My husband and my Norwegian cousin

In Oslo.  This is a picture of Nick, my husband, and Christian, my second cousin.   I think that's right.  Christian's mother and my father were first cousins.

We first met Christian when we were on our honeymoon, in 1972.  He was a cute little boy and has no memory of meeting us than.

We next met Christian in 1984, shortly after we moved to Norway.   I met him again in 1997 when I was on an around the world trip from Perth to Washington to London, to Norway, to Bangkok and back to Perth.

We have had three of Christian's four sons stay with us in  Washington.  The fourth  son will be coming in a year or two



Now for the picture:

This is the way we wash our clothes...

Nick has been striving to understand and use the washing machine and dryer in his apartment building.  I am sure I don't know whar all of the symbols are, but I will see if I can figure them out somehow.  
Meanwhile, I am packing a clothes line and planning to wash my clothes by hand and hang them dry.  We'll see!

This is the new washing machine.  The old one was leaking

Here's what the controls on the old washing machine looked like

And, there's Nick, trying to sneak up on the washer.

 

This is referred to as the "wheels of mystery"!

July 4, 2015 in Oslo, Norway

The official US Embassy Oslo Independence Day party was held at the US Ambassador's residence.  I posted them here earlier.

Today is the actual Fourth of July, and here are some pictures of the festivities with the American population in Oslo- at Frogner Park.

The Embassy Marine Security Guards present the colors.

Acting Ambassador Robert Bradtke opens the event.

There are AmCars in display in the park.

Acting Ambassador Robert Bradtke tests Oslo Barnemuseum's Imaginary Playground.

Guests enjoying the fun and sun!

Preparing to visit Norway!

In just over three weeks I will be headed to Norway.  With my sister and her two granddaughters.   I can't wait!

But, in typical sister fashion (Thompsen sisters at least), we are all muddled and dumbfounded about what  should have been the first step,  figure out who and what we want to see and do.


Oslo.  Check.  yes we want to see Oslo.  Of course.  Then family in Sweden?  Check.  A big yes.  Tromsø.  Big check.  But what dates and where do we stay?   Bergen?  Hmm, maybe, maybe not. 

And so it goes. 

We met with a nice, Norwegian travel agent last week.  She had some valuable suggestions.  She also corrected my accent when I spoke Norwegian.  I guess after not really using the language for almost 30 years it is to be expected.

While I don't write as much or as often here, I am working on it.