Day 72

Funny Friday, hu? ;-) This is me, in the bathroom where we have the washing machine, using my wringer before folding the clean towels.

I've always loved wringed (is that a word?) towels and bed sheets, and for a birthday some years ago my parents gave me this orange, electrical wringler. It doesn't fit in our black and white bathroom, so normally it is covered with a white blanket, and I doesn't use it that often.

Tonight I saw this pile of towels on it, and decided to attend to them. It isn't more than a 10 minutes job, but I feel very content afterwards. :) And the photo setup included both my gorillapod and the new camera remote control!

Edit: Sorry, I misspelled, it should be wringer, or mangle, maybe that have added to the confusion. :) Anyway it is used to press the dry, or somewhat moist, towels to make them take up lesser space once folded, and to make them softer.

Day 71

Linus is back at us after being with his mother for a little more than a week. He got a new baby-brother right before Daniel and I went to Istanbul, so it has been a little new and exiting at mum's this time.

Here is Linus and Daniel playing games on the floor in Linus room. It is a rather simple board game; spin a wheel to get the number of steps to move. It is good for practicing counting, and learn about winning and loosing. :)

Day 70

Tonight was meeting night. We live in a "bostadsrättsförening", a kind of housing cooperative that is very common in Sweden. That means that we have bought a share in this cooperative, and get to live in "our" apartment. It doesn't mean that we own the apartment, only a share in the cooperative, which owns the whole house. We can make changes to our apartment as we want, and if we decides to move we can sell our share; the right to our apartment.

Aaaaanyway, this cooperative have a board to handle all related issues regarding the houses. The board consists of people living here, members of the cooperative. And I am one of the members of this board. This means meetings, about one night a month. It is very interesting, and also a lot of work. We have placed a lot of money into this cooperative and I like to be in charge of what is happening to our investment, and also to learn a lot of new things.

So, lots of rambling to todays picture, but maybe someone else also learns something new today! :-D

Day 69

Lol, this is starting to look like "Pet week"; fishes the other day, Ebba yesterday and Zelda today. Oh well, with work all day and then grey, snowy weather during the walk with Ebba, Zelda will have to be the subject of the day.

I have no idea why she looks so grumpy here. She is the most loving cat I know, always purring and looking for someone to pet her, but when I get the camera out she gets this look of disbelief. Anyway I adore her, and I like the contrasts in this picture. I used the same technique as yesterday, blending Annie's vintage action into the original picture.

Day 68

The sun shined today, and although it wasn't very warm, it felt a little like spring. Nice.

Of course it were dirty everywhere, the snow we had is now making our forest trails like mud slides. Ebba didn't mind while we were out, but the shower when we got home is not as fun. Luckily she is a well behaved girl, and it is no problem to get her clean again.

The cats are another matter. Right now my desk is covered in some dust, I suspect Zoey used it to dry off when she got in.

Oh, I used Annie's action Faded Vintage Color - Warm, to blend into my picture. It is not that obvious(as I blended it), but I liked the slightly muted effect.

Day 67

These are the fishes that summertime lives in the pond at my IL's, but wintertime have an aquarium in the basement as home. They can't stay outside year round as the pond deep frezes in winter. Occasionally one of them have survived outside; when it gets cold they dig themselves down in the mud, and then wait for spring.

Sorry about the crappy focus, but my models wasn't very cooperative, and didn't want to stand still for me.

Day 66

Daniels mother is home alone this weekend, and wanted some help carrying at IKEA. Of course we helped out, and got ourselves a bag of goodies too. :) It is my IL's car on the picture, with MIL to the left and Daniel on the right side.

Day 65

I'm very sorry not to be able to give you more interesting pictures from Istanbul. This pic is from the airport, an old bazaar-type shop with lots of Turkeish souveneirs. We worked this morning and then went straight to the airport.

It rained some when we went from the cab to site, and the water leaved dirt-stains on our bags and coats. The air in Istanbul is really terrible, when the sun shines you can see the brown mist hanging over the city. This dirt came down with the rain, and everything there has a brownish tint, even buildings that are just a couple of years old. I'm very fortunate to live in Linköping, where the air is always clean and nice to breath!

