This is a sentiment that everyone in Sweden shares - winter's gone. And nothing could signal that more than the first blooms appearing. I can't tell you how much I miss seeing the green trees when it gets so cold and gloomy during the winter.

Welcome back spring!




When I conjure up spring in my mind and in my daydreams, the single powerful image that dominates is that of the first crocuses. I'm in good historical company in that regard. To acknowledge the changing season and as a gesture of celebration, the ancient Romans would scatter the very first crocuses of Spring across their banquet tables like so many small, vivid precious stones.

I love to look at the first blooms outside and honestly I cannot bring myself to pick the crocuses in my garden, but every year, the appearance of these little wonders is something to celebrate in my own way, just by looking at them. Everyone has small clusters of crocuses, tiny irises, and snowdrops in their lawn. I suppose that when Mother Nature forgets to display the other signs of spring like warmth and sun, these flowers serve as a reminder of what's to come: an end to the grey and the drab of Winter.




You can see that this garden across the road from us is still a combination of grayish green and yellow, but soon it will be bright green and verdant, glowing with the spring rains.

Our Easter Sunday was really enjoyable, if somewhat hectic. It was a rush to get the dinner organised then transport it all up to my mother-in-law's place, but it was worth it to see all of the family together again to welcome home Madde and wish her a very happy birthday. Everybody ate and drank heartily, talked and laughed together, looked at the hundreds of photographs that she took of her trip to India and Sri Lanka and the atmosphere was relaxed, casual and pleasurable. The beautiful sunny afternoon and evening also added to the ambience.




One thing we all discussed was our summer holiday plans, with everyone planning and looking forward to a summer of rock festivals, cycling tours, sailing and generally taking time out to enjoy the short but intense Swedish summer. The whole summer holiday period here is like an alternative reality. People go away, they dress differently, eat different food, including things that are seasonal, special and indulgent. They also behave differently. I find people here in July to be more relaxed, more sociable and more spontaneous. Just listening to everyone yesterday describing midsummer and the holiday month, they all spoke in terms of letting their hair down, having fun, celebrating, letting off steam, unwinding and going a bit mad for a change. And who can blame them when the manic-depressive Swedish weather does such an abrupt about face.




Three short weeks ago, this scene looked slightly different! I love how the year can be so drastically segmented, killed and reborn. There's such beauty in watching nature apparently wake up and bloom. I revel in the crispness in the air, coupled with cloudless skies and a renewed attitude, a longing to get out and experience the day.




I'll write more about our summer plans later in the week - now I have a cake to bake for tomorrow's fika with Madde - Lambi is going to be SO happy to see her again so soon. What a pity she leaves for her school in Skåne on Wednesday .... but it won't be long before she's back for summer holidays!