Wed 2 Jul 08: Happy Birthday, Bryndís! 2008-07-02 13:33 Today is my sister-in-law, Bryndís's birthday. Til hamingju með afmælið, Bryndís!! I've run loads of errands this morning - boy, am I glad I have a car! lol Otherwise, it would have taken all day and a lot more energy than I have to get it all done! And now I am awaiting a call. Waiting.. patiently... [ permanent url ] [ ]

Thurs 26 Jun 08: Andri's fine :) 2008-06-26 14:58 I talked with Andri on msn last night. He sounded just fine. :) He, and his friend, teased me a bit, Andri told me a little about his activities and upcoming plans. Sounded like he was having fun. :) I had a lunch break with Lora yesterday. That was fun. :) I spent the rest of day - well, till about 2 a.m., writing. I completed the first rough draft of my sequel novel. Once done, my mind wouldn't shut down at all! I kept getting additional ideas and my brain would not let me rest till I'd done something with them, so it was really almost 3:30 before I could begin to relax. Next is to ignore it for awhile and then proofread it. I revise as I go, so it's a lengthy process. I still feel I've made progress though. It's been tough waiting for inspiration to hit when I wasn't fighting my body or migraines, so when circumstances are just right, I go with the flow. ;) Allergies have been really going to town this week! Anyone else fighting them? Einar called from both London and Istanbul. All was fine. His conference was basically yesterday, today and a bit tomorrow. Then he'll have some free time to enjoy the sights before flying home. :) Today I got a 'hello' card from one of my friends who lives in Holland. A sticker had been plastered on it and one side taped shut. The sticker said it had been opened for inspection. The card was as flat as it could get so I don't know exactly what they were looking for, but it made me feel like someone living in prison whose every piece of mail is monitored and/or censored before being sent or received. It was not a nice feeling. I called Brynja to ask her if she had heard of anything like this. She hadn't. There are a couple of people from Holland here in jail on suspicion of drug trafficking. So my speculation is that anything going to or from Holland gets special attention. I can understand the concerns but it still rubs me a bit raw that my private mail was opened. I could understand it more if it was a package, but a card? I think that's taking things a bit far unless the mail being monitored is that of known drug dealers! At the very least, I think that an apology should have been tendered. [ permanent url ] [ ]

Tue 24 Jun 08: Bleary-eyed 2008-06-24 09:39 I got up at 4 this morning to drive Einar to the bus station where he caught the bus to the airport. His flight to Istanbul was to depart around 7:30. I'm still bleary-eyed. I tried so hard to go back to sleep, but just couldn't do it. Finally I got up, took out the trash and took a shower. I suppose my eyes will be at half-mast today until the moment comes when my body will shut down for a nap. Ah well. It's a lovely day out - blue sky, lots of sunshine... Haven't heard from Andri yet. He was to be met at the airport last night. Hopefully all went well. I have no idea where he planned to sleep... [ permanent url ] [ ]

Mon 23 Jun 08: Andri leaves today 2008-06-23 09:50 Til hamingju Óttar og Hanna! Við hlökkum til að sjá mynd af litlu prinsinn! :) Yesterday Einar's youngest brother's wife gave birth to a healthy not-so-little boy: the baby weighed 4320 gr / 9 1/2 lbs! Wow! That sounds daunting! None of my kids got above 8 1/4 lbs. Today is the day that our Andri is leaving to fly to Canada. I hope they have as nice weather there as we've been having here lately! :) I'm sure he'll have a good time. He told me that lots of his friends live there and are making an effort to gather and greet him. That will be a good start to his travels. :) Yesterday Einar mowed the lawn and then, because it was looking so yellow, he set out the sprinkler. It was on for a considerable time. I hope it hasn't turn the backyard into a swamp! lol Probably not, though. It was so dry that what wasn't sucked up by the grass would have been grabbed by the roots of the trees and bushes. I hope the lawn turns green. Einar just kept saying it was like California: yellow in the summer, green in the winter. Hunh! How absurd! [ permanent url ] [ ]

Mon 16 Jun 08: Happy Birthday, Stina! 2008-06-16 20:26 Today is my sister-in-law's birthday. :) Til hamingju með afmælið, Stína!! [ permanent url ] [ ]

