In the Mail

My mother sent me my retainers a few weeks ago with a note. I don't remember the exact contents of the message, only that it was brief, something close to "Here you go. Love, Mamma." Where was the superfluous show of affection?

For years I've watched my American friends unwrap their care packages and pull out peach rings and vitamins, chewing gum, Kool Aid, and Twizzlers from their boxes like some unending magic trick. Care packages aren't a Swedish thing: we're a hardy people, a nation of stiff upper lips and personal space. We have no need for such showy displays of--UNDERWEAR! LONG UNDERWEAR! My mamma sent me LONG JOHNS to keep me warm in these dratted British houses. AND SOCKS AND SOUP AND CHOCOLATE!

Lots of Ducks

Lotta, my brother's mother-in-law, took me out on a day-trip during my week in Uppsala. We visited Sigtuna.

The mother duck sits in the middle and her four young fledglings preen beside her.

We went to Tant Bruns Kafe, which always makes me happy because it is based on Tant Brun, or the Aunt Brown from the storybook Tant Brun, Tant Grön, och Tant Gredelin (Aunt Brown, Aunt Green, and Aunt Lavender). The story was published in 1918 and written and illustrated by Elsa Beskow, about whom I wrote in an earlier entry here. Sigtuna supposedly looks quite a bit like the places in the book though it is not the source of inspiration.

The carrot cake disappointed. I would recommend the blueberry pie.

And sparrows joined us.

Pappa

My father comes tomorrow! He is going to sleep on my couch, and we will both be working but we'll always have the evenings. My sister and brother and mother are currently all together in Uppsala, so it only seems fair that I be allowed to monopolize Pappa's time.

Joel, Sofia, and Sofia

Farfar

Farfar, my father's father, is old but quite content with life, I think.

With My Brother, in Uppsala

Our journey in Sweden also took us south to warmer climes, and we spent several blissfully hot days at a church camp and then in Uppsala, wandering about the streets and stopping for fika at various tea and coffee houses.

Four fifths of my family assembled at breakfast, my parents at the table, my brother buttering a sandwich

Joel's got style, even next to the duck pond in Uppsala

A chocolate ball

Chilling, relaxin', maxin' all cool

In the Park

 After our outing to Skokloster Castle, we all made our way to the Uppsala City Park to meet up with my brother and his wife Sofia, his parents-in-law Hans and Lotta, and his brother-in-law Martin and his wife Gabriella. We all get along splendidly. After our meal of potato salad, sweet grilled chicken, and chocolate cake, there was time for other things.

 Martin and my dad having a layabout in the sun

Dogpiling Joel

 Pyramid-making

Contact improvisation-ing

flexing(?)

and posing.

On the Porch

 Grandmother gave this cat glass eyes.

It's not hot enough for powder, but I do like the can.

Put your feet up. Have a rest.

My Uncle the Optician

Do you remember my uncle's shop? The one I've explored before it was ready to open its doors to the public and when it was. A year ago it was rustic and dilapidated with a strange apothecary feel to its rooms. My uncle has been very busy getting everything in ship-shape, and it is now as beautiful and practical as one could wish.

 Spartan sleeping quarters for late nights

The white lab coat of the previous optician still hangs in a place of honour.

Brightly lit and well-organized

And the kitchen that was once in shambles?

 Now perfectly serviceable.

I should mention my uncle is really proud of his lens cutting machine.

 Get your glasses now! 20% off all frames!

The Tiny Gray House by the Sea

Mother, father, Sofia, and I all went to my uncle's tiny gray house by the sea to spend the afternoon with my cousins. It was a rainy day, overcast with clouds, which shortened our would-be longer walk to a gambol through the woods. 

A turban always brightens the day. 

Sausages and marshmallows

Zita finds a tranquil moment to ponder the meaning of life.

Cousin Amelia

Like mother, like son

Games of Yatzy

 and vertical Ludo

 All in a day by the seaside