Nothing But Blue Skies

   Did I say I would check in later in the week? I meant month, cause we have had nothing but blue skies since I left you!
      I just came in from a run around the park and it was another beautiful day. As I went over my first hill a small flock of  pigeons took off all around me and it was wonderful! The sun was bright, the leaves coming down, and the grass deep green with a covering of yellow and orange. A moment in life, when you just smile to yourself, and say thank God I am alive!
     My past month has been like this, lovely days one after the other. OK, a few might have been completely frustrating, like the day I took Grunnar to the vet for his pet passport.(They couldn't find his microchip, or documentation at the airport so they thought I had brought him in  illegally). After 3.5hrs at the vet's office, I was escorted to the airport where Gunnar was going to be taken from me, unless his chip could be detected. Luckily, it was just that the vet's equipment was faulty, and the microchip was immediately scanned by customs. Everyone apologized for the inconvenience. (The escapade took the whole day, and cost $130.00 in taxi fares, running Gunnar and I back and forth to the airport.) But, stuff like that happens here. The good news was that the vet did not charge me for the time I was detained at their offices.
     Anyway, there are a few of those days, anywhere you live, right? For the most part, the month has been blue skies. Now that our sea cargo has arrived and we are settled, our developement has been social. I am a member of the International Women's Club, the American Women's Club, a book group, and two walking groups ( I rotate every other Friday). Yes,I probably over did it, but I was worried about isolation during those short cold winter months. I had no idea of the social networks available to expats. If I chose to, I could be busy with one group or the other, five days a week. Next week for example, book club meets Monday. Tuesday I have been invited to the British Women's club for lunch to hear a speaker who grew up in India as a missionary"s child. Wednesday, I am having my friends over for lunch so they can check out the pad. Thursday is a tour of the House of Nobility with the IWC. And Friday, of course, is a long walk somewhere in Stockholm, and lunch with friends. Saturday, Tom and I are attending the IWC 50th year gala. Sunday, we have invited neighbors for wine.
     Tom and I have never been so social. People are calling frequently to have dinner, go to a movie, or attend a gospel concert. I have been overwhelmed by their kindness! In turn, we have tried to have many back. We feel well established and very lucky to be here in Stockholm. I am not expecting these beautiful skies to remain long, where are those harsh Swedish winters? But we are now unpacked, connected, and ready to face them. Gunnar has been praying for snow, then Mom might stay in for a change. Be well, I miss you all and hope you will come for a visit!