After rain comes sunshine, or after snow comes Arctic cold. At the moment the temperament doesn't rise above –10 (14 F) during the days and during the nights, well I don't even want to think about it. Probably around -15 (5 F)
There is no doubt about it that the weather is gorgeous during the day with clear blue sky and sunshine, but going outside means dressing like an Eskimo. Heavy boots, down parka, scarf, hat and gloves. Too much clothes for my liking. Dreaming about long and warm summer days instead. And an open fire.
November 30, 2010
November 28, 2010
Happy Advent!
It's 1st of Advent and snowing outside (again). Christmas season has officially started here in Sweden. No idea fighting it any more. I will just indulge in everything that comes with Christmas and enjoy myself.
November 25, 2010
Pretty orchids
I just love my orchids. Every year when it can't get much darker and colder outside they start to blossom. Plenty of hot pink, lemon and light pink flowers. Brightening my windowsill for months to come.
November 23, 2010
The uncommon reader
On Saturday night I read Alan Bennett's The uncommon reader from cover to cover. What an utterly charming and cute book.
One day the Queen's corgis make her walk to the end of her garden and there she finds a book bus. Just being polite she borrows a book to read. A week later she returns and picks up another book and suddenly the Queen is reading. For the first time in her life she's doing something because she enjoys it not because of duty.
The Royal Household is not happy the recent change of habits and try their best to tell her that reading isn't good .But being the Queen she continue to read.
Filled with British humour this book makes you smile, feel good and if you love books and to read you will understand everything.
One day the Queen's corgis make her walk to the end of her garden and there she finds a book bus. Just being polite she borrows a book to read. A week later she returns and picks up another book and suddenly the Queen is reading. For the first time in her life she's doing something because she enjoys it not because of duty.
The Royal Household is not happy the recent change of habits and try their best to tell her that reading isn't good .But being the Queen she continue to read.
Filled with British humour this book makes you smile, feel good and if you love books and to read you will understand everything.
November 21, 2010
First snow
The first real snow arrived Friday night to my big dismay. Since last winter didn't end until early April I find it even more depressing than usual. And November is way too early for snow.
Trying very hard to find a bit of silver lining though (Thank you Kanga-Rue), I have to admit that with snow on the ground it gets lighter outside. Or is it the streets lights now when the leaves are gone?
Also the kids love it. I was still in bed yesterday morning reading the newspaper form cover to cover (one of my favourite things to do during the weekend) when I could hear them outside playing and screaming. Made me happy, but most of all I was happy to still be in my warm and cosy bed...
November 18, 2010
One moment, one morning
I finally took the time and finished Sarah Rayner's excellent book One moment, one morning earlier this week.
Three women on the morning train from Brighton to London. Suddenly a man collapses, the train is stopped and an ambulance is called. For Karen, Anna and Lou life will never be the same again.
The book tells the story of the week following that fateful train journey. Karen is now a widow with two small children. Anna, Karen's best friend, ends an overdue relationship and Lou tells her mum something she's been wanting to do for a long, long time.
This is a book about love, loss and friendship and an excellent reminder that it only takes one moment to change everything, but life can and does go on. I know, because I was only 14 year's old when dad died and mum about the same age as Karen when she became a widow. So actually from time to time it was a bit painful to read what they were going through, but at the same time comforting. It's painful to lose someone and Sarah Rayner is very good at describing how people react and think. A good read, but tissues are definitely needed.
Three women on the morning train from Brighton to London. Suddenly a man collapses, the train is stopped and an ambulance is called. For Karen, Anna and Lou life will never be the same again.
The book tells the story of the week following that fateful train journey. Karen is now a widow with two small children. Anna, Karen's best friend, ends an overdue relationship and Lou tells her mum something she's been wanting to do for a long, long time.
This is a book about love, loss and friendship and an excellent reminder that it only takes one moment to change everything, but life can and does go on. I know, because I was only 14 year's old when dad died and mum about the same age as Karen when she became a widow. So actually from time to time it was a bit painful to read what they were going through, but at the same time comforting. It's painful to lose someone and Sarah Rayner is very good at describing how people react and think. A good read, but tissues are definitely needed.
November 16, 2010
Wine school II
Two weeks ago in wine school it was time for white wine (I'm behind on posting). Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling and again comparing Old World with New World.
Joseph Drouhin Chablis 2009
Golden colour with green hues. Very fresh aromas of citrus and green apples. On the palate dry and fruity with mineral notes. Pleasant and long after taste
Tokara Zondernaam Chardonnay 2009
Pale straw colour with hints of green. The nose displays lime, lemon, apricots and hints of oak. The wine is fresh and crisp with flavours of lime, lemon and apples. The finish is dry with toasted oak.
Caves des Perrières Pouilly-Fumé 2009
Light yellow colour with green hues. Nose is filled of the classic aromas of gooseberry, mineral, grass and citrus. Palate gives away citrus and minerals. Short but fresh finish.
