Out for a drive

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Yesterday, Mads and I went for a drive with the girls.

In a field 

We used to do that quite a bit 5 years ago, when we were looking to buy a house, trying to get a feel of the different areas around Copenhagen. And of course, each time we have been searching for inspiration for something to do on the house – like constructional techniques, colours, roofing solutions, windows, etc. This particular weekend, we would have preferred to go for a walk, but Frida has a terrible cold again, so we went for a drive instead – just to get “outside” for a bit.

Alley 

The landscape that surrounds our town is quite beautiful, especially if you go to the south. It had been snowing a little, and Ronja was going on all day about going out for a sled ride. I think she was a bit disappointed, that there wasn’t anywhere near enough snow for that. We haven’t had much snow this winter – way back in November, we had some, but I think that about sums it up…

Trees 

I have been working on Ronja’s angel costume this weekend, and I’m rather enthusiastic about the way it’s coming together. I haven’t finished, though – still need the last bit of the underdress, and some detail work. I’m using this Ottobre pattern, which is meant for a regular dress (a bit to the dressy side), but I think it’s perfect for this purpose. Once again I have been getting some fabulous advice from the Ottobre English Sewing Group, which I cannot commend highly enough. I’m learning so much from being part of the group – it’s just brilliant for receiving help and inspiration, if you’re sewing Ottobre.

And then I received something this weekend. Ronja was certain it was for her, because of the sweet stamps on the envelope – including Curious George (called Peter Pedal in Danish). And the truth is, it will be for her as well.

From a friend 

Guys, take a look at this beautiful dress! It’s so wonderful – the shape, the sleeves, and that fabric too… Well, Sarah mailed me the traced pattern for it – isn’t she great? Thank you SO much, Sarah – it looks like it’s just the right size for Ronja, and I’m going to be making it among my first projects to come right after the angel costume.

And for you guys – if you aren’t reading it already, you should go have a look at Sarah’s blog – she does some beautiful sewing!

Wrap up

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I’m in the train right now – on my way home from work. It’s getting dark – and by the time I reach our house the light will be all gone. I wanted to post about 2008 one last time – just a few pictures to show you what we were up to in December.

It was a busy month. With me starting my new job, and all of us taking turns in having sore throats and then some. And Christmas of course – I know I wrote a bit about that already, but our traditions in December are very important to me and my family, so even though they do add a bit to the general bustle, we’re just not letting go of those.

Like going to the Tivoli Christmas market – Mads and I have been going there every year since we met, and it’s become quite an important event.

Tivoli Christmas Market 2008 

Tivoli Christmas Market 2008 

A while ago, we had some snow, and Mads and Ronja went sledding. I wasn’t feeling good at the time, and Frida was having a cold, so we stayed behind. I do hope we get another snow fall during this winter – you never know.

 First sled ride this winter

On Boxing Day we went for the traditional Christmas lunch with my side of the family, which is always a cosy event. We don’t get together too often, so this annual event is much anticipated. After lunch Ronja and I went with a few others for a walk by the fjord. Ronja had a cold, so she and I didn’t go quite as far as the others, but then we had a quiet mom-and-daughter moment instead.

Reflective 

I’m not going to say more about 2008. Now it’s all about 2009, and 2 days ago I actually managed to do some sewing. Just a pair of pants for Frida, which were needed, but I do hope that I will have more time for my sewing now that we’ve entered the new year. I don’t have any new years resolutions this year in particular – just looking forward to the new year in general.

 Sunset

White world

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 I woke up to a beautiful sight this morning. Our garden is covered in snow, the sun is shining, and moments ago I sent Mads and Ronja off with a sled to play in the snow.

Ice on the branches 

So what am I doing back here? I’m sitting on the couch, covered with a warm duvet. Frida and I took over Mads’ flu that put him out of business for a few days, and now I just hope that she and I will be well for tomorrow when there’s a big Christmas party at Mads’ work.

Karen and her family were supposed to visit us today, but of course I had to cancel that as well. Bummer. However, 12 hours on a plane isn’t much fun if you’re coming down with the flu, so it’s a good thing they will be back sometime during the next year!

 I promised you guys a picture of Frida wearing the Dolly daisy dress, and this is it.

Frida modeling the Dolly daisy dress 

There was just no way to get her to stand and not chase the camera, so you will have to do with this sitting image of the dress. I can just see her wearing this dress along with the little red shoes from my own childhood – she’ll be adorable.

