I tried a new fish dish tonight. It was supposed to have been trout but I was a bit early at the ICA and the fish counter was still being loaded with oysters; the fish was yet to appear. The only white alternative was flounder. So I bought flounder.
The reason I was so early at the supermarket was because today we had an early appointment at the bank. And now, I am finally on the joint bank account. Or, rather, it is now a joint bank account. This was the reason I needed my Swedish ID. We met with Erica at the bank, and she added me there and then.
I now also have BankID, something that allows me to do so many things in Sweden. I instantly felt more Swedish just by adding it to my account. Next is Swish and a debit card and then, my financial Swedish will be complete.
It also means that, come Monday, I’m going to attempt to get a phone contract which includes broadband which will, hopefully, mean the end of using my O2 UK phone as a hotspot. As always happens, while the early things take time, eventually things just topple like so many dominoes until all the ducks are in a row. Apologies for the mixed metaphor.
It was the same when we moved to the UK. As we gradually gathered each individual piece of necessary bureaucracy, so we advanced towards being complete residents. It’s how things should work in this best of all possible worlds. Or so Dr Pangloss would assert.
Speaking of the great man, I unpacked a box of books the other day and rediscovered my slim, hardback copy of Candide. I started re-reading it one morning this week, and I’m thoroughly enjoying it. It’s an easy read with lots of action.
In fact, there is nary time to draw breath, not only for the reader but also for the characters in the book. While I often listen to the musical and I know the story very well, it’s been ages since I read it. I’d forgotten what great fun it is. I’m surprised someone hasn’t made a Netflix series based on it.
(It has also come in handy in providing me with a blog post title beginning with ‘V’.)
In the meanwhilst, today we also went over to Nicoline’s so Mirinda could have an appraisal session over Zoom, with one of the people on one of the boards over which she’s the boss. While she spent time criticizing and praising him, I downloaded a load more Netflix stuff, so we could continue watching the TV for a bit. At least until Sharon and Jud arrive on Tuesday.
Nicoline was in fine form. She had been for her first drive since the eye operation and was very pleased with herself. In order to help her, she has put a patch over one lens of her glasses. I have to say this was a good idea. I don’t know how she would have managed with one good eye and one with blurry, almost non-existent, shadowy vision. Scary thought. She looks a bit piratical now.
Anyway, she’s happy that she’s now, once more, able to get herself around. I reckon Mirinda is going to miss being her taxi service.
As well as her wifi and four garden chairs, Nicoline also presented us with some very sweet tomatoes and the biggest courgette I think I’ve ever seen. I might have to stuff it. Maybe on Sunday. Saturday I want to try a marinated fish recipe that I’d like to try for the dinner party on the 22nd.
Tonight, however, it was all about the flounder that wasn’t a trout. And, I’m very happy to say that it turned out delicious. Mind you, I had to add a few things like courgette, tomato and spinach. That was in order to make up for the lack of carbs. In the end, though, it was well worth celebrating a new Chez Gaz meal.
