We joined the INN group for coffee and chatting at a cafe in Bygdøy and then visited the Norskfolkmuseum. They were having a julemesse (a Christmas crafts market) and special events. Lauren joined us at the Norskfolkmuseem. It was a lot warmer than last year, so we were able to spend more time wandering outside and explore more of the museum. (“Museum” is a funny word for it, but there’s not really another description: it’s a collection of old buildings from around Norway that were transported here to protect them for historical appreciation. Neat idea, kind of like Alaskaland… um, “Pioneer Park”… if you are familiar with it.).

Katy(posted on Dec 31, 2006 at 9:53 pm)

This is a longish movie of traditional Norwegian dancing. OK, it does look a lot like most European traditional dancing. And squaredancing… in the round. But it’s pretty cute that there are still young Norewgians doing this, and the tallest boy sure gets down! It may be hard to tell, but the boys are all wearing felted wool overalls with leather patches on the butt. Perhaps one of the dorkier traditional costumes out there!

Katy(posted on Dec 31, 2006 at 9:55 pm)

These women and making lefsa, in the traditional way next to a big fire. I wish I could make lefsa this way!

Katy(posted on Dec 31, 2006 at 9:57 pm)

We just emerged from the lefsa cabin (after 15 minutes of waiting in line for hot lefsa) and C is enjoying his, despite the look on his face.

Katy(posted on Dec 31, 2006 at 10:00 pm)

With Chris and Ruby, it’s a Sunday Picture!

Major events this week: I finished my new black sweater!, the dryer broke :(, Chris’s Opera Christmas party, and our visit to the Norskfolkmuseum with INN. The weather has been surprisingly unwintry, with rainy nights and 5 – 10 C days.

The dryer broke Monday and all week we tried to dry clothes in front of the fire. When I started up the fire Monday to try the first load, Ruby opened the fire place door right after I lit the fire and totally smoked out the room. It was stinky until Wednesday, which meant stinky clothes. It was aired out by game night, though. We played Alan’s game Caylus, the one with building castles and following a little path to build your buildings along it. I didn’t like it so much, but I got a chance to do some knitting while I was waiting to lose!

On Thursday Ruby and I walked extensively in the Bislett/Frogner area, exploring and checking around the area. We walked from C’s school over to the palace and played in the palace park for a while, then walked back a different way and visited the health store and the craft store.

Friday the dryer was still broken and Lauren and I stokked up the fire for more clothes drying while Chris and Carl Anders were at the julebord. We watched the new Superman movie. I liked it.

Saturday we stayed home, did nothing. Sunday we went to the Norskfolkmuseum with Aina and the INN crowd. We watched traditional dancing, lefsa making, dipped some candles, got a candy apple and a big peppakake on a stick! It was great. We’ve got to remember to visit this place in the summer, when it’s less uncomfortable to just wander (e.g. not cold!)

Katy(posted on Feb 7, 2007 at 10:18 pm)

Chris took a movie of us, after taking 20 pictures with someone blurry or making a funny face in each one. C and I talk about the Norskfolkmuseum.

Katy(posted on Dec 31, 2006 at 10:02 pm)

They were sticky and sweet, but it wasn’t quite caramel. Not sure what it was, but it tasted good!

Katy(posted on Dec 31, 2006 at 10:05 pm)

Ruby is making a funny face, trying to get the sticky stuff off her teeth, and Chris is making a funny face attempting to get the sticky stuff only on his teeth!

Katy(posted on Dec 31, 2006 at 10:07 pm)

Reminds me of Ruby’s first non-boob food.

Katy(posted on Dec 31, 2006 at 10:10 pm)

C appears to be in a sugar-induced trance.

Katy(posted on Dec 31, 2006 at 10:11 pm)