HOT HOT H.E.A.T

Good advice Jo and I have taking it easy but of course then I got ill. So despite feeling bad on Monday I went to the Christmas concert which was just wonderful and magical. The next day I had the day off (good of me) but wasn't feeling well. I had a headache, coughed a lot, was shivering - well you got the picture. But the next day of course I went to work. I had to do all the invoicing, the salaries for December (I don't think anyone would have liked it not being paid this month) and so on. So I was at work at 05.20AM (I couldn't sleep so I thought I could go and work instead) already and I worked hard until I was done at 1.30PM. Then home and as I suspected I had fever. So I drank hot water with ginger and honey and that's about what I have had to eat the last days. Today I was down to my doctor's to take some bloodtests before meeting with my Dr Christer next week. Well, one of the tests, the CRP (which shows infections) was so high that the nurse got me a do...

I'm sorry I haven't written but I'm completely stressed out right now so I have to have my priorities right. I will get back here and tell you all about it as soon as things settle down. Meanwhile, take care and above all don't do like me instead be calm :-)

Yesterday I was invited to a VIP-evening at a very famous inn here in Stockholm. It's Ulriksdal's Inn known to have hosted both Kings and Queens and also having a princess as neighbor for many years. I was invited with a + 1 so I asked one of my colleagues if she wanted to come with me and she was very happy and accepted. So I went to fetch her at the trainstation (she had been in a meeting) While waiting for her I went in to the store and bought some groceries and when she came we headed for the Ulriksdal. We arrived to a wonderful setting with lots of pitch tourches leading the way. Inside we were greated with glogg (alcoholfree for me since I was to drive home) and a nibble to eat. Then a very interesting lecture about Christmas traditions in general and food in particular by a famous TV-personality (Swedish) Edward Blom. And then off to the sumptuos Christmas table (julbord) with everything you could wish for to eat. Herrings, salmon in all forms and shapes...

H.E.A.T members (3/5 of them) came, parents, family, friends and more. We had a very nice and cozy time. Among us a 50 year jubilar, that is Hasse's oldest son turned 50 today. So we sang and cheered for him. Very nice.  Helen's dog Pinglan They all liked what I have made and we had time to sit down and talk to everyone which was nice too. One funny thing is that one of our friends (it's Jonas friend but she has been like a child in our house for many years) is to perform at the Varmlandsopera in March where she will be performing in Monteverdis L'Orfeo. So I think I will try to get my operafriend to join me and go there. So now I'm off to bed. Up early as always tomorrow. Sleep well you on this side of the world and to you on the other side - I hope you have a wonderful 1 Advent. Take care!  

When people call or text you just hours before and says they're not coming! We had invited over 30 people to our Advent celebration and today from 11AM until 15 minutes ago (!) 10 people have said they won't come :-( I mean if you say yes to something you schedule that, don't you? If you get ill I can understand but to just say you won't be coming that is not OK! Does it means they say yes and will come if not something more interesting comes up? I wonder. I have planned for 30, baked and made all the rolls and everything, not to mention glogg and if there's only 20 (or less) it means I have thrown out a lot of money for nothing. So we say this is probably the last year we have this. It takes a lot of effort to do all this, plus all the things to prepare, shop, bake, changing all the furniture so people will have a place to sit and so on. And it gets harder since neither of us is in our best health :-( Anyway I'm sure that we and the ones that do ...

Yes, I'm at it and have been since last weekend, but today it was time to iron the Christmas curtains and put them up. Also all the Christmas cloths were ironed and placed. We also have this little Advent tree (like a little Christmas tree but without all the decorations) with just lights. We also have a little "Christmas town" welcoming people in the hall. It changes colors all the time and it's very decorative. Yesterday I took a break from all the preparations and went to the Rheumatic association where I also am planning a Christmas celebration with dinner for around 40 active chairpeople. I met with my friend in the "party committé" and we went to order everything for next Thursday.  Then I had a budget meeting before heading off to the Royal Opera where I saw Puccini's Turandot. A totally magic evening and the beautiful Nessun Dorma sang extremely well and it gave me chills all over.  Even the Opera house was Christmas decorated. In the...

This week meant a lot to do and I'm afraid I haven't taken the time to write here :-( But here's a recap of what has happened. Monday and Tuesday not very much but I was so, so tired and my joints does not like this weather at all. I have so much pain especially in my hands and fingers which makes it hard even to write here.  On Wednesday I went to Norrtälje to my good friend Anne for some treatment, which was very much needed, lots of chat and also a very good lunch. It's always a pleasure to see her and we have so much to talk about all the time. A true friend who I'm so grateful of having. Next day it was time for work and after that directly to the working committe in the Rheumatic association. Afterwards also meeting in the foundation, where we grant money to people who have applied, and fulfill the rules of the statues. When driving home again at night, it's so dark now and I hate driving in the dark, there was an accident with a big truck a...