No Bee in the Bonnet

 My dad and mom both enjoy hats, and their collective collection is impressive. We spent some time culling the collection and couldn't resist trying some on. Which ones stayed, and which ones left?

Dinner for Two

 The night before I left to go back to the US, my mom and I enjoyed a delicious and luxurious dinner for two. The meat was ground almost before our eyes by chatty Robert in Kottboden. A bit of sparkly wine, a deep, full-bodied red wine, and steak tartare. Another wonderful memory to add to the string of sweet moments. 

Keeping Up with the Times

 My mom was well cared for by my dad. He handled all the finances, paid all the bills, and kept all the records. Now that she is alone, it all falls on her. At the tender age of 84, she had to become proficient not only in bill paying and record keeping but doing it all online. With the patient guidance of Niclas, she got it and is now a wiz. Well done!

How Quickly One Forgets

 Although I spent many years in Sweden, I had completely forgotten - suppressed? - how dark it is and how early the sun sets as the year draws to an end. This photo was taken at 3:30 pm in early November, i.e., more than 30 days until the darkest day of the year. 

Family Gatherings

 While I was in Sweden, I had the opportunity to participate in celebrating Mattias birthday. His gift from his US relatives? Reeses Pieces Cereal. 

We enjoyed delicious food and delightful conversation. I learned that some of my siblings like the same penny candy as I do - it was survival of the fittest to get into the bowl for the last one. 

On Sunday, all four of us siblings and many of the cousins gathered for a traditional Sunday dinner on Parkvagen. Mor and I enjoyed the preparations of food and setting the tables for this special evening.  She even added a cousin photo to the table, one taken many years ago. After dinner, the cousins posed in the same configuaration on the sofa for a group photo. A careful observer would notice that there are a few missing faces but also a few new ones - time does not stand still. 

 

Sun Rising Over Madrid

I had the opportunity to visit my Mom in Sweden. It seems the timing was just right, Covid was slowing down, and the flight price was right. As I left Sweden, countries in Europe were shutting down again, and the infection rate was increasing. Even Sweden, who has taken a rather unorthodox approach to this virus, was besieging people to adhere to the recommendations of social distancing and working from home if possible. 

If there is a silver lining in Covid, it is the quieter airports and empty flights - having a row to oneself while crossing the Atlantic is bliss. 

I woke up in Madrid to this beautiful sunrise. After clearing Covid screening, it is time to head to Stockholm. 

Role Reversal

 The teacher becomes the student, and the student becomes the teacher. Noah patiently and respectfully walked Bob through the process of how to create a 3D design. Bob humbly accepted not only instructions but helpful tips and tidbits from the expert.