Prunella, the Snow Explorer

The feline residence sharers aren't particularly keen on outdoor adventures during the snow season - the living room lounge is infinitely more appealing. And the indoor space is simply built for all sorts of crazy runs and cat fun - at least they all for some odd reason seem to have that impression in common.

Now and then some cat or other make a daring leap for some outdoor exploration in snow. The exploration is often cut very short due to the discovery of white cold ground for delicate, fussy cat feet. After making a dutiful saunter of the territory - not nearly as extensive as it is in spring-summer-autumn - I always get a reproachful look as if the poor weather conditions are my fault. Go figure.

Myself I think that red teams up very well with snow. Fussy paws or not. This is Prunella, daughter of Knut.

She happens to adore uncle Malte, the loaf dog extraordinaire (who actually is a red canine, Norfolk terrier shape, even if his current shade seems to imply otherwise.) He on the other paw is much more interested in keeping the feline household members in order since they have the most annoying habit of running around very aimlessly in the most appalling non-conformist way. It's a tough job but somedog's got to do it ~

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Ruby Tuesday - Heart is All Around

Precious stone heart pendant in perfect shape and colour from Swedish company U it's u. Still waiting for the perfect inspirational moment to turn it into a necklace for me, myself and I only.

Another adorable handmade heart in stone, from small fair trade shop in Stockholm, African Touch.

For those urgent times in life, be woman or man, just look for the sign of a heart. Yes we Swedes - for some reason I haven't bothered investigate - like to decorate our toilet doors with a heart. Clearly even the most mundane moment in life calls for a heart.

However. Saving clause. My fondness for hearts doesn't mean I'm embracing the whole commercial hullabaloo surrounding a certain upcoming Valentine's Day. I just like their shape and sentiment. All year round.

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Ruby Tuesday - Winter Wonderland

Having just celebrated Groundhog Day with what can be perceived as the world's best dessert - raspberries, good quality vanilla ice cream topped with whipped cream - there's of course a longing for warmer, brighter, greener days inside me too. But, when the winter magicians have done their job in a proper way...

...there's really no denying that we're living in a gorgeous, enchanting, picture postcard winter wonderland on these latitudes, don't you agree? And if one finds oneself at crossroads in these neighbourhoods, one just might be lucky enough to meet...

... a real, happy in red crossbreed ("vägkorsning") that will get life back on track. And then, after having experienced the appropriately seasonal Swedish outdoor adventures there's nothing that quite beat the fact that you do live in a warm and cosy house...

... where there's a new sofa cover with red rosebuds, which makes the perfect place for a snuggly snooze oblivion to the cold, harsh, white outside world.

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Ruby Tuesday - Tidö Castle Threesome

Tidö castle is situated in the middle of practically nowhere - that is, from a city dweller's point of view, about 1,5 hours drive northwest from Stockholm city -, a pretty yet slightly modest looking white building that sports - look carefully - rather bold, for a castle, and snazzy looking red window frames.

The castle, built in 1624, is one of the best preserved Renaissance castles from that era in Sweden. Open to visitors May to August it also hosts a toy museum, a restaurant, a chapel and, of course, a castle shop.

I'd imagine that once upon a time the castle was quite a self sufficient place with it's own bell tower - and yes the surrounding farmers tend to live in the classic Swedish wooden houses red with white corners - as well as...

... it's very own petrol station, now out of service but still standing boldly erect in that middle of practically nowhere field rural Sweden.

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Ruby Tuesday - Seasons in Red

Currently winter

Spring to come

Summer brings berries...

...and autumn red leaves

~

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Ruby Tuesday - St Knut's Day

Today is St Knut's Day in Sweden, the day the Christmas season officially ends. "Tjugondedag Knut" in Swedish, "tjugondedag" meaning the twentieth day after Christmas Eve (which is the day we celebrate Christmas here).

There are quiet a few suggestions mentioned here (in Swedish) and there (in English) regarding the reasons for this being the official end date of Christmas in Sweden, Finland and parts of Norway. Be as that may, today is also the Swedish name day of Knut, making it a perfect reason to spoil any special Knut - like the one above which happens to be a fellow in red - in your vicinity.

If you like to be traditional this is also the day you *should* remove the Christmas ornaments and electrical Advent candlesticks and stars in the windows. Myself I like to keep the lights in my home for quite some time yet, we don't have much natural outdoor light this time of year and these candlesticks both look nice as well as chase the darkness at least a bit away. So my kitchen window will look pretty much the same for a while yet. Though there will be much deserved hibernation for some -

The red linen tablecloth with instant Pelle the cat approval will be removed.

The cute red mushroom Advent candlestick with four - now of course non existing - red candles will be put in a box for next year.

As will Rudolf the reindeer on the wall with his red ribbon and bell,

joined by small red trinkets in flower pots and such. Rest and relaxation for them all. See you all next year ~

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Ruby Tuesday - Winter at Häringe Castle

Years ago, when Malte was just a young lad (and not the mature, distinguished and always well behaved doggie he is now), we thought it would be very neat to go have afternoon tea at Häringe castle - the unique thing, as far as Swedish life goes, with this afternoon tea was that you could bring the dog along. Which would have been great if one happened to have a dog with a *slightly* calmer disposition when out and about.

