TorAa Mirror

In memory of my late Son

2012-01-30T21:04:00.000+01:00

I got this Photo from my Son Ruben’s brother in blood.

Sture, the one standing in the background is the only one of the 4 that still is alive. Last Sunday, January 29, Ruben was born 44 years ago. I still miss him very much….. He is to the left.

Sture gave me this Photo a year ago. I owe him deep thanks. For those of you that are familiar with Norwegian music bands: Yes, it is Jokke #2 from right.
I say no more……

What we have for Dinner in Norway during the dark and cold Winter

2012-01-24T18:50:00.000+01:00

I will give you an insight in what we have had for Dinner the past Weeks here in Oslo. All dishes are prepared by Anna in our Winter Home. Wellcome to Dinner.

When it is really cold outside, what can be better than a Hot Soup?
This one is made from Stock based on boiled bones, boiled meat and vegetables. We have Crisp Bread as well.

Another hot dish is Fish Balls in Lobster Sauce and Mini Carrots and Potatoes.

Here we had Roasted Duck Breasts, Carrots, Green Peas and Potatoes and Game Gravy.

This is partially fermeted Trout. A Norwegian speciality named Rakfisk.

When Anna did visit Ingelin in Hong Kong, she learned to love Dim Sum. We have found an Asian Food Shop where we buy excellent Dim Sum (Frozen).

Here you see Anna preparing Dim Sum

Light Salted Cod (Steamed) is another favourite Dinner

When we are lazy, Spring Rolls are nice to pick out from the Freezer…
Some times we even have time for a starter. Here Wild Boar Pate upon Tert Shell with cornichons

Wolffish is a delicious White Fish. Juicy and mild. The Fish do look a bit scary

This is a Family favourite: Stuffed Tert Shell. Fish Pudding, Prawns, Peas in a thick White Bechamel (Sauce). On top Slice of Lemon, decorate with Parsley or Dill.

Do never have Desserts, Cheese or Fruit?

Leander loves Raspberries and Blueberries…


Rasberries with Ice Cream	Red Currants with Ice Cream

Stilton with Biscuits

Typical Norwegian Christmas Dinner. Can you find out what you see here?
Who does the Dish washing?

Felicia of course. The best Green Technology there is;-)
Have a great meal.
PS. It seems my treatment regarding Skin Cancer is working well.

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-24T00:34:00.000+01:00

Dear friends around our tiny Planet,
once again we have been travelling and met family and friends during the year that soon will be history.

On January 29 we lit the Candle on Rubens Grave.
Papa slept over with his best friend after that event.
On my 66th Birthday in April, we had an unforgetable party.
All 8 beds used.
We have met our daughter and her husband and his family in Germany.
We have met our Son Mats, his wife , her sister and their Mother in Michigan
We have met our family in California
This year we have met the nature as we can't control:
Earthquakes, Sunamis, Drought and Floods that millions still suffer from. Let us not forget those who suffers more than we do.

And here in Norway an insane person killed 77 persons on July 22.
At that date we were in the Chigaco area, and could not believe what we watched live on TV.
We thanks all the Americans we met who gave us their thoughts during our stay in US during these difficult time.

A special thanks to our blog friends in North America:
Lisa, Suzann, Comedy+, Expat Traveller, Steven and Irene

and Claudie and Pierre in Southern France.

In April we had the pleasure of meeting Ginnie and Astrid here in Oslo.
During the year, we had several phone calls with Mrs Lifecruiser. Hope to meet her and Mr Lifecruiser during 2012.

You are all very important in our life.
And we even met a Norwegian Blog friend.
That was a blast.

Of course I will not forget to mention my most important blog-mentor:
RennyBA. I really hope he will recover and be back as usual in the blogosphere.

We have many more to thank for given us hope for the future.

Both Family and Friends. Like Maribeth, Naomi (we are on the Phone),
and Petunia who has been in charge for the Nordic version of Sky Watch, this week for #64.
I have a special blog for “Himmelsk” – photos you can see… without understanding Norwegian.

Have I forgotten some of you? Yes, I have.
Facebook Friends, but this is my blog...
It’s past Midnight here and I must post before the Pillow and Cats etc …..

Hope to meet you all during 2012.
In one way or another – at least we have social medias:-)

Papa goes X-Mas shopping with Grandson and visiting great-grandmother

2011-12-21T21:51:00.000+01:00

Grandson Metin Leander and his Mother Ingelin arrived some days ago. From Germany. Papa picked them up at Oslo Airport in the Northern Seasonal darkness.
December 21-22 is the longest Night here. And December 22 the shortest Day.

Well, look at the bright sides of life. Or what Metin Leander? He agreed. Here before we went out shopping. Metin Leander had to check out the advertisments before we went shopping.

I want quality, he said

Take it easy, I said – have a biscuit
- See, quality?
- yes I do mama

Shopping might be boring.
- I blew a balloon

Wedensday was special. 3 Generations went to the Family Chiropractor. Who happens to very good and trustes friends as well. Ingeling and his family and kids have met often, both in Norway and abroad. Papa like this fact.

After our treatment, we went for a Lunch. Metin Leander had pancakes, Ingelin Salad, papa as well and some pressed fruit

You want a taste?
You cant’t see it, but it was red berries
We did some X-Mas shopping, which can not be revealed, at this moment;-) Then we went across Oslo to visit papa’s Mother.

Here Ingelin, Metin Leander enters Papas Mother – she was 92 in October.

We stayed there for a while and hope to see Great-Grand Mother on Christmas Eve.

This is the view from Great Grandmothers Window. See the Ski Jump in the Hill? Holmenkollen.

Another view from my Mothers home

Yet another view. In fact the primary School for the Royal Norwegian Family.

Hope to see you all again soon. Here in fact, Metin Leander and Marie Louise watch TV…
More to come…..
From here and there
PS. Papa had wonderful moments

Meeting a new blogfriend in Norway

2011-12-06T01:43:00.000+01:00

Meeting a new blogfriend in South East Norway

Most of my readers might have observed that Anna and “Papa” has met several blogfriends face to face during 2011 far away from Norway. Besides of course RennyBA and DianeCA, who lives in our part of Norway.
Ginnie and Astrid, did visit Norway and Oslo in April.
Then we went to USA and there we met:
Lisa,
Suzann,
Comedy +
and in Canada we met expat traveler.
Later this year we went to Ollioules in Provence (Claudie and Pierre)
and a Month later to Austin, Texas.

Let us not forget: Phone calls are still in operation:
We did not meet eye to eye,but met voice to voice:
The Old Lady in the Hills
and Mrs Lifecruiser.

Last Saturday we went South from Oslo – about 75 minutes to shop in Sweden. We only shop what is favourable there. At least we say so;-)

Planned
This trip was planned (as allways when we travel) long ago. Beside visiting and staying overnight with Anna’s Best Woman and her hubby and Felicia’s kitten, we (papa) had an aditional plan:

Norwegian Blogger
Visit a Norwegian blogger, living in Fredrikstad. She has several blogs. Here is her profile. Read it and then you’ll understand why papa would visit (She is working as a Teacher, like her Husband and as you know: Anna as well).

Small World
We talked and talked and even realized that back in the 1880’s around, the two male of us had grandparents from the same tiny area in Telemark, Norway.
That’s why we have a saying in Norway (When meeting Norwegians abroad): It’s a Small World – Specially if from Norway

Photos?
Do not be too curious. Do not excpect too much. We are talking December. When it is no Snow. It’s Fog or Rain or the Sun directly in your Eyes when heading South.
OK, here is some Photos:

Fruits. See the tiny Manx to the Right?

