Books and goats

This morning, in Starbucks, Hannah and Jaz told me that I was their favourite customer. This followed a discussion about Swedish traditions including, possibly my favourite, Gävlebocken (the Gävle Goat). I follow the goat on Instagram so was able to easily show them both a photo of this year’s. They were not surprised when I told them that it is often the victim of arson. When asked about other Swedish traditions, I told them about the bun days. They were very keen on those too.

The conversation came about after I told them I’d hung the lights yesterday but not the tree and decorations. This, I told them, would be happening on Christmas Eve, as that is the Swedish way. I told them our visitors would be helping while I make my julebord. Then, obviously, I had to explain what a julebord was.

And, speaking of food preparation, most of my day was taken up making my fruit mince and turkey stuffing. The mince soon had the house smelling like Christmas as it warmed for three hours in the oven.

Eventually it cooled and was ready to be jarred up.

I was tempted to make some mince pies straight away but, Mirinda pointed out the folly of eating mince pies for the next month. I sealed the jars and put them in the cupboard.

The turkey stuffing was a good deal easier and featured one of my favourite cooking things: getting my hands in and squelching the ingredients. I really feel there’s a part of me included in the meal when I’m wrist deep in minced meat, onion and breadcrumbs.

Stuffing done and in the freezer, I then went back to sorting out books for disposal. We’ve been doing this for a few weeks, mostly through Freecycle. It’s to save us the trouble when we return to the UK to sort the house out for rental.

At first, it was a bit of a wrench but, now, it’s a lot easier. In fact, I’m finding it hard to stop. Mind you, it’s a bit like leaving an old life behind sometimes. For instance, today I gave away some archaeology and history books.

Hopefully, their new owner will get something out of them.