Using the Inner Eye

Struggling along the icy streets in town today, it occurred to me that I almost feel I don’t believe in summer any more.

Please tell me I’m wrong…?

“… blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed”.
John 21:29

Weather Or Not

In this part of Sweden (inland from the west coast) we cannot claim to have been really snowed in over Christmas. We got a thin layer of extra snow on Christmas morning but that’s it. Otherwise around here it just basically stayed cold, -10°C plus icy winds blowing.

The really nasty snowstorms seem to have kept to the south-east over Christmas (now moving north). Down in the SE all trains were cancelled on Christmas Eve, car queues on the roads got stuck in the snow for hours, and military vehicles were needed to get home care/medical staff out to patients in remote places, etc. The main problem was the strong winds which caused the snow to drift. They had to give up even trying to clear some of the smaller roads while it was at its worst.

Collage from news scenes on my TV screen

Myself I even got out for a bit of a walk in the afternoon of Christmas Eve, but I have no photographic evidence of it, since I got problems with the camera card. Maybe it froze or something!  Anyway I had to format it to get it sorted and the few Christmas Eve pictures I had on it got erased. Never mind, nothing important. (And my main errand was to pick up a parcel from the post office rather than to take photos.)

On Christmas Day I only went outside for ten minutes or so, which took me as far as the end of our street, from where I was able to take this photo of the sun setting behind a house across the road.

Today I won’t be going out at all. If I had any thoughts of it, they went away just now as I turned from the computer screen to look out the window in my study. Guess what? It’s snowing…

All Prepared…

Advent Calendar / 21 December

I posted a picture of this wall hanging last year, too, but I thought I’d show it to you again, in more detail.

The artist who made it was my mother. (Although she would never have called herself an artist.) I think she must have made it back in 60’s or early 70’s, although I cannot recall where it used to hang. (The house where my parents lived during the last two decades is not the house where I grew up.) Anyway… looking closely at it now, she put quite a lot of work into details:

… like candles, Christmas tree, and hyacinths in the windows!

Quoting myself from last year’s post:

“The landscape reminds me of another Christmas decoration from my early childhood which I think was found not worth saving when my parents moved in the early 90s. It was a little village of home made cardboard houses, church included, and little people made of home made play dough (flour, water and salt), dried in the oven and then painted with water colours. Each Christmas, my mum cleared the top shelf of my bookcase, rolled out a layer of white cotton wool over it, and then we placed the houses on top and built the village. There was also a little dam made by a mirror, on which people were “ice-skating”. When we'd built the landscape, we finished off by sprinkling some boric acid crystals on top to make it glitter like snow does when it's really cold outside.”

Today is that kind of day. When I got up around 8 in the morning, the thermometer outside my window showed -17°C (1,4 F). All the weather forecasts now seem to agree that Tuesday (today) and Wednesday will be very cold; and after that there’s another heavy snowfall coming in, lasting all through Christmas Eve…

Personally I’m all prepared now to let myself get snowbound over Christmas. I hadn’t got plans to go anywhere anyway. Not expecting visitors either. And after some initial bewilderment about how to feel about that, I think I’m now totally okay with it. Actually more than okay: Looking forward to it as a time of relaxation, with no obligations to fulfill.

I was able to pay a short visit to dad last week, together with two cousins of his. I could tell from details I noticed when I was there that he is being well looked after where he is living now, and that he has not been forgotten by old friends and acquaintances in the village either. (Several poinsettias and other Christmas flowers on the windowsills and table.) It’s a relief to know that he’s in a “safe” place this winter rather than living alone in the old house depending on home care staff making their way there through the snow. And in this kind of weather, I really also feel better knowing my brother won’t have to spend half the weekend out on the roads!

I’m pretty well stocked up with food and other necessities. I’ll be able to get out for some “extras” this afternoon. After that, I could stay snowbound for a week or more, if need be.

My indoors temperature is also back to normal lately. I think I mentioned here that a few weeks ago, it was so cold in the flat that I went out and bought myself an electric blanket to keep myself warm. But shortly after that, the indoors temperature went up again to a comfortable 22-23°. I hope it stays that way. (If it doesn’t, I still have the electric blanket!)

My Christmas decorations are up. I have plenty to eat. If I don’t like what’s on TV I have lots of favourites on DVD. I have unread books, lots of music, computer games and the internet...

All I really wish for is that all of my friends will be safe and comfortable as well; not finding themselves stuck in traffic or waiting endlessly at some train station or airport.

~ ♥ ♥ ♥ ~

Dreaming of a White Christmas?

Advent Calendar / 18 December

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas?

In Sweden, the early winter this year has already provided so much snow that the thought of even more of it is likely to cause nightmares rather than classic Bing Crosby sentimentality.

