Swedish Group, Sweden & more

Today was my weekly Swedish Group -- Svenskavänskap Gruppen. We talk a lot about Swedish things and have fika (coffee/cookies with friends). Today was SHOW & TELL. We saw 2 very old Swedish documents. There was a discharge paper from the King for this family's father. Then same family had a document from the King allowing them to go to America. They are from 1851. Written in very old Swedish that makes it extra difficult to read. What a treat to see these.

I have from the late 1880s a paper giving my great grandmother permission to come to America from her priest. At that time you had to have permission to move from one house to another from your priest. Makes it easy to track you family sometimes. This great grandmother was only 18 years old and traveled alone.

Sweden originally was a pagan country and then became Catholic. Some of their festivals were actually pagan celebrations that the church adopted to get people to come to church. King Gustav I Vasa instigated the Church of Sweden in 1536 during his reign as King of Sweden. This act separated the church from the Roman Catholic Church and its canon law. Can you imagine going to church thinking you are Catholic and then it is announced you are now a Protestant? Hard to imagine!! The clergy kept the name priest (präst) but are Lutheran and can marry, etc.

I went to church in Bjärred Sweden. Beautiful July day. Wonderful weather unlike our normal July weather here in Kansas. We all sat outside. They used a small table as an altar. And a keyboard for our music. We stood in a half circle for communion. They passed the bread and then the wine. We took each at the same time. Then we held hands for a prayer. Quite moving. But since then I am more Swedish ---- much less religious.

We also saw some interesting books and some hand sewn pieces that are called huck weaving. I love doing it. Need to get some material and start again. Very easy!!!

I had lunch with my good friend J at Jalisco's. I almost always get arroz con camerones y frijoles (rice with shrimp and beans). One of my best friends works there. He gave me 2 gifts today! I am so lucky! O is the best!

Back to sticky hot weather. I am sooo ready for autumn. But it is nice to have my puppy Nico outside during the day. I actually get things done. Sometimes!!! When I am not so tired and my knee is not so painful.

We did have rain last nite but none of the severe weather they forecast. A relief. I love storms but hate wind. In a tornado once and never liked wind since.