Kitty’s Place

Today is a reading day at home and I have gotten as far as taking out my calculator to do math. *laugh* Because tomorrow is labour day in Sweden, many places have made today some sort of holiday so that we could have a 4 day weekend. My fellow is working from home, the kidlet got today off “in lieu of” after going to school on a Saturday earlier in the year so people could see actual school in progress at the open house. Everyone moved at snail pace, we had breakfast, lazed about, had showers, lazed about, I ran with Rusty then came home and made lunch and now I am lazing about again. *grin* We just filled in the application for violin lessons for the kidlet. He chose in order of preference: violin, drums, cello. So we will see what transpires. Tonight is Walpurgis, so we will go to the bonfire and likely take the kidlet around the carnival that is in town. I am hoping to have a cosy evening with my fellow once the kidlet is gone to bed.
Yesterday was really laid back. I never went out at all, my fellow did go out and run with Rusty. We did some unpacking and sorting, had a makeshift kind of dinner. I think we were all exhausted from our week.

Tomorrow we will go to the labour day celebrations in the park, then the kidlet has a birthday party to attend.

So university is on the horizon and I am really torn. I want to go and complete my degree here, so I can work as a registered nurse, but then I think about how terrible the working conditions were when I left nursing in Canada. Overworked and underpaid, doing the work of several support staff whose jobs had been eliminated so we had to take up the slack. It was not unusual to go my entire 12 hours shift without any type of break. I often ate while going out around with the medication cart. From what I have heard, things in Sweden are heading into that sort of working conditions and I don’t want to work like that again. So I have been debating working as a registered practical nurse instead. Less responsibility, more patient contact and I could see the lay of the land. I am afraid if I don’t go to school now though, I never will. I am 49 and if I complete my education now, I can work for 15 years in my chosen profession. If I go to work now, it may be that we will realize it is nicer to have that second income even if it is lower than it could be and I won’t get back to school at all. So the weighing is on. *laugh*

Here I am back in Märsta, settling in to home and still missing London. We flew out at 1815 after a long check in. Uneventful flight home and then a short wait for baggage before I was free to hurry out to my fellows. Got a big hug from the kidlet which made coming home well worth it. Both dogs were waiting in the car and it was nice to see them too. *laugh* By the time we got home here it was after 2200 so the kidlet got ready for bed and then I gave him his gifts and his dad got his as well. Then he settled off to sleep and we had something to eat. A glass of wine was also on the agenda. Our internet connection was flakey so we headed to bed fairly early.

This morning I slept in and then got up and just schlepped about not concerned about time because there was nothing on the agenda … until the kidlet mentioned at 11:30 that he had a birthday party to go to at 1300. Well then the rush was on. *laugh* We all showered and dressed and then went gift shopping, got it wrapped and a card written out and were at the party at 1305. Ibo and I got invited in for coffee and ended up staying. It was lots of fun. The birthday boy’s dad and I met a couple of years ago and his mom is on the board of education with my fellow. So it was nice for us to get some time to visit with the one we didn’t know so well. I have recruited her to help with the kids party in August. So it was a fun couple of hours for all. Then we headed home and Ibo ran some with Rusty while I got started sorting laundry. We did some cleaning, dishes and laundry and then it was dinner time. Now I am taking a short break before hanging out clothes and getting the next load drying.

This morning I packed up everything and we checked out of our rooms, leaving our luggage locked into a storage space until it is time to go to the airport. Everyone headed in different directions but I stayed here in the area we stayed in, for a number of reasons. One is that my feet told me that they had walked enough this week, two is that I had no desire to shop, three is that I wanted to check out the market here. So after a leisurely coffee and a short chat with my fellow online, I walked about a bit, spent some time in the market, which was full of colours and smells and was fun. Then I went and bought a sandwich and mineral water and went to a little park where I sat in the sun and ate, reading a book, people watching and having a little cry.