Window Shopping

X-Mas Street in Fredrikstad, Norway. It was very dark around 9 PM

Food – Turkey as served at Mer (aldri mer i julerushet)

Here we are. A Flash Photo. Not the best; but we had a great time.
The other men stayed at Home (Flue or something).

Closing time. The Food could have been better regarding the price, but we really had a wonderful afternoon and evening together. Here, to the left, my blog friend.

PS. We could have talked until the Dawn, at least…

Fruits next morning as well. These are Clemtines, which belongs to the same family of Trees as the Oranges.
In Norway we call Oranges:
Appelsin. The origin is: Chinese Apple or Apple (from) China. You see?
PS. We met Marta and Monsen again. They are Cats and Daughter and Son of Felicia. Here is Marta. Monsen, the male cat, he was outside. (I’m a Male too, but staying inside)

I hope there will more to come, so stay tuned…..

Here as well

Arriving Oslo by Ship a November Morning

2011-11-30T02:26:00.000+01:00

It’s curious how we often think: What we see everyday, might be so familiar we do not think it might be excotic for people who lives in other parts of this tiny planet…
You are hereby invited to join my experience when entering Oslo by Ship on Saturday Morning, November 26 –2011. With Photos and a few Words.

See the follower? Just before 9 AM . What a Hunt.

We are followed – Who will be the Winner?
Here we are in the inner part of the Oslofiord. The Ship behind is coming from Kiel in Germany. It’s the Worlds largest Car ferry and as well a cruise liner, with all what you expect of fascilities on a Cruise. Our Summer House is, by the way, just on the right side of the Ship, in the Background Hills.

This Island – in fact several, used to have Oil Tanks when I was a little boy. And it’s a saying: The Sun allways shines on Steilene, the name of these tiny Islands. To day you can stay overnight here in old style seaside and Light Houses.

In the distance you see some typical Hills around Oslo. The White Building to the Right: Here was Oslo Airport until 1998.
This is Southern part of the Penninsula where I lived for 30 years.
It was an Island, but due to the raise of the Land after the last Ice Age it is now a Penninsula.

During the Oslo Blog Gathering in 2010, we had a common Dinner in the White Building just in the Center of this Photo. We then took photos on the Ship from Land, this time from a ship towards land and Hills.

Dyna Light House and Foghorn. I remember when as a little boy , Iwas in our Garden, less than a Mile away a foggy afternoon and heard the “Sorrow Sounds” from here. Two Days later: Whooping cough. A Token? To Day it’s Restaurant… In the Summer

The Ship is bringen us closer to the Capital of Norway: Oslo

What’s going on here? Are they building a new part of the City?

Be Aware. It’s lot’s of challenges to arrive Oslo by Boat.

This Ship that looked so tiny – just before in Oslo, Norway

Can you see the Ski-Jump in the Center of this Photo? Holmenkollen. The competions there attracts several 10k attenders every year, since more than a 100 Years. It so easy to get there with Oslos metro systems. You can walk as well. In my Childhood we did walk down -35-45 minutes...
Enlarge the Photo and you will realize how close it is to the Down Town

Here you can see Oslo City Hall – and some Hills
The Blue Sea, the Hills and what you do not see: The capital of Live Music in Northern Europe..

See, how Green it is? Where I grew up. Blue and Green and four Seasons. Oslo – Norway

250 meters away is were the Ship arrives. Here is only one of Oslos’s several Marinas.

Have a great life everybody, regards Tor

PS. Hope to meet you in real life

Texas 2011 – Part 3: Lake Travis in drought

2011-11-12T17:12:00.000+01:00

Due to the worst drought ever here in the Texas Hill Country, Lake Travis has changed dramatically. The Waterstand is 54 feet lower than normal.

Here you see Rough Hollow and part of the Marina. No doubt what normal waterstand should be.

Here you see Rough Hollow General Store ….

From Rough Hollow Marina

Enough Water for the Ducks;-)

Boats stranded

Stranded Marinas

Marina Rescue teams have a “Golden Periode”

Rocks you usually not see

Will the Stairways be long enough?

The Island Recidency: No longer an Island

Where have all the Water gone?

Hope Lake Travis will be back to normal again, but lot’s of Rain needed.

More to come..... (When back home)

Texas 11-2011 – Part 2

2011-11-11T06:03:00.000+01:00

Part 2 from Texas is about our trip from Austin area down South to San Antonio – nearly 3 hours on the Road.

We left the House, some minutes delayed as I had to take a Photo of this Mexican Jay. The Blue Feather was fascinating and after all we were heading South.

It has been the worst draught here in Texas Hill Countries ever measured. But we brought the Rain from Europe.

San Antonio welcomed us with Rain. Good for the Locals, bad for us who have had the most Rainy Summer ever.

But when in a Art and Historical Museum, weather does not matter. Here The Boy and the Fish Basket at McNay in San Antonio.

We stayed close to the Court House in San Antonio

San Antonio in Texas is a mix up of different Cultures. This red Brick Tower in some way reminds me about India…

And this about Spain…

View from Hotel Room in San Antiono

The River Walk in San Antonio is so special we understand it is the main attraction in the City

Charming, so close and yet so far from the down ciy sounds just seconds walking distance away.

At River Walk, allways people to help you

And most important: At the River Walk people meet people from all over…

She was a Convention participant – we talked and shared minds for some good time.

We were there as well

Good Night from San Antiono River Walk
More to come..

White Tail Deer – a meeting

2011-11-09T03:23:00.000+01:00

Just outside the House there are flocks of Texas White Tail Deers.

Even they are Wild they are not very shy, some not at all. In this area Deer hunting is prohibited.

The Chief himself

A couple just outside the Front Door

He watch me. Not affraid of me, but the Camera Click

Am I sweet?

More to come…

Texas, Part I

2011-11-07T17:19:00.000+01:00

Late Saturday we arrived in Austin after 3 Flight legs. We went soon to sleep since it was 24 hrs since the Alarm Bell reminded us it was about time to get up.

Sunday Morning, some light Rain. Hooray. Here it has been the driest year ever. Here you should have seen Lake Travis.

We went for a morning walk with Buddy.

Here you might see some Bucks. We did. Now is the mating Season, and the strongest wins them all.

The ladies invited papa on a shopping tour. Guess where? And Why? LOL.

After good prices in the shopping malls, it was about time to visit the winery: False Creek

First we had Lunch

Delicious

Anna tasting different Wines.

What did she think about the Wines? She felt Devine;-)

Table for two in the Winery

This is the end of our first report from Lago Vista, TX, 2011.
Have a good week to come…

Papa and Anna will travel across the Pond

2011-11-04T01:50:00.001+01:00

Hi dear Family and Friends,
we are just about to travel again. Crazy Vikings – they did travel as well – even to North America. So will we for the 2nd time this year.

Meeting Friends in Lago Vista, TX.

Our Cats are well taken care of this evening and our Car as well.
Here you see Felicia’s kittens

Here are Rosa and Felicia – sisters born Oct 31 in 2002.

Still one more Day of hard Work before leaving Saturday morning.
We need to pack and check Tickets and Passports and Visa and all we need for an Intercontinental flight.

My Skywatch is here

More to come so stay tuned….

Snaps from Oslo, Sunday Oct 30-2011 – Off the Tourist Tracks

2011-10-30T18:20:00.000+01:00

It was a very grey Morning this Sunday, but the Sun arrived after noon. We had an extra hour this Night as we are back to normal Solar Time. Wonderful a Sunday Morning. I took a Tour. All Photos taken inside Oslo.