Thurs 12 Jun 08: IT'S A BOY! 2008-06-12 09:12 As of 4:13 a.m. this morning, Einar and I are officially grandparents to a little boy. :) We don't have much other information but I called the hospital and mother and child seem to being doing just fine. Yay!! Today is also Einar's father's birthday. Kjartan is 80 today. Congratulations, Kjartan!! Both for your birthday and for your newest little great-grandchild! :) So today's activities include a visit to the hospital, and preparations for Kjartan's party this afternoon. Busy, busy, busy!!! :) [ permanent url ] [ ]

Mon 9 Jun 08: Down to the wire! 2008-06-09 11:26 Of the many ladies I know that are due about now, 1 has given birth to a girl, and a second has lost her water so we'll be hearing something in the next couple days. How exciting!! :) Brynnie is down to half time on the job and is seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. :) It won't be long now... Einar went over the lawn with the manual push mower - it wasn't easy. Maybe the tines need to be sharpened. But now the grass looks better, more even at any rate. Today is my day to clean a bit, straighten a bit, and generally get caught up on my chores. I rest if necessary in between tasks. So far, so good. There may be some family visits this week. I don't want them to be wading through dust and a messy house! This weekend, for the first time in over a year, I woke to my body's insistence that I get up and MOVE - NOW!! This always happens after I've been in recovery mode for a while. It's like my body all of a sudden wakes up and remembers just how good it feels to move, simultaneously remembers HOW to do so and floods me with endorphans that insist on being used immediately. The energy dissipated more quickly than in the past, but at least I was able to walk at a brisk pace for a few minutes. The uphills leached the energy too quickly so it's just as well that Einar and I walked just around our own neighborhood. The rest of the weekend was spent hobbling about, with the most difficulty being getting up from a seated position, and sitting in general. I reclined in between. I feel better today although without the energy rush. :) So, as Einar has the car, I will attempt to walk over to the grocery store and back. That includes lots of stairs and uphill terrain. I'll probably be huffing and puffing when I get back, but making the attempt is the only way I can build up my resilience and strength. Nothing ventured - nothing gained! So - fingers crossed I don't run out of pep midway. That would be tricky! hehe Have a good day everyone! [ permanent url ] [ ]

Mon 2 Jun 08: Lawn mower died 2008-06-02 10:36 Well, there's good news and bad. The lawn did get mowed, after all. Yay! But half way through, the little used electric mower I bought at 'The Good Shepherd' store died and Einar finished by using the electric hedge trimmer. That takes quite a bit longer, but the grass was so long and thick (it being the first pass of the summer) that he might have needed to use it, anyway. Perhaps that's why the mower died - the mower just couldn't handle the lush growth! Einar also planted the two berry bush cuttings I'd bought. :) I hope they flourish and merge with the berry bush already in the yard, thus filling in the gap. Fingers crossed! Most of the night I felt like someone had been kicking me in the back (noone was), but I felt very bruised - normal reaction when my back goes out and I can't find a comfortable way to sleep. Oh...for a nice warm massage!! Hot pad to the rescue! Sitting is difficult but I can walk without a hitch and clutching at supports, so it COULD be worse. hehe I made myself a yummy smoothy this morning - lots of ripe banana, grapes and a smidgeon of pear mixed in with the yogurt. It was very refreshing! :) But now my fruit supply and the milk are about exhausted so a trip to the store is imperative. Hmmm. Since I have no choice about resting, maybe I'll see if my birthday toy works. Einar and the kids have downloaded lots of things into it but I haven't watched anything yet. I guess during enforced rest is a good time to try it out, even if it does make me feel decadent and guilty that I'm not up and about and tending to chores! So sorry, readers! It's hard to focus on other things right now through the ache, but I'll try to keep my complaints to a minimum! Best to get a move on and get my chores done while the energy lasts. I'm off! Have a good day, everyone! [ permanent url ] [ ]

Sun 1 Jun 08: Hoping for a quiet day 2008-06-01 11:44 Yesterday went as scheduled. :) Einar and I went to Hafnarfjordur and after visiting Lora and all the boothes, sampling some of the different foods on offer, and listening to some of the varied entertainment, we did a quick glance through the Viking exhibition which was right next door. My favorite was a stone bust. It was roughly squared and on each of the four facets, a different face had been carved. I would have liked to have studied it further, but didn't push the issue. We meandered back to the car and drove home to rest a little and change clothes before going to the reception. I felt better for the rest, but the approach to the building where the reception was held included both a steep grade and lots of steps just to get to the entrance. Both sapped my strength. However, I lasted a goodly time, chatted with a few people and took a few pictures. When we went home, I basically climbed into my bed and stayed there till late this morning. I felt rather stiff and my hip gave me a bit of grief, but I'm upright now, in my chair, and feeling subdued. Einar just got back from a walk with his brother, Árni. They went to Hveragerdi this time. But the weather wasn't the nicest so they didn't last as long as they might have. Einar walked in just as Bjarni called. :) And now the two of them are talking 'computers'. I'm looking forward to a quiet day. The wind is blowing, the sky is cloudy. I expect rain at some point in time. The yard may have to go a little bit longer before it gets mowed... [ permanent url ] [ ]

