one day before 14 months and she does it, squealing and laughing
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Zelia vidoes
here are 2 videos, one is just the sound of her snoring through the baby monitor. It was the day after the first seder and I was teaching a yoga class while she slept outside - we could hear her snoring the whole time!!!!
The second is from this morning, she loves to play with the empty yogurt containers so I have been saving them for her. Of course once she saw the camera things changed, but the minute I put it down she started to laugh again.
It has been mild here all week and will continue through most of next week. It hasn't dropped below 5 I don't think. Tomorrow the forecast called for 8 and sunny, yay.
The second is from this morning, she loves to play with the empty yogurt containers so I have been saving them for her. Of course once she saw the camera things changed, but the minute I put it down she started to laugh again.
It has been mild here all week and will continue through most of next week. It hasn't dropped below 5 I don't think. Tomorrow the forecast called for 8 and sunny, yay.
Political Parties
Independents - Gisli's party
Liberal
Left Green
and another I couldn't understand to translate - I will eventually ask:)
Liberal
Left Green
and another I couldn't understand to translate - I will eventually ask:)
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Election preparation and the first day of summer?
I just got back from walking Zelia to sleep, it is now 7:25, sunny outside and about 10 degrees. I could hear the birds and smell the sea and saw crocuses coming up out of people's garden beds. There are still plenty of piles of snow, but the streets and sidewalks are melted and mostly dry. It has struck Jacob and me that we don't really smell the ocean here although we are surrounded by it and have speculated that it's due to the lack of beaches...anyone have any thoughts? I do think spring is beginning to show in these parts, which doesn't mean we won't get anymore snow, but it means some warmer weather at least for the next few days. Perhaps it is gearing up for the first day of summer - next Thursday! yes, you read it right...this is part of the old calendar that I have mentioned before. I am not sure but think it is a Viking calendar and they only had two seasons, winter and summer and so summer is beginning. It is a national holiday and schools and offices will be closed. The boy scouts are going to lead a walk to the church for a service and then parade around town afterwards:)
Several weeks ago, one by one, the different political parties began setting up head quarters around town. The empty store fronts now have signs on them, and the spaces are filled with furniture and tables. Several evenings we have walked by and there are people inside, drinking coffee and eating cakes and I can only assume talking about politics. The election are in May, I believe, but I don't remember the exact date. Several people we know seem quite involved...anyway it has been nice to see the store fronts fill for the time.
Saturday will be our first children's music time at Kafi Edinborg. I am excited that I finally got this plan together and hope people will come and that it can continue as a weekly event for young children. I asked a woman named Bryndis to come with her guitar and play and sing with the kids for 1/2 hour, the parents can come and have a coffee and then everyone will go on with their Saturday:)
It is weird without Jacob, but we are falling into a nice quiet little routine of our own...
Several weeks ago, one by one, the different political parties began setting up head quarters around town. The empty store fronts now have signs on them, and the spaces are filled with furniture and tables. Several evenings we have walked by and there are people inside, drinking coffee and eating cakes and I can only assume talking about politics. The election are in May, I believe, but I don't remember the exact date. Several people we know seem quite involved...anyway it has been nice to see the store fronts fill for the time.
Saturday will be our first children's music time at Kafi Edinborg. I am excited that I finally got this plan together and hope people will come and that it can continue as a weekly event for young children. I asked a woman named Bryndis to come with her guitar and play and sing with the kids for 1/2 hour, the parents can come and have a coffee and then everyone will go on with their Saturday:)
It is weird without Jacob, but we are falling into a nice quiet little routine of our own...
Monday, April 13, 2009
Playing with Pyry and Katri
After walking Jacob to the bus this morning, Zelia and I had a nice morning at home, a nap and some lunch before packing up and meeting Katri and Pyry. We hopped in the car and headed to Bolungarvik as the clouds began to roll in on our beautiful blue sky. By the time we parked and got ready to take a walk it was completely grey. We used our stroller as a double which was fun, but Zelia was most unhappy so we didn't walk for too long. Instead we headed to the pool, swam and hung out in the outdoor hotpot - a perfect afternoon.
