To My Son Of My Right Hand

I am who you wish you were or were not,

 where you were when you were not,

 and what you were not when I was.

What is the average life span of a child? It is nonexistent. The word child is just a classification to refrain one's self from reaching their full potential. What is pain? Pain is what could have went right, always went wrong but heals to become better then intended. How are you biding your time? I am playing their game to my full potential. Watch it's eye move side to side. Now fear mine because I have something to lose. 

Mr.Good said, "It is bad to be a writer. All you have is a permanent record of your own idiocy."  

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    This past quarter has been very exciting. Work is coming along great, Gunnhild and I pressed hard to put together a nice place to live, and now the new addition has finally arrived. Times are not always peaches on a summer's day. Arguing is like being cut. Hurts at first but then in time it heals. Its not easy picking up and leaving what you know. Only to immerse your self into a land of questions. Questions that are difficult to answer where you were. That are now being misinterpreted by a foreign tongue. Thankfully, the mind is a wonderful possession. 

    To the people that told me, "Wait till you have a child of your own." I'm still waiting. To everyone that was with me along the way. The times we had are never to be forgotten. To the everyone that is stuck in a judgemental mindset. Enjoy the rest of your life. To the people that have fallen. You know how to get back up. To the ones that got up. I will see you at the top. To P2 and DFA. I will never forget the good times had. To all my boys in Uplands. There is always a way out. To my friends from Brookfield. You guys ,in a sense, made me strive to be a better person. To my younger brothers. Take your time. Don't rush into things. I'm sorry for not being when I could or when I could not. To my mother and father. Where there is a pro there is a con. I will always have love for you both. To Gunnhild Davidsen. You were and are always there for me. Your unconditional love is both scary at times but reassuring forever. Jeg elsker deg. To my son of my right hand. It is time for us to see where the road takes us. To everyone else. I care for you as much as you care for me. Life journeys are a wonderful thing. 

Take care my world,

-D.R

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     In the words of Chris Rock. "A nigga will brag about some shit a normal man just does. A nigga will say some shit like, I take care of 

my kids. You're supposed to, you dumb motherfucker!"

   

Almost at The Middle of The Totem. On Our Way to The Top.

Hot damn, Norway is the cats pajamas. Let me just break it down for you guys. Landscape, check. Fresh water, check. Smågodt, sjekk. Røkt laks, sjekk. Bringebær Farris, sjekk. Cool people, check. Crazy 

