Christmas Message 2006

Once again, instead of writing a traditional "Round Robin" letter, those of you who have received Christmas cards from us have been directed here, to the blog. To those of you who haven't received a Christmas card, I hope this is an acceptable alternative!

As our first full year of stability since moving to Norway, 2006 has really flown by. The year started with the challenge of the most snow seen here since the 1960's. This truly was a new experience for one of us, and provided us with an invaluable insight when assessing future livestock and garden projects (especially with regards to access). Mari had to cope alone for a fair bit of the first 3 months whilst I traveled with work a little more than desirable.

The main activities of 2006 have involved cats and cars. On the cat front we have now seen 3 litters come, and most of the kittens go to new owners. There are now 3 Starsprung cats who, all being well, will be used for breeding. One of these is now an international champion and another is placed with a "foster owner", giving us the possibility to breed a couple of litters from her without having an extra cat in the house full time. Vegas, our male cat, became an international champion in Stockholm in November and has since been "retired from breeding duty".

The whole of the summer disappeared in the garage. We both made a huge effort to get the Triumph ready for our late summer England/Ireland trip. We didn't meet the deadline, but the Triumph is now on 4 wheels, has covered over 100 miles on the road, and is a couple of small items (mainly waiting for a replacement windscreen) away from approval and registration here in Norway. There's a bit more work to do early in the new year and then it's roll on the summer!

We did a fair amount of traveling during the course of the year, a skiing holiday up in the middle of Norway, 2 weddings in the UK, the "Goodwood festival of speed", 10 days in Ireland, a couple of visits to Cockermouth and so on. Apologies if we didn't see you on our way around, we're very fortunate to have so many folk to visit, but it does mean that time is short when we travel. We also had the pleasure of a good number of visitors through out the year. To those of you have been here, you're more than welcome back, and to those of you who haven't been here yet, you too are more than welcome.

Mari continues to work 80% on a, recently renewed, 1 year contract at the clinic in Sandefjord, the lack of a solid contract is still a little frustrating for her. This is partly the reason that she has decided to take a distance learning MSc in Veterinary epidemiology and public health. This is with the University of London in conjunction with the Royal veterinary college. She has been accepted and will be starting early in the New year.

I am still working for Scanship and have recently been promoted to Manager of the Electrical and Automation Department. Work is very hectic at the moment, but I see this as a good new challenge and, looking forward, believe that things are positive on the whole.

So, here's wishing you all a very merry Christmas and hoping that 2007 brings you all happiness and joy. Feel free to leave a comment to this post.

Merry Christmas
Andy and Mari.

Cat Chorus

Even by the standards of the slightly unhinged world of cat shows, the events at Adelkattens show, last weekend, were a first for us. A cat parade carefully coreagraphed to the dolcet tones of one of the Judges singing Christmas carols. I am sorry the pictures a little dark, but you should get the idea.


All in all, it was a very sucessful weekend for Starsprung. "Starsprung Amazing Incident" won his class and hence his first Certificate as a castrated adult. "Starsprung Esk pike" won the kitten class on her first outing and on the Sunday we were very pleased to hear that "Starsprung Scafell Pike" became an International Champion.

Kris kindle wish list

In age order, our Kris Kindle hints plucked out from the umpteen comments in the Kris kindle post below.

If anyone is still struggling I would suggest that one posts as anonymous requesting the information that is required.

Our Father

Thus saith 'Our Father'

Yea verily, it hath been said to me, that Thou shalt not walk barefoot upon the sacred floors of the House of Beeston, floors which hath been hewn from the finest oak from the Brook of Haughton.

'And he said, when Thou entereth the House of Beeston, thou shalt take thine slippers and place them upon thy feet.
And the slippers shall be made of finest sheepskin, or of leather from the land of Imi Tation, and thy slippers shall be made to cover thy toes, but not thy heels, for thy heels shall be left bare and free so that thou mayest be able to shed thy slippers without impediment when thou leavest the House of Beeston and putteth upon the foot boots from the town of Wellie.

