REMEMBERING SCANDINAVIA #2

Storlien is located in central Sweden close to the border of Norway, a short drive from Trondheim. For many, including royalty, it has been and continues to be a popular ski resort. One can understand the popularity as the location is somewhat remote and quiet - a good place to get away from it all!! It is especially quiet in summer.

Our cabin at Storlien was cute and cosy, rustic in a contemporary way. Although we could not park in front of the cabin, the walk from the parking lot was short and non-demanding. It was a three-bedroom cabin. Laurel's and my rooms each had bunk beds. We chose to sleep on the top bunk - it seemed like there would be more air movement there. It was a challenge to climb up and down as the ladder was not much wider than my foot. Meeting the challenge was worthwhile as I slept like a log on the top bunk.

The cabin was on the outskirts of the villa. In the villa is a shop called Storliens Gast - & Stugservice, located in the railway station. The shop carries a great selection of outdoor sporting clothing such as Lundhags, as well as souvenirs like cheese cutters with handles made of reindeer horn. There is also information on what to see and do in the local area. The owners were very obliging.

Our other find was the restaurant Flammans. The meals we ate at this restaurant were some of the favorites of our entire trip. The restaurant is located in a timber frame building that was built during the 1930s. It was first a Kaffestugge (coffee house). Then it became a disco, taking its name from a "flame" located in front of the building. After that it housed a kindergarten. It has been a restaurant since the year 2000. The present owners have used some family heirlooms to furnish the restaurant. We had a lovely waitress, Issalinn Lokken Moen. She is the only "Issalinn" in Sweden with double letters in her name. Her parents had to get special permission from the King to give her that name.

Our first meal at Flamans was supper on the Wednesday night. Our meal starter was a pea soup in a mini bowl with toasted homemade bread. Laurel and I had organic red wine from Spain; Alice and Bill shared a local beer. After our soup, Laurel and I had a shrimp/char salad with garlic mayo. Our main course was sliced roasted venison with a potato terrine. Alice and Bill had grilled beef with roasted potato quarters. The presentation was stunning? Our dessert was panacotta with strawberry/red currant sauce. I ordered coffee, and was impressed to be presented with my own mini French press and hourglass timer. What a dining experience!!

(Generally speaking, our meals and drinks in Scandinavia were smaller-sized and less sweet than what we are used to in Canada. The bread and ice cream were real treats!)

Appetizer

Entree

Dessert

We had four nights (Tuesday - Friday) and three days (Wednesday - Friday) in Storlien. On the Thursday we drove to Trondheim. (I will devote my next posting to our Trondheim trip.) On the Friday we went on two hikes: a 2 km one to a local waterfall, and a 6 km hike on the Blomsterstigen, or floral path. In the early 20th century, Dr. Ernst Westerlund established a sanatorium in Storlien for physically and mentally ill patients. Part of his prescribed therapy was a walk along the floral path. Along the path are various signposts identifying various plants. There are also donated benches for people to stop for a rest. We continued our hike to the top of the mountain and back. At the end of our hike, we were all very weary, and some were chilled as it was a cool,damp day. Nevertheless it was a memorable day. I purchased a little book which identifies the flora which we saw. I want to compare it with some of my books for the local area, as many of the species looked familiar.

Laurel at gateway to waterfall hike

Alice seeking refuge from waterspray

Cute couple

My camera battery was flat at the beginning of the floral walk. I took pictures with Laurel's camera, so perhaps will have a few more to post later on.

REMEMBERING SCANDINAVIA #1

Elaine on patio outside Breakfast Room of Radisson Blu Hotel

View from front of hotel, a heritage home

Alice and Bill

Laurel and Alice outside Harrod's at Heathrow

On Sunday, July 18/2010, my sisters Laurel and Alice, Alice's partner Bill, and myself took off from Edmonton International Airport via Air Canada at 7:50 p.m. en route for Stockholm. We were given a good send off by Helge, Glen K., Megan, Tamara, Kayli, Melanie, Cory, Jonas, and Emmett. We arrived at Heathrow, London around noon the next day after approximately an eight-hour flight. (London is 8 hours ahead of us.) After a couple of hours wait in London, we boarded an SAS flight for Stockholm. We arrived in Sweden around 6:00 p.m. We took an airport shuttle to the nearby Radisson Blu Arlandia where we spent our first night. We had supper that night at the hotel. We especially enjoyed our appetizer of three kinds of herring, boiled new potatoes, chopped red onion with chives, and a bountiful basket of fresh breads and crispbreads.