people, check. One of the best economies in the world, chezzzck. What more could I ask for. I am sure a lot of things, but I'm enjoying this cake for now. The days that have just passed have been action packed. Last week Gunnhild's friends had a surprise baby shower for her. I wasn't in on the surprise and just wanted to stay in that night. I was pretty tired from the last day of working the festival, but I am glad I dragged my ass up there. I had no choice either. Unless I wanted to hear a night of never ending bliss. As well as be the asshole that ruins the surprise, I think not. I had the chance to meet my main man Kenneth. From the, oh so sought after, city of Oslo. Like moving to the city is going to solve any ones problems. Watch the movie Midnight Cowboy. Then tell me that moving to the big city is all that its cracked up to be. Nothing personal to the the guys that I have had the chance of acquainting. Everyone has been really hospitable since my arrival. You know that feeling you get when you rub your feet on a carpet for about 30 seconds. They you run to the metal door knob and touch very slow. Well that is what I felt when I got to talking with this man. It is safe to say, maybe sad to some, that I am still attracted to women. Sorry Ken. You do have class though. Mr.K from the CC has more class then U of T. We decided to take this relationship to the next level. That following Monday, we made plans to go hiking up one of the summits around here. Monday rolls up. "Hey what up Daniel. Its Kenny the Cop from around the block. You still trying to get up these hills today?" I receive in a SMS. I reply, "Does Barack Obama deserve a second term? Sure why not." Little Euro tip. Saying, "Did you get my text?" Doesn't fly around here. All the cool kids are talking that, "Hey did you obtain my SMS?" I don't know, blame Shaggy. So we plan to rendezvous at this gas station. Its a good half way point for both parties. I get some errands out the way first, but this whole time I am thinking to my self. "Man this guy is a police officer." I am a fresh off the boat ex smoker with a rehabilitated knee. This guy is going to run circles around me. While singing bohemian rhapsody. What did I get my self into. So we meet up. I make my voice sound all deep like its going to put me in better shape. "Hey whats up bro. You ready to hit this pin on the head..." I'm just joking. I'm not that much of a loser. He drives up. I hop in. Say whats up to Ken and to the nice dog in the back. Then we hit the black and grey. After a few minutes of both of us trying to remember where this mountain is. In a town that neither of us are from. We finally find it. With a little help from Idun's father. Idun is one of Gunnhild's friend and is Kenneth's girlfriend. We then start on the path of my embarrassment. I then start to get a little small talk going. More like long talk. As I drop the self biography on this poor guy. I didn't know what else to talk about. "So how about Ålesund FK?" I don't know shit about football yet. I'm sure he doesn't know about the NHL either. So lets keep it simple. At this point I am also realizing that I am not the one who is out of shape. The dog is leading the way, I am a close second and my man Kenneth is holding down the back section. Here I'm thinking I was going to have to make up a cardiovascular disorder to keep the pace down. I'm in the clear. All in all, it was a good day. Fresh air, great view, and I am down to do it again when ever. Feels good not to be the caboose of the convoy. It was also good because I knew it was going to be one of the last times in a while I get some down time to hike. The next day I start my new job as head bartender at Sagafjord Hotel. I talked about the hotel in my last post. Working here is going to be a really great experience. All new crew. So we get to mold this place the way we see fit. With the strong suggestions from the owners and head management. I was put in charge of running the bar, so I am taking the the given responsibility really serious. This isn't Wally World. I told my area manager at Disney that I would never conform. When he was leaving the Canadian pavilion. I wrote to him, "I am sure I will have to conform one day." Truth is, I miss talking with him. I was taught a lot from his character. It is safe to say I have found that day Nicholas. It doesn't feel like conformity. It feels like a union ship. I give the up most respect , am treated with respect, and I respect the company Most important, I don't have to deal with nearly as much arrogance or ignorance. Our opening week was kicked off by hosting the acts for the Trondal Blues Festival. Head lined by Chris Jagger. I think that Dana Fuchs Band should have been the head line but not everyone likes real music. I got to meet and talk with Dana and the Band. Which was cool. I'm sure the five of us were the only people within a 500km radius with North American accents. The papers said that her and the band tore up the spot. Those two weekend nights were insane at the bar. We took in some decent money and made some good publicity. That Saturday night around 01:00 we had decided to stop sale. Being short staffed and some were under trained. It was in the best interest for the hotel. One drunkard decided to pull a funny. I'm sure he was thinking "Hey I bet it would be funny to grab that knife behind that bar and as a joke say you're not going to stop selling the goods!" Let just say I was an idiot for having the lime and lemon knife anywhere near reaching distance. This guy reached over grabs the knife. I, out of instinct, grab his wrist. He pulled back and cuts between my first knuckle and my palm on the inside of my middle finger. Man was I pissed. This guy could not believe it. He was almost in tears, he was so sorry. Needless to say we stop selling alcohol. The cut wasn't that bad and the knife is hidden now. Plus, how could I stay mad at a guy wearing a Canadian tuxedo. Was a great weekend. Work is back to normal. Weekend is coming up. Live, learn and lets do it again. I'm liking the way things are going. The baby is almost here. Much respect goes out to Gunnhild. I know this shit must be tough. Trust me. Its tough enough from this man's eye view I have here. You are doing great. You and us girl. Almost at the middle of the totem. On our way to the top. Its crazy that I'm here right now. From this late 80s baby with all statistical odds against me. Half my family comes from one of the worst cities in the US. Father locked up for the first 12 years of my life. Other half of my family was hanging on by what is now the memory of my Grandmother. Single mother family living in community housing. Kept my head on my shoulders. Got what I wanted, when I wanted and how I wanted it. Hustled and flowed but never let the hustle get the best. Always keep a balance of the opposites. Here is to everything thing that made me who I am today. Just like Non Phixion said, "the future is now." Take care old world.  www.sagafjordhotel.no/    

Even The Earth is Just Biding It's Time.