And the slippers shalt be like unto those that a certain P J did buy in the land of the Angle at a town at the Mouth of the Cocker. and shalt be size 9 cubits

And thy sons, or thy son's sons or ths son's daughters or thy daughters or thy daughter's sons or thy daughter's daughters and thy daughter's in law or thy sons in law, as whoever may see wont, but not thy spouse, shalt come bearing gifts of slippers to 'Our Father' at the sacred feast of Christmas. And he shall place them upon his feet and bless thee.

and

If one of my beloved nippers
Didn't get my hint about slippers,
Or in Cockermouth they are only obtainable,
So my first wish is quite unsustainable,
Then perhaps a worthy alternative
The most practical present that you can give
Is a parcel with tough working gloves in it
Designed for a man with large hands to fit.
Then I'll work as I sing a bright roundelay,
And think of those that I love who are far away.

Mother of VL

Mum of Viking Longship says:

My undies are getting quite worn
and some of them are pretty torn
A petti in white
would be a sweet sight
and then I won't look so folorn

(Size 12)

or a note wallet with space for credit cards.

and

If we are spending our evenings sorting family photos, a few inexpensive, but very efficient photo albums wouldn't go amiss.

Blogs Brother in Law

Been banned from asking for DVD's again !!!! Only thought right now is for classy/fun ties for work. Have collection of Wallace & Gromit, Peanuts etc, so something along that line would do(but make sure its tasteful!)

and

A reputation for waffle you are all getting
Much free time do people have I’ll be betting!
To add to my list is what I should do
A case for my Palm Z22 would be neat, thank you
While not to be worn with my fancy ties
Recent bad weather suggests leggings would be wise

(Light/Strong and 100% waterproof)

Big (Little) Sis

I've finally come up with a couple of suggestions,
to answer some of your questions.
I could really do with a new basket for my logs,
the old ones are only fit for the dogs!
We could give them to Murphy for his tea,
it would save on lots of meat and Chappie!
Also, my old sieve has a case of the humps,
which leaves my cakes with lumps and bumps!
Apart from that I'm easy to please,
but no spiders...I'll squash the first one I sees!

The Other Cold One

To take part in a family Kris Krindle,
Makes the hair on my neck rightly tingle,
It should be close shorn,
but the clippers are worn,
and blunt as an old fashioned thimble!!!!!

Mrs Other Cold One

We are upgrading from sleeping on the floor to a bed...
would really like a reasonably good quality fitted cotton sheet or a valance sheet for a 160 x 200 cm Bed (it may be equal to King size in Ireland, but I am not sure). Colour preference cream. Flanelette will not be appreciated (by my husband)...

Viking Longship

RTFM, yes that's the key
That's whats you need if you'll fix me
Oh how I frown
A David Brown
Select-o-matic Eight Eighty

and

The temperature is important
I need to know it this instant
Technology
It pleases me
Inside, outside,in the basement.

You can find some here

http://www.fashion.ie/Kitchen-13458411-sr-1-Hardware.html

and more details here

http://www.ukweathershop.co.uk

an exmaple of one with the right features is the WS9228 here

http://www.ukweathershop.co.uk/acatalog/la_crosse_technology_fc_sub.html

Important features are that it can have 3 wireless temperature/humidity sensors with a decent transmitter range.

If this option is picked, it would be good if the person also bought an extra wireless temp/humidity sensor wpuld be good, I would of course be happy to refund any over budget cost, if this is acceptable

and in more detail

A LaCrosse WS9128 from Weather Station Products http://www.weather-station-products.co.uk/item--LaCrosse-weather-station-WS9128--WS9128.html

They are in stock, you can order over the phone with credit card and they will deliver to Ireland for a small fee.

Telephone 0044 800 8620232

It will be about €10 over budget, this will be refunded.

If my knid Kris Kindle goes for this option could they also please order an extra (2nd as the WS9128 comes with one) TX4 remote temperature and humidity probe, if they are in stock.

Mrs Viking Longship

I'm finding it hard to be specific
and since the budgets blown the Pacific
This I write
To be polite
But that what's below will be terrific
(and certainly not cryptic)

Paper guilotine
Thin Woolen socks
Nice soap
Iron
Filofax refill (week on two page diary, multilanguage. Personal filofax ref. 684276)
Wallet (medium size)
Outside shoebrush
Bottle brushes

London Son

One of the early Jamie Cookbooks

A cobalt blue, Chaco golden knee(or possibly mexican red knee) tarantula, they can be ordered online and posted, not one to be opened on the day.

