A Beautiful, Snowy Night

The weather here in Norway is finally starting to cooperate--the temperature is just below freezing and it has been gently snowing for the past couple of days. Hopefully by next weekend, the skiing conditions will be perfect! Last night, Kevin and I went to our friends' home for dinner. We decided to walk, because it was a beautiful night, and because we suspected we might enjoy a few glasses of wine with dinner. We had a great evening, and much wine, beer and aquavit were consumed! This was my first time drinking aquavit--I think it could be used as jet fuel in a pinch! The picture of me and Kevin and the tulips was taken after several shots of aquavit--I love tulips, and it suddenly seemed like a fantastic idea to pose with them. We learned some more Norwegian drinking songs and toasts (not that we could remember them this morning!) and finally stumbled out the door around 4 A.M. The walk home was just gorgeous--not a single car on the roads, only trees and snow and twisty, narrow lanes. We finally rolled out of bed around 2 P.M. this afternoon. The weather was still perfect, so after the sun set, we took the dogs down to the lake for a peaceful walk in the snow. The weather this winter has been dreary and unpredictable, so this past weekend felt like such a gift. I'm so glad we were able to take the time to enjoy the snow, and I really hope that it lasts--we can't wait to get out the snowshoes and skis!