Getting ready to go to Sweden...

My mind is just so busy with all the thoughts that are running through with what I need to get done to get Dave and I packed and ready to go to Sweden.. Suitcases have been laid out and as each day has passed putting things like clothes, camera, raincoats, boots ect. in the suitcases.. Now it's crunch time and I'm doing the final washing of clothes and making sure I have everything. Then I'll get it on the scales here at the house and make sure it's not over 50 pounds. WE are going to the World Ploughing Matches that are being held in Stadavatan, Sweden.. We fly out Friday, at 4:30 p.m. and arrive in Stockholm at 7:30 a.m. We will be taking the train from Stockholm to Mjolby, Sweden.. 2 1/2 hour ride.. I can hardly wait, sit in the train and watch the country go by the window.. My camera is ready~! Then the fun begins.. We will be there for 10 days... It's going to be fun to be in another country. I hear it's beautiful there.. Probably ~ maybe be the last time we get to go to one of these in along time..Each time we have gone (this is our 5th world ploughing event) we have many memories of all the people we have met from every country plus all the memories of what we got to see while we were there.. So far we have gone to Ireland twice,, Canada, Czech Republic and Austria.. Next year it's going to be in Croatia...I not sure even where that country is but I think it would be interesting to go and see. There are 28 countries that come to the world ploughing matches and there are 2 competitors from each country.. The two competitors that will be competing from the USA are from South Dakota and Iowa.. We are very proud of our men that are going to represent us. I'm looking to have a great time.
Yesterday I worked as a Official Poll Worker in Springville.. We had two ballots, one for Linn County and one for the city of Springville.. We were voting on 1% sales tax.. Springville voted yes and not sure for the county.. Low turn out voters..only 278... I worked from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. I was very tired when I got home and this morning after a good nights rest I feel good..
I like working at the voting polls, it's fun to see all the people that I know and I get to meet all the people I don't know.. Yes, its a long day but don't know if any of you know this , you do get paid for doing this and the extra money is nice. Since I'm retired and not working ~ this can fit into my daily life.. I love being retired..
I'm going to quickly get things wrapped up here , because Ben gets out of pre-school today at 11. I'm going to go to Tracie's house to see him and play with him.. I'm going to miss him so much. Grandchildren are a gift from God and I'm so blessed.
My bird feeders are busy with all colors of birds this morning. My orioles are so brilliant orange ~ it's so cool to see that color flash across the yard to the grape jelly I have set out for them. Hummers are busy this morning, glad to see they are back.. I have the young boy that lives near here that Dave hired to mow our grass while we are gone to feed my birds.. Cole is 15 and is so respoonsible. His parents have taught him work ethics . Cole is a fine young man.
Have some books to read while I'm traveling.. Richard Peck's books : A year down yonder and A Long Way from Chicago.. I was reading A year down younder yesterday while working at the polls and it's really good.. The other book I have is: Escape to God written by Jim Hohnberger. This book will be a spiritual awakening that will inspire and challege me. Get out of the boat and walk on water. Of course I'm taking my bible.
If you don't hear from me you'll know I'm thinking of you all and I'm going to be away from this computer. Maybe while I'm in Sweden I'll be able to write a short post. Have a Tiggeriiffic Day~!~! ta ta for now from Iowa:)