It is coming down to a battle of the mind these days. The country side here is so nice and I love the life style here, but there is always something in the back of my mind that wants more. Being inpatient could kill a person. Only thing to do is keep a clear head. It is strange how the mind works. No matter how good or bad you life situations are there will always be something wrong. It has always been a wild world. Even the earth can't help but change on a daily basis. Oh the daily struggle just to keep occupied. The hills I climb are the best source of keeping occupied. Its a battle of the mind every time. What really drives me is the sense of a new accomplishment and to leave my name at the summits. What I'm really waiting for is the fall to arrive. Aurora borealis and a sky filled with stars. Living in big cities my whole life, you are more likely to see more homeless people then stars in the sky. For now its endless sun and the count down to the big day. Before the big day it is time to get to work. The Nynorsk festival starts this week. I can't wait to get back into cooking. I miss working the line at the trattoria. Miss the good people and time spent. I was taught a lot from that place. Not only was I taught so much but I wasn't a stupid young adult. A stupid young adult that took advice, from older generations, for granted. If someone took the time to see that you have potential. If they took the time to invest their knowledge in you. Indulge in it. Whether it is out of tough love or just a story from the old days. Here is to Vittoria Trattoria. Watch you're penny loafer sons. After the week working at the festival, I hope to start working at Saga Fjord Hotel. Last week I had an interview there. The hotel is located in Sæbø. Small village located outside of Volda. This hotel has been servicing the Hjørundfjord area for many years, but it has undergone a face lift. Under new ownership, management and an 8.5 million dollar makeover. The newly renovated area look wonderful. On the downside the work is not finished. They are running behind schedule. This could be some what discouraging. Due to the fact that its a whole new look for the hotel. Catering to a whole new demographic. A setback like this could make or break the company. I do have great hopes in the company. Great location. The location is accessible by land, sea or air. It is a single level building. Rustic/modern style. New foyer, kitchen, dining room, bar and suites. What sets this hotel apart from any others is the fact that it has private cabin areas. A great location for the adventure traveler as well as the five star accommodation seeker. Great addition to the Sunnmøre community. I like the tight knit atmosphere of the community. Speaking of tight. It was Suvimol's birthday on Friday and the food was tight. We had the pleasure of having another great meal at her place. A wonderful seafood bisque with handmade spring rolls was prepared. After the wonderful food. We had an evening of wine and conversation with a more classy generation. Enjoyed a wonderful bottle of Hans Wirsching Riesling. It was in an unusual stelvin flat oval bottle called a Bocksheutel. This bottle is native to one of the thirteen wine regions in Germany. The Franconia region. If I had to pick a country as my favour wine producer. It would be Germany. I know there are older vines, better varietals and yada yada yada. Germany will always be my first choice. Another new addition to this week was being introduced to jonsokkaften. Jonsokkaften is a celebration for the turning of the sun. Being farther up north, people around here take in all the sun they can get. Festivities are held with BBQ, bon fires, and a whole lot of drinks. Someone also decided to push a boat out into the fjord and throw a life jacket along side it. People noticed it in the morning and the town called in a search team. No one had been reported missing but better safe then sorry. Coincidentally Gunnhild's cousin had been missing from the night before. Lets just say there was some panic that morning. In the end police found out that the boat and jacket was an elaborate prank and Jonas had stayed the night at a friends place. What an eventful start to the day. More events kicked off that night. I had the chance to meet more of Gunnhild's friends. Really nice people. Even found out about a local rapper. Still need to check it out. Not to sure what I'm in for. His name is Side Brok. Scratch that. Just had a little taste and this guy is comical. Funny beats. I'll take any laugh I can get these past few days. Last week I found out my good friend from back home had to bury his baby girl. Isza was her name and she was just over one month old. I couldn't believe the news when I heard it. It made me so upset and scared for my own unborn child. So helpless that I couldn't be there for Eric. It really sank in how far away from home I was and I wasn't to happy with it at all. It made me start thinking about that worst in things. The past few days I have had a lot to do to keep my mind occupied. Gunnhild and I sent flowers for the service today. I also sent a speech I would have giving in person. That gave me some peace in mind. Mad love goes out to Eric Romolock. I can only empathize the thoughts this situation has brought to you. Knowing you have a strong mind is good. I hope to see you soon. You are the only person that was living a similar situation as my self. Its not easy just to drop everything to work for what makes you sleep at night. People will have their views and opinions. Love, compassion, envy, hate, and the list goes on. In the end, everyone cares for each other just about as much as we care for everyone. Even the earth is just biding it's time. Take care unpredictable world. 

Vermont Cheese Is Way Better.

