Sweden Celebrates Its Flag While I Freeze In The Canyon

Swedish Flag Day!

Today, June 6th, Swedish Flag Day, Svenska Flaggans Dag (translation for fishducky, who is working on her Swedish), is celebrated as the national holiday in Sweden. It commemorates the day in 1523 when Gustav Vasa was elected   King of Sweden. Gustav Vasa was involved in liberating Sweden from the Danes; he established a royal dynasty (prior to that kings were elected by parliament); a bureaucracy; a protestant church; and an independent nation that has stayed that way ever since. I remember this day as a beautiful, warm, early summer day with a light night and lilacs in bloom. And, of course, our pretty flag flying in the wind across the city.

I've never thought much about this day before; once again, I find that blogging is keeping me on my toes.

Moving on to California: In Los Angeles, the month of June is for the most part cloudy and misty – they call it June gloom there. This year, June gloom seems to have spread across the state. Most of the blogs from California I read yesterday mentioned the gloomy and cold weather in the Golden state. 

Here in the desert mountains, the weather has been strange, indeed. After a gloomy, windy and cold week, it was finally nice yesterday. Cold, but sunny. Then it rained overnight and it was 44 F in the morning. Wait a minute, I plan to wash and hang some laundry on the line.

 But, of course, I still could and did because no matter how bleak and cold it is outside, laundry will definitely dry in the afternoons here. The always reliable wind that starts to blow in the late mornings will do the job, provided it doesn't rain. A little sun is out now and the gray clouds have been replaced by white, fluffy ones. I wonder what the snakes, lizards, and insects think about this weather. Just kidding, but I do tune in and think about the wild critters all the time since I moved here. 

Usually we are done with mowing and weed whacking when June comes around, but now grass and weeds are growing again. I can't mow with my back problem, so my husband will have to take that on. Fire safety clearance has to be in effect by June 15. Personally, I like this cool weather and, as I've said before, the longer it will keep the desert heat at bay, the happier I am.

Finally, my back still hurts, but is much better. I hope it is healing OK. I see the doctor on Thursday. When I called to find out the results of the bone scan, she said, via her receptionist, that she would discuss it with me when I came in to see her. I know I could have insisted on finding out what was going on, but I let it go and will find out on Thursday. Not much I can do between now and then anyway. Each little incident with this doctor makes me more determined that I will find another one here. No energy for that right now, but in time I will.