Once back, we were joining Katri and Jukka (by the way check out his fly fishing blog...it's linked on the side) for dinner. While the food was cooking it was so fun to watch the two of them play. now Zelia really interacts and they were driving the cars all around. Then Pyry was doing everything that Zelia did, crawling and asking for banana - he knew better than to eat the banana peel (not as much can be said for this little monkey).
The dress up glasses were too much to pass up!!!!!:)
Klezmer, Easter and Shakshuka
On Friday morning we headed to the downhill ski area with Gisli and Tomas to join the festivities. As we were waiting in line to park we could see the area full of people, lots of children, costumes, face painting and a slow flying plain dropping candy on the crowd and they swooped en mass to where it had fallen. We put on our snow shoes and put Zelia in the sled. Music was playing, hot dogs were cooking and much to our delight many many people had brought their dogs. We were both pretty hungry so got hot dogs, without the buns, I spit mine out, I think it had lamb in it...oh well. Coldplay was playing over the loud speaker and we were off up the mountain with Zelia in tow. We headed up among the skiers and snowboarders and eventually sat on the snow and let Zelia try some. She wasn't sure what to make of the cold wet in her mouth I don't think. Back down the mountain we sat in the lodge, chatted with Gudny (her swimming teacher) and also with the couple from Switzerland, Bertram and Francie and their daughter Joelle.
When we got back home we heard we were invited to Ingi's house for some soup before the festival began. It is called Aldrei For Eg Sudur - I never went south. So, undressed and dressed again we headed over and had some delicious fish soup and met several new people, some from Isafjordur but many who came from Reykjavik and were there as exchange students, American, British, Dutch, Finish.... We had not been planning on heading to the festival but then we heard that Klezmer Kaos was opening at 7 and we decided we HAD to go. The band has one woman in it from Iceland, an amazing clarinet player, then the rest were all French. They were VERY good. We stayed only a little more, but Zelia woke from the noise and we headed home.
On Saturday we took our long walk to Bonus, which was packed with people. The whole town was - not a room to be rented! The bakeries were full, it was really nice to see the local businesses get so much business. After dinner we headed out for a walk toward the festival, figured Zelia would go to sleep and we would check it out. We got there and hung outside since it was so crowded and chatted with several people. As we were walking home we talked about how nice it is to go someplace now and know so many people to speak with.
Sunday, we decided to go cross country skiing. Henry, whose family is here, had a car and he drove us to the cross country area. With Zelia on Jacob's back we were out for an hour and got some good exercise. By the time we were leaving the sun had come out and there was blue sky! A nice older couple drove us home:) Back at home we relaxed and napped and then went to visit Edward, Heidy, Sigga and Alexander (you won't believe that Alecxander is younger than Zelia!!!!). They are such a great family. The pictures are from their house. We had a delicious gulash, which Zelia ate and ate and ate, plus had juice for the first time and enjoyed sucking that down:) Then we went for a walk and she fell fast asleep. It's so nice to go for a walk at 8 pm and be in the light.
We watched I am Legend and had no idea what it was about, ugh so stupid, but I still thought about it through the night.
While searching for Pesach recipes earlier in the week I found recipes for shakshuka and was SO excited. So, while Jacob prepared to leave I made the shakshuka and we gobbled it up. Shakshuka is a spicy tomato scrambled egg dish made in Israel, and that I have not had i AGES....Zelia enjoyed some gravlax. We walked Jacob to the hotel and watched him get on the bus. The weather is spectacular so his flight should be gorgeous.
We are home, in the quiet house and will do something with Katri and Pyry later outside.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Pesach
2.5 full days of cooking non-stop and Zelia's high fever made for some very busy Pesach preparations. She occupied herself part of the time with the zip lock bags) As always, Jacob was preparing a feast and I was working on the dessert (that part is not so usual). On the menu: homemade gefilte fish and maror, haroset, matzah ball soup, homemade chopped liver (with chicken fat that Jacob rendered himself) roasted lamb, chicken marbella, roasted potatoes, green beans, meringues, chocolate dipped macaroons, chocolate torte and with all the egg yolk left fro making those things Jacob whipped together a pot de creme which we topped with the left over ganache from the torte. We were finished in time to shower and dress and relax a moment. Here is Zelia in her Pesach dress. Ima made it for her and it has frogs on it - how perfect!!!!
