Yesterday morning we woke up to a serious rainstorm, that was so bad not even the ducks came out. It was so loud on the roof Mom couldn't hear the phone and I were so scared I was shaking. We changed plans and stayed put until it was all over, so Mom could hold me tight and soothe me. ........spoiled little brat Mom said........
The plan was to make it to Lotta's house where there is a surprise waiting for me? Hint: it's not a squeaky toy.
Storm let up in the afternoon, so we packed up everything and left the ducks fending for themselves. (Mom fed them a lot of bread)
On the road heading south, Mom all of a sudden changed her mind(she does that a lot) when she saw the sign for TROSA, which is a small town she heard a lot about, but never been to, so now is a good time she thought.

Rosa, translated means pantie,wonder how many jokes people living here heard about that. As a matter of fact, this town is also called "the end of the world", and had something to do with the seafarers back in the old days.

We parked at the marina with many other RVs, twice and 3 times bigger than Lucy,but she doesn't care one bit, we have what we need (my treats) inside her little body.

never before have I seen this kind of camping ?

After a bite to eat we went for a long walk to explore the city, and it is an adorable quaint town, with channels, bridges and lots of climbing roses. Mom checked out the real estate office because this would be a great town to live in. She quickly realized that'll never happen, the prices was astronomical..............Well, it'll suck in the winter anyway.

I read the menu, and this restaurant had a few tasty things,and free seconds but Mom said we had food in Lucy we had to finish

Trosa became a city in 1610and this is the town hall built in 1985 which is a replica of the second version built 1725. The first town hall was built 1711, but the Russians burnt it down when they invaded 1719.The second building was torn down 1883
In the old days Trosa had a flourishing fishing industry, but nowadays plays host to hundreds of yachts and cruisers of summer visitors.

Mom chatted with a police officer and he gave her advice and wrote down a different route on the back of a ticket that'll be more scenic than the big road.When he mentioned ferry I thought oh noooo that's so scary, but this is a short one he said and we will both stay in Lucy for the ride.

Look at this little boys face, the happiness he feels to sit on a cops motorcycle is shown all over his face.

we bought strawberries at the market and headed back to Lucy for supper.

In the afternoon I had the most gorgeous cutest twin sisters visiting me. They were cute 2-year-olds but a little bit too close and touchy for my comfort. They kept wanting to hug me and put all of my toys on top of me. ........oh well,as usual, I'm patient and they were the cutest little girls,Mom have ever seen.  

Mom took lots of pictures and canät decide which ones to post, so there are many.  

You never know but today we're supposed to get to Lotta's house, and I'll get my surprise.........wooohooo I can't wait.

Weather is great and all is well, but unfortunately the rapport for a few days ahead does not look good, but with a little luck, we may be somewhere it doesn't rain.

be good you all

Buttons

Happy belated fourth to everybody. I'm happy to say it was a very peaceful celebration here, no fireworks to scare the crap outta me, and I'm very grateful about that.

Seems like it's totally impossible to get Mom to write when I want to, she has billion of excuses, no wifi, too tired, no power,and my favorite, nothing to tell ??? I beg to differ, isn't that up to me to decide ?   Things are happening every day I say, but Mom says it's nothing to write about..........of well here it goes anyway. 

Friday night was cousin meeting and I ended up staying in the car, because there was a lot of cats there, and I was told I'll be shredded by them.  I did get to sniff a few through their cage, and they didn't really appreciate my presence. 

I did get to run around in the garden since the cats aren't allowed outside except in their big run. Mom had hoped for kittens like last year we visited.

So many of Moms friends have gorgeous gardens, which is really impressive since the season for growing anything up North is very short. This is one of Moms favorite flowers, which comes in so many colors.It's called Aquilegia Vulgaris and Mom is planning to bring seeds and try her luck at home.......

Once again we visited Kajutan and Astrid were there and had the gall to kiss MY Mom on her lips, I know she didn't approve so I'll forgive and forget.

The city had the yearly big party with loud music and a race with snowmobiles on the river. Who knew they'll run on water as well as snow ? 

The noise hurt my ears so we moved Lucy to the church parking lot, so we'll be close to the country fair in the next day.

Vanja visited with her new car, a car that made Mom green from jealousy

All night it was pouring rain, but that didn't stop the athletes jogging by Lucy 

we also visited a childhood friend of Moms, a friend she hasn't seen in 50 years...............wow did you guys know she's THAT old ? anyway this friend is a very talented artist, who's favorite subject to paint is Greta Garbo........unfortunately Moms spending account doesn't permit buying a painting........but wow

this lady had pictures of Mom as a puppy 

For a little while, the rain stopped so we went for a nice walk, well, Mom walked I rode in my wagon. The plan was to see an outdoor theater in the park, but it was canceled due to the weather.

if this isn't a brushoff, what is 

We awoke to a beautiful sunny day, which was great since today we visited Mom's favorite fair in the old church village. 