This is the bittersweet part, I am so missing my fellow and our son, missing the dogs and our home that I am longing to get on the plane and go home. Then I look around here and listen to people walking past and I want so badly to stay. I did not realize how much I missed my own language until this trip. People around here are “my” people. They have the same type of cultural reactions I am used to, I have missed hearing things like a casual “sorry love” when someone walks between me and the sign I am reading, I have missed having men actually open doors for me, have missed that “little extra” service attitude. But mostly I have missed my language. To walk in anywhere and just read the signs without having to do automatic translation, to know that when the person in front of me begins to speak, I won’t have to struggle to understand the nuances of their words, it is all so automatic and comfortable. I could live here. As much as I love Sweden and have made a life there and am now comfortable with the language, it will never be to me what an english speaking country would be. I think what really brought it home was the switching to swedish with my classmates while speaking english with people here. When I had to use swedish I could feel that little tensing in my body, that tiny worry that I wouldn’t understand everything they said to me or that I would not be able to articulate my own thoughts properly to them. I live with that feeling all the time in Sweden, even at home where LL will try to tell me something and use a swedish word I don’t recognize and then we have to try to sort out the translation between us. I know this feeling will fade when I am home and get my hugs and kisses and am drenched in swedish culture and language again. But just for the moment, I am feeling totally disoriented and sad. *laugh*

Dinner was really nice, we ate at a turkish place and the food was great. I had a lot of laughs during dinner and enjoyed the time with my classmates. We got back to the hostel about 2200 and I went and had a quick glass of wine at the bar here. It is called Belushi’s and I just could not go home without actually having gone in and had a drink there.

Now I am off to pack stuff for the morning and then to bed. Tomorrow night I will be sleeping in my own bed with my usual bedmates, human and canine and I can hardly wait. *laugh*

Today was the tower, great fun, interesting and the tour was cool. I was there for about 3 hours, saw the crown jewels, the armoury, the bloody tower. All the touristy things but it was still incredible … this is a place I have read about and wanted to see for many many years. Just another dream come true on this trip. I got some gifts for the kidlet and something for my fellow.

Then I headed to Camden and the market. Met up with a classmate there and we spent the next 5 hours exploring stalls and stores and nooks and crannies. Lots of piercing and tattoo places, I really wanted to get a tattoo but restrained myself. Didn’t find any fun new jewellry for any of my piercings but it was fun to look. *laugh* For “lunch” I indulged in a piece of apple cake with walnuts, something I would never think of at home since I avoid the food my fellow has allergies to when I am with him. I looked at corsets and wigs and lots of cool stockings and we had some laughs. I think this trip has cemented a friendship that will be one of those that lasts forever and I am glad about that. Special friends are a rarity and this has that feel, a rare wonder.

Tonight we are going out to dinner, the whole group and it will paid for by the school. Should be fun. Tomorrow we check out in the morning and then head to the airport at 14:30. I am debating going along to Soho in our free time, if it is half the fun of today it will be a treat. But most of all I am so looking forward to seeing my fellows tomorrow night. I miss them both incredibly much. *smile*

So the musical was terrific. We had great seats and of course being a long time Queen fan, the music was magical. The star of the show was a swedish fellow …. I can’t escape these guys, it really is my fate. *laugh*

I bought the first souvenier for myself, a program. It was over at 2230 and then there was a long slow walk out of the theatre, battling crowds of kids who weren’t even thought of when Queen was at the top. I still don’t feel old though. *laugh* (I am however getting frustrated with this non swedish keyboard, things are in the wrong place! *grin*)

The group heading out to the pub after got ahead of me and I could not get to the subway stairs to follow along, so I am back at the hostel, listening to Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5. The bar here is called Belushi’s and there are statues and bust of Jake and Elwood. Too funny. Ludde pointed out that he is the first Elwood to actually have stayed here.

Tomorrow I am going to the Tower of London in the morning and then hitting some markets in the afternoon. I want to find LL something with his name on it, an actual possibility here in the UK. Speaking of LL, when I phoned tonight he said he had tried the clarinet, the violin, the drums and the cello at try outs for kulturskolan. He would like to learn to play the violin so we will send in his application for a spot when I get home.

Speaking of home, my fellow should be there now. Sleeping in our bed and the big red dog should be there with him. Wish I was too. I miss that 33 kg sleeping on my legs and my fellow too of course.

Well I have been invited to go into the bar here for a drink and am debating the offer. Will update again when there is something new and exciting to say. *smile*

Quick update. This morning we had walkabout and saw lots of nice old buildings. Then we met back at the hostel and headed to the Globe theatre. We had a tour there and it was really interesting. I can imagine what it must have been in Shakespeare’s day, me who am such a fan of his plays.