We invited Henry, Tanja, Gerdur, Gisli, their children: Toman, Erlinger, Katrin Maria and Magnus, Lisbet and her three children (actually the baby is her nephew) for 5. I made a coloring book of the story of Moshe for the kids and we photocopied the short hagaddah so that almost everyone could have one. We sat down and began. It was so wonderful, it's hard to explain, but here we were with new friends, of which only one had been to a seder before, and they were joining, not just reading the English, but trying out the songs and eventually the transliteration of the Hebrew blessing - it was amazing. Of course we ate and ate and also spoke a little bit about Birchat Hachama that was so special this year. Zelia kep herself busy throughout most of the seder by eating Jacob's chopped liver.
After cleaning up most of the area we sat with Gisli, Gerdur, Tomas and Tanja, picked at the desserts some more and Gisli and Jacob were drinking rum!
On Thursday morning, after a bit of a rough sleep (Zelia was snoring so loudly that Jacob went to sleep on the couch!!!!!) But at least she only had a little fever at about 4 am and nothing more. Nothing like the 104.9 of the night before....
We mostly hung around, relaxing, eating matzah bri and went for a short walk to put Zelia to sleep. Tanja and Henry came over at noon and I taught a long yoga class - perfect after all the food, we did LOTS of spiraling through the spine.
We had our own short little seder that evening and no joke Zelia was eating the liver of a spoon like a lolly pop!!!! Not even the one meringue she had interested her as much:)
After dinner we packed Zelia up, made mulled wine and headed out into town to watch the snowboard jumping competition. This is part of the ski week festivities that began Wed. evening with a cross country race through the center of town. This time they built a snow jump on the hill (brekka) in front of the library. A good mount of people were there watching, a lot of teenagers. The funny thing was that in the pictures of the cars lined up - those are people sitting in their cars watching. We met Tanja, Henry, David and some of their friends and then headed home.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Easter in Isafjordur
Our friend Albertina translated the events over the the long weekend, which begins Thursday, then Friday is Long Friday and Sunday and Monday and the first and second days of Easter.
Here is her direct translation - it is going to be a busy weekend:)
Here is her direct translation - it is going to be a busy weekend:)
Wednesday 8th of April
10:00-17:00 The skiing area is open.
16:30 The formal start of the festival in Silfurtorg (town square) The brass band of the Ísafjörður music school will march down from the church and down to the Silfurtorg. Actors from the Litli leiksklúbburinn will perform sketches from the play “Við heimtum aukavinnu”. The Skiing association of Ísafjörður will be selling hot cocoa and pancakes.
17:00 (Cross country skiing) Núpur’s Sprint in Hafnarstræti (the main street)
19:00-22:00 Easter buffet to support the fund Framför (fund to support professional and talented young skiers), in Edinborgarsalur. Buffet by Elín and Hugljúf Ólafsdætra, including fantastic entertainment:
- Valkyrjurnar women’s choir will sing
- Litli leikklúbburinn will act and sing
- Auction of several pieces, such as a fishing wheel from Fossadal, the chair Dropi, jewellery from Dýrfinna Torfa and Guðbjörgu Ingvars, Sculpture piece from Guðrún Halldórs and clothing from GusT.
The toastmaster will be Ólafur Sigurðsson (Óli Sig).
All income, including the income of the auction will go directly to the fund that is ment to fund our professional and talented skiers. Tickets are available through phone 863-1614 (Friðgerður) till 31st of March and tickets can be picked up in Edinborgarhúsið the 1st of April from 17:00-18.30. Limited tickets available.
21:00 Concert with Þröstur Jóhannesson, celebrating the release of his new album Vorið góða. The Concert will be in Hamrar, but along with Þröstur the band Þúfutittlingarnir will play. The Þúfutittlingarnir are Halldór Smárason, Stefán Freyr Baldursson, Valdimar Olgeirsson and Tumi Þór Jóhannesson. Tickets cost kr. 1.000.
22:00-03:00 Quartet MÍ with a comeback along with the Milljónamæringarnir in Edinborgarsalur. Afterwards the Milljónamæringarnir and Bógomil font will play for dancing. Tickets can be bought in advance during office hours through telephone: 456-3622, but tickets will also be available by the entrance.