Day 64

We worked until 7PM, and afterwards this could be seen at our hotel-room; more computer time. Today should have been the last day, but as our flight doesn't leave until half past two tomorrow afternoon, so we will be able to squeeze in a couple of hours work tomorrow morning too. Then right to the airport and home again.

It will be so nice to sleep in my own bed, and to see the cats. Ebba is also comming on Saturday, and then we'll see when Linus is back from his mommy. Then we're a full house again! :)

Day 63

Todays picture is a little boring, but I'll make up for it. So, this is tonights dinner; there is a lounge at our hotel, that serves hot and cold snacks. Today they had potato croquettes and beef with sallad, and lots of small things to go with that. Pretty good.

As this trip wont have any sightseeing, only work and then home again, I thought I'd share some of the pics from our trip here in December. Then we stayed over the weekend to see some of Istanbul.

During the work week we stayed at a hotel in Suadiye, Asian side. It used to be a bath retreat, but is now centraly situated as the city has grown enormously. Really beautiful area, with view over Princess' Island.



Friday we moved to a hotel on the Western side, to visit the famous Sultanahmet on Saturday. We thougth we should start with the Blue Mosque, but as there where prayers going on, we walked over to Hagia Sophia instead.




On the inside picture you can see Daniel in the middle of the photo. He isn't really enjoying this trip, as he had fever and a cold, poor guy.

Then we continued with the Blue Mosque. I've never been inside a mosque before, but it was beautiful. Notice the red carpet, it was so thick and colorful, and very soft to walk on. The shoes was carried in a small plastic bag while inside.




Last picture is from the Grand Bazaar. This is the main street, with all the gold shops. Then there were a myriad of small streets reaching out far away. All under one roof.

Day 62

The view from our hotel, on the asian side of Istanbul. The area is called Atasehir and is apperently rather posh. I wouldn't know, all I've seen all day is a server room filled with telecom equipment, but it is situated somewhere to the far right in the picture. It rained in the morning, and the sun looked through the clouds when we got back to the hotel, about 12 degrees Celsius.

Daniel and I doesn't work in the same department, although with the same employer. My product is rather new, and makes use of technology that is Daniels area, hence our working and traveling together.

Day 61

New airport; Schipol in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This is an overview of one of the shops.

We are on our way again, this time to work and the destination is Istanbul, Turkey. Daniel and I are lucky to be able to work toghether sometimes, and it certainly is much more fun to go on business trips when you are not alone. We went to Istanbul in December too, so this time we wont do any sightseeing, only work. We'll see what I can come up with picturewise.

I've used Annies actions again, this time the Funky B&W.

Day 60

We played out in the snow today too. My father took this picture of Linus and me riding the snow racer, and Ebba.... um.. hoovering. ;-) She is crazy about running in front of the snow racer, barking and trying to stop it. I think she has as much fun as we!

Day 59

We spent the morning outside riding the snow racer down the hill on the nearby golf course, and then we had lunch in the garden of my parents; hot dogs over an open fire. Ebba was a little cold, and crawled up in the chair. You can see the amount of snow by comparing to the chair; about half a meter. As we don't have this much snow at home it was really fun to play in it!

Day 58

We went by car to my parents today. It takes about 2.5 hours, so it was already late when we got there. After dinner we just relaxed and drank some beer and chatted. We don't see eachothers too often, and talking on the phone is not the same as sitting down to hear what everyone has done and are up to. On the picture are from the left, Daniel, my dad and my mom. Linus is already in bed.

I have used Annies action Elegance B&W on the picture.

Day 57

It might not be that visible on the photo, but this is a dirty cat. We was a little reluctant to let her out today, cause we are going 230 kilometers tomorrow to my parents, and are gonna bring the cats too. Zoey has a history of disappearing for days, just when it causes the most trouble for us.

But she got out anyway, and on his way to the bus, Daniel saw her slip down a little hole in a wall down to a basement. He called home, said we probably wont see her before we go tomorrow. Not good. But a couple of hours later she sits outside our door again. Happy to have her home I let her in, and sees the big, black, dust-spots on her sides... Nice.

