"Mountain Bike Season is over, so it is about time that we get snow," says Noah as he monitors the weather maps and webcams on the mountain. This morning it looked like a few inches. Bob shoveled enough for us to get a car out, and he willingly accepted a ride to work. Now that the sun is out, it will kindly take care of the remainder- no need to shovel much. And on the mountain, yes, it is looking more and more promising that November 20 will be opening day.
Noah and Bob worked on Bob's bike on Sunday evening. They tightened the breaks, fixed a few things, and acknowledged that the bike could use a good hose-off. Since it was already snowing outside, it will have to wait a bit. Noah's experience on the mountain bike team has made him quite handy with bike repairs and tune-ups, and I am learning a whole new language; I had no idea there was that much bike-specific terminology.
Noah was not home when I arrived in Flagstaff. He had a Camporee and joined us on Sunday afternoon. After a shower, he was ready to dig in; the Swedish candy was calling.
After an intensive week in Stockholm, it was time to head back to my Arizona family. The 7:30 am flight offered a gorgeous sunrise.
Once settled in on the London to Dallas flight, I was confused looking at the map; the airplane is pointing East. Fortunately, the flight deck had better navigation systems, and we landed safely in Dallas 9+h later.
While I was in Sweden culling hats, Noah and Bob headed out on the trails, enjoying the warm sunny weather. They both told me they had a great time and were pretty tired when they finally got back home. Sounds like a perfect Saturday activity.
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?
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
