Again we didn't drive very far, but we arrived at Birgitte's house who has a grouchy cat whose name I never remember 

It's a boy cat and Mom thinks he's cute, I say he's no Lilly

Look he had the nerve to sit in MY MOMS Lap to get petted and he didn't care that I protested?

If this nonsense keeps up I know a lady down the road where there are no cats and a full fridge with goodies that she's willing to share with me. I know how to get there, Buttons who traveled with Mom before me told me 

So can I go ?

Mom said that lady is with Buttons in rainbow land.........

Just my luck

Well, there's only one thing left to do, and that's making sure this cat's Mom knows my needs, and she's a pretty smart lady so she soon figured it out. 

The day is beautiful so we went for a short road trip to visit a famous Swedish poet's old home and grave.

Carl Gustaf Verner von Heidenstam (6 July 1859 – 20 May 1940) was a Swedish poet, novelist, and laureate of the 1916 Nobel Prize in Literature. He was a member of the Swedish Academy from 1912. His poems and prose work are filled with great joy of life, sometimes imbued with a love of Swedish history and scenery, particularly its physical aspects.

This is the view from his house and he was often sitting under this beautiful tree admiring the scenery

his final rest is also here

On the property, there are several smaller houses one where they usually sell delicious shrimp sandwiches, but to our big disappointment it was closed

lots of wild "forget me not" flowering 

This house is built by an eccentric who has too much money and time says Mom. It's private so we just passed by

Mom and her friend are now on the hunt for a great shrimp sandwich and two more places were closed so finally we stopped in Mom's favorite Swedish town Askersund. They had shrimp but not the old fashion ones they really wanted but why not try something new? Well, fancy marinated shrimp with a very spicy sauce was a bit disappointing but it stopped their hunger

I got ice cream and my only complaint was I didn't get enough 

On our way home the sky opened up and a much-needed rainfall. Unfortunately for all farmers and nature, it soon stopped.

This morning we woke up to a grey sky but no rain yet, 

I haven't heard anything about plans but I have a feeling we'll have a lazy relaxing day 

all is well, 

wet kisses 

Henry

Hello again, after a week of resting and getting used to the 6-hour time difference we finally got on the road and started our slow move further south. We only drove for about 3 hours and the birch trees are already showing off the very first green color that's only seen in early spring................says Mom

The wood anemone is also telling us it's springtime.

When we stopped I immediately recognized I had been here before and ran to see the lady of the house who I love a lot.......................I know it's mutual despite her trying to get away from my hot kisses.  

We happen to arrive at the HOA clean-up day so all homeowners got a broom and swept the walkways. 

The job was quickly done and after everyone got together at the grill having hot dogs coffee and rhubarb pie with vanilla sauce

This hammock under the apple blossoms looks fine 

Like so many Swedes Vanja and Christer also have a summerhouse and to our great delight we got invited again

It's located next to Sweden's nineteens largest lake and another Swedish paradise we get to visit.

This is the view from Lucy's window .............Can't complain at all

I know how to get the best seat in the house every time 

This is a very healthy breakfast cereal they say...................I'm sure it's a mistake they look like mine and are very tasty?

This morning we went for a walk by the lake and we both agreed to buy this house............

The bad thing is it's not for sale 

Tomorrow we'll be somewhere else Mom says, and when I ask she says it'll be a surprise, but as hint she let me know a grouchy cat lives there.

Life is great 

Kisses from Henry 

We have been spending all the time since we arrived in Sweden at the same place here in the boonies. We've been having wonderful weather and super nice walks in the woods, and the very best part is freedom from any lead 

When we walked by this door I wanted to visit because it's very clear to me that the sign on the door meant an invitation for me. Mom said it's an empty old house no one lives there anymore. There are a lot of empty old timber homes around here..................not sure why?

Anyway, Mom liked the door a lot but I told her it's no way we'll get that on the plane going back home, so she left it there

Yesterday I was left watching Lucy while Mom with friends went out to eat and I wish I was there. It all looked yummy and the size of that plate with filet mignon was the same size as Mom's Turkey serving plate.

Mom was longing for a Swedish pizza and she said it was great.

the third dish was served on a piece of oak wood................