After the tour I shopped in the souvenier shop and then waited a half hour for Carolyn. It was wonderful to see her again, has been a year and a half since we last met in person. We went to a greek restaurant for lunch, then walked over to London City and St. Paul’s cathedral. We came back on the wobbly bridge and then had coffee at Southwark cathedral. Lots of talking, lots of laughing and good company for the third day in a row. This has been a great trip on that front.

We are going to a musical tonight, we actually leave here in 15 minutes and then I have been invited out to a pub after and have accepted. Small group which should be fun, I think I might even have a drink in hopes I sleep a bit better. *laugh*

I miss my family, Ibo, LL, Rusty, Susan and can’t wait to get home and be with all of them again!

Here I am in London, who would ever have thought it? After a scramble sorting out places for the kidlet and the dogs when Ibo had to go to Amsterdam while I was in London, we were up at 0400 on Monday morning and headed to Arlanda at 0500. Farmor and farfar are taking wonderful care of the kidlet and Susan, Rusty is out at Applegrove with Lena, Olov and all his family. It was so wonderful that we could take him there, otherwise I was going to stay home. Instead I am sitting in our hostel updating after a fun day.

Our plane was delayed for take off for an hour so we were late arriving but it really didn’ cause any problems. We made our way from Heathrow to St. Christoper’s Inn Village by subway and left our bags in their baggage room since it was too early to check in. We made our way out and walked a bit around the hostel location finally choosing a fish and chip place for lunch. Then we headed back here to meet up with a tour guide who took us on a walking tour. I left the tour early and came back here to meet up with Lori, at long last, 11 years after meeting her online. It was lovely, we had coffee, walked in a cute park, talked and talked and talked. She brought with a bunch of books and a magazine with an article about … John Travolta! After she headed home, I went over to the grocery store across the street and bought a wrap, a pastry and drink and then came back to my room where I chilled. For some reason I could not call or sms to Sweden, but I could to Ibo in Amsterdam. So no call to my son Monday. My room mates were back about 2100 and it was lights out at 2200.

This morning I was up at 0630, showered and got ready for the day. We had breakfast in the bar at 0730 and then headed out on a bus for Stonehenge and Bath, at 0830. It was a cloudy day but it was still a great trip. I laughed so much, good company is hard to find and I have to say I had it all day today. Stonehenge, a place I have longed to see for most of life, was fabulous. It was like seeing magic in front of me. Took lots of pictures and got some souveniers for the kidlet. The we headed to Bath. Had lunch there and then walked about checking out buildings and stores and sights for 3 hours. It is a really lovely spot and I have to say it was fun and relaxing there. The bus trio home took 2 1/2 hours and was full of laughter, we chuckled over signage and sights and it was all in english. Who could ask for more? *laugh*

Once we got home I called and spoke with Llywellyn and heard how much he was enjoying his week. I had planned on going out to dinner with the group and doing some sightseeing, but by the time we got to the subway, I was knackered, so I came back here, picked up a sandwich and decided to update.

Tomorrow is a tour of the Globe Theatre and then we are going to the Queen musical in the evening, We will Rock You. In the morning and between the Globe and the musical, we are going to see some sights, the palace, Big Ben and such. Am looking forward to that!

I have to say I can’t quite believe I am here. London is a place I have read about and dreamed of since I was a child and here I am, seeing the things I have only ever seen in books before. I am falling in love with the city and every time I walk past the recruiting agency with all the signs for nursing jobs in the window, I think “what a dream”. *smile*

I didn’t get done with my assignments so I need to work at them again today. Did get a lot of laundry done and so today will be bed stripping and such. Phoned and checked on my son and he is having a great time at his grandmothers.

Went off to my meeting at 1755, leaving in my wake the remains of a wicker basket the dog dismantled while I was making dinner. Ibo called about 2000 and said he was on his way to get Rusty xrayed, so I left my meeting (which was pretty much over anyway) and met him. We drove out to the middle of nowhere, ok it was actually a place called Gudby Djurklinik in Upplands Väsby. *laugh* We got there 25 minutes early. The dog that we met in the waiting room went in and oh the crying and whining that we heard. Rusty’s eyes got big and Ibo said it was like going to the dentist. When they came out, the owner said they were really not as bad as it sounded. *laugh* Then we waited for another dog to have its’ xray and a woman came in with her cat in a carrier. Finally it was Rusty’s turn after a long wait. Ibo took him out so the vet could see him run and the vet saw too that his leg turns in.

