An alien in the south

Race week

2010-04-15T21:27:00.002-04:00

Well, ya'll missed it this year but I see you next year, right!

How to get back at it?

2010-04-15T21:02:00.003-04:00

As you all know my inspiration has been missing for a long time. I so miss writing at times but it has been hard to come up with something to write about.

The other day I was checking our email ( Marta's) to get up to snuff with Sofia's soccer snack schedule. I'm now up to speed and I also found this. Fia is jersey #3 with Barca socks and shorts.

I'll try and be more updated but until then, read A's blog, it is awesome.

Arghhhhh

2010-03-01T20:41:00.003-05:00

Long time no seen. I ran out of steam, out of stuff to tell you.

I'm growing old in a rapid speed. I hate it, hate it, hate it.

I have the best family any one can ask for. I found this while googling.
.What is wrong with me?

This fall sucks

2009-11-19T20:34:00.002-05:00

Not a pleasant fall around here, the weather is great just as a fall is in South Carolina, but the rest has sucked horse manor.

That is now behind but never forgotten. So I've promised my wife to get back in blog shape and I'll do my best.

The kids are doing great, Marta is just slightly nuttier than usual, Milu is as sweet as ever and I'm still the big jack ass around here.

Sounds like the blog might have some potential.

Did I mention that we are discussing to get a puppy? I almost have Marta convinced that it would be a great idea. A rescue of course and yes, German Shepard is on the list.

Hi

2009-10-16T23:38:00.003-04:00

A lot going on right know, not a heck of a whole lot to my liking but if you're there please stick around.

9 years old

2009-10-06T20:41:00.006-04:00

Hipp Hipp Hurray! Our little Milu is now 9 years old.

She likes to thank everyone for her birthday wishes. Her rear hips are a little better, she takes glycosamine twice daily and she hoovers down the Eukanuuba organic dry food for senior adult large breed dogs like never seen before.

She still loves a good night story read to her accompanied by her younger siblings, Alex and Fia. After that it's their bedtime which she best supervise by jumping into bed with each one of them until they are asleep. After that she does her bedtime routine outside and despite her hip issues crawl under moms side of the bed.

She is also very pleased that this year dad bought a car to her liking, there is nothing better than to sit up front in the passenger seat with a window rolled down, she sure missed my old pickup truck.

As always she is a blessing and we are so fortunate that she is a part of our family. Happy Birthday Milu, we love you!

Golf and gators

2009-10-04T21:26:00.005-04:00

All four of us went out to hit the greatest round ever known to man by a foursome playing golf. We were right on track until we had to yield for this fellow.

He/she jinxed us and we stumbled across the whole family after that.

Alex has one piece of advice to give you, if you play #4 at Charleston national favor the right side of the fairway, left might be unplayable at times.

But that didn't put a damper on the great shots we made. The ball landed in the sand trap, so what? All it is to switch out the club and make yet another awesome shot. Piece of cake.

Sundays are family days, little did I know that I was to spend them on a golf course together with a few gators. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Please lights out

2009-10-01T20:47:00.004-04:00

In our family it turns out that I'm the only person that knows how a light switch work and I've tried to spread the knowledge around by gathering the whole family around me in hands on lectures. What a waste of time. Either they are slow learners or I'm a lousy teacher. They all seem to think that the switch only work one way and that's to the on position. To threat with them having to pay the electric bill doesn't even make them flinch. If I have to come home to an empty house one more day and the lights are left on.....

Wait a minute.................my god, I've become my dad.

Fall

2009-09-30T15:48:00.003-04:00

This morning when I let Milu out I started shivering, it was really chilly outside a mere 55 degrees (12 Celsius). I had to rush back inside and dig up a sweater, last time I wore one was in early April.

Fall is here with oyster roasts, bon fires and not to forget Halloween. Tonight will likely consist of to cut my grass and plan this years Halloween decoration, we have added a few new ones but the 8 foot skull is still the ornament anchor.

He's got game

2009-09-27T21:34:00.006-04:00

I don't know if you know much about golf but Alex, our 5 year old sure has got the hang of it. First tee up.

Second, look down the fairway and line your self up.

Focus on the ball.

Swing all the way back, remember your left arm is guiding keep it straight and shoulders parallel, bend wrists for maximum power.

And then simply swing through and watch your ball fly down the fair way. Easy peasy lemon squeeze.

Sunday golf

2009-09-27T21:19:00.003-04:00

On Sunday afternoons we try to get some golf in the kids and I, mostly Alex and I but once in awhile the little Fia likes to join us.

Just look at how far Alex tees off, about 100 yards each time and straight at that.

Concentrate.

Oh yes, in the hole.

Two kids on #5 a sunny afternoon in SC, we had a blast.

For my wife

2009-09-16T20:16:00.001-04:00

So that you easily can listen to one of your favorite songs.

I love you!

/J

Superstar

2009-09-13T14:42:00.002-04:00

Alex has started this falls soccer reason with a bang. He is the top scorer to our delight.

He managed to score seven goals in one game. If he continuous we will live in Barcelona before long.

Alex " superstar" as he humbly introduce himself these days.

I wave at random people

2009-09-05T01:03:00.002-04:00

I've known for a long time that Harley Davidson drivers wave at each other on the road, a cool discreet hands low signal of recognition.