The next morning we had a complementary breakfast fit for kings!! It was truly a smorg with a variety of fresh fruit, cheese, breads, yogurts, liver pate, salmon, Swedish pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, roasted potatoes, baked beans, and good coffee. Mmmm... After breakfast we headed for our car rental place. As luck would have, this place was a short walking distance from our hotel. We were impressed as Alice had booked the car, and I had booked the hotel.

We rented a Volvo diesel station wagon, packed up, and headed north on the E4 following the east coast of Sweden, Laurel driving. It would have been nice to have spent some time in Stockholm but we had a long journey to our(Alice's) timeshare in central Sweden at Storlien.

Our first pit stop for morning coffee was a "Dinners" just outside of Gavle. One of the brochures we picked up here was on the farms of Halsingland. Some of the descriptions were intriguing:

"The ambitions of the farmers of Halsingland to construct grand and beautiful buildings have always raised admiration. Large, sumptuous and painted red, with many windows and elaborate porches.......Inside the farms of Halsingland are magnificent interiors with art painted on the walls, stencilled wall decorations, and expensive wallpaper."

Painted red with lots of windows

Nice porches

Maypole

Note the foundation

Familiar sight (looks like Helge might have done this)

Fencing style common throughout Sweden

Alice and Bill at the well

Laurel noting fruit

Can you see the wire moose?

Wallpaper and stencilling

Wallpaper closeup

Some like vintage machinery

The brochure marked 52 of these farms on a map. Some were in the Soderhamn area, the next major stop. We decided to continue on to the next major stop, Hudiksvall. From Hudiksvall we travelled a short distance east and visited the Heritage Centre, Forsa Forngard. (It wasn't until we reached our timeshare later that evening and read the info that Aunty Bea had sent Alice that we realized that our Grandfather had been born in Soderhamn!! Fortunately we were able to return there at a later date.)

Just before Sundsvall I took over the wheel and headed west on the E14. Around 3 p.m we finally found a place to stop for lunch and fuel - Luddes Gatukok at Vallfartsvagen. We continued on to Ostersund where we stopped for groceries. Bill then continued driving until, late in the evening, we reached our cute, rustic cabin at Storlien. Ahhh......such a good feeling!!

Spring Ramblings

The Wild, Wild West - Caroline Rodeo Parade

Native clematis - like contrast with dry leaves from last Fall

Some of my first plantings in 2010

May Long was a quiet, but enjoyable weekend. Apart from the Caroline parade on Saturday morning, I spent the weekend at home. It felt so good to get some of my herbs and flowers planted and to have the planting followed by a light rain. I went for a walk in the bush today after a long hiatus. I was thrilled to see the wild clematis flowering. I went back to the cabin for my camera and took a few photos. Sonja was here briefly. It is always a joy to have her home. Aina and Madison moved in with Randall this weekend. Kai and Jen both phoned. We hope to discuss wedding plans next weekend. I've kept up-to-date with Jarl and Rebecca via facebook. We had our first taste of the new crop of rhubarb tonight(rhubarb crumble). What a wonderful time of the year!!

Musical Musings: Enjoyed the following artists on CKUA. Must check into.

1. Drew Nelson - album "Dusty Road to Beulah Land"

2. Delhi 2 Dublin - album "Planet Electric"

3. Flying Burrito Bros - I enjoy the voice of Gram Parsons

A WEEK TO REMEMBER!!