The vet himself is Lars Audell and checking online it appears he is a very well known vet here in Sweden. A vetrinary radiologist, one of the top in the country. He was a very nice man, was great with Rusty, thought Rusty was a bit wild and that he was a bit to the overweight side, because he couldn’t feel his ribs as easily as he thought he should with irish setters. Rusty got a needle to calm him down and then we went back to wait in the waiting room. The woman with the cat went in and when she came out she had tears in her eyes and told Rusty he could go and smell the carrier now, the cat was gone. I felt so bad for her, having had to take two pets in to be put to sleep.

So into the office again and they lifted Rusty up and lay him on his back with his upper body in a trough with sheepskin in it. Ibo got a cool lead apron and held Rusty’s upper body while the vet positioned his lower body so that he would get a good picture. It went quickly and then we got to see the xray on the computer screen and he explained it. Rusty had nothing wrong with his knees, nothing wrong with his hips, he does however have a bit less muscle mass in his left leg so that is likely why he is turning it in, he is not using it in the same way as the right. The vet said we need to trot him, not run him, so he has to use both legs evenly and this will build the muscle up. I trot him a bit in our training for showing him but now I will start trotting him when we do the 2.5 km round as well. One thing the vet said was that we could cycle with Rusty, if he was less wild and better behaved. *laugh* I have actually been training on the bike at the gym so I can do this with Rusty.

Our little puppy (who turned 10  months yesterday) was so groggy and “stoned” when we got home. Ibo had to lift him into the car and once home he tried to go upstairs but was so uncoordinated that Ibo had to retrieve him and carry him back down. This morning he is “hung over”, still a bit groggy, shuffling about and knocking things over when he walks about. This is not unexpected and I am sure when he wakes up from his current nap he will be a bit perkier. *laugh*

My birthday was nice. Rose came and had lunch and a visit. She baked sugar cookies for me, what a treat. She was concerned because I was not my usual positive self, but I think life is just getting me down these days.

But the day went on, much as life does and I had Ibo’s family here for dinner and ice cream. I got a lovely plant and scratch tickets from them and a matching gift from the kidlet and his father. Won a total of 80 crowns so I will trade them in for new tickets.

Wednesday LL went to a friend’s for a few hours. We missed our bus and then the bus that we took went past the bus stop. It was not a good bus day. *laugh* After I dropped him off I did some errands and came home where I found Rusty out of his “pen”. He has figured out that he can knock over the gates we have up and they won’t bite him or do anything else scary. So he just opened up the one that closes him into the laundry room and came out. He was good, didn’t destroy anything. So when I went out later I left him out and he was fine. I took him out for the 2.5 km walk and then some play time in the dog run. I also did 3 loads of laundry and filled the dishwasher. LL got home at 1500 and the mom of the boy he was playing with, came in for a little look about the house. Rusty really liked her, not like Stefan, who he was scared of. Then we headed off to the centrum where I left the kidlet with his grandmother. I picked up Ibo’s glasses, using the last of my money to pay for the repairs necessitated by “my dog”. It is going to be a rather hungry time in London. *laugh* I loved that I got an email from Lena saying that if I want to do the handlers course I would have to join the ISF because it is Ibo who is a member since he is Rusty’s owner. Ibo points out that Rusty is my dog when he does bad things, when he needs to go out in bad weather, early in the morning or late at night. *laugh* From the centrum I headed to the station and took a train into Stockholm where I went to Monks Cafe and met with a group from the Canadian Club. We were planning the Canada Day party and talked some about other events for the year. It was fun even though it was again obvious I am not a good Canadian, I don’t like beer. *laugh* I left there a bit after 2100, stopped and picked us up sushi and pizza from Pizza Hut before getting on the train home. Ibo picked me up and we came home and ate and then headed to bed.

This morning I got up and cooked up something for Ibo’s lunch, made his breakfast and saw him off to work.  Then I continued on with laundry and emptied the dishwasher. I have had Rusty and Susan out for a couple of walks as well as doing the 2.5 km and playtime with Rusty. My major task today has been working on a couple of big assignments I need to get completed before next Friday. It is coming down to the wire now with school and I just want to be done with it. I so desperately need to get done and get self sufficient here. *smile*