The water in the river is much higher than usual and it's all because of the snow melting from the mountains. Water is icy cold so no swimming yet

Today Mom has been sitting in the sun doodling pictures from where we are now.

I love this place and have many balls to chase as long as someone are willing to throw them for me

Tomorrow we're leaving for a not-so-long ride south to visit more people. I'm not sure who yet but Mom claims I met them before and that the lady of the house loves my kisses.................good to know

Wet kisses 

Henry

Good morning all, we have now moved into Lucy even if nights still are very cold. I stay under the cover to keep Mom warm and it's so cozy. 

Lucy had to go back to inspect that rear-end brake drum something, and now she's feeling good again. 

Unfortunately, she still has some issues with indoor light fixtures that don't work which is most likely a fuse somewhere.

We have to wait until we find a fixer-upper man who knows about this kind of stuff. I suggested we go to that man who fixed our door last year because I remember Mom being impressed by his knowledge.

We're still staying at the same place in the country where I'm free to roam and I have now made it my property and alert Mom as soon as anybody comes close ....................I was stopped from barking at these big guys though.

This is a guy I remembered from last year, he always has cookies in his pocket when he stops by. My kind of people for sure.

This time he left a few on the table for later he said ...................I say give it to me now

We're still having lazy days in the sun, I run around until I get sleepy and then I take a short nap with Mom hoping she'll get up and throw my ball again. 

I did get a taste of the ostrich and yes it was yummy, but so is everything else they're cooking and as long as I sit close to my friend I know I will get a taste.

I'm not getting any more cheese though, They claim it gives me smelly gas? I don't know what that's all about,I haven't noticed    

Today will be another sunny lazy day I hope 

I don't know when Mom plans to get on the road driving south, but I know it'll happen eventually 

until than I will enjoy every minute of this freedom

Wet kisses to ya'll

Henry

Yesterday was a great day for me because we arrived at my favorite place in Sweden. (Mom likes it too) It's a place where I'm allowed to roam around free without a collar or lead. I found my ball at the same exact place I left it last year, and I made Mom throw it until she had no more strength left. 

The nights are still freezing in the 30ies but I think that's fine and Mom loves the coziness of a fire in the stove.

The days are sunny and in order with the Swedish tradition, we placed the chairs against a wall away from the wind to take in every ray of sunshine.

The ladies were drinking wine and I got thirsty chasing the ball so I demanded a sip too

While still in town we went to a ostrich farm to buy meat for the BBQ.........I wasn't allowed near these birds. Their feet were almost as big as me and they didn't look all that friendly anyway.

Their meat is supposedly delicious and hopefully, I'll get a chance to taste it this time. Last year I only got a whiff of it.

After Mom, this is my favorite person in Sweden. Elvy is the nicest lady and she doesn't mind my wet kisses like my Mom does. She also shares all the goodies she has so I'm going to make sure I sit next to her when they'll be eating the Ostrich

Mom says her cooking is so good she wants it all to herself...................I think that's very selfish

In the evening they sit around playing poker while I'm napping. Mom had no Swedish money but managed to play anyway because at first she won some, but an hour later she had given it all back 

At the supermarket, they had horsemeat so Mom bought some since she had forgotten how it tastes but remembered she used to like it a lot. It's served as a Coldcut and tastes a little bit like a cross between prosciutto and corned beef.

I found it very salty and Mom said we're not getting it again.......................poor horse

It is only the beginning of spring so trees are still without leaves and there's snow in many places where the sun hasn't reached. The first spring flowers are showing off and before we know it everything will be green and gorgeous.

Monday Lucy will be ready to pick up and she'll have new breaks........................... then will go ???? somewhere

wet kisses

Henry

Hello everyone, finally Mom is starting to come alive after this long flight and a 6-hour time difference. As usual, I behaved exemplary and Mom is quite proud of me. My best cookie delivery guy gave us a ride to the airport at 8AM on Monday.

After a lot of discussions with the ticket agent about me, we finally got through security and are now waiting to board the plane.

We flew 3hours to the Kennedy Airport in New York, and I could tell Mom had a special feeling about this place since she sounded so excited looking out the window right before we landed.

That's the beach where I used to visit a lot when I lived here she said, and I hope I'll get to see it too one day. 