What a week! I lost my car keys last Sunday afternoon. We were ready early to go to Red Deer to hear the bluegrass band, The Lonesome River Band. We searched for half an hour for my keys before we finally gave up and looked for a spare set. We made it to the concert just in time and had a great evening. The band gave a very professional performance with excellent instrumental work and vocals. The band had their misfortune, too. All their music was tied up in Customs so they had nothing for sale. I for once had remembered to bring cash to purchase a CD. Oh well! I used my cash to update my membership in the Waskasoo Bluegrass Society. I know I won't attend every event but I do believe in supporting live music.

I used my spare set of keys all week. It was a busy week so I didn't want to take time to search for the set I had lost. During the day I was totally engaged within the classroom. My classes are full of young energetic men who are working hard to achieve their goals. I am kept busy with one-to-one tutorials, marking, planning, record-keeping, and report writing. The days absolutely fly by. ( I am so looking forward to two shutdown days, tomorrow and Tuesday, for some catchup time!!) After hours I was preoccupied with organizing photos, books and card for Evlyn's retirement party on Friday night as well as tickets for a celtic concert in Bearberry next weekend.

When I got on the road to work on Friday morning I realized I had left my purse at home. I had remembered my lunch, extra clothing, shoes, jewelry, books, card, Barb's poem, and tickets......BUT I forgot my purse!! It was too late for me to go back home for my purse.

We began Ev's retirement party with a buffet dinner at The Flames. Judy and Barb paid me for their Bearberry tickets so I had money for my meal. After dinner we headed to Pat's for the rest of our festivities. We began the evening with a staff recitation of Ode to Evlyn written by the multi-talented, humorous, and creative Barb. Barb then presented Evlyn with the staff gift, a copy of the first edition, unabridged Dorothy Parker and an album of staff photos dating back to when Ev first began working for Excalibur seventeen years ago. Ev was then presented with a basket of mostly recycled books organized by Judy. Ev was visibly touched by the staff performance and her gifts. She thanked us all in a most eloquent and gracious manner. Then it was time for dessert. Pat had ordered a beautiful cake in the shape of a book from the local Co-op store. She had also prepared a refreshing punch, coffee, and had Diet Coke for Ev.

In my usual form, I was last to leave. I had one last coffee for the road. Ev had forgotten her Diet Coke so I offered to drop it off on my way home. I did this, spoke briefly with Ev, then took off for home. Heading west of Innisfail I noticed the flashing lights of a police car in my rearview mirror. I pulled over. It turns out that I had been speeding in town, 78 km/h in a 50 km/h zone. I must have been totally 'zoned out' as I don't recall speeding. I am usually very careful with my speed in residential areas. I was rather embarrassed. It is about twenty years since I last had a speeding ticket! Fortunately the very pleasant police officer did not give me a ticket for not having my driver's license. (It was at home in my purse!!) He advised me not to forget it again. I told him that I would try but that remembering was an issue for me. He wished me better luck.

Helge checked out the cost of a new set of keys. It would be $130.00. I didn't need this expense on top of my $166.00 speeding ticket. Thus I began another search for my keys yesterday. I got excited when I saw my red bib apron, as I realized that I had probably been wearing it while I was scurrying around cleaning last Sunday. I checked the pocket. Sure enough, my keys were there. Whew!

Moral of Story: It is okay to be busy but don't compromise your rest. One's head is so much clearer when one has had enough rest!!

Quebec: Day 2/3

Theatre: Les Miserables was showing.

This angel is a real person.

Part of the wall

Grain elevators

Chateau Frontenac in background

Murals

We loved the white hydrangeas we saw everywhere in Quebec.

Alice at harbor, first stop

Alice and our friendly bus driver

City Hall

Sunday breakfast at Saint-Bernard

Sunday, August 2nd: After our lengthy travels the day before, both Alice and I were ready for a rest. We had no food in our fridge so we went out for breakfast at Saint Bernard Resto-Pub, Mont Ste. Anne. This particular restaurant serves breakfast only on weekends. We enjoyed our meal and were happy we had taken the advice of Johanne the very lovely resort tour guide. Later in the day we bought a few groceries (eggs, bread, muesli, yogurt, milk, coffee, fruit) so that we could start each day with a good breakfast and have some food for snacking on hand. Was this the day we went to a presentation by Joanne on what to do in the area?

