Beauty -2 year young

My simple intepretation of BEATY - scroll down

August 31 - 2008 - Two years of blogging

I am happy -and Beauty

My dear reader,

I'm so grateful to be a part of the wonder of the blogoshere. You know how we can meet across borders, time zones, ages, genders, interests and cultures. It's a fabulous tool for meeting and communicating. I wish that within 2010 all people on our Planet could have access to the WWW as you, my dear reader. At least by public PC Internet facilities.
You have learned to know me and my family and our pets and friends. In good times and in grief. The last 2 years.

What you all have meant to me by comments and private e-mails after my son Rubens sudden death can not be valuated with money and thanks alone. You gave me and my family strenght. To continue both life, work and relationships. You, me dear reader have helped me to think positive.

You know, I'm just back from the Hospital. I'm declared free from serious illnesses.

But, my thoughts now are with my Son and Daughter in Laws Mother in Michigan: She is seriously ill. Cancer - in a stage -¤#-%"- I say no more. God bless Gail. Let her live for many more years to come. She is a unique and wondeful, cultural giving person. She gave us all an unforgettable wedding for Mats and Lory in early August 2006.. (before I did start blogging). Not to forget all the concerts by South Michigan Symphony Orchestra which she gave me a free entrance to.

-----------------
It would be very unpolite of me to here and now declare that some of you are more important for me than others during my 2 years as blogger.
But let me say this:
Renny was the one that not only once but repeately encourage me into this wonderful world.
I've met, beside Renny, two of you in person, flesh and blood: Mrs Lifecruiser and Suzann. And not to forget Diane - a wondeful person both of us learned to know the first second we first time met. And we have met many times and had much fun and good quality times together, also with her sons.
I've called and talked to The old Lady of the Hills (Naomi).
Gattina brought me into the world of Cat lovers. And with a very special sense of humor.
And - the one - that has invited us for a meeting next year in southern France, has inspired me to write and read French again ( I did visit France every year from 1964-1993)
And Lisa, who invited me for a lunch this August in Indianapolis area. I was so close, but had no chance when staying with my Son and DIL.
And all my friends in Canada, Asia and all over Europe, even in South America and Africa, not to forget Australia. And my family around the world.

I've written and got personal e-mails from so many of you my dear blogger friends, I'm flattered. And a bit ashamed - could be better to follow up. I'll do my best, when we are back in our Winterhome. In 5-6 weeks time.

Love you all. You have given me a new dimension.
Blog for peace and friendship

Greetings from

Anna and Tor ;))

Don't take life too serious. Be what you are. Self irony helps your health. Do what you can do and respect others, humans, animals, plants whatverer. Then you'll have a good and happy life.

Looking forward to meet you all, me dear readers, via blog, phone calls and in real life.

Thank you all for giving me (and Anna) a wonderful experience the past 2 years.

ooops - it's a never ending story. Right?

PS. I have not updated my blogroll for a long time. Excuse me for some of you that are my most trusted friends that are not still listed. I'll fix, early in my 3rd year as a blogger.

btw. Blogerfriends: I have learned so much from your blogs. An enrichment that can not be learned from any official publication.
I've even learned English and Spanish besides have had the ability to practice some French. My mother tongue is still Norwegian. So excuse my hahaha english and other linguistics
Bloggers: Let's rule the world, with peace and respect

Papa went to his Doctor with a Cold and ended up in an Ambulance

Wednesday Papa went to his Doctor - to get rid of his Cold. After nearly 2 weeks he was very fed up with fever and his "Niagara" Nose.
One thing is Fever, papa told doc, but there is also some strong strokes, from time to time in the chest. Besides it's like the chest is laying down in Nettle - it Burns.

EKG - Bloodsamples.
EKG: Might have been a light heart attack.
hmmm - more Bloodsamples. Bloodpressure. Repeating.
Talking. New strange strokes.
New EKG. Not possible to inteprete the results. Papa pale as new Snow.
Ambulance were called for.

Papa was on his way to the Hospital. In an Ambulance for the first time in his life.

Papa at the Observation Post. Photo taken by Ingelin.