Or maybe something silly or remote controlled. I really dont know.

and

here

and

I have seen a monstrous beauty in a shop in Cork, someone has offered to purchase her as a pressie but I believe that to be an unfair expenditure so maybe my chosen purchaser would be interested in spreading the cost,

I have reserved it for a few days, and it is likely that I will buy it anyway. If one is interested maybe leave an anonomous message on my blog under the stella blog and details can be passed on.

It also means that people could actually witness one of these fine creatures

Kid Sister

Ok so i don't do limericks but...
i would like a cd/dvd that incorporates the songs:
think of me
masquerade
wishing you were somehow here again...

and

I wish to own a little car,
A car to drive me near and far,
A car for college, a car for life,
A car to drive me through any strife,
A car to rev, a car to slow,
A car that'll withstand the worst pot hole,
i understand the size of this wish,
But its better than wanting a fish!!!(or should that be a tarantula)

and

Should a car be unatainable,
and Mr. Webber indigestable,
I've other ideas to help tidy up my mess,
C.D's i have a plenty,
But storage is lost in the widerness,
A C.D tower,
Pretty as a Flower,
Would be ideal,
to make my room sureal

And far more importantly...

As the youngest,
my future may be in your head,]
But fear not i am being well fed,
I wish to teach, I wish to Care
And creative arts are all in the air,
A book on Music, Art and Drana,
Would make my life panorama,
Click below and you will see
The cause of all this poetry.

www.amazon.com
type in Creative arts in the Early Years

wat i wish for christmas is...
Creative Activities for Young Children by Mary Mayesky 8th edition.
its available on Amazon.com

Swimming Rules

After the great wheel barrow crash of Summer 2006, Mrs LS has been
advised not to play volleyball for the time being due to her knee
injury. Missing her regular physical excerise we have started swimming
(twice a week) at the most disciplinarian swimming pool I have ever
seen.

You walk into the changing rooms and are faced by a corridor with toilet
cubicle style doors on either side. The cubicles are in fact changing
areas which lead over to the 'No Shoes Area', where you are instructed
to make use of one of the lockers for your belongings.

After changing you progress towards the shower area where a sign says
'Bring your towel to here'. The next instruction is 'No entry to pool
without naked shower first' acompanied by a 'No swimming trunks beyond
this pont' on the entry to the shower/sauna area. As a final emphises on
the importance of cleanliness there is a drawing illustrating the areas
of the body one should wash with soap before considering entry to the
pool.

After observing the 'No wash, No Entry' policy, things are more relaxed
as I feel very unfit during my 30 min, 850m swim. After this, the
military changing rooms instruct you to 'sit on your towel' in the sauna
and to 'dry yourself before going past this point'.

Everyone does, more or less, what they are supposed to and it is not
before you get dressed that you notice that your feet are on clean dry
ground and your socks don't get wet, removing one of swimmings big
irritaions.

1st Annual Anonymous Artists Christmas Competition

By popular request closing date extended, now 24th 15:00 hours......

Karawonky...

Here it is, the long awaited AAACC. After all the poetic attempts as replies to the Kris Kindle post it has been decided to up the anti and focus our artistic talents through some healthy competition...... Thanks to the other cold one for inventing Karawonky.

Now, I'll get straight to business.

Entry Criteria, This competition is open to...

1: VL and Mrs VL, VL's and Mrs VL's Friends, extended family and family members friends.
2: Blog regulars. i.e those who have commented on this blog on a regular basis.

What's Karawonky

Basically one takes a vocal work by your favourite composer or artist and replaces the words with something suitably suitable.

How to Enter

1: Simply post your work anonymously as a comment to this post stating artist and song as per this example from The Other cold one.

Is this a comment?
No no, it's just a grouch,
somewhere in Finland, where
there is no snow right now.
The days are real short, and nights real long,
so it is cold and grey, night and day
etc. etc. etc.

'Friderick Schnellsilber' - Rhapsodie Boheme.

2: Please specify the version of song if there can be any confusion.

3: There is also a Childrens Catagory for the Under 8's. When entering this start the comment with "Childs Entry".

