Legend has it, A vast treasure is hidden in and around the woods nearby. I'm sure someone will find it soon, as they've been looking for it since the late 1600's.
Magnus has a coin from that era, he was happy to show us.
The earliest part of the castle was constructed in 1511. With the large gate tower being built in 1600.
During the Kalmar war of the early 1600's, fierce battles were fought here. The newly built gate tower suffered much damage, but held. The scars can still be seen today.
Later that century the Skåne war broke out, and on the 7th of August 1678 The Danish army mounted a violent offense and destroyed part of the castle by fire. The locals are still pissed off about it
The owner of the castle Jens Mikkelsen rebuilt it in 1687 when he was given the noble title of Ehrenborg, for his service to King Carl XI during the war.
Nina points out some holes in the gate from musket balls.
The Ehrenborg family lived in the castle till 1981.
Bloody quitters.
When the ladies returned, I had made quite a recovery. I was showered, dressed, and all packed up to go.
I'm pretty sure the three pots of coffee, half bottle of aspirin, and extra two hours sleep played some small part.
We stopped by Inga-Lisa's house, to say our goodbyes, as we wouldn't be seeing her again until our next trip to Sweden.
Inga-Lisa is Goran and Nina's mom. We hadn't had a chance to sit and share our condolences, quietly, and personally. The way the mother of your departed friend deserves. So, with my apologies accepted, Nina translated for me. We all had a good cry, and hugs all around. She is such a dear woman, and I look forward to seeing her again.
Now it was time to drive to Torsten and Berith's for fika. Torsten and Berith are Carin and Eva's parents.
I know I've mentioned fika several times in this blog, but I don't think I have explained just what it is.
Fika falls somewhere in the middle of a coffee break, and high tea. It is usually taken between lunch and dinner, but I have experienced as many as three in one day. Generally, there is coffee and pastry. Sometimes, macka (an open face sandwich with meat and/or cheese) or smörgås (bread with butter and jam or honey) is also served, as is the occasional beer and schnapps. It's not at all unusual to finish off with some candy.
Fika is always taken with friends or family, and is NEVER rushed, no matter how fancy or casual the affair.
If it wasn't for all the walking, bicycling, and cross country skiing, I'm fairly certain all Swedes would be over 600 lbs.
This is their home and garden. I spent quite a bit of time, one day on our summer trip here, making sure there were no ripe raspberries left on Torsten's bushes.
He gives really good hugs.
Johanna made waffles, while Julie and I wandered around the house taking pictures, as though it was a museum.
Waffles rule!
Josefine and Jullyana helping out.
See what I mean?
Like a museum.
This little beauty was used to slap the water out of laundry. And sometimes, the naughtiness out of children.
Fika time.
I think I'll pass on candy
this time.
The record breaking shot, the largest percentage of Swedes smiling for a portrait ever.
This is a Mangle, it presses very tight creases into table clothes. A well set table must have straight, visible creases along the top. An uncreased table cloth simply won't do.
Carin brought her's over, to get ready for New Year's Eve.
Pan beef, mash, and lingonberry, perfect.
