Check Out This Blog

Posted on December 20, 2012 by kuwaitquilter

A fellow Canadian, newly transplanted to Stavanger, has a blog I think you will like.  She is a real wordsmith.

http://expatters.blogspot.no

I would be reblogging her last post, but I’m not sure how.

I hope you enjoy this.

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Today I was The Mechanic

Posted on December 18, 2012 by kuwaitquilter

Last week, I shovelled snow – acres of snow!

My Mom taught me to do things for myself – and not just wait around for someone to help.  On the farm, if she had waited for my Dad to fix minor things, they wouldn’t have gotten done, as he was just too busy.  She had her own tools, which she hid really well. If anyone needed to borrow them, they had to wait outside so they wouldn’t see her hiding spot….. and they were always returned.  So I grew up with “do whatever needs to be done” firmly implanted in my brain.  it might be a quick fix that would need to be “done properly”, but it would work in the meantime.

This morning, the car wouldn’t start again, so I didn’t get it to the garage.  Out came the battery charger and cord that I carried from downtown the last time this happened. I wasn’t carrying a battery all the way from anywhere – they are heavy.

This afternoon the battery was charged enough that I could head to the parts store.  Luckily, they had what I needed in stock, and after slightly denting the bank balance, off I went home.  I hadn’t the forethought to check what tools I would need to change it out right in the parking lot.  Home, into the garage, and the search for just the right wrench began.  I found the small socket to disconnect the battery…… negative first. But where, oh where, was the bolt that holds the battery in place. Finally, I retreated to the computer and brought up the service manual.

Freshly armed with a flashlight, I searched for a ratchet with a long extension. Found, loosened…… the darn battery still wouldn’t come out.  I gave it one last heave-ho…. and there it was.  I was crossing everything I could while I hooked up the new one.  Car door opened….. bright lights greeted me.  Wohooo!  All I needed to do was reset the clock.

I know that I can do everything that needs to be done, or can get help , but I will be really glad when my husband come back home, and I can just do the “girl” things again, instead of everything!

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A Dog’s Purpose According To A 6 Year Old

Posted on December 17, 2012 by kuwaitquilter

morningstoryanddilbert's avatarMorning Story and Dilbert

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker…

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Evening In Stavanger

Posted on December 17, 2012 by kuwaitquilter

I took the train into Stavanger last night to hear Handel’s “Messiah” at the cathedral. Nothing breathes Christmas in the music world like this great oratorio, and I was so glad to be going with friends.

The evening was still and quite warm – the streets were running with water from the newly melted snow, and the icy was mushy now, instead of being treacherously slippery.

Breiavatnet, the small lake just in front of the train station, was calm, and the reflections were crystal clear.Image

I had never before noticed this bench at the edge of the lake, bathed in lamplight.Image

Looking down toward the harbour –Image

The harbour was a sea of light.  This sailing ship has trees for sale.Image

The Stavanger Cathedral at night time.Image

The concert was exceptional – great and dynamic soloists, and a choir that included the youth choirs of the church.  The little boy sopranos looked so angelic (I know, don’t be fooled).  The small orchestra was also very good, and the acoustics in the church, which was built in the 12th century, are truly amazing.  I’m sure that there was not a bad seat in the house.

Just a week now until Christmas Eve, and I have been able to attend performances of both The Messiah and The Nutcracker Ballet.  Let the festivities begin.

 

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A Mystery Being Quilted

Posted on December 15, 2012 by kuwaitquilter

I finally got my Muscat mystery quilt on the frame and began to stabilize it. It’s been a long time coming.IMG_5637

I had hoped to quilt this one in 2010, but we were to move before I got a chance. So I took my frame apart, packed up the Bailey, and folded up the quilt. And the packers didn’t come and didn’t come……. until the end of the month. I would have been finished, if I had known. And then, we sat and waited until January to move! My Bailey and frame weren’t even unpacked until April, and by that time, other projects were more pressing.

Now, we are moving again. I’ve been busy sorting scraps and blocks and UFOs and PIGs (projects in grocery bags)and piles of fabrics I’ve tied together for just the right project. I’ve finished cutting out quilts so I can just take the pieces to sew. When we get packed up, I won’t see my stuff for at least 4 months, and I need projects with me to stay busy and keep me sane (well, OK, the sanity is questionable, but hey, I do my best).

It looks like the packers will be here in January – hopefully around the middle of the month. After months of waiting and wondering, I’m feeling settled with knowing what should happen. I have time to finish at least this quilt top, if not more.

Yesterday, I finished loading the quilt on the frame, and began the job of stitching in-the-ditch to stabilize the quilt and keep it square and the sashings straight. IMG_5636Using Bottom Line thread on both top and bottom so it hides in the seams, I’m almost done the inner sashings. Then, I hope the quilt will give me a few hints as to how it wants to be quilted. I found some wonderful variegated thread for it.IMG_2411

Walking and shopping today, but —- tomorrow we QUILT!