I know that there are some serious car aficionados, I once was a member of Alfa Romeo Club Sweden ( I would trade Gustav for an Alfa in a skinny minute if they sold them here in the US) and that club had some interesting members.

So here I am in Charleston, SC and random people wave at me driving down the road and I of course wave back at them.

Random people might be a bit unjust, these are some good folks that I respect.

Why? They drive Mini's.

We will also motor

2009-09-05T00:41:00.003-04:00

Sailing in all it's glory is great but we will also enjoy motoring with Ms Jones this weekend.

Marta had her first motoring experience with Miss J last weekend and I almost had to drive Gustav (her Volvo V70) from that moment on.

Now I'm very reluctant to let Marta drive her, not that she can't she handles her just fine, but Miss J is mine, my mistress in Astro Black and a white roof.

Labor day

2009-09-05T00:00:00.002-04:00

Long weekend!

Marta has it all planed out, we will go sailing two out of three days. I don't know what I have done to deserve this but I really appreciate her efforts.

If I could only remember to keep my mouth shut and not to ask her to sail the boat we might be on to something....

Ms Jones and I

2009-08-28T23:09:00.002-04:00

I thought that Minis were made in England or the grand GB if you prefer. Well Ms Jones is according to her vin # made ( manufactured is so not her) in Germany just out side Munich of all places.

Well, that's not all I found out about her, we have more in common that you would think, and yes I was right about the instant connection we made Ms Jones and I and that is that we are made for each other.

How is that?

I was born 6/6 on a beautiful day in the seventies. Ms Jones was born one day in June 2006. Car manufactures only need to specify month and year so Ms Jones and I are both 6/6.

How about them apples?

Good bye Jolene, Welcome Bridget

2009-08-23T08:21:00.003-04:00

Well, I knew the day would come when we all had to say goodbye to Jolene, my big burgundy Cadillac Sedan Deville. A sophisticated lady that needed lots of TLC and happily used up one gallon of premium fuel (only the best was good enough for her) every 14 miles. She was too big to fit in the garage ( we tried once but couldn't close the door) but she could haul three golf bags, life jackets and coolers, beach stuff and there was still room for a propane tank and a suitcase, now we only talk about the trunk. She could seat 6 people with ease but all of us would have to hold our own drinks. She had a big old V8 and a smooth transmission combined with the classic Cadillac float on the highway, well she weighed in at 5000 lbs.

She has now gone to find her a new family and we ( I) are very happy to welcome Bridget Jones, a short stocky 4 cylinder 5 speed manual transmission that is peppy as hell. We are happy that she will take us 36 miles on one gallon regular gas and that she seats us all and we have an extra drink holder at that! She requires a little more planning ahead when it comes to what one can bring in the trunk but most items we used to carry surprisingly fit but not all at once.

So, we hope that Ms Jones will like it and once more, Welcome to the Berg family!

Dear Parents

2009-08-21T17:44:00.004-04:00

You've been with you children for five years now
And have been a loving guide
But now,alas,the time has come
To leave them at our side
Just know that as you think of them
And tears down your cheek may flow
We will love them as our own
And help them learn and grow
For as teachers,we too know
How quickly the years do pass
And we have experienced the moment of taking little ones into class
So please put your mind at ease
And cry those tears no more
We will love them and take them in
When they enter our classroom door

This is what Alex's teachers gave us on a piece of paper attached to a bundle of tissues on his first day when we walked with him to his class.

Not too many dry eyes in that hallway.

Do not sleep in our bed kiddo!

2009-08-18T21:25:00.003-04:00

Fia has as of late got in to the habit of jumping into bed with us around 2-3 in the morning. As much as we love her and how wonderful of a non twisting, tumbling,stealing the comforter she is, we felt like we needed to lay down some rules.

1. Sleep in you own bed god dammit.

2. If not, your older sister is super comfy and happy to snuggle with you (the little Milu).

Well, needless to say this did not fit our little Fia but she did get the message somehow. This is where we found her happily snoozing this morning. All it took is a nice set of Transformers sheets..... ( and just maybe the best big brother one could have).

The big day

2009-08-18T21:09:00.007-04:00

Today was a big step for us as a family, Alex started school. Marta kept a way lower profile than I expected, she didn't break down until we made it back to the car. As I did an absolute fabulous job comforting her I somehow still failed in doing just that, my job as a husband.

Since when does a I still love you baby not do it?

Not the day your son has his first day of school.

Take my word for it.

Well, Hello there

2009-08-16T15:39:00.002-04:00

Sorry that I have been out of touch, we've been busy and on vacation.

We just got back from the boat and we have a tee time in half an hour so I see you later.

Yes?

I've come to realize

2009-08-05T14:19:00.004-04:00

how big of a part Marta is in my life, how absolutely lost and miserable I am when she's not around.

The woman drives me insane to a point that I never thought possible and at the same time I find my love for her unimaginable for any one to understand.

4 1/2 weeks

2009-07-30T22:49:00.004-04:00

The longest period in my life so far. Broke the record from when Marta was in a car wreck while expecting Alex and he almost was born way too early, those 48 hours in the hospital seemed to be years then.

And now here I am, using flight tracker. They are delayed from N.Y 1 1/2 hours. The time to beat is midnight, Charleston closes the runway due to construction then.

I pray they make it or the Volvo will have to make a detour to Myrtle beach.

Friends

2009-07-27T20:55:00.002-04:00

Within the last 24 hours I have had the privilege to get a message from two of my best friends.