So we landed and we had a 3.5-hour layover before the next plane to Stockholm. Luckily our gate was very close so we had plenty of time to eat and look around.

Mom ordered some green stuff and a chicken cutlet for me, well, maybe it wasn't for me, but Mom didn't like it so I ate most of it.

Mom felt like having a glass of wine but regretted it later when she had to pay for it.       knowing she could have bought 2 bottles for that price at a different store............

I'm used to barstools and when I saw this one I was hoping I could order a beer but there was none here.

The flight to Stockholm took 8 hours and I slept all the way without making any noise. Again Mom is very proud of me.

Finally, at Arlanda airport, we had to wait for another 3 hours to catch the train to our friends and final destination.

I had to show my passport to customs and they welcomed me to Sweden.

Finally, we arrived at our friends at noon on Tuesday, and it was freezing at only 36F but it didn't bother me much.

Mom who doesn't have my fabulous coat was freezing.

We were both exhausted so we took a nap on the couch.

When we woke Mom's friend had baked cinnamon buns which she knew was her favorite. I have heard so much about them but Mom never shared any so this time I took a chance and helped myself in a way I later learned was a complete no no

Dinner was meatballs and spaghetti and I made sure to sit next to Elvy because I know how much she loves me and she'll share with me. They were YUMMY

We haven't seen Lucy yet because we got the news at the inspection that she needs new brake pads on her rear? whatever that means.

Mom said we will move into her on Monday. 

Friday we will be back to my favorite place in the entire world. It's a place where I left all my balls and I get to run free all day.

Mom is still tired but I know she'll soon be back to her normal self

Many wet kisses to you all

Henry

Just like I predicted yesterday, we're in Sweden now, and only a couple of hours away from our final destination for this year. Mom said she couldn't pass up on this gorgeous spot, but I think the truth is she's trying to stretch out the trip a little.

I don't mind stopping here, it's soothing to listen to the stream outside the window and this clip is taken at 7.30pm and the sun is making its descent down the horizon

We stayed two nights at the last place in Norway and this was our view from Lucy

I really liked it there because I was free, there were so many paths to walk and explore

and I made a friend willing to play with me

Driving towards Sweden the landscape changes, there are still mountains but not as steep and dramatic looking as in Norway.

Behind these mountains is Sweden Mom tells me.

Oh ok, roads are narrow and bumpy and that's when I leave my copilot seat and go lay down on a cushy blanket under the table. Much safer in my pinion

What a great-looking gas station we thought. we don't need gas but let's stop anyway to see if we can get something to eat .........Mom went in and came out with nothing. burgers hot dogs nooooooooope  I voted yes but I have no say

I have seen hundreds and hundreds of moose warning signs but not one live moose, we .haven't seen any wildlife at all which is very disappointing 

It's up the mountain, down the mountain, up the mountain and most of the time Mom doesn't have the guts to look down while driving so we stop often.

Here's a handyman special great location but a hazardous road to get there

At the bottom of the valley, we came to a town called Tolga. I needed to take a leak and Mom found something she thought interesting.

The 1.05-square-kilometer (260-acre) village has a population (2021) of 583 and a population density of 558 inhabitants per square kilometer (1,450/sq mi)

A beautiful stream with a very different-looking bridge for Norway we thought  

And what a nice story behind it

And the story continues ...........

The sculpture of the horse and sled represents the memory of the golden age of the melting copper industry the period 1640-1950. The 6m – long, 2m – high sculpture was carved in black granite by the skilled carvers of the Danang Sculpture Foundation in Vietnam. Again, the Norwegian people can witness and admire the talent of the sculpturing of Vietnamese carvers.

and an interesting story came with the statue

This tiny town had so many interesting buildings and was completely deserted, we didn't see one living thing except the tourist picnicking next to the horse.
You would think just one of the 558 people should be out and about?

Anyway, it is a sweet little town so I bet the people will be as sweet

The next stop at the border was this monument.

And it read "In memory of when King Hakon, Prinz Olav, and part of the government hid from the nazis at the toll masters and his wife's home. The picture shows the toll master's wife Aminda holding out the apron behind King Hakon.

