Soldiers

In my previous blog, I had mentioned soldiers in my second paragraph. After much thought, I have since removed the word soldiers. My intent was not to disrespect soldiers who selfishly put their life on the line for democracy and freedom. I was only trying to show that it is a sad fact that while most people around the world celebrate Christmas, that soldiers are often far away in foreign countries, away from their loved ones, their friends. That was the point that I was trying to get across. My apologies to all soldiers and their families, if my words were misinterpreted.

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It Must Be Christmas

Snow. It must be Christmas. Snow. It is cold. It must be Christmas. Giving and sharing. Smiles, laughter, singing and helping one another. It must be Christmas. Baking, cookies, decorations, lights and candles. It must be Christmas. Babies, children, Mothers, Fathers, neighbors and friends...together again.

It must be Christmas.

Wars, hunger, hatred.Innocent people dying, corruption, deceit. Disease, pollution, waste, greed.

It must be Christmas.

 When will we learn? When will we stop? When will it be...Christmas?

It starts with you. Are you ready?

It Must Be Christmas.

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A Walk In The Woods

A walk in the woods. This is a picture that I will call "The Green Carpet". I saw a lot of this, while walking in the woods. I had a handheld GPS with me, so I just walked where my feet took me. I saw a lot of boar stands, used for waiting out boars that may come along. There are quite a lot of boars around here and I saw 5 such stands. Also, something that looked like a feeding station to attract boars...a lot of bread and a contraption above that I was not quite sure what it was for. I believe I even, dare I say, frightened a boar, because I heard a lot of rambling and rustling nearby on one of my "off the trail" ways. As far as wildlife, the only creature I saw was a tiny mouse trying to find it's way under cover to avoid any capture! Oh well, maybe next time! I will say, the GPS is very good to have, because you can just walk wherever and not worry about getting lost...unless, of course, the batteries die! Hmmm...mental note...take extra batteries on next walk. Perhaps on my next posting I will have a picture or two of a BOAR! HA!

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My Little Town ( apologies to Simon and Garfunkle)

   Sösdala, my little town. Or, village, as I have been told. My home town. Two grocery stores, two banks, one gas station, three frisorar ( hair solans), bus station, a couple of pizza parlors...I use that term loosely..., two schools, a library, a couple of clothing shops, a bakery, a few privately owned businesses, a bath and kitchen remodeling business, florist, a hardware store, a church and a lot of friendly people! Oh, and I can't forget the recycling place, commonly known as, the TIP. You can place bets on horse races at the gas station..I like that...maybe even do it some day. Money, Money, Money!

    I can walk into town in about a half hour from where I live, which is not a bad walk at that. I think by now, most of the people who see me recognize me as the local american who speaks a little swedish. It's a very nice village and I have come to call it my own. Every village, town, city has this same familiar sign letting you know that you are about to come into the area of such place. The 50 sign above states the speed limit, which is a little confusing since it is universally known that you always drive 50 when entering a municipality. But, who am I to argue, gives someone a job,I guess. Right passed this sign is a familiar tree. A Buckeye tree! Funny, being the state tree from where I come from in Ohio! At least it is funny to me and I always take a look at it as I pass it. When I go into the two grocery stores, I always look for anything new that may be on the shelfs. Kind of interesting to find things that remind me of US stores and then other things that may be so different, as well. No ICA Jerry, but I look for him, just the same! I wished that they sold the Euro Shopper dark chocolate again...I always look for that! So Good! LOL, I am getting off topic, now, sorry. On most saturday mornings, there is a Loppis...flea market....which has some good things and some things that people just don't want anymore! Not unlike the US, LOL. The village recently celebrated 150 years! I find that interesting in the fact that it is not really all that old of a village, in relative terms, if you think about it. A lot of people with their dogs, a lot of bikes used by both young and old...I like that...I hope to get a bike myself soon. Pedal into the village and maybe explore a little more on my own. I'm old, gammal, a bike would be better for me than walking, I believe. Definately faster! Oh, and not one of those skinny seats either. My butt needs a wide saddle for the comfort!

Sösdala, my little town.

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It has been a while...