First stop was Oslo West and the Marina in Frognerkilen.

Forest of Masts

In the Background, up in the Hills, you might see Holmenkollen Ski Jump.

Just a few on the Cruiseliner Deck (Oslo – Kiel, Germany, Color Line)

On the other side of the inlet, you see the Maritim Museums at Bygdöy.

The tiny Castle Oscarshall and Autumn Colours

Typical Seafront House – Skillebekk, Oslo

Waiting for next Summer

The fjord is allmost empty this time of year. Just a few persons fishing.

I made a stop outside the Vigeland Sculpture Park which attracks more than a million tourists each year. Behind the Trees it’s a Sports Arena.

Here you see a sculpture of Sonia Henie, famouse Olympic Champion Figurskater and (Hollywood) Movie Star in the 1920-30ies.

Here you can rent a City Bike for next to nothing. Lot’s of deposits to pick up and deliver all over the City.

Where is the Tram?

Oh, it’s here, on the other side, close to the Main entrance to the Sculpture Park.

I stopped for red light and what? A Street Musician at Majorstuen.
Important Junction for Oslo’s Subway, Trams and Buses besides a popular Shopping and Restaurant area in Oslo’s West End.

Then I went North, into a Valley. But still within the Border of Oslo. Maridalen is the name, after Maria, Mother of Jesus. Here yoy see Hay wrapped in Plastic.

Here is the old Church Ruins, where they every Summer plays a Historical Drama. The Church of Margareta was built around the year 1250 AD

The Maridalen Lake is the main source for household and drinking water in Oslo. It is the largest Lake inside the Border of Oslo. Altitude: 149 meter (489 feet).
This Sunday the Sun was shining over Down Town and Southern Oslo, but in the Northern Hills, the Fog and Clouds still hang around. The highest point within City limits is 649 moh, 2129 feet.
The lowest is at Sea level.

We are pretty close to the Wildeness here in Oslo, Capital of Norway. Here you’ll find rivers, creeks, lakes, Forests, Hills, small remote farms, meal serving lodges and accomodation and Wildlife (Moose, Deer, Lynx, Beavers, Foxes, Rabbits and even Wolfes and Bears have been observed) and a rich flora with berries free to pick. You can go camping, cyckling on Forest Roads, boating, Fishing (if you have bought an allowance), walking or skiing during the Winter (Alpine, Snow Boards, Jumping, Cross Country).

Well, everything comes to an end. I went Home by E6. Here from Southern Oslo. E stands for European. A network of Highways connecting different European Countries.

More to come from Oslo….

Victoria, BC, Canada – Walking around with Jen (Expat Traveller) etc

2011-10-26T23:13:00.001+02:00

I can’t believe it’s more than 3 Months since we met
Jen, P and Cammie in Victoria at Vancouver Island.
Face to face for the first time.
We miss them all and Victoria.
Just see the Photos and you’ll understand why.

Left: P and Cammie.
Above: Jen and Cammie
Jen is mostly known as Expat Traveler

Here you see our wonderful hosts and for many years blogfriends.

One of the wonderful things to be better known is to make dinner together. Here Jen and Anna.

The result – What’s better on a Summer Day?

We walked a tour along The inner Harbour of Victoria, and we felt at Home.

Before the arrival of the Europeans in the late 1700s, the Victoria area was home to several communities of Coast Salish peoples, including the Songish (Songhees). Coast Salish refers to First Nation or Native American cultures who inhabited areas in British Columbia and Washington state. Up right you see a Totem, that is now dived in 3 pieces. At a holy ground for the Songhees. In respect of this native nation please read.

South view from Victoria: The Olympic Range in Washington State, USA.

World's Tallest Totem Pole, Victoria, British Columbia

Details, including Anna – for you to imagin the seize of the Totem

More to come from wonderful Victoria, Jen, P and Cammie,
Adjust your GPS to...

Next destination?
Might it be Provence in Southern France, Germany, Norway, USA or from our Archives?

So stay tuned ---

Grandson 2 years – a Weekend around Frankfurt. Germany – first report

2011-10-24T03:16:00.000+02:00

Dear family and Friends I could have written at least one book about my experiences from last Friday Morning to Sunday late evening.
It started early Friday Morning: I was not able to open the Car Port….
End of History. I arrived in time to Check in for my Flight.

Friday, October 21-2011
Heavy fog in Frankfurt … allmost 2 hours delayed papa arrived.
Forget it, it’s History, I arrived and met Ingelin at the airport. And Blahablah and suddenly:

Bestfar, so said Metin Leander – He loves Norwegian Chockolade

We went for a walk on Friday Afternoon. Here he is with his Mother, Ingelin.

Leander was sleeping in the Forest Park, and the weather was beautiful. The Park was constructed in the 1930ies

Saturday, October 22. 2011

Next Day: Happy Birth Day. Grandpa Hasan gave him his favourite: A traktor. Guess they played like kids;-)

You see, even the Neighbours as well – but shy when papa would take Photos..

Ok, a glimpse from the Table – before serving – and who did inspect and who took the Photo?
Proud Grandfathers of Course.

Did I forget to tell you even Grand Mothers was present? Here Zeynep and Metin Leander.

And here he is with Grandma Sölvi

Sunday, October 23- 2011

Sunday we went to the Rheingau District –only 1 hour drive away

We had a wonderful time – at least papa;-)

Bye, bye, said Matin Leander –Hope to see you soon bestefar.

Details will follow

Have a great week all of you

Have you seen my “Photo-blog”?
Click and enjoy.

A Sunday in and around Oslo South East

2011-10-16T19:17:00.002+02:00

WHAT I DID THIS WEEKEND
My dear readers do know it’s a long time since I brought you around in the Oslo area.
You have so far mostly seen “landmarks” and “historical” places.
Hence, I took a tour this Sunday, just to give you an impression of how it looks like just now in the Southern part of Oslo and even further South and East. No landmarks, only how it really looks like.

South East Oslo

Birches in a tiny Wetland, Klemetsrud, Oslo

Low Sun lights up the lawn behind Klemetsrud Church, Oslo South

The Population of Oslo is growing rapidly. Houses are buildt everywhere . Yes, Houses because Norwegians love this form of housing and besides: Close to Nature,-) Like here in a steep hill in a Forest. Klemetsrud, Oslo South East.

Do you know from where we have heating and hot water in our Winter Home? From the Plant above which serves large parts of Oslo’s home with Heating and Hot water: The Source: Recycled waiste. The Smoke? No, it it’s Steam.

South East of Oslo - a Lake

Here we are at a Lake in Enebakk, SE of Oslo Deserted, tiny Island and Rush in the Foreground. The name for Rush in Norwegian is “Siv” which is also a female name.

Here is what I observed behind the Rush – tiny Boats. There might be Fish in this Lake;-) And kept as a secret….

From the same spot as the Photos before I as well observed a very tiny Island, with a fascintating Pine. This is at the Eastern end of the Lake, and you might observe the dominant wind directions. Yes, from West-North-West.

Going into Farmland
Now, lets go further South East, into Farmers land. How does Farms in South East Norway looks like in October?

Wellcome to Farmland

Preparing for next season – ploughing on a Sunday

I was really fascinated by the Light and Colours here.

And the waving , changing Landscape and ever changing light.
This Photo and the 3 before are taken from the same spot within the same minute. Can you understand why Norwegians allways talk about the Weather?

Returning to Oslo

When approaching Oslo again, I stopped just outside the community border to bring you this view from Sofiemyr. Here a Western View. Two Fiords, which you can not see are between my viewpoint and the Hills in the very distant Horizon.