Lot's of support from Family, Work and Friends. Thanks for thinking about papa.

Tests of all kinds for 50 hours. EKG, Blood, Bloodpressure, x-rays, urin, ultrasound, Gastroscopy(thats terrible), then "on the bike", testing loung capasicty. Still fever and hurt and burning chest. Arms have been picked with needles all over plus local anestesies and antiglycerin. wow. Sleeping, sleeping and sleeping. Wednesday - Torsday - Friday

Friday afternoon:
Heart: 100% perfect.
Lounges: 100 % perfect.
Cancer: NO
Gastro: Not perfect - Could that be the reason for the abnormals?
Sorrow (from Ruben's death)?

Well, this was papa's bed at the observation post. He left. Ingelin drove him back to Anna.

More test results to come next week. The good thing is: Papa can relaxe in more joyable surroundings than a Hospital. Next medical excamination will be on Wednesday, Sept. 3.
Have me excused for not beeing very active in the blogspehere until I know a little more.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Monday - Tuesday - Can't believe it - Summer Cold

We are both - bbrrrrr - having heavy Summer Cold that has hit the both of us, the kind that repeats itself - you know.
(Photo taken by Anna during her visit to Hong Kong in June/July 2008)

I was even sent home from Work.
--- You need not TELL us you are Sick - we see it. That's the message I got.
--- Grrr - brrrr. It's true.
I'll see my Doctor on Wednesday. I will have a complete check. Not the "easy" type that allways tells I'm too well my age to be.
But I'm allways optimistic.
But this time; I have - may be, been too optimistic. Not taking my grief and sorrow in consideration. "Everything is Ok" - don't tell others about your loss (my Son)
I did learn a lot about grief when in US lately.

Had a looong call with Mr Lifecruiser in Sweden. And even looooonger with my dear friend Hakon in Southern France this evening and early Night.

See you all around as soon as possible. Take very good care of yourself.

PS. The Fall or Autumn is slowly arriving. Charming. With all what we can harvest from our tiny, steep Garden. The Sun gives us allready nearly 5 hours less light. The Cats still have a thrilling life outside. Our Blueberries - haha - Anna and papa did ate a lot, when we carried the firewood up the steep path. Haha - it's so steep even our vendor refuses to bring it up for 25% more paid.
The Grapes seems to be in good shape. And we have Apples for the next generation. Most of them will probably be given to Anna's students in down town Oslo. And, not to forget: Apple pies. And home made Chutney.

Apples from this tree will end their lifes in a Pie. For Kids. Or as Chutney.

More to come as soon as our fever is away

Wrinkled plus Joy - all in one

Photohunt theme this week: Wrinkled

This is the grand old lady we met 10 years ago in Punjab, India. If she still lives she will more than 110 years old. She loved the color of Norwegian traditional womens "bunad". But she replied, after complimenting the colors and patterns: Have you heard about Silk? (She thought wool was too heavy and thick)

Scroll down to comment Photo Hunt.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As a contrary to Wrinkled: The Olympic Games - Bejing 2008.
You know Norway is a tiny Country regarding population: 4.8 millions. Only like a suburb to the worlds metropols- so to speak. So, excuse me while adding this appendix.
This Saturday Norway won 2 Gold Medals (Handball women and Javelin men with new Olympic Record) and 1 Silver (women taekwondo).

We did celebrate. I even bought a Champagne. After the First Gold Medal. These "girls" and their Coach have been heroes in Norway since long. And today, they, at last, won the Olympic Gold Medal.

Here 2 women with champagne for 1 gold and 1 silver - in the Womens Olympic competitions.

Here is the Fantastic Team. They played like Godesses. Have never seen anything alike in a Championship Finale (Olympics - World and European). Brilliant. They "smashed" the Russian theme that in the Final played like rookies.
Here is Nina Solheim - Silver Medal in Taekwondo



And Papa celebrates the Javelin Gold.

Andreas Thorkildsen won his second Olympic Gold in a Row in mens Javelin. With new Olympic Record. Here you see all the 3 medal winners.

We are 4 Cats and 3 Humans here this evening.
... More to come....

