The batteries in my camera died too , may they RIP .

*sighs*

Lots and lots of people there lighting candles and putting flowers on graves of dear departed souls.

Jill and I met in Gamla Stan and took the train there.
First we went to her mother and brother's grave which is in a part of the cemetery I'd never visited before. There was a grave there that was between two poplar trees and they had been trimmed in such a way to make the tombstone look as if it was in a cave.

After that we went to the chapel to listen to the choir - quite grand they were . I shed a few tears . Certain pieces really move me. It's like turning the taps on ! Worls every time !

I came well prepared this year - brought a couple of those party torches for outside as they last longer and don't get extinguished by the rain like the other namby pamby ones do.

I also brought a special lighter as matches and ordinary lighters don't work too well.

MIssed Kjell though. Waved to Tant Alice and Olga from afar. there's no way I can find their graves without Kjell who seems to have some sort of inbuilt homing device

Sent Kjell , in the Canary Isles , a text message to report on everything and got one back :
" Thank you for keeping this tradition. We're having a great time here .. love and kisses "

The rascal .. I want my creme caramel

Had to make my own dinner. Grilled salmon with sweetcorn and yoghurt and garlic sauce .. on my 3rd glass of wine .. knocked the first one over and broke it . Wine went all over a pair of shoes too which I " washed " ..second glass I've broken this week. I don't usually break things.. must be hexed ......

Bye for now
xxxx's

Anyone who knows me well knows that this is one of the more morbid mysterious highlights of my year. Kjell and I go and visit his " tant Alice and Olga " who have a " a room" there. ( Kjells words ) This year , this dear old friend of 30 more years has scaboosed off to the Canary Isles for a week , the rat. It's not just all the candles and spookiness, the candlelight concert , existential walk and talk sharings through the woods that I miss but also the gourmet dinner afterwards .. Kjell's creme caramel that is to DIE for !!

This Stockholm cemetery was created between 1917 and 1920 by two young architects, Asplund and Lewerentz, on the site of former gravel pits overgrown with pine trees. The design blends vegetation and architectural elements, taking advantage of irregularities in the site to create a landscape that is finely adapted to its function. It has had a profound influence in many countries of the world.

Links
National Heritage Board of Sweden

Skogskyrkogården, Stockholm

http://www.stockholm.se/Extern/Templates/Page.aspx?id=179063

I think I'll go with someone else or on my own.

Watch this space for more news

Did the Picture personality quiz in Facebook and it is amazingly accurate .

Temperament Flexible
Nothing seems to bother you - you sail through life crisis free. It's not that your life doesn't have its ups and downs, it's just that you handle everything without unnecessary drama and antics. You approach each day fresh, not worrying about yesterday or tomorrow. You are confident that you can handle anything that comes your way and experience has shown that you are absolutely right about this.

( this is my AIM .. perhaps I have succeeded ? )

Interests
Simple
You are continually pursuing a simpler and less complicated life - you don't allow yourself to fall victim to all of the "should do's" that society continually bombards you with. You are thoughtful about your life choices and think in terms of yourself, others and the world in which we live. You have a great sense that we are part of something much bigger and we must be good to others, if we want others and the world to be good to us.

Amusement
Thoughtful
You are easily stressed out and overwhelmed - you need to take care of yourself first and foremost. Because you tend to be self reflective, you know your limits quite well and must remember to not exceed those limits. When you overwhelm your life with obligations and responsibilities, you tend to shut down and go into yourself even further. Take some time to find your serenity and kick back your feet.´

Passion
Emotional
For you passion is less about romance and sex - it's more about friendship and family.((( this includes extended family ))) Strong emotional bonds (( YES ! ))) and connections are your passion and your pleasure. You always let your loved ones know how much you love, respect and admire them.(( DO I ?? ))) You do this through kind words, loving actions and simple gestures. You count your blessings each day and express your love openly.( YES YES YES ))) You expect the same from others.(( would be nice .. lol .. not a demand )