I have been receiving a few e-mails and comments about the Onion-patterns that I have used quite a bit. I think you will be interested to know, that coming up in my next post, I’ll be announcing a give-away. Maria from ShopOnion.com has been kind enough to donate some patterns for you guys – and no worries, the patterns come with an English translation. So check back soon! :)

January – and progress upstairs

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No, you’re right – the picture is almost cheating. We’ve had one day like that this past Saturday, and I just had to post a real winter picture. The rest of January has been all about beating records on high temperatures and rain. Saturday we got out the sled, and Sunday the snow was gone, leaving the sled a sad sight, the way it stood there in the rainy yard, filled with water.

As opposed to December when we took a break from working on the 2nd floor, Mads has been making some great progress upstairs these past weeks, finishing the insulation and mounting the first layer of wallboards – the last part with much appreciated help from our friend Martin.

It now looks like a room, the insulation keeps the place fairly warm, even though it’s not heated yet – and it’s definitely getting easier to see the end of it. We have a long way to go before it’s finished, but it’s a great feeling to be this far ahead in the process. As always, pictures can be seen here.

Ronja is getting so big – you’ll find a video of her singing “Bro Bro Brille” here. Have patience – it takes a few minutes for it to load, and the quality is not that great – however, the important thing is what’s on it.

No more winter!

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The snow has almost melted, and the weather is getting milder every day now. There is bird’s twitter in the morning and the spring flowers are beginning to show in the garden. Ronja had her last sled ride for this winter a few weeks ago – presumably – and she loved it. Now we’re looking forward to spring and summer – it is going to be nice to see more of the sun.

I’m doing ok with my running – it has been less hard starting up this time, compared to last time, when I decided to start running back in 2003. My most recent run was Sunday, and I ran together with my brother Jakob who has been visiting from Amsterdam this week. I was seriously skeptical as I haven’t been running with anyone before, but we had a really nice trip with good pace and we actually ran well together – I may even miss the possibility of running with a partner. It was a good thing that he talked me into it. ;)

Ronja is one and a half year old tomorrow, and she is developing so much at the moment. Her words are going from total Russian (which we do admire even though we don’t understand one word) to something that makes sense, and she knows a great many words now. She also combines words to little sentences and is making progress so quickly that we can hardly follow her. She is great at “helping” with the laundry – meaning of course that I need to collect it all over the house, before I can wash.

Ronja is going to Shrovetide (Fastelavn) at the nursery on Monday, and we’re still not sure what she should go as. My mother is looking for a little clown suit (a wonderful one) that she made for my brother at that age, and if she manages to find it, Ronja will probably be a clown – and a cute one too! I’ll get back with pictures.

Winter walk

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The past week my running hasn’t added up to much (i.e. I haven’t been out running for a week), due to the snow and ice covered streets we have here in Herfoelge at the moment. Too bad – I’m looking forward to my next run, but I’m not breaking my legs going out too soon. It must be really practical to be able to train on the balcony like Jakob does (quote: “This weekend’s ride on the balcony was great!” … :) ) – but for me that would require a treadmill, and I’m not really into those things – I like it better to feel the wind against my face and notice the places I pass on my way.

Yesterday we had the most beautiful weather and Mads, Ronja, and I went for a walk at Koege Marina. Ronja can’t walk that far before she get’s tired, and in this weather it’s even worse because she has to be wrapped up like the Michelin man. When you can hardly move, and it’s only been a few months since you learned to walk, the wrapping must be somewhat of a challenge!
If you can stand the freezing temperatures, though, you’ll get many beautiful sights at the moment, with lots of snow and a thick layer of ice covering everything. Now is probably a good time to do a little advertising for my LaCrosse boots. Mads gave them to me last Christmas and in a weather like the one we have now they are the only appropriate thing to wear!

Christmas 2005 – and on to 2006

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December has been a busy month – as usual. We had a nice and cosy Christmas at my Mother’s, and we also had time for a trip to the Tivoli Christmas Market (the picture is showing me and Ronja riding the charming old carousel at the Christmas Market – Ronja couldn’t take her eyes off the lights), a walk in Dyrehaven by the Eremitage Castle and having fun in the snow. Ronja is now walking rather well, and she has had her first sled ride – we had lots and lots of snow between Christmas and New Years.
This year I’m starting to run again (New Years Resolution!) – two or three times a week – as soon as there’s a little less snow. I’m really looking forward to it, since the area we live in will work really well for running routes, and that way, I’ll also get out of the house by myself on a regular basis… ;o)
Right now there’s still a lot of snow outside, and it’s misty and cold. I always thought January was a funny kind of in-between month – it’s still dark, grey, and cold, but it’s missing the Christmas lights and cosiness of December. Like a waiting room for spring and lighter days.