The only other time I received an applause at Chez Gaz was back in 2017 when the Hassells visited us over Christmas and I created a Japanese feast. This time, however, I hadn’t actually cooked anything. Just the switching on of the neon sign garnered a splendid round of clapping from Fi, Lauren and Jason.
So, yes, our latest guests turned up today. Having survived the painfully long and uncomfortable journey in cattle class, Lauren and Jason seemed remarkably cheerful. Not that their arrival wasn’t without some ‘mum stress.’
Fi spent a lot of time watching her phone for the latest developments. Eventually, we headed for Tre Små Rum for brunch, but not before we heard from the kids that they were on the Arlanda Express. This caused Fi a bit of concern until we assured her that the trains are only every hour and we had plenty of time to eat before we had to pick them up.
Then there was the moment of near panic in the café when Lauren rang Fi from the T-Bana gates at Stockholm Central. Fi frantically handed me her phone and I calmly explained to Lauren how to get to where she needed to be with the added information about the probable platforms they would be departing from.
As the time ticked around, we devoured big, thick, yummy, sourdough chicken and pesto sandwiches before heading back to the car. I was dropped off at the house with the dogs, while Mirinda and Fi headed for the station.
And, very soon, the car returned. There was a bit of newly covered trench dodging as they left the car (the Fibre Guy from yesterday returned this morning to finish) then an inexplicable hour spent exploring the tiny confines of the guest house. In fact, they were so engrossed that they left their luggage outside for the rain.
There was a bit of rain this afternoon. Though it didn’t last that long and, eventually, we were all sat in the Glass Room, enjoying fika.
I feel I have to mention the fact that, following the guided tour of the Red House, Lauren exclaimed: “It’s Huge!“