The first was from my brother who I have not seen or spoken to in 4 1/2 years, that it made my day is an understatement, Magnus I love you.

The second was from a new dad that as far as I see it is doing all he can for his new family and he is doing it extremely well, Marcus I love you too.

I am reuniting this Thursday with my family and I'm so excited I lack words. I love them too and I know that they know it.

Heck, I love you all come think of it. That I played an honest 48 during my 9 holes played today has nothing to do with it....

Watermelon

2009-07-23T17:36:00.005-04:00

The kids and I, Marta just a little bit, planted some different vegetables and fruit in the flowerbeds around the house. Some died and some took off like crazy. We have more jalapenos and basil than we know what to do with.

Now our watermelons are finally growing, but boy do they spread out.

There are 6 days between the two pictures taken of the same melon.

Part of our great success is that we have a good gardening dog....

Well, maybe not so bad after all...

2009-07-11T18:22:00.002-04:00

Started the morning with a garage sale together with my mother in law,Pam. She is pretty darn fun to hang with so we had a blast and sold for $300+.

Went to the boat for a bit, too hot for Milu so ditched her and I went to the pool. I hate the pool and the reasons that I do got reinforced.

Stopped in at the grocery store and picked up a steak, liverwurst (for Milu) a bottle of Campari and yes, soda water as well.

About to water our vegetables while enjoying a cocktail, fire up the grill and make a Bearnaise to go with the steak.

And to top it of I got myself a movie....

The worst part of the week

2009-07-10T15:17:00.000-04:00

is the lonely weekend. Sigh.

A Sunday

2009-07-05T15:08:00.002-04:00

Last night was fun, had a good time. We did it the true American way, 5 different nationalities ( The US, Sweden, Germany,Chile and Chekia) who ate burgers and hot dogs, drank beer and watched fire works.

Got an early start today with church, then coffee, some ironing and washing of towels and work clothes. Then in a few a round of golf and after that grill some steaks.

A pretty decent weekend.

Happy 4th!

2009-07-04T07:43:00.004-04:00

Independence day. Burgers, hot dogs, Budweiser, party.

To my surprise I have more invites to parties than I ever could dream of. I appreciate all of them especially since I'm all alone this month. I will how ever go to the party that is closest to home, a party here in PW so that I can leisurely walk. And I'll follow the lead and do it the American way....

Boat shopping

2009-07-03T08:11:00.002-04:00

A friend of mine has got the idea that he needs a sailboat. His wife is about as happy as Marta is when it comes to me and the boat. It's always easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.

So, we have looked at a Hunter 31, an Endeavor 32, Irwin Citation 34 but not until last night did we really take a serious look, by serious I mean that we also took a trip to a nearby bar to ponder about it while enjoying a cold sud.

We looked at a Newport 33. Not bad for the money but we have decided that we will grab this opportunity and really enjoy the hunt for his sailboat to be.

Next we will travel out to Sea brook Island and take a look at a Cal 29. Anyone that knows of a decent bar with OK food out there? The need for some serious thinking and discussion will arise if I know us right.

Barcelona

2009-07-02T00:01:00.002-04:00

You take care of my family.

Ok, I'm done

2009-07-01T23:00:00.005-04:00

Honey, I've had plenty of time for myself. You and the kids can come home again. I know that you just left yesterday and yes, I know that I agreed against my better knowledge for you guys to spend a month in Spain and yes someone needs to feed the dog might as well be me.

I miss you.

A lot.

Fathers Day

2009-06-21T21:48:00.002-04:00

My day. They all told me I could wish to do what ever I wanted, and I drew a blank.

I could not for the life of me come to think of a single thing. My family gave me plenty of time to figure something out and boy did they remind me of the fact that fathers day was up and coming. I still drew a blank. So what did we do?

Well, we went sailing yesterday with good friends, after wards we enjoyed a cocktail (Campari soda) at their place and finished with a Swedish Midsummer meal, all in all totally awesome.

Today I faked being woken up by the kids and I got the home made best card ever ( Hallmark you are way behind) and a nice herring breakfast. We all went to the pool for a few hours, left to change and had a great Mexican lunch. Goofed around for a bit and then Alex and I played 7 holes of golf.

An absolutely terrific day. A day of my life, a day that I got to enjoy my family. My everyday, my life, my family.

All I wanted in a nutshell.

Happy Fathers Day!

Glad Midsommar

2009-06-18T16:10:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow is Midsummer, my favorite. I wish that I was back home on the West coast of Sweden in poring rain and cold temperatures that always happens at midsummer. The thing is who cares about the weather, it's the company of your best friends and family that makes it so special.

We will celebrate here, just the four of us with the traditional herring, Jansons, Gubbröra, ice cold nubbe and later we cook on the grill.

The weather will be sunny, upper 90s with a 105 heat index but again who cares about the weather.

I wish you a Happy Midsummer!

Grown up time

2009-06-17T19:11:00.002-04:00

Kids are dropped off at grandma and grandpa to spend the night.

I have a cold beer at hand.

Our good friends are about to come pick us up.

We're going out to have a nice dinner and to watch the sun set over the intra coastal waterway.

Not to bad for a Wednesday in June.

Blood

2009-06-17T17:23:00.002-04:00

How many days in a row does Jonas come home from work with evidence of blood on his clothes/shoes?