Back in Oslo 16 km (10 miles) South of Downtown

… and close to Winter Home (5 minutes walking distance) who met me there? Colourful like the Autumn – and proud;-)

These sheeps are the original ones, breeded by the Vikings more than 1200 years ago. To the right you see part of a Lavvo or Sami Tent.

You see the Sheeps: Long fur and adapted to the Climate and Nature

Suddenly, what is this? Here in Norway?

The Peacock couple blocked the road… nipping some Water.

In the last bend on the Road before entering our Winter Home I had to stop again to take a Photo of the wonderful Autumn colours of Virginia Creepers, locally called “Wild Wine or Wild Grapes”.

Hope you got a tiny impression how how it looks like in the Oslo, Norway Southern area, in Mid October 2011.

Wish all my blogfriends a great week to come….

Happy Birthday to my Mother – 92 years, October 12

2011-10-12T21:09:00.001+02:00

Hello my blogfriends, today I will celebrate my Mothers 92. Birthday.
With You.
She lives in a nursing home in Oslo, Norway. She has her own room with private restroom, TV, cellphone, fridge and freezer. Even a small sitting group. Meals are served in the "Dining Room" and coffee/tea and some snacks served in her Private Room. Health Care People are there 24/7.
92 Candles on a cake? Well, we dropped it. Why? A Cake that big would be too much for my Mother;-)
Photos from today are taken with a bad iPhone 3Gs Camera.

But her hips are bad, hence she needs a Walker.

Together with, my now, eldest Son, Niklas, we paid her a visit this afternoon. I picked up my Son, who works close to my Office, and we went to visit our Family’s Grand Old Lady.

Here you see my Mother and Son: She loves her Cell Phone.

We brought her some red wine, which is good for her Blood Circulation, but most important photos (A-4 Seize) of her Grand Children who lives abroad – and their respectives

– Here Ingelin with Kaya at Cypros October 2011 – They live in Germany.
- Mats and his Wife Lori and Anna – in Chicago – July 2011. They live in USA.

Even papa was there;-)

and not to forget, I brought some Photos of her Great-Grand Children – important Photos.
I printed a douzen - Below some of them...

Metin Leander (2 years on Oct 25)

Sebastian (He was 10 in June this year) – Anna in the background

Filip ( 26 years)

Here is Marie-Louise back in the early 1950’s – with my Father in the Garden at the peninsula Bygdoy in Oslo

My Mother, Marie Louise, was very happy about receiving the Photos, but she was very occupied watching a TV-series;-) So we stayed about 80 minutes. Then I dropped off Niklas for his afternoon work and picked up Anna from her work before returning to our Winter Home - 15 km south. (Nearly 10 miles)

My Mother has her own Life. No doubt;-)

Have a great week everybody.

There will be more from Provence in my next post: A visit to a very special Restaurant in Ollioules…. I say no more…

A Windy Day in Provence – Friday, October 7

2011-10-10T18:15:00.000+02:00

This Friday, the weather changed. Strong wind and a significant drop of Temperature. So what to do?

We went to the Beach and watched the Windsurfers.

They were many here in Les Galets – just South of Charming Sanary-sur-Mer. In the background to the left you see Le Cap Nègre and to the right Ile des Embiez.

	Click to enlarge

Here you see more Windsurfers in action.

I had problems to stand right up at the Beach in les Galets where we could swim in the Sea without any waves at all 6 Days in a row before. Here are Claudie and Anna.

More posts from Provence to come….

Ollioules: 21ieme Fêtes de L’Olivier – Olive Festival

2011-10-06T22:32:00.000+02:00

This time I will show you some images from the Olive Festival in Ollioules, Provence, Southern France. It is the second year in a row we visited this charming festival.

As usual we stay with Claudie and Pierre.

Have a taste – Olives of all types and forms and Olive Oil of course

During the festival you can even buy Olive Trees…

You can buy much more than Olive Products – sweets in all tastes


	Guess what we did buy?


During the Festival it was as well music and dance - both modern and medivial

Did you think Honey is Honey? Think Twice: Look at this above.
Look at the different colours – depending on what Flowers the Bees have been in contact with.

It was lots of people from all over that did visit the popular Olive Festival in Ollioules, who takes place first weekend of October each year

OK folks, stay tuned for more wonderful memories from Ollioules and the area around.

Himmelsk or Sky Watch Friday? Yes, it is my other Blog.

Plage du Capelan and Sea urchins – Provence, France

2011-10-02T20:56:00.002+02:00

As some of my readers may allreday know, we are on a Fall Vacation visiting Claudie and Pierre.

This afternoon we went to a small, pitoresque beach called Plage du Capelan in Bandol community.

We went there in order to catch and eat fresh Sea Urchins.

Pierre and Claudie preparing the Sea urchins. Anna watching.
It was Claudie that dived and catched the Sea urchins.

They tasted very well, said Anna.

But, we had forgotten to bring glasses for the White Wine, so instead we had a Family Bottle;-)
Claudie, Pierre and Anna watching the Sunset

The Sunset was beautiful

It is more to come

TIME Warner does sneaky Marketing

2011-09-25T18:18:00.001+02:00

Hi my dear readers.

A week ago I received a copy of Time Magazine- wrapped in plastic – in my snail mail letter box.

I did put the TIME Magazine away - unopened – I have more interesting things to read. And news? Better sources do exists.
(Above part of one of our Book Shelfs)

Three days later I received an invoice. Name and Adress hidden by me – hope you understand my symbols…

One year subscription to TIME Magazine and free access to TIME Magazine on Internet. OMG – I have never accepted nor subscribed to TIME Magazine

Yesterday, I received another copy, wrapped in plastic, datet October 3 – 2011.

Here you see what I have received from TIME Magazine the last week, without asking for it. Waist of natural resources and Money.

After this, TIME is not a serious company. I will not pay for something I have not ordered.

Conclusion: TIME OUT

Fall report 2011 – Oslo Area, Norway

2011-09-24T19:25:00.001+02:00

This year the Weather has been unusual here in the Oslo Area. It has been mild, not warm, and very rainy. In fact it has never been measured more Rain in Oslo since 1900, the first year rainfall was measured. So what is it like? What have we done, except for working. Yes we still are, in the ages of 66 and 63. And love our work.

Lot’s of Water in those Clouds – I can tell;-)

Anna at the Summer House platform – we left the Summer House earlier than normal. Due to the weather and the fact our Cats wanted to go Home

See the Cats, they were very happy to be back in the Winter Home as Table Cats – Felicia in front and Rosa behind.
- I think Anna is writing a shopping list for papa;-)
- And the Cats checks out wether or not she remember to write Cat Food.

Some Blueberries in the Summer Garden. They were late this year

The Pine as seen from our Veranda – one Sunny Afternoon
The Grass in Autumn Colours – in our large Flower Box. Our Cats adore we have as well Grass here. Then our Flowers and Herbs stay untouched – more or less;-)
On Sept 20, Anna was 3x21 years – and only 2 Days before she found her old Photos…. I might post some of them one Day.

Orchides – a present from Solvi to Anna when 3x21

Anna has joined a Yoga training – and looks and behave like a youngster

Here you see Lamb Stew – one favourite Autumn meal in Norway. Papa “hunt” for the ingredients and Anna prepares.

To day we went to the Summer House to clean up a bit and pick up home made Chutney etc and some Summer Clothes, which we need for our short Vacations to Provence (France) and Austin (Texas) in October and November. Photo taken from the Road. Can you see the Houses?