Yes, it has been a while, since my last posting. Have been in a funk for a while and thought I would wait it out until I wrote again. Maybe, because it gets so dark earlier. Maybe, because I have not been myself lately. What the hell, maybe, because I think too much! My life in Sweden, except for my lovely wife, has almost come to a standstill, perhaps...a Mexican stand-off...so to speak. No job, no money, no more doing the things I liked to do. Just kind of waiting, hoping, something comes along. I took this short quiz on Facebook yesterday...said that I wasn't crazy! Whew! Good thing. For a minute there, I thought I was! I do have my health, a loving wife...a very understanding wife, I might add...and a roof over my head. A great deal more, than others have. In that regard, I smile, I breathe, I relax...I try not to think too much. I keep on testing for that damn Swedish drivers license test. *sigh*. What a test! Reality is, things are bound to change. Besides, what else can a poor man do? I'm just running on faith. I love you Laila!

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Friends

Ernie (top left)

Matt, Duke, Sam, Bob, Dana, Graig

Roger K.

Bob, Roger W., Me, Mr. Burt

Jim, Dickie, Kenny

Friends are forever. No matter what ever happens in your life, your friends will always be there. Especially, the friends that you grew up with. These are the people that you run around with, get into trouble with and most of all, just have the best of times with! As you get older, you may drift apart and not see each other as often as you would like. You have families, different responsibilities, your job, kids, vacations, the house needs some work and you just don't seem to have the time anymore, like you use to. It happens to everyone at some time or another. But, one thing about friends, you can stop by and knock at the door and all of a sudden, Wham! You are right back to where you started from. All of the memories come flooding back, you laugh so hard that you cry! You have that beer or two...or more...most likely more, then it's time to get back to reality and go about your life as before. You say to everybody that you'll get back in touch and do it again...knowing that it won't be for a long time until you do. Ah, you try to stay in touch. You make that phone call, send that e-mail, but for some reason, things just don't come together. I am not sure why, must be that life thing again. You think about them all of the time...laugh a little, once more.....think about those good old days! But the years roll by, time catches up with you, things change and you long for those days when things just didn't matter that much. That the only thing important was just getting together again for a few more beers, a few more laughs, a few more tears. You miss the ones who are gone and think about them the most...the, what if, factor. I have a lot of friends, some of them are in that picture. That's my Senior year at Alliance High School Engineering Drafting. Class of '73. Others that have been life long friends - Ron C., Ron T., Kurt, Weiner, and a few others that I can't quite remember now...but, I will and when I do, I will update this blog. I did not add last names, because, they know who they are. They are my friends.

Borås Zoo Lion Cubs

Three lion cubs that were born on Friday at the zoo in Borås, Sweden, were euthanazied because their mother would not nurse them. Zoo officials claimed that " The option of bottle feeding the cubs was ruled out because doing so would have affected their behaviour for the rest of their lives, making it hard for them to live with the other lions." Another quote from The Local states “It always hits you hard when you’re forced to put down newborn cubs, but we need to be professional. This happens in the wild and isn’t out of the ordinary.”
   I'm a bit confused. I thought that animals were in zoos to protect them and care for them. A zoo is not the wild and I thought that zoo officials knew that. There was not even the option of another zoo to care for them. I find this strange, at the very least. It almost seems that something is missing from the story. Could the zoo not care for them properly? Did they not have the facilities adequate to raise them and keep them safe as they became older? I agree with the comments, that this was insane to put to sleep these 3 lion cubs, without any attempt to preserve life, as I always thought the meaning of zoos and their purpose for animals of the wild. As a lover of all animals, I feel that there needs to be some kind of investigation of the management of the Borås Zoo.

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One in Five Swedes under 30...

I recently read an article in The Local, about the fact that many young Swedes under 30, doubt that al Qaida had anything to do with 911. In fact they believe that George W. Bush was behind the whole thing! One out of Five Swedes, under 30, believe this! I find this so utterly ridiculus, that I question the fact that I am even writing about it. How is this possible, I ask? Can there be so many people out of touch with todays news and facts, that they just start believing the most absurd? In todays society, it would be so very difficult to cover this up, let alone, cover this up for so long a period of time. And, although, I did not agree with much of Presidents Bush's policy or Presidency, even I could not fathom to think that he would even agree to it, let alone be responsible for 911. I can understand todays youth being skeptic of a lot of things, but sometimes, common sense and reality, need to be established. I can not totaly put the blame of ignorance on the youth alone. I know that there are also people my age, that believe the same...conspiracy theories and the like. Use your brains, people. Think about the facts, the logic of how the world is today. Don't be sucked into believing things that just defy logic and common sense. The next thing you know, you will believe that Global Warming is a myth, too!

