Darn! Maybe not in a tree...

After doing some minimal research. I might have to alter my tree house plans.  Other than the fact that I really don't like heights, building one in the tree I'm thinking of isn't going to be feasible.  I guess I'm more pragmatic than I thought. 

So my new plan is to follow through on something I thought about while in Norway last month.  Those intelligent Norwegians built these little house like structures (stabbur) for food storage.  They put them on piles of rocks and some on stilts so the rodents couldn't get at their stockpiles of food.

This must be the logo for Sons of Norway but considering my picture through the window of the bus in Norway didn't really turn out - I'm sure they won't mind if I show you my idea for my stabbur.

So we have an old chicken coop or small granary whose sides are bulging and begging to be restored.  Part of the floor is cement that has heaved in the frost our winter/spring bring.  This floor issue has stopped all discussion of rebuilding plans because it seemed like so much work to move huge pieces of cement weighing tons.

Now - my idea is to take the small building down - piece by piece.  My sig other has a planer that I could learn to operate I think.  I know we couldn't selvage all of the wood but selvaging some would be so satisfying.  If we saved some of the boards, we would have fewer boards to purchase.

If we use timbers outside each corner of the existing footprint site for footings, we can build over the cement that is too bad to use as a floor.  Raising the floor deck by - say 24" - might be the trick. 

So now I would have a new place to hide - or - create and we would be using the old to make the new short tree house type shelter.  I will have to choose the appropriate time and mood to approach my new plan.  Actually I introduced this idea in Norway but I'm sure someone was banking on me forgetting the idea.  No such luck!

Huh?  The SO (significant other) wandered in and I went over my new idea...so we're in research mode.  He will stop at Menard's tomorrow and get some prices on a metal building that will look like my Norwegian idea - red with white trim and maybe grass on the roof?  or not.  I'm still holding out for a wood structure but I'm pliable.

Go figure!  I might have to make his favorite for supper tonight.  Woo hoo!  An idea might become a reality in a different form.  I'm good.

Take care,

Bonnie

Invite 'em to Lunch and Sneek in the Slide Show!

I have to laugh...I love to laugh so its not such a burden to laugh but we just spent a few hours with my Dad and Brother.  What a hoot!

It was an invitation for lunch and the 250+ pictures of Norway and Sweden.  Sounds like a fun afternoon - don't ya think? 

I didn't get as much straightened up as I had wanted to yesterday and this morning I was wanting/needing just a few more minutes/hours of sleep.  I'm usually a list maker but I was flying by the seat of my pants this morning trying to remember what needed to be done and in what order to maximize my time.  Swede sausage (the last one in the freezer - time to make more) in the oven on parchment paper - good thought - no icky pan afterwards, peel the potatoes, micro the corn, chop the ham and onions, and unwrap the frozen buns to thaw.  Should I make chowder or hotdish?  Hotdish it is but par boil the potatoes then dry my hair, and throw hotdish together and put in the oven after dialing down the heat so the sausage doesn't overcook.  Whew!

No time to make dessert so ice cream and fresh baked chocolate chip cookies it is.  In the "just found"  Halloween take out containers, toss some cookies in cool Halloween baggies, add a few small candy bars and close the top!  Now it's almost time for the guests to arrive...just get the coffee on and set the table.  They're here!

Both are in a good mood and we settle down to eat.  Whew!  The only thing wrong is burned buns..the Hawaiian kind...methinks its the sugar that was the culprit.  Oh well...1/2 are ok and the other half we'll just cut off the tops and eat the bottoms!

The slide show was quick - should have slowed it down but I can't remember what all the buildings are anyway so we looked at the beautiful scenery, the buses rainy windows prevent perfect  shots but the buildings are gorgeous so who cares if its the Parliament or a museum.  I have to organize and identify things before I totally forget where I was. 

My Dad

Today was fun - with both guests trying to talk at the same time.  Got in some real belly laughs...Honey and Norma Jean got lots of extra petting time so they are happy too!  Yay!  and the house is a little cleaner too!

Take care,

Bonnie

10 Things About Me...

Today I'm going to record 10 random things...

1. I procrastinate doing the things I love to do.  Is it the guilt programmed into my head that I must do the things I hate first?  Yes - I suspect that is partly the reason.  The other part might be that I've started so many other projects that I think I need to complete those things first.  So beginning tomorrow I will spend time on things I don't like to do (ie. housework), things I've begun and not finished, and a new altered art project that I've wanted to try.  I bet I will be up early and to bed late!

2.  I do like to cook but not difficult recipes...just simple ones that come under the heading...comfort foods.  It's great creative fun to find things in the cupboard/refrig and create something wonderful - like meatloaf, chocolate chip cookies or potato dish of some sort.  Now if only I like healthier food and less of it.

3.  I want to build my own tree house out in the middle of our driveway that circles around to our barn.  I want to create/find the building plans, buy the supplies and put it together with my own tools.  I'd like to do it in the spring so I can hang out and write and see things from above.  Looking for some plans will be my next step...or should I design it myself.  Hmmm...

