Sweden - Week Three - A

Progress:

I now have my residence card and a library card which have enabled me to move a few centimeters away from non-existence. All that was known of me was left behind . . . my history and reputation, gone for better or for worse. My friends and relatives have been reduced to memories and intermittent e-mails.

Earthly possessions, things I've lived with day to day are still at sea, hopefully still afloat and destined to arrive in a few weeks: furniture and dishes, flatware, tools, computers, files and notes. Forgot to pack external hard drives - big mistake!

Car will arrive in two more weeks at Gothenburg, a seaport some three hours by train from our new home. I worry for the battery - almost a month at sea. There will be paperwork, inspections, customs declarations, licensing and fees. Gas is expensive, twice as much as I complained about in the U.S. - around nine bucks a gallon. I have yet to drive here, know where nothing is, road signs and symbols still a mystery.

Buckminster & Amber - 35

Easter in Sweden, and here we are hiding in a closet. Do we get eggs? No. Extra snacks? No.

I tell you, Amber, I can’t take much more of this.

It’s not so bad Bucks. Lighten up. They’re sure to get some furniture sooner or later.

Right. While I’m still young?

You haven’t been young for years, Bucks.

Well I feel young. Young enough to escape from this architectural desert.

But what about the nice little house Willie made for us?

Right, our cardboard condo. First time someone forgets to close the door I’ll be gone like a cool breeze.

You tried that in Seattle, Bucks, and you came back with fleas.

They don’t have fleas in Sweden.

Where did you hear that?

I just know. It’s intuitive . . . animal instinct.

You’re tripping. If you used your furry head you could find new places to hide here.

I suppose you have?

I could if I wanted to. And this closet’s not so bad.

I guess if you’re in love with shoes it’s not so bad, but I’m not into that.

Observing Sweden- Easter

Part of Easter here is much like Halloween in the States. People dress up in costume. I was so surprised when two youngsters showed up at our door and gave us a little hand made card that said 'Happy Easter' and had their names on the back. Really nice!

The hand print is made to be a chicken. People go nuts over eggs and chickens at Easter here.

Observing Sweden - 2

Seven below today, under a cloudless sky. Incredibly bright- snow glaring brilliant. Comfortable with medium weight jacket. Half hour drive to buy things we can’t do without. Landscape and towns are snow washed, pristine clean. Feels good to breath.

Springtime In Sweden

Glaciers of snow

Slide down from rooftops

Winter’s last grip

Loosened by sunlight.

Breaking News from Bucks

News flash:

I can't believe this. My many followers will remember my fear of the wind snake in Seattle, but you have to see the one here in Sweden. The house-woman was fighting with it this morning but was unable to kill the thing. It went back into the wall where it lives. It's like an anaconda I saw on Animal Planet. And me with no place to hide. I'm telling Amber we should move to Kathmandu, but that would mean another plane ride. Yuk.

Amber's Opinion - 1

Well I simply have to jump in here. It’s high time I got more blog space. Where should I  begin? Bucks, I suppose. What is his problem? He keeps running on about catnappers. Give me a break. This place has more alarms than a Swedish bank. He’s constantly complaining about no place to hide, and nothing to do.

I must admit it’s a little spacey here, but yesterday the servants got us a new roller-ball toy. Bucks could use it of course, but it’s beneath his dignity. Girl stuff he says. Whatever.

And as you can see in the photo above, the houseman is building us a condo.