Not every day I say. Marta disagrees, she's of the opinion that I should count business days only. Fair enough so 20 years times 220, well 4400 is not that bad.

The worst so far was the day I broke 3 toes the week before Marta's sisters wedding. Or was it the day she was out having dinner with her girlfriend and they called her from the emergency room after I drilled myself in the arm ( I still brag about that scar)?

So far this week only scratches about 4 " or 10cm on my legs. makes quite the mess in my crocs and the kids get impressed, especially Alex. Marta not so much, unless stitches are required don't come bother her.

Yeeeeeessss

2009-06-12T20:31:00.002-04:00

The official video is out.

Yes, yes ,yes!

How many times do you think I can play it before Marta yells; Jonas! Enough already!

My guess is twice.

Dinner out

2009-06-11T11:19:00.003-04:00

We decided last night that we would go out to eat, we all had a taste for wings.

We got us a table in a half full restaurant, ordered our wings and got our water. We wanted 25 wings get 25 the advertised nightly special. The waitress informed us that it only included 5 and 10 piece orders, well so we did two 10s and a five. Get the logic in that one.

I guess that should have been our clue that this place has gone downhill. After a 45 minute wait, been ignored by the waitress twice ( she acknowledged my signal and told me to wait a minute) and no refill of water we gave up and left. Only one table got their food while we waited and the place was not busy. Three waitresses was plenty but I guess no one worked in the kitchen.

We ordered pizza on the way home instead.

Man, Mike Calder's Pub in Mt.pleasant will never see us again, what a poorly run place.

Cody

2009-06-08T21:13:00.004-04:00

We had a very good friend of ours over for brunch yesterday, she's quiet the trooper accepting a Swedish brunch, herring, gravlax, kalles kaviar, knäckebröd etc. Well, it was by birthday weekend, June 6th, the Swedes have finally figured it out and have made my birthday not only the nations day( like 4th of July) but a day of regardless of weekday just to celebrate, well me.

To get to my story our friend is a big doglover, so are we. Rescue dogs are close to heart, a necessity for us to even consider a dog.

Our German Shepard, the little Milu who is to turn 9 in October has us think of maybe get a younger one that she can theach her good behavior too. Milu was tought from this one awesome dog, Floyd. We would like for the legacy to continue and we're running out of time.

Well, Milu, the little Milu, 65 pounds in all is tiny compared with Cody who is 94 pounds. Skinny as Milu and good natured. What do you think?

Busy

2009-06-02T20:55:00.002-04:00

I'm full speed ahead from 6.00am to 9.00pm these days. Nice change but boy am I out of having 20 different balls in the air constantly.

To clear my head I spent an hour in the gym, unbelievable how that clears your mind. The fact that I have lost almost 12 lbs since January is not that bad either.

Now awaits a farmers market lasagna and a glass of red together with Marta.

Not a bad ending on a surreal day, more about that later.

Message to Marta

2009-05-30T19:57:00.002-04:00

Honey,

please come home. I'm tired of watching the deadliest catch in my last pair of clean underwear. Also, stop at the store and get food, all that's left in the fridge is liverwurst for Milu and beer....

Wait a minute, we're OK , no need to hurry home, see you Monday.

Love you

/J

Barca

2009-05-30T01:11:00.002-04:00

For three days straight I have worn my blue and red jersey, my Barca jersey (the team that I will totally endorse when I'm retired living in Costa del Sol) have managed to win the ultimate triple.

Alex and Fia (not to mention Marta) chants Champions, Champions...I'm chanting a little too when no one hears.

Clean

2009-05-30T00:43:00.003-04:00

I live in a very gender specific relationship, I have opted to, my wife not at all.

She has made her point, and it makes sense and I buy it but somehow I wish that I was more of a man

One's roots

2009-05-29T23:32:00.006-04:00

Spending the weekend alone ( all week to be exact) sucks, brings out memorabilia and a general feel bad for Jonas if you would have asked me, thank you .

Part of feeling sad when I'm left alone is the stinging pain I feel in my heart of missing home. Home for me is Gothenburg, Sweden. I do all right when my family is around but the minute they leave.. not so much.

I find myself searching on youtube for clips of Gothenburg. I watch them, I soak them in, I try so hard to feel the message about how great of a city Gothenburg is. It is a great city, has a lot to offer and I'm very proud to have grown up there and I'm very thankful for the values it has thought me and to how the city managed to shape me in to the person that I am today.

You think I'm full of it, see for yourself...

My prayers have been answered

2009-05-27T17:39:00.002-04:00

This week started like crap and is heading that way, the family left town and things at work is not going well.

But there is one thing I have hoped for since 2001, and this made the day, my favorite band has reunited.

I give you

2009-05-25T21:23:00.002-04:00

Marta and the kids leave early tomorrow to spend a week with her brother in Washington DC. I off course hate this since I'm not able to go or to be more frank, I prioritize work this time.

I'm all for them to go, I know that Tim Jr appreciates it, I just hate not to be there, to savor those few moments one gets with family, to sit in 15 years or so at Christmas looking at poorly shot pictures of the DC trip -09. I'll see myself in front of the fire place and everybody is not only sipping on a toddy but all of them were there, where the picture was taken and oh so much fun they had.

I will feel then as I do now, jealous, hiding it with a big ha ha, I'll be all right, you guys have fun , be safe. So much for a Viking.

