Happy Halloween!

Today is Halloween here in the US. People put on Halloween costumes and go around to other people's houses to do trick or treat. In recent years, this event has spread to many other countries, and today most Swedes are familiar with Halloween.

I usually just put some pumpkins outside our door for decoration. No scary ghosts or spider webs.

And then we usually head off to a Halloween party where Irene goes trick or treating with friends. Zoe hangs out with friends and they go trick or treating on their own.

This year, Irene will be a bunny and Zoe a smurf. No pics yet I'm afraid.

When I grew up in Sweden, we celebrated All Saints Day on November 1. We would put candles on the graves to remember our loved ones who had passed away. It was thought that the dead would return home after the summer, but before winter, and so the candles were there to guide them home.

All Saints Day is a Christian tradition, but its roots go all the way back to Keltic traditions.

This day is also a day to remember the saints and that is why All Saints Day became a holiday in Sweden.

Tomorrow, I will light a candle for my beloved parents who are no longer here.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Have you seen the troll?

In the neighborhood of Fremont in Seattle, a troll has captured a Volkswagen Beetle and won't let go.

The troll is a piece of art that was made in 1990, and it was intended to revive the then run-down area of Fremont.

And at least all Scandinavians know about the troll living under the bridge from the folk tale "Three Billy Goats Gruff."

Center of attention

Yesterday, Irene was coughing a little so I kept her home from Kindergarten. She did not really have a cold, because we played school for two hours and then we had a photo session where Irene was the star:)

In particular, this post is for you, auntie Maud. Youngest girl not so young anymore.

Sights in Seattle: Smith Tower

Sitting at my desk in the middle of the fall, I started thinking about summer and decided to write about Smith Tower in Seattle. 

It was in August that my friend and I decided to visit Smith Tower, located in Pioneer Square in downtown Seattle.

Smith Tower was built in 1914 and was, at the time, the tallest office building (149 m/489 ft) west of the Mississippi River in the US.

The outside walls on the first and second floor consist of granite and the rest consist of terracotta, making this building a fine example of neoclassical architecture.

We entered the building and waited for the elevator to take us up to the 35^th floor which has an observation deck from which you can see the city of Seattle.

As you can see on the picture, we headed for the Chinese room. This room was a gift from the Empress of China and has elaborate decorations on the walls and ceiling. The room is even furnished with the famous Wishing Chair where single women can sit and a year later they are supposed to be married:)

The picture below shows the ceiling in the Chinese room.

The view from Smith Tower is fantastic, especially since the sun came out just in time as we were stepping out on the observation deck.

The high building in the middle and at the far back is the previous head quarter of Amazon.

Downtown Seattle looking north. If you look carefully you can see Space Needle right in the middle at the far back. I actually enjoyed visiting Smith Tower more than visiting Space Needle. Smith Tower is less touristy and feels more genuine.

And this is Columbia Tower, the tallest building (286 m/937 ft) in Seattle.

Seattle has a large harbor. Actually, it is the 8th largest in the US if you count container traffic.

Century Link Field is the arena for Seattle Seahawks (football) and Seattle Sounders (soccer).

Before we headed for the elevator, we read about the top three floors that have been made into a three-story penthouse housing a family of four. What a view they must have.

Sunday morning

The candles are lit, music is playing in the background, a pot of fresh jasmine tea is brewing, and freshly baked scones are on the table. What better way to start a Sunday morning breakfast.

Fall can definitely be felt this grey and cold Sunday morning.

Looking out of the kitchen windows, I can see the little fall garden that I created a few days ago. I realized that the garden is not only for summer flowers and strawberries. I can plant a few fall plants in the fall, and maybe I can make a winter garden as well.

Swedish food brands are off the shelves at IKEA

It seems that many Swedish communities outside Sweden are talking about the fact that IKEA is taking Swedish food brands off the shelves in their stores. Instead, IKEA will sell food with their own brand, which would not only remove some of the things expat Swedes like to buy, but also undermine the perception of what  Swedish food is; at least according to some.

Personally, I could do without most of the food that IKEA sells, but, when there, I usually pick up a few items, such as caviar, lingonberry drink, and Ahlgrens bilar for Christer.

What I miss most from Sweden is Swedish books by Swedish authors and magazines.

If you live outside Sweden and feel that you will miss some of the food items that IKEA sells, please send me an e-mail and let me know what these items are. Also, let me know what other things you bring back to Seattle when you have visited Sweden.

And if you live in Seattle, I have my first give-away to offer; a bottle of "ljus sirap". To get it, all you need to do is enter a comment and tell me for what it will be used:)

Is she a shopper?

Most of you who know me well, know that I don't like shopping very much.

So it was rather comical when Christer went to the dentist, when he had first moved here, and the hygienist asks him if his wife is a shopper. Ha ha. And if Christer ever became concerned about what might happen when wife arrives in shoppers paradise, I think that concern did not last very long. In fact, since moving here, I have realized that I have become quite averse to shopping.


But sometimes I need new piece of clothing or shoes. Things become worn out or are made of bad quality and do not last as long as I wish they would.

For example, the last time that I bought a pair of winter boots, was when I was living in Sweden. These boots were quite expensive, but I have now had them for nine years. And I love them. They are as comfortable as socks on my feet. However, I have had them mended a couple of times and I fear that they won't last forever. Therefore, I have decided that I need a back-up plan. That is easier said than done though; buying a new pair of boots when I already have the perfect ones.

But last week, when I was out with my daughter, I just stumbled upon a pair of boots that I liked. At least as a back-up plan. And even if shopping is not my cup of tea, guess what? They were only $25.

Things made of felt

I have a thing for felt, so I wanted to show you some small objects that I have in my home and that are made of felt. Actually, they are most likely made of fake felt, but I like them anyhow.

These little owls come from World Market.

They have a clothes peg on the back, which makes them perfect for decorating presents. A good idea would be to put one as a decoration on a paper bag filled with small presents.

I bought this pencil holder in Portland summer just passed.

And here is something with an autumnal feel to it:)

For the time being, the mushroom and pencil holder will keep each other company.

To keep your feet warm this fall and winter, try Swedish designer Pia Wallén's slippers.