So much for me thinking that Spring had finally arrived. This was the view out of the window when I woke up this morning.
However, contrary to appearances, the temperature was in the positive all day so, gradually, the snow melted until, by sunset, it had all gone. Also, walking to the ICA was very easy, though a bit slushy. Paths and roads were completely snow free. There was no need for spikes.
In fact, apart from the constant plops of tree released snowballs, the walk in and back was quite pleasant. For a start I had two chats with locals that further dispelled the oft quoted nonsense that Swedes are unfriendly.
My first chat was with an older couple who live near us. The man surprised me from behind when he spoke to me in English. He praised my walking to the shops, said it was good for me. The woman with him, I assume it was his wife, didn’t say anything. I assume she doesn’t speak English. At least not as good as he does.
My second encounter was with a chap I often see, walking his little kids to the daycare.
We exchanged greetings and then he said something too long for me to understand. I gave the usual, pathetic excuse that I didn’t speak Swedish and he immediately switched to English. By the way, this week I applied to attend Swedish for Immigrants classes in Vagnhärad. We’ll see how that goes in due course.
We chatted as we walked along. He guessed I was Australian from my accent. I told him I was surprised how many Swedes could pick my accent. He replied that it was quite distinct. When I told Mirinda she humphed and said her accent was better, whereas mine was more English.
The third highlight of my day was once more seeing the shield maiden from earlier in the month. This time, rather than just glimpsing her as I crossed the road, she was manoeuvring her big truck and collecting recycling.
I guess it’s not surprising that I saw her again, given this is probably her regular Friday morning stop and collect. In fact, it’s probably surprising I’ve never seen her before, given Friday morning is my regular recycling day.
The rest of the day was spent in various admin tasks and an amusing phone call that Mirinda had with a gardening chap who is going to cut our grass for us. It was another chatty, friendly Swede who told her his life story. I don’t care what anyone says, the Swedes we’ve met are delightfully friendly.
Now, if I could just get to chat to the shield maiden…
Oj oj oj