocery shopping and couldn't resist it. Mine didn't get as perfect as the ones at IHOP. But it tasted good! But I didn't find any syrup this week.... Got to get it!

The night was cold, down to -15C, but the sun is shining and the temperature is raising quickly. We had a nice walk in the sun, me and the dog. And now it's time for a morning coffee at the sunny entrance to our house. Very nice :)

Finally Friday

Oh, it's finally Friday! Nice :))

But something is missing here; the husband and father. He is working the whole weekend. Boooring! Both for us at home, and for him. But he gains some extra money and some other days off, so I guess it’s OK.

Björn had a week of sports:
-          an extra lesson of PE in school = 3 times this week
-          floorball game and training = 2 times
-          badminton training = 1 time

And last weekend he went downhill skiing both Saturday and Sunday = 6 + 3 hours.  So, during these 7 days he adds up to some 15 hours of exercise!

And me? Oh, I have a little bit problem with a knee right now, so I haven’t been doing that much. Only 6 hours of downhill skiing, some hours of walking the dog and twice at the gym. Hopefully my knee gets better and I can start running soon....

Have a nice weekend! 

Friends on scooter

Today I finished work early, just to take the chance to meet up with some friends that we used to live next door to, but now we lives 7 hours away from each other. This week they are on vacations in the area and we (Björn and I) went to see them. It was a year ago since last time... The girls are the same age as Björn, and they had the same nanny for one year, so they are really close. And although it's six years since they used to live close to each other and play alot together, they still find each other really quick.

Björn had the opportunity to go with, and even drive a scooter. Very fun!!!

Floorball

Today Björn played a floorball game against another team near by. Floorball is one of the most popular team sports here in Sweden. A great way to get exercise, especially for kids. You play indoors with plastic sticks an a light plastic ball. Björn likes to be a goalkeeper, but today he didn't get that opportunity.

And the result of the game? Oh, they lost big time. I think it was 8-2 to the other team. But the kids had fun anyhow.

Ski breakfast

Today was a day of skiing – but not outdoors for me. It was the day for the largest ski event: Vasaloppet. I did write about it last week (link) and today was the BIG race with over 15000 skiers doing 90 km from Sälen to Mora. It’s a tradition to watch the start at 8.00 AM and see all the skiers get started. It really looks like ants that suddenly try to get mowing in the same direction. Some fast, but most of them very slow since they get stacked together all the time. We had scones, hot chocolate and scrambled eggs. Very nice! The winner (a Norwegian guy this year) used a little bit under 4 hours to travel the 90 km, but two of my colleges that I have been following today used a bit over 10 hours. I guess both the winner and my colleges will be pretty sore tomorrow… And I am pretty happy that I did my 30 km last week.

Home alone

It’s a vacation week in school, it’s called “Sport break” because it’s the perfect time for winter sports. But me and my husband is working, so our son have spent the days at the “after school program”. But tonight grandmother picked him (and the dog) up for the rest of the week. Since my husband is working in another city, 4 hours away, he is there Monday – Thursday/Friday. So right now it’s only me and the cat at home.

But the “Sport break” also means visitors since it gives people time to travel. So yesterday afternoon we did meet some friends from Stockholm, who happened to be in Dalarna for a visit, at the indoors swimming pools. And tonight the same friend came over for dinner. And during the weekend there is a couple of other friends coming by. So I don’t need to be alone for any longer period. And I do have my cat….

A Sunday in the sun



Me and our dog Tilja is having coffee in the sun

Today was one of the first days with real feelings that the spring is on its way. A few degrees over zero Celcius, sun and no wind. I just had to be outside most of the day! Going for a long morning walk with the dog. Listening to some happy birds. Do some clean up among the pelargoniums I’ve been keeping over the winter. Throwing the once that haven’t survived on the compost. Cleaning out a birds nest. Drinking coffee in the sun. Mowing away some snow. Going for a short run and experienced running on asphalt, not ice/snow. The best Sunday of 2013 so far!  

Vasaloppet

It started Friday last week. 10 000 skiers doing a 30 km race. Yesterday another 10 000 skiers did the same. Today 10 000 skiers did a longer distance, 90 km. And it continues like that for 10 days. The largest number is next Sunday when 15 800 is doing the 90 km distance. Totally 66 800 skiers participate in the races during this 10 days. And what is it all about? It’s Vasaloppet, the largest sports events in Sweden, and I guess one of the largest ones in the world.

The 90 km distance runs from Sälen to Mora, in the northwest part of my region, Dalarna. The winner (top names of the world) at the longest distance use a little bit over 4 hours to do 90 km, but most people need at least 6 hours, some up to 12 hours… So it is a challenge and experience over the average.

Waiting for start at the 30 km "Ladies race" in Vasaloppet

It got its name from the first uniting king of Sweden, Gustav Vasa. Hi did the distance during year 1520 when he fled from the Danish army. Denmark and Sweden was in a union at that time, and Gustav didn’t like the regime. He travelled through Sweden, walking, taking rides with locals and skiing and tried to get support for an upraise against the Danish king. And he actually went skiing from Mora towards Sälen, near the Norwegian border. He got support from the people in Dalarna and started his uprising against the Danish army. He succeed and he got elected as the first King of Sweden year 1523.  

The first ski race was arranged 1922 with 199 skiers doing the 90 km and ever since there has been ski races at the distance every year. 25 years ago they added shorter distances and now it’s a 10 days of ski festival. And yesterday I did my 5th race at the 30 km distance. So far I've managed to be faster every year so far… This year it took me a little bit under 2 hours 30 minutes, witch I’m very pleased with (the winner used approximately an hour less).