On Wednesday this week, we had had cold, clear day here in the south-west, around -13°C (8.5 F). In the night, the temperature rose to 0°C (32 F) in a few hours, and it started snowing (or raining, esp. closer to the coast). On top of that, a strong wind blowing. And it kept on snowing most of the day.

The top photo in this post was taken the day after the snowstorm; turned into black-and-white - not that that made much difference! –  and the snowfall effect was added in Picnik.

The photos below were taken through my windows in the snowfall.

  

The media warned people in this area from going out if they didn’t have to. I did not have to, so I took the advice and stayed in. As the day proceeded, I was more than glad that I did! 

 

The sudden temperature changes glazed some roads with ice, while others were blocked by heavy snowfall. Not for the first time this winter, trains stopped running and airports were closed. Accidents were multiple, especially along the west coast. Trucks went off the road and blocked the rest of the traffic. A bus turned over. In Gothenburg, pedestrians were unable to stay on their feet in the streets because the rain froze to ice as soon as it hit the ground. The Emergency Rooms at the hospitals were crowded. All ambulances were out picking up people in a never-ending queue, and they had to call in every orthopedic surgeon they could get hold of to take care of all the fractures.

Friday morning, I again woke up to -13°C, and a bleak sun sometimes peeking out from behind the clouds.

I managed to get into town by bus in the morning to get some groceries; and later a short walk to the small local shop as well. So if necessary, I’m all set to get snowed in again over the weekend! More snow is predicted, after which it will get colder again.

Most likely, Christmas will be white and cold all over the country. That is far from always the case here in the south.

My local newspaper had some statistics: In our town, looking back over the past 20 years, 13 Christmases out of 20 were NOT white. Last year was actually the first white Christmas we’d had since 2001. But December this year will probably turn out the coldest December in Sweden in 100 years - or even 150, someone just said on the news!

Ten Minutes From Home

Advent Calendar / 10 December

… and also my post for: Friday My Town Shoot Out

“The theme for December 10th is a little different than what we are used to. 10 Minutes from Home. You can travel any way you would like, just let us know how you ended up 10 minutes from home. Walking, bike, drive a car, maybe ride a horse! --- After you get 10 minutes from home, show us what is there. So, in a way, this is a mystery for all of us!”

 

Unfortunately, 10 minutes walk in winter snow does not bring me quite as far as 10 minutes walk in the summer usually does. In the summer, I think 10 minutes would be enough to get me all the way into the little park beyond the white house on the left – the park I call my Butterfly Park.

This week (7 December) this was as far as I got in that direction in 10 minutes. Looking around, my eyes also fell on this snowy bike:

I’m  sure it must be the same bike took a photo of last winter?! (More accurately: less than ten months ago.)

 

Has there really been a summer in between?
Or was that just a dream…?

The Christmas Bunny

Advent Calendar / 8 December

What? You never heard of the Christmas Bunny? Well, to me it makes as much sense  as an Easter Bunny bringing Easter eggs!

Actually, the bunny sculpture stands in our town park all-year-round, but the snow gives him an extra interesting face expression. The Winter Wonderland surrounding him also enhances the associations with Alice in Wonderland (which inspired the artist).*

Here is proof that the Christmas Hare actually exists:

I saw him through my window one night last week. He was digging through the snow to get at the grass underneath, poor thing.

Then another one popped up in the gadget at the bottom of my blog page. Apparently there were Christmas Bunnies as early as back in the 16th century:

Snowy footnotes:
* The name of the the sculpture in the first picture is Mate Hunting,
and the artist Marianne Lindberg De Geer (born 1946).
*  Thankyou to Picnik (now accessible directly from Picasa) for the Christmassy frames and the Santa hat.
* Apologies to Albrecht Dürer (1421-1528) and Random Classic Art.

 

The Birds

Watery Wednesday

On a cold winter day, the river might look  deceitfully peaceful.

Beware though… If you get close to the water, and start fiddling with the zipper on your bag, the hungry ducks are expecting something a lot more appetizing than a camera to appear!

Help… I’d better get away from here before I find myself in a scenario resembling The Birds by Alfred Hitchcock… Some of the ducks actually flew up at me; and at the same time doves were beginning to move in from above… I fled!

Getting Ready…

 

It’s the 1st Advent Sunday this weekend.
The town is getting prepared, and so am I. At least trying to.

