The mailman brought me a package from Sweden, would have posted this yesterday but my computer decided to go on strike for a while. As some of you might remember, there was an incident in a store back in April with some gnomes jumping off the shelf into my hand and wanting to live with Frank in Sweden http://www.gardenstew.com/about5429.html Well, this pretty little lady showed up on my doorstep and has settled in nicely making herself at home on my computer desk. She is a Dalahast (Dalecarlian horse), the traditional painted horse in Sweden. On the card is a Common Blue butterfly, common in Sweden, polyommatus icarus. Yep, I have a really good butterfly ID book :-D Thanks much Frank.
How very nice, very nice of both of you. I've never seen a Dalahast, or heard of one for that matter. Quite lover-ly.
It so nice when you recieve such wonderful gifts from Friends.I do love Dalahast.I have never heard of them before either.
Nice to see it arrived intact! I'm very glad you like it Toni. My gnome keychain follows me everywhere you'll be glad to hear. The name Dalahäst (pronounced Dahlahest) is a combination of two words, 'Dala' part refers to Dalarna the area in which they are made and 'häst' which is Swedish for horse. I bought my Mum a 5-inch high wooden one for Xmas last year, she put it above our fireplace area. I'd encourage anyone to do a keychain/fridge magnet swap, it's very satisfying and easy
Frank and Toni, Thats a great story, about your swap. I almost jumped out of my chair when I saw the Dalahast, as I have had one for some 50 years, and have never known anything about it. My Mom and Dad gave it to me when I was a teen ager, and it has been on my dresser ever since. I have often wondered about it, and am glad to read your explanation Frank. The wonders of GardenStew. Thanks Tom
That is so cool, never know what you will learn on the Stew. :-D It's a small world after all.....now everyone who has ever suffered thru that ride at Disneyworld sing along.
An added note, as I sit here and think about the horse, I seem to remember that my younger brother got one also, and on his horse the ears were not devided, just one ear across the head. I googled the word Dalahast and found this, it may be of interest. http://www.answers.com/topic/dalecarlian-horse Tom
What a sweet little horse! Now, I have Swedish friends who bring out a couple of the horses, and invite over these little elf-type people every Christmas, I think they call them "tomtums"? This reminded me of them, are they any relation to gnomes, I wonder?
8) Very nice Dalahast Toni and Frank. I like the idea of sending a keychain or magnet swap to a different part of the world . Calomaar the site was pretty cool thank you.
That's amazing Tom, so happy that we were able to solve the 50-year old mystery for you The one you have is as traditional as it gets. You can be guaranteed that was carved and painted totally by hand also, as they normally are today. And I must add for a 50-year old or so item it looks to be in impeccable condition. You obviously treasure it greatly. That's made my morning. Thank you. // Frank