Much more to come… from here and there…..

PS, Have you seen my Sky Watch? Click here and enjoy

Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park – part III

2011-09-07T21:55:00.000+02:00

In my last post I took you on a tour around the open air sculpture park.
This post will bring you to a most amazing Sculpture created by Nina Akamu:
The American Horse, 1998 (Bronze).

Read the fascinating story behind this giant sculpture and who insired the artist here.

Belowe our first meeting with this giant Sculpture

First glimpse was from the “Train” that brought us around the park

This was our second glimpse. We thought we had to go back..

We returned walking – it was really worth it

Inspired by who? What do you think?

We were amazed - watch the details

To give you an idea how large the Sculpture really is:
Can you see a human beeing here?

Look at this. Majestic. Power. Art. Nature. All in one.

We have more from this wonderful park and gardens.

A well much more from our Summer Vacation.
Next post: California, Victoria, Michigan. Indiania, Minnesota, Washinton, Illinois, Norway or what? Stay tuned;-)

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park - II

2011-09-03T21:37:00.001+02:00

Dear friends and readers, let’s start our journey into the Sculpture Park.
We were adviced to take the “Park Train” driven by seniors who not only love but as well know art.
Very good guide we had.
All the Photos that follows are taken from the “train”.
The Parks is so large and with so many objects it is a great way to have an overview and then go back to the Sculptures you like the most.

Horse made from wreck wood found in a River

Neuron – made from stainless Steel – Click on the right photo to learn more

Just Wood – but dancing – love this simple creativity and fantasy

Wow, what is this? A secret Kitchen Garden. How great;-)

Some people on the “train” said this sculpture reminded them of a Kindergarden. What do you think?

See the Giant Spider? It’s safe it is fenced in;-)

They are headless – we have learned they put their heads down in the Sand when frightened – but here in the Michigan Forests?

Yellow Fantasy – Happy Sculpture

Listening to History. Who owns the Truth? Click on the photo up right to see the name of the Artist.

Just sitting down and relaxing in the Nature

Halloween in Iron or an alien? Go to Frederik Meijer Gardens to find out;-)

Suddenly a Red Rock Bridge - - -

On the Hill…

… streching and dancing towards the Sky

It was an overwhelming tour and papa needed some rest;-)

In my next post I will show you the most amazing sculpture, so stay tuned…

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park - I

2011-08-31T16:54:00.000+02:00

In the first Week of July – 2011, we went to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.

FMG Mission Statement:
To promote the enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts.

Our Visit
We went up with my Son and Daughter in law from Benton Harbour to this wonderful place. It’s about 1 1/2 hrs drive and it was well worth the Drive. The park is Michigan States second most visited attraction.

Here the first sculpture, at the Parking area. Se the two faces?

The Entrence –let’s start the visit indoor enjoing the Tropical Flowers and Plants.

We were fascitaned by the blue colours here - Orhides

Wonderful flowers and colours here as well – Orchides

In the tropical section you will find a subsection with Pitcher Plants. Very fascinating. Watch your fingers and nose;-)

More Pitcher Plants – See how they trap insects below:

More Pitcher Plants – How do you grow them?

There are sculptures among the plants as well

Click on the small photo to read about the Sausage Tree.

More to come from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park,

Love is in the Air – a true story

2011-08-18T01:28:00.000+02:00

Dear friends, I will bring you into the situation without any further notice:
The Clouds seems to present something very special:
Love.
And I ran down to find the Camera.
It took a while, but here is the result.

See, something is about to happen up there..

See – she is …

… about to….

Kiss

Very close…

They are sweet

And so close

Ans so close – their love seems to be doubled

Kisses and love in the Sky – It’s real

It is wonderful to see passion – like the sky showed us this evening

Don’t forget – who ever you are, it’s love all around you. See it and be happy you live.

This was my true story from the Sky this evening.

Enjoy life. Carpe Diem. Every Day.
All Photos from our Summer House on August 17 – 2011.

PS. Much more from our Vacation to come – have a great week

Vacation 2011 – Short summary of bloggers and family we met - part 1

2011-08-14T03:12:00.000+02:00

My dear readers, it’s about time to start blogging again.
You know the terrible events in Norway on July 22, has set me back for a while.
Now it’s time to bring back somepositive memories from all the wonderful people we met during our July Vacation in North America.
I’ll write more later, about spesific events and places.
Our Vacation began around southern part of Lake Michigan the first days of July.
,
Late lunch at Clemtines in Benton Harbour. SW Michigan
From left: Papa, Anna, Gail, Lori and Mats.
(Excuse the photo quality – the food is much better there).

Lisa is one of my first Blog-friends. We met for the first time in July this year. We will meet again;.)

Some of you might remember I met Suzann 3 years ago? We both at that time in grief. Here Suzann and Anna in 2011.

Then we went to California and who else but Rande was there?
His Father and Brother Paul (we stayed there). Bob is 88 by the way,,
Sandee and papa and Zane – what memorable meeting

And here: Zane, Anna and Sandee – forever friends
PS. Do not look too long at the ladies legs;-) You might have some wild ideas…

More tomorrow
even more…
What’s the next chapter?

Stay tuned

Vacation Report: Back in Norway

2011-07-29T02:14:00.000+02:00

Dear blogger friends, we are back in Norway.

Suitcases after returning to Home

You may have noticed our tiny Country has experienced some horriefied moments, but our Nation and People have raised and said: Love, Peace and Respect.

First evening and Night we stayed in our Winterhome..Washing Clothes etc.
Our Winterhome terrasse: You see it has been enough water without our help.

Anna is back in our Summer house. Sunshine and 81 F (27 C).

Cats – they loved too see us again – hmmm – they felt safe

Canoe in the Garden - Son and Grandson were frequent users

Soooo Green, even our Canoe (on top)

Some Berries in Summer Garden

Can you observe Anna?

This is it – under the Hills and Cliffs

More to come from our unforgetable voyage….

We are chocked and in deep sorrow

2011-07-23T00:16:00.002+02:00

We have no words for what did happen in Oslo Friday 2011-07-22
In our tiny, peaceful country. Unbelievable and tragic.

Last news: More than 80 youths killed at the Summer Camp....

CNN report, BBC News,

UPDATE Sunday July 24 at 9 PM Chicago time: One of the Victims was an unarmed Policeman at the Youth Camp. 93 reported dead. Several still missing....

Short Vacation Report #10: Victoria and …

2011-07-21T11:55:00.001+02:00

Yeah, a Day with Jen and Cameron in beautiful Victoria.

Papa must admit we slept very well and looong. Had a great breakfast. Jen made crepes with fresh blueberries, strawberries and banana slices. Heavenly. Just like the Flowers above..
Are we going up or are we going for a walk?

We went for a walk along the waterfront.

Old Bridge. Details will follow…

Here they are: Anna, Jen and Cameron (More about this special place later)

Cameron really enjoyed Papa speaking Norwegian;-)

While Anna and Jen worked in the Kitchen..

Dinner as prepared by Anna. P came home from work so the 5 us enjoyed the meal together before we had to leave for the speed boat to Seattle.

We left Victoria, Jen and P and Cammie with one thought in our mind: We will meet again;-)

More to come from our visit to Victoria…

Short Vacation report #9: July 19-20, 2011

2011-07-20T19:43:00.000+02:00

Hello, I’m back on the net again, this time from Victoria, British Colombia and the Home of Expatraveler. First meeting after nearly 5 years reading and commenting each others blogs.