And I always pick a fight with Marta the night before they leave. I don't want to but it hurts to see them leave. They'll come back and we will do this 2 more times before July. And that sucks.

Long weekend

2009-05-24T09:06:00.002-04:00

I get to enjoy a three day weekend, Monday is memorial day. So i want to spend it with the family.

Yesterday we spent on the beach. We have friends with a beach house, very nice where we played in the surf, had some cold beverages and grilled out.

Today is boating day but the rain is pouring down and Marta does not like it at all. To get herself into a better mood she started vacuuming. The rest of us is hiding upstairs more convinced than ever that it doesn't work. But we do enjoy a clean house.

I guess we will go to Target later, that might be the most exciting thing we do today.

Graduation

2009-05-21T21:29:00.005-04:00

I can not believe it. One, our little Alex is not so little anymore, graduated preschool today!Two, it was not this big a deal when I grew up.

I'm speechless, so is my wife ( a nice change). It was fantastic, I ran late off course, had some business to deal with, but they waited 5 minutes so that I could be part of it . The kids were like robots, they had to have practiced a good bit but that did not stop Marta from crying like the Niagara falls. I might have shed a tiny tear too but that is beside the point.

I am so grateful that I have this wonderful opportunity to be someones pappa, to have an significant other to share this with.

We'll screw it up in the end, no question about it. I hope from the bottom of my heart that you get to experience the same.

Ballet

2009-05-18T21:14:00.005-04:00

All Fia is talking about is ballet, she so wants to dance.

Well, since Barca won La Liga, Marta wants for her to do soccer. So it's up to me to make my little princess happy.

Even though I have a professional ballerina as a sister in law who has shown me a good bit ( she's got to be adopted, no Campilla has that kind of patience) I feel a little not good enough, then again it could be like...

to be totally myself, the free spirit, the artist that I am, right Chris? Moves, oh do I have moves, Marta can't sink through the ground fast enough when I hit the floor especially when I do my trademark, the coconut. That may include all of my family come think of it, they're not to be found and dragged up on stage with me when the moment of fame arise.

Summer travels

2009-05-16T11:39:00.004-04:00

All of a sudden I have more work than I can handle, if only for a short time ( as far as I can see) I appreciate it.

School is almost done, next week is the last week and then Marta and the kids will start the summer traveling. First is a week in Washington DC to visit with her oldest American brother, then Michigan for a week to top it off with a month at their favorite city.

Milu and I will be at home watering our vegetables wishing that we were with them in...

$1800 spent on a Volvo

2009-05-11T20:56:00.003-04:00

Could buy some stuff or get Marta's Volvo almost fixed. Yep, almost, have to take it back in for a warranty repair on the electronic throttle body.

My good friends ( I'm being sarcastic) at the dealership has to take it through some testing even though I have the printout what is failing. This might take up to 3 sessions and after that an authorization from Volvo North America has to be approved.

Why don't I have my guy fix it ( he's a certified Volvo technician but independent so no warranty work is granted) is that it runs about $1000. After all my time spent and work missed it will cost me that anyway. Got to love dealer ships. I had the dealer quote the same work that my guy did, they were over $1200 more expensive and yes my guy used Volvo original parts.

The only reason I buy the cars we have is the fact I have a good mechanic. If he quits there will never be another Volvo in my drive way, the Volvo dealership has made that point very clear to me.

Parade 2009

2009-05-07T22:10:00.001-04:00

Goodnight Milu

2009-05-07T21:41:00.004-04:00

I think that I have told you about a boy and his dog before. I will do it again.

Our German Shepard, the 8 1/2 year old little Milu, has a habit of making sure that the kids ( her pups/siblings) are OK and that they fall asleep properly. She has since we brought them home from the hospital made her rounds during the nights and she's the one that wakes us up when one of them is ill or had a nightmare.

Every night she goes in to Fia's room, stays until she falls asleep and then move on to Alex's room. Since we got back from Disney Alex is paying the little Milu some more attention, I guess he really missed her.

Now when I enter his room at night for the last checkup and to give him one more kiss and whisper that I love him I find the following in his bed.

One hairy German Shepard who is fully stretched out on top of the bed, the same dog has Alex's favorite blanket draped over her. At her head I see a couple of story books, she obviously had a bedtime story read to her and what few images in that particular book shown to her ( every night is a different book). Also that his reading light is left one is clue #2.

Then my heart gets soft, Alex is always holding her paw in his hand, one has to see it to believe it I guess.

She used to be my dog but not so much anymore. I get home late, way after their bedtime three nights a week and all I get from Milu is a couple of thumps with her tail against the mattress, excuse me for expecting her to get out of Alex's bed for maybe a treat or two.

To meet a hero at Kennedy Space Center

2009-05-04T21:12:00.009-04:00

During our stay in Florida we went to Kennedy Space Center or NASA if you like. It was the coolest thing I have ever seen. We were very fortunate to see both launch ramps loaded with Atlantis and Endeavour.

Alex and Fia somehow won tickets for us to see the Atlantis take off on May 11th in the VIP stands. Well, we have things to do and we will most likely smack our selves in the head for not going come 20 years down the road, besides Fia lost her two invites but she says it's OK.

Long story short we had the ultimate privilege to meet with an astronaut, shuttle pilot Jon McBride.

