I had another day off school today and I had a much better day than Kory or Kaleb, even though I had a lot of homework to do. We are now memorizing the names of items of clothing. Learning this language never ceases to tickle my funny bone. In Norway, a man wears a “dress” and “slips” (otherwise known as a “suit” and “tie”), and the word they use for a briefcase is a “stresskoffert” – literally translated means, “stress luggage” – how funny is that? I’d like to know who comes up with this stuff (probably someone who works in an office and carries a briefcase with his dress and slips).
Kaleb didn’t complain about riding his bike to school in the pouring rain, but he does complain about a lot of other things. He’s got some little blisters under his big toe that are making him miserable so he’s really complaining about that. Kory thinks it’s athlete’s foot but I’m not sure. I’ve never seen anything like it. I may have to take him to a doctor if it doesn’t get better. Socialized medicine may be free, but you have to wait at least four weeks before you get an appointment for anything so I’ll just start praying for God to heal him as I’m not sure I can tolerate four weeks of constant complaining (plus, I’m sure it really does irritate him and who needs that?). He stayed home from soccer practice today because it hurts so much. At least it gave him time to get his homework done. Sabina came over and helped him a little, which was nice.
Kory came home cold to the bone again. He had to work out in the pouring rain all day. He wasn’t complaining though. He said he’s trying to stop that habit. He also said the guy they are building a house for brought them all a hot lunch – steak and potatoes – the whole nine yards. Apparently every Tuesday that guy does that. I’m not sure if it’s in his contract, or if he’s just a nice, appreciative guy, but this was the first time Kory was on that jobsite on a Tuesday so he was bummed he got up so early this morning and made himself lunch. Oh well, at least he didn’t complain about it.
I did a little baking today for Aunt Ruth’s birthday party tomorrow. I made some killer lemon bars and I once again pondered a question that’s been going over and over in my head for years: since lemon is used as a cleaning agent, do I really need to wash the knife after I’ve cut through one? I also made a prune cake. I’ve never made one before but I figure if I can’t make it for someone who’s 85, who can I make it for? (Kory thinks anyone over 50 would appreciate one. Ha ha.) I also baked two loaves of bread. This is what happens when it rains all day, I don’t have a car or TV and no one is home. I guess I could have read a good book, but baking was much more fun. I also did a little writing today that got published on a few websites, so that was a thrill. One was a letter to the editor of a newspaper, and another was a comment on Rosie O’Donnell’s blog. She posed the question, “What is God?” and I wrote, “Creator of all things. Lover of my soul.” And she posted it - with my name even. I thought it was a better response than the person who wrote, “Dog spelled backwards,” but they got on there too, so I guess her standards aren’t all that high.
(Today’s photo was taken last week on Lofoten – standing under a fishing shack at low tide, looking out.)
