Happenings..

Each day seems to be slipping by so quickly since I arrived. The sun has been shining for the past few days, making both daytime and evening walks very enjoyable.

Since I've been here the weather has seemed to be somewhat temperamental. You never quite know what to expect. Although, truth be told, if you might happen to guess rain, you've a good chance of being right, 'cause it does seem to rain a whole lot here (at least since I've been here)!

I've been studying Norwegian, and have begun to understand just a little of what is being said when it is being spoken to me. I'm also able to say a few words and ask a few questions, though, people actually understanding me, well, that may be another thing entirely !  :)

I have been reading, 'The Night Trilogy, (to be found here: http://www.amazon.com/The-Night-Trilogy-Dawn-Day/dp/0809073641 ). Though I've not yet reached the end of the series, I've been so moved by the first two books which I have so far read. The first in the series is very sad, as it's an autobiographical account of Elie's life as a young boy living during the Holocaust. It's heart wrenching to read of one so young having to endure so much sorrow and loss. Parts two and three of the series are written as novels, both based on his life experience during that time. Having read parts one and two, I'm now looking forward to beginning part three.

I've also been playing the guitar quite a bit lately. I've been learning a few new songs, and enjoying Little Man's dancing along with me, as I do. As I'm sure you can imagine, he's very cute and entertaining to watch!

A hike up the mountain.

 A food festival, and a trip downtown :)

 

  Randomness.

 

  



~ Julia

Life Slips Slowly By...

Well, as you can see, it has been quite awhile since I last did any blogging. Life has been very busy as usual, and along with the busyness have come many changes for me over the past couple of years. Good changes, but still, changes nonetheless. Life, and the always-rolling moments after moments of it that never stop.

Last summer, I Interned on a Dairy Farm in Vermont for 6 months, with Rosie. It was a special time in many ways, and I enjoyed every moment of it. Well, okay, to be honest, maybe not *every* moment of it!  But it was a great experience, and I'm grateful to have gotten to spend time with Rosie, and each one of the precious people I was privileged to meet, get to know, and make lasting friendships with while I was there.  I did, however, while there, manage to figure out that, although I know that there are many people who love and appreciate it, Dairy Farming, it's just really not my thing. So, I'll happily leave it to those that enjoy it far more than I!

After a few wonderful months spent at home, I then went down to Rhode Island, stayed with some close friends, and worked as a PASS worker (Personal Assistance Services and Support) for several months, working one-on-one with handicapped children. Now this, was something that I loved doing, and wished could have lasted longer. Sadly, it was only a temporary situation. But, who knows what may come down the road!

I am now in Norway. I'm staying with my Sister-in-law and her family, who are making me feel right at home. While I am here, I am acting as Nanny to my adorable little nephew. So far, my time here's been great! Though there's been a bit of an adjustment to the time *change*, I've been going for walks, sightseeing, and exploring, and of course playing with my nephew, Little Man!

 The sights of Bergen. 

 My little charge.  

~ Julia

Spring is really here!

Wow, I can't believe that Spring is really here. The flowers are starting to bloom and the leaves are all coming on to the trees, the grass is coming up, and there is a wonderful *warm* breeze blowing!
The snow is all melted and the sun is shinning today, it's the perfect day for a walk...

We celebrated Celeisa's birthday, a few weeks ago (it was put off due to everyone not feeling well) we made Personal Pizza's and had a big salad. Claire came over with all wee ones in the morning and spent the day, and later that night Wesley came over. It was a wonderful day.

Last Sunday, Rosie and I took all the littles, got a picnic lunch, and headed out to the zoo. We had a blast looking at all the animals-we even found a part of it that we didn't even know was there! Then, after the zoo, we went to a small museum, and then took them all for a ride on the carousel!
 The day ended by a visit from Abbie, James and Kieran~he is getting so big!

The house has been busy with long walks, and lots of spring cleaning both inside and out, reading, writing, doing school, and enjoying all the beautiful days that we have been getting, here in Wesleytown.

We wen't over to Wesley and Claire's, this past Sunday afternoon. We had a wonderful time visiting. Claire made a delicious stew and we all stayed and had dinner with them. All the little ones played dress up. :)


"For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;
The flower appear on the earth; the time of the singing of the birds is come, and 
the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;
The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away."


Rosie made Celeisa this sweet doll.

All finished..

Pizza making!

There were party hats and all.

 

 

Isn't she cute?!

 

The table set all pretty.

 

The other day we made, scones and hot tea.

Stan.

~ Julia

Pretty days of snowy whiteness...

Snow has been gently falling for the past few hours and has made everything look so pretty here.  The trees are all covered and look so mystical, the white blanket on them looks so like a painting.

We have been spending most of our days either outside enjoying the snowy wonderland, sledding building snow men, and having snowball fights, or snuggled up in the nice warm house, reading, doing school, creating, knitting, sewing, playing games and and drinking hot tea and coffee! 

The littles have created a great big road right in the middle of our dining room and have been adding and adding to it, they have made it into a regular little town. :)

I have been reading some of  "Daphne du Maurier" books. I really liked her book "Rebecca", and decided that I would try some of her other books, which I have been doing and enjoying.

Stan Lee was so sweet, he got me a beautiful 1940's dress that I *love*, for my birthday!  It is so pretty, my favorite time period would definitely be the 1930's and 40's, so you can imagine my surprise and excitement when I saw it!! :)

The wind is howling outside and the snow if falling, the wood stove is glowing red and everyone is busy with their different projects.
Tea and a good read aloud today, sounds like it could make for a nice cozy afternoon.

"It was the middle of winter and very, very cold. The mice of Brambly Hedge forecasted snow. And they were right. In the morning they awoke to find their doors and windows hidden behind deep drifts. There hadn’t been snow like this for years. “There’s enough for a Snow Ball!” cried the mice with glee, and set to work in the time-honoured way to make an Ice Hall for the festivities."

:: Brambly Hedge ~ Winter Story ::

Snowy Art.

Wrist warmers.
A new knitted project that Rosie made.

Deeply concentrated on her book.

Annie Rose and her Mama :)

Here is the great big road.

The beautiful dress that my sweet brother gave to me!

~ Julia