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True Love

True Love - You search the world over for true love. You hope to one day have true love and to hold on to it forever. What is true love? How do you know you have true love? True love was told to me that it is to be comfortable. I guess in a way to be relaxed with life. To be at peace with someone, so much, that you know that whatever comes along, whatever problems that may happen, whatever hardships you endure, that as long as you have true love...it will be ok. And, how do you know for sure that you have true love? In a way, you may never know for sure until life itself is over. Because you spend your time and love with a certain someone expecting that to be your one true love. Then something happens, emotions get the best of you. You find out, that this person is not your true love...your soul partner...after all. So you search, again and maybe again, until you find that certain someone. She or he, takes your breath away....you become... comfortable....relaxed. True love, is so hard to find, so easy to toss aside, if you are not careful or willing to take that chance, even after so long a life of heartache and pain, it could slip by, so easily. I have come to the end of my journey after a long search. I gave up much, to have that... one ...true....love! She shines in darkness and smiles through pain. She makes me laugh when I am sad and cry when I think of how lucky I am to be with her. She is my heart, she is my True Love, she is my Laila.

 I am comfortable, at last!

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God...without religion

In a recent discussion, last night with my family, we were talking about religion. Topics arose about the bible and how contradictory it can be. Punishing and forgiving, what is good and what is bad, etc., etc. I asked, can there be God, without having religion. Can you take away the bibles, korans, talmuds and all other kinds of literature describing all things related to God and still have God? Can you not be Catholic, Jewish, Moslem, Athiest, Agnostic and the like and still have God? Can you have God and not ask for forgivness, pray to, kill for, die for, help for, teach to, preach to, damn for, live for, pay for, play for, thank to, ask for and be for... God. Can a person just have the spiritual being of ones self. Do good, not bad - George Carlin - live within ones best ways. Be nice and help others, because it is the right thing to do, not because God asked you too.

Imagine there's no Heaven

It's easy if you try
No hell below us

Above us only sky

Imagine all the people

Living for today

Imagine there's no countries

It isn't hard to do

Nothing to kill or die for

And no religion too

Imagine all the people

Living life in peace

You may say that I'm a dreamer

But I'm not the only one

I hope someday you'll join us

And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions

I wonder if you can

No need for greed or hunger

A brotherhood of man

Imagine all the people

Sharing all the world

You may say that I'm a dreamer

But I'm not the only one

I hope someday you'll join us

And the world will live as one 

John Lennon

Think about it.

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Breast and Prostate Cancer

I just watched a video and read an article on the ABC News web site. It was about a top official's statement, from the American Cancer Society, that breast and prostate screening may be oversold when it comes to saving lives. It seems that there are a lot of "false positives" that come from the results of both clinical and the mamogram for women and the PSA blood test for men. They have said through studies that most men and women have had biopsies that were not necessary because of these "false positives". In my opinion, women over 40 and men over 50, should still see a doctor and have both tests done by a doctor yearly. I would rather have a "false positive" and have the peace of mind. I know of two men who have died of prostate cancer. These are simple tests and although they may not be plesant and somewhat embarrasing, I still say that they are very necessary. Please, see your doctor and have these exams done. I know I will and I want my wife to have the exams yearly, as well. Breast cancer for women and prostate cancer for men, are the two most leading causes of death. Screening and exams...see your doctor.

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My Long Haired Lady

A tattoo. It is forever, always a part of you. Never to go away, never to be without you. A part of, who you are inside. Important, shared, proud and always a reminder of what means most to you. If you did not feel this way, why even bother? But, having a tattoo is significant as to who you are. A sign of commitment and love, because you just can't wash it off, throw it away or even cover it up, because it is still there...whether you or anybody else sees it.

My long haired lady will always be a part of me...forever and a day!

