It's Great to be Home!

I felt like crying most of today, I was just that homesick.  Kaleb and I have talked on the phone several times.  He tried to plan a little welcome home party for us, but couldn’t keep it a secret because he needed to know too many things from me in order to pull it off.  It was so sweet he even thought of that.  He said he wanted us to have a little snack when we got in so late and also he “wanted to make it nice for us.”  So many times I’ve worried he was going to turn out to be a selfish kind of person, but after what he pulled off today, I guess I shouldn’t worry so much.  He was very thoughtful.  His caretaker for the last 12 nights even said so.  She sent me several messages telling me how nice and polite he was and he was no trouble at all to have around.  Time went too fast, she said, but for me, it just drug on and on.

The first day on our ferry trip Kory gave a copy of the watercolor he did of the Hurtigruten ferry in the Geiranger fjord, to the captain of the ship.  The Captain, being polite and all, invited us up to the bridge.  I didn’t want to feel like an opportunist, so we didn’t take him up on his offer, as other passengers have to pay about twenty dollars for the privilege of going up there to meet him.  Well, today at lunch, he stopped Kory and told him we were free to come up to the bridge at 3pm today, so we decided we should go.  He couldn’t have been nicer.  He asked me if I were Norwegian and I told him I’m from America.  He asked how come I speak Norwegian so well.  I told him I had to go to Norwegian classes when we moved to Norway but I didn’t really learn proper Norwegian, I learned the dialect from Aalesund.  He said, “I can tell.”  We talked the whole time in Norwegian so I did OK understanding all he said.  It was all polite chit-chat and he asked for the address to my blog as he wants to read what I write about Norway.  I told him I wrote about the Hurtigruten for this week’s article, then I remembered that I said I got a little bored on it, so I didn’t want to give him the address!  Talk about being in a pickle.  I decided to leave the address with the receptionist before we got off the ferry tonight, but I may have to re-write it just for my blog so I don’t get the guy upset with me.  He invited us back anytime we want to bring the nice weather along with us that we have enjoyed this week.  I told him that was up to God, not me.

So that was our excitement for today, except of course, the excitement of finally seeing Kaleb again.  I just moped around, packed up my things and talked to Kaleb as much as I could prior to our departure.  Our group had our last supper together and had a few good laughs then I worked on a photo book for this trip – and it’s nearly already done.  I didn’t even get off the ship in any of the stops today.  Once we were closer to civilization, I could get an internet signal so I used the time to communicate with a few people and read some news.  Part of the problem with the 12 day long journey is that I really have missed being in touch with my friends so I got kinda lonely and really wanted to be home – either one of our homes.

We got in just after midnight.  Kaleb called me about 15 minutes before we docked and he could barely talk, he was so tired and trying to stay awake, but he warned me he might fall asleep.  He told me he planned a party for us and a few surprises, so he wanted me to wake him when we got in.

Cousin Odd drove our car into the city and parked it next to the dock so we were home in no time.  Kaleb was sound asleep on the couch.  He’d made little cucumber finger sandwiches – he even cut off the crusts and cut the sandwiches in triangle shapes.  He put out a nice serving tray and had chocolates on one side and the sandwiches on the other.  He had nuts and pop and a hand made plaque he’d made at school that said KORY MICKEY KALEB on it that we can hang near our door (as is the Norwegian tradition).  I tried to wake him but he was out cold.  I just sat and held him for the longest time until I couldn’t stay awake any longer either.  We ate up the sandwiches and soon thereafter, called it a day.  Oh, it’s good to be home!

Five Seconds of Fame

I set the alarm this morning so I wouldn’t sleep in and miss the encounter we had with the MS Nordnorge – the ship that’s beaming 24 hour a day coverage to NRK2 TV here in Norway.  I made a sign with Norwegian flags attached that said HI KALEB and I intended on him seeing it.  I called him a little before eight to be sure he was awake.  He wasn’t.  I had to call twice to wake him.  He tried to turn on the TV at Henrik’s house but couldn’t figure it out so he had to wake up Henrik.  There were a few moments of panic as I saw the ship approaching and he couldn’t find the channel on TV, but finally he saw our ship and we both settled down.  I miss him terribly.

