Monthly Archives: December 2020

I heard on the radio this morning that officials in Sydney had decided that the annual fireworks would be scaled down from twelve to seven minutes. There were also lots of restrictions in place for groups or people around the … Continue reading →

I wonder what the odds are of going into a restaurant on Gamla Stan and, on talking to the owner, discovering that he not only knows Farnham well but grew up in Haslemere and Alton? Of finding out that he … Continue reading →

It was very bleak today. No sun, all clouds and a bit of drizzly rain. I was stuck inside most of the day doing laundry and washing the dogs. They are going to see The Perfect Swedish Family tomorrow so … Continue reading →

Once, in Farnham, on a very hot day, I tried to get a taxi driver to take me to our temporary accommodation at Frensham. He refused. The reason he refused was because I had Day-z with me, and he wouldn’t … Continue reading →

Back in the 17th century, Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote a book (Emile, Or Treatise on Education) denouncing the practice of wet nurses and swaddling. Give the infant your own breast, he maintained, and stop wrapping them up so tightly. Their limbs … Continue reading →

Boxing Day, or annandag jul (the second day of Christmas), in Sweden is a public holiday. This doesn’t stop the big shops opening or the buses from running. Which is fortunate because I had to go and buy milk this … Continue reading →

One of our reasons for coming to Sweden was in order to experience our second white Christmas. Mirinda had mentioned it to quite a few locals who have, almost completely, hoped the opposite. Well, phooey to them. The snow started … Continue reading →

The world looked lovely this afternoon as we set off on our constitutional. Although there was no snow, the frost covered everything and the temperature never rose much above -2. Wrapped up, we set off, along with lots of our … Continue reading →

There’s a tourist map at the dock in Dalarö. It’s one of those comic type illustrations pointing out the various things to do and see. For instance, there’s the customs house, the museum, the detached belfry, etc. There’s also a … Continue reading →

First thing today, I had to pop into Tyresö Centrum for a few last minute bits and pieces ahead of Christmas. I’m making a julbord and, of course, there was also food for the next couple of days. And wine. … Continue reading →