OK, so Mom lied she didn't continue my story on Monday as she said, but every day we have been running around exploring and visiting, and Mom is tired in the evening so we both pass out on our loft in Lucy. Our buddies left Sunday which feels really sad. I miss them already..........one evening at the campsite it was rock and roll for entertainment, and I met a naked girl. Her name was Astrid and she was pretty cool for a girl. 

Even though this place was very dog-friendly and we were allowed to hang out loose, I decided to go home when the music started, it was just too loud for my old ears. Astrid stayed and rocked with her Mom...............see below film

l
 

Looks like Mom never get enough of shrimp when she's in her puppy homeland, because here again she's gorging herself in this delicacy............ she did offer me a taste, but yuck, just the smell is a turnoff. I bet Lilly would have loved all the fish eating going on here.

Mom and Elvy both keep busy painting in their coloring books

this picture is weird...............I'm not sure why Mom is looking so dreamingly at this stone lady's boobs ?

in the evening Ove tossed the skins from the shrimp in the river and fish came to eat. There's a lot of salmon in the river, but no luck catching any, which may be a good thing since I have enough with all the fish on the table all the time. Moose was so much better  

following day we went to a place where  we have stayed last year, and I watched as Ove pulled up a big fish. Why can't he go shoot moose instead ? We traded his fish to a smoked grayling that tasted fabulous ..................again, according to who ??  Lilly isn't here 

After our friends left Mom comforted herself by painting a few bumble bees 

Then we spent a day and night  in the city before we once again headed out to Vanja's house, where we still are.

It's very nice here, and a lot of fields for me to run around on, but of course the ladies need to drive around to a bunch of places to look at flowers and more flowers.................I don't get it

at one place, though they had some pretty cool feathered puppies. Unfortunately, I did not get close enough to say hello.

these pants look pretty stiff, and Mom got an idea she may develop when back in USA

a cold hard chair was also here

Vanja is looking at this funny weather brick with a pinecone...............one is written in the dialect of this area, which made Mom giggle as they both was reading.

wet pine cone = rain

dry pine cone= not rain

cone give a shade= sun

white cone=snow

invisible cone=fog

swinging cone= windy

cone hopping= earthquake

cone gone= tornado

another gorgeous garden we visited.......Mom can't believe how much work many Swedes put into their gardens, especially when the growing season is so short.

This kid was very jealous of my ride..........at least I do think so

Yesterday we went to meet a friend Mom as not met in 50 years ??? Facebook is a wonderful thing.

Her garden was absolutely amazing, the work she put into it was mind boggling, again according to Mom. I was more interested in the gorgeous cat, who was just fine with me until I stole one of her fuzzy toys...........boy did he get grumpy. After that I was put into my carriage ...................not sure why I was the one getting punished..................(because you're the guest Mom said)

the lady served delicious strawberries and again I was listening to a lot of blablabla

For the record, I quickly helped myself to the cats treats sitting out...............just in case I wouldn't get any 

This is a pretty common garden decoration in Sweden, which Mom loves

ok, so now we're finally caught up ..............hopefully, I will not have to nag and beg Mom for continuing my story.  She has been reading and planning a lot lately, so I'm pretty curious what she'll plan for us next...................

all is well here almost every day has been warm and sunny

miss you all

Buttons

Finally, Mom is listening to me that's time to let me continue my story, she has made a few attempts but there's always something else more important to her, and of course wifi doesn't always work either.

A week has gone by and midsummer celebration is over, so now days are slowly getting shorter again. 

Still,the sun goes down at 11.30 PM and up at 1.30 AM where we are now.

We spent several days at Vanjas house, and Mom was so happy to get the opportunity to work a little in the garden. Guess she's been missing her own garden

on an early morning I got a haircut and a nice massage in the sun, it was splendid and according to Mom I look like a million bucks...............I think I always do. Mom asks me to please stay this way, but it's not easy when grass is wet and newly cut, everything sticks to me.

This guy could also use a grooming and a haircut but maybe he's like a spy or detective or something.............. you can't see his eyes so you don't know where he's looking, and he has his sidekick casually peeking out behind his butt.

Here we are at the steps of Vanja and Lizze's house

After a few days, we went into town and parked at a place I've been to many times before. All of a sudden I heard a motor sound I recognized very well ?? Oh My Gawd ! I couldn't believe it, it's my buddies from way down south AWESOME. They're here to celebrate midsummer with me woohoooo.

Midsummer eve was nice and sunny so we all went to Moms favorite place and listened to music and watched as the children danced. These three were so cute as they posed for Moms camera. 

I was lucky and got to ride in my carriage, Mom says it's so I don't get stepped on when there's a crowd.

This little girl is wearing the traditional Sweden dress, and flowers in your hair is also a part of the tradition.

