Walk along the water and a little fika

Now, to get back to Sweden pictures! 

After our trip to the castle, we had a fantastic lunch at a little place in Mariehamn. We luxuriated in our lunch and chatted for awhile and then headed out to walk out to see the ferries coming in. 

But first, Clover with a large yellow potato. We stopped at this potato chip factory. Apparently this guy went over to America mid-century, came back and started up a chip factory. 

We had to buy some Åland potato chips. They were quite delicious! 

All the bright colors

Swans are as common as Canada geese are in Northern New York. I must say swans are prettier. 

Livie and another rocky outcropping

Buds budding

There was something growing on this tree, clumps of something budding out. 

It was supposed to rain, but it turned out to be a lovely day. 

Water all sparkly, sun all warm, the breeze brisk and cool... 

I love water. And sunshine.

Mountain goat sisters

As the ferries come into Mariehamn harbor, they need to turn around in the open water. It was quite a proceeding! 

The wild cats of Sweden. 

Ashley, an ocean girl at heart, watching the ferry dock

More swans

Love Forget-me-nots!

After our walk along the water, we stopped by Mel's inlaws for fika. 

Fika is afternoon tea--a lovely concept. 

Grape hyacinths

Gunnar's mother, Brigette has a beautiful garden, full of little spring bulbs. Mel said it looks even better in the summer, with everything blooming. 

I love, love these little ladies

Their dog

All of us, enjoying fika. 

Everything was so very lovely and delicate

Brigette heard we were from New York and had to get this book about Tasha Tudor out to ask if we had ever been there. 

We were already convinced Brigette was our kind of person, but this cemented it--kindred spirits! 

Brigette's cookbooks. I love them all facing out

Every house we were in here had curving stars. I think I like them. 

Brigettes weaving loom. She makes beautiful rugs.

Her current rug she is working on

Geraniums in the window make everything better. Isn't this a sweet room?

A little free library on Aland