Now be a good kittie and go clean yourself, Zoey!

Day 56

This morning when I got the paper, I realized that I had missed the biggest news in Sweden from yesterday; the crown princess and her Daniel have decided to get married! Apparently it was all over the news yesterday, but I only scrapped and watched Dr. House. :p I think it is fun, I like the monarchy, and look forward to see a royal wedding next year. I'm surely not gonna miss that happening!

Day 55

The sunset was rather spectacular tonight. We were out playing in the snow combined with walking Ebba after work and kindergarten, and suddenly the sky turned all pink. Unfortunately the zoom-lens was on, a wider one probably would have done the sky more justice, but I like the way it turned out anyway.

Day 54

Still not feeling too well, Linus stayed home from kindergarten today. The morning he and I spend watching movies and paying bills (guess who did what.. ;), before we went out to play in the snow a bit. His grandparents took over at lunch. They went for some shopping and McDonald's, and Linus was very happy to have gotten a new balloon. The picture for today shows Linus with farfar and farmor.

Day 53

It started snowing yesterday evening, and continued today. Big snowflakes! Unfortunately it is warm again, so we'll see if there is anything left for a sleigh-ride tomorrow. As Linus been sick Friday I will stay home tomorrow until lunch with him, and then Daniels parents take over the rest of the day.

Day 52

Pretty nice weather here today, about zero degrees and almost sunshine. The houses in the background is where we live. It is apartment buildings, and the area used to be a garrison until 12 years ago. Some of the old military buildings are still left, but have other activities now. The area where we usually takes our walks with Ebba used to be their, what do you say, practice area. Now it is a nature reserve, due to its many oaks.

Day 51

This week, the sun has almost been over the horizon when we walk Ebba in the morning, and today it actually was. The clock is about 7:25AM.

Day 50

I just realized that there have been many days with out any cats or dog in the pictures, so here is Zoey - the thief who stole my chair. Notice how she has stuck a claw into it, to hold on. Writing this I'm sitting on a corner of the seat, with Zoey eagerly waiting for me to leave so she can have the whole place. But she is cute. :)

This photo was a little edited to get the washed out effect. I used the fabulous action from Annie; Elegance B&W, and then blended it with my original picture to get some color to show through.

Day 49

Back in reality again, and walks with the dog after work. Yes, this is not the dog in the picture (she is somewhere on the side, although she usually is a good 20 meters ahead of us), but Linus on his bike. The weather is about -5C and a little snow, not really biking weather, but hey, he loves riding his "motor bike", as he calls it.

Day 48

This is what the fridge looks like when you've been gone for twelve days. Breakfast was bought in the kiosk at work today. :)

Day 47

Lots of time on planes and airports today. This picture is taken at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany, where we had connecting flight to Stockholm, Sweden. Some snow in Frankfurt caused delayed planes, missed connections and missed train from Stockholm to Linköping. It was very nice to curl up in our own bed when we finally arrived home at 3AM Tuesday morning.

Day 46

Last day in Mexico. This is the lobby of the all-inclusive hotel where we spent the last two days. Beautiful place, excellent for relaxing, although the food and drinks didn't quite lived up to our expectations. But hey, beer is beer, even when served in a plastic cup. ;-)

Day 45

Happy Valentines day!

Day 44

We rented a scooter and drove from Playa del Carmen to Akumal beach. Akumal means bay of turtles in Mayan, and it really was. On the first snorkel swim we saw four turtles close to the beach. They are so beautiful! So was the beach, almost like paradise.

Day 43

An unused pier in Playa del Carmen.

Day 42

Too deep dives today to bring the camera with us. And as the diving took most of the day, there aren't so many other pictures. This is the beautiful wall over the bed in the hotel.

Day 41

Lots of uploads today, this is the fifth post, so feel welcome to have a look at the others too.



The first dive-day! We did two dives in the Cenotes; caverns formed in the lime stone. This is the entrance to one of them, and the water is crystal clear. The depth here is actually 5 meters, although it looks like you could walk over.