We were told to all go up on the top deck to wave to the other ship, but just a handful of us were disobedient in that regard, and stood on one of the lower decks that faces forward.  It was a good thing.  Kaleb actually saw us waving the sign and Kory’s sweatshirt and the camera zoomed in on me close enough that he saw me head on, talking to him on the phone!  Very exciting for us both.  We talked the whole time our ship was being filmed.  I asked Kaleb if I should go up on the top deck, since he said they were getting more airtime, but he responded with, “No, it’s chaos up there!  I’d never find you.”  And so it was, so we stayed put.

My friend Paula, in Colorado, that stayed up til after midnight last night to watch the live streaming on the internet.  She picked us out of the crowd, too, based on the clues I’d given her on where we’d be.  She sent me a photo of it today, and sure enough, that was us.  Other friends in Washington were also watching the live stream and they did a screen shot and we could see ourselves on the outside deck, so we definitely had our five seconds of fame today (tee hee), as half the country is still watching that program.  And when the going gets a bit boring on the program, they replay some of the more exciting moments of the past, so we’ve been on a couple times today, as I’ve even seen from the TV in our cabin on the ship.  Too funny.

(There's a hole right in the center of this rock.)

We still haven’t had any bands playing when we’ve arrived at different ports like they have, but we sure have been smiled on by God as we’ve had another incredible day of blue sky and sunshine.  I just didn’t get out in it much since I decided to get another article written for the LaConner paper and I needed some peace and quiet in my room to do that.  At least that’s crossed off my to-do list.  Now that we are almost home, I have a to-do list again.  This party is soon over.

Cousin Kari saw a couple of whales a few days ago off the back of the boat and I saw some dolphins jumping in the distance, but other than that, I’ve been surprised by the lack of sea life visible on this trip.  I’ve seen several eagles and other shore birds, but nothing too exciting.  The mountains and islands make up for a lot though and I’m sure I’ve taken several thousand photos, as I seem to average several hundred a day.  Making a photo album is going to be painful - too many choices.

Well, today we docked in some pretty cute towns and we got out and walked around a little, but it’s Sunday so everything was closed.  I’m thinking the timing of this was terrible for shopping’s sake, but Kory was relieved.  He thinks we have no more room for anything anyway, so he wonders why I keep buying so much stuff.  I have a lot of friends, I tell him, but that’s how I justify buying it all, then I have a hard time giving it away because I love it so much, too.  Ugh.

This morning on the top deck they served cod liver oil in a commemorative spoon as we crossed back over the Arctic Circle.  To drown out the flavor, some type of berry wine was offered to wash the nastiness away.  I opted out, so I didn’t get the spoon.  Kory got one though.  Stuart went through the line twice.  He’s got more Norwegian blood than I.  That fish oil taste has a way of coming back on you and I didn’t need any reminders today that I crossed the Arctic Circle.  I know we’re heading south as I’m counting down the hours until we are home. 

Only one more day until we are back in Aalesund!  We’ll be back at midnight tomorrow night.  Kory confirmed with Odd that he has our car and will leave it for us near the dock when we arrive so we can drive ourselves home.  Kaleb will be waiting for us at home, I hope.  I’m anxious to see him.  This trip has been wonderful, but really, at least three days too long for me, maybe more.  I would have liked it better if all the thrift stores we encountered were open when we arrived.  It was just painful to see so many nice things through the window and now be able to buy them.  I had that happen twice today.  I think the rest of the group could just keep on sailing, but I’ve run out of projects to do and I’m getting anxious.  I guess tomorrow I’ll start working on the photo album of this trip as there’s not much else on my to-do list I can accomplish from a ferry.  We’ll be back home in America in twelve days and then I’m pretty sure my to-do list will keep me good and busy.

The Last Hoorah!

As much as I would have liked to go for a walk or hike or bike ride today, we had too much cleaning to do, so I didn’t. Bummer for me; good for the condo. And it was sunny and beautiful today, too. Can I whine just a little bit more? I don’t want to be going home. Period.