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A Different Kind of Cruise

Posted on December 13, 2012 by kuwaitquilter

I love having visitors, because then I have the chance (and excuse) to go and see a lot of new things in Norway…….. and have in every place I have ever lived.  Why is it that we sit at home and don’t go exploring on our own, but wait until we have guests to show around.  We should be going every week to see new places, and to revisit those we enjoy.

Another new experience I had while Corinne was here was to go on the Lysefjord Cruise.  I guess maybe it’s just not something you usually do by yourself…

Here is where it is –P1010533

We checked around downtown a bit until the boat left – no trouble getting tickets on board… I guess December isn’t their busiest time.  It was a gray, cloudy day that threatened to snow.  Whatever – we were inside and warm, and prepared to see whatever we could.  The option to go above-board was always there.P1010505

I am amazed by how many “whale back” islands there are – just peaking up above the water like the back of a whale.  The snow on the ground brought into sharp relief the crevices in the rocks on the small islands we passed.  P1010547So many cabins sat there, awaiting spring and their return guests.P1010522

This is the ferry that goes from Lauvik to Oanes – we took it when we drove from Sandnes to Preikestolen.P1010527

The Troll’s Heart – legend has it that a troll fell in love with a human girl, and was out one day when the sun came up – his heart turned to stone – and you can see it still here.P1010537

The Hanging Falls – must be really incredible in the summer time –P1010553

The Vagabonds’ Hideaway – if you look really close, you can see a mannequin pointing to the cave where some outlaws evaded the lawmen who were hunting them for non-payment of taxes.P1010575

I’d love to show you a photo of Preikestolen – the Pulpit rock, but the snow was so thick that all we could see was a great gray shape overhead.  I guess I’ll have to go back on a sunny day.

Here are a few more photos of Stavanger from the boat, and the fjord.P1010549P1010548P1010569P1010535P1010511

In spite of the reduced visibility, we had a very relaxing time and were glad to see the fjord in one of it’s less “touristic” moods.

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Let’s Buy a Norwegian Christmas Tree

Posted on December 11, 2012 by kuwaitquilter

The Friday before Advent started, my friend and I set out to buy a Christmas tree.  The first year we lived in Kuwait, I had borrowed her artificial tree, as they would be in Canada for Christmas. She planned a tree trimming party at my house, with all our friends coming to help, and each bringing an ornament.  I supplied food and drink, and we had the best time ever.

Because it was so much fun, I wanted her to help me decorate my Norwegian tree – the first “real” tree I have had since leaving Canada six years ago. Somehow, living Christmas trees just don’t seem proper in the Middle East.

I had heard through the Stavanger Expat site on Facebook about a tree farm where they had a room to warm up in.  It was just south of Sola, off Highway 510 at Tjelta, so away we went. Just before the Ræge Church we saw the sign to Ræge Juletregard.  We followed the signs this way and that until we arrived at the farm. P1010446 - CopyTwo ladies in bright red snow suits were busy in an old shed making Christmas wreaths and other decorations for the season.P1010457 - Copy

When we inquired about buying a tree, we were told that we could pick one out, have our name put on it, and come for it closer to Christmas.  I guess the market isn’t that hot on November 30, but I was adamant that I wanted to take it home right away.

Here is a field of baby trees + they will take a few years to be ready to harvest.P1010447 - Copy

The owner took me into a field of Christmas trees, all covered with last night’s snow. There were so many – and they were all so perfect.  P1010293How on earth was I to pick one?     Of course, Corinne wandered off to visit the horses and just enjoy the crisp, snowy air, leaving the decision all to me.  P1010290The lady patiently brushed off tree after tree so I could have a good look.  I finally picked one (that she hadn’t brushed off) and she got her little tree-cutter under it and there it was.P1010454 - Copy

We carried it out of the mass of other trees, P1010294and down to the main yard. Then, while it was all bundled up, ready to take home, we were led into aback room which had once been a cattle manger. P1010461We were treated to coffee, pepperkaker and glog. It was nice and warm, and decorated with antiques and traditional Norwegian Christmas decorations.P1010462

Warm and cozy, and feeling a bit pampered, we returned outside.    I paid for my tree, had it put into the car, and away we went home.

The tree wasn’t decorated until Monday as we were busy exploring Stavanger and the area – but we had it.  And it is beautiful.P1010800

Ræge Juletregard is on Facebook, and also has a website (www.rege-juletregard.no) with a map to help you find them. Good trees, great service – and a local business with real Norwegian trees, instead of those brought in from Denmark or somewhere else.