22:30-03:00 The troubadour Einar Örn sings and plays in Kjallarinn in Einarshús (Bolungarvík). Ómar Smári Kristinsson exhibits his drawings in Kjallarinn, Gréta Gísladóttir exhibits paintings in the hall.
Ski-exhibition in Rögnvaldarsalur, Edinborgarhús, BSV and Ísafirðingafélagið, designer of the exhibition is Rakel Sævarsdóttir.
Shipbuildings of Marzellíus, exhibition in the old hospital (the library).
Exhibition of paintings/Twos in the hall of Edinborg. This is the 34th private show of the painter Pétur Guðmundsson from Ísafjörður
Street bingo for the family. Street bingo for the whole family. Sort of a orienteering where you walk different trails around town and collects numbers. Tickets are sold in Hamraborg.
Thursday 9th of April
10:00-17:00 The skiing area is open.
11:00 Confirmation mass in Hólskirkja
12:00-14:00 KFÍ and Nói Siríus have a 2 on 2 Easter Egg tournament in the gymnasium in Torfnes, Ísafjörður
13:00 Biathlon in Seljalandsdalur. Earlier that day at 11:00 there will be offered training on how to handle firearms.
15:00 Boarder Cross match for children in Tungudalur.
14:00 Conformation mass in Ísafjarðarkirkja.
15:00-18:00 Billustofa at her home. The artist Marsibil G. Kristjánsdóttir, Billa, has her workshop open over the Easter. Guests are welcome to visit and look at her various arts, and if you are interested, to buy them. Warm coffee will be offered. Billustofa is in the roof of Túngata 17 in Ísafjörður, you walk in behind the house.
17:00 Theatre Easter in Ísó – Við heimtum aukavinnu! Edinborgarhúsið, tickets: 618-8269.
19:00 Við Pollinn. Food and singing where Bergþór Pálsson entertains. Bookings in telephone 456 3360.
19:00 Jazz in the valley Muurikka-party and Jazz in the cowshed in Arnardalur. The chieftains Villi Valli, Óli Kristjáns and Magnús Reynir will play their music. Murriika food party will be in the shed, prepared by the guest chef Sigþór Sigurðsson. Bookings in telephone 860-6062 and at arnardalur@arnardalur.is. Price per person is kr. 3.900.
20:00 Live music in the church in Flateyri. Bread and grapes afterwards.
20:00 Big jump snowboarding tournament in Ísafjörður. The tournament will most likely be held in the Bæjarbrekka.
20:00 Mass in the church in Þingeyri.
21:00 Theatre Easter in Ísó – Við heimtum aukavinnu! Edinborgarhúsið, tickets: 618-8269.
Educational conference for artists in Bryggjusalur, Edinborgarhús. Co-operational project between the Edinborg Cultural Centre and IMX (Icelandic music export). The American marketing expert Ariel Hyett teaches artists how to market themselves. More information on the Aldrei fór ég suður website.
Ski-exhibition in Rögnvaldarsalur, Edinborgarhús, BSV and Ísafirðingafélagið, designer of the exhibition is Rakel Sævarsdóttir.
Exhibition of paintings/Twos in the hall of Edinborg. This is the 34th private show of the painter Pétur Guðmundsson from Ísafjörður
Street bingo for the family. Street bingo for the whole family. Sort of a orienteering where you walk different trails around town and collects numbers. Tickets are sold in Hamraborg.
Friday, 10th of April
10:00-17:00 The skiing area is open.
10:00 Church walk from the church in Flateyri to Holt. Soup and semi-mass when arrived in Holt. Comfortable walking speed, suitable for all.
10:00 Cross-country skiing in Hornstrandir. The yearly cross-country skiing trip from Aðalvík to Hesteyri with Sjóferðir will be on the 10th of April. Bookings are with Sjóferðir in telephone 456 3870 or with Vesturferðir in telephone 456 5111. The boat will leave from Ísafjörður at 10 a.m. on the 10th.
11:00 Semi-Mass in Tungudalur (the skiing area)
12:00 Semi-Mass in Hólskirkja
11:00-17:00 Fancy-dress day in the skiing area. There is a long tradition for the whole family coming together in Tungudalur on Good Friday. People are encouraged to come in fancy-dresses. The barbeque will be lit around noon, the kids can get facial paints while listening to live music and candy will fall from the skies.