I'm absolutely at a loss of words to explain what we got to see. They really don't need to show you all of this but my appreciation to what we were allowed to see, the way it was executed and the way these heroes ( astronauts) are humble in their way to share their experiences was absolutely first class.

And Alex has a signed picture with a personal greeting that is THE coolest thing. Thank you Mr. McBride and NASA, you made our day.

The mere fact that he was on the first shuttle to be launched,Columbia and then later on the Challenger , both have been lost since then in tragic events ( only two shuttles, well shuttle going up orbiter coming back as we who are tight with NASA say, that have been lost since the program started?) is just amazing to me about this mans character, talk about nerves or guts. Wow.

6-2

2009-05-03T21:29:00.001-04:00

Total domination. Madrid is humiliated, what an embarrassment. Viva Barca!

They're still there

2009-05-03T20:49:00.002-04:00

Even though we have this deep recession, to my surprise I found one happy couple still alive and well. Business appeared to be a little bit slower than previous years but no sign of a chapter 11 any time soon what I could tell.

Vacation

2009-04-26T06:50:00.004-04:00

The kids and I are in a couple of hours heading south on I-95 to Orlando,FL.

What for one might ask. Well, there's an IKEA store and a mediocre place for kids of all ages called Disney World.

See you in a week.

Spring launching

2009-04-25T21:21:00.003-04:00

Spring has sprung and with that it's time to launch your boat. If you have had it hauled out for the winter I have a few pointers that might come handy.

1. Peel back cover and inspect last years liquor storage. 1/2 bottle of rum left will come handy.

2. Check exhaust for wintering squirrel, rat or mouse nests before trying to fire up engine as proof that there's still some juice in batteries.

3. Call bank and check balance.

4. Drink leftover rum since you ignored point # 2 and bank balance is to low to fix your screw up.

5. Pull covers tight, there's always next year or you might win the lottery.

Happy boating season everybody!

A diva

2009-04-25T21:13:00.003-04:00

David Beckham or could it be our Alex?

It's the latter and I have one hell of a time teaching him good team work. The kid has so much talent it's sickening. He gets to play all the time.

Or I could ask you Tiger Woods or Alex? He tees off at a steady 137 yards and straight again and again.

Then to be honest, he turned 5 in December, and yes I love to brag.

On the road again

2009-04-22T10:35:00.001-04:00

Running around like a mad man at work. I'm preparing for a road trip to Maryland. Oh what fun..

Family

2009-04-15T20:49:00.004-04:00

we have had the privilege to have part of my family here for a few days. I have to collect my thoughts but I will update y'all.

I really hate the good bye's, my heart is heavy.

Rain

2009-04-02T19:53:00.001-04:00

Today we got more rain than the average of the month of April. A steady poor down that really sucked.

My mom, sister and my two nephews are to land this Sunday. I told them it would be like Swedish summer. The weather people are calling for-storms and upper 50's for Mon/Tue. Swedish summer alright. What makes me laugh is that the weekend is to be sunny in the low 80's. I will say as the Swedes: Last weekend was really warm and sunny! You just missed it.

Defense

2009-03-30T21:36:00.005-04:00

A night of soccer. Alex is one heck of a defense player ( defense sounds similar enough to Deportivo which Abi happens to like), the difference being I give high fives for a goal scored and Abi for the overall best player. Alex is by far Abi's joy and pride come to overall player, no joke, Alex has game. And a sister that cheers him on.

Afternoon golf

2009-03-30T13:22:00.002-04:00

Alex and I spent a few hours on the golf course yesterday. He is starting to be pretty good and I let him put for me once I reach the green.

We tee off from the red tee box, Alex first and then myself. I at times hit a bit further but as of late not always the case. I tend to have to drop a few times as well.

Both of us played well yesterday, we actually got 7 holes in and no, I didn't bring the camera.

Frölunda

2009-03-26T22:38:00.004-04:00

They need all the help that they can get to reach this years finals, keep in mind that they are the Indians, a minority in Sweden.

Another Inga!

2009-03-26T22:23:00.000-04:00

During my absence one of my favorite Inga's ( # 1 no doubt about it is Inga Berg, my Farmor) had another great hit.

Oh Aqua where did you go?

Where's my cd?

2009-03-26T22:06:00.002-04:00

I swear, I have the worst sidekick ever. Empty promises about a cd and next time I bring a laptop with me. Hah.

Good thing he has a wife that makes up for it, we ( I) had a really good time.

Earth day

2009-03-26T14:12:00.002-04:00

April 22nd is Earth day this year. One of the gimmicks they do is encouraging people to turn their lights off for an hour.

I'm not all that convinced that this will benefit our Earth what so ever. I mean, what would you do if you just sat in the dark for an hour with your loved one. Think about it.

I think that come January 2010 every delivery room in hospitals world wide will be packed with mothers giving birth. That about will use up all the good green effect turning the lights off 9 months earlier, if not more. Just factor in all trips taken for check ups.

No, I will not turn off a single light, the outcome could get extremely out of hand.

Kindergarten

2009-03-25T20:39:00.002-04:00

Alex and I went to his future school today where he will start kindergarten this fall semester. We got the full tour of the campus, took about an hour.

He was all excited ( so was I) and the school is doing a really great job teaching these kids. South Carolina is 3rd from last in education but the schools in the area we live are well above national average, hence why we bought a house here.

