Travelling 2016 - Day 32

Thursday the 30th June

Its another warm day but slightly overcast.
We took the boys to Dargis with Jim and then headed back to catch up on ironing etc.

In the afternoon we had a coffee in Marabouparken, did a bit of shopping before picking up the boys. They had to have ice creams as usual. Its great getting to know our Grandsons.

 Still exploring the area.

Johan and Henry wanted to show us the ducks.

Watched TV and then home to bed.

Travelling 2016 - Day 31

Wednesday the 31st of June.

Another very bright and warm day.
Unfortunately we were late getting up and therefore we missed taking the boys to Dargis. 
Decided to catch up with some clothes washing but of course we weren't used to this machine and dryer. We finally succeeded with the help of Jim via a Skype connection. We spent time just sitting around waiting for the machine to finish, luckily we had new library books to read. In the end we got fed up with waiting so left the dryer on and went to shop. 

It was nice to have a look around the area once again and see the developments that are still happening.

This lovely bridge has always fascinated me and now for the first time we can cross it to reach the park area on the other side of the water.. Last time we were here it was a bridge to nowhere.

Following a bit of shopping we picked the boys up from Dargis with a stop to buy ice creams.

After dinner, with the boys in bed we watched some TV and Jim and I sampled some whiskey.

A nice walk home, obviously still light but cool. Another slow and relaxing day.

Travelling 2016 - Day 30

Tuesday the 28th of June.  

We woke again to a nice sunny and warm morning. A quick breakfast and then a short walk, about 5 minutes at the most, down to Elin and Jims. We took the boys to Dargis but today they decided to take their scooters with them.
It was a day for catching up with a few domestic chores both at Elin and Jims and in our own place.

Back at our apartment block we noticed the lovely finish to the ceiling in the hallway.

We walked into Sundbyberg for a bite to eat and went to join the library. We found the English section of books and borrowed some.

We did some shopping at Willeys before picking up the boys from Dargis. Don't know why but both of them were not in a happy mood, but we survived. Di cooked dinner and we had to wait for Jim who was running late but eventually we all sat down to home made meat balls and pasta. Yummy!
Wine and chocolates to finish and then a slow walk home. We haven't quite got used to these light nights yet.

Travelling 2016 - Day 29

Monday27th of June.

It rained heavily overnight but this morning was dry. Up early as we have child minding duties. We walked down to Elin and Jim's but found that Henry had got better overnight and was ready to go to Dargis. We walked with the boys to Dargis and will pick them up this afternoon at about 15:30.

It was a morning of bright sunshine but the wind had a cold bit to it. We decided to walk into Sundbyberg for the first time this holiday. Marabouparken had some nice blooms on display.

Mother bear and her cub are still playing in the park. Just had to give them a pat as we walked passed.

 

Sundbyberg doesn't seem to have changed much except that Stadmission has disappeared. Loved that place but there are other flea markets to search through.

We visited the new library, which is big and better but still a friendly place. The loan and return system was very interesting. Had lunch in the same complex as the library before doing some grocery shopping, including wine of course. We picked up the boys from Dargis and they just happened to take us via an ice cream shop. Strange that!!

Di and the boys are alternating between watching TV and reading. Di cooked dinner for when Elin and Jim arrived home from work so we could all sit down together. When the boys were in bed, Elin, Jim and ourselves sat down with wine and chocolate to watch Euro soccer. England was beaten by Iceland, 2-1, a great match in which Iceland deserved to win.

Travelling 2016 - Day 28

Sunday 26th of June

We got up late after watching last nights late finishing soccer match. Breakfast was outside despite a warm but very strong breeze.

One of the many Swedish things I really enjoy is Knackebrod. We used to be able to buy a Leksand product in our local IKEA but they are now only selling their own products. Personally, I don't think its as good and we have managed to buy the Leksand product from various other local outlets.

P-G and CC took us to see the production plant and retail shop on the outskirt of the town where we bought storage tins and towels etc.

Back into central Leksand for lunch.

 A nice lunch at GC Resturant Bar & Cafe.

 A quick look around the shops but a light rain set in so back to P-G's.

Elin, Jim and the boys started their drive home and we will follow by train later.

P-G and CC took us for a ride around the local narrow roads and there's lovely countryside everywhere.

Lake Siljan in the background.

We were driven to the station by P-G and CC to catch the train back to Stockholm which left exactly on time at 19:00. We were a little late arriving back in Stockholm Central but by the time we had found our way out of the station Jim was there to pick us up for the ride home. The weather had become overcast ans it rained all night.

Travelling 2016 - Day 27

Saturday the 25th June 

Another warm and lazy day in paradise. A late breakfast and then all hands required to help P-G refit the shade awnings to the house.

Lots of water fun and trampoline for the boys.

A beautiful lunch of salmon and various salads.

 In the afternoon P-G took us out on his boat.

Heading up river.

Captain Henry at the helm.

A nice quiet fishing trip.

Jim fancied a swim but I don't think he realized how cold it was.

Back past the steamers in Leksand

Across the lake to Vastanvik.

 

 

The boys enjoy the water.

My favourite type of boat out on the lake, a Tug. She was flying the Jolly Roger and decked out for  MidSummer.

Back at home to sit on the deck for a dinner consisting of a big variety of Pizza's and side dishes. Another evening watching the sun go down with a drink in hand and good company. Later we watched some of the Euro soccer where Portugal beat Croatia in extra time, which meant another late night.

Travelling 2016 - Day 26

Friday the 24th June. 

A very good start to the day. The weather is fantastic and not only is it Midsummer but the UK have voted to leave the EU. While we were in England and Wales the general consensus was that it would be good to leave, the only people that would disagree would appear to be those with plenty of money and nothing to loose.

That's the politics out of the way.

There was lots of activity in the kitchen getting ready for the Midsummer celebrations.

Water was a favourite with boys on such a warm day.

As was the trampoline, with young and old.

 Festive decoration of birch branches.

Such a lovely lazy morning for some while others cooked.

Such a lovely location.
 

A magnificent lunchtime spread all thanks to the hard work of CC, with lots of drinks and toasting.

A terrific lunch followed by a traditional strawberry cake.

The boys made their traditional hat decorations.

Heading to a new experience for us, our first ever Midsummer Pole raising in a local park.

Lovely traditional costumes everywhere.

 

Starting to lift the pole.

Nearly there.

The pole in position.

The pole raising was followed by lots of dancing. It was lovely to see such a strong tradition.
Back for more of CC's great cooking, dinner outside with good food, great company and lots of drink.

The end to a beautiful day that we will always remember.