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A Little Russian Flavour

Posted on December 10, 2012 by kuwaitquilter

We had a bit of Russian flavour to our day last Saturday.  The International KulturCafe was featuring Russian food and music, and Corinne and I went to see what it was all about. with a move to Russia in the wind for me, we wanted to try some food and hear some music.  We weren’t disappointed.

The International Cafe is in a back corner of a building just across the street from St. Petri’s – better known to Expats as “the red church” – in Stavanger Sentrum.  Thanks to the Map application on my iPhone, we found it without too much trouble. The cafe is very simple, but warm and cozy and everyone was very friendly.P1010476 The tables were set with dolls in Russian costumes – so bright and colourful.P1010477

The menus were written in Russian and Norwegian, so we had to have a bit of help deciding what to order. Everything was delicious.  And just as we were enjoying our second cup of Russian tea (would love to know why it was so different and so good), six ladies in incredible costumes came to the front and treated us to a concert of Russian songs.P1010491

The music was very rhythmic and fun – I stood by a post to get a better view, and couldn’t help but clap in time. The singers were obviously have a lot of fun performing.P1010493

These two did a couple of duets, and looks so joyful.P1010483

This lady did several solos – what a great voice!P1010479

Great fun all around.  Thanks to the Russian-Norwegian group who put this on. We both enjoyed out taste of Russia, and it made me quite excited to actually be going to live there soon.

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At the Egersund Christmas Festival

Posted on December 9, 2012 by kuwaitquilter

The Stavanger Expat Photography group planned an outing on Saturday to the Egersund Christmas market.  Egersund is about an hour south of Sandnes – we decided to meet on the train and go together.  Most of them did……. yours truly missed the train and was an hour late! But now I know that I can take the red (Oslo) train to Egersund from Sandnes, and don’t have to wait for the local one.Waiting for the train

The train was absolutely packed with families on the way to the festival.  I was lucky to get a seat. We piled out at Egersund, and the trek to the downtown market began…. I didn’t realize it was going to be such a hike – probably close to a mile.  I didn’t think to start my walk counter to see.

We passed the marina on the way to the market – it was clear and still, and the reflections in the water were terrific.P1010713 P1010712

Tons of people there – I called Maria and soon joined her and a few others.  They had been scouting around and were ready to eat – I had eaten in Sandnes while I awaited my train, so I went off on my own. There were so many people –P1010748All ages – P1010721 P1010720There were men singing carols – not sure if they were really monks, but that’s how they were dressed.  They served at the grog stand (with or without alcohol) afterwards.P1010719

And what would a festival be without food – this was just one of many stands.  Norwegians love their donuts, waffles and pancakes!P1010722

A school band performed some carols too – they were so cute with their red Santa hats and their cute, healthy smiles.P1010736 P1010732

A wonderful display of mechanical wonders drew many small children, their nosed pressed tightly to the glass for a better view.P1010738

The huge Christmas tree also drew the kids – finally a tree they could climb.  Wonder if they’d like to try with the ones that will soon be in their houses!P1010747

The local quilt group had a booth with lots of beautiful items for sale.  I identified myself as a Rogaland Quiltelag member from Sandnes, and admired their handiwork.P1010725

P1010749Lots of stands with wool goods – felted mittens and woolly slippers and hats.  I bought a pair of mitts – and discovered that I need to wash them in hot water and then wear them so they will mould to my hands to keep me extra warm.P1010716

Here was a tableau of carding and spinning – isn’t this young lady gorgeous!P1010728 P1010729

I also discovered a booth manned by Latvian nuns and bought a CD of Christmas music in Russian – I’m listening to it now – beautiful and a bit different from the tonalities we are used to in the West.  I look forward to attending an Russian Orthodox church in Sakhalin to hear more.

More reflections in the water – a bit later in the day with the sun shining –P1010767 P1010753

I met up with the group again in a local restaurant.  We wandered around the market a bit more, and then headed back to the train.P1010769It was packed again, but not quite so bad.  I took a few shots out the train window of the sunset and the ice-covered lakes along the route.  a perfect ending to a beautiful day.P1010778 P1010776

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My Friend Wanted Snow…….

Posted on December 5, 2012 by kuwaitquilter

when she came for a visit and Norway obliged.  Snow and ice and frigid temperatures.  Here’s a bit of what it looked like in the park that you who follow my blog have come to know so well.

I know it’s not as much as in many places, but here, snow comes and goes, not usually comes and brings the deep freeze with it. And I’m still battling my desert-thinned blood.

Amazing how much redder the dogwood branches seem after a snowfall –P1010666

P1010670

Just two weeks ago, this boulder dividing the falls was totally under water in the flooded river.P1010672 P1010674

Ice on the rocks –P1010675

This island was underwater as well two weeks ago.P1010681 P1010683

Minus 15C on my thermometer this morning……. I guess it’s beginning to look a LOT like Christmas.

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