They expect 14 kindergarten classes for next year ( 13 this year) and even though they only got K-2 (3 years) there are over 1000 students in the school. I don't think we were more than 200 in my first school.

As excited as I was to see Alex's eagerness to start I find my heart to be torn. When did he become such a big boy? I know that it's somehow Marta's fault.

A Sunday sail

2009-03-22T18:42:00.004-04:00

My Swedish sidekick H ans his son L went sailing with us today. Off course I forgot the camera but he didn't. He snapped some pretty awesome pictures of our trip that had just about as perfect of condition as one can pray for, it was absolutely fantastic.

So with that in mind I don't think that they will ever be invited again. Why might you ask, I'll tell you why.

1. H said he was to supply me with plenty of pictures for this blog which he has not ( as of 2 hours after our sail) for crying out loud it's only a 45 minute drive to your house and he's a computer aficionado.

2. His son L and Fia are tight, cute now but when teens not so much. And yes, I do believe that we will still be friends then.

Oh, by the way, thanks for last night, we truly enjoyed it.

Work out

2009-03-21T07:51:00.001-04:00

Woke up at 6.00 this morning, the house was all quiet. I got up and went to the gym. Now I'm full of energy.

Today will host a soccer game, some sailing, a picnic and maybe dinner with friends. We'll see.

Have a great Saturday!

Spent

2009-03-20T19:26:00.002-04:00

I'm home alone. The rest of the family is downtown with friends. Made myself a sandwich for dinner, not a very good one, should have used some Spanish cold cuts but I remembered that today is fish only ( it's lent people).

So I meant to do some more research about a business opportunity but I lost the train of thought.

Instead I'm off to work again, my Friday night delight, to deal with drunk golfers and overflowing toilets.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Meanwhile Sofia and I

2009-03-20T19:22:00.003-04:00

We just chilled.

What you've missed

2009-03-20T19:16:00.001-04:00

Flag football, target practice and soccer.

Let's see

2009-03-18T15:58:00.003-04:00

I've been a bit quiet as of late. Have not had anything good to write about. My inspiration is gone but maybe, just maybe it's slowly trickling back.

I will have too take one good thinking/feeling session if I will continue this blog.

Stay tuned.

My cars over the years

2009-02-25T14:43:00.004-05:00

Fix me!

2009-02-11T00:33:00.002-05:00

I'm at a total loss. The person I see in the mirror every morning is not me. Where did I go? Please help me.

Between red lights with Marta

2009-02-11T00:21:00.001-05:00

No kidding

Lost

2009-02-10T23:01:00.001-05:00

Truck driver

2009-01-28T21:20:00.006-05:00

I'll be spending tomorrow in our truck. A big old diesel Dodge with a 53 foot trailer behind it. I will leave at 5 am to burn up some miles on the highway. Half the battle ( besides not to take out street signs and fuel pumps) is to make the right impression at the truck stops.

I will off course only listen to country music but my issue is what song to somewhat sing to as I pay for diesel at the truck stop. Oh, by the way, any one got some boots and a cowboy hat to lend me, I don't want to mahe it too obvious, I all ready know that I'll stick out like a sore thumb, I still got all my teeth.
So, which one do you think suits me best?

#500

2009-01-28T21:13:00.005-05:00

This is my 500th post since I started blogging. Wow! 500 posts about stuff. Wow!

To be frank I have been out of sync lately, this blogging thing takes some time out of the day and I have not had that time lately, or I guess haven't taken the time would be more truthful.

For you Javi, I will try to make some time, I know that you would appreciate that.

For the rest of you, hang tight.

Supermodel

2009-01-27T21:17:00.004-05:00

Alex excels at sports, Fia gets every ones attention. We can't take her anywhere without keeping a constant eye out for predators. No matter were you go someone comments on Fia. No wonder her brother is jealous.

I do not look forward to fending off future boyfriends, most likely it will put me back in jail ( yes I have been there) and if that is the case I will rely on my brother in laws. I have quite a few of them, Rikard, Javier, Joseph, Tim and John, the torch will be in your hands! And trust me, I don't want this pack of guys judging me if I were to date Fia.

Have I ever mentioned to you that I have the best brother in laws one could possible dream off?

You know

2009-01-27T16:17:00.003-05:00

that the world is in a recession when even a terrorist don't use a car.

updated 5:17 a.m. ET, Mon., Jan. 26, 2009

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan - A bomb rigged to a bicycle exploded in a northwest Pakistani city Monday, killing at least five people and wounding 20 others in the latest attack to rattle the volatile region, police said.

Just another weekend

2009-01-26T13:43:00.002-05:00

Marta came down with a good old cold Friday, spent all weekend in bed. Joined by Alex on Sunday.

So, I got to spend a day alone with Fia. I haven't done that in forever. What a treat. We had a great day, went to Charlestown landing, then had lunch, Lowe's and the grocery store. Maybe it doesn't sound all that fantastic but we had fun.

Those days long ago

2009-01-23T14:00:00.003-05:00

As I stare an awful economy in the face I found myself daydreaming away to a happy place. Growing up on the Swedish west coast, summers were what one lived for. My family sailed on a Najad every summer for 17 years. We met up with friends who sailed on their boats at various islands around the archipelago. Most all of us were sailors, we didn't hang much with stink potters ( power boaters).

It's nice to have memories like this, I wonder what my children will remember of their childhood as happy days?