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Being a Grandparent

Molly

    Being a grandparent is something special! My little Molly will be celebrating her first birthday in December and I couldn't be prouder of her. Everyone is a grandchild at some point in their life, but not everyone is a grandparent. You have the experience of being a parent all over again and the happiness that a child can give you with just a smile! You look for those first steps, those first words, again. But, you have different responsibilities as well. Spoiling a grandchild is almost a required thing to do, but not too much and never when the parents are around! There is a desire to teach and show a grandchild things that he or she may not otherwise be shown. It is hard to explain what those things might be, but rather they just would seem to come along on those times when it is just you and her alone. It's a desire for grandparents to do this,because...well, in the back of your head, you remember those times with your own grandparents. It's a need to hold them and to make them laugh. It's a need to remember what it was like when your own child was that age. It's the need to pass something on, to give something back...to be remembered, as you remember your own grandparents and the times with them. A grandchild is a precious thing. They are a reflection of your child and who they are. My grandchild, Molly, is a most beautiful little girl...just like her mother!

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The Carpet Crawlers

Hej!
     I thought today that I would write about a song that I heard today on my iPod. Very cryptic lyrics, but very hypnotizing as well. Genesis is an amazing band and if ever there is a time to see them, I recomend it very much! The link I have attached is from a long time ago, the '80s I believe...as you can tell from Phil Collins long hair! But,getting back to the song. It is from the album, The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway. I don't like all of the music, but this song has always been a favorite of mine. The band, Genesis, was a favorite of a good friend of mine, Kurt Galpin. He is sadly missed, as he has passed away a long time ago and I always think of him when I hear this song. Many people have written about what they think the lyrics mean. I have seen one person describing it as a meaning of birth, another about sex and drugs. One person even said it was a religious message...I don't think so! I will agree with another that it all deals with some kind of spiritual journey. Peter Gariel's explaination was that it all had to do with the story of the album. So, take it for what it's worth, but for me, I just enjoy listening to the song and singing along. It is a comfort song for me and reminds me of times with my friend, Kurt.

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Love and Happiness

To quote Mr. Al Green - "Love and Happiness. It will make you do right. It will make you do wrong. It will make you come in early and it will make you stay out all night long."

   What else is there to life? Love and Happiness - all you need to live for. What we all live for, when you think about it. To be loved and to love. Find some kind of happiness to make life worth living, make it meaningful. And why not? I mean, isn't that what it is all about? To have a purpose in life...why are we here? When you put everything in perspective, when you think of how small we are compared to the rest of the universe. Why are we here? What purpose do we have? What's the big plan? And you think and think, until you are blue in the face. There must be a reason, right? I mean, we just can't be born, live and then die, without some kind of purpose, reason. It's got to be Love and Happiness! It's the only thing that makes sense. Love, to be in love, to show love...brings happiness. To that, I say, if at the end of the day, when you finally lay down for some sleep and you can smile and think..." I have done the best that I can"...while showing Love and Happiness, well, it must be the reason why we are here.
     Love and Happiness....think about it.

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Cruelty to Animals

   After watching many programs on The Animal Planet, the most sad are the ones dealing with animal cruelty. It is simply amazing to me how people can be that way to animals. But, what is even more amazing, is the way the deny and even believe that they are being cruel to them! One of the people on a show that my wife and I watch once said that animals are like our children. They need care, to be fed, cleaned and taken to a doctor on a regular basis. She is so right and those words hit home with me. At times, it is even hard to watch because of the health and condition of the places where these helpless animals live. There are many times where they show the rewards of doing their job and rescuing these animals,by giving them new homes and basically bringing them back to life! Don't mistreat your animals and if you see one being mistreated, say something, do something, help that animal out. We are the keepers of the Earth and only we can stop the cruelty to animals...big and small!

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Pizza in Sweden

Pizza...mmm! Pizza in Sweden...hmmmm. I just recieved an ad for a local pizzeria and I have to be honest with you, it's confusing, at the very least. There are various Italian names associated with different pizzas and even an Italian flag on the front, right next to the Swedish flag. But, other than that, I see no resemblance to anything relating to pizza! For example: La Mafia has bacon and onions. I don't think the mafia has any idea what bacon is! Mozzeralla is used very little, if at all. Pepperoni is nothing but a dream, using small pieces of round salami instead and if there was just a little pizza sauce on the pizza, instead of the " it's red, but I'm not quite sure what it is" sauce...I would appreciate it even more. Maybe I should start a pizzeria....hmmm. Anybody know where I can get some mozzeralla and pepperoni? LOL!!!!