11:00 Mass where the church used to stand in Sandar in Dýrafjörður and from there people will walk to Þingeyri – if weather allows. If the weather will be bad, the service will be in the church in Þingeyri.
14:00 Theatre Easter in Ísó – Auðun og Ísbjörninn, in Tjöruhúsið Ísafjörður. Bookings: www.komedia.is or in telephone 891 7025.
14:00 Horse running walk in the equestrian centre in Dýrafjörður.
15:00-18:00 Billustofa at her home. The artist Marsibil G. Kristjánsdóttir, Billa, has her workshop open over the Easter. Guests are welcome to visit and look at her various arts, and if you are interested, to buy them. Warm coffee will be offered. Billustofa is in the roof of Túngata 17 in Ísafjörður, you walk in behind the house.
16:00 Theatre Easter in Ísó – Gísli Súrsson, in Tjöruhúsið Ísafjörður. Bookings: www.komedia.is or in telephone 891 7025.
16:00 Mass in the hospital.
19:00 Við Pollinn. Food and singing where Bergþór Pálsson entertains. Bookings in telephone 456 3360.
19:00-01:00 Aldrei fór ég suður. The rock festival held for the seventh time!
20:00 Birthday meeting of the AA in the church in Ísafjörður.
20:00 Dragedúkken a play and singing in Þingeyri
21:00 Theatre Easter in Ísó – Við heimtum aukavinnu!
00:00-04:00 A dance with the band Skítamórall in Hnífsdalur.
00:00 Concert with the band Vicky in Vagninn, Flateyri
22:30-03:00 Singstar in Kjallarinn in Einarshús (Bolungarvík). Ómar Smári Kristinsson exhibits his drawings in Kjallarinn, Gréta Gísladóttir exhibits paintings in the hall.
00:00 Theatre Easter in Ísó – Við heimtum aukavinnu!
Ski-exhibition in Rögnvaldarsalur, Edinborgarhús, BSV and Ísafirðingafélagið, designer of the exhibition is Rakel Sævarsdóttir.
Exhibition of paintings/Twos in the hall of Edinborg. This is the 34th private show of the painter Pétur Guðmundsson from Ísafjörður
Street bingo for the family. Street bingo for the whole family. Sort of a orienteering where you walk different trails around town and collects numbers. Tickets are sold in Hamraborg.
Saturday, 11th of April
10:00-17:00 The skiing area is open.
11:00 Hotel Ísafjörður Cross-Country skiing match
10:00-18:00 Play-day for children, all ages, in the gymnasium in Þingeyri, held by Höfrungur the local sports club
11:00-15:00 Brunch in Heimabær. In the cow shed in Arnardalur a delicious brunch will be offered for those who want to be well fed for Aldrei fór ég suður. Soup and bread, American pancakes, egg, bacon, sausages and etc. The singer and lucky troll Mysterious Marta will sing for guests at 12.30. Bus rides from Hamraborg at 11, 12, 13 and 14. More information at www.arnardalur.is
13:00 3X Easter egg skiing match in Tungudalur and Seljalandsdalur for children born 1996 and later.
14:00 Theater Ester in Ísó – Dimmalimm, in Tjöruhúsið. Bookings: www.komedia.is and 891 7025.
15:00-18:00 Billustofa at her home. The artist Marsibil G. Kristjánsdóttir, Billa, has her workshop open over the Easter. Guests are welcome to visit and look at her various arts, and if you are interested, to buy them. Warm coffee will be offered. Billustofa is in the roof of Túngata 17 in Ísafjörður, you walk in behind the house.
16:00-02:00 Aldrei fór ég suður – the rock festival.
19:00-23:59 Seafood buffet in Kjallarinn, Bolungarvík (if enough participation).
23:00 Concert with the band Klezmer Kaos at the Vagning in Flateyri.
Ski-exhibition in Rögnvaldarsalur, Edinborgarhús, BSV and Ísafirðingafélagið, designer of the exhibition is Rakel Sævarsdóttir.
