So, we turned up at Stensund today, ready for the boat launch, like we did last year, but there was no room at the inn. Or, to be entirely accurate, there was no room in the car park. It’s rare that there’s more than five or six cars so this was an extraordinary turnip for the books. Mirinda backed out and we started to drive home, with the sad realisation that we would miss the 2025 launching.
Then the phone rang. I didn’t even know it was connected to the car. It was KSP asking where we were. When Mirinda told her we were on our way home because of the lack of available parking situation, KSP, like our knight in shining armour, solved the problem. As a result of her direct action, we managed to see the launch.
Like last year, there were a lot of people there to watch as the three boats, gradually, slipped into the Baltic. Also like last year, there was a token Australian among the boat builders. Isaac is one of the sailors in the photo above.
After the successful boat floating, everyone adjourned to the big barn where cake and coffee were taken amid lots of chatter.
It surprises me how many people know me at Stensund. I know it shouldn’t, really, particularly given the English classes but, they are all so nice, and make a point of saying hello. The social interactions are very important and make me ever so happy.
Mind you, Camilla’s daughter, Elizabeth appears to be a mute. Very unusual for someone not to say anything when introduced to me. I even gave her my biggest smile, turning on the old Gaz charm offensive. Oh, maybe that just looked too creepy. If that’s the case, I’m sorry, Elizabeth.
Moving right on along…As well as the boat launch, there was also an art exhibition upstairs in the barn. Samuel (from the English class) showed Mirinda his works on display. The cheese grater pirate ships were fantastic.
I didn’t go upstairs because Mirinda advised against it after a couple of wobbly people fell on the stairs going up to the exhibition space. It was a shame but, then again, Samuel had already showed me his works in the classroom. I think he is a very talented artist.
Anyway, our visit was soon over and we headed back home where I had some map plotting to do before we went out to dinner. Because, yes, our day was not over yet.
Ages ago and unbeknownst to Mirinda, Nicoline asked me to block out tonight in our calendar. It was a surprise, she said. It was a birthday surprise for both of us.
Eventually, Nicoline relented a little bit and told me it was to go to a new pop-up restaurant in Trosa for dinner. But I was instructed to keep it a secret from my wife. I think Nicoline only told me this additional information in order to ensure that Mirinda wouldn’t book something else over the top of it. In fact, as far as Mirinda was concerned, we were going to Nicoline’s for dinner.
While that would have, obviously, been lovely, it was incorrect.
No, tonight we were treated to a wonderful meal at Sjölundabacken Mat & Glädje, the deli next to the gym, where Nicoline and I attended the grand opening last year. And Johan excelled himself.
Three courses of deliciousness and delightful wines, not to mention the cocktail. It was all fantastic. I’m pretty sure Nicoline spoiled us rotten. I mean, she even drove us so Mirinda could have a drink. Then, not to be outdone, Johan then drove us all home rather than let Nicoline drive.
It was a splendid way for us to celebrate our monumental birthday year. A massive thank you to Nicoline for making it so utterly memorable.
