Tuesday, 29 December 2009
Wednesday, 16 December 2009
Sunday, 13 December 2009
Saturday, 12 December 2009
Bed making stage 2!!!
hand!!! I have done the first two, although that did take me an hour
and it started to rain!!! So I shall finish tomorrow!!!
And i have started making my log bed!!!
and cut the trees to start making my bed!!!! So I now have the wood!!!
Only
9 days til Graeme comes!!!!
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
You know you have been in Norway for too long when...
I found the following list on a website and it is worryingly true!!! I am becoming a proper Norwegian!!! Very Very Funny!
You no longer snigger when you see grown women walking around with their hair in plaits.
The first thing you do upon entering a bank/post office/chemist etc. is to look for the queue number machine.
Your coffee consumption exceeds 6 cups a day and coffee is too weak if there is less than 10 scoops per pot.
In a bar you go up and buy your own drink even if you are in a group, Norwegians do not buy rounds!
You pass a supermarket and think "Wow, it is open, I had better go in an buy something!"
A sharp intake of breath has become part of your vocabulary, as has the sound ”Jah hahh”
Your native language has seriously deteriorated, now you begin to "eat medicine", "open the television", "close the lights off", “take a beer”, ”look upon everything” and tell someone to “follow with me” or "you needn't to!" You start to say “for 2 years ago” and ask people "to learn you how to do something!"
Hugging is reserved for foreplay - norwegians dont hug!
You give up on trying to find fat-free food and pile on the butter, cream and sugar.
You no longer look at sports pants as casual wear, but recognise them as semi-formal wear.
Your front step is beginning to resemble a shoe shop.
You know that more than three channels means cable.
When you're hungry you can peel a boiled potato like lightning.
You eat jam with savoury dishes
You accept that 80 degrees C in a sauna is chilly, but 20 degrees C outside is freaking hot.
An outside temperature of -5 degrees C is mild.
You have conversations with people outside when it is –10C.
Having to book seat numbers at a cinema makes perfect sense. And you sit in your booked seat even if there are only 2 other people there and your seat is in the front row, on the side.
It's acceptable to eat lunch at 11.00 and dinner at 4pm
You are able to name at least 5 different types of snow.
Most of your friends have the same names and you must use both names to distinguish between them.
You accept that you will never again wear your beautiful stiletto heels because:
a: there's snow everywhere and even if you did then,
b: you still have to take them off at the door which instantly ruins the hitherto glamorous line of whatever you were wearing as you drop, 10cm, onto your flat feet in your short and sexy little black dress. Not the same effect at all.
Hearing the words f*ck and shag on daytime TV seems perfectly normal.
When someone asks you for "sex" you assume they mean half-a-dozen.
The first thing you do in the morning is to switch on your car heater.
You start calling Coke "cola".
When visiting others you try to go in first. If it's locked THEN you ring the doorbell.
You make fun of tourists.
You accept that you pay bills at the post office, pick up packages from the grocery store, and you have to drive 5 miles to find a postbox to put your outgoing mail in.
When you see that the time is 3.30 and you say it’s "
You're complaining in January not because it's minus 10 degrees, but because there's no snow.
You are horrified if you see anyone drinking wine with their lunch.
You drink a cup of tea with the tea bag in the cup until you finish!
There are 3 ways of doing things - the Right Way, the Wrong way and the NOrwegian Way!
YOU CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE LIVE ANYWHERE BUT IN Norway
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
Monday, 7 December 2009
Sunday, 6 December 2009
Fire and modelling!!!
model for the next fjallraven clothing advert!!!
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
So this weekend Bartie had his first trip in a husky team behind a little bit slippy quad bike, then as all of the snow arrived on Saturday Morning he came out with the team on a sled! I was only sitting in the sled as I was holding finnie some of the time as we didn’t want her loose running past other dog teams, but she was loose next to the team in the forest and was so annoying! She wanted to run up the front with the leaders, was chewing on their ears and trying to play! So for next time, we have found her a small puppy harness and she will at least be starting in the team (she will go in the sled a bit as well so she doesn’t get too tired!) also the snow was so deep on the side of the track, we nearly lost finnie as you can see from the photos!!!!!
And this morning, I got to go sledding!! My first time back on the sled this winter, only with 5 dogs but still really fun! And I only fell off once! There is a lot of deep snow however so don’t feel it was all my fault!
