Your time zone or mine? Oh Maria; it was so wonderful to hear your voice on the other end of my line first thing this morning, and now, finally I have taken the time to read your blog...what a storyteller you are! Here at "home," it's the middle of the night and I have a bit of insomnia I guess, so I thought it was the perfect time to learn a bit about what's going on with the Meatballs (not a fitting name for a woman of your beauty, but darn funny, nevertheless!)...Thank you for sharing your story and opening your family's experience with all of us. I laughed, I cried, I felt your pain...I want more!! Bless you all. Love, Julie
OK to get hurt So you're all bikes! Way to go. And, helmets are a good idea. Honestly, getting hurt is part of the process and much better to do so at a young age. If it were something major, there'd be help somewhere, it would materialize. By now, I bet you've already figured out where the hospital is.
I can almost taste the pastires at that cute little place!
Keep writing Honestly, Maria - you need to make this a book. I love every word. Love and safety to you - I'll pass the helmet lessons on to my "too cool for a helmet" 14 year old Annie!
Things in Sweden Hi Jeff and Maria, you seem to be having a great time in Sweden! Keep the creative and well-written blogs coming this way. I will stay an avid follower of your adventures. Best of luck!
I'm proud of these two brave girls and you are fortunate to have two supportive parents. Do I understand this right - no shoes in school? Is this because there's a lot of rain? Hey, it sorta reminds me of camp at Clearwater!! Love You!!
Like I said before....I'm jealous! Boy oh boy....what fun!! I am so enjoying your blog and wish I could have fit in one of your bazillion suitcases to tag along with. What an adventure. You know what I love the most though...that your family is having such an amzing time TOGETHER!! No commitments and just the 4 of you! That is the problem here in America... too much to do, which makes for too little time for the really important things in life...our families! Enjoy!!
Blessings to all 4 of you, Jill
Chuck Chuck would have loved that blog entry. Actually, I am sure that he did love it - only in a another realm... Life teaches each of us such incredible lessons as we make our way - some more painful than others. I have found that once we lose someone we love, nothing is ever the same... our hearts are never quite whole again. However, we can find joy in holding up and carrying forth the best qualities our loved ones brought to the world; it is our gift to them and their legacy to the world. JOY to you, Maria, in celebrating Chuck's life and all he meant to you and family and friends. God bless you, KK
Can I send you peanut butter? Maria, I continue to enjoy your entries, and please know that I continue to think of you often. By the way, I can send you some P.B. if you would like. Seriously! Just let me know what kind and your address. :) I just returned from a visit home this past weekend. We celebrated my grandpa's 96th birthday today! It was so nice that many family members could be there. Lastly, I admire your strength and how you are adjusting to such a new way of life.
Food shopping in Sweden Hi Maria- Thanks for your wonderful blogging. It makes me miss Sweden a lot. I guess it's a little strange following your adventures after being unable to reconnect with you and Jeff and the family for a few years now. However, I can really relate to your experiences so far. You're fortunate to basically already have a support system in place with your family, your new congregation, and your daggis (how great is that!) I was living in a dorm with my own room and a shared kitchen and bath with 4 other people when I was in Uppsala for a semester and it was stressful having to cook for myself with strangely named ingredients and grocery stores at first. I found a little coop-type place in Uppsala and almost cried the first time I found it, it felt so much like home. Anyway, ICA and Coop aren't Byerly's by any stretch, but they have their strengths (prices definitely not being one of them). I don't have any good advice to give on shopping, but here's a good link to an online dictionary: http://lexin2.nada.kth.se/sve-eng.html
If the kids keep up their enthusiasm for the language pretty soon they'll be able to shop for you! :) Good luck. Hälsa på Jeff och barnen för mig. Tack för historier!
Wow Again, wow. Sounds dreamy... As I scurry around here back to school shopping with teenagers, desperately clinging to my limit of $100 per pair of jeans, and try my best to support Annie (14) in her less than stellar (at least so far) high school varsity tennis try-out this week, I am reminded that life is so much bigger and richer than the materialism and competitiveness than I am surrounded by... Thanks for reminding me to keep it simple! I am so proud of you! Adventure on, my dear friend!!! Glad you found a great church!!! Love, Kary
Orville by the sea I could see Jorgen growing up to be a great sea captain. He looks the part. Hi to everybody. Knowing you are so far away makes it difficult. It has always been reassuring to know I could reach any of my brothers or sisters in less than 5 hours. Sounds kind of like my kind of place. Greg
Your church rocks!
You seem to be enjoying the simple life. Sounds like a pace similar to a homestate I know.
Keep up the posts.
