Siri Wigdel

Norwegian life seems to be lived at a much slower pace in general, than what we are used to back home in Wales, but the last few days have been fast fast fast. Lots happening with mor’s house move. More packing and visits to our local Fretex shop, where Mr.Jones picked up another knitted cardigan, in exchange for mor’s plantpots (if you are after any nice outdoor or indoor plantpots, I suggest you pop down to Vågen soon, there may still be a few left). It was time for Ida (sister) and I to have our photo taken in front of our childhood home, as it may be the last time we are there together. Great for Ida (sister), Bjørn (brother) and I to have some time together, as this is rare. Dinner in brothers house, on the same day as Truls (clever nephew) had just passed his driving test and turned 18. Our book birthday gifts had gone down well. How apt to give a Norwegian 18 year old both ‘Of Mice and Men’ and 1984, by George Orwell. Did anyone else hear that this book was out of print, as sales had shot through the roof recently? Oh, and a welcome bit of sunshine on mor’s terrace for poor Mr.Jones who is still suffering with a nasty chest cough. I take back all the nasty comments about his health from previous posts, this cold is a serious one, it is not pretend, nor for sympathy. But I am still finding it difficult to get this stubborn Welsman to wear the right amount of clothing in this cold weather.