Monday, August 3rd: We boarded a small bus at our resort and went to Quebec for a tour of the old part of the city. We had a delightful bus driver who not only was knowledgeable about the area but also had a good sense of humour. Our first stop was below the wall where we had a great view of the Chateau Frontenac as well as the grain elevators on the St. Lawrence. Next we made another stop below the wall in an area of restaurants and shops. We were given a short period of time to check out the area. We went inside Quebec City's oldest church, admired murals painted on outside building walls, and enjoyed getting the feel of Old Quebec. After this we went back to the bus and were taken inside the wall. We stopped at a vantage point where we had a good view of the St. Lawrence and could also see the Citadel. We later drove inside the walls of the Citadel. It was interesting to hear that although Montcalm and the French built the fort to defend themselves from the British they went outside the walls to battle the Brits. It seems they took the battle away from the city in order to protect the people living there. Both Wolfe and Montcalm were killed in battle and both lost about the same number of men. In negotiation, the British were declared winners. Later the Citadel was effective in protecting the British when they were attacked by American forces. Today the famous Quebec Vingt-deuxs reside within the walls of the Citadel. We were dropped off in front of City Hall and had two to three hours to explore on foot and have lunch. During this time we ate lunch at a crepery, had a ride on the Funiculaire (chair lift) from above the wall to below the wall and back, and took in some live street entertainment. Old Quebec City was enchanting and we certainly could have spent all of our holiday in that city. Another interesting note: Laval University was originally in Old Quebec City, not far from the Chateau Frontenac. It was later moved except for the Faculty of Architecture which remains in Old Quebec as there are so many examples of French and English architecture.

Note to Crystal K.: Your comments are appreciated. Thank you! I tried emailing you with your address from your blog but got the reply 'invalid address.'

Quebec: Day 1

View from our accommodation
Alice in our kitchen/living area

On Saturday, August 1st, Alice and her friend Cara picked me up at Laurel's house in Leduc, and we headed for the International Airport close by. (Helge had taken me to Laurel's the night before. Laurel had invited us and Lee and Marian for Friday night supper. It was great to have some quality visiting time with them. I was sorry to hear about cousin John's health issues.) We left the airport at 10:00 a.m. and arrived in Montreal at 3:45 p.m. Our travelling companion was a very pleasant teen who was returning home to St. Saveur after having visited his father in Edmonton.

Alice had arranged a Hertz rent-a-car through AMA to be picked up at the airport. The shocker was that the price was more than double what AMA had quoted. About 30% was tax: GST, PST, municipal tax, airport tax. Insurance was a huge chunk, about $400. Since we had not rented in eons we did not realize that we could have arranged insurance for a rental through our regular provider or that some credit card companies cover rental insurance. (We will have to look into this.)

Our rental vehicle was a small but cute blue Toyota Yaris. I took the wheel, whilst Alice navigated. (We had played these roles many times in the past, so this felt comfortable for both of us.) Our first challenge was getting out of Montreal. It took a bit of running around in circles, but we eventually made it. We headed east on Highway 40 on the northern side of the St. Lawrence. It was a beautiful drive. One of the exits along this highway was to Trois Riviere. We decided not to stop anywhere as we might have trouble getting back to the #40 and we wanted to reach our destination before dark. We arrived at Beaupre just as darkness was falling. The exit we were to take to Mont St. Anne to our accommodation was blocked by construction. We went straight through the intersection and turned around, taking the exit from the opposite direction. We arrived safely at our destination between 8 and 9 in the evening. After checking in, we ordered a late supper at the on site restaurant. Our pizza had too much cheese but it was good to eat after so many hours without any food or water.

Four Month Review

REVIEW IN PICTURES

Peace River: Shaking hands after adult's games is what the kids love best!
Parker, future hockey great - love soother/stick combo!

Spencer at Kindergarten Grad: Look at that focus!