4.  Driving is a passion of mine.  I love the freedom and the power of getting into the car, turning the key and leaving for anywhere.  When my adventure is over - usually exercise, coffee with friends and errands but also my 200 mile round trips to a bigger city for real shopping - I really like driving back home into the driveway and finding my husband, cat and dog waiting for me.  Everyone updating me on their day and me updating them on my day.  My bright red Chev HHR makes me smile when I see it outside waiting for me to power her up and go again.

5.  The hunt for things I think I might need for my altered art or to repurpose and sell for our two sales is a thirst that is never quenched.  My mind races as I look through my favorite magazine thinking of where I might find baby shoes or old vintage lace.  Should I make the thrift store route again or a garage or estate sale or ???  How can life ever be boring?  I cringe when people say they are bored.  I have a million things to do - buy - make - sell - write!  How can I share that passion with those people or do I want to?

6.  If a relationship becomes too difficult, I can usually walk away.  I wonder if this is a weakness I have or because I've hit the senior discount age I just don't have time to invest with those who make life too difficult or dramatic or competitive.  I'm not sure I like this part of me.

7.  I love my dog but there is something about a cat on my lap that melts me most days.  It must be the unconditional and haughty part of a cat that is satisfyingly comfortable to me.  It also means fall and colder weather which means I'm usually reading or knitting or crocheting while she naps.  Sometimes it means that my hubby will get my coffee out of the microwave where I forgot it.  I like that part too.

8.  My kitchen studio and fabric room are a mess and I really prefer working in that atmosphere.  I know it would look better when others peek into my room where my fabric appears to be falling out of the cubes where they used to be color sorted.  I like digging through the stacks of whatever to discover a long lost piece that will work just perfectly in what I'm making.  Ha!

9.  I miss my Mom every day.  She died almost 16 years ago.  I have a million things I would like to ask her about when she was young and growing up on the farm where boys were more important than girls.  I want to know everything she knew, everything she learned about life and what should I do today about this and that.  I would hug her more even though she wasn't a hugger.  I would do that for me.  How did she survive her mother dying when she was 15...was she scared about going to "town" and being a nanny...where did she learn to be so self sufficient.  I want to know what she knew.  I talk to her but she doesn't talk to me.  I miss my Mom.

10.  I need my Dad to live longer than I do.  I love him.  I don't want to be an orphan.  Period - the end.

Long were you a dream in your mother's sleep...

and then she woke to give you birth.

- Kahlil Gibran

What a beautiful baby - don't you think?

We welcome our new great grandgirl, Audriana Marie, to our family and our world!  Mom Bailey and Audriana are tired but are doing fine.  Gram Alissa is almost recovered too.  Auntie Gabby and Brooke are so proud along with Great Aunt Jen!  What a joy to celebrate this new little life!

Great Gram (me) just spent the last week at two different quilt retreats making a quilt and diaper bag for this great event.  I just finished the binding on the quilt last night so hopefully I can deliver the gifts and hold her soon.

The back of the quilt is the same pink fabric of the diaper bag.  The diaper bag closure is made from a metal tape measure so it snaps closed.

 

I hope Audriana will take a nap or two with my Crawling Baby quilt.  It was so much fun to make...lots of love sewn in those seams.

When I got home from my retreat, I cut my roses again so the blossoms wouldn't freeze.  There are still buds out there...imagine roses in October in northern Minnesota.  We've had a beautiful fall and with the birth of our newest family member it is quite a memorable fall at that.

 

Take care and hug your kids!

Bonnie

Ok - now for the gorgeous Norwegian scenery!!!

Ta Dah!!!  It's time for me to reveal some the dramatic scenery that we experienced on our Scandinavian Tour.  

First of all this is a map of our path beginning at Oslo...because of weather and other unfortunate happenings, we missed the Copenhagen leg of our tour.  We travelled about 2000 miles on a tour bus with the greatest driver ever!

Most of the following jaw dropping scenes were taken - some out of the bus window in the rain - on our journey from Oslo to Bergen which was up the mountains to the tundra and down to Bergen.

I believe the mountain in the distance is actually a glacier...funny thing about glaciers, they actually move.  Scary to me!!  but so beautiful and mysterious.

One of the ferry crossing we made on the bus!



Loved being in this scenery!!!



 These homes were on the tundra - just rock and very little else.



Lakes, fjords and mountains - God's wonders!

A couple real good bus meeting bus, bus meeting semi stories - I'll tell you when I see you!

Waterfalls and tunnels define Norway!

Troll marshmallows everywhere!!!



I took a million pictures out of the bus window trying to capture these bags filled with grasses and seeds for cattle.  I thought they were wrapping bales of hay or straw but they are actually bags.  I had this great story for my grandkids about troll marshmallows.  It was creative in my mind...because you know that trolls never want to be seen and if they are, they turn to stone!

