Day 11 Xmas Eve photos

On the morning of Christmas Eve Day, Peg is out early to help with the chores. Here she goes down the icy steps by the silo and enters the long sheep barn.

Rotraud and Peg have given the sheep their ration of grain and silage. Here the sheep are on the left and the lambs on the right.

A little later, Einar and Keith take a hike in the snow around the Slogvik farm. Here Einar stands by a large oak that overlooks the fjord.

One of the smaller lakes is frozen enough to walk on.

No further traveling or elaborate "program" today, other than the big Christmas Eve dinner followed by gift opening.

Biding their time until dinner, Terje, Einar and Sonja play cards. Tradition here in Norway includes dressing up for a big Christmas Eve dinner to be followed later in the evening by the opening of presents.

The table in the kitchen is soon covered with Christmas cookies. This was a growing and interesting collection of traditional Norwegian and German cookies. Peg added her California "snowball" cookies and fruitcake.

Everyone must wait for this "photo op" before starting the Christmas Eve feast of turkey, brussels sprouts, potatoes and gravy, and Waldorf salad. Sparkling juices, soda or wine were beverage options. From left: Peg, Terje, Ellen, Einar, Sonja and Rotraud.

This desert takes some explaining. Peg wanted to share our traditional pumpkin pie with the family. No problem - She is known for her excellent pies ... but ... Problem number 1 - No pumpkin could be found in any of the stores we visited, not fresh pumpkin, nor canned!

Problems number 2 - No one, including stores, seemed to have pie pans. Norwegians do many cakes and pastries, but not pies. Creative & versatile Peg comes up with a deep pan sweet potato pie that she is seen here serving. Not too bad, says polite Einar & Sonja.

After our big feast, we are serenaded with Christmas music by Ellen on the violin and Sonja on the piano.

Home for the holidays, here Sonja, Ellen and Terje pose for a Christmas Eve photograph.

In full holiday spirit and finery, the whole group poses - Ellen, Einar, Sonja, Terje, Peg and Rotraud.

The gift opening gets underway and Ellen enjoys her new fuzzy slippers.

No, Rotraud is not cutting Einar's ear off, but removing the tag from this "way cool" College of the Redwoods ball cap.

Terje enjoys unwrapping his new DVD player.

Keith is all smiles with his new "very Norwegian" sweater, specifically designated for May 17th and his "heart healthy walks." Thanks, Slogvik family!

After the gift exchange the family enjoys a fun word game.

A most special and enjoyable evening !!!

Day 11 - Christmas Eve Day & Evening on the Slogvik Farm - Monday, Dec. 24, 2001