It was snowing Monday through Thursday this week, and then the temperature dropped even more to around -8°C (17°F). Forecasts say it’s going to remain cold. This means really early winter for south-west Sweden. Most of the years I’ve lived in this town (25 in January) we have not had snow for Christmas. Last year snow came to stay around Mid December. This year the first snowfall was 22 October, and it’s been more or less continuously frosty/snowy since early November. It’s going to be a very long winter! I’m not a fan of long winters. But there’s really nothing I can do to escape. Even the indoors temperature is lower than it was last winter. I feel like I suddenly have to bundle up like the Michelin man even indoors.

An Ordinary Day

Above and below: Traffic pictures from the local newspaper.

Yesterday we had a snowstorm again. I did not have any plans to go out anyway, so I just stayed in, and wasn’t really much bothered. I was rather surprised to learn in the afternoon that it had been so bad that it brought a total stop to all the bus traffic in town! It did not look all that bad from my windows. I could see there was a strong wind, but the layer of snow was not very thick. But apparently the roads were really icy, and lots of road accidents were reported from all over the area. And in town, the busses were standing still, and people had to walk, or call for taxis, or stay where they were.

Today I had a lunch date planned with a friend. Doesn’t happen too often and I was looking forward to it. The storm has passed, and the snow was thawing again this morning. I was all set on going out for lunch. But it was not to be. My friend woke up with a cold and called to cancel. So I guess I’m in for a less exciting and much more ordinary lunch today: Soup from a can…

Better get used to it, I suppose. All of it: Snowstorms, colds, cancelled plans, and canned soup… It’s winter.

 

Oh No. First Snow…!

Through my kitchen window, a few minutes ago…

Earlier today, a perfectly fine autumn day:

I was at my health care centre this afternoon and got the flu shot for the season. I’m suspecting it must have contained some real knockout stuff, because when I got home (sun still shining outside, and no hint of snow), I felt so tired I headed straight for the bed…

I’m sitting up just now, though. Got a bit of a shock looking out that window…! 

Oh well. If need be, I’m prepared to go into hibernation for the weekend. Picked up a few groceries before I took the bus home…

Livin' on the Edge

After a few days of thaw and rain, yesterday we had a snowstorm going on all day again, leaving a new layer of snow on top of the freezing slush beneath. Today after a cold night the sun was back, but the temperature has stayed below zero all day (at least in the shadow).

Not having set foot outside my flat for three whole days (since my fall on Friday!) I gathered up my courage to get myself out again today, and on a bus into town to get a few groceries. In the town centre there are some streets and pavements kept ice-free (by heating pipes under ground). No such luck between my flat and the bus stop... But - not to keep you in suspense! - today I managed to stay on my feet.

Isn't my life exciting?!

(Mind you, grocery shopping can be as dangerous an activity as many others these days. I've mentioned before that the unusual amounts of snow have caused several roofs of big buildings like sports centres etc to cave in lately. Yesterday, this also happened at a big supermarket in another town. Luckily everyone inside managed to get out and no one got injured.)

I'm not sure I dare write it down, but for Thursday I actually have Plans. Unless new snowstorms or other calamities happen to find us in between, a friend and I are going to make an attempt to go and see an art exhibition. Wish us luck! (Not that it's far to go; it's just one of those things that we keep talking about and never seem to get round to, and now there are only a few days left before it closes.)

The photo at the top is not from today but might as well be.

Rise and Fall

Since last night we've had a rise in temperature. A bit of rain on top of the snow. Not nearly enough to wash it all away though. Just enough to cause more problems with collapsing roofs, falling icicles, icy roads, delays in public transport etc...

Not having been out for two days, I still ventured out for a short walk to the nearest convenience store. Stupid idea. For the first time this winter, I slipped and fell. Didn't break anything, and luckily I landed in a heap of snow, and mainly on the part of my body designed for the purpose (sitting down). But also took a thrust with my right shoulder/arm (the bad one) with a shot of pain all the way up to the most painful spot in my neck.

So - foreseeing more time flat on my back* over the next few days, and less at the computer...

*PS. Reading this post over, the morning after, I feel that I should perhaps add that I was referring to lying flat on my back on my bed or couch - not out on the streets! ('Cos I'm not going out there again this weekend, unless some dire emergency forces me to!) LOL

Going Nowhere

Haven't been out since Tuesday. Had my "exercises" (hm) with laundry and vaccuuming. Today we've had a brand new layer of snow again.

Since the weekend, more roofs of sports centres and such buildings have kept caving in (in quite a number of different places in southern Sweden). Some schools have also been shut because of the risk of similar things happening. There have been serious delays in train traffic (for example, no trains at all running on Monday between Stockholm - Göteborg, our two biggest cities). And the media of course delight in interviewing everyone about who is to blame.
(Who IS in charge of weather?)

Meanwhile, I have my own petty complaints like the weird sensation of being (painfully) aware of every bone inside my body. Hey, I know they're there, but do they have to keep reminding me...?