I'm glad you found Snickers bars there.
wonderful!!! Oh Maria! This is soooo cool! Thank you for including me! It sounds like you are having a blast and I knew the kids would love it. You are a great mom, but I figured the trip would be a challenge for anyone. What a cute name for your blog, you'll have to come up with a version of "Maria's Swedish Meatballs" for real. Look forward to hearing more. FYI we are moving to corporate headquarters next month, we are really excited about it. Myra ;O)
Hej! Wow! You are actually in Sweden. I can't believe it. I'm very jealous. I don't envy the flight over, but now that you are there it must be nice. I hope Jeff doesn't have to work all the time so you can enjoy Sweden as a family. I'm glad to hear there are so many nice people there willing to help out too. This will be a wonderful learning experience for your kids and will give them a lifetime of memories. What a great opportunity. Is there a local baseball team for Jeff dominate? Probably not, but I bet there is a lot of skiing. Say hi to Jeff and the kids for me and take lots of pictures.
Enjoy.
ps:I tried to be the first to comment today but I see that sneak Carolyn cheated her way in ahead of me. Hej da.
Ah'yes. Mari, Jeff, Emma, Signe and Jorgen, I am glad the travel experience is over, you made it safely and you are getting settled in. Lots of work to do here so This will be short. Keep your eyes open for "Inga". Inga is my dream girl from Sweden. Thanks again for such a wonderful celebration before you left. I felt bad, no Chuck no Teresa, but the rest made up for it. Did you notice when you showed the movie, the only kids that set up there and spouted out "there's my dad or there is daddy?" Olivia and Caleb. The only two who DON'T have a father living with them. Gotta go, hug the kids from uncle Greg andf tell Orville (Jorgen) that I am going to raise some special chickens just for him! Love Brother Greg
Hello! Hi Maria!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your journal entries! You are such a creative, talented writer!
It sounds as though you and the family are adjusting very well. You are so lucky that you have this opportunity to experience life beyond the Midwest. :) I look forward to reading about the rest of your adventures!
Well, it is getting late here (about 11:00 P.M./past my bedtime), so I will communicate more later. I just finished reading letters that all the former 6th graders wrote to us, the 7th grade teachers. It is nice to get to know them a little before the first day of school which is next Wednesday. :)
I think of you often, and my mom and I so appreciated the wonderful supper you prepared and your company.
Me and you, a two man crew, side by side, we will never be divided, win or lose, sink or swim, you know we'll always be the best of friends... :)
Carolyn
TACK for the update!!! Maria - I am again reminded what an amazing writer you are! I loved reading your entries. I have been thinking about you and praying for safe travel and JOY for the 5 Swedish Meatballs! Love you, Kary Kruger
What a wonderful Blah, Blah, Blah! Your trip sounded like a movie script, waiting to be written. I can just picture the English couple in front of you and the boredom waiting in lines. People are amazing everywhere and ALMOST always willing to help, especially when there are children involved.
I'm sure it was great to see Mark and Carina, some comfortable faces, after meeting all of the strangers. We had a great time with them in St. Peter.
Your description of sitting having a cry while looking over the sea is a keeper.
I look forward to reading a description of your house and the continued journey.
Enjoy!
Love, Uncle Craig
I hear your voice! Dear Maria -
I so hear your voice in this delightful tale of your voyage and arrival in the land of my ancestors! My folks only spoke Svensk when they didn't want us to know - so other than var sa god and taksa mykka and 'po tor' (second cup of coffee in my family) - my favorite word sounded like "boongrandt" - don't know the spelling - but Mom said it when something was tacky - like a shabby wreath with plastic flowers - "BOONGRANDT" she would say! I hope it's not really a foul word - but it has served me well for many years! We can't wait to see a picture of your home - for we picture you there now, making a nest and making a life - and Mel and I both send our love - Sue
Our family has decided this is a good year for an adventure, as Jeff has earned sabbatical for the 2008-2009 academic year. We'll be living in Gothenburg Sweden (where Jeff will be doing mercury research) and plan to visit as many European countries as we can. On the list, Emma wants pizza in Italy, Signe wants to visit the Eiffel Tower and Jorgen is in search of a castle! As for Jeff and I, he wants to visit the land of his forefathers (Norway) and I'm in search of great local food wherever the road takes us.... full info
Julie Harris
non-member comment
Your time zone or mine?
Oh Maria; it was so wonderful to hear your voice on the other end of my line first thing this morning, and now, finally I have taken the time to read your blog...what a storyteller you are! Here at "home," it's the middle of the night and I have a bit of insomnia I guess, so I thought it was the perfect time to learn a bit about what's going on with the Meatballs (not a fitting name for a woman of your beauty, but darn funny, nevertheless!)...Thank you for sharing your story and opening your family's experience with all of us. I laughed, I cried, I felt your pain...I want more!! Bless you all. Love, Julie