Friday Fun or Fear?

The View from my new Office

What view have you?

Have not been to my new Office for a while. In fact only once for more than a Month.
You know, I'm used to have People to control the entrence, not Electronic Alarms.

Just before 8 am this morning, opened the Door, tap-tap-tap etc and Alarm off.
- hm- why does it still zzzzzmmm?
And then - shriek - horror:
Oiooohooo shhhoooiseee ohahhaaa, wrrroom uuuhahhaauuuu
What a paralyzing Sound - I was chocked - stood there like a frosty Rock.

What to do?
Waiting for the Phone Call from the Alarm Company. I did answer. My name given. But, I had to give them the Code-Name. How could I remember? Vacation and Cold in between. Empty - papa - think - think
I murmbled and thought a bit.
Ha-ha Old papa did remember and even the right PIN for the Alarm. The rest of the Working Day: A pleasure.

Have a great WEEKEND.

Colorful TORsday

WORDLESS BLOGGERS - HOW CAN THAT BE?

I had to post these wonderful and colorful flowers which I captured at the Down Town Saint Paul Farmers Market less than two weeks ago. With all their Bright Colors they spread so much joy - and Peace.

More TORsday Photos here.

And if you have not strolled along the San Antonio Riverwalk before - just click and do it yourself.

Peace and Human Rights - Wordless these Days

Wordless and Peaceful

I'm really worried about the fact that human beeings, that do everyday a hard work for having a safe life, these days again are neglected by People and States in Power, Religion and/or Money. Please do respect the humans rights. The indivudual right to create their own future, by free will. Not by dictacting. But by RESPECT.
Why should Homo Sapiens be the most frightened Predator on this tiny Planet, when the same race have the brain and ability to create World Peace? Are we still animals? The most greedy of them all?

Wordless? More or less. Do visit - it's up to you to discover new blogger friends by reading more than this weeks WW post.

IMPORTANT: IF YOU BELIEVE BLOGGERS CAN IMPACT A BETTER AND MORE PEACEFUL WORLD - YOU ARE FREE TO SEND THIS POST TO ALL YOUR BLOG FRIENDS.

Meeting Cats on a Michigan Farm

I was given a very special AWARD and a ditto CHALLENGE

My dear readers do know I have a certain ability to meet and miueew with Cats wherever I go.
I know their distinct language. What we talk about? Not what most humans think: It's all about Food. Give me food.
On the contridary. Cat's are way too much intelligent to such a primitive conversation. And do not forget, they can feed them self from Natures own Larder. More than urbanized humans.

My daughter in law, got a horse a year ago. A dream for her when she celeb's her 30 BD. Her beautiful horse is taken very well care of at a Farm, about 20 minutes drive away from where they live. I had to see her horse, of course (that will be another reportage).

But, what is a farm without (a White) Cat? Crossing power cords - miueew - have to check if everything is in proper order.


I have my servants. It's a part of Family Traditions and how to grow up on a real Michigan Farm):
"I check the power. You can relaxe (as allways you oldie)" - Miiehaa

Believe it or not: This is Ost and Moo's mother. She was only 8-9 months old when she was pregnant. Tiny, beautiful and very sociable. Miueeaawafarm. Which of course means, I live on the Farm and take good care of L's horse. Can't you see my will and Strengt? By the way, nice of you to visit me here, all the way from Norway. Your Son has told me so much about your's and other cats over the Pond. Seems they have a great life. Miuehurray

More Cats here Hi, if you do not love Cats, you can still read funny stories. Or?

And, if interested, you can learn something from this site:
http://www.cfainc.org/articles/myths-facts.html
Myth or? At least, you'll got rid of something you "thought" about Cats. Dare you click to hear the Miewww?

ps. still fever. my nose got a new name: Niagra Falls. I would have been a premium advertiser for tissues and Kleenex etc. So have me excused for not commenting. Miueew

First weekend at the Summerhouse since July.

I've been in Bed with Fever since Sunday afternoon. A real Summer Cold has suddenly hit me. I might have been too much in and out, here and there lately. My nose is red and I need more handcarechiefs. LOL.
A genuine Norwegian Duvet, some hot herb tea, hot chocolate and a good rest is a simple but effective recipe. I swet out the fever, and some fat as well. *giggles*.

