Well, I’m writing a blog post on the first of May, which is a holiday here in Sweden, and even though I didn’t say “Rabbits! Rabbits!” first thing when I woke up, I am writing it now, and that ought to count for something. It’s been an absolute stunner of a day, quite perfectly perfect: sunny, warm but not too warm, a cool breeze, blue skies, butterflies and bees and birds singing. The neighbor’s cat came around twice but is super shy, which is a bummer.
I slept in and then played games and read before doing anything of import. Anders was out in the garage working on the MG most of the day. I went to the grocery store, and then to the plantshop, and then replaced the wilting pansies in two pots with bright pink geraniums, and replaced the dead rose in the big pot under our bedroom window, and filled the 3 pots that are on the porch with pretty things. Then I came inside and cooled down for awhile. Later I went out on the deck and sat in the sunshine (and then under the umbrella) for a couple of hours. Anders took a nap in the patio swing. Maria called to see how my knee is doing (not great) and offered to give us some tomato and bell pepper plants. We’ll have to go buy some cucumbers because all of her seedlings died. Then I worked for a couple of hours (since I’m leaving early tomorrow) and then Anders and I ordered pizza.
The pizza place has 4 pizzas listed under the title “American” which means they have a thicker crust. I got a “Chicago” pizza, but am not sure how fillet of beef, bacon, and bernaise sauce translates to Chicago, but whatever, it was delicious and now I am stuffed.
In past times, we would have gotten tomorrow off since it’s a “pinch/bridge” day, but the company removed that benefit a few years back. Anders is going to fetch Maria early in the morning and they’re driving down to Höllviken for the handover of Ingvar’s house to the buyers. Then Anders has some errands in Malmö to run after dropping Maria back off, and then he’ll come home. I’m working until just after lunch. And then we are going to an auction house in Malmö (poor Anders!) to drop off a bunch of Ingvar’s things, but they don’t open until 1 pm. I had sent them several valuation inquiries on the paintings, figurines, and china service that we have, and they were optimistic enough in response that we think it’s worth it. So much other stuff has gone either to the dump or to charity, so it will be nice to see if what’s left will bring in a little money.
Karin helped Anders a couple of weeks ago when they rented a trailer and fetched all the furniture that was going to her, Martin, and Sofia. And Martin has spent two whole days helping Anders with emptying the house and carting trailerload after trailerload to the dump. After tomorrow, almost everything will be done, and I’m sure it’s a huge relief to both Anders and Maria. Cleaning out someone’s house (and yes, I’m including my mom’s) sure makes you look at your own stuff and household goods with narrowed eyes.
I have several projects involved family photos, photo books, and purging to start, but not today. The sun is still pretty high up in the sky and I’m going to have a relaxing and quiet evening.
Happy May Day!
mood: relaxed
music: Harry Styles—Late Night Talking