Winter Has Out Stayed it's Welcome

Like I mentioned in an earlier post, I was doing my best to have patience with this winter and how long it has lingered. I have stayed true to my commitment and I have not complained about the trail around the lake that was still half covered with hard, cruel ice in the month of March. I went about my preparations for spring by going and picking out all the seeds for the garden of my dreams. I have a bike to ride to spring and summer picnics and the BBQ stands willing and able.

I thought I was doing pretty well having patience with a season that has clearly over stayed it's welcome, until this morning I woke up to the scene pictured here. It's March 14th, two weeks away from the egg hunts of Easter, and this is what my backyard looks like? UNACCEPTABLE!?!?!?

Swedish Waffle Practice

Pictured are the Swedish Waffles I made on Sunday. In Sweden Waffles are a big deal.There is even an official Waffle Day coming soon (March 25). I am just practicing so I can make sure I will be able to preform as well as the other Swedish wives on the big day...more on Swedish Waffles coming soon!

The Global Economy for Breakfast

 

This morning while I ate the lovely breakfast you see pictured above I took some time to think about how it was all made possible by the modern Global Economy we live in today.

In the white porcelain bowl made in China is some Turkish Yogurt with muesli imported to Sweden from Germany, topped with Brazilian mango and honey from my Grampa's own beehives (brought back from California with care in my carryon luggage).

The coffee cup and saucer are French (of course) and the coffee in it is imported from Columbia and selected by a Swedish Coffee Company called ZOEGA's (Mezzo blend, one of my favorites).

There is much debate about the Global Economy and its effect on each country throughout the world. While I am sensitive to the effects of the Global Economy, I also think at this point resistance is futile. Instead of complaining about what is and will be, I think we should all think about what we can offer in the Global Economy. Each country and culture has unique goods, and resources that can be useful to consumers all over the World. In my opinion, you can choose to sink or swim in this case, and I personally always enjoy a good swim.

Min Mormorscykel

Over the last ten years my husband and I have been together he has given me many fine and thoughtful gifts; diamonds, pearls, flowers and now my very own mormorscykel (Swedish for Grandma's bicycle).

 

The bike is from the 1950's and it has all the details to prove it. Most everything is in its original state, so I have been going back and forth about whether or not I want to repaint it or just leave it rustic and charming as it is.

 

What I do know for sure is I will need a nice basket on the front handle bars so I can bring a picnic, carry bags of collected wild blueberries or a towel for a possible dip along with me on all the long leisurely bike rides we will do around the lake. Even though my bike is much older than me, it will without a doubt have a whole new life with me as its owner. And when the summer comes both my Mormorscykel and I will be ready!

Tjörnarpssjön Blue

 

The sun exposed a blue electric quality to the frozen lake today.

The tone is almost Caribbean in some way.

 

Color like this that can be seen in nature inspires so many different waves of creativity and self awareness,

How can something so simple be so striking? The frozen lake looked like blue marble or some exotic stone. I have not been able to stop thinking about how beautiful and bright it was out there. What a sight to see!