Exhibition of paintings/Twos in the hall of Edinborg. This is the 34th private show of the painter Pétur Guðmundsson from Ísafjörður
Street bingo for the family. Street bingo for the whole family. Sort of a orienteering where you walk different trails around town and collects numbers. Tickets are sold in Hamraborg.
Sunday, 12th of April
10:00-17:00 The skiing area is open.
09:00 Mass in the church in Ísafjörður
09:00 Festive mass in the church in Þingeyri, breakfast afterwards
09:00 Festive mass in the church in Bolungarvík
10:00 Mass in the hospital in Bolungarvík
10:00 Eastermass in the church in Flateyri, bread and coffee afterwards
11:00 Mass in Hnífsdalur chapel
12:00 Fishing through ice in Hólmavatn, Dýrafjörður
14:00 Garpamót (match) in slalom in Tungudalur
14:00 Eastermass in the church in Holt, Önundarfjörður. Coffee afterwards.
14:00 Theater Easter in Ísó – Auðun og ísbjörninn.
14:00-17:00 Coffee and cakes and the mother and daughters quartet in Arnardalur. Cakes and other wonderful things in the cowshed in Arnardalur. The singing birds Margrét Geirs and her daughters will sing songs at 3 and 4 p.m. Ideal for the whole family to get together in a Sunday drive as in the old days. More information at www.arnardalur.is
23:59-03:00 Hjörtur Trausta in Kjallarinn
Ski-exhibition in Rögnvaldarsalur, Edinborgarhús, BSV and Ísafirðingafélagið, designer of the exhibition is Rakel Sævarsdóttir.
Exhibition of paintings/Twos in the hall of Edinborg. This is the 34th private show of the painter Pétur Guðmundsson from Ísafjörður
Street bingo for the family. Street bingo for the whole family. Sort of a orienteering where you walk different trails around town and collects numbers. Tickets are sold in Hamraborg.
Monday, 13th of April
10:00-17:00 The skiing area is open.
Ski-exhibition in Rögnvaldarsalur, Edinborgarhús, BSV and Ísafirðingafélagið, designer of the exhibition is Rakel Sævarsdóttir.
Exhibition of paintings/Twos in the hall of Edinborg. This is the 34th private show of the painter Pétur Guðmundsson from Ísafjörður
Street bingo for the family. Street bingo for the whole family. Sort of a orienteering where you walk different trails around town and collects numbers. Tickets are sold in Hamraborg.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Jewish Connections
On Friday morning as I was getting ready to leave for work the phone rang several times, but I couldn't hear anyone on the other side. Finally, they called again and I could hear, it was Vilhalmur, calling from Denmark. Earlier in the week, Jacob suggested that I email him, he has authored several articles about Jews in Iceland and in Scandinavian countries and ask him if he knows about any Jews in Reykjavik. He ended up getting our home number from the University Centre. We had a really nice conversation just introducing ourselves and he gave me the name of an American Jewish man from Chicago that has been living in Reykjavik for 20 years, Michael Levin. Apparently he was trained as a cantor and an opera singer and through some research we discovered that he runs a restaurant in the city. Apparently he has organized seders in the past so Vilhalmur gave us his number. He also shared with us that last year those who got together for a seder made their own matzah - wonderful.
The conversation with Vilhalmur was fascinating and we hope to meet him and his family in May and then again in the summer when they come to visit. He is an Icelandic Jews, but has been living in Denmark for his adult life as I can gather. As a matter of fact, I posted his blog, which is in Icelandic and which he says is sort of funny about Jews in Iceland. That said, he told me of a time when there were 2000 Jewish service men in Keflavik and another when there were 2 synagogues running in Reykjavik. All this took place in the 50's, when the US base here opened and when refugees from Germany and England found themselves here for a while.
His own father, from the Netherlands, was on his way to the United States on a boat that stopped in Iceland. While here he met with his "pen pal" and decided to stay and marry her. As you can imagine the connection tot he Netherlands interested me and I made sure to share with him some of my family history. Then he asked, do you know Renee van Wijngaarden. I laughed and said yes, we are friends on Facebook and chatted a bit about the Maduro clan. Vilhalmu's family on one side are DeCastro (but not the one's we know) and DeCosta. One day we will speak about this all in length I am sure. He will be coming to the Westfjords in May for some business and then will be bringing his family here on vacation. In the meantime he offered to help us order anything we might need from the kosher market in Copenhagen:) However, since Terri brought us matzah we are ok for now.