Sat 31 May 08: Busy Day! 2008-05-31 09:53 Einar's climbing Esja. Luckily, it's not raining. But it's still very damp out. When he gets back, we will first attend the introductory booth for the Intercultural Center that Lora is manning in Hafnarfjordur today and then a graduation reception for the son of one of our friends. Congratulations, Ásgeir! Hafnarfjordur (where our Bjarni was born), about a 15 minute drive from Reykjavik, is celebrating its 100th birthday this weekend. :) There's a whole program scheduled. It should be quite festive. It's definitely shaping up to being a busy day. :) [ permanent url ] [ ]

Fri 30 May 08: Earthquake aftermath 2008-05-30 09:40 Last night, just after 9, Einar and his brother Árni drove to the Selfoss area to check out the earthquake's aftermath. I was very glad that Einar didn't go by himself, which he almost did; Árni called at the last second before Einar headed out. Einar called me around 11 to let me know all was well. They hiked around a bit, saw a few cracks, checked out the bridge.. I don't know if they took pictures. I couldn't stay awake until Einar came home (ca 12:30 a.m.) and didn't wake before he left this morning (ca 7:30 a.m.) - I really need my 8 hours! - so I didn't get any more details. However, the morning paper is full of articles about the earthquake and those affected by it. I may buy another paper for alternate coverage and maybe more pictures. Although the earthquake caused no serious injuries, there were a few close calls, and a lot of breakage and messiness left by things being hurled off shelves, etc. People were being urged to take photographs of any damage and then give them to their insurance companies. There were a lot of very shaken individuals interviewed on tv. But helpers and treatment for shock were available almost immediately. Some buildings sported cracks and their owners chose to sleep elsewhere until it was ascertained if it was safe to reenter. I'm just glad that for a shake of this size, there were no losses of life nor serious injuries! Just coping with the cleanup, the damage, and the resultant feelings is enough! But this is an apt reminder to bolt bookcases to the walls. Then, even though the contents may go flying during an earthquake, owners won't have to worry about heavy pieces of furniture crashing down on unsuspecting children or others. Well, I'm sure it'll be extra busy at work today, processing all the data from yesterday in addition to that of the usual numerous micro earthquakes. Yesterday's activity is sure to be a hot topic at the beer meeting after work: with a professional in their midst with up-to-the-minute knowledge, one who visited the site, I think Einar will be the center of attention. I wonder if Árni will share his knowledge, too? ********** It's not sunny out today. We're back to a sky full of clouds. I talked with Brynja yesterday. Hinrik was expected home last night - a day early. :) He starts flying next week, and at least one of the flights will be to the States. Another flight to the States was scheduled for around the 18th, just before the due date. Hinrik was quick to broach an exchange of flights with one of his friends! No way does he want to be stuck so far away when the baby could come any time!! ;) I don't think I'll be walking much today. My hip is feeling somewhat sore. Time to take it a little easier. **************** UPDATE 11:45 a.m. Einar will be interviewed on Channel 1 at Noon today. I'll be adding that to the tape I made of yesterday's coverage on the earthquake. :) [ permanent url ] [ ]

