The tradition here in Sweden has been to cut down trees, trim them, split them and store the wood for next winter's burning/heating. There are even
systems which will also generate electricity from this process.
But during a recent discussion at my favourite coffee experience establishment CAMERA IT in Bengtsfors, I discussed this:
imagine the clean energy produced by forests of these……………………….!!!!!!!
Earlier this year, despite falling world oil prices, bensin was rising in price. In Sweden,however,
this trend has reversed in the last month. In fact Sweden is about the cheapest place to buy
bensin in Europe
and the price is still falling.
It has been suggested that the recent peaks in bensin prices have also produced a peak in BICYCLE sales.
However, evidence is emerging which could suggest a different cause:
It seems that bicycles as not as environmentally friendly as had previously been thought.
The interplay of energies emanating from a common source,unstoppably expanding the permutations of possibilities of experiencing.Experiences so unique,so individual as to be totally valid in their own right.
Not a galaxy exists, nor a star, a person nor a single ant,not even a single blade of grass that is not equally and powerfully involved in the process of this pathway. It is not only,as Einstein Schweitzer et.al stated as a 'will to live' for expression of thelife force is more,much more,than simply existence. This interplay of energies is in constant,ever constant creative mode. It applies to all things, for there is nothing that has been created that is not wholly and entirely unique and the presence of which has enriched beyond imaginings the potentiality of the process.As quickly as one experience is created,so an infinite number of permutations arise from that one incidence.
Yep, some folks think I'm just joking when I talk about the 'Swedish Monsoon Season', but – hey – just
over a week ago it was the warmest place in Sweden around here…now this last week (up to last night)
so much rain that roads are flooded. That's the first time I have ever seen the road to Bengtsfors flooded
in the 12 or more years I have lived here – or the 20+ years we have owned this house.
TheLocal amongst other papers report 100 mms rain on saturday. Some roads closed and maybe some roads
undermined.
Gives a whole new meaning to the Volvo Ocean Race
After 2 weeks of incredible summer weather – which amongst other things had our nearest town of Bengtsfors listed as the
WARMEST PLACE IN SWEDEN last friday – the monsoon rains are now here
Sighs from the trees, happy-faced flowers all say that it's very welcome.
So I thought I might try a youtube embed of a little video clip giving a sense of the Swedish Rainforest in our
immediate location
So now it's time to bunker down,get out the tin hats,read the Ministry of Defence manual for the Home Guard,
lock the car in the garage and don't move it for 2 days…….
Yes, you've got it, it's Midsummer
Arguably the most important 'Bank holiday', celebration weekend, excuse for a BOOZE UP
that happens in Sweden.
The sound of discordant music echoes across the lakes,repressed angers boil over .Cars
career around the roads with lumps of trees/branches attached to them.
I guess I must be getting old…but NO,wait, I never have seen any point to getting so drunk that you
don't remember, or so drunk that you become ill, or so drunk that you are just a damned nuisance
to everyone around you, or so drunk that you shouldn't even be on a skateboard never mind drive a car.
Now,generally speaking, there is a very responsible attitude to drinking and driving here in Sweden,
but it has to be admitted that Midsummer is the time this attitude is most relaxed/ignored.
And,hey, it's the older generations that are the worst. Somehow we are conditioned to expect
extremes of youthful high spirits – but post 40 arrogance mixed with alcohol do not make for
a good equation.
However, last night's thunder storms in this area – plus the forecast of a damp and coldish
weekend – may help to water down the worst effects of Midsummer.
Whilst discussing this phenomenon with a Swedish friend I was at the receiving end of the most sensible
comment I have ever heard in my life about drinking alcohol….She said "If I think I need it,I don't have a drink".
And she still manages to enjoy herself!
Ah, truth told, there are many Swedes who just have a pleasant,balanced,enjoyable family weekend – but as in
all modern societies,extremes occur,occur more frequently,and occur in surprising places or categories of people.
That all being said….Have a GOOD MIDSUMMER
Yep! Once again this week after some hours of sunshine….in came the monsoon! Not that this is a complaint
as I am quite sure Nature knows what it’s doing and after all the rapid vegetation growth in the last 3 weeks
I guess the land needs a good soaking.
and even hailstones
After the storms and heavy rain – much needed by the flowers and the trees – a sunshine evening….
and didn’t the flowers love it…………..
16 years old student cracks 300 year old Maths puzzle!
and you thought Matt Damon was good in Good Will Hunting.
.
Beyond that which we see or hear or touch are dimensions of lovingness that glitter and shine like multi-faceted diamonds.
Once you have been the recipient of such shinings you can never find fulfillment without shining yourself.
gg
In tribute to a treasured friend who travelled to the light on 28th April 2009.
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