The Mills

Mill Race

The Mills, yes, two mills.  What we have been thinking of as “The Mill” is actually “The New Mill,” if a hundred year old mill can be called new.  It is the “new” mill because there is an older version, which was the original.  All that is left is the foundation of the house and the millpond and race.   We climbed down into the millrace to see it.  This was an excursion up the ridge several kilometers far away from the “new “ mill.  It was enlightening to know where Grandpa Carl grew up and worked before he left to come to the US in 1900.  The new owner of the property is interesting too.  He is a retired Brit school photographer who spends winters in London and summers on the mill property with his wife and three small kids.  Quite a contrast!  No phones, limited electricity and a few visitors, mostly to see the mill.  Everyone seemed quite anxious to visit.    And we did!After the old mill visit, we picnicked at a romantic spot on the lake nestled in the forest up there on the ridge.  We had china and flatware and a tablecloth.  When Runo took Ulla there to propose, he brought the food, but neglected the other finery!

The new mill in ceramic

Next, on to the “New Mill.”  For the others it was a review.  For me it was a new experience.  (Oh, they were so snooty about it too!)  Me, I was amazed and awed!  There was a little old Tomten lady named Helia there who let us tour the place.  I am quite sure she cast a spell on us to make us feel so interested in this place.  Did you know Johan supplied electricity to the town running a generator with the mill! 

Helia

 After a rest back at the house, we ate another wonderful meal, this time at Olaf and Majken’s, with Madeline and Mattias.  Their boys, 9 and 11, were off at camp.  Roger was working and his daughter Victoria was ill with strep, so she and mom stayed home.  All the more dessert for me!  But we missed them. 

Madeline works for Blum, who supplies high quality hardware for kitchen cabinets, Carly.  The have automated openers and closures, too cool!

Madeline and Mattias, minus sons.

It was sweet sorrow leaving Brandstorp!  Such fun, yet all four of us were getting quite antsy to see our grandchildren.  At least during the trip, the children have become incidental to the grandchildren.