The Possible

Judy. "What does this make possible?" You’ve heard me say this before; it’s my favorite quote of Ted’s. He says it when things aren’t going the way we expected. Last year we had a massive trip planned for Europe. Man—we were going to hit all the Baltic States, plus Sweden and Finland, England, Spain, and possibly Poland. Problem was, when visiting our friend Mikaela in Sweden (you remember her—we’ve chased each other around the globe), we would only see her parents, Malou and Björn for one day before they left for their home in Nice, where we visited them a couple of years ago. Also, never mind that we had set an absolutely ridiculous itinerary for ourselves. Then Covid happened. 

So, what did this make possible? After the year and a half of staying on the Western side of the Pond, we re-thought our plans: arrival in London for 24 hours, get a flat near Paris for six weeks, and visit Mikaela, Malou, and Björn for a week. We had no idea what that would make possible. 

 If you are fortunate, a couple of times in your life, you will meet people briefly and find in them soulmates. It was certainly the case with Mikaela, and turned out to be the same with her whole family. You may remember that when we were in Aix-en-Provence a few years ago, Malou and Björn, on Mikaela’s recommendation, invited us for a couple of days to their home in Nice. We hit it off quite nicely, and when we arrived in Stockholm this acquaintance blossomed into a full-grown friend/family relationship. 

 To start with, Mikaela and Björn met us at the airport at a ridiculously late hour, and delivered us safely to Mikaela’s apartment where we were to stay. Bless her—Mikaela gave up her bedroom for us. Having two old folks in your house when you work from home can’t be easy, but Mikaela handled it with grace. 

 The next morning the five of us took a “Swedish walk” around the island they live on, passing harbors and forests and farms. From there they took us to the Millesgården, the home and museum of sculptor Carl Milles. The whole thing was spectacular, and, much to my shame, Malou explained that he’s also well known in the United States. I didn’t know that!  

Milles sculpture "The Hand of God"

Tasty lunch in a 17th Century farmhouse 

That was just the beginning. The week was filled with walks, museums, long conversations over good food and wine, and the discovery, not only of a country we knew nothing about, but of a wonderfully open family who embraced us and taught us. The museums were great—especially seeing the Goethenburg, the ship Mikaela had crewed on a couple of years before, and the extraordinary Viking exhibit at the History Museum. 

Part of the Viking exhibit

Ted and Mikaela aboard the Goethenburg

The Goethenburg

 

But when Malou and Björn took us to Karlfors, their country home, which had been in the family for years, and shared history of both family and the area, we felt wrapped in sweet Swedish arms. 

Morning walk

We walked the countryside and later shared meals--lunch in the garden, and dinner in the glass veranda where we enjoyed delicious home cooked meals and lovely wines. We drove to Nyköping and learned something about Swedish history in a charming city.

Lunch in the garden

Golden time

And when we returned, we met and spent time with Petra, Mikaela's sister, who is delightful and makes fabulous desserts!

Petra and Mikaela

With Malou and Björn

All over Stockholm we saw signs that read Håll Avstånd--Tak. It means "Keep distanced--thanks". Mikaela says it's as much a comment on the way Swedes feel as it is of Covid distancing. But that was sure not anything we experienced!

 Yes, I know. I’m gushing. But, dear reader, the whole week was a laignappe. And one we’ll not soon forget. 

 And that’s a beautiful thing Covid made possible.