fjorton -- goodbyes

Flashback
In August, we said goodbye to Catherine, who moved back Canada to take a position at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon (a slightly different feel from her native Vancouver) after two years at CBF. Catherine has been greatly missed these last few months - and not only because of her excellent baking skills (and incredibly generous spirit in sharing said delicious baking)!

I spent copious amounts of time last winter working with Catherine on the flight loader project, as well as skiing as much as we could in preparation for HalvVassan - the 45 km ski race we both did. We also spent stacks of time training together, both at the gym (where she would regularly whip me at chin ups) and at Hemlingby, where we had an excellent Sunday morning running or skiing tradition, chasing each other up and down the hills. Catherine is one tough gal, but at the same time is one of the kindest people I have ever met.

We had a little picnic as a final farewell, complete with several rounds of kub (a quintessentially Swedish game involving wooden blocks, dowels and a King!) and several grainy photographs - sorry about that!

 Still, I always like to picture Catherine in snowy weather - something not exactly familiar to her on a day-to-day basis from November to April, but something to which she adapted to beautifully, and dare I say, even grew to love.

Now back to today ...

Today was yet another round of goodbyes - this time to David and Becca, our delightful friends who arrived in August from Australia (via Italy) as a stopping point en route to their native British homeland (we'll see how long they can stay away from Sweden!)

Richard - having just learned that Becca and David were not staying in Gävle forever (or having just taken a bite of the spiciest food we have found in Sweden to date - so yummy that Östersund Thai restaurant!)

We knew from our first encounter these two would be good to have around - they arrived with bicycles in tow, after all! It was such a delight to share rides, workouts and many a fine meal with these two characters.

I think the short days were starting to take a toll on our fine friends!

Oh wait, this looks more like them! Note Becca's athletic stance as she prepares to be bowled over by hubby, following his slide down the icy hill - all that training has paid off!

Arriving at the time of year when the days shrink all too quickly, these two injected an energy and enthusiasm that brightened CBF every day. And while only around for a few months, it feels like we have known them for a far longer time.



All the same, after a whirlwind last few weeks for these two, including final stops in with their fave gym instructor (she's all mine now, kids!) ...

 ... today they packed themselves up into their rental car (several bags heavier than upon arrival) and headed for the airport. Here's hoping it all fits in the mini British rental they have reserved at the other end!

Sniff, sniff.

Goodbyes are never fun. Thank goodness that goodbyes are never for all that long with good friends!

The door is always open, Catherine, Becca and David, as it is to you, our friends on the other end of this post (especially if you come with home baked goods) :)

Speaking of doors (cheesy segue time) ... door # 14!

Both a travel sized candied ginger body wash, and the cutout in the form of a the same item explaining that 25,000 food packets will be handed out as a result of the proceeds from the sale of Body Shop advent calendars. Cool.