In Between

Rain, sun, snow, storm, sun, rain, and snow again.

A couple of days ago we had all of this on the same day, and then – One Glorious Day. I will take you for a walk that day…if you want to!

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There was heavy frost in the early morning – but the sun promised a lovely winter’s day.

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Some miles from home, all frost was gone – the sun had been working hard.

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Inside the forest though, in the shadows, it was still very cold. I had to put on my gloves for taking photos.

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Do you remember the hair frost? This is even a whole hairbrush!

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Lake Värsjön is a lake I have never visited before – and it turned out to be a little gem. Lovely paths to walk and the ice like a painting.

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The sun was very strong and made it difficult to even look at the ice. No sunglasses…unfortunately. I did not know I would visit a lake!

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And, I found a tiny beach – but the water is not hot here…like in Iceland. So, no bathing!

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Instead I enjoyed the silence and the warmth of the sun, listening to the creaky sound of the ice breaking up.

Time to return home for breakfast – to make scones, celebrating the joy of having the rest of the morning for my son and myself.

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WPC: Seasons

Jen at WordPress asks us in what season we are now. In Sweden we are still in Winter, but with glimpses of Spring. The ice is breaking up and the sun is getting warmer. A beautiful time with the colours returning.

For more seasons, click here.

 

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Thursday Thoughts

 

Today he would have been 60 years old – my greatest Swedish teenage idol, Ted Gärdestad. 15 years old he wrote his first great hit and then he became a huge teenage idol in Sweden. Producers for his first album – Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson from ABBA.

 

He decided to end his life when he was only 41.

Ted, you will live for ever in our hearts.

Ted

 

Thursday Thoughts

Marie Ledin, managing director of the Polar Music Prize, says: ”Max Martin and Cecilia Bartoli have both contributed an incredible amount to music in their respective fields. They embody what the Prize represents; excellence in the world of music.”

Sometimes…(despite everything…) I am very proud of my country, Sweden, and when it comes to music there might be a reason for it.

It does not come natural to Swedish people to be proud of their country – we always think of the shortcomings and the mistakes, and ”this could have been done in a better way”. But with music – I think we should be happy about our contributions to the world. Only a few names…Jenny Lind, Birgit Nilsson, Roxette, ABBA, Ace of Base, Avicii, Max Martin…

Congratulations to Max Martin, the great hit- maker, for being awarded the Polar Music Prize!

Caught through the window – but not in the act…

There were some soft, grey feathers lying under the feeding tree yesterday. There were quite a few suspects as well: the magpies, the sparrow hawk and the goshawk. Today I spied a fourth suspect-

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I gave a loud shout and grabbed the camera before he jumped off the trunk. A beautiful cat, but that is no excuse…

Bodil Malmsten is dead

The much loved, Swedish poet and writer Bodil Malmsten is dead. Two hours ago I heard it on the news. She was in her seventies only and a brilliant thinker and poet. I cannot say how sad this day is – no more poems, books, subtle humour or new thoughts to look forward to. She had such a crisp and different look upon things…something we all needed. Many of us has got her last book by our beds today.

Media is filled with personal memories of her and people’s thoughts of what she has meant to them. She said herself she was not afraid of the big secret – what happens after death. She also said about her cancer: Why not me? Where many of us would think – Why me?

I guess I should not ask – Why you, Bodil. But I do.

 

 

Thursday Thoughts

One of very few ”outdoor” days this week. No rain, and even a tiny drop of sun…

I went out to test my new Panasonic in nature. Totti rather liked it…and so did I.

What do you think?

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The rains have left high water levels everywhere.

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Still, easy to walk and no need for big boots – it has also been very windy this week.

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Many trees again…have fallen. Wet feet and wind – means difficulties to stand upright.

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Today’s hike was lovely though. and sometimes there seemed to be Spring in the air. Bird song and singing brooks.

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Much water to deal with for the trees…that is the only good thing with the wind now…