This weekend, Anna and I was alone in the Summerhouse. Anna picked herbs and prepared them for Winter Storage.

Anna relaxing

Here a Zuchini from our Garden.
I repaired a step in our outdoor stair. Had planned to do more but the Lumber Shop was closed for the weekend before I arrived at 2:45 pm.

When I wrote Anna and I was alone, it's a truth with modifications. With four Cats around we are not alone. Rosa and Felicia. Stompa is still here on his Summer Vacation. And a new male Cat has taken Peder Fur's place (Peder has now taken his territory back from another Cat). They go very well along all the 4 of them.

Here Stompa and new Mr. Grey.

Papa went shopping again on Saturday. Back to normal. Had a pleasant challenge: What to have for Dinner? Suzann gave me two packets of Minnesota Wild Rice. And we had to test before calling her around Midnight (our local time). I ended up with Sea Wolf. Anna picked Marigold in the Garden (looks like Spinach with red Stalks and tastes heavenly) and coocked the Wild Rice.
Hmmm - heavenly. Our whole Dinner here.

Then we listened to the local Radio's Saturday Quiz program. We did not win anything this week, but it was fun. I was on the Air for some minutes.

We enjoyed Calvados and a cup of Espresso.
Suddenly we remarked something strange: What happens to the Moon? On a clear Night, we observed only part of the full Moon. Strange.

Of course, it was a partial luna eclipse. Could only see a tiny little stripe on the top for a while.

Then we called Suzann (Her weekend here). Both Anna and I could have talked with her for hours, but all great times have an end. I'm so grateful for my visit and to have learned to know such a great person and blogger friend.

Next day we heard our local Grocery Shop did burn down during the late Night. Police suspect someone put it on Fire. Tragic. Photo: Byggmester Larsen

Sunday I felt the Fever arriving. Watched some Athlectics from Bejing Olympics, 100 meters Final Woman - Congrats to Jamaica again (Gold and double Silver) and to Ethiopia on Men's 10.000 meters.

Have a great week

PhotoHunt: Colorful - August 16 - 2008

This weeks Theme gave me a different challenge. Not to find, but to choose and prioritize among my Photos. I have Tons of Pictures that could by all means match Colorful. From Autumn Leaves via Tulip Gardens, Colorful Gardens and People to French Impressionist Painters.

Conclusion: I have to post three, very different:

The mens 100 meters final in the Olympics today. The Winner, Usain Bolt, from Jamaica was the most colorful and sovereign sprint winner I've ever seen. New World Record in a way so impressing and his Colorful joy/show thereafter - have not seen anything alike since Bob Beamons legendaric 8.90 meters in long jump in Mexico City back in 1964.

The second is my Colorful meeting with Suzann. Here she is at the Farmers Market in downtown Saint Paul. Blogging connects People.


My 3rd is from the Glass Painting in the Lutheran Church at St Olafs College in Minnesota.

PS. Click to enlarge these colourful Photos

More Colorful PhotoHunter here

Garden Party in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA

Last Saturday, Suzann had invited to a garden party. That was a surprise and a golden gift for me.

To meet all the wonderful friends of Suzann. Young and spirituel grown humans. And not to forget Suzann (Do papa adore women?)

Served in the Garden. It was nothing left - - -

Here we are - young and someone considered older

What did you say? From my viewpoint - hehe - what fun we had
Minnesota, USA, is Norse Land. See? Blonds. haha

Who is this Charming Lady?


Suzann captured the blonds
Left corner - relaxing

See, what a good time we had.

Suzann made this wonderful garden party came true. Marvellous Food and setting.

She is a person and woman-- can I say it here on my blog - everybody can read it: She is adore able. A very special woman with human and intellectual capacities far beyond average -
Suzann: My dear blogfriend, thanks for beeing invited, your hospitalty, the introduction to your old friends and new in Saint Paul - well I'm lack of superlatives.

Stay tuned it's much more to come from our Summer 20. 08. Even naked facts.