We went over to Victoria from Seattle with Victoria Clipper IV,
Build by Fjellstrand, Norway

Here is Cameron, Jen and Anna

Victoria has it’s own Fishermans Wharf

Grandpa blogger;-)

Cameron and proud Father P

More to come……..

Short Vacation report: 3 places

2011-07-19T07:40:00.000+02:00

Sunday: Lake Tahoe

Sunday: San Francisco

Monday: Seattle

More to come……

Short Vacation Report: Papa met Comedy+

2011-07-16T18:57:00.000+02:00

You know papa and Anna loves to travel and meeting people.

Yesterday we met Comedy+, her husband and a lot of other boatlovers at a Yacht Club.
What a blast of an event….

More to come

Short Vacation Report: Haircut

2011-07-16T17:45:00.000+02:00

Papa is not a frequent barber shop customer. 2-3 times a year.

Here he had his hair cut in Sloughhouse, California. Anna as well.

More to come….

Short report: Magnolia

2011-07-16T12:08:00.000+02:00

We observed this wonderful flower just in front of us.
And the Magnolia flower did something to us...

Stay tuned....

Summer Vacation: Short Report #8

2011-07-14T07:49:00.000+02:00

This report will be posted on my other blog, due to Blogger uploading problems.

Click here to see: From Madison to Saint Paul

Summer Vacation: Short Report #7

2011-07-13T09:08:00.000+02:00

After a wonderful dinner and evening with Lisa and Lori, we headed up North again.
North-West to be exactly.

Our destination this Thursday was Madison, state capital of Wisconsin.

We passed a very large windmill park

It takes hours on the Interstates and a brake from time to time is a must.

We stopped here. Had a real Italian slice of Pizza + coffee etc.

How come sailing is so popular in Madison? Lot’s of lakes around and in the City limits.

Monona Lake view….

… as seen from William T. Evjue Gardens

Here is some photos of the Wisconsin State Capitol..

No Vacation without some dramatics. You see this ATM? It allmost swollowed our Visa Card. It was blocked into the ATM.
No phone # to call. We asked for help.

And got it from a retired couple and these wonderful young women in the shop next door. (The Bank said: Come next morning; with our Visa Card in the ATM. No way. They are unresponsible, and their bosses still got bonuses. It’s a shame).

We loved this part of Madison…

Dinner, say no more…

Traditional Church in Madison

Traditional Houses in Madison..

Madison City history..

More to come from our US Vacation…..

Summer Vacation: Short Report #6

2011-07-09T20:23:00.000+02:00

On July 6, we left Mats and Lori in Michigan

Lori with Nina

… and headed south to Indiana on US 31

– here we are in Peru, taking a brake…

And ended up here, just outside Indianapolis

Went to the Wine Shop and Anna tasted…

Lisa, blogfriend since years, tasted too…

Lisa outside her favourite Shop

Here is the Platform with wonderful flowers etc.

Lori made a most delicious chicken and we sat outside and talked and talked and enjoyed life…

Until very late. Papa is lucky knowing such wonderful people

Goodbye and thank you so much for a wonderfultime…

More to come…..,

Summer Vacation: Short Report #5

2011-07-06T07:41:00.000+02:00

July 5, 2011
We went up to Grand Rapids, Michigan State, to visit Fredrik Meijer Gardens and Sculputer Park a.o.
We had never heard about this park before; I hereby recommend it to all lovers of Art and Flowers and Nature.

Here follows some snap-shots from July 5:

Blue Orchide

The American Horse

The Laying Man. The Park is so huge and packed with exciting observations, it is recommended to lay down and memorize for a while.

(I promise to post much more from this extrodinary park when back at home)

Joe is a great musician, married to Dana, who is sister of my Sons wife. When he played and song “Great Balls of Fire”, papa was like a teenager again;-)

We asked Joe if he could recommend a restaurant – we told him what would like to have for Dinner, and ended up here.

Anna and papa loves Oysters… (rest of the meal will be revealed during the Autumn)

We choosed a Riesling from Washington state. Very fresh and suitable for Oysters – Champagne is as well accepted;-)

OK, Good Night Folks;-)

More to come….

Summer Vacation: Short Report #4

2011-07-05T18:56:00.000+02:00

July 4, the Evening

In the evening we went to St Joseph and Silver Beach Park for an open air Concert and the Grand Finale: The Indepenance day Fireworks.

People found their viewpoints at the Bluff very early

And we enteret the Shadowland Pavilion, where the Concert took place.

South West Michigan Symphony Orchestra

Sunset as seen from the Concert arena

Reading from Tom Sawyer

Let the Fireworks begin…Jippie

It was really fascinating listning to the Music and watching the fantastic Fireworks…

More to come…..

Summer Vaction: Short Report #3

2011-07-05T01:22:00.000+02:00

July 4, 2011

Parade in Eaux Claire, Michigan.

Much more to come…

Summer Vacation: Short Report #2

2011-07-04T06:52:00.000+02:00

Today we went South from Chicago, then to the East and then North up to

Michigan State. Anna with the Car at MI Visitor Center

To meet Mats

and Lori

We went shopping, which should be considered confidential, until further notice.. and the went to Saint Joseph.

Here follows some Photos from Saint Joseph.
They talk for themselves.

OK. This was our Day in short, Sunday, July 3, 2011.
More to come….

PS. We had an excellent Dinner prepared by Lori, see it here

Summer Vacation: Short Report #1

2011-07-03T06:27:00.000+02:00

First leg of our Summer Vacation is now History.

We took farewell with grandson Sebastian at Oslo Airport – around 11 AM CET.

And here is Anna waiting for the Flight from Copenhagen

This is how it looked just after we entered our Hotel Suite in Chicago. We arrived around 7 PM CT (2AM CET)

And this is Chicago, Ohio Street

Here is Chicago River in the evening.

Chicago downtown. The high building in the background was only projected when we was in Chicago 2006.

Much more to be posted, so stay tuned for the weeks to come…

PS. I’m not sure I can comment any but they who comment to my Vacation reports – hope you understand and respect we are on Vacation.....

First report from Oslo, July 2011

2011-07-01T21:47:00.000+02:00

Guess who Papa picked up at the Oslo Airport around noon this Friday?

Not the best photo – taken with an iPhone – who is it;-)?

Yes, papa picked up Ingelin and Metin Leander.

Here they are again

Saturday we will go to Chicago. And later in July the 4 of us will meet again.
3rd (Rande) and 2nd (Bob) cousins and Amy and me. Photo from Oslo 2005.

Stayed tuned for short Vacation reports….

June 2011 report from Oslo, Norway

2011-06-29T02:02:00.000+02:00

Hi, new and old readers, you might have noticed I’v been more or less absent as commentator and blog writer for several Months. Due to severe and bad Internet Connections. Hope it will be better when we return from our Summer Vacation.
Here are some Photos from the last weeks in our Winter Home and some from our first Days in our Summer House.

	Just in front of us, when relaxing after Work
Anna in Action – take care – it’s is Hot	Handpainted by Anna
Heavenly result Anna created it all, even the “Dips”

Here above are some Photos from our last Weeks in the Winter Home. Flowers and Food. The Salad? Young Spinach leafes…. Click to enlarge.

OK, we have at last moved out to our Summer House with Rosa and Felicia. Here they are above. Felica on top. Both on the Roof of course. They are Manx Cats;-)


You know we love Flowers. To the Right: Anna working with the Herbs and under our selfmade Barbeque;-)

We will miss this view when away, but Family and Friends on the other side of the Pond really matters for us to see and visit in real life. Cats will be taken care of, even our car and Summer House, by Niklas.

