Cows to Concert

On our first morning at Slogvik, Peg is up early and welcomed by the traditional Norwegian breakfast.

She grabs the camera and is out to help Rotraud and Einar with the farm chores. First project is to find the wayward cows. As the tractor comes up the lane with the silage, Peg captures this view of the fjord and the island of Borgøy to left.

It has not snowed yet, but this is serious cold. This is a view of the frost covered vegetation and the south end of Slogvik Lake.

Cows are often brought in to the barn to spend the whole of mid winter in this area ...

As the cow searchers split up, Peg gets this view of the lake with an interesting play of light and color

... but Rotraud and Einar are experimenting with letting the cows stay out a little longer this year ...

And yet another view of the lake.

... but that means bringing feed out to them as natural forage is quite sparse at this time of year. They were eventually found and fed ... and all is right on the farm.

Peg could not resist taking this picture of a copse of trees in early Tysvær light. She reflects that this picture reminds her of paintings by the famous local artist, Lars Hertivig. She understands better now why he is called "the painter of light."

And one last picture of the trees, grass and gate in the heavy frost. This frost will last around the clock for several days.

As Peg heads back toward home, she again takes a shot at the fjord and Borgøy. Because of the very low ark of the sun at this time of year, the sunrises and sunsets lasts a very long time. The sun will not break over the hills until 10 AM.

A little later in the day, our friend Knut Hildal from Odda has driven several hours south to visit us. He and Keith met on the Internet Norway List and became acquainted when he came to visit us last November. (check out "Knut visits the big redwood trees" site)

Taking a walk around the farm, we take this photo of the fjord which shows the prominent Slogvik Island on left.

Passing by the sheep barn, we capture the sheep curiously looking at us.

Well ... 2 sheep pictures..? We couldn't decide which one was best ... and forgot to delete the loser.

Walking down to where Einar is building an SSSS road down to the fjord, Peg captures these half inch ice crystals on the rocks. This is not just "morning frost" - remember, it is serious cold and the days are short.

Back in the warm Slogvik home, it now time for coffee and holiday goodies. From left: Keith, Knut, Einar, PC the dog, and Rotraud.

Waiting for the rest of us to get dressed up for the evening concert, versatile Einar can not wait for the music. He here displays yet another musical talent.

Peg captures this interesting view of the front of the Vaar Frelsers kirke (Our Saviour's Church) in central Haugesund. Here we met Lillian and Roy, who joined us at the concert. Lillian is one of Einar's 4 sisters.

Inside the church, Peg gets this shot of one of the side balconies. This beautiful church was recently renovated and celebrated its 100th birthday earlier this year.

Here famous Norwegian singer Hanne Krogh looks back at the 2 choral groups with whom she sang. The concert is well underway with the church filled to capacity.

Much of this Christmas musical program included the spoken word. While we did not understand it all, the spirit of Christmas was definitely present and enjoyable. The presence, voices and smiles of the young folks made it even more special.

After this delightful concert, Keith meets with the
star of the performance, his favorite singer, Hanne
Krogh. They exchanged e-mail addresses and Hanne informed Keith that she would soon have her own web site.

http://www.hannekrogh.com

As the crowd thins after the concert, Peg and Keith go upstairs to try to capture a better inside photograph.

As we leave, we look back and take this night shot of the front of the church.

We then adjourn to Lillian and Roy's attractive home in the hills overlooking Haugesund.

After gløgg and a delicious holiday meal, Keith makes everyone pause for a photo. Around the table from left: Lillian's daughter Hege, Peg, Roy, daughter Linn, Einar, Rotraud and Lillian.

And now for a taste of modern Norwegian culture -- art photographer Linn shows off her tattoo. We agreed to link to each other's web sites. The "Linn Foerland photography" site is now up at: http://www.linkashots.com

Day 4 - "Cows to Concert" - Frosty Slogvik farm views while looking for cows, Visit from Knut of Odda, Hanne Krogh Concert & Dinner at Lillian & Roy's, Haugesund - Mon. Dec. 17, 2001