Staying in Sweden for christmas meant missing out on my Aunt Minna's famous grasshopper pie (made from 100% real Wisconsin grasshoppers). My family decided to rub it in by sending me the picture.
I actually know what the mystery object is, I think. Pam Kling wore them to our house last weekend in the snow and ice. They are ice/snow crampons you put on shoes ( front end first, then heel ) and they keep you from slipping.
The Grasshopper pie was scrumptious, by the way!