Frozen

The above photo was taken in March 2010. Almost exactly four years ago today and just a few months after we had moved to Stockholm. We were standing in the middle of the water way that, in warmer times, flows between Djurgården and Gärdet. It is called Djurgårdsbrunnskanalen, or “The Canal of Djurgården Spring.” The water was frozen over and covered in snow. I clearly remember this day. We had ventured out to Djurgården for a nature walk and a visit to Rosendals Trädgården for an afternoon fika. 

We were making our way home, sauntering leisurely down to the path along the shore when my husband suddenly made a b-line towards the water, er ice and said, “let’s go out on the ice.” I was hesitant but he stepped out bravely, even though it was actually somewhat slushy around the shore and you could feel the ice move as it floated above the freezing cold water below. Not wanting to be left behind, I took a step out. Then another step… and another until I was eventually standing next to my husband looking back at the safety of the shore. Yikes. 

That day was my first time walking on water. Well, frozen water :-). I remember feeling pretty terrified the whole time but I forged on, embracing my fear. There were many other people out walking on the ice so I figured if I just followed their well-worn trail across the middle of the canal I’d be okay. Walking out on the ice with so many other people around made me feel a bit more comfortable but I was still apprehensive and I am pretty sure my heart was pounding the entire time. Even so, I can honestly say that it was a rush to stand out in the middle of the frozen-over canal, looking back at the city. 

The building in the back ground of the photo above is the Nordic Museum. It was pretty impressive standing there mingled among the tree tops. Today I would have to be in a boat out on the water to get the same perspective. The ice has been melted for many weeks now and we are heading full-force into spring. Not that I am complaining or anything. The thought of more warm days ahead, I welcomed with open arms.

Day 349: Saving Graces During Winter

Having a pair of cozy, wool house slippers is one of my favorite saving graces during winter in Sweden. On colder evenings, or early mornings, when I just cannot shake the chill of the crisp winter air, no matter how many cups of hot tea or hot chocolate I have had, I simply slide my feet into my woollies and in just a few minutes I start to feel toasty and warm. Of course, another hot chocolate doesn't hurt either.

When I lived in Los Angeles many moons ago one of my friends had a pair of wool slippers with a hard, rubber sole on the bottom. You're probably thinking, "Wool slippers are not an LA necessity," but you'd be wrong and here is why. First of all, because the temperatures are so mild in comparison to other parts of the world (Sweden), the seals around windows and door frames are not necessarily "air tight" and, hence, the cooler evening air sneaks in through the cracks and crevasses, making it feel especially chilly inside. Second of all, earthquake preparedness. Having a pair of hard, rubber-bottomed shoes into which you can quickly slide your toesies is a must in the event that an earthquake forces you out of your home or dwelling.

So as you can imagine, I soon began to feel the need to have a pair myself. So as a wonderful surprise my friend and her mother gave me a pair one Christmas. They were a beautiful olive green and I loved them to their death. That pair was incredibly well loved and has sense been twice replaced, though my first "replacement pair" now live at my place of employment in Stockholm so I that I can warm my toesies at the office as well.

I think you'll agree, however, that my home pair are the coziest, coolest pair ever and you all probably want to run out and get a pair for yourselves. I absolutely love the whimsical red and white zig-zag design on the inside. Just the fact that they are not plain Jane and all one color inside and out makes me so happy I could do a little dance.

Do you have any winter musts? I also have a lovely grey fleece robe with white polka dots that helps to stave off the cold, along with my favorite PJ pants that are grey with black stars on them.

Slightly worn but well loved...

These have traveled from Maine to California to Texas to Sweden... and still going strong(ish)...

This girl was happy that the sun came out today!

Happy Friday Everyone and have a great weekend!