Kory bought me a t-shirt when we were on our honeymoon and traveling around North America for two years in a motor home. He bought it in the Florida Keys, as we had parked ourselves there for several weeks in the middle of winter and just soaked up the sun. The t-shirt had a picture of a woman reclining in the sun wearing a visor that said Key Largo on it. Underneath the photo it said, “Sell Everything – I’m never coming home.” I think about that t-shirt from time to time, and even though we haven’t soaked up much sun here, we certainly don’t come to Norway for the weather. The only consolation in leaving is knowing we get to come back whenever we want. That seems to help us and everyone else say goodbye because “time goes so fast,” we heard over and over again today. Yes, it does, unless you are standing in line in a grocery store in Norway waiting for someone to finish bagging their groceries. Tee hee.



We double dipped today at church, going to Agape for the sermon, then to Philadelphia for the coffee hour afterwards. We had many to hug and wish well until we see them again. Then we headed back home to finish cleaning, moving things around and giving away things like plants and food and clothes Kaleb has outgrown.



Andreas, the leader for the young boys as Agape, told me today he really thinks Kaleb needs to go to school in America and be involved in several activities with other kids. He said he’s seen a huge improvement in his social skills from when we first moved to Norway in 2008, but that he has a ways to go. He said he interacts with adults way more comfortably than children and he’s worried about that. He said he can’t “read between the lines” on social cues. (I think he gets that from his dad.) I sat during the service half listening to the message, half wondering and praying what to do with Kaleb this fall. I’m so torn, and of course, only want to do what’s best for him. He is adamantly against going to school, but that’s not for him to decide. If we didn’t have this life here in Norway, it wouldn’t be nearly as complicated, but we do, and it’s God ordained, so I’ll continue to pray for wisdom.



Cousin Axel and Kari invited us for dinner tonight, which was a real blessing so we didn’t have to make dinner out of the weird assortment of food still left in the kitchen. Henrik’s mom picked Kaleb up at the bus stop and dropped him off at Axels (they live just down the street from each other). Kaleb talked non-stop about all the laughs they had and all they did this weekend. One of the moms told me the kids all got woken up at 1am this morning to smuggle Bibles into Russia (just pretend, of course), but somehow Kaleb got caught and ended up in jail. He was so groggy from doing something in the middle of the night, he didn’t even know what he was doing – he just said he ended up in jail. Not something you want to hear from a kid whose been gone for the weekend. I think he had fun.



Even after spending so much time at the car bureau the other day, asking questions about letting our tabs run out, etc., we apparently didn’t get the information we were looking for. Thankfully, the subject came up tonight at Axel’s house. Axel’s son told us as long as the license plates are attached to the car, we must pay for the tabs and insurance (about $2,000 a year). We thought we’d just let them both expire in July, but their system isn’t the same here. We must physically remove the plates, deliver them into the car bureau, and then we can call and cancel our insurance and not renew the tabs. Good to know! So Kory took off the plates and walked them down there tonight (it’s not far from where we live.) They have a drop slot for such things. I had a nagging feeling about that whole car thing so I’m glad we found out what to do. It’s tough when you don’t know what you don’t know.



We stopped by Tobias’ house tonight to drop off some Pecan Squares. I happened to have all I needed to make them in the fridge. Tobias’ step-dad, Bjørn, is taking us to the airport in the morning. He used to fly to America every few months to train people on some specific pilot skills he has. I made them for him every time he brought me back pecans from America, so I made him some tonight as a thank-you. We arrived at their house just as their extended family was leaving – both sets of Tobias’ grandparents, aunts and uncles showed up to wish him well and send him off to America with a little extra money in his pocket. He is so excited, I’m sure he won’t sleep a wink. We’re excited too, as it will be a much easier transition for Kaleb to have someone with us when we arrive. I’ve talked to the parents of Kaleb’s other friends to try and line up one friend every summer to come home with us, so our summers might be pretty exciting from now on. Woo hoo.



Now I’m hearing the words to The Carol Burnett Show in my head again, as she signed off every week singing, “I’m so glad we had this time, together; to have a laugh or sing a song. Seems we just get started and before you know it, comes the time we have to say, ‘So Long!’” This is the last post for a while on this blog, but I’ll try to update my Postcards From the Ridge blog daily – just in case anyone has withdrawl symptoms. Well, the truth is, Tobias’ parents want to keep tabs on him. I’m sure he’ll be a good boy.