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Language

Being an American and only knowing english, it was comforting to know that almost all Swedes know english! How lucky can I get? It does has it downfalls, though. In trying to learn swedish, it is not a benefit in learning the language, but is a plus in communicating! Most swedes will appologize for their english not being that good, but, in my opinion, I see no problem. I always tell them that your english is much better than my swedish! And, that is the truth. I have picked up on quite a few words and can sometimes speak in sentences that can be deciphered but most. I am trying to speak more swedish, but I will get frustrated and just start talking in english. Google has an excellent tool on EI, that translates swedish web sites to english. Very important when looking for jobs and their descriptions....although, no luck in the job department! And, another site that helps a lot, which I have listed on my blog....http://www.lexikon24.nu/ This site will translate any english word to swedish and any swedish word to english....very, very, helpful! Swedes are very understanding and helpful in my speaking swedish, offering suggestions and how to pronounce words correctly. There are 3 more letters to their alphabet...ö,ä,å...and the letter w is not used that often, nor are there very many words that start with the letter w. Well, all for now, time to listen to the Browns!

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Studying for Swedish Drivers License

   Are you an expat who has lived here for over a year? Are you an expat from another country other than an EU country? Do you like to drive? Well...forget it! Swedish drivers license...it's easier to get a license to practice medicine! I read this from the web site American Womens Club of Stockholm...and this is a quote...Americans are considered to be unsafe drivers by Swedish standards! I assume that drivers from other countries are just a little better. My favorite question is-If you are at a flashing yellow light and a group of demonstrators walk in front of you, what should you do? I have yet to see this in practice, but the correct answer is to wait for them to cross, because pedestrians have the right of way.
   Let's go further on with the pedestrians having the right of way. As explained in my körkortsboken (drivers license book), in an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing, that you have a duty to give way, that you must never wave pedestrians on and that you must make eye contact to avoid misunderstanding. It seems that if you wave them on, you can give them a false sense of security and they may just cross the street without looking. Hmmm...yes....I often did that in the states! Therefore, make eye contact! Not sure if it is that moving your eyes from side to side as if to say " cross now, cross now". Or if it is that Spock thing, with raising your one eyebrow...I just can't do that, so I use my finger to push up the eyebrow. Or maybe it is a wink or two at the person standing there? I guess you could just stare at them until they become so intimidated that they just run and scream to the other side just to get away from you. It's that whole "Taxi Driver Syndrome"..."are you looking at me?" Now don't get me wrong, I think that it is great to give all pedestrians the right of way! It's just that I would like a little more assurance than trying to figure out that eye contact thing.
   In the mean time, I will go back to my studies and try to figure out...if I am driving downhill on a crowded street and a lorrie is driving up the hill...do I stop and give him the right of way if a car is parked on his side of the street, with an old man wanting to cross the road, as a bus wants to pull out, with a red and yellow round sign showing a red truck and a black car!


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Being away from people you know

Ok, this has to do with living here and not being able to be with old friends. Sometimes it gets kind of lonely, even with knowing new friends here. Yeah, you can "talk" with them online, give a call or two sometimes, but in the end, it's just not the same as sitting down and having a beer with them. I miss that.

Sauce

Sauce! Sauce is a swedish staple, an institution, a necessity. Sauce, or as it is called in the states, gravy, is very much a part of Sweden, I have found out. Where as in the states, sauce, is made less frequently, reserved for more traditional times...Thanksgiving...mmm...turkey and turkey gravy on mashed potatoes! Or served with roasts, beef or pork. In Sweden, though, sauce is much more a part of every meal. They just go together. Kind of like bread and butter, hot dogs and baseball games, rum and coke, ying and yang...well, you get the idea. I like sauce, don't get me wrong, just not with so many different foods. I am eating more sauce than when I first moved here to Sweden, but there are still some foods that I prefer just to eat plain, so to speak. Have some sauce and eat well!

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World Hunger: In 50 Years We'll Need More Food Than in All History - ABC News

World Hunger: In 50 Years We'll Need More Food Than in All History - ABC News

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First Blog

Well, here is my first attempt at a blog. I would like to add some of my experiences of living in Sweden and to also answer questions from my fellow Swedes about life in America.
   I have been living in Sweden since July of 2008 and recently married to my wonderful wife, Laila, this past June 19, 2009. At the moment, I am trying to secure a swedish drivers license and find a job in Sweden. Both are extremely difficult. I look to post pictures of my life and times of living here, in Sweden, as well. As I gather my thoughts and comments together, I will post them as soon as possible.

hejdå!