This is the church Mom was forced to visit as a puppy, she doesn't care about church  stuff anymore, but still feel this particular place is special. The location is gorgeous, and Mom grew up on the other side of the river opposite to this church.

this is the view from our window where we stayed the first night

Following day we drove 6 miles down the river to a new campsite that is absolutely gorgeous according to Mom.  Who cares about all that ? All I care about is the fact that I now have TWO refrigerators to run between and I think there's more stuff in the camper than it is in Lucy..................Mom is cheap....

At lunch, I was left watching Lucy as Mom and her friends went to eat a shrimp sandwich. This place is famous for their scrumptious shrimp...................

I will continue this story later tonight, as for now, it's FIKA time

All is well

Finally, we woke up to a morning without rain, still not sunny, but at least it isn't raining. The same curlew sitting on the same heap of dirt calling out to her babies (she has 3) they are very shy so the only pictures Mom managed to get is through the window of Lucy.

Yesterday's all-day rain had us sitting in Lucy me napping and Mom painting on the rocks she picked at the beginning of our trip. Not sure Mom was all that inspired since the cat didn't turn out very good.

In the evening, Mom's cousin invited friends for supper and boy what a smelly supper it was 

Fermented fish is an old staple in European cuisines. The oldest archeological findings of fish fermentation are 9200 years old and from the south of today's Sweden. More recent examples are the ancient Greeks and Romans that made a sauce from fermented fish called garum and Worcestershire sauce also has a fermented fish ingredient...........did you guys know that ?
One explanation of the origins of this method of preservation is that it began long ago when brining food was quite expensive owing to the cost of salt. The fish are marinated in a strong brine solution that draws out the blood, which is replaced by a weaker brine, and the fermentation is done in barrels prior to canning.
Half a year to a year later gasses have built up sufficiently for the once flat tops of the cylindrical tins to bulge into a more rounded shape. These unusual containers of "surströmming" can be found today in supermarkets all over Sweden. Don't worry about Mom serving this at her next party because certain airlines have banned the tins on their flights, considering the pressurized containers to be potentially dangerous Species of Haloanaerobium bacteria are responsible for the in-can ripening. These bacteria produce carbon dioxide and a number of compounds that account for the unique pungent, rotten-egg, rancid butter, and vinegary odor
As long ago as the 17th century, "surströmming" was supplied as army rations in the 30 Years' war. Swedish  soldiers who did not come from the area where this was a staple food, as well as foreign conscripts, refused to eat it, and who could blame them ? from what I'm smelling it would be ok to roll in it, not to eat.....................on this statement Mom sarcastically said "you eat poop" so I had to correct her and let her know "it's meatballs". 

The canning procedure, introduced in the 19th century, enabled the product to be marketed in shops and stored at home, whereas at one time the final stage would have been storage in large wooden barrels and smaller, one-liter kegs. Canning also enabled the product to be marketed farther south in Sweden to homesick northern Swedes and to southern Swedes as a curiosity and party food, serving as a background to schnapps as other spicy herring preparations do.

To eat this fish, the make it like an open sandwich, potatoes, butter,red onion, sour cream, tomato, dill,

and the cleaned fish. I think all the extra stuff is to kill the taste of the rotten fish..........don't be ridiculous Mom says. I stayed under the table, since begging for this stuff was out of the question. Couldn't believe all the yumm yumm sounds they made though ???

I don't know what the plans are for today, maybe if we're lucky the weather gods will give us a sunny day so we can spend the days outdoors. 

Yesterday Mom got a phone call about an awesome surprise, somebody is on their way here to visit us............she's not telling who, it'll be a surprise she says............come on that's not fair tell me.........nope she says, you know the saying "curiosity killed the dog", that's NOT how it goes I'm not buying it...........

all is well

miss you all

So we arrived in Moms puppy town, and we're parked at her cousin house. The first day was a gorgeous day sunny and warm, but that was it. Now it's been raining 24 hours 2 days in a row, and let me tell you, that makes Mom a pain in the a$$. Grumpy as hell laying around reading and napping. Not that I have a problem about napping, but too much of it is pretty boring. 

This is the view from our window now, and if sunny it would have been ok

Before we left the other place Mom watched a little chick being born. For some reason, I didn't get introduced to it, and I don't understand why ???  so Mom reminded me of that time I bit the little gerbil at Karens house so he squealed. Well, how am I supposed to know the difference between a squeaky toy and a real mouse ? .............exactly why there was no introduction Mom said.

 Another bird that has babies is this state's bird, a Curlew which has a very distinct whistling sound that can't be confused with any other bird.

I don't know exactly where the nest is, and I'm not allowed to look for it either, but I do know it's somewhere on the ground close by.

the baby has ventured out and Mom got a picture through Lucy's window. As soon as she walked outside to get a better look, the baby's Mom called her home. Looks like it has face on the neck ?