4: Closing Date for entries is Wednesday 20th December.

5: After the results are announced entrants will be encouraged to step forward and claim their masterpieces, although this is not a requirement.

The Rules

1: All entries are to be roughly based on one of the following themes

• Present Giving at Christmas
• Family Christmas Gatherings
• Spending christmas with the in-laws
• Spending christmas alone

2: Entries are to be posted anonymously.

3: All work is to be own, original (obviously not the original song) and written specifically for this AAACC.

4: The whole of the selected song is to be Karawonkified.

5: Excessively obscence language is not allowed, harmless smut, general rudeness and humour is encouraged.

6: Only one entry allowed per person.

Performance and Judging

1: All entries will be performed through the collected musical talents of the "Norwegain Woods Irish Christmas Assembly" during the Christmas Period.

2: In a eurovision stylie all entries will be voted for by members of the above. As per Eurovision one will not be able to vote for ones own masterpiece.

3: Results will be announced on the blog shortly after the christmas break, at this time entrants will be invited to come forward and identify themselves.

The winner gets

1: The Satisfaction of Winning

2: A feeling of Artistic well being

3: A little slice of internet fame

and......

4: If, (a big if), we can get technology to work in our favour, a recording of the masterpiece performed by the "Norwegain Woods Irish Christmas Assembly" published on this blog.

so get those old cassettes, the hymn book, your favourite Christmas Carol, your song books and so on out and get writting. Good luck and happy creative thinking.

Christmas Market at the Norwegian Folk Museum

Saturdays main activity was a trip to the "Norsk Folkemuseums", Julemarked.

The Museum is located on Bygdøy, a smallish Island just acrosss from Oslo harbour. It is a combination of an open air museum featuring "155 authentic buildings from different national regions" and indoor displays and museums.

Along with myself, Mrs VL and the Thoughtful Scotsman we were joined by the toast mistress and, for a short while, Mrs VLs Sister. Here's Mrs VL and the Toast Mistress outside the "Stave Church"



This was my first visit to the museum and probably not the best day to appreciate all the museum has to offer due to the added distraction of the Christmas market/fayre. There was plenty of traditionally clad folk selling traditional wares and food stuffs. There were also people in national costumes from all over the country.

Both the Museum and the Christmas Market, which is repeated the coming weekend (9th and 10th), come with a high recommendation and I am looking forward to finding a reason to visit again.

If you are lucky enough to be able to attend this coming weekend, take your wallet, there's plenty on offer so your pocket money could soon run out. You have been warned!

A few more photos for you enjoyment, starting with Myself and TS outside a farm building from Telemark, I believe.



The old town.



and working out how the still worked in the Pharmacy.

Bottled Beer

This weekends visit from "The Thoughtful Scotsman" involve the consumption of a fair quantity of the "Santas Winter Warmer" brewed as per this previous post.

This was, as hoped, very tasty but was a little cloudy due to being drunk before the recommended 14 days clearing.

The final SG was close to 1.014, so by the calculations I can't see that it's 5.7% alcohol, but what the hell it's very tasty and more than does the job.

The volume of work involved in bottling is mostly cleaning and sterilising, but the bottling process itself is, as you can see, quite messy and probably best to do whilst the Mrs is not in the house!!!



In the absence of Light Spray malt for priming I added a little of this malt extract to half the bottles and a little sugar to the others. The ones with the sugar seem to have a little more fizz.

Petrol Station Crawl

During the golf course owners Daughter 30th Birthday party on Sunday it came to light that niether Mrs VL or The thoughtful Scotsman had seen "The life of Brian".

We stopped in every petrol station on the way home, 6 in total I believe, and whilst most had a fine DVD selection none had the item that we were searching for.

In the end we rented "Wallace and Grommits, Curse of the Were-Rabbit", which proved to be a hilariously funny and "Cracking good" film. Highly recommended to both young and old.

I now need to keep my eyes open, so that we are prepared next time TS comes to visit.

New blog in Town

There's a new blog in the west, one of my siblings has started his blog, London Son.

Expect a wierd and wonderful combination of spiders and Music together with insights into a students life in the big smoke.

The links also in the sidebar, welcome onboard.