Papa went Downtown Oslo and met friends on a TORsday

My dear readers knows I live in Oslo. But I are not often in Down Town Oslo, with all the entertainment this city/town of 550 thousand people offers. There is far more cafe/restaurant seats than elsewhere around the Globe per capita. Surprised? I think so. Don't be ashamed. You are not alone.
And Oslo is among the fastest growing cities in Europe. Just now. We have 4 seasons and mild Winters. Alpine slopes 20 minutes by metro up to the Hills. We can Swim in the Fiord during Summer. Art, Museums, Nature is also of course right outside. What more do you want? Golf? Horseriding, Bird watching, Canoing, cross country skiing/biking, Fishing, walking, Hiking, Art Galleries, Beaches, Viking history... come on tell me. I'm here too. LOL.

Friends. To share. To talk and listen. Enjoy - life.

I did this TORsday afternoon and evening. Planned before Vacation. The meeting.

Here we are at the first outdoor cafe were we met. You might know the person to the left? But who is in between the bloggers you might know?

Another view from "Stortorgets Gjestegiveri - The Back Yard. Charming 1700 century style.

Then we went another Place. Old buildings. Are we so old we can't go to a modern designed outdoor Cafe? The answere is easy. We wanted to talk, talk and talk. The modern cafes have to loud Music for us to have a great and memorable conversastion.

On our way to the new (old place) - we passed this outdoor cafe. 350 years old buildings around.

And right across, on the same Plaze - a sculpture - A Glove with running Water.
Here the 3 youngster are giving a Toast to the World of Bloggers.
We are in fact sitting in the Backyard of what was Oslo Town Hall for many decades. Very relaxing environments. We had Fish Soup for Dinner. Delicious. With Bread and Cold pressed Olive Oil spread directly on our slices of Bread.

What a wonderful evening with special and good friends in downtown Oslo (Norway).

More to come from my journey to USA and Sweden, so stay tuned for more fun and experiences.

Papa was invited to Farmers Market - on a Sunday

My dear readers do know, last weekend papa stayed in Suzann's home in St Paul.
OK OK - Both of us are respectful people. We just kissed, when I had to leave for my Plane over the Pond from O'Hare to Europe. At 6:15 AM. My luggage is still in Bruxelles, due to a Strike.
So, this is a report, more or less Wordless on a Wednesday: Farmers Market down town Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA.

Every Saturday and Sunday the Farmers Market is down Town Saint Paul.
Just look at the photos, and you'll understand what a blast for me it was. OK?

Suzann, my beautiful hostess and blogger friend

Corns, carrots, cabbages and a corny photo
- Can a market be better than all fresh and organic fruits and Vegetables?

Choose your own favourites. I went allmost crazy

Tomatoe Season. First weekend with local, organic grown Tomatoes in St Paul area - 2008.

Organic Cucumbers. Make your own Pickles. Suzann's pickles were out of this world fantastic.

Farmers Market also have lots of beautiful Flowers

Joan bought these Flowers to Suzann

And Onions and yeah much more, see for your self. Click to enlarge and you'll see Suzann, Joan and Steve. Wonderful people.

A veggie Brunch, as only Suzann can make it.

wow, so many variations. Home made, organic Marmelades.

End of the Day - Cleaning up at the Farmers Market


More to come.... so stay tuned

Travelling home from St Paul (Minnesota - USA) to Oslo (Norway)

Monday August 11 - 2008.
I wake up at 5:45 AM. The %¤#¤%/ - Alarm Clock - It's still Vacation. Grrr.
Suzann prepared Breakfast while I had a shower.

Suzann At work - at Night. A person that cares for her Customers. And understand their needs.
Then we had to say goodbye. After a weekend out of this World (more to come).

See how lucky they are in front of my new camera. (Chandon)

Joan and Steve were still sleeping when I left early Monday Morning.
. I said goodbye to them both on Sunday just before Bedtime. We realized we had "known" each other since Day one.

On the Road Again. From Saint Paul

For the 3rd time, nobody took a Photo of me while eating Lunch. USA again - LOL

In the Air

Approaching Oslo

Anna - Anna - arriving from job

Felicia were pleased to see me again

Even the berries wellcomed me

More to come....