The most Welcome sight - the goal in Mora.
The text says: In your Fathers tracks towards Future Victories

The race has become a part of the Swedish culture and winter experience.

Check the race page for more pictures and information.    

Moominland Midwinter

It’s irresistible to read this book during the long winter nights. To sit in front of the fireplace with my son and read this story loud. And see the winter in new bright light.

The Moomins usually sleeps through the winter, but one winter suddenly one of them, Moomin, wakes up in a strange world. It’s all dead and covered with deep snow. He feels totally alone in the house where everyone else still is asleep. But there is someone living under the sink… Some strange, shy creature.

He manages to get out although the door is blocked by snow. And out there in the snow he actually find some figures that still is awake. And his friend Little My also wakes up and she show him a lot of ways to enjoy the winter. In the bathing cabin at the shore someone else is living and uses Moomin family’s things. And there is another secret strange creature living in the wardrobe.  The Ice Wife passes by one night and kills everyone who dear to look at her, among them the most confused squirrel that always forget what he is looking for and what he should watch up for.

When Moomin wakes up its midwinter and the sun doesn’t rise at all during the days. This of course worries him a lot. But after a huge bonfire set up by all the winter creatures the sun manages to get up a little bit over the horizon. And a little more the next day. This makes Moomin feel a little better and he might start to enjoy the winter.

Deeper in the valley all the animals and creatures is starving and one day they all comes to live in Moomins house. Among them a very noisy Hemul who loves winter sports and talks far too much. And all by a sudden Moomin longs for loneness again…..

The stories about the Moomins are written by a Finnish-Swedish writer and artist, Tove Jansson (1914-2001). She wrote 9 chapter books and 6 picture books about the Moomins. Some of them are light, bright and happy, some of them is dark and dramatic. But none of them avoid the different feelings of anger, hope, dissolutions, happiness or jealousy. And the different characters have their very own personalities. And they are allowed to be the way they are. They catch the Nordic environment and culture in a certain way and I guess everyone knows about the Moomins. You can read the stories as both an adult and a child.  

Juice - Recipe

In my family we have always been making our own juice of berries, which I wrote about here. It’s quite simple, but it can get a bit messy…  And it takes an hour or so.

You can use any kind of berries, but you have to adjust the amount of water and sugar, see the table below. I usually mix redcurrant and blackcurrant. Another favorite is rhubarb and redcurrant, very refreshing with ice in the summer!

Start with weight the berries. Calculate how much water you need. Take the largest saucepan you have and boil the water. Pour in the berries and let it boil 10 minutes. Filter the berries so you separate the berries from the juice. Use a sparsely fabric.

Measure the juice and calculate how much sugar you need. Pour the sugar into the juice (now back in the clean saucepan). Heat it up and when it’s boiling you gently take the foam on the surface away. Add some preservatives (follow the instructions on the package).

Take clean glass bottles and preheat them in the oven (a little under 100 degrees Celsius).

Pour the hot juice in the bottles and seal them while they are hot.

Berries	Water: amount per kilo berries	Sugar: amount per liter juice
Raspberries	3 dl	6 dl
Raspberries and blueberries	3 dl	6 dl
Raspberries and currant	4 dl	6 dl
Strawberries	3 dl	6 dl
Redcurrant	5 dl	6 dl
Blackcurrant	7 dl	6 dl

A day of skiing



At the top, above the clouds

Three of my colleges arranged a day trip to Trysil in Norway today. 3½ hour in the bus and you are in a totally different landscape. High mountains –“ fjäll” we call them in Sweden and Norway. Not as dramatic as the Alps, but you get over the tree limit. It has been a very nice day with 6 hours on skis, up and down the slopes. Some sun, some wind, a bit of chill. Excellent conditions!

 

Björn, properly dressed against the windchill

Fat Tuesday

Today, the first Tuesday in the Lent, is “Fat Tuesday” (fettisdagen). It’s one of the important traditions in Sweden, although it’s not a holiday. And what do we do? As in many other traditions, what we eat is the thing. We eat a special kind of filled buns, “semla”. It’s basically a plain sweet bun spiced with cardamom. After you have baked it you dig a little hole in it and fill it with almond crème, top it with whipped cream and powder with icing sugar. You can eat it as it is or put it in a bowl of hot milk.

I guess almost everyone in Sweden eats at least one of these today. I got mine at my job. So no carnevals. No sing and dance at the streets. No extravagance eating and drinking. Just eat a “semla” and then you are ready for a month of lent. Or not. I don’t know anyone who do the lent, at least not of religious reasons. But I like the tradition of eating “semlor”. You can by them from Christmas to Easter, but no other time for the year. So it’s one of the things you look forward to after Christmas, since it’s some kind of sign that the year is turning.

Making juice

My son loves warm juice of blackcurrant after a day in the snow. So now in the winter we need alot of it. So today I made some, and hope it will last a while..... This is 7 bottles of concentrated juice. So I think it's enough. And if it last to the summer it's great with ice as well.

The berries are from my own garden, and my mothers garden. All local and ecological. I pic during summer, freeze the berries and than I make some juice when we need it. The best!

Winter and snow

The snowflakes are whirling around in the air.... It has been snowing on and off for some days now. It's true beauty! During breakfast this morning three deers passed bye outside the window, jumping over the road and in to the forest. Gone in a few seconds.