AAAAAH!

After the respite in Munich from the 'excitement' of Toronto, my bag did not arrive in Stockholm.  So, partner that with a loooong taxi in the plane to the gate and the filling out of the necessary paperwork, I had to run through the airport (thankfully I know where to go by now) to get to the train.  Arrived at the kiosk for the 11:46 train at 11:45 and a half.  Dashed down the two flights of stairs to the train level -- it was still there but the doors were already closed and just before the controller blew the whistle to leave, he saw me waving my hands and running (with the 8 kg. backpack) -- he opened the doors and I hopped on, changed trains nicely in Uppsala and made it to Gavle as scheduled.

Little Rowan Leonie Jens is a dear little sweetie who, at the moment, is getting over a cold (daycare everywhere is a germ incubator).  Although she has already gained a kilo in her three short weeks, she still seems so tiny. But she is already a lovely snuggler.

We picked up Tova Elise at daycare.  What a thrill to have her excited to see me and rush over for a hug!  Oma's heart can certainly grow for as many grandchildren as come along!  We played in the park; she rode her bike; we dug in the sandbox.  In the back yard she played in her little pool -- doing an under-doggie in the pool involves her dumping water on her head.  She digs for worms, watches bees and butterflies, helps harvest potatoes and arugala.  I was really amazed by her speech which has developed so much since I saw her in June.  I understand about 50% of what she says, which is remarkable since there is a healthy sprinkling of Swedish words in her chatter.

Thank you, ICA Maxi for groceries as well as clothing basics to get me over the next day or two when, I hope, the suitcase will arrive.  The tracking system says that it is flying from Munich to Stockholm this afternoon, so I hope it will arrive before we want to go to the cottage tomorrow.

Hemlingby  is a lovely outdoor area within the city limits that features a ski hill, lots of trails for biking and walking, an animal observation area with sheep, bunnies, bees in a hive and a horse); and a lodge-type restaurant.  Today it was filled with kids from the Jr. English school (Richard teaches at the Sr. school) doing team-building activities.  TvE was fascinated by the big kids on the obstacle course, flying balloons, and around the parachute.  But she also walked along the discovery path where models of swedish animals and plants teach the kids what to stay away from (poisonous snake, poisonous mushroom) and what animals they might encounter in the woods.  We enjoyed the delicious soup buffet --fish never tasted so good, and also indulged in the sweets at the end of the table.  Yes, TvE loves chocolate too.

It is a glorious day with sunshine and about 24 degrees.  Lovely spot and wonderful company.