Boulder Bank Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Light yellow colour. Very fruit-driven style with lemon grass aromas and citrus flavours both in aroma and taste. Long finish with a hint of peach.
Künstler Riesling Kabinet 2008
Light yellow colour with green hues. On the nose pineapple, honey and citrus. On the palate raisins, pineapple, apricot and even hints of cream. Semi dry.
Again I realised that my taste is getting more and more Old School. My favourites were the Chablis and Pouilly-Fumé. I used to love the fruit-driven New World wines but now I'm finding them just being too much of everything.
Joseph Drouhin Chablis 2009
Golden colour with green hues. Very fresh aromas of citrus and green apples. On the palate dry and fruity with mineral notes. Pleasant and long after taste
Tokara Zondernaam Chardonnay 2009
Pale straw colour with hints of green. The nose displays lime, lemon, apricots and hints of oak. The wine is fresh and crisp with flavours of lime, lemon and apples. The finish is dry with toasted oak.
Caves des Perrières Pouilly-Fumé 2009
Light yellow colour with green hues. Nose is filled of the classic aromas of gooseberry, mineral, grass and citrus. Palate gives away citrus and minerals. Short but fresh finish.
Boulder Bank Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Light yellow colour. Very fruit-driven style with lemon grass aromas and citrus flavours both in aroma and taste. Long finish with a hint of peach.
Künstler Riesling Kabinet 2008
Light yellow colour with green hues. On the nose pineapple, honey and citrus. On the palate raisins, pineapple, apricot and even hints of cream. Semi dry.
Again I realised that my taste is getting more and more Old School. My favourites were the Chablis and Pouilly-Fumé. I used to love the fruit-driven New World wines but now I'm finding them just being too much of everything.
November 14, 2010
Rain
We are now halfway through November and it rains. A lot. And sideways. Living on the top of a hill I wonder sometimes it rains more here. Being closer to the sky and all that... At least it feels like it or maybe it's the wind, because that is worse living on a hill. At least that's what I've been told.
November is, as I posted earlier, my least favourite time of the year. It's cold, wet and dark. Being inside is the only comfortable option. The wind and rain against the window usually makes me want to curl up under the covers and it's totally OK to go to bed at 9 o'clock. For the last two nights though the wind and rain have kept me awake instead. Something on the outside next to the window and very close to my bed is making an annoying sound. A metallic tapping sound that doesn't match the ordinary raindrops.
Twice I have been outside in the rain trying to figure out what it is or even better fix or remove whatever is making this noise, but no luck. Last night I got so annoyed when trying to go to sleep that I moved to the sofa. Fell right a sleep, woke up two hour later because it was so uncomfortable, stumbled back to the bedroom and fell a sleep again. Half asleep I didn't here the noise, but woke up again around 6 am to the never ending bing, bing, bing... The rain stopped of course the minute I gave up trying to sleep and got up, and yes it hasn't rained since then.
So another reason to hate the rain. It makes me sleep deprived.
November is, as I posted earlier, my least favourite time of the year. It's cold, wet and dark. Being inside is the only comfortable option. The wind and rain against the window usually makes me want to curl up under the covers and it's totally OK to go to bed at 9 o'clock. For the last two nights though the wind and rain have kept me awake instead. Something on the outside next to the window and very close to my bed is making an annoying sound. A metallic tapping sound that doesn't match the ordinary raindrops.
Twice I have been outside in the rain trying to figure out what it is or even better fix or remove whatever is making this noise, but no luck. Last night I got so annoyed when trying to go to sleep that I moved to the sofa. Fell right a sleep, woke up two hour later because it was so uncomfortable, stumbled back to the bedroom and fell a sleep again. Half asleep I didn't here the noise, but woke up again around 6 am to the never ending bing, bing, bing... The rain stopped of course the minute I gave up trying to sleep and got up, and yes it hasn't rained since then.
So another reason to hate the rain. It makes me sleep deprived.
November 11, 2010
November 09, 2010
New addiction
I've got a new addiction which I solemnly blame the time of the year. It being cold, dark, wet and windy means I want to curl up on the sofa with a blanket and watch TV. I usually don't watch that much TV besides the weekly episode of House. Until now...
My cable TV operator just changed channels so last week I got BBC Lifestyle or BBC Food as it used to be called. Suddenly I can't stop watching Masterchef, Superhomes, Put your money where you mouth is, What not to wear, Antiques Roadshow and so on. Along with a cup of tea and some biscuits I watch every night and dream about the good life. All with the British touch that I love. Probably quite silly, but enjoyable at the moment and very harmless.
My cable TV operator just changed channels so last week I got BBC Lifestyle or BBC Food as it used to be called. Suddenly I can't stop watching Masterchef, Superhomes, Put your money where you mouth is, What not to wear, Antiques Roadshow and so on. Along with a cup of tea and some biscuits I watch every night and dream about the good life. All with the British touch that I love. Probably quite silly, but enjoyable at the moment and very harmless.