Well - I have so many more pictures so I will be carrying around my laptop and cornering friends...beware! 

Take care,

Bonnie 

My Discovery of Norse Ships

Archeology 101:  Can you imagine finding this Viking ship?  

Discovered in Norway in 1906, the Oseberg ship (above),
the best preserved Viking ship ever found,  reveals its Norse
shipbuilders' graceful construction style. - PBS site

The Viking Ship Museum displays the large Viking ships Oseberg, Gokstad and Tune, as well as founds from the chief grave at Borre in the Vestfold district. The three ships are the best preserved Viking ships known, found in royal burial mounds in the Oslo fjord. As burial ships, carrying the dead over to “the Other World”, the ships were equipped with unique treasures such as wagons, horses and especially textiles which are seldom preserved from the Viking age, now on exhibit at the museum.

- http://www.norway.com/directories/d_company.asp?id=671

Our guide said that they found evidence that this ship, built around 800 A.D., carried the remains of a woman with her textiles amongst other items displayed in museum.  For more detail on the items found in this ship:

http://www.forest.gen.nz/Medieval/articles/Oseberg/textiles/TEXTILE.HTM

Buried in cold water and silt, the Oseberg ship was reconstructed with very little new wood.  They restored it using the pieces that were found at the site.  The craftsman were just that master of their craft.  It is beautiful and majestic.

It was difficult to get a full view of the ship even though there were balconies to take pictures.  I found this museum so interesting and if you want more information, here's links for more Viking history. 

 

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/vikings/ships.html

http://www.khm.uio.no/utstillinger/oseberg/indexE.html

Take care,

Bonnie

Lovely Norwegian Buildings

I love old buildings and so do Norwegians!  Norwegian buildings are so colorful and old!!!  They keep their old buildings - they don't tear them down like we have done to so many of our lovely old structures.

The green of this building in Oslo was so beautiful - of course, I love green but it was a sage green and the masonry trim around the windows made it look like a giant gingerbread building.

This building had murals painted at the top...unique!

This was The Grand Hotel in Oslo, I thought it was grand!  There was another Grand Hotel in Stockholm equally as grand!

Such a great picture even if I don't know what it was used for!  On our trip I found the buildings of Norway and Sweden so interesting.  They were almost like gingerbread but with lovely colors and lots of masonry detail.  Not only the buildings in the cities were unique to me but the homes in the countryside were such different and wonderful colors.

These soft pastel beauties caught my eye.  Except for this delivery truck, I believe this was a pedestrian walk...Karl Johan's Gate.  There was usually one of these areas in each of the larger cities we visited.  It helps when you don't have to worry about cars and trucks when you are gawking upwards at the great sites.  My new friend, Mary Kay, is doing just that!

Look at how the houses were crowded together in the distance and of course the wonderful building in front.  Houses were so close together that I wondered if they planned the windows accordingly so you wouldn't be looking directly into each other's homes.

I'll get back to you on what this building is but I guess it doesn't really matter because I thought it was so stately and lovely sitting at the end of an area of gardens and statutes. 

That's all for today - only 260 pictures left to show you - just kidding!!!

Norway is the land of my ancestors - it just felt good to be there and enjoy the people and the culture and the buffets!!

Take care,

Bonnie

Back Home - Yay!

Imagine our surprise when we arrived home from two weeks in Scandinavia to roses on the table, lasagna in the refrigerator, apple cake on the counter along with a beautiful card and lovely necklace!  I celebrated my birthday in Stockholm but what a wonderful surprise awaited me at home!  John and Addy picked out the roses - I love them!

Jen searched through my old pictures to make copies to use for my card and in my necklace!  I love the old pictures, the flowered sofa my Mom and me are posing on and the horse I'm sitting on (made by my Dad for me!)  My necklace has a picture of me too in all my pudgy glory! I can't wait to find a new outfit to wear with my new accessory!  It's made on a glass slide with a handmade tiny flower with pearl center and it says "My Mother".  I do love handmade gifts - don't you???  So thoughtful and creative.

My daughter and her family took great care of our dog, Honey, and our cat, Norma Jean.  It was wonderful not having to worry about our furry "kids" at home.  Norma Jean caught two mice while we were gone much to Jen's surprise!  Norma had never hunted them down before so this was a very good thing - except to those who found them...(better her than me!)

While in Sweden, I commented that I would make spaghetti as soon as I got home after living on fancier food while traveling in Norway and Sweden.  But I didn't have to cook when we got home - we had a great meal of lasagna about 30 minutes after we arrived home.  It was a wonderful trip but it is nice to be home and in touch with family again! 

We had a hard frost last night so I cut most of the roses off the bushes that my son in law, John, has given me for past Mother's Days!  So beautiful to have all these roses in my house!  Yay!

We are feeling less jet lag so I will post some of the 265 pictures I took in future posts.  So many waterfalls, mountains, and fjord scenery I'd like to share with you...a few at a time so I don't shut blogger.com down!

It's so good to be home!

Bonnie