Saturday Morning we will head for The Windy City and many weeks in North America visting Family and Friends. I hope to bring some short posts from our Travel.

So stay tuned to short reports from allmost Coast to Coast during July 2011.

PS. Did you send Birthday Greetings to "Here in the Hills - Naomi, active blogger only 4x20 years young".

PS 2. We will visit several blog-friends during our Vacation, so stay tuned to find out who and where.

At last our Cats are sterilized

2011-06-08T17:23:00.000+02:00

Here you see them just back at Home. They were both very confused.

Rosa

Felicia

They have to stay indoor for 10 Days.

More to come….

Weekly Report from Oslo – June 5, 2011

2011-06-05T22:58:00.002+02:00

Due to severe internet problems, this weeks report will be delayed. Our vendor seems to be amateurs (The Swedish/Finnish TeliaSonera – they are good at Cell-phone services, but TV and Internet is not within their present competencies).
I have lot’s of Photos – we had an excellent weather during the Weekend. So be patient and wait for the report.

Weekly Report from Oslo May 29 – something special did happen.

2011-05-29T22:29:00.000+02:00

What a week.
Monday morning started with a Golf Ball seize and shape swelling under my left elbow. From zero to really swollen in 2 hours. Then my lower left arm felt “sleepy”, so I called my Doctor.
- You must come at once.

I did
And it was bacterial, which might be very serious. 12 ml of inflamation was taken out, and I was given antibiothica and was told: If it would grew up again, you must call me, the doctor said.

Well, on Saturday, (My Doctors Office is closed during the Weekend) just before leaving for Anna’s youngest Brothers 60 year celeb Family Dinner, the swelling was back. Wow, it’s 4PM and we should meet my “best-man” before the Celebration Dinner at 6:30 PM. 105 km away (67 miles). (Photos above taken Sunday evening)

So instead of driving straight ahead, we went to the emergency hostpital in Oslo.
Luckely, the antibiotica (3 times a Day) had worked, so all dangerous bacterias were gone. What a relief. Just a “normal” Student Elbowe, the Doctor said. In my Age. I felt flattered;-)
We left the Emergency Hospital at 5:45 PM.

Monday I’ll back to my Doctor for a new Check…

Here follows the good part of our weekend.
Visiting Anna’s Brother – a short 75 minutes drive East from Oslo, close to the Swedish border.
Special occassion: He had Family dinner for his 3x20 Years;.)

Villa – a part of it

And Garden – just a glimpse

Well, here I reveal Anna’s youngest brother and his wife.
Dessert time and around 11:30 PM. Still visible outside.

Here you see the two Brothers of Anna. Having homemade Ice Parfait.

Sunday early afternoon we did visit my Best Man and his Wife. They live only a 2 minutes drive from Anna’s youngest Brother. What was supposed to be maximum one hour visit – well, our Cats had to wait for some hours more for our return (but they were served enough food on Saturday).
Wonderful “girls” – right? In their 3x20 twenties +.
We have had lots of great moments together – from our kids were small kids, both in Norway and other Countries – Vacations together etc..

How does it looks like in this part of Norway? South East.

Well, here is some more photos from the Road back to Oslo.

When returning back home, we had Sunshine and very heavy Rain Showers during our trip. Temperatures from 9-17 C (48 – 64 F) depending on Rainfalls. Photo taken by me, when driving.

Back home in our Winter appartement, In our Balconny, we have discovered a strange plant. The Green one. Growing very fast, and seems to be in full blossom very soon.
We have not planted it, nor have we seen anyone the like in our Neighbourhood.

See how strange it is? Click too see it properly. Do you know the name of this Flower?

The Chives do Flower; and we know what they are;-)

Here are our Violas. They have grown since last week.

Wish you all a prosperous week to come. So says Leander and Grandpa;-)

PS. I still struggle with the service from my ISP. Nobody seems to find out why...

Weekly report from Oslo – May 22-2011

2011-05-22T19:01:00.000+02:00

Since my last weekly report I did post from our National Day in Norway, May 17. We celebrate the Constitution fra 1814.

Here is last Sundays Dinner, the one Anna prepared in last weeks report. It tasted really fantastic;-)

As you may have observed – even on Facebook, MyGrandson and Daughter was in Oslo this week. They had a busy time visting friends but had as well some moments with us. Leander loves Appel Juice.

On TORsday we had an informal dinner together. My Son Niklas joined us as well, just coming from Work. He works as a real estate technician (Office Buildings).

We enjoyed some hours together outside in the Sunshine. Magical moments.

I left my Car at my x-wifes home, only 2 minutes walking distance from the Italian restaurant, and met Ingelin and Leander again on Friday.

Leander observed me from long distance and he startet to laugh in luck to see his grandfather once more. His feet went up and down like drum sticks;-)

He is a cute little boy. Here with his first Norwegian Currant Bun. He offered me a bite – mmm – a really good one. It sems he learn to speak German and Norwegian at the same time. Some English as well;-)

Sunday, Ingelin and Leander had to return home to Frankfurt in Germany. But, I picked them up and we did visit my Mother in her Home.

So we were 4 generations – here you see 3 of them, while papa was behind the Camera (as usual).

Leander had to visit his great-grandmothers restroom.

Here in Oslo we are back to normal weather for the season. Some Sunshine, some Showers, some Wind. Temperatures around 60F or 15-16 C.

And our Cats like to stay indoor. Here Felicia.

And here Rosa.

Have a nice week to come.

National Day in Norway: May 17

2011-05-17T22:26:00.000+02:00

In Norway we celebrate our National or Constitutional Day on May 17. It’s the 3rd oldest Constitution in Europe. From 1814.
Norway was a free country for some Months after the Napoleon Wars. But after the Piece Confernce in Kiel, the same Year, Norway was part of the Swedish Kingdom, after beeing a part of the Danish Kingdom for about 400 years. Norway regain it’s sovereignity in 1905. This was headline story.

The most remarkable with the Norwegian National Day Celebration is the fact it’s focused on Freedom, Peace, Democracy and the Kids – the Nations Future. Photos from two places in Oslo this May 17.

From the National Folklore Museum at Bygdöy, Oslo

Coffee, Cakes, Soft Drinks and Ice Cream and Baloons. Kids Day;-)

Guess who where there? Ingelin and Leander and Ingelin. Ingelin and Ingelin are great Friends from Business Administartion and Marketing Education. They were together in Düsseldorf last Weekend, and now my daughter Ingelin and her Son Leander went up to Oslo to celebrate Norways National Day. See their beautiful national costumes?

Grandma Sölvi was there as well

Then Papa had to go from Oslo South West to Oslo East. Crowed there as well

Kids favourite except for Ice Cream: Hot Dogs!

And playing

Who is here? Anna – hooray! She went in the 2 1/2 hours School Parade – yes it took 2 1/2 hours for Oslo’s 119 School who participated this year from start to end. The Highlight of the Parade is greeting the Royal Family in from of the Royal Castle.

But we missed the Cake. Then grandson Sebastion is the right person to buy the Lots.

Did he win for the 3rd Year in a row? Yes. A French Chocolade Cake. Her with his Father Niklas.

Anna was of course a bit tired after 4 1/2 hours with her Class and even more celebration with Sebasian and Niklas etc, so we went home and had a Bottle of Champagne. Rosa was happy as well;-)

Papa saying cheers to all his blogger friends around the globe.

Have a nice week.

