Hole in the ground

Ellen and I had planned several trips for when we stayed in the summerhouse in Höör but those plans were all changed when we returned from Taberg. The boys got so excited about a hole in the ground. It was obviously the place to make a hide away. It didn't take them long to find a lot of planks and plywood boards and make up a construction plan. I got a long shopping list with nails, screws and what not and was sent off to the city. Then they went to work....In 3 days we had a perfect shelter with room for all 5 of us. It was a perfect end to our vacation in Sweden.

Taberg Mine

I really like this picture. We were able to go on a tour of the mine in Taberg. The tour was all by torch light. The mine has quite a history. The rock in the hill contains a lot of magnetite. In the early 70's it was planned to break down all the rock, melt the magnetite out and make a new hill out of the slags. The oil crisis luckily put an end to those plans so we can enjoy the landmark of Småland today.

We had a wonderful visit Conny and Elly-Britt. As usual the kids were spoiled rotten with meatballs, grave, potatoes, cakes etc. They love it. Rita and Axel both stated that the wanted to move to Sweden when we came home.

Upskjutet

At Liseberg is this one attraction where you are shot up in the air (description here). Ellen had asked Axel if he wanted to try it. He didn't turn her down as expected. Now who was the most nervous.

Axel 11 years old

We had brought all Axel's gifts with us to Sweden. He was excited about it all. He couldn't wait to have his remote controlled car charged. The warhammer figures Erik brought with him from the US also had to wait to be assembled and painted until we got back home to Denmark. Quite a test of patience.

But we had planned a trip to Sweden's largest amusement park. We spent all day in the park. It was a thrill. Axel rode all the rides even the old wooden roller coaster "Balder" and enjoyed it. I believe he surprised both us and himself.

Visiting Lundsbrunn

The first stop on our vacation was Lundsbrunn where Åsa and her family lives. We spent 2 days together seeing the sights of the area. I enjoyed experiencing the area around Kinnekulla which among other things is where Christianity first was introduced to the Swedes.

Rita loved hanging around Anton. For ever fearless she found a ride on his bike the highest thrill.

The Rita is home

Yesterday we had Rita come home from camp. She was happy to begin with but also very very tired so suddenly her mood just turned 180 degrees and nothing worked. But then she fell asleep and returned to her normal self.

We managed to try on the Communion dress from Grandma and almost got a smile out of Rita as you can see here. The dress looks lovely but will it fit next year?

The first story we heard of Rita trip was how they had played kissing game and she had managed to kiss Andreas all over his face - but not on the mouth that would be cheating :-)

Can in the pan

I saw this recipe a year ago and had been looking for an occasion to do it. Well, that time was last night. The chicken is roasted with a beer can inside to keep it upright. The can is halffilled with beer and various spices etc. It's cooked in the Weber grill with the lid on it. The meat gets very tasty without drying out. I served it with a homemade potato salad, steamed summer cabbage and tzatziki.

The original name is "dåse i måsen" which is a catchy way to say where the can is found. I couldn't figure an English translation which wasn't gross.

The Erik is home

We had to wait him for a day extra due to bad weather in the south easter part of the US. But eventually Erik got back home. We almost missed him coming out of customs. I believe he must have grown or something while in the US. Erik was tired but in a good mood. "Far, you must realise I only slept for 2 hours!"

Well he did catch up on his sleep this afternoon.

One thing that was kind of funny was Erik behaving like a proud teenager. He grundgingly accepted both hugs and kisses.

Another garden project

The hedge into our neighbour has been pityful in all the years we've been living in Smørum. For 12 years it's been my greatest wish to have it fixed. Last year we got new neighbours and we talked them in to replanting the hedge with fully grown plants. We did this today but it was tough. 30 cm down we hit compact clay. No wonder the old plants wouldn't grow. We had been told we had to dig a hole at least 50 cm deep. It took sheer will and tough muscle to get that far down. We did it and now we have a whole new back yard. Or it looks like it. I'm happy and very tired.

Axel back home

Axel came back from camp. We had all looked forward to it. The night before Axel called at 23.30 just to make sure that we would come and pick him up at the station. It's my impression that Axel had had a good time but that he had been a bit homesick at times as well.

Well, his greatest narrative was of the day when he had 3 icecreams. He bought 2 himself and then Kisser (one of the teachers) gave him another. No, it was 4 icecreams because Dennis had given him one as well. Well, that wasn't quite right. He must have had 6 icecreams because... :-)

Rita the princess

Yes, I know I've posted pictures of princess Rita before. But this is a really good one which Ellen took yesterday. Rita went to work with Ellen after they had put Axel on the train. He was going on a sports camp with school.

Rita had a good day at the library and managed to entertain herself most of the time. The library is btw having a summer book campaign where the kids can win a book if they read 5 books and write a summary to the librarian. Rita is very serious about participating. It's great for her reading skills and Ellen have found some books which are good and fun to read.

Erik and Sam

I just love this picture. Erik looks so mischevious and Sam just completely unperturbed.

Bruce the boss

I wonder what's it like to be a pigeon at a big stadium. Some days it's quiet and at other times the space is filled with thousands of people, lots of noise and music. It must be pretty strange.

Sunday we had a great evening watching Bruce Springsteen perform in Parken. He is an incredible showman. I'm so impressed with his vitality and obvious joy to play. It was the same when he visited Copenhagen with the Pete Seeger Sessions. This time Bruce Springsteen picked up signs from the audience. The signs were all suggestiongs for songs. And Bruce and the E street band played them! Instant karaoke.

The moment of zen was when Bruce Springsteen during "Hungry Heart" walked out the ramp and reached the microphone to a young girl - perhaps 10 years old and she just took off singing the refrain. Marvelous!