Hello Friday

A week of things going up and things going down.
Some people being more helpful than one can hope for.
Others being who they are and good enough.
But most of all, all of us, trying our best.
And maybe you couldn't tell from looking at me.
And maybe you couldn't tell from listening to me.
But this going up and going down thing,
when I look at the reason for this roller coaster,
I'm very happy.
I created it. I choose it. I deal with it.
It's mine.

On Sunday Christmas begins.
At least to me.
Have a good Friday and thank you for reading.

Christmas Wish List

A doll who pretends to be a bear? Yes, please. I don't see how anyone could resist. More Black Apple creations to be found on Etsy, here, and at Emily Martin's blog, here. Really lovely.

It's Here

It's November 25th and I'm wearing fur and The Ugly Shoes. A personal best. Last year the snow came on Saint Lucia's Day, December 13, and stayed to the beginning of March. It was like living in a cliché for three months. The Image of Sweden every time you opened the door. I wonder what this winter will be like.

The Kid Stays In The Picture

Wilhelm disappeared in time for bed. I looked everywhere.


I did not look here.


Surprise!


After climbing out of the box even Wilhelm was surprised he'd been able to squeeze into it.
"Look how tiny it is! Am I really that small?"
Yes, you are. And a beautiful thing that is.

Random On Wednesday

• We're having our first blizzard of the season. I love that word. Blizzard.
• The picture above is not from today. If I posted from today you'd all be crying.
• I'm finishing my Advent calendar project and it's starting to look good.
• My parents are driving up from Midsomer (in the blizzard) and will be here until Saturday.
• I love to have them in town.
• Even if I won't see them everyday, I just love knowing they are here.
• Sunday is First Sunday of Advent. Big deal over here. Church outfits ready.
• Dear Lord, make the children behave in church.
• Oh, is that my job? Ok. I see. Will try.
• The picture from above is from two weeks ago. Very hard to believe when you look out the window.
• Many things are upside down at the moment.
• But I trust they will all be alright in the end.
• I have to remember I love all this. I made this mess.
• I love this mess.
• Thank you for reading.

Oh Boy

The little cold turned into a monster. By Thursday both Jesper and I were in bed with fever and throats that felt like they were trying to strangle us. Strep. The doctor actually laughed at us, "Oh dear, whatever do you two have? You are so sick!" Ah, validation is a beautiful thing, I felt better at once. But not good enough to function as a human being, not to mention loving mother. I just wanted to crawl into bed and die. Luckily, Wilhelm was to spend the night at a friend's house and Blanka happily went to bed at seven fifteen, at which we collapsed in a feverish pile of self pity and overdosed the paracetamol (so worth it). That we are back in the land of the living today is only thanks to modern medicine (I love you, antibiotics!), good friends and family. My heart is full of Eva and Jan, Cissan, Sanna and Alexander Fleming. Thank you.

Staying In

Some days it's good to have a little cold.
A little cold is a good excuse for staying in and taking naps and drinking soup.
To watch tv in the middle of the day. To drink insane amounts of tea. To paint instead of doing the laundry.
A little cold is a good excuse to wear ugly but comfortable clothes. To be a little tired.
Some days a little cold goes a long way.

This Weeks Eats

Outside my window the world is grey. No more pretty leaves. It rains. It pours. It's so November. Blanka's still sick, watching Timmy Lamb on the couch, I'm in the kitchen trying to get some work done. Jesper's on his way home, I will head for the office once he's here. I wish it was Sunday.

Monday
Pumpkin soup and grilled sandwiches
Tuesday
Spaghetti Carbonara
Wednesday
Meatballs and mashed potatoes, crunchy winter salad
Thursday
Cod in foil packages, cooked in the oven with lemon, rice
Friday
Lamb in some way, probably chops (courtesy of little guy in the freezer)
Saturday
Home made pizza (since we never made it this far last weekend)
Sunday
Couscous, ratatouille, leftovers

Happy eating and have a good week!

40,1°C

Strawberry icecream.
Angelina Ballerina.
Burning cheeks.
When Blanka is sick all the world goes pink.

Birthday Decorations

For Wilhelm's birthday Blanka and I (birthday boy couldn't be bothered) made long garlands to hang in the garden (a Swedish garden in November can do with some sprucing). When the party was finished we put them up indoors instead, making the living room look somewhat carneval-ish. It's pretty in a half-crazy sort of way and they make me happy. And so easy to do! Just rip old rags into pieces and tie them up on a string. Best outdoors, when the wind makes them flutter, but works over the sofa as well. At least for a day or two.

And I'm sorry about the quality of pictures right now, still working on some design adjustments. Thanks for your patience.