Weekly News from Oslo – May 15 - 2011

2011-05-16T00:16:00.000+02:00

Another week is History.
Life is normal. Work and work.
At Home and at work, so to say. Don’t forget to include what you do at home and for your home when referring to Work;-)

It is spring and lot’s of Yellow Lions outside;-)

Well, the most Dramatic here was that the Majority in our Condos (300 appartements and small rowhouses) voted for a new TV- Cable vendor and as well Internet and phone provider. I must say: Can only be better. At last;-)

We had a wonderful light Dinner on Friday. Prepared by Anna.

Saturday we had to go to our Summer House. Flowers needed before the Norwegian National Day on May 17.

Here Photos from the Green House we prefere due to the Quality and Prices. Click to see the Beauty.

And we met of course, by intuition, my childhood friend and his woman there. My friend was of course occupied with the Flowers while the Women were talking;-)

My regular readers may remember papa is crazy about flowers and the only limit is how many flowers to carry along in his Car.
Here Anna with the Saturdays choice (we have to be aware there might still be frost at Nights here at 60 degrees North) Price: Around $150 (NOK 840.-). In an ordinary Flower Shop the price would have neen trippled.

Here from the Summer House:

Grapes from last year.

While I went for Water, Anna did plant some of the Flowers. To the right even in our national colours: Red, White and Blue.

Some natural Flowers as well in our Summer Garden. Lilacs, Apple and Prunes.

While there, Saturday afternoon, we got a visitor. I think he really misses Rosa and Felicia. They will soon meet again.

Saturday Anna prepared something very special. I think I’ll make a separate post so you can follow her work.

Sunday we planned to go back to the Summer House to arrange rest of the Flowers we bought on Saturday. But, for the first time in weeks: Rain. Even our Cats were reluctant to walk outside.

Have a great week to come.

Tuesday, May 17: Norways National Day. Hooray.

Weekly News from Oslo

2011-05-09T00:40:00.000+02:00

We have had a very mild Spring here, in sharp contrast to the very long and cold winter. The weather changed from Winter to allmost Summer in only a few Days. The Ice on the Fiord dissappeared in just 24 hours. Wow, that’s fast.

Our Cats, Rosa and Felicia enjoys to stay outside.

While we prepared Summer Meals – here Mussels and Bread as prepared by Anna.

This is what we see from our Veranda. No Neighbours at all. Freedom.

And Shrimps in the Afternoon Sunshine

And Plants

And Flowers

And we enjoyed excellent wines which my Daughter and man and my x-wife bought in Germany, and gave me for my 66th BD last Month. Really Quality Wines.

Sunday breakfast – Brötchen – Papa made it himself. And Coffee for Anna of course. Served tt the Bed…. Simple as that. The Cheese? Port Salut with Paprika (Red Pepper). The red on top the banana-slices is home made Rasberry/Redcurrent Jam.

Sunday Dinner: Gratinated (Green) Aspargus - Home made by Anna.

And we did not dress for Winter –in contrary- Our secret code;-)

Hope you got a tiny insight into Nowegian Life these Days.

Did you know this about your Internet-speed?

2011-05-04T17:45:00.000+02:00

My regular readers may have observed I’ve had problems with my Internet connections since long: Lack of Speed. Time outs. No connection.
This afternoon I had professional help.
Line Speed is OK.
But Line Speed is only a part of what you experience: Quality of Line, Routers and Servers are as well important. I did a test this Afternoon: The Test showed that between 55-89% of the Internet Packs in my Network were lost. Hence sent again and again and again…….

Hope my Vendors will do what they need to do to deliver the service they are expected to deliver.

You can test your own connection: http://pingtest.net/
See the Picture above.

Easter Moon and first revealed Photos from Papas trip to Germany.

2011-04-20T23:35:00.003+02:00

Hello, here in Norway we have Easter Vacation from April 16 until April 26 – and the Schools starts at April 27. Can you believe it?

Norway must be a Paradise;-) And when working here, most people can afford to travel here and there, near and long distance several times a Year. We did only take an 1hr 40 minutes airflight from Oslo to Düsseldorf Airport this Week. We were picked up by Ingelin and went to Essen.

To visit Ingelin and her Son

And of course her Mother-in-law and Father-in-law. Her Husband was at Work. Sad but true.

Papa played with his wondeful Grandson. He speaks several languages, even though he is not yet 18 Months young.

He loves this Vitamin Drink. And he fixes everthing by himself.
Sehr bestimmt der Junge Mann.

More to come – real travel reports and something more, so stay tuned;-)

PS. You can comment in any Language;-)
Even as anonymous - just sign so I can thank you;-)

Papa and Ginnie + Astrid just went to a small Village

2011-04-17T00:05:00.000+02:00

My regular readers do know Papa lives in Oslo, Capital of Norway. When we have foreign visitors, we like to show them something off the normal tourist-path. That is something everyone can experience.

First we took a walk in our Neighbourhood. Photos by Astrid and Ginnie.

We went to the small Village Dröbak about 40 km south of Oslo. My Grandmother was born here. And we can even see where our Summer House is situated. Here you see the 3 Mermaids
.
Ginnie loves to take Photos. Here you see her in action and even what she shot. In fact, they died long before her shot;-)

Astrid at the Diving Board and a Light House in Oslo Fjord

Some more memorable Photos from the trip to Dröbak with Ginnie and Astrid.
*
We had a very nice walk and ended up for Lunch in The Old Bakery. Here is the Cesar salad as served outdoor in 20 + C (70F)
At 60 degrees North on April 11.

And here the GraveLax toast. Luxury. Did they like it. Just ask;-)

Papa enjoyed fresh, pilled shrimps. The Bread was of course from The Old Backery, from 178x.

Dröbak also houses the Univerity of Oslo’s Marine Bioligical station, in this Old House.

After the visit to the charming Village of Dröbak, we went here, in Oslo. Loked down at the blue Mosque

And the Oslo Opera House.

We had a wonderful time together with Ginnie and Astrid.
Hugs and kisses and thanks for your visit.

Papa meets blogger friends in Norway

2011-04-15T22:33:00.001+02:00

First Weekend of April we had the pleasure to meet Ginnie and Astrid who came up from Holland to Oslo, Norway. Remember?

Last Sunday, the two adventure women returned from a 5 Days Cruise from up North in Kirkenes, close to the Russian Border down to Bergen. And even a Day and Night in Bergen when they met another blogfriend, Charles. On Sunday they embarqued the Day Train from Bergen to Oslo, crossing the Mountains.

Papa picked up the beautiful Ladies at Oslo central Station and had the pleasure to drive the to the Winter Home, about 10 miles (15-16 km south in Oslo).

Winter Home? We could sit at the Veranda.

Later we went inside for Dinner. Avacados with Mayonnaise and Caviar as starter. You might also use pilled shrimps instead of Caviar. Or what your fantasy figures out.

And Homemade Gratinated Fish. They listened to Anna when she explained her recipe.

Dessert? Raspberries from our Summer House.

More to come from Ginnie and Astrids visit.
So stay tuned....

Blogger Friends at the Oslo Opera House

2011-04-04T17:36:00.000+02:00

Ginnie and Astrid from Holland loves to take Photos. And the new Opera House in Oslo has lots of exiting motives. Even on a foggy Day. They arrived with RennyBA and DianeCA in their Car, while papa arrived later by Train. Before papa arrived, they did have a guided tour behind the scenes.

While waiting outside in the fog, some photos were taken.

Here you see the Tenor Swan and the Castrate Singer
Inside decorations

Here they are, all 4 of them, looking into the Foyer from the roof. Papa was inside.

It took at while before they observed me.

Papa went outdoor and shot them.

And they Shot Papa. Goodbye.

PS. Z U soon