Writing really is a favourite hobby of mine. And I am very happy that I have colleagues interested in literature. They have been very curious in following my development. That makes me happy. Slowly, I am starting to look forward, and I know I should read a book, just to compare my own style of writing. To get a new perspective and to develop further. Someone who also is keen of my reading is my sweetie. Always faithful and very eager. Sharing some photos illustrating her interest. This kind of writing is very different from scientific writing, but I must admit that I have been influenced by science. It has taken time to develop my own way of writing, and that will continue my whole life.

Another big hobby is work out, and right now I am training for participating in Blodomloppet. I have made some progress and I hope that it will be a beautiful day. I will join running directly after work. This helps me to be more focused on what I eat, and also that I have to remind myself of having more water. I don’t know why, but I forget having water.

What do you fancy in life?

I am currently in the countryside, and the last time I was here I said goodbye to my mother. It has been a tough time, and I have thought of her a lot. She has suffered the last years but she has had good health care support. However, it feels alright to be able to say that she has had a great life. Travelling, a nice home, dogs, family, nature, sports etc.

Memory diseases also affect the family a lot. Especially my father has had a difficult time. Personally, it is the very first time somebody so close passes away. I have chosed to be open about my feelings, and it has been a sound way to handle life. To face death is a challenge, but it happens to everybody. It has taken time to mourn my mother, therefore I have cooked so much, but that has helped me.

I am very happy to have so supporting collegues. They have shared some of their life experiences and been very understanding. And maybe, I can give extra support to my customers and their families. Also carrying the burden of disease.

My very best wishes to Norway today since it is national holiday. I saw Norwegian flags in Stockholm this evening, and I put my flag on the table in honor of Norway. Norway will always have a special place in my heart. When I was in Norway I did a lot of exercise and I still go training, even more now. So, yesterday I thought of Norway since it was there I started to run (løpetur) more actively. I remember that I trained for “Midnattsloppet”, and that it was very tough in the beginning. To run three kilometers without stopping and losing my breath. Now when the light and not the least, the temperature is rising I will do more running. Yesterday was very nice.

My writing inspiration is slowly returning and I feel happy for that. Maybe it depends on the weather, I don’t know. I always think of piano music this time of the year. More than usual. Last weekend I learnt about Yann Tiersen, a French musician and composer. The piano will always be a big part of my life, and I share this part of music with you. Comptine d`un autre ete – l`apres-midi. Very beautiful.

Relations are difficult and complicated. When I was 13 years old I had a pen-pal. I don’t know how he found me, but he wrote to my high school. He studied at a private school and searched for friends in other schools to write letters to. I didn’t mind, so we exchanged some writing. At that time I had no idea of what I wanted to do or study in life. He wrote that he wanted to become a diplomat. Since I didn’t know what a diplomat was, I remember I asked my best friends mother to explain. She told me that it is a huge subject and a delicate profession, and it is a lot about words. How you formulate what you want to express in a way so you don’t step on anybodies toes. I understood that it was complicated, and I was surprised that it is a profession. I understood that I would understand the meaning of diplomacy better later in life. I am happy that I got to know this family when I grew up. It is so nice to share memories. I don’t know where my pen-pale is today, but I hope he became a diplomat.

To deal with my mothers passing away, I have made a lot of dinners and baking. That is my strongest memory of my mother. I have searched for various recipes and I have cooked. This has also reminded me of a time period in life when I was really doing a lot of “kitchening”. I have so many cooking books. My favourite magazine was “Allt om mat”. If you are interested you can try this recipe, it is very spring inspired (https://alltommat.se/recept/entrecote-med-salsa-verde/). With fresh potatoes.

Today is a beautiful day in Stockholm. I have a day off, and I am looking forward to running in the beginning of June. And to cheer me up, I share this, my favourite, from Fawlty Towers with John Cleese (Basil) and Connie Booth (Polly).