This morning I woke up late but once up Einar got me to go on an hour long walk with him along the River Ellida which is a little farther east of us and right across from where Andri works. It was a lovely day! We dressed for the cold. The ground was frozen but there wasn't much ice to avoid. We walked through the trees part of the time and along the river bank in other places. The sky was blue, the breeze wasn't too strong. We passed several other walkers and even bicyclers. But, essentially, we are alone. We weren't far enough to get totally away from the sounds of traffic, but the sound was like a distant rush that competed with that of the river.

When we got home, Einar decided to rest a little. While he was thus occupied, I decided to edit my final paper. It's just as well that I started it for it ended up taking about 5 hours to finish. I guess I wasn't surprised - it took a long time for his technical reader to relinquish it to me and that sort of warned me that I was in for an intense read. :) But I've sent it off and now am just waiting for any return comments. If I don't get any, I'll go ahead and send in the bill.

All of which means that now my Christmas vacation has started. :) Einar got down the Christmas decorations at the same time as Annie was going through her boxes in the loft last Friday evening. Annie came just before 7; her boyfriend was practicing aikido so we didn't see him, but we had a lovely visit with Annie. :) Now I believe she and Conor are exploring the southern coastline. It's a beautiful area (for the most part) and I think they will enjoy the views. They'll be gone for a few days but maybe we'll see them on Thursday.

Einar babysat two nieces last night. I didn't go because of the stairs required to mount to get to their apartment. So I stayed home and watched tv and read. I attempted to stay awake but by 1 a.m. I was out for the count. I heard later, though, that it went well. :)

Tomorrow I'll make what is hopefully my last run to the post office. And then I can start decorating. I am also thinking about what (and if) I want to bake. In the meantime, I've put up 3 window lights and turned on the blue lights in the sun room. So now our neighbors can't say we aren't taking part. ;) I also put up the beautiful wreath that my mom and Joe gave us many years ago. Now that means Christmas. :)

To top off our day, Brynja and Bjartur called us with Skype. There were lots of interruptions but we got to chat and see each other a bit. Poor Bjartur has been very sick this week with a cough and cold and fever. Hopefully the fever will break soon and he will be able to get back to his usual fun-filled schedule. In the meantime though, he can enjoy his current visitors: Hinrik's parents and sister are there for awhile. Lucky little guy! :)

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