There were trips to the Kansas City area for shopping. A trip to Lindsborg, KS was also in order. Maryann and I have visited Lindsborg several times and wanted them to see it for themselves.
Lindsborg is a community that was settled by Swedes in the late 1800's. As you can see by the picture above the Dala Horse is an important part of their heritage and culture. Most homes and buildings have one displayed in front of them. The name of the family will be painted on the ones in front of homes. We decided that our friends should also have a Dala Horse to take back to France with them. We arranged to have one made and put on display so that when we visited the shop it would be seen by them.
We arrived in Lindsborg on Thursday afternoon. After checking in to the B&B, The Swedish Country Inn, we walked around the downtown area and visited the shops. When we were near the shop with their Dala Horse, I surreptitiously walked across the street to see if the horse was completed. It was done and placed on a shelf behind the woman who had decorated it. It would be easy to see when one walked into the workroom.
I informed the folks in the shop about our plan to surprise our friends. Saturday morning we made our way to the Hemslojd shop ostensibly to shop for things Swedish to take home. As a matter of fact, we did come away with some very nice purchases. After about an hour of browsing and deciding what to buy we finally made our way into the workshop. I did have the camera ready for the surprise discovery. Marie-Jo was at the location from which it could be seen easily. Her perspective is much as is shown in the photo above showing the back of the woman who had decorated their horse. Marie-Jo was just about to leave the workshop without noticing the horse when the salesclerk, Carla, directed her to the shelf with all of the fine specimens of Swedish craftsmanship. The statement was made, "Duez, that is our family name." Marie-Jo was quite shocked to see it. We all enjoyed the moment. We made sure that there was a hanging bracket packed with it. We gathered our other purchases and left.
The staff will be talking about that for some time to come. Both Marie-Jo and Jean-Louis were pleasantly surprised and will cherish this gift as much as we cherish each other's friendship.
Thursday evening we had our dinner at the Stockholm Restaurant and Catering. We had eaten there on our previous trip. It is a small facility with a very nice menu. They feature a variety of teas. They usually select one blend to serve with the dinner.
Our visit to the town was very restful and yet invigorating. It is always wonderful to share experiences with folks you love.
I had to work in Manhattan on Friday afternoon, so I left them and went on to my work. Yes, we had to take two vehicles. Jean-Louis and I traveled in the Del Sol. On their way back they did stop at the Smoky Hill Bison Farm.
Mari-Jo took this photo of some of the bison. They are wild creatures and take care of themselves. Their bison summer sausage is very tasty.
I hope you enjoyed this brief visit to one of the more colorful and friendly parts of Kansas. Oh, that reminds me, while Jean-Louis and I were waiting for Marie Jo and Maryann to come out of a shop, we were approached by an older woman in a Swedish costume. She asked me if I was Swedish. I guess I must have that look. I think it is highly likely that my biological father was of Swedish descent. Mom is denying it now, so who knows. The outcome was that she took some time to tell us about Lindsborg, its history and about some of the artists and galleries on the main street. Now how sweet is that. I suppose I could have said how Swede, but I have it on good authority that puns in blogs are not writing. tee hee
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3 comments:
Glad to hear you all had a lovely time. I wouldn't expect anything else from you four.
It's good to catch up with old friends Jack, and the surroundings sound great too.
How fun for the four of you!
Your neck of the woods sounds very intriguing.
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