Five Days and Counting...

Kory and I spent nearly the whole day going through stuff and packing it, throwing it or giving it away. At least now the garage, the attic and my desk are empty. Those places tend to collect the most junk, so now we just have to deal with surface things. We’ll wait until after lunch tomorrow to do all that since we have guests coming for lunch. It never ends.

A new friend, Tina, stopped by for coffee today. I was so excited to show someone my new bedcover. Kory just doesn’t “get it” as to why I’m so pleased with it, so it was good to have a woman here who understands. We talked about all kinds of things and both of us flipped back and forth from English to Norwegian – sometimes in the same sentence. It’s so funny now when I throw in a Norwegian word into an English sentence and don’t even realize it. I just pick the word that’s easiest to say and often has less syllables. And I feel like I’m right on the cusp of beginning to understand the proper use of pronouns and the variety of endings to adjectives, so I’m a little sad I may forget some of it at home. It does get easier to speak the language the longer we are here.

It’s now two in the morning as I write this. I was invited to a 50th birthday party tonight for Kristen, one of The Praying Women (see photo). I feel like I’ve entered the inner circle and now I see how these Norwegians really live. I feel so lucky to have been included and so accepted by this group of women. So many at my school feel completely isolated and shunned here and they find it very difficult to make friends. I’m sure if I weren’t married to someone from here, I might have the same problem, but as it is, I have been warmly embraced. It feels so special for me as I’ve lived in the Skagit Valley for ten years and still feel somewhat like an outsider, so it’s nice to feel like I’m one of the gang here, even if I don’t speak Norwegian properly.

I was a bit surprised by the formality of the party. I should expect that by now, but I was still unprepared. All the women had on very nice dresses and they wore makeup, jewelry, perfume and high heels (I barely got my hair brushed). It’s the first time I’ve seen shoes worn inside a house, but they assured me they were “innesko” (inside shoes), and they ARE allowed on special occasions. I wore my sandals, knowing I’d have to take them off when I got there, so I was walking around all night barefoot like some hillbilly, while all the other 14 women were clunking away on the hardwood floors with their pretty high heeled shoes. Who knew there were exceptions to that rule.

When we walked in the door we were handed a small glass with a tiny spoon. The glass was full of some mixture of something bubbly with tiny bits of fresh fruit floating around it in. The liquid tasted good but I avoided the strawberries as they aren’t my favorite. We chatted a bit waiting for all the guests to arrive then we were invited to the table. We stood behind our chairs while Kristen read a poem she’d written for the occasion, thanking us for sharing this day with her. After she was done, she invited us to sit at the table. They all sang a prayer (I didn’t know the words) and then we ate some very good food while we visited. After dinner we drank coffee and ate cakes. There were six cakes for 15 people. I guess they are crazy for their cakes in this part of Norway and it’s not uncommon to be at a party where there is a cake for every two people in attendance. Oh man, I’m going to miss those cakes. They aren’t ANYTHING like America cakes – in fact, flour is probably not even an ingredient in most of them. One of my favorites is when they bake two whole sheets of just whipped egg whites, so it’s nice and crunchy, then set a vanilla custard in the middle of the baked egg whites. That one is to die for. Oi. After dessert we played a game of “Mad Libs” where someone wrote a story and left all the adjectives blank and before the story was read, we had to give random adjectives to fill in the blanks. It turned out pretty funny and had everyone laughing for a good long time. Kristen opened all her birthday cards and read out loud what people wrote on them (that’s very common here) and the party went on until midnight. What a treat. I told them I’m taking some of that good Norwegian food back home with me to America, as I patted my behind. Surely I will.

Kory had his cousin Axel over for barbequed whale tonight so they ate together and had a nice visit (Axel’s wife Kari was with me at the party). We got a text message inviting us over to Odds, just after midnight, so we went there after the party. We were all outside on the deck until 1:30, drinking wine and talking about how sad it is we have to move back home. Odd is quite adamant we should move back here in October. Cousin Kari is sure the bedcover I found is a sign from God we should stay here. I thought she was joking, but I’m not quite sure. It’s good to know we’ll be missed.