Month: December 2018

A whole day on the ocean in bright sunny weather. We discovered the ship – all the restaurants, activities, pool areas. Realized that it was too late to book go-cart or laser tag – it was fully booked all week.

A lazy day by the pool and in the observation lounge are reading books and relaxing. The internet connection were limited to 60 min per person per week (8 min per day) so only short messages to the outside world. The food is great though!

We had made reservations to two complimentary shows – first one out was “Havana”. It was a bit hard to follow but the singers were great.

Started the day after breakfast with a dip in the Atlantic ocean – lovely! After a quick coffee by the beach we checked out from the hotel and took a taxi to the Norwegian Cruise Line terminal and checked in at our home for the week at the Bliss. On the 9th floor in three outside cabins with a balconies. Lovely.

The first day on the ocean leaving Miami Beach in the sunset behind us.

We had a whole day to enjoy in Miami and we started with a visit down at the beach. It was raining a bit off and on but we could stay outdoors.

We decided to take a taxi over to Little Havana in Miami and strolled around there for a bit and had a Cuban lunch. After that we took another taxi (after a bit of a struggle to find one) to a shopping mall down by the port and looked around for a bit. Back to the hotel to change and relax a bit before we went out for dinner at an Argentinian steakhouse. Yum!

A great first day of our vacation together!

Finally the day came we all had longed for – time for our trip to Florida and cruise in the Eastern Caribbean.

We met up at the airport – our flight went via London and then to Miami Airport. We took a cab to our hotel in Miami Beach and arrived safely in the evening after a very long day.

Time for our adventure to start!

Last night we enjoyed my mothers “oxrullader” for dinner – a tradition that goes way back in time. And it was just perfect – Xmas-yummies for starters – then the main course. We all got so full we didn’t manage the third dish – cheese – and went straight for dessert instead. Canned peaches with whipped cream.

Today we have a day to relax, pack and take away the Xmas tree. I am so glad we put it up so early so we have been able to enjoy it a bit extra this year. I love the smell of fir tree.

My husband received the starting fee for Midnattsloppet for Xmas and last night he signed up for the race. My brother-in-law will run too. I am very proud to say I managed to take part of and complete the race a few years back, but I am happy with the once. No need to overdo it, right. Lol.

It is around 0C outside, snow covering the garden in a thin layer, grey sky. Kind of dark outside since it is so cloudy. Not really appealing for a walk. Might crash in my corner for the day.

The best breakfast.. leftovers from Xmas dinner. Three little sandwiches – one with ham, one with liver pate and pickled cucumbers, one with beetroot sallad and home made meatballs. One boiled egg with Kalles caviar and a cup of tea followed by a cup of coffee.

Slept in my new pyjamas – they fit perfectly!

Started to take care of all the dishes from yesterday that needs cleaning by hand. Takes a while but it is so nice to use them for special occasions. And Xmas dinner with the family is special.

Later on today we are going to my parents for Xmas-day dinner. Lovely. But before then I am going to start filling my suitcase and figure out what to pack. Finally I’m allowed to get organized for the trip. Yeah. One step at a time.

Christmas eve at ours. First a busy morning getting the house ready – table set, house cleaned and decorated – food preparations etc. Then we enjoyed the spa for a bit – sitting outside in the sunny weather, snow covering the garden and birds singing in the elder tree. Lovely.

We had our traditional lunch when me and my youngest enjoy rise pudding and the others ham and mash / pasta.

Big Xmas this year – my favorite kind! With my sister and her family and all the grandparents present. A nice meal together enjoying the food and company. Feeling blessed for what we have and grateful we are all well and able to be part of this. After dinner we tidy up and then it is time to hand out and open all the presents. And then we have fruit sallad and / or chocolate pudding with whipped cream and coffee / tea to round off the day.

God jul – Merry Christmas!

Quiet day – but rather busy since we are having guests tomorrow and the house needed a good cleaning. Nice to be sorted and ready for Xmas.

I have tried to start imaginary-packing too – no room for keeping open suitcases around the house just yet.

Time to light the last candle. Feels so strange that Xmas is here. It’s been snowing all day so we might get a white Xmas after all. Lovely. Looking forward to having the family here together enjoying a nice meal together. And this year my sister and her family will join us. Those are the best Xmases – when all of us are together!

First day off from work and two weeks ahead to relax and regain energy before it is time to get back to the office again. What a week.

Slept for 11 hours last night. Forced myself to stay up until 9 PM and crashed as soon as I hit the pillow. Felt quite ok this morning and after breakfast we went to the waste disposal site and then to the store for groceries (met my sister there). I think we are ready for Xmas now.

This afternoon I have baked ginger bread cookies while my husband has made Xmas candy. My youngest is at the movies with his cousins and my oldest is with his friends playing games. I had to work for a bit this afternoon and will have to work a short while tonight too, but it’s ok. Hopefully it will be quiet after today.

Another extremely hectic day but now it is close and I can almost see the light in the end of the tunnel. One more day to go.

I think I broke some sort of record in the amount of invoices I managed to get done today. Now I am exhausted. But pleased with my effort.

Going to crash in my corner tonight catching up on some of my series. Feels strange that it is Xmas on Monday. The Xmas spirit doesn’t really want to arrive this year, for some reason.