May 23
Yesterday (Tuesday) was a workday at the summer house for the boys and spa day for the girls. Lynn and Maria had a wonderful time at the local spa enjoying cool pools, hot tubs, body scrubs (Maria), shrimp sandwiches and wine for lunch and a massage for Lynn. The massage wasn’t the most relaxing she’s ever had as the therapist was trying to relax the dozen or so knots, she had in her back. To tell the truth it was probably the most painful massage she’s ever had but she was able to walk this morning without the lower back muscle spasms she’s had for the last 3 days…. yeah! They spent about 5 hours at the spa and enjoyed every minute. The boys, on the other hand, didn’t have quite as much fun. They got the boat in the water and did some gardening. But the work got done.
Today (Wednesday) Martin had to go to work but Peter, Lynn and Maria drove back to Ostersund to spend a little time in the town before meeting Ruth (Maria’s mom) for lunch. It was a place she had taken Lynn and mom to lunch when they were here in 2008. It’s at the top of a tower and not only was the lunch delicious but the view was wonderful.
After lunch we drove around the area a little and visited Rudmar (Maria’s dad) at the cemetery. Lynn remembers Rudmar as a tall but gentle man who was a lot of fun, even if it was a challenge to communicate as he didn’t speak much English. Her favorite memory of him was after Rudmar, Ruth and Mildred went to a Cubs game when they visited in Chicago in the late 80s. After the game Rudmar kept singing “Take me out to the ballgame” but that’s the only line he knew so he sang it over and over. It’s a great memory and he is very much missed.
Then we headed back to Sundsvall, stopping at a very special spot along the way. We drove right past the house where Lynn’s grandfather was born and raised. It’s right on the lake and has a beautiful view. Unfortunately, now it’s also right on the highway but we were able to find a spot to pull over and take pictures. Maria remembers going to the house as a child when it was owned by Uncles Eric and Sven. Here’s video Peter took of the house.
We also drove past the spot where Lynn’s grandparents lived before they came to Chicago. The house no longer exists since the highway is where the house was, but it was cool to see the spot where it used to stand. It was right on a lake where the oldest child, Gustav, drowned when he was only a few years old. Maria never met Lynn’s grandfather as he died when Maria was only 5 months old, but she remembers seeing pictures of him when he visited Sweden. It was so cool that she remembered the aunts and uncles Lynn never met (Grandpa was one of 9 kids) and remembered visiting both of the houses, the one that still stands and the one that’s now a highway.
Once Martin got home from work, we enjoyed a delicious dinner and are now watching tonight’s move…. Red 2. We watched the first one last night and had a great time so we’re looking forward to the 2nd movie. It’s movie time so we’ll close for now. Have a great day everyone.