If you see the following news headline - "Sweden invaded by a plague of Mammoth Crocs", you can remember that we aren't being attacked by one of those super-sized toothy reptiles which Steve Irwin used to wrestle to the ground. We all know in which country that scenario is most likely.




No, no. As frightening as that is, in Sweden I'm sorry to say that it's very much worse than you think and I don't believe that even St Steve could save us from these abominations - crikey, he probably even has a pair himself! That ghastly khaki pair, I reckon. May I present the Swedish version of Mammoth Crocs (be warned: this is truly the stuff of nightmares):



You'd think we'd be safe from this in the winter, wouldn't you? Is there no end to the scourge of these shoes? I don’t use these words very often, but I truly loathe and despise these rubber catastrophes. It’s not that I am a crazy fashion freak or anything, but honestly, I have searched and searched for a redeeming feature and I have yet to find a single one. I dread the thought of what I might do if I actually see someone wearing them. They look like a cross between ugg boots and a rabbit hutch and I imagine the only people who would be attracted to them are the types who slope around wearing velour track suits, with curlers in their hair and a fag end hanging from the corner of their mouth. *shudder*

As well as the fear of mammoth croc attacks, there are other reasons to stay indoors. The time really has come to say farewell to the light, to the stunning autumn colours and to the warmth! The temperature is steadily dropping below zero and now there is no denying it - winter is as good as here. The days are short, the sun is gone and there aren't that many birds around either.




We had a woodpecker in the birch tree outside of the bathroom window the other day, but it was camera shy and stubbornly remained on the other side of the tree. However, we were able to capture a shot of this gorgeous little blue tit (blåmes). They are usually hard to photograph as they are constantly on the move, but this little guy had found some titbit to nibble on, so he stayed still long enough to capture on film.

Today's walk along the harbour and parks was peaceful as the town winds down from the hectic tourist season and prepares for the imminent Christmas season. In the trees, we did see a flock of siskins (grönsiska). They were busy doing their level best to strip the tree of all it's remaining seeds. Again, they are always active and constantly moving, but lovely to watch.




In another tree, we saw an acrobatic common redpoll (gråsiska). Like the tits and siskins, these are lively little birds, extremely social and constantly moving, They are able to hang upside down to pry the birch seeds from hanging catkins. It really is quite funny to watch them.




We have had very frosty mornings here but only a few feathery snowflakes and snow flurries. So imagine our surprise when opening the national paper to learn that in our old hometown, there was a huge blizzard and people were trapped in their cars, buses, trains in the evening peak hour for up to eight hours. Kids were getting home from school at 1.30am! If you read Swedish there is a report here. It is very reminiscent of the chaos we had there at the same time last year. It's always the same when we get that first big snowfall and again, there are calls for trucks from other countries who drive here in winter to be fitted with snow chains. It seemed that they completely blocked highway 73 from Stockholm to Nynäshamn and the snow ploughs could not clear the road. Still doesn't explain why the train wasn't working, does it? Some things just never change! I am SO GLAD I don't have that commute anymore.

Instead, I am contemplating making this for dinner - a delicious bean and chickpea stew full of fluffy dumpling pillows.




It's perfect comfort food for a cold, dark day. We had watched a beautiful Chinese DVD last night - The Road Home - and they were eating dumplings! Lars-Göran had not realised what they were called in English, so what better demonstration could I offer but to make this for him to enjoy.

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp chilli powder
1 tin borlotti (or red kidney or pinto) beans
1 tin chick peas
4 cups vegetable stock
few drops Tabasco
2 tins chopped tomatoes
fresh chopped coriander or chives for garnishing

Dumplings:
1 cup plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup margarine, cut into small pieces
1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs or 1 tsp dried
1/4 cup milk

In a large sauce pan, saute onion in oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until soft. Add garlic and spices and sauté for one minute. Add beans, chick peas, vegetable stock, Tabasco and tomatoes. Bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the dumplings:

Combine margarine and flour in a mixing bowl. Rub the margarine through the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

Add the herbs and milk and mix until just combined. Form into a large ball, then divide it into 8 equal parts. Roll each part into a dumpling-shaped ball.

Add the dumplings to the tomato-bean mixture. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the dumplings comes out clean.

Serve with coriander or chopped chives for garnish.

Yum! It's quick, easy, satisfying, the leftovers are even better the next day and made from things one usually has already in the kitchen cupboard. And you don't have to go out and risk a nasty croc attack!