November 07, 2010
Photo of the day
A warm summer's day in a garden with lot of flowers, birds singing and bees buzzing. The breeze is warm and you're sitting in a lawn chair. The only worry is not to run out of cool drinks. I'm so there. Are you?!
November 04, 2010
November
The month that I like the least is here. Just look at the word. It even starts with a No... No as in bad, wrong and terrible. November for me is just one long month of cold, wet and windy weather. For each day it gets darker and darker.
One big comfort thought is that since the last 3 months have passed by extremly quick the next 3 months must go by extremely quick too. Right?! And right there in the middle comes Christmas and New Year's, and not to forget a long weekend in London. Only 5 weeks before a 4-day weekend of friends, food and frivolities. So I will survive. Even if I live in a city where it rains sideways and hate it with a all my heart. The same heart that loves the light summer months. It's Sweden for you.
One big comfort thought is that since the last 3 months have passed by extremly quick the next 3 months must go by extremely quick too. Right?! And right there in the middle comes Christmas and New Year's, and not to forget a long weekend in London. Only 5 weeks before a 4-day weekend of friends, food and frivolities. So I will survive. Even if I live in a city where it rains sideways and hate it with a all my heart. The same heart that loves the light summer months. It's Sweden for you.
November 02, 2010
Wine school
Last Thursday it was time for the first evening of wine school. First subject red wine. We talked about the most common grapes, their characteristics, where they are grown, the differences between the Old and New World and of course we tasted plenty of wine
Errázuriz Estate Pinot Noir 2009
Ruby red colour with purple highlights. Nose displays raspberries, cherries and hints of tobacco. Palate is rather crisp with blueberries, cherries and some oak. It's now the third time in so many weeks that I'm trying Pinot Noir and I'm starting to wonder if it's an acquired taste. The more I taste it the more I like it.
Château Bouscassé 2006
Red colour with hints of blue. Nose is filled blackberries, tobacco, white pepper and bay leaf. Palate is somewhat spicy and firm with again blackberries and bay leaf. Finish is almost rough with lots of tannins. A couple of more years in storage and this wine would suite my taste a lot better. Still too tannic for my liking.
Gestos Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Deep ruby red colour with deep-purple hues. A fine spicy well-developed nose of blackberries, chocolate and licorice. An intense palate of dark berries, chocolate and hints of coffee. An elegant and long finish. I'm not really a fan of Cabernet Sauvignon but is what I like. A lot of fruit and spice. The New World to a tee
Crozes-Hermitage (E. Guigal) 2006
Dark red colour. Nose of red fruits, strawberries and hints of oaks. Palate is structured with tannins, black current and vanilla. Somewhat tannic finish where oak is acting as a softener. Syrah is probably my favourite grape and this is old school wine from Rhone. Again I think it's bit of acquired taste. The more tannic wine you drink the more you like it.
Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz 2008
Intense red colour with purple hues. Nose of ripe blackberries, Christmas spices and hints of chocolate. Palate full of blackberries, raspberries and plums. Some chocolate as well. Lengthy finish with soft tannins. Oh boy, one sniff, one sip and I was sighing with delight. The Aussies know how to make a perfect Shiraz and this is as good as it gets.
Errázuriz Estate Pinot Noir 2009
Ruby red colour with purple highlights. Nose displays raspberries, cherries and hints of tobacco. Palate is rather crisp with blueberries, cherries and some oak. It's now the third time in so many weeks that I'm trying Pinot Noir and I'm starting to wonder if it's an acquired taste. The more I taste it the more I like it.
Château Bouscassé 2006
Red colour with hints of blue. Nose is filled blackberries, tobacco, white pepper and bay leaf. Palate is somewhat spicy and firm with again blackberries and bay leaf. Finish is almost rough with lots of tannins. A couple of more years in storage and this wine would suite my taste a lot better. Still too tannic for my liking.
Gestos Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Deep ruby red colour with deep-purple hues. A fine spicy well-developed nose of blackberries, chocolate and licorice. An intense palate of dark berries, chocolate and hints of coffee. An elegant and long finish. I'm not really a fan of Cabernet Sauvignon but is what I like. A lot of fruit and spice. The New World to a tee
Crozes-Hermitage (E. Guigal) 2006
Dark red colour. Nose of red fruits, strawberries and hints of oaks. Palate is structured with tannins, black current and vanilla. Somewhat tannic finish where oak is acting as a softener. Syrah is probably my favourite grape and this is old school wine from Rhone. Again I think it's bit of acquired taste. The more tannic wine you drink the more you like it.
Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz 2008
Intense red colour with purple hues. Nose of ripe blackberries, Christmas spices and hints of chocolate. Palate full of blackberries, raspberries and plums. Some chocolate as well. Lengthy finish with soft tannins. Oh boy, one sniff, one sip and I was sighing with delight. The Aussies know how to make a perfect Shiraz and this is as good as it gets.
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