There are several meatball factories close by here too, and I've been trying to sneak off, but Mom is watching me like a hawk.

The wildflowers are gorgeous, and in a week it's midsummer and all the girls will be picking 7 different kinds, to place under the pillow to make them dream about a future mate....

Yesterday morning Mom finally tried out the on top of the stove oven. She made bread that came out pretty good 

It's Saturday morning, and as of now it's not raining, but still no sun. I've heard a rumor that dinner today will be that smelly fermented fish the Northerners like so much ?

I wish I could paste the smell here, you'll be in shock and not believe anyone would eat something so foul smelling............

Mom just got a phone call that made her all excited................but it's still a secret

all is well

kisses Buttons 

PS. Mom bought a thing with a fan to put the laptop on, and so far it seems to work OK

Again we're waking up in a new place that's like a paradise..............(wonder how many relatives and friends Mom has that live like this?)

They had chickens and a little baby was born while we visited..................

I made great friends with the man of the house. For some reason, it seems like I have better luck with hypnotizing men to go to the fridge and give me treats ? Mom says it's because men go there more often..............but who cares as long as I get what I want....

once again made a drive through the forest which seems to go on forever and ever around here, and the coolest part is that the sun never goes down.

first we saw tracks...................

than poop................

and finally, here's the cow watching us as we're passing by. Her fur is not very nice since it looks like she's trying to take the winter coat off.

this is a flower that eventually will become a cloudberry

and this is a house where the moose hunters live 

mosquitoes and spiders live here.............

a coffee pot like this one seems to be one of the most important equipment used here. It's black of soot

and according to Mom impossible to drink,but a delicacy for people living here 

there's only one river left here in the north that isn't expanded with power stations, and thankfully this is now a nature reserve.

I ended up staying in the car while Mom and her friends took a walk. bridges weren't made for my little paws Mom said. Some of the swinging hanging ones aren't for Mom either. She's a big chicken sometimes. Still the area is gorgeous, if it wasn't so late (11.30 pm) we would have stayed and made a fire because her friends really like that sooty coffee.

Today we'll be going somewhere else, maybe east a few miles ? Mom need to find a city because she thinks the computer has a broken fan since it seems to overheat and crash a lot ? You wouldn't believe the language she uses every time it crashes and my blog is lost. A lot of huffing and puffing starts while she starts all over again..................meanwhile, I take a nap

She finally understands the reason behind saving your stuff now and then...........

I'm sure she'll find a solution and we'll be happy again.

Many Thank Yous and kisses to our friends that have a great full fridge (at least it was when we arrived)

All is well  Buttons

Yesterday morning I was promised help to continue my story, but after my whizz and Moms morning coffee, she turned on the news and heard the news about what had happened so close to my Florida home. The rest of the day became very somber and Mom reading and watching news trying to make sense of it all.

There is no sense to this tragic event, and it's not what my blog is all about, so I'll continue where I left off.

Sunday we were lucky to get a ride from Moms nephew far into the forest to look for moose and to find  a very rare and protected orchid named Norna.

Mom was so impressed that our guide knew exactly where this flower was, and that with no paths or markings.

For some reason it seemed a lot harder to locate a moose ? We saw only one little cow who was standing on the road watching us .

This is a message to my buddy Max in Florida. I did take your advice to hunt down a moose on my own. 

I jumped it from behind, bit his neck and quickly chomped down all I could eat before getting stopped by Mom. ................burp...........true story ..........     

We continued driving on small roads that are made for the people working chopping down trees with their heavy machines which is a shame since not a single tree are saved. They do put down new plants, (Mom has been part of a team doing that years ago) but it takes years and years before it's a forest again. 

We made a stop at a gorgeous summer cabin and there I met some friends and was free to roam.....................what a great life these guys have.

While I was free to roam, Mom and her friends made coffee and sandwiches on open fire.I did get a small taste and it was real good. 

Oh yes, there was another little incident I wasn't planning to tell, but Mom is forcing me............while everybody was walking into the woods to look at the orchid, I was left alone in the car, and lo and behold there was this great tasting bologna left for me. Well, it wasn't for me they said, but nobody was willing to eat the part where my teeth has been, so I got more ( Great thing to know for the future) I'll lick it and it's mine

Mom showed her little fishing rod and tried it out, but it didn't work very well, despite help from guys that knows a lot about fishing.

mosquitoes was getting very aggressive ( according to Mom) so we continued on home.

The moss on the rocks looks like it's painted on 

Wind has died down and the water is like a mirror,

Adrian, Mom did take your advice not to go further north yet but mostly because she found out that this year it wasn't much snow on the wilderness road towards Norway so the novelty and the excitement would have been lost. 

 and we're now at another gorgeous place where relatives live, but I'll tell you more about that tonight.