This morning I woke up to the sound of the snow plough outside my windows. Not really a surprise, as we got a bit of the white stuff already over the weekend, and the weather forecasts had predicted more to come. Still - rather an early start to "proper winter"... I think it's been a while since we last had this much snow this early!
I was prepared to stay in all day. As I had a home delivery from the supermarket on Friday, no need to go shopping for a while yet; and no other very urgent errands on my list either.
I had breakfast watching our new prime minister presenting her new government at a press conference. Then I had some cooking to do: roasting a big pan of chicken filets in the oven, for freezing in portions - but of which I also had some fresh with salad for lunch, while watching the whole gang of new (and old) ministers having a ceremonial cabinet meeting with our King and Crown Princess at the Royal Castle in Stockholm:
The speaker of the parliament explaining the chain of events to the Crown Princess and King...
The press (including me😉) was only allowed to be present at the opening of that meeting, though. After that, I looked out the window and saw that the snowing seemed to have stopped, and the sun had even come out. So I went down to my basement storage room and got out my very wintriest winter gear (which I had not expected to need for a while yet), and then ventured out for a walk after all. Not as troublesome as I had feared, actually. The paths on the old cemetery across the road turned out to have been better ploughed than the street just outside my building. So I was able to go for a walk there pretty much as usual, for some air and light and exercise - and some photos of a Winter Wonderland of fresh white snow. Obviously there hadn't been any strong winds with this snowfall...
(The sun is low this time of year...)
Even more snow expected for tomorrow, they say. Well, tomorrow is washing day for me anyway, so then I probably will be staying indoors...
Taking one day at a time, as far as possible.
It's all so beautiful! A winter wonderland. You were brave to venture out. But I guess you are used to it. Stay safe!
ReplyDeleteGinny, with the right footwear and "the right kind of snow" it can be okay. Often hard to know until one actually ventures out to try, though... At least nowadays I am usually free to choose for myself when to go out or not.
DeleteYesterday was one of those very rare days that never saw me setting a foot outside my front door - not even to take the rubbish out. This happens maybe a handful of times in the course of a year; either because the weather is so dismal (check), I am ill (not this time) or work keeps me too busy for even a short walk (check).
ReplyDeleteYours is truly a Winter Wonderland, Monica!
The last picture is my favourite of this set. Worth to be put on the December page of any photo calendar (although it was still November when you took it).
I have always liked Victoria. She already is a good crown princess and will be a good queen one day.
Thanks Meike. Today it was me not setting a foot outside ;)
DeleteCrown princess Victoria is often accompanying the king on occasions like this nowadays, I do think she'll be ready to take over when the time comes. (The king still seems quite fit and alert, though.)
The photos are beautiful, and like Librarian, the last one is my favourite too. Something about the low sun slanting through the trees is magical.
ReplyDeleteIn contrast to your snow, yesterday a friend and I went to a favourite beach side restaurant and sat outdoors, in the sunshine, to enjoy a celebratory meal for her birthday. It wasn't as warm as it usually is, but still very pleasant on the last day of November!
Thanks CG. I'm not all happy about the early winter, but there's not much one can do about it except try to make best use of the good moments...
DeleteAs always your snow pictures are beautiful and when it's like that it makes me a teeny bit envious and then I think of getting into town etc and am content to look at pictures. I'm sure your King and Queen have heard it all before but they look patient.
ReplyDeleteThanks Graham. I'd happily settle for perhaps just a dust of frost myself, especially this early in the season... Snow can indeed be beautiful, and it does brighten up the darkness; but it also causes a lot of trouble!
Deletewinter wonderland wonderful walk. so beautiful and sunny and cold but nice. cute little snowplow... i love the great big christmas tree in the cemetery. congrats to your new PM
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandra. Not much once can do except try to take advantage of the sunny moments :)
DeleteWhere in Sweden are you located? I visited Sweden twice back in the early 90's. I visited with friends in Amal. Just love your country - everyone is so friendly and the country is so clean and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHi Louanne. I'm in Borås, Västergötland. Some 200 km or so south of Åmål. And you?
DeleteGood Morning Dawn - I am about 5 miles east of Syracuse New York. Originally from Reading, PA and when I came to Sweden I was living in Shavertown, PA. Been in NY for 24 years now. I was in Sweden in your summer and in your winter - loved both times.
ReplyDeleteThanks Louanne. Always nice to know where comments come from as well :)
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