Did I mention I'm on vacation?

Obviously, time off from work means blog slacking? I've been visiting with my family in Skåne. Seriously, I thought the internet connection would be better and that I would have all the time in the world. Ha! It's been very intense days and surfing the internet has been a bit nostalgic, like in the good old days on a 56.6 kb modem.



I've had some issues with parts of my family in the past. Actually, I still have, but it's easier these days to ignore it and be thankful for what I do have with them. It's quite special to be together this much for several days. Somehow, these people are the ones I can always be myself around, and most importantly, they are the people I care most about in the whole wide world. They will always be there, no matter what. Cousins and second cousins may seem a bit far away. But really, when we are all together like this, three generations, you realize how important family is.

It's also at times like this I miss my grandmother the most. On the other hand, it's fantastic to see that life has moved on even though she's no longer among us. We're doing good, we take care of each other, we enjoy each others company and all the kids love to get together. They fool around and play all the time. The older ones take care of the younger ones, no matter who's sister or brother it is. Just the same way as when I was a kid, growing up with my cousins.




Centre of attention, though, was of course Bumblebee. She's charming everyone and seems to be safe and snug in the arms of almost anyone. It's been such a delight to spend so much time with her.



Another center of attention, as always in my family, is good food. How can one family end up with so many good cooks and bakers? Everyone seem to have their specialty. At lunches and dinners, we all bring something to the table. Like this dessert. Yum!




WTF, I might as well turn this into a photo blog instead ;-)

What could be more perfect?

Today was one of those days you'd think you're in the Mediterranean and not in a northern country like Sweden. My cousin's oldest daughter graduated today and family and friends gathered to celebrate the young lady. Siblings and parents, cousins and second cousins, aunts and uncles, almost everyone was there. Windows open, letting in the warm breeze, everyone in pretty summer clothes, children and dogs running and horsing around all over the place. Food, wine, laughter, the scent of flowers, presents and delicious desserts.

I went out to sit for a while on the little balcony facing the back yard, just to get to myself for a few minutes and relish the moment. Surrounded by green plants climbing up the walls, looking at the sun reflecting in the windows across the yard and listening to the sounds of people enjoying the evening together. It felt like time stopped for a couple of seconds.

Had lots of little conversations with Bumblebee. Today she's three months old. Just over the passed week she's become so smiley and cuddly and has begun making the sweetest little sounds. Her voice is quite unique, I think I'd distinguish it from a hundred babies. She's so adorable and lovely and she's my niece! I think I could eat her, that's how sweet she is.

Oh, and what makes an evening like this even more magical is the light! The sun sets at 10pm. It's now passed midnight as I'm writing this, and it's still not dark. The sky is glowing in a deep shade of blue and only a few of the brightest stars are to be seen.

Sunshine

Well, haven't got much to say except whining a bit about too much shit at work, my boss is loosing it (I used to think he was the best boss I ever had), the weather sucks and I haven't practiced since Sunday...

So after experiencing what could possibly have been one of the worst days in a very, very long time, I spent yesterday evening with a little someone who could bring some sunshine into my life again!

Gray Sunday

This weather isn't helping at all! Cold, rainy and gray is what awaits you if you dare step outdoors. Yuck! Today's practice was truly dense and gloomy. My arm and shoulder were cumbersome and I happened to pick a spot in between a 'moaner' and a 'squirter'! Glad I did it, though. Haven't been to my own shala on a Sunday for a long time and was pleasantly surprised to discover that Toffee Hands is teaching those days now since Bird decided to stay in Mysore a few months more than planned.

I have to do some work this afternoon. NOT happy 'bout that, but it needs to be done. Bleh...

Yesterday was kinda nice though :) Did the laundry that needs to be done in the wash house (i.e. towels and sheets). Then met Grace and Che for coffee and we spent most of the afternoon just hanging out and having a nice time together. Later I went for dinner with Daddy'O and the brother of his sister's best friend and his wife. They've been on a three week trip to Russia and made a pit stop in Stockholm before going home to Sacramento. My sister and her mom came along too. This couple is quite amazing. They're in their 80's and go for such a trip, and they told us they still go skiing and do other physical activities. And they were such a sweet and delightful couple! They seemed so happy to meet some members of our family and to go for a nice meal at a local restaurant. I hope they have a safe trip home!

Gasp, I think I'll take a nap now...