The Lindahl News: Abroad Edition

While we may have spent a lot of time eating and fika-ing, there was just so much more that we did with John and Kari when they visited us in Jonkoping!  We walked. We talked. We played games like Rook and Yahtzee. They learned how to play Rummy 500. We hung around in our pajamas. We did some Christmas shopping. We got caught up with the lives of our Grandsons whom we miss so very much. Since these two became parents to three active boys, it's been a challenge just to have a conversation that goes from start to finish.  All very wonderful, to be sure, but a challenge none-the-less. So when I say we talked, it was just such a gift. These two mean the world to us and it was lovely to get to spend time with them! They are now back at home but their visit refreshed us. Just as the visit from Anne and E and M refreshed us. To be honest, there have been times here where my heart aches from loneliness of being so far away from my family....

Did you happen to see Wes recently back in the Chicago area?  He had to go back to attend to business at North Park University.  I did not go with him. First order of business for him? Bring treats to work for fika. It was a pretty intense time at work, but he knew the motivation was there to persevere: soon he'd be visiting the family.  Just take a look at the smile on his face!       And see how much the youngest has grown? He's Wiggle Pants now! Meanwhile, back in Sweden... I tried to not be a bit jealous. And thankful for Facetime. My plan was to keep busy.  Armed with a borrowed sewing machine and fabrics from IKEA, I'd like to think I got a bit of a jump on Christmas presents. Sorry, I can't show them here!  At short notice, Thursday became Game Night at our apartment! It was such fun to see Americans and Swedes playing card games, word games and learning good 'ol Rook!  App...