Cenote diving is amazing; we followed a trail for 400 meters inside the cavern and saw beautifully formed stalagtites and stalagmites. The sight when you come from the dark cavern towards the light opening is so cool, the colors are so rich!

For an underwater pic, see Daniels 349-blog.

Day 40

We have arrived in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and took a stroll on the beach the first afternoon. These pelicans were very interested in what the fishermen brought with them.

Day 39

One of the sightseeing tours went to Tlayaplan, Mexico, and their beautiful pottery market. They also have an old church, and I captured this dog taking a rest from the heat outside.

Day 38

Papa Jaime and Daniel in the garden of our friends house in Cuautla, Mexico. They are having some Corona with lime and salt, and tequila on the side. We were very well taken care of!

Day 37

Finally Internet again after some days in the shadows ;-) Sorry girls that I don't comment, but the line isn't good enough for that. I'll make up for it when I get home again.



The beautiful city of Puebla, Mexico. These water fountains are situated outside the town hall.

Day 36

Today we have visited the pyramids in Teotihuacán. The picture shows the pyramid of the moon, with the Avenue of the dead leading up to it. The morning was quite chilly, but as soon as the sun showed through the clouds it got really warm.

Day 35

The view from the airplane taking us to Mexico. This is somewhere over the US I belive.

Day 34

Yeay, vacation tomorrow!! :D We are heading for Mexico, and this bright yellow suitcase will do us company. Along with some hand luggage, camera bag, computer bag, dive gear bag... you get the picture! A couple of days in Mexico City and Cuautla, and then down to Playa del Carmen, and we will cover both visiting friends and diving.

I really hope to keep updated here at least some times during the trip, this has become a habit and daily routine, but anyway I'll be back in two weeks. And that also means that I probably won't have any time to comment on your lovely blogs. I'll get right on to that when I'm back! :)

Day 33

A moon pic with the new lens. I was setting the cam up when I realized that an airliner just passed, unfortunately my reaction was a little slow, but if you look to the right you can see the tail. :)

I really love all your kind comments, it is so fun to read your views on my photos. Thank you so much! And a big thanx to Listgirl that has tagged me.

Rules:
1 - Link back to the blog that tagged you: Fabulous Adventures of Listgirl

2 - Make a list of 6 (un)interesting things about yourself.
Six *un*interesting things about me:

1. I wear glasses whenever I read, papers or monitor, but always take them off when I talk to people (I have contacts, but they are too messy for me... *lazy*)
2. I own a caravan. :) It is hubbys too, but mine on the paper. You'll see more of it when we get to summer months.
3. I love to dive. Which you'll see more of the couple of next weeks. :)
4. I have a masters degree in mathematics
5. I get excited at airports and love airplanes
6. My shoe-collection would be *much* bigger if I hadn't have Donald Duck feet...

3 - Tag five other blogs, and let them know by leaving them a comment.
Oh, this is hard.. there are so many good blogs out there, but anyway, here's five:

1. Daniel
2. Shannon
3. Petra
4. Goodtexan
5. Michelle

Wish you all that have managed all the way here a happy week! Keep the photos coming!

Day 32

Linus and I took turns in taking each others picture, and I actually managed to get this cute one out of our little session. Linus didn't do as good, the DSLR is a little heavy for him, and most pictures was the wall or my knee. However, that didn't bring his mood down, pressing the shutter button and get a picture on the rear of the camera was fun enough.

Right after this we went to the nearby city Norrköping and visited Mediamarkt. A new lens for the camera was the top priority, but wow, did they have a lot of stuff!! We got the lens; a Canon 55-250 f/4-5.6, but also a gorillapod. That's a cool little fellow, and I have high expectations for it on our upcoming vacation.

Day 31

Still at the in-laws, we took a walk with the dogs on the golf course nearby. Suddenly when we looked up a hill there were a heard of deers. They stood so still, watching us, until I got too close with the camera. Unfortunately the picture is a little blurry, due to some mistaken settings.






I'm in a little hurry right now, the weekend has been busy, hence yesterdays pic today. I'll be back tonight with today's pic, and browsing all other blogs for photos! :)