Action packed week filled with birthdays. On Wednesday, I celebrated in Norway. It was a great day. Lovely gifts and great hospitality. That day, I finally tried the ever so hyped kebab pizza. It was basically a shawarma pizza. Seasoned beef on the cheese then topped with salad. It was good but you know you can never believe the hype. Some hype that could be believed is that I found me a job. I was asked if I would like to work the Nynorsk festspela. I obviously jumped on the opportunity. Yesterday I went in for the interview at the Ivar Aasen tunet. This building's architecture is amazing. A very modern concept building a top of a hill across from the airport. As you follow the asphalt, with a chic grass strip through the middle, up the winding road. You are then greeted by a grass topped stone house. I think it may be maintenance storage. In front of that is a small outdoor amphitheater. The main building is to the left. Open patio with tall bay windows. Comprised of concrete and open windows. The layout lets all natural light in. Being that it was built by the best architech in Norway. I'm sure that it was handled in the best of manners. The reason for this building is that Ivar Aasen is a very popular man. Being that the Ørsta community is his home town. In the mid 1800 he left the life of hard labour to dedicate his time to his native dialect. He then traveled Norway to study the different dialects of his nation. Out of hard work and perseverance came the "Grammar of Norwegian Dialects." His language was then transformed in to what is known as nynorsk today. The tunet is more or less a museum to the nynorsk language. When Gunnhild and I arrived we were met by our landlord. He was the one that put my foot in the door. Then had a conversation with a man in charge. I was then told that all the paid positions had been filled but they where accepting volunteers. I was a little discouraged but thought that any work is still a foot in the door. It would also be a good way to start to build a resume from Norway. After I agreed he brought me to a women that was in charge of the volunteers to just get introduced. While I was downstairs talking about meetings before the festival. Gunnhild was up stairs talking to Milan, our landlord. He was in need of a souschef for the event. This was indeed a paid position. Gunnhild knowing that I have had experience in a kitchen. She then rebutted that I could be a possible choice. As I was just about to go back up stairs. I was approached by Milan and the general manager and was asked if I would like a paid position working in the kitchen. In side I was jumping for the sky but I modestly accepted. I'm sure there are some people out there reading that saying, "Well let's see if he actually gets his ass up for the job." Lets get some facts straight cruel world. Last year I had the opportunity to work at Walt Disney World. Some people may have thought of this job as the final frontier. I can say that I did not. This was just a nice stepping stone that I use ever so accordingly. At first I was dedicated to the organization and their views. My chosen life style came in to play and held me back from a promotion into a position to make more money. I could have changed my ways and possibly revived that lost position. I wasn't going to change my life for an organization that could careless. An organization that would drop you harder then the dow jones when they see fit. I eventually lost respect and just worked off my on morals and beliefs. My name will never be forgotten. I could careless about the money. Trust me. If I needed money I got it. Plus, there were some Trew assholes I had to work with. There were also some of the greatest superiors and co-workers I ever had the chance to work with. I love the balance of the opposites. I got the feeling that some people felt bad for me. I can say that I felt bad for myself at times. Looking back on it now. I feel bad for them. I know I had a more exciting and better time. Many thanks to the real people along the way. You guys know who you are. Live for self fulfillment along side of empathy for others. Patience was my perseverance and I always pay it forward. I do have to say  that I am glad for working there. If it wasn't for that contract I would not be in the situation I am in now. I loving this life right now. After talking with Milan about the menu, I found out it was his birthday. I then told him it was my birthday yesterday. What a coincidence. After a day of running around, Gunnhild and I went home to eat. Our door bell rang just about when the food was done. It was Milan. He asked us if we would like to join him with family and friends for cake after dinner. He also asked if I would like to join him after for a swim at the local pool. Dinner was spent and we set up our new TV. It was now time joined the festivities. Gunnhild and I had the chance to talk and mingle with Milan and other co-workers from Aasen tunet. Turned out to be a great time. Good deserts and great people. As we were leaving we found out it was Milan's daughter's birthday today. Too funny. Now it was pool time. I was just hoping that there was a diving board. Workman when you get out here we are hitting this shit up! Full size pool all to our selves. One 5 meter platform. Two 3 meter platforms. One with a spring board. Topped off with two 1 meter spring boards. Too dope. This was a great birthday week. Tomorrow I'm going to the farm to work and today it is time to have some fun in the sun with my babies! Take care cruel world.

P.S VERMONT CHEESE IS WAY BETTER!      