And this morning, I got to go sledding!! My first time back on the sled this winter, only with 5 dogs but still really fun! And I only fell off once! There is a lot of deep snow however so don’t feel it was all my fault!
Monday, 30 November 2009
Sunday, 29 November 2009
Finnie will be going next!!!
the team next time!!! She was running loose today with the teams and
was a little bit annoying trying to eat the lead dogs ears while they
were running!! Full power cut in Gargia this morning, no water, or
electricity either!!! There is so much snow, trees hve fallen on the
electricity lines.. There is nearly half a metre of snow in one day!!!
Very cool! More photos will come when I have electricty!!!!
Saturday, 28 November 2009
A few videos
Check out Bartie and Finnie's new dog house here:
And check out Bartie being a husky! he is in the second row from the back and on the left! he is very very good at being a husky!!!
Bartie is a husky!!!
huskie harness and put him in connies team in front of the quad bike!
And he was so good, took to it straight away and just ran happily with
the other huskies!!! Now have to get him fit as we only went 2 kms and
took him out of the team and walked him back home! The huskies were
going for 25kms so bartie needs to get fitter!!! Next step is to have
finnie loose next to the team!!! Also took a video which I will upload
later!!! Very proud of my boy!!!!
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
Damn reindeer!!!!
On the way to school this morning... Reindeer licking salt off the
road.... Wouldn't move out of my way so I very gently beeped my
horn.... Reindeer casually walked up to my car, kicked my car and put
his head down and carried on eating!!!! Pure comedy!!!!!
road.... Wouldn't move out of my way so I very gently beeped my
horn.... Reindeer casually walked up to my car, kicked my car and put
his head down and carried on eating!!!! Pure comedy!!!!!
Sent from my iPhone
Check out my blog at http://allybartieandfinnie.blogspot.com
Saturday, 21 November 2009
Translatation of my Article (pretty direct so the english is not always perfect!!!)
“Fell for life in the wilderness “
Ally McDonald replaced a British "life in the fast lane" with a lodge and 100 huskies in Gargia.
By Tom Skoglund
If you had a year ago told the British girl Ally McDonald that she would find the dream life out in the wilderness, a good distance north of the Arctic Circle, in a village with more dogs than people, she would have probably laughed at you and called you crazy squirt .
As an assistant manager of a club near Nottingham with a capacity of 4,000 people, the head of her own company, with a boyfriend and plenty of friends in the same town, and the family a short drive away, there was really no reason for her to do something so crazy.
Coincidence But fate can be strange.
- I have had kidney problems since I was little, and in 14-years old, I went through a major operation. The problems disappeared, and I thought I was completely rid of them. But three years ago, I was bothered again. I underwent several operations, the last of these in December last year, "says Ally.
During hospitalization she came across an ad in a magazine.
- It was about a "Charity sled-dog expedition in the Arctic" or something like that. The ad caught my attention, and I decided that I would participate and carry out in style, to prove that I did not let it break me the kidney problems had returned.
It is Tromsø residents Per Thore Hansen who organize these expeditions. Finnmarksløpet-rmusher has his huskies stationed in Gargia, and it was also here the trip was for Ally and the other Britons who participated.
- Six weeks after I read the ad I came here to Gargia, to attend the trip. A 200-kilometer expedition through Suolovuopmi, Maze, Mollisjok, Joatka and back to Gargia.
- The trip was fantastic. I loved it, she glows.
Away from the bustle
The contrast between the quiet life here and what would life at home was huge.
- It clearly has its charm to feel that you live in the middle of nowhere. I have lived some years in London, a city bustling with life at all times, where you can do what you want at any time. But it is a stressful and fussy. Here in Gargia it was just quiet, clean and free of rules and deadlines.
The trip made such an impression on the British 25-year-old that she decided to go back.
- I wanted to spend more time here. Therefore, I contacted a tour operator who put me in touch with Paul and Cathrine Haugsnes on Gargia lodge.
Scary
Fate took hold. Pregnant Cathrine would need a substitute when autumn approached, and when both Paul and musher Per Thore needed someone who could train husky, the pieces fell together.
