The viewing

We read that Limå Bruk is for sale. The property is about 130 acres of forest and farm land with several houses. We weren't seriously thinking of buying, of course, but just wanted to look. The farmhouse is quite big, something like 17 rooms, and bordering lake Siljan.

This beautiful grandfather clock stands in the great hall..

and outside there are some interesting things.

On the wall by the entrance hangs this numbered cast iron sample. This homestead had its own foundry where they manufactured iron for sale around the country. When a new batch was ready, they took a sample to make sure it was up to quality before making the large ingots that were later taken by horse and cart down to the river to be shipped out to the customers.

The old foundry

These ingots weighed 200-300 kg each

These stones were most probably the foundation of a wooden pier where the boats could have been moored, we saw some really old large pieces of wood lodged among the stones. 

At the water's edge was this boulder with an old handmade chain secured with an iron bracket. Presumably to anchor the boats.

Here was also this minute sandy beach. I'm sure the kids from the homestead came here to swim in the summer and when they didn't have chores to do.

The buildings around the yard are well looked after.

The anchor rests on a stone hammer moved here from the smithy that was also part of the homestead.

One of the old bellows from the smithy is now used as a flower pot.

If fire broke out, they had their own fire brigade and this modern pump to help deal with it.

There were a large head of cattle and of course they grew their own grain 

which was processed in the mill standing in the vicinity of the stream that runs through the property. They were self supporting in everything. We have come a long way away from that today.

Home again after our time travel, and the evening is so lovely. We decided to take the car and slowly cruise through the forest looking for moose or bears to take pictures of - sadly we saw nothing. Perhaps better luck next time!

I wonder if Peter's expecting a lot of rain...

as he's taken the boat this far up.

The Iris we planted last year like it here, it seems.

More comfort

Breakfast on the veranda without being cold and it seems that the insects are still asleep. Couldn't be better, could it?

Oh yes, it could! And that's what Gunnar's working on today - heating in the bathroom. A small gas heater is being installed.

A visit from Johan and his Emeli later in the evening. We haven't seen him for ages. Afterwards they braved the cold and went for a swim in the stream. Ouch!

It's now around 10 pm - it never gets properly dark here in the summer, it's magical.

So beautiful

It is stunningly beautiful in Forsen. Masses of flowers grow alongside the road.

Close-up of a bluebell

I was having my tea on the veranda this morning when I saw this bird come flying. She has a marked ring around her leg.

She also had a young in tow.

A hungry one!

Another Wednesday

We've been in Forsen exactly one week - time flies

Time to do a little cleaning.

And Gunnar got the lawnmower out.

When you rake the grass, you can find all sorts of things.

A snake, for instance. Not dangerous.

The king of barbecue wearing his mosquito net to stop being eaten by the various insects that come in droves as soon as the sun sets.

 Dinner guests are our neighbours.

Guests leaving

A clear morning but the clouds are gathering and around elevenses we had some showers. After a barbecue lunch Mia & Co were on their way homewards.

But first, Mia fetched water from the stream and Rolf filled the tanks. 

Our generator had stopped working just before Midsummer and we may have to buy a new one. We'll see after the holidays.

A visit from Conny and his son Magnus and his girlfriend. The rain had passed and the sun smiled on us again.

Midsummer's Day

Midsummer's Day started sunny and warm and the younger generation took the canoe upstreams to Lake Israel, there is that much water in the stream.

The dogs' mum and dad arrived just in time for lunch.

I had made an apple pie in the old oven for dessert. It feels good to be able to use the wood burning stove for that too. Maybe I'll try muffins later.

In the afternoon the clouds built up and the temperature dropped. Perfect weather for indoor games. Adam's trying to beat his dad at chess. Gunnar and I went for a walk in the forest. I was hoping to capture some animal with my camera, moose or bear would be good..... The week before we arrived, Conny had encountered 2 bears just outside his front door when he stepped outside in the early morning. Scary.

A few family portraits

We played Mexican Train until late while it rained softly outside.

Midsummer's Eve

Mia and Rolf arrived at midnight accompanied by 2 small dogs belonging to friends of theirs. Lovely little creatures but somewhat noisy. We remember our Dachshund Ricko, don't we? 

Very soft coats and friendly.

Time to do something about the overgrown grass,

and when dad has cut it, son has to ferry it to the compost heap.

Small dog all but disappears among the buttercups.

It's hot today so a sip of water is welcome.

We're waiting to board the Gustaf Wasa for our yearly lunch cruise on lake Siljan.

A small water plane is buzzing around us like a large mosquitoe.

After finishing our Sole Valevska, Adam is taking a photo of his parents.

 Home again and somebody is blowing bubbles.

 And somebody else if relaxing in the evening sun.

Later on, we got a little peckish. A light meal of crayfish and gravad salmon was just what we needed. A perfect way to round off a perfect day.