Small Town Indeed.

Population 9,000. I have never resided in a town this small. Now that I'm here. I feel like I should have mastered a trade. Then again, I most definitely would not be here if I went into an other profession. The weather has warmed up. The wind off the sea water keeps a constant chill in the air. This makes walking up the hills great. Once you get to the top the cold air brings the body temperature down. The walks up the hills and around the town are the best. Only time I really fell like I'm not being pulled around. I'm not saying that in a negative way. Even though there is only one way to interpret that statement. I am just used to figuring things out on my own. I am learning to cope with it and know that everything is being done is out of love. The other day I went to the midwife with Gunnhild. It felt great to be apart of the meeting. Now I am not just a person that is talked about in hopes that one day I may show my face. The reality of everything is starting to settle in. All information to do with getting prepared is every so conveniently printed in Norwegian. In time you will be mine, in time. I have found, hopefully similar, information online. I love how people make profits on telling other people how to raise their children. I wonder if these authors read other parenting writings. I also think it is interesting how people live for this information. For sure there is room for suggestions but there should be more room for intuition. Not just mother's intuition either. I know my place though. Along side of getting ready for B-Day, I have also started to integrate my self in to the Norwegian system. It must be tough being a D-Boy around here. These guys at Tele2 need a social number to get a pay as you go phone. That goes for any pay as you go phone on any network. Well as the saying goes. Foreigners have to go to an authorized retailer and get them to fax your information to the provider. Moral of the story is that I had to wait a few day to activate my phone. Just found out that the world was ending as well. I would have to say that one of the best things about being  here is that there is no Wal-Mart. What a miracle. I would rather locals screw my family out of our money rather than Sammy "Why Can't I Own The World" Walton and his arsenal of puppets. So peaceful. Speaking of big things, more or less big headed people. I had the chance to travel through the world's deepest tunnel. This thing would be the long board ride of a life time. Gunnhild, Suvimol and I took a trip yesterday to Ulsteinvik. They hold an annual festival. Lots of good food and knock off goods. I don't think you can ever escape those. Suvimol is a women that is from Thailand, lives in Ørsta and is a friend of Gunnhild's family. She is by far the nicest women ever. The day before we ran into her at the local mall. We decided to go eat food at her house and exchange a few stories. She found out that it was my birthday next week and was ever so kind to give me a present. Without saying I can't wait to open it on Wednesday. I guess a lot of small events happen around here. Yesterday there was an all women 5k race that Dagrun took part in. Looked like they were having a good time with it. Traditional Indian belly dance routine to warm up. Women were dressed in costumes to run and all. I have never ran in an organized race ever. I think I will make that happen by the end of this summer. Have to step my game up though. Find my self dragging my butt up these hills to get to the top. Speaking of the hills. I got lost today coming back down from one. The trails lead off in so many directions. It was a little intense but I made it out. Made it out about 2.5 km from where I started. The flies were at my back the whole time like they were just waiting for me to drop. Thankfully I have a decent sense of direction. I could use some direction into finding work though. Like I said before a trade could come in hand right about now. It bothers me just to waste away. Maybe I spoke to soon about all the luck in the world? I'm sure something will turn up. I feel that I may be turning some of my  frustration on my better half. She does not deserve that. Especially when she is with our child. You are doing so good right now. I can not express how much I am ever in her debt. Much love to you my baby boo. With love comes happiness. Happiness overcame hardships. With hardships grows strength. With strength nothing else matters. Nothing else matters but us. Till next time small world from a small town.           

Who Could Have Ever Foreseen?

The power of attraction has a funny way of working it self out, but then again the power of attraction always had a funny way of working it self out. I have made it. I step off the Dash 8 and take the biggest breath I can take. The unfamiliar air is the most decadent thing I have ever inhaled. With the fresh air coating my rehabilitating lungs to the 360 degree view of absolute bliss. Who could have ever foreseen me here at this moment in time? It seems that I am the only one that is not taking these sights for granted. Then I trip over a pile of luggage 