Thurs 29 May 08: Sunny Day!/ Earthquake! 2008-05-29 10:12 A second day of pretty sunshine! :) Yesterday I spent a good portion of the day with Lora. :) We walked and talked, ate, came home and sat on my bench in the sunshine until both of us had recouped some of our energy. Then, while she ran errands, took her hamsters home and picked up Andri, I prepared dinner - lasagne. It's been awhile since we had that. I made a vegetable lasagne, as well, and I really liked it. Lora tasted it and said it was alright, but preferred the meat lasagne. Once all the kids (sans Hinrik as he is in London this week) had gathered (they actually were all there before Einar got home from work), we ate and gossiped. Andri copied some neat material onto my new tv hard drive, chose a few books to take home and read, and then Einar took the younger two home. Brynja left awhile before that to try and sleep. It is NOT always easy to sleep with a very pregnant tummy! I've started taking iron tablets again in an attempt to increase my energy levels. I need the energy so I can practice walking further with more stamina. It takes time to build oneself up again. Sigh. I had to ask Lora to slow down a little on our walk - that's not the usual case! But I am tackling stairs more now, too. That's a good sign. :) I still feel sleepy but less loggy. I only took a half antihistamine yesterday. Consequently, I am only a LITTLE stuffed up and a LITTLE sleepy! LOL Ah well, that means I can at least function during the day. ;) I think I'll go enjoy the sunshine. The sun certainly does have an effect on my moods lately! Best to enjoy it while it's possible - Reykjavik enjoys more grey days than sunny ones. I hope my readers have a sunny day today, too! *************** UPDATE!! At approximately 3:46 this afternoon, about 21 minutes ago, a good sized earthquake shook the house and everything/everyone in it! I immediately tried calling Einar but I'm sure they were all reacting to it themselves, and it was a few minutes later when Einar returned my call. He's looking into the stats now. :) Einar did tell me though that another earthquake happened in the Hveragerdi-Selfoss area (approximately 1/2 - 1 hour away, around 3 today. I don't think the later one could have been an after shock - it was so strong! Now I'm hearing the whoop of an ambulance rush by... Hard to tell if it is connected with the earthquake or not. The last time I felt such a sizeable earthquake here was a long time ago, on an Independence Day celebration downtown. It will be interesting to learn all the details on this one. I was lying on the couch when it happened. I probably would have felt it more had I been standing up. But it still gets one's blood pumping - SHADES OF CALIFORNIA!! [ permanent url ] [ ]

Mon 26 May 08: Feeling loggy 2008-05-26 17:51 I am STILL feeling loggy after having slept like a rock for 12 hours last night and having dozed for an hour this afternoon. I'm still yawning. I do NOT like taking antihistamines!! Then again, I do like to be able to breathe.. Yesterday, while Einar, Arni, Kjartan and Andri were driving home from the north where they attended a double family graduation party, I spent a little time with Lora downtown in the pretty weather. Today, after I finally woke up to a grey breezy outdoors, I met Unnur for lunch. It was fun to catch up and just see her. :) It's after work hours and Einar is at the store yet again to try and find out what is wrong with my birthday gift; the store called and said they couldn't find anything. What a hassle this is proving to be! I shall be properly grateful when it is done! [ permanent url ] [ ]

Fri 23 May 08: Caw, caw 2008-05-23 19:18 My croaking phone is back! Yay! :) I'm very pleased. :) I've decided it sounds more like a raven than a frog. In English, a frog sounds like: ribbet, ribbet. A croak is much closer to a caw in my opinion. lol [ permanent url ] [ ]

Thurs 22 May 08: Sad today 2008-05-22 17:50 I'm being sad today, shaken. No help for it, except time. I've been trying to bury myself in a novel, but thoughts keep intruding... ********* Einar just left to discover why my birthday present (an interface that plays movies stored on a hard disk on the tv rather than my tiny laptop screen) wasn't working properly; he may have to exchange it. I hope he succeeds in winkling out the problem! ...Hunh! He just got back and the guy at the store said we had to press a specific button on the tv remote to get it to work properly. Einar was somewhat annoyed that he wasn't told this over the phone. Now he's testing it... ********* Einar very kindly pulled my neck a few times over the last couple of days to release the compressed discs there and I am 95% sure that the neverending headache is gone for now. Cross fingers!!!! Tonight is the second round in the Eurovision Song Contest. The final is on Saturday. The first round was on Tuesday. Then and tonight, 10 songs (countries) are selected so that a total of 20 (about half of the total number of countries who entered songs) will be competing on Saturday. Tonight we will discover if the Icelandic song will be competing or not. ********* Oh, dear. Einar looks majorly p.o.'d. His attempts are not working. I think he's off to the store again... ********* I was given a loaner phone yesterday - a Samsung. Sounds are pretty muffled but I did succeed in increasing the volume so it is not as bad as at first. Kinda fun playing with a 'flip' phone, but I will be glad to get my Nokia back even so. I'm used to its quirks. I just want it to stop dying on me for no apparent reason! [ permanent url ] [ ]