A Perferct Blend of Friendship Award

My dear readers do know I've been travelling lately, visiting Family and Friends - a busy but fantastic time. I'm overwhelmed.
To my big surprise, DianaCA, awarded me "A Perfect Blend of Friendship". I'm most flattered.

This award has no concrete rules, so I choose to give it on to two blogger friends, which I personally have met (RennyBA allready received this award) .

First goes to Suzann, who lives in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA. When writing this Suzann is preparing a wonderful Brunch. Photos later. I've been with her and her friends and even more friends and their kids and her Cat Missy, since Friday early afternoon. Suzann qualifies 100 % to this Award.

Second goes to Mrs Lifecruiser, who we met at Farö (Baltic Sea, Sweden) last year. We had a blast of a time, and we are really looking forward to see Mr and Mrs Lifecruiser again in September. Mrs. Lifecruiser also qualifies 100% to this award.

As RennyBA says: Blogging Connecting People. That is as true as can be said.

PhotoHunt: Dark - August 9 - 2008

Here is my new Dark, black Camera, Which I bought at Best Buy 8 Days ago.

More Dark Photohunters here

Scroll down to meet my great American Blogger Friend Suzann. Pls. comment on her site. It's great pictures there. Intercontinental Blogger meeting.

8-8-08 The Ultimate Lucky Day - for Chinese and .....

...... Read at the bottom to find out who else:

I left Bob and Amy this morning and headed North for St. Paul. Do you see Amy's stick?

From a very special blogger friend I was told that on my way North I would pass the most knowledged College in USA - at least for Norwegians: St Olav College. The Arcitecture and the whole Campus is a blessing for the Eye.

Here is the oldest building

Here from the Church

What at mess, for the second Day in a row, I had to take pictures of my own on the Road Lunch. No assistance. Is this America?

I went further up I 35, then I 35 E, then I 494, then Minnesota 10 to Burns Avenue and turned right. Why?

Blogger friend Suzann and Tor. Go to Suzann's post.

And her Cat + Steve's legs are Lense Louses

And her friends from Florida - Here is Steve watching Suzann preparing the Saumon

Here is Suzann and friend since the 60'ies, Joan.

We had Yukon King Salmon for Dinner. That was a blast of a meal.

More to come... so hang on.

Papa goes west of Missisippe, meet Family and joining a Big Band Concert

This TORsday was a Day on the Road.

From the state of Illinois, via Wisconsin to Minnesota.
I'm West of Missisippi. Up North in USA. Where so many Norwegians did emigrate 100 years plus ago.
Norse Homeland, with other words.

I had a rest. Lunch. Fruits and Water only. Nobody to take a picture of me. But you see my Table. I did need that half an hour rest from the Interstate.

This is only a fraction of todays experiences. Have me excused for that (or, thanks God, he is not going to write a loooooong post)
- but more from today will be posted later - Scream.

At last, on the west side of Missisippi . Here you see the Locks at La Crosse.

I ended up in the Town of Faribault, which have the first Cathedral built west of Missisippi (too dark to take a picture today).

Why?
Family of course, what else?

Here is cousin Bob and his Wife Amy. She is born and grown up in Faribault. An hour our so by Car south of the Twin cities ( St. Paul - Minneapolis). We have not met since August 2006. First time I met Bob was in -95. In Portland, OR.

Amy's brother Roger is a famous landscape Architect. His garden are visited by gardening lovers from all over US. About 1500 hundred during the short summer season. Amy - Bob - Roger (from left to right) - Both Bob and Roger played Trumpet when younger.

This is only a glimpse - more to come for Garden lovers.

Then we went to a Public Big Band Concert in the Town's Main Park:

Here they are. Old friends and even cousin Bob. Who played Trumpet in Glen Millers Orchestra in the 1940'ies. More to come about that. Amy's brotherplayed with Benny Goodman, also Trumpet. See the point?

Even the Dogs did enjoy. It's Amy's brother's back you see here. And the three Puddles.

