Safe haven

I have had a wonderful few days here in the country. I love our cottage and the area it's in, and it's always nice to spend time with my mum and dad. So far we've been around to the towns we usually visit when we're here – there's pretty much nothing to do out at the country house – and on Thursday we went on a little road trip to the town where Sweden's most beloved childrens' author Astrid Lindgren used to live, Vimmerby. We also visited Katthult: the home of one of her most famous characters. I remember going to these places as a child so it was very nostalgic and a little strange to go back as an adult. 

Yesterday we had lunch in my dad's home town before we went to visit my gran. It's always lovely to see her but every time I do she's weaker than the time before. She's pretty much lost her spark now, which is sad; it's like she's just waiting to pass away. But no wonder when she's stuck in a wheelchair in a retirement home all day as her body slowly but surely closes down. Now she can barely hear or talk. I really hope the last years of my life aren't like that. But still, it was good to see her.

Other than that we've just been chilling, taking the car somewhere for lunch everyday, going for bicycle rides, and drinking wine in front of the telly in the evenings. We've yet to take the boat out on the lake since it's been too cold and windy so far, but hopefully we'll be able to go in the next couple days. 

It's so relaxing and simple and beautiful out here with the setting in the woods and the view of the lake. I love coming here. This place is such a safe haven to me.