Monday 19 December 2011

The week before Christmas

I am so glad I don’t have the everything-has-to-be-perfect-for-Christmas-gene. I have a quite laid back attitude about the holidays for which I am truly thankful. We will have food, we will have gifts, and we will have a table at which we can eat as soon as I clear off the debris from crafting fun and work stuff. No one will get handmade gifts this year which is fine, and if I get around to making and writing cards at all this year, there might be a few going in the mail by the end of the year.

My trip to Oslo and Lillehammer last week did not go exactly according to plan. There were a few hiccups I’d say. Oslo airport was closed due to an ice problem in the morning, and after 2 flight cancellations, loooots of waiting around at the airport and a few travelling challenges (think Steve Martin and John Candy road trip without the bed sharing scene), I was 6 hours delayed to Oslo and 4 hours late for the meeting that I have been working towards since February. There’s not much to do other than just going with the flow, is there, and thank goodness one of the people I was meeting stayed until we could finish up more than 3 hours past their office hours. I had 21 minutes to get from the meeting to the train to Lillehammer including a trip by tube and lots of running with two suitcases, my definitely non-small bag across my torso and a dangling briefcase over my shoulder (thank you Zumba classes of yesteryear). I managed to get onto the train as the doors were closing (imagine the looks I got from my fellow passengers when I happily laughed out loud, trying to catch my breath; so relieved to make it after such a day) and arrived at my parents’ late in the evening too wired to sleep at all.


My parents and I took the bus into town on Tuesday and I tried to take a few pictures of the main street.

Lillehammer is such a beautiful town, and even prettier in the winter, but now it was windy and rainy and icy.

It’s still beautiful though.


I got safely back home in the evening after eating lunch with my sister, spending a few hours with my nephews, having dinner with my parents, a cab that did not show up on time, another train ride, more waiting at an airport, and finally a bumpy flight home. I haven’t really felt the urge to do much after that, other than spending time with my family, attending a couple of Christmas parties (one involving Santa, the other lasting from 5:30 pm to 2 am which is a long time making small talk with people you don’t know no matter how nice they are and how delicious the food is).


I have been making Christmas decorations with grandson, but that’s not really doing anything, just pure enjoyment.
I love these!


And our fragile paper trees made with crepe paper ribbons and wood glue!

Oh man, what a mess that was; my fingers are still blue. I diluted the glue way too much and after 30 hours the glue is still leaking from one of the other trees.


And of course I have been knitting in the evenings, but that really doesn’t count, does it. This winter appears to be all about neck- and arm/leg warmers. The neck warmers have a kind of Victorian appearance, but they are super stretchy and comfy.

If only winter would come back; I want snow for Christmas.


I had a few lovely surprises this week as well, like this gorgeous artwork from my friend Sherry in the UK. Isn’t she just beautiful!

And husband came home from a trip to China and I found another mystery box on the table in the morning.

This time he brought home a beautiful crystal bottle which is painted on the inside; a gift from one of his suppliers.

Tomorrow is baking day; daughter and I will make our favourite Christmas cookies which is always fun. Maybe I’ll get around to making more gluey mess trees after that; I have a few other ideas I would love to try out.

Happy holiday preparations!

4 comments:

  1. Sorry for your travel troubles. Takes alot of energy! Thank you for the pictures of Lillehammer. L reminds me of Bedford Falls, the little town in the movie "It's a Wonderful Life". I love that place. (Yours has real snow!)
    I also love the crafts you did with your grandson. What a precious gift for you both. I've done some with the grands, but its been so rare an event. Lovely memories!
    I didn't make any Christmas gifts this year either. No kitchen... mine is being repaired, so we can't use it at all. I've been making all year...sending things out as needed. You've been doing that too. I like the concept of Christmas all year. Atta girl!
    We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Hugs!!

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  2. Lots of excitement although not always the best kind. Glad you enjoyed the visit with family. Your parent's look pretty robust in that photo. I was laughing thinking of Steve Martin and John Candy, such a funny, funny movie, adventures in holiday travel eh! Your beaded ring and tree decorations are swell. Enjoy the cookie baking, I can smell them from here! Jingle jingle. xox Corrine

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  3. I always say, "Life may not be the party we had hoped for but while we are here, we might as well dance"! Sounds like your trip was that kind of day. It made me laugh to read of all the mishaps, running, and excitement for the day. Glad you had time with your family too. The projects you do with your grandson are wonderful and building so many warm memories for you both. Hope you have a very Merry Christmas.

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  4. For someone who's not doing anything, that was quite a report! Thank you for sharing your Lillehammer photos - how beautiful to see the snow. I'm so glad you were able to hold that long-awaited meeting. My goodness, what a day!!

    Enjoy your baking and all the best for the rest of your 'slow' holiday. Sounds perfect.

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