in front of me. "Beklager", I say. A man then looks at me like I had just landed from Goenosis. I guess being polite around here is like telling Roseanne that she is funny. The plane caught a slip stream and arrived a few minutes early and my girlfriend had not yet arrived. I walk into the 1:16 scale airport and it is the most quaint building I have ever seen. Everything is located in one room. The baggage claim looks like the pick up points at the beer store, any greyhound station in North America has a more up to date ticketing station, and the Avis rental stand was a grade school public speaking podium. Complete with a net book and a hole for key return. Now that I had the grand tour of the world's coolest airport, I was getting a little restless. The curry tofu that was served on the Jet Airways flight to Brussles wasn't sitting to well. Word to the wise. Never eat the meat on an air plane! Sometimes that doesn't even help. As I'm walking to the lavatory I think to my self, "What is this toilet going to be like?" I've never been to Europe before. Am I going to have to take a brown eye shower, is it a pay per piece toilet paper, or am I going to find the three shell system. Turns out I had nothing to worry about. It took me a few seconds to locate the flusher. To all of those that have never been to Norway, its on the top lid. This must make upper deckers next to impossible, but where there is a will there is a way. I take another few minutes to look out at the mountains. These behemoths make the Appalachians look like speed bumps. They soar so high and just drop right down to fjords. As I turn to the mirror I notice that I look like a little haggard from the travels. Then I start to think "I'm in Norway." Holy fuck I'm having a baby in Norway! I say to my self, "get it together man! You must be strong. The world is at you finger tips and this is how you are making it." I walk out and there she is. Looking around like she had lost her passport. Its been so long since we have seen each other. Just seeing her there knowing she is there for me makes everything worth it. Our unborn child is nestled right in front of me and it brings the biggest smile to my face. We head to her parents place to eat. To tell you the truth I'm not really up for eating I have been up for several hours and I just wants some sleep. Its not like I'm going to be that guy. "Hey whats up, my name is Daniel. Pleasure to meet you. Im really tired and I think I'm going to hit the hay. By the way send your daughter up when you done eating because it has been four months since I have held her close." Not like I haven't done enough damage." Without say dinner was wonderful. Åge is her father's name. Very cool man. All ways talking about how he is going to take me free diving and up the mountains when the weather clears up. Solid man. I felt really welcome by him. Dagrun is her mothers name. She was also very welcoming. She made sure I was comfortable and if it wasn't for her I would feel lost. She is the only one that can speak English out of the two of them. Without saying my Nynorsk isn't the greatest yet. A lot of Åge and I's conversations consist of hand gestures and grunting. We moved into our own apartment June 1st. Its a wonderful place in Volda. Volda is a small university town in Møre og Romsdal. I love this town. It is built up on to the hill. At the bottom is the ferry docks that connects other towns and the marina. It goes up the mountain in levels. Reminds me a lot of Halifax. The shops and offices are towards the bottom of the hill. As you go up you pass the theater that looks like an old church. There is a school a little farther up on the left. I have noticed that all school's play yard have the same layout in their play areas. A asphvalt soccer field that has a wooden fence around it. The nets are flush with the fencing and the remainder of it rests on the outside of the perimeter. Above each net is a basketball net. As you go up the  the two lane winding roads, that make Montreal highways roads look like airport runways, you get to my street. Its about half way up the hill. Good walking distance from anything that is needed. Yesterday we went to her brother's farm. They warned me that there was never a time that they went to visit where they didn't get put to work. I was all for it. Good way to get a little exercise in and strike a conversation. This village was very small. One store that serviced everyone. We the drove up a small road. I was suprised that it was paved. when we got to the property I was in awe. The farm was nestled a top of a small hill. Big three floor house. Classic red barn to the right. Their pasture stretched to the left about a quarter way up the mountain. It also reached as far as the eye could see behind the house. As you go up to the house there is a nice river that was gushing the most pristine waters. I was determined to take a drink out of it. We were introduced by a goat that I'm sure that was not in the right place. Then her brother came down. His name is Håvard. Looks exactly like his father. I knew it was him from the picture hung at his parents house of him holding a 17.8kg cod fish he caught free diving with a harpoon. After I met the family and a few word were exchanged I was put right to work. The task at hand was to drive pickets to hold up a rope fence. The job was quite easy but   I could see it being gruelling work after a few days of work. Much respect to Håvard and his wife to keeping the farm a float along side the other tasks at hand. The first few days in Norway have been great. I find it very frustrating not knowing the language. That is top priority on my list. I think i wont get as many funny looks if i bought a pair of Umbro or Kappa track pants. Seems like every one has a pair. Track pants and Volvo jacket here I come. Norway and I are going to have a lot of fun.