The Big Band concert was great. Here you see the the Saxophone groupe at the Finale. They went down to the audience. Great.
Excellent concert - given to the public by local sponsors

More to come, so stay tuned....
PS. I have to rush, to remember all the wonderful experiences.

Wordless Wednesday - August 6

Batman - The Dark Night. It was awful.

More Wordless Wednesday

CATS ON TUESDAY POSTED BELOW

Cats on Tuesday August 5 - 2008

Ost og Mus - Cheese and Mouse

My Son and DIL do have two kittens, named Ost and Moo.
I have hardly seen them, even more shy than Felicia.

Only late in the evening they come to look at that new strange animal in their Home.

I'm sceptical - Moo ensures herself

Moo is the most shy - she has yet to come close to me.

Ost tries his best to show his courage - even wash in front of me.

While I was reading this morning, something happened on the Deck.

A Mouse entered the Scene. YOU MUST ENLARGE.

Mats went out to take some pictures of the new visitor, but who but Ost (means Cheeze in English) quickly followed him?

Hi, stop there. Who are you?

I'm Mouse.

And I'm Cheeze (Ost in Norwegian)

Nice to meet you

more Cats on Tuesday

Swimming in the Canal - Interlude from USA

Dear readers,
I'm gonna bring you to a swimming contest taking place in a Canal with Locks: The Sjötorp Canal Swimming Festival (July 27). Well, we are some weeks back in Time. With RennyBA and DianeCA.

From the Locks before the Competition

The Canal Swimming has long traditions and ends up just before the last/first Lock in the Gothen Canal at the shore of lake Vänern (See RennyBA about). This year 280 people did compete. Water temperature, according to the speaker: 24 C (75 F)

The competition has 4 classes or distances. All but the shortest had to pass the Locks. Actually, they only swim into the upper lock and then run down besides the three lower ones before diving/jumping/climbing into the water for the last 200 meters (220 yards) of swimming.

The first group swim a distance of 200 meters (220 yars). There are none winners or loosers in this Group. They all receive a diploma for their efforts.

Just before start. Group 1 - 200 meters ( 220 yards)
Enlarge and you will remark every competitor wears a white swimming cap with an individual number. Why? To be recognized of course. Not only to descide who won, but first of all Security Reasons. Each swimmer had their "lifeguard" following from land to keep an eye to prevent unexpected "disappearences" - something that unfortunally ended with a tragic drowning some years ago. Now Security has Priority one.

Started - at least half of group 1

In the water.
Group 1 consists of grandpa with grand daughter, kids with life jackets, young and old. Mixed with other words. I think it's fascinating that people all ages can compete and win their private victory by completing this run. Hurray. Two young kids followed their Grandpa from land and shouted:
Grandpa - Grandpa - man go on - we are proud of you - repeated the whole distance. They were really engaged.

After the finnish of Group 1, I did walk back to the Locks.

Who but Anna did I meet at the Flea Market? (Diana and Anna went swimming out of Competion - Masters as they are)

Group 2 swim 650 meters (3/8 mile) and pass the Upper Lock, then running down 3 Locks.

Here is the leaders - they have a real competition. This year both number 1 and 2 beat the old record.

Different ways to enter the Canal after running down besides the Locks: (still group 2)


Have a closer look by enlarging, and you understand what I mean - and you also might have a good laugh.
Group 3 swim 1800 meters ( 1 1/10 mile) and Group 4 does 2800 meters (1 3/4 mile).
When they finnished, we had a trout dinner. Guess where?

Here you see the original canal swimmer. LOL.
YOU MUST ENLARGE THIS ONE

More to come...
from Sweden, USA and Norway, so stay tuned

2008 Summer Music Festival

August 2, 2008: Simply Sinatra at Lions Pavilion Park, New Buffalo, Michigan, USA

The Park is situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, in Michigan State only one mile north of Indiana.

Lori's Mother called the other evening and invited us to an Outdoor Concert. She is a Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra Volonteer and we had free entrence to the Consert.