12 April 1940

Sweden

sign underneath says there are snowmobile restrictions and to read up on the laws

There used to be only a rock to mark the border and If that is the toll master house I would like the job  ..........Temporarly

Oh hello there!!! That must be the head boss in reindeer land, look at his antlers, hurry up into the woods before you get hit...

  Stopping at a supermarket we met these two girls selling Ukrainian cookies so, of course, we thought it was for a cause, but got no answer to that. so we bought no cookies they didn't look good said Mom, sure wish I could be the judge........$7 for 2 cookies to a dog that eats bird poop?   nope,  but the girls were pretty 

Tomorrow we will be at the place where we picked up Lucy and started our trip. Now it's time to put Lucy away for her winter rest in this huge place with other RVs and boats. We will be back and hopefully, it is not going to take three years this time.

Here's a map of  places we have visited on this trip  

I'm so happy you wanted to share my trip with me 

and so is Mom 

Henry

Our trip is coming to an end, later today I think we may be back in Sweden and soon Mom will be working on getting Lucy ready for a winter rest. After some initial issues (due to being locked up for three years) Lucy has been good to us, taking us on a great adventure and keeping us dry through some rainstorms. She's now keeping us warm and cozy since it has cooled down considerably now. Sure wish she could have kept us cool in the horrific heat we encountered in France which made us turn around skipping the plan about visiting Barcelona. (still bugging Mom)

Norway always delivers when it comes to the beauty of nature, and when we woke up at the bridge Mom decided to drive back to get better pictures since the sun was now shining.

Under the bridge is where these loudmouths live 

we were watching these guys fishing and wow did they catch a lot of fish. Mom said it's most likely a school of mackerel 

under the boat.

We made a quick stop in Kristiansund The 87-square-kilometer (34 sq mi) municipality  and the 51st most populous municipality in Norway with a population of 24,179.

Archeological evidence exists of settlement in the area which is now Kristiansund from as early as 8000 BC when at the end of the last ice age some areas on the western coast of Norway were ice-free. Finds have also been discovered from the bronze age and early iron age.

Klippfiskkjerringa is a tribute to the many women who worked at the klipfish cliffs in the city. For 300 years, klipfish was the most important industry in Kristiansund, until the 1950s

. Clipfish is salted cod (and some other species) originally sun-dried on the smooth rocks

"stolen" from the web shows how woman spread the cod on the cliffs

Not much else besides the harbor was of interest here except maybe this store that sold traditionally costumes. Just like in Sweden, every county has its own variety of dress.

This pillar with a mine on top has the names of the men from this town that died in wars

Driving along we came to this floating bridge. ...............floating ???

this bridge is built in 1992 and is 933 meters (3054feet)

Floating bridge/pontoon bridge construction has a long history in military and civilian applications on every continent except  Antarctica. According to the engineers who designed this bridge, it was designed using recent American technology for floating bridges, combined with Norwegian technology for offshore platforms. The bridge designers researched other bridges in the world and traveled to the state of Washington in the USA to visit the Homer M Hadley Memorial Bridge and the Hood Canal Bridge —two floating bridges. The continuous floating concrete structure used in the Washington bridges was ultimately ruled out in favor of the discrete floating concrete pier design. This design afforded: 1) an elevated roadway that reduced traffic hazards in storms, 2) a reduction in corrosion of the bridge deck, and 3) improved passage of water beneath the bridge thereby supporting native species.

There was a beautiful rest stop at one end of the bridge, a place we could have stayed overnight, but Mom said we needed to drive a little further.

Bridges and tunnels and bridges and tunnels, the longest tunnel yesterday was the 5,727-metre long tunnel that runs beneath the Bremsnesfjorden, reaching a depth of 250 meters, making it one of the deepest undersea tunnels in the world. Construction began in 2006, and the tunnel opened on 19 December 2009, later than initially estimated. The breakthrough was in March 2009. Problems with water leaks caused delays and cost overruns.

WATER LEAKS ??? ....................yikes... made Mom check the walls of the tunnel as her heart was beating faster than normal.

Norway is a gorgeous country with amazing nature so we'll be back for sure.

Time to pack up and continue on to Sweden which is also gorgeous, but in a different way.

Wet kisses to ya,all 

Henry