Picture found by Google picture search.

Pedestrian Problems

Choosing some pictures today to give you an idea of the snow problems from pedestrian point of view. Here and there you do find a nicely ploughed sidewalk, going on for a bit - until...



... it suddenly stops! In this street corner, someone pushing a walker or pram or wheelchair, or for other reasons unable to "climb", just wouldn't get any further!



A pedestrian crossing over a heavily trafficated road - but if you manage to get across... surprise, surprise... you'll just find yourself facing another wall of snow, with nowhere to go!

The Snow Situation

Going out for a walk in another direction today, I have to say the snow situation right now is really quite extraordinary. I don't think I've seen this much snow since the mid 80's, if even then. I moved to this town in January 1986 and I know the first two winters I spent here were very cold with lots of snow. But this much? I'm not sure.

At the same time I'm finding it a real challenge to quite catch the situation with the camera. It's hard to find definite points of reference; and the snow in itself gives so very little contrast.






My Friends-who-prefer-not-to-use-the-computer
will have to rethink soon!

And it has just started snowing again...

Waterhole

Most of the year, twice a week, I go to the hospital for individual physiotherapy exercises in the Rehab pool (which keeps a temperature of +33°C). This because of my neck/shoulder problems. After six months though (unless there are very special medical reasons) we have to take a break for three months, because there is a queue of patients waiting for their chance.

So far, since they introduced the three-months-break-every-six-months rule, I have been lucky: My first break fell in the early autumn and just after I had moved from one flat to another (so I really had a lot of things to keep me busy). And then last year the break was over the summer months.

After that I've had another six months training period lasting from late August until today. In the winter especially, although it is an extra effort with all the extra clothes etc, I really really appreciate the opportunity for exercises in wam water. I also find it serves as a kind of 'light therapy' because of the large windows and lamps and the reflections in the water. And even if I don't usually chat a whole lot with my fellow penguins on these occasions, it still also means getting out "among people" and seeing some familiar faces.

Today was my last appointment before the next long break. Yesterday, looking at the snow situation and weather forecast, I thought: No, I'll have to cancel. I did however set my alarm clock for the usual time this morning. I got up, and I looked at the thermometer outside my window: -16°C. That really is cold! But there had been no more snow to speak of falling over the night. The roads were ploughed yesterday. The busses would probably be running again. There did not seem to be much of a wind - yet. And it was my last opportunity for a very long while... So I plucked up my courage and determination, packed my gear, and got dressed (layer upon layer). I then as usual kept a lookout through the window for the bus, because this time of the year (trees bare) I can see it as it passes by (on a road some distance away) in this direction. And then at least I know it has not got stuck in some heap of snow (there is a tricky hill it has to get over on its way), and I have just enough time to put on my outdoor clothes and go catch it as it returns...

Then the phone rang, just a couple of minutes before I would have to leave. The call was from staff at the pool: No caved in roof (see yesterday's post), but they are having problems with frozen pipes! So they had to cancel! 

I'm so glad the call came before I left! (And that I answered!) It would have felt like such a waste of energy to get there just to find the place closed.

I'm now trying to pluck up that courage and determination again, to go out for a bit of a walk instead. (Without having to drag a heavy bag along.) At least I'm already half dressed for it... Maybe!  

... And On ...

With the help of extra anti-sliding-devices in addition to the ones already permanently attached to my snow-boots, I did manage today to fulfill my mission to post the letter to my Friend-who-prefers-not-to-use-the-computer.

In spite of being well shod, it was quite an Expotition. I did not bring Provisions when I set out; but since the letterbox is next to a grocery shop, I did manage bring some home with me. (Provisions, I mean. Things To Eat.)

Sorry - I've been reading Winnie-the-Pooh again:
An Expotition to the North Pole...


There's really nothing better to lean on in this weather.




Somehow it did not seem very tempting today to sit down and eat my Provisions at one of the picnic tables spread around the neighbourhood.





On a more serious note:

Picture from local newspaper website

The roof of a sports centre caved in yesterday, from the weight of the snow. Luckily the football team practising inside managed to get out in time and no one was injured. But according to the paper they had only 15 seconds to get out from when they first understood what was happening until the whole roof collapsed. (They had to leave their outdoor clothes behind.) The same kind of thing has happened with sports centres in other towns, and also warehouses etc (i.e. buildings with flat roofs).

Now all sports centres in the area have been closed for the time being.

A lot of busses and trains were also delayed and cancelled this weekend.

More snow is expected tomorrow...
And even more later on in the week...

. ~ . ~ . ~ .

'My tail's getting cold. I don't want to mention it, but I just mention it. I don't want to complain, but there it is. My tail's cold.'
~Eeyore~