We are trying to get in touch with Michael but so far have been unsuccessful...but we will keep on trying.
I will post the links to Vilhalmur's papers...
The conversation with Vilhalmur was fascinating and we hope to meet him and his family in May and then again in the summer when they come to visit. He is an Icelandic Jews, but has been living in Denmark for his adult life as I can gather. As a matter of fact, I posted his blog, which is in Icelandic and which he says is sort of funny about Jews in Iceland. That said, he told me of a time when there were 2000 Jewish service men in Keflavik and another when there were 2 synagogues running in Reykjavik. All this took place in the 50's, when the US base here opened and when refugees from Germany and England found themselves here for a while.
His own father, from the Netherlands, was on his way to the United States on a boat that stopped in Iceland. While here he met with his "pen pal" and decided to stay and marry her. As you can imagine the connection tot he Netherlands interested me and I made sure to share with him some of my family history. Then he asked, do you know Renee van Wijngaarden. I laughed and said yes, we are friends on Facebook and chatted a bit about the Maduro clan. Vilhalmu's family on one side are DeCastro (but not the one's we know) and DeCosta. One day we will speak about this all in length I am sure. He will be coming to the Westfjords in May for some business and then will be bringing his family here on vacation. In the meantime he offered to help us order anything we might need from the kosher market in Copenhagen:) However, since Terri brought us matzah we are ok for now.
We are trying to get in touch with Michael but so far have been unsuccessful...but we will keep on trying.
I will post the links to Vilhalmur's papers...
first good fall
Playing on the couch all together Zelia flipped off landing on her face and got a fat bloody lip. It was the first injury, but she recovered quickly. all I could think about as we nursed quietly was when Lauren fell and bit through her tongue. There was SO much blood and I don't remember either Ima or Aba being hysterical, but now I wonder what was really going on for them inside. Even when you know the child is okay (although with Lauren it was REALLY serious, well for her tongue!), it really does something to your insides...gulp. I am happy to report that she climbs like champ as always, unfazed by the fall, yay.
Vacation and Gardens
After completing his last paper on Tuesday, vacation officially began for Jacob. However, thesis proposal writing and job searching make it less and less like a vacation. At least in a week he will head to the US for a family visit:)
Zelia's progress at dagmamma has been great. On Friday, Harpa sent us a text "she is playing and laughing" - we were so excited. When I got there she was not interested in me in the least and just wanted to keep on playing. We will be up to our goal of four hours tomorrow!!! Packed in her stroller we walked to the house to get Jacob and take a walk. We returned in a moment though, realizing that Zelia was hungry for more than just a few cheerios:) A fillet of fish later, back in the stroller again. It wasn't long until she was fast asleep and we went to Edinborg to have a lunch out!!! What a an idea!
I had been raving about the burger there for a while, so of course built them up and then we got a terrible burger!!!!! What a disappointment. When I asked what had changed we were told that the meat supplier had, ugh. Next time we will ask ahead of time...but it was so nice to sit in another place, just the two of us as Zelia slept outside.
After lunch we went to town hall to take care of several matters, one of which was signing up for the community garden. We spoke with Ralf, saw the aerial photograph of the area and rented 30 square meters for our garden. Things we can grow, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, lettuces, broccoli, cauliflower, beets, radishes, onions, herbs of all sorts, squashes, etc. We may put in some tomatoes and cukes by our house where we can cover them... very exciting. (The other thing we had taken care of the day before was getting ourselves on the waiting list for apartments in case we stay.) Zelia had still been sleeping and we were only going to be a minute which turned into at least 10. When we came downstairs a VERY nice man was walking her back and forth trying to calm her down. Besides feeling like terrible parents, I was so incredibly touched by this man's actions. It seemed so obvious to him to just try and comfort her.
Back at home Jacob prepared a delicious steak dinner (yes, T-bones still left from a brilliant birthday present from Baki and Angie), homemade regular and sweet potato fries and roasted cauliflower - delicious. then we watched a good movie, Frost and Nixon, we both recommend it.