The evenings program was "Simply Sinatra" with Guest Artist Steve Lippia. His voice "happens" to be very alike Frank Sinatra's. And he performed very well. Interesting about him, is that he did not start a professional song carreer until well established with several other businesses. But during a spare time performance with a big band (Jazz) in Florida, he was "discovered", and that's it.

He is now established among USA's finest interpreters of "Standards" and traditional pop music.
The Program opened with: The Lady Is A Tramp. Very well performed. Nineteen songs all in all.

Some of them with the Brassband section of the Orchestra only. Excellent performed and extremely swinging. The Orchestra's Music Director, Robin Fountain, is here seen to the left.

The Sound Mixer.

Audience.

More Audience

Lori and Mats enjoying the Concert

During the second part of the program Steve Lippia asked the audience to watch the Sunset. We did.

The last song was "New York, New York" - and people danced on the Lawn.

It was a great event on a beautiful summer evening - we agreed upon on our way home.

Thanks to Gail that invited us. She also offered me Pop Corn and a large glass of White Wine and a Chair to sit on.

More to come...

Todays Gardening: Palm Sunday here

Saturday Report from a Busy Day in USA

My dear readers recall I'm on Vacation in USA. For the Moment I stay with my Son and DIL in SW Michigan.
They Both have BD's in the Spring, have bought a new home with a Garden and a large Platform. I promised them Flowers/Plants as a BD - gift this year.
This Saturday was the day to realize my promise.
Saturday Part 1 - Shopping for the Garden - A Birthday Gift
But what to buy? And where to have them? Large, small, tiny, need Sun, need Shadow - it's all kinds from all parts of the world to buy these days.

I got an Idea *giggles*.

Something is missing here, I thought. (I did not promise them a Hammock. LOL.

So we went to Lowe's.

Mats was not allowed to see what I would propose. But I gave him a clue.

Here is what would be installed at the Platform in two Groupes: Two Groupes with 3 different kinds.

One high, that brings a little Shadow to the next in size which in turn gives even more Shadow to the shortest ones.

Like in the Nature from where they originates.

More to come about the result.....

While you wait, you are very wellcome to enjoy our Luncheon on two different, well recomended, by me, places. Do you join?

Papa reporting from USA

This morning I wake up very early in the morning in Chicago: Heavy Rainshowers and Thunder.
After a Shower and Breakfast around 7 am, and some mailchecking etc on Internet, I left the Hotel at 9:15 AM.

In spite of several Road Contstruction Areas, the trafic circulated surprisingly well.

Bikers along Interstate 94

First stop was at the Michigan Wellcome Centre at I-94. Had a fruit lunch in the Beautiful Picnic Area.

My Map was a bit bad, so I did some rounds in the Area, just to be known, of course. *giggles*.

Papa and Mats went shopping
Have you heard something similar before?

What did Papa buy?

Yezz - a Nikon D60 - Photo taken with my Pentax Optio (Water- and Dustproof)

Mats had to buy Food (my regular readers do know that's my job too, when at home) - and a Pillow for me. Plus a Night Lamp for my readings.

We went back home and made my camera ready for use. Below is some flower examples:

Then we went back shopping. I had promised Mats and Lori BD presents to their new Garden.
They have a pretty big platform, that needs some big plants.
We found some Palms, but they were too big for the Dodge Charger to bring Home.

Strong Man

Then Lori called, and said: We need a new Hedge Trimmer. Here it is.

Took some more pictures with my new Camera.


These are Chorall Cactuses
Papa makes Dinner
First Aspargus with genuine Butter
Then Cauliflower, Broccoli, Special Saucisses, fresh pepper and tomatoes, French Bread
Rasberries, Bananas and Premium Home made Vanilla Icecream

PS. Lori got a Book from me: Norwegian Cooking

More to come....

Papa arrived safe and sound in Chicago

Twentyone hours after I wake up this morning I entered my hotel room in Chicago (Best Western Riverside North) - the same as Anna I did have 2 years ago.
The journey went as planned. And as smooth can these Days. e-ticket check in to American Airlines took and hour or so in Frankfurt and immigration at O'Hare took excactly one hour. I rented a red Dodge Charger at the Airport and went downdown in about 35 minutes.

Here is the view from my hotel room.

More to come...