Sports

2009-01-23T13:24:00.003-05:00

Alex loves sports, to perform them as well as to watch them. So Marta has signed him up.

Yesterday he had 2 hours of golf followed by an hour of track and field. Saturday is flag football. And so it will go on for weeks until soccer season starts. Maybe a little baseball as well.

And I stay on the side and just marvel at his accomplishments, he's a good athlete.

Bad behavior

2009-01-15T08:40:00.002-05:00

Alex has always been a very easy going and polite little boy. Two weeks ago that changed. I'm not sure what happened during Christmas break, he's now under our watchful eyes.

The other day he said a bad word twice at school, called a friend names and pushed and showed his class mates around so they don't want to be with him.

Needless to say we have laid down the law pretty hard on him. The tolerance is zero.

And we are very disappointed with him which seems to hurt him a lot.

Bunco

2009-01-12T21:14:00.002-05:00

I have as we speak 12 women in the house playing bunco. I have no clue how to play besides that it is a card game and one drinks a lot of wine. Some high pitch voices is apparently a must too.

My self is having a beer and dealing with Georgetown county magistrate court.

Maybe I should get all high pitched, not out of excitement but out of frustration of the loops and hurdles of how to evict some one?

I mean, at least I didn't get shot Saturday!

Energy

2009-01-07T20:22:00.002-05:00

So, a new year.

My stress level is higher than ever. A few death threats received, a neighbor playing a practical joke on my next door neighbor had me sleepless and almost in the nut house yesterday.

Forget about it, lets roll with it.

Are you with me?

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T13:04:00.004-05:00

Good bye 2008.

What a year that was. As I sit here and go through the year of 2008 I shake. Most from the financial meltdown that affects me greatly. I feel very sad about the people I laid off, the people I known that passed away, families that have had to leave their houses. This has really gotten to me.

I come home most days after a 12 hour workday grumpy as hell. I have an extremely hard time to hide my worries about putting food on the table and a roof over our heads. We live nice, we do enjoy a thing here and there but in modesty, no crazy debts, no car or credit card payments. Still, I'm stressed out, I guess a few unrented houses doesn't help ( If you need a place we got one for you).

I did have some great moments this past year which makes me very happy when I think about them. We had a wonderful vacation with my Spanish family, Alex is excelling in school and sports, Fia is the wonderful little Fia as only a little Fia can be, Milu is feeling better and Marta is the best support a husband could ever have. And we are all healthy and we love each other a lot. I'm a blessed man.

So for 2009 I take with me a lot of fear and uncertainty, I swear I will work even harder, look out for people in need. I have a lot of hope for 2009 and I'll try, I'll try so hard that one might not recognize Jonas come 2010.

Who's in my yard

2008-12-29T17:50:00.004-05:00

I bought a bigger deer that moves it's head for our Christmas decorations out side. Milu hasn't made up her mind yet whether she can tolerate it or not. If she was a male dog I bet she had shortened the circuits by peeing on it by now.

Skateboard

2008-12-24T10:07:00.002-05:00

Alex got, to his mothers delight, a skateboard from his Uncle. He's getting pretty good at it too.

Christmas

2008-12-19T08:53:00.003-05:00

It has been very poor blogging here lately and it might be so for awhile.

I've got a lot on my mind and very challenging tasks to deal with that sucks all energy out of me.

It supposed to be the joyous season and who says it better than good old Inga from Sweden.

Merry Christmas to all of you!

Christmas parade

2008-12-15T20:39:00.002-05:00

Alex's first parade. He is one of the snowflakes, everybody is unique.

Park party

2008-12-15T20:25:00.004-05:00

We had Alex's party at the park this year. I had a great time and I believe that all the kids did as well. They have a pretty great playground and a big open field next to it. We played football and soccer, had cupcakes and drinks. It was cold, really cold even though the sun was out in abundance.

That's the spirit

2008-12-11T21:12:00.002-05:00

The way a redneck would appreciate.

Two buddies

2008-12-11T20:54:00.005-05:00

We have had a couple of days with some warmer weather. Our two buddies came right out of hibernation, or I guess they hadn't fallen asleep yet this season.

The bird house is almost as tall as I am so I guesstimate the big one to be about 10 feet long, the other one about 7 or so, click on the picture to see better, it's to the right.

And they were both so cute when they were little. We've known them since they were about 2 feet long.

Alex's birthday

2008-12-11T20:33:00.005-05:00

I dropped and picked up at school, his biggest concern was if I remembered to bring the cupcakes for his classmates. He got to wear the birthday boy hat, they all sang for him and had cupcakes.

We stopped at the store Teach and Alex got to pick two presents from Mom and I, two puzzles were chosen. We went down town to Rue De Juan for lunch. Alex had shrimp and pasta, Fia grilled cheese sandwich and fries and I had a blue cheese burger. Oh, Marta was not there, birthdays are me and the kids only ( until they don't want to hang with silly Dad).

Then we went to the Children's Museum.

We had the place to ourselves, normally it is packed but on a rainy Wednesday afternoon in December, well it makes up for the annual membership dues.

And after a Pizza dinner with Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle John and Aunt Kim we finally made it back home to lay one of his new puzzles.

Christmas party at the office

2008-12-09T15:51:00.002-05:00

This year is looking pretty bleak for the event of a party. I've been to a few both with my job and with Marta's.

I'm relieved that we don't have a party this year but for the ones of you that will I found some good advice for you.