In August, Ally McDonald packed her things and drove off with her boyfriend. The tour went through France, the Benelux countries, Germany and Denmark. There followed a brief stop in Oslo to be with her two dogs, before the drive went further north along the Norwegian coast.
After 26 hours along the Norwegian roads, late on Friday evening, the pair rolled into the lodge. And Ally started a new life.
- I actually had many reasons not to go. My business went well, and I have a good relationship with both family, friends and boyfriend. But I felt I had to do this now. It was frightening, yes, not least the day I came here. But I know I can go back if the need arises, "she says.
Not always smooth
The first 11 weeks have gone beyond all expectations, she can tell - although there have been some setbacks.
- The training of huskya takes place with them them firmly tied n front of an ATV. I had never driven ATV before, and therefore had to train a little beforehand. There was nothing to it at first, but when it froze and was slippery in the hills, then I have to ask myself what on earth it is I have embarked me on. Driving along the roads were not much fun when it was slippery. But now is it okay, "she smiles.
Also working in dog farms have proved to be different than expected.
- These are working dogs, and you need to get respect from them if at all should be possible to work with them. They have been demanding, but also has by far the largest and most fun was to train them. Now I have the responsibility to train and feed 100 huskies, I will be acting for Paul during Finnmarksløpet ( a huge dog sled race) and I will maybe take part in the Alta 2-day race. I had not thought I'd get to experience ever, "she says.
Resolves problems
Initially she lived in one of the rooms the lodge owns and rents out to guests. But it quickly became twisted, especially when the lodge was fully booked and she had to move out.
The solution was a cottage she was renting at the neighbors Connie Knoff and Trond Frogum.
- This is one of the things that is so special about the people here. When you have a problem in England, it can really be a problem. Here one sees it as less of a challenge, and then simply solves it. Both Connie & Trond, Paul & Cathrine and Per Thore has ensured that the first 11 weeks have gone beyond all expectations, "she says.
- Right now I'm not even sure if I want to leave here ever. It says little about how well I thrive.
Ally McDonald replaced a British "life in the fast lane" with a lodge and 100 huskies in Gargia.
By Tom Skoglund
If you had a year ago told the British girl Ally McDonald that she would find the dream life out in the wilderness, a good distance north of the Arctic Circle, in a village with more dogs than people, she would have probably laughed at you and called you crazy squirt .
As an assistant manager of a club near Nottingham with a capacity of 4,000 people, the head of her own company, with a boyfriend and plenty of friends in the same town, and the family a short drive away, there was really no reason for her to do something so crazy.
Coincidence But fate can be strange.
- I have had kidney problems since I was little, and in 14-years old, I went through a major operation. The problems disappeared, and I thought I was completely rid of them. But three years ago, I was bothered again. I underwent several operations, the last of these in December last year, "says Ally.
During hospitalization she came across an ad in a magazine.
- It was about a "Charity sled-dog expedition in the Arctic" or something like that. The ad caught my attention, and I decided that I would participate and carry out in style, to prove that I did not let it break me the kidney problems had returned.
It is Tromsø residents Per Thore Hansen who organize these expeditions. Finnmarksløpet-rmusher has his huskies stationed in Gargia, and it was also here the trip was for Ally and the other Britons who participated.
- Six weeks after I read the ad I came here to Gargia, to attend the trip. A 200-kilometer expedition through Suolovuopmi, Maze, Mollisjok, Joatka and back to Gargia.
- The trip was fantastic. I loved it, she glows.
Away from the bustle
The contrast between the quiet life here and what would life at home was huge.
- It clearly has its charm to feel that you live in the middle of nowhere. I have lived some years in London, a city bustling with life at all times, where you can do what you want at any time. But it is a stressful and fussy. Here in Gargia it was just quiet, clean and free of rules and deadlines.
The trip made such an impression on the British 25-year-old that she decided to go back.
- I wanted to spend more time here. Therefore, I contacted a tour operator who put me in touch with Paul and Cathrine Haugsnes on Gargia lodge.
Scary
Fate took hold. Pregnant Cathrine would need a substitute when autumn approached, and when both Paul and musher Per Thore needed someone who could train husky, the pieces fell together.
In August, Ally McDonald packed her things and drove off with her boyfriend. The tour went through France, the Benelux countries, Germany and Denmark. There followed a brief stop in Oslo to be with her two dogs, before the drive went further north along the Norwegian coast.
