January 2nd 2018

Dear Heidi,

First of all, a very Happy New Year, which I am sure is going to be a thrilling one!
I am sure that you had no fireworks on board, what with all the rigging, sails and such, but perhaps there was another sort of celebration?

We want to the Opera, to see the Barber of Seville. It was done in a modern style, and to my mind was a little unsettling, but the music was lovely and we all enjoyed the experience. Afterwards we came home to a Scottish themed dinner, of mince, tatties and neeps with carrots and cranachan...but I norwegian-used it, using moose instead of lamb and rice and strawberries instead of raspberries and oats. Then we went out into the foggy snowy night ( we had about 25 cm snow that day) to let off our fireworks along with next door, and went in to them for cake, coffee and champagne. It was a lovely evening actually.

On New Year’s Day we had roast pork at the farm, with tinned fruit salad.

Today it is foggy again, although the weather forecast is for sunshine and there are clear signs of sunshine above the thick fog....but not at ground level. The birds are busy at the feeders in flocks, and I have just been out to refill them. I saw a photo online that you had a bird visitor... what was it? I wondered if it was a booby?

We are waiting for Pappa to come home, he had been out much longer than I expected, and now it is nearly lunchtime. The whole morning gone again. We were hoping to go to Sweden, as the boys would like to shop. Today is the last of D’s holiday. He is back to work at 7 am tomorrow.

Next week we take W back to school. We are just doing a quick in and out, away only two nights.
We are trying to organise all our winter travels, as everything is getting crowded in again suddenly!
Before we know it it will be springtime and the Farm will once more take over our life.
But before then, much to do and see, for you as well as us.

Lots of love dearest girl,
Mamma