Malte was as usual one super excited loaf pup as far as the other guests and the new milieu were concerned - and the guests were pretty excited about him (for some reason being the only dog there) making it a *wee bit* non easy to relax and enjoy the tea buffet. Besides, the buffet completely lacked scones...! Hence we've never felt very inclined to return (with or without dog).

Häringe (built in 1654) might not be the prettiest of castles (although it does sport red window frames), more of a large mansion house (nowadays conference facilites, hotel, spa and open for private functions therefor all the red wooden house annexes on the property), situated in a very rural area (in a nature reserve) and the surroundings make for very nice walks. As we today happened to be blessed with yet another wonderful sunny, crispy, cold winter day here, it was of course perfect for a castle spotting/walking day (there might have been a dash driving involved) and we opted for a return to Häringe (minus dog and tea) ~

The adorable duck pond, open all year around with lots of happy guests

The tennis court with a view

There are lots of different activities for guests, not only tennis, and the way is shown with many pretty signs, such as boule, bowling, sauna, swimming pool (presumably the very first proper one in Sweden at that, built in the 1930ies) and more.

Enjoying a leisurely stay in a room with a view in the Lake Wing doesn't seem half bad

Who knows, perhaps you'll even make new friends

If you happen to be interested in having afternoon tea at Häringe castle, it's served again from Jan 16th every Sat-Sun 12-17 (12 pm-5 pm), at a cost of 225 sek. They do claim to serve scones these days. I don't know if it's still possible to bring well-behaved dogs. The castle is situated some miles south east of Stockholm, you drive road 73 towards Nynäshamn, then follow the signs. It takes about 30 minutes to get there by car from the city.

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Ruby Tuesday - A New Year with Red Books & Sweet Treats

For this last Ruby Tuesday of 2008 - gosh how time flies... - I will give you three red books, which all in their very own way is a great way to start the new literary year with. And not only because they look lovely in red on the outside, they do have a content that's more than well worth a read. They are all thought provoking and share three important ingredients in a book as well as in life - love, laughter and tears.

Hjärtat får inga rynkor (The heart doesn't get wrinkles) by Mark Levengood is only available in Swedish at this time, but you can read a bit more about the author here. As usual a book by Levengood is a sweet, humourfilled, witty observation on life and living.

A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers by Xiaolu Guo is available both in English and Swedish

Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Dai Sijie is available in English

Chose one or chose them all and your new book year will get a good beginning! When you've snuggled up in bed or sofa with a ruby book of choice for your mind I think it's only right that you treat your body to something ruby sweet too with that cup of tea I'm sure you've already poured yourself. Might I suggest some scrumptious gingerbread squares with a generous amount of lingonberries on top ~

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~ With Hopes of a Happy, Kind and Prosperous New 2009 ~

Ruby Tuesday - The Gift of Christmas

This year's Christmas gift to myself - yes I do give myself one since I think it's important to be kind also to oneself - is this lovable, handmade felt brooch in red and pink with a dash of green leaves from talented Swedish designer Tina Calén. Who happens to have her studio and shop in last week's small town of Sigtuna. She makes quirky gorgeous clothes and accessories, mainly felted and combined with lace, in many wonderful colours. Many of her things are perhaps too delicate for everyday wear, but I'd truly love to have a dress or two from her designs. And a hat and a bag and...

Another thing that will warm my heart this Christmas is the fact that one of my favourite wee things, Järn-Olle (Little Iron Boy) in Gamla Sta'n (Old Town), here in Stockholm seem to have found a friend in red. The friend doesn't look to unhappy despite the fact that (s)he is soaking wet (we can't all be shaped in iron) and has been sort of chained to the place. Not another lonely Christmas for Järn-Olle. That must be the best gift of them all.

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~ Have a warm, kind, loving and happy Christmas ~

Ruby Tuesday - Christmas Fair in Sigtuna Town

As I've mentioned before in a Ruby post this is the season for Christmas fairs in Sweden, some are held every weekend, from Advent Sunday, up until Christmas whilst others are a one time event. In the picturesque small town of Sigtuna - which actually is the oldest town in Sweden, founded in late 1000 century AD, if you're interested in reading more about this town I suggest you take a peek at a previous Sigtuna post - this year's fair is held four Sundays leading up to Christmas.

The town is brimming with visitors and the narrow streets are lined with market stalls. Market stalls which are selling both traditional as well as inventive arts and crafts, food and drink and unfortunately a dash too much of the trinkets and tats bit.

Next Sunday will be the last day of Sigtuna Christmas fair this season, opening hours are 11-16 (11am - 4 pm) if one plan to pop by I so strongly recommend to be there when it opens. The immense crowding makes it very less than enjoyable, as far as I'm concerned. The town itself, both for strolling, sightseeing, shopping and eating, is very much worth a visit though. Perhaps save it for a less crowded day?

Here are some more ruby glimpses of the Christmas decorated event last weekend ~

Cute fir bucks for sale

The Christmas tree market stall holder enjoying the day in the town square

The inner courtyard at adorable Tant Brun (Auntie Brown) café - a must visit! - , the outdoor area is perhaps not quite the place for having coffee and cake this time of the year. So let's go inside and enjoy coffee, tea, hot cocoa, sandwich, cakes, buns and ginger snaps of choice by the fire instead.

Before heading home a visit to one of these facilities on the other side of the Auntie Brown courtyard, displayed by red hearts, may be just the thing ~

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