After 26 hours along the Norwegian roads, late on Friday evening, the pair rolled into the lodge. And Ally started a new life.
- I actually had many reasons not to go. My business went well, and I have a good relationship with both family, friends and boyfriend. But I felt I had to do this now. It was frightening, yes, not least the day I came here. But I know I can go back if the need arises, "she says.
Not always smooth
The first 11 weeks have gone beyond all expectations, she can tell - although there have been some setbacks.
- The training of huskya takes place with them them firmly tied n front of an ATV. I had never driven ATV before, and therefore had to train a little beforehand. There was nothing to it at first, but when it froze and was slippery in the hills, then I have to ask myself what on earth it is I have embarked me on. Driving along the roads were not much fun when it was slippery. But now is it okay, "she smiles.
Also working in dog farms have proved to be different than expected.
- These are working dogs, and you need to get respect from them if at all should be possible to work with them. They have been demanding, but also has by far the largest and most fun was to train them. Now I have the responsibility to train and feed 100 huskies, I will be acting for Paul during Finnmarksløpet ( a huge dog sled race) and I will maybe take part in the Alta 2-day race. I had not thought I'd get to experience ever, "she says.
Resolves problems
Initially she lived in one of the rooms the lodge owns and rents out to guests. But it quickly became twisted, especially when the lodge was fully booked and she had to move out.
The solution was a cottage she was renting at the neighbors Connie Knoff and Trond Frogum.
- This is one of the things that is so special about the people here. When you have a problem in England, it can really be a problem. Here one sees it as less of a challenge, and then simply solves it. Both Connie & Trond, Paul & Cathrine and Per Thore has ensured that the first 11 weeks have gone beyond all expectations, "she says.
- Right now I'm not even sure if I want to leave here ever. It says little about how well I thrive.
Photos From my Newspaper Article
Copyright Tom Skoglund Altaposten
Front page news!!!!
it.... Me!!!!! Funny story on a crazy English girl moving to
Norway!!!!!!
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
Sunday, 15 November 2009
Thursday, 12 November 2009
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Monday, 9 November 2009
Shoppng!
so must use baby trolleys!!!
Saturday, 7 November 2009
Dog house!!!
nice and toasty for winter!!!
Friday, 6 November 2009
Famous!!!
alta!!! Obvously working very hard!!!
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
Visiting puppies!!!
we popped by to see Helene, a handler for Roger Dahl ( an awesome
musher who has won the finnmarkslopet race!) and among their 40
huskies was 5 goregous puppies!!! So we had to play with them!!!
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Update!
great, connie tried to explain how to do it right, but I couldn't
understand!!! I keep hearing the phrase "dumt engelsk damme!!" I am
trying to be a good Norwegian girl by doing the following...
1. Knitting my own clothes
2. Always having clothes dirty from the dogs
3. Actually wishing it would get colder!!! I want snow and the roads
are not as slippy!
4. Chopping up dog food using an axe!
5. Finding a use for everything in nature.... Made dog lead hooks out
of a tree the other day and next project is making a bed from trees!
6. Using your knife to do almost everything outside, including making
kindling for the fire, making sausage cooking sticks, cutting tangled
husky lines and cutting bits of a salted and dred moose heart!!!
Tastes almost like licoriche!
I will admit I was a bad Norwegian girl, I wouldn't eat the fish eye
that was left in the bowl after dinner! Although even Kaisa the
hunting dog struggled to eat it!!!!
Becoming a good Norwegian women!!!
to do in my cabin, I have taken to sitting in conne and tronds living
room an knitting!!! And I think I am getting good! Here are some arm
warmers and my almost finished first sock!!! It i now finished!!! I
plan to make a whole wardrobe of woolen stuff now!!!!
Friday, 30 October 2009
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Friday, 23 October 2009
What connie brought in finnland....
Thursday, 22 October 2009
Road trip!
a shoppig trip! It's like going to france to buy alcohol, except you
buy everything as it's ALL cheaper than in Norway!!!! But on the way
we had a bit of a traffic jam, behind reindeer!!!! And check our the
road... In enland you have to watch out for patches of black ice, but
here ou don't need to worry about that, you just drive on ice all the
time! But the winter tyres with studs use here are amazing!
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