Madison at Danish Canadian National Museum grounds

Three generations: Jonas, Melanie, and Alice at Vanessa's Baby Shower
Nadine and Makai at V's Baby Shower

Madison and Vanessa at V's Baby Shower

Genesis with Grandma Alice at V's Baby Shower

Vanessa's son Zech at her baby shower

Love my begonias

Judie and Barb at Innisfail Historical Village

Elaine and Inez Kimber on steam train

Marlene, Nola, Neil, Auntie Janet

Beautiful U of A Campus

Helge and Madison for Helge's 66th Birthday

Elaine, Joyce, Connie, and Cathy at Compassion House

Sonja and Elaine at Festival Place, Sherwood Park

Belgravia Books and Treasures

REVIEW IN TEXT

April Highlights (last half):

1. A most enjoyable visit from John Stone - artist, neighbour, and friend. John shared many of his past memories. He told us of a pet heifer he had as a child. Times were tough and the family needed to sell some cattle. Sadly the pet was the one the buyer desired. John always had a way with horses. As a young child he often sat on the plough behind the horses. When finished his work for the day he would be covered in dirt. In the early eighties John had about a hundred Arabian horses. Hard times meant having to sell. The amount of money he got for his horses was a mere fraction of what he had anticipated. John told of a horse that did tricks including standing on his hind legs. That horse was eventually sold. John later visited the horse at its new owners in B.C. It had become tired of performing tricks. The horse recognized John immediately and was more than happy to perform for him!!

2. Grand re-opening of Ravenwood Meats. This was an enjoyable day with good food, visiting friends (Maxine from Lazy M), and listening to music especially Allen Christie.

3. Dancing in the new James River Hall to the music of Allen Christie and Friends. Allen is a very talented local singer-songwriter.

May Highlights:

I had 20 days of radiation treatment at the Cross Cancer Center in Edmonton. Treatment was on weekdays only so I was able to go home a couple of weekends. During my time in Edmonton I stayed with Kai and Sonja at Kai's place. The exception was the one week that I stayed at Compassion House.

1. Visits with Auntie Janet, Nola, Neil, Marlene, Nadine, Franco, Aolani, Makai, and Theresa.

2. Compassion House: I enjoyed my stay at Compassion House, especially visiting with other people in a similar situation to my own. I did some beading with a Wellness Group that meets at the house once a week. I received beautiful gifts that had been donated to Compassion House: a raspberry prayer shawl and a mauve fan-and-feathers afghan. I had a fun evening of karaoke with Sayler Reins' daughter.

3. Belgravia Books and Treasures: The Cross Cancer Center was within walking distance of Compassion House so I enjoyed walking to the center whilst staying at the house. My most exciting find on this walking journey was this wonderful secondhand bookshop.

4. Checked out two beading/craft stores: Bedrock Supply recommended by Jackie Cooper and DeSerres at West Ed recommended by my niece, Vanessa. Crimpz Bead Boutique at Sherwood Park is on my 'to do' list.

5. Spent a day with my colleagues at the Excalibur Conference at Lister Hall. I also enjoyed a walk around the U of A (my alma mater) campus.

6. Celebrating Helge's 66th birthday. I tried a new recipe from Canadian Living we enjoyed: a lemon coconut cake.


June Highlights:

I laid low in the month of June. About a week-and-a-half after I had completed radiation I experienced some unpleasant side effects, including mucus discharge and large areas of exposed skin. My chemo oncologist, Dr. Tarakandirwa prescribed an antibiotic for me. This helped the healing process immensely.

1. We enjoyed a trip to Peace River and spending time with Jarl, Rebecca, grandsons Spencer and Parker.

2. I enjoyed a trip with the Caroline Red Hatters on the steam train from Stettler to Big Valley. We had a superb home-cooked meal at the Hall in Big Valley and had a small amount of time to look around. I purchased some homemade fudge and bread. I was impressed by the little antique shop in Big Valley and would like to return to spend more time there. I would also like to get a picture of the blue church.