Saturday we all slept until 8 and woke to a beautiful sunny and mild day. After cleaning the house, rearranging the bedroom furniture and reorganizing the laundry room we headed out for a walk to put Zelia to sleep. We walked in the sunshine. It was really a nice day, clear blue skies, lots of sun and no hats necessary. We decided to walk to the area where the garden is just to check it out. We think we found the right place. When all the snow melts, which it practically has, they will bring a tractor in to turn the ground. But when I mentioned to Gisli that it felt like Spring he said, oh you think so? There are still MANY days left until summer. I remember reading at some point that they really only talk about two seasons here, summer and winter. So, my guess is, there is more winter still to come...
During our quick stop for eggs at Samkaup, Zelia woke - not much of a nap for her....back at home, Jacob made a yummy pasta lunch and while Zelia and I hung out and I dozed a little he made brownies to take to Gisli and Gerdur's and washed the windows - I know, unbelievable, right?????
We headed over for excellent homemade pizzas and great company. During tea and dessert it was decided, Tomas, Gisli and Jacob would head out to dig for clams Sunday morning. So, here we are, just ate pancakes with prune sauce, sitting in a quiet house thinking about Pesach and wondering whether Gerdur will get to try steamers for the first time tonight.
Zelia's progress at dagmamma has been great. On Friday, Harpa sent us a text "she is playing and laughing" - we were so excited. When I got there she was not interested in me in the least and just wanted to keep on playing. We will be up to our goal of four hours tomorrow!!! Packed in her stroller we walked to the house to get Jacob and take a walk. We returned in a moment though, realizing that Zelia was hungry for more than just a few cheerios:) A fillet of fish later, back in the stroller again. It wasn't long until she was fast asleep and we went to Edinborg to have a lunch out!!! What a an idea!
I had been raving about the burger there for a while, so of course built them up and then we got a terrible burger!!!!! What a disappointment. When I asked what had changed we were told that the meat supplier had, ugh. Next time we will ask ahead of time...but it was so nice to sit in another place, just the two of us as Zelia slept outside.
After lunch we went to town hall to take care of several matters, one of which was signing up for the community garden. We spoke with Ralf, saw the aerial photograph of the area and rented 30 square meters for our garden. Things we can grow, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, lettuces, broccoli, cauliflower, beets, radishes, onions, herbs of all sorts, squashes, etc. We may put in some tomatoes and cukes by our house where we can cover them... very exciting. (The other thing we had taken care of the day before was getting ourselves on the waiting list for apartments in case we stay.) Zelia had still been sleeping and we were only going to be a minute which turned into at least 10. When we came downstairs a VERY nice man was walking her back and forth trying to calm her down. Besides feeling like terrible parents, I was so incredibly touched by this man's actions. It seemed so obvious to him to just try and comfort her.
Back at home Jacob prepared a delicious steak dinner (yes, T-bones still left from a brilliant birthday present from Baki and Angie), homemade regular and sweet potato fries and roasted cauliflower - delicious. then we watched a good movie, Frost and Nixon, we both recommend it.
Saturday we all slept until 8 and woke to a beautiful sunny and mild day. After cleaning the house, rearranging the bedroom furniture and reorganizing the laundry room we headed out for a walk to put Zelia to sleep. We walked in the sunshine. It was really a nice day, clear blue skies, lots of sun and no hats necessary. We decided to walk to the area where the garden is just to check it out. We think we found the right place. When all the snow melts, which it practically has, they will bring a tractor in to turn the ground. But when I mentioned to Gisli that it felt like Spring he said, oh you think so? There are still MANY days left until summer. I remember reading at some point that they really only talk about two seasons here, summer and winter. So, my guess is, there is more winter still to come...
During our quick stop for eggs at Samkaup, Zelia woke - not much of a nap for her....back at home, Jacob made a yummy pasta lunch and while Zelia and I hung out and I dozed a little he made brownies to take to Gisli and Gerdur's and washed the windows - I know, unbelievable, right?????
We headed over for excellent homemade pizzas and great company. During tea and dessert it was decided, Tomas, Gisli and Jacob would head out to dig for clams Sunday morning. So, here we are, just ate pancakes with prune sauce, sitting in a quiet house thinking about Pesach and wondering whether Gerdur will get to try steamers for the first time tonight.
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