3. Helge, Madison, and I enjoyed a tour of Sanctum Retreat given by Kristoph Dobrowolksi. Sanctum Retreat was founded by Kristoph and his wife Mariette, Catholic theologians and classically-trained musicians. It is located 4km west of Caroline and offers retreats for women, men, 12-step participants, clergy, etc. (See http://www.sanctumretreat.ca/) Sanctum Retreat is looking at the possibility of building senior accommodations on their property. Seniors thrive in an environment where they are connected and feel useful. They could help out at Sanctum by watering plants, baking or helping in whatever area they have interest.

Kristoph was a delightful host. We were invited to stay for supper in the Solarium dining room. Madison played outdoors with K&M's son who is close in age to her. Kristoph gave me a CD "Lilies of the Field," a presentation of scriptures set to music. He produced it for his Mother who also had breast cancer. (I was surprised to discover that a few Caroline locals had been working at Sanctum for some time, including Carmen Kanten, the wonderful cook. Carmen was one of the first people I met when I moved to Caroline. She is a neighbour, married to Oscar Kanten. She is originally from Puerto Rico and is a beautiful person inside and out. She lost her lower leg to cancer at the age of 15. This has not held her back in any way. She radiates beauty and joy!!)

July Highlights:

1. Madison, our granddaughter spending weekdays with us.

2. Canada Day: Pancake breakfast and parade in Spruce View. Visit to the Wildlife Museum in Sundre (recommended by John Stone.) Beef-on-a-bun and anniversary cake for supper followed by live entertainment (magician and comedian) to celebrate 100 years since opening of Sundre Post Office.

3. BBQ/Potluck at Carolyn and Charles Reum's. Charles' brother was visiting from the U.S. It was great to see Jana, Leilani, and Malia who were home for the occasion.

4. Helge, Madison and I enjoyed Aeblskiver Days at the Danish Canadian National Museum near Spruce View.

5. I enjoyed Friday afternoon tea (July 10th) with Pat, Judy, and Barb at the Innisfail Historical Society.

6. Helge, Madison and I enjoyed Fred Eaglesmith at the Grandview Stage Resort. Opening act was by the very enjoyable Ginn Sisters who also sing back-up for Fred.

7. My friend Judie and I attended performance of the Australian Group Jetty Road at Grandview Stage Resort. I did not enjoy this concert as much as I enjoyed Fred Eaglesmith. The sound mixing was not well done so it was often difficult to hear the voices. In addition, the two female singers were twins so there was little variation in vocal sound. Nevertheless, all were skilled musicians as well as vocalists.

8. Aina, Madison, and I attended a baby shower for niece Vanessa and new baby Genesis Faith, held at niece Melanie's home in Edmonton.

9. Kingman 100-year Reunion: My sister Alice reunited with a former boyfriend, Bill Hafner. It is exciting to share in her joy!! Alfie Myrhe, recalling the influence of the Baptist Bible Camp on his youth, played some old-time gosped tunes on his violin at the Sunday morning service. He also played "Danny Boy" in tribute to my Dad. I was not the only one wiping tears from my eyes!!

10. On a sad note, my Uncle Des passed away in July. He was a gentle spirit with a delightful sense of humour. He was widely read and could converse on a large range of topics.


August Highlights:


1. Two weeks in Quebec with sister Alice and her friend Linda. Another posting for this....

2. Madison spending last two weeks of August with us. She did a week of swimming lessons in Sundre last week (level 3.) She did not pass this level yet but hopefully gained confidence.

3. An afternoon visit from Grandson Spencer who was spending a week or so at the Lenz's, maternal grandparents.

4. Shilo School 100-year Anniversary. Excellent potluck and campfire music with Frank, Dick, and Jo Foesier, Bob Hall, and Merv Taylor.

5. Arrival of replica of Viking ship and Viking reenactment of dress and battles at Danish Canadian Museum in Spruce View.

6. Awareness (through CKUA) of music of Willy DeVille who recently passed.

NOTE: I would have like to have arranged my photos creatively throughout the text but am having difficulty with that process. I cannot get my 'cut and paste' to function in the blogger, and am not sure why. I've done it successfully before. Have I forgotten the process or do I need a new computer?!!