Just watched the Nobel peace price concert, and its official – Norwegian men cannot dance and sing and theyre all middle aged and drunk. Great PR for my home land, dear old Norway!

Thank you all for the surprising interest in this northern country, Im hoping Ill get rid of all those myths you have stored up in those pretty little American heads of yours.. Myth nr 1) Polar bears do not walk the streets of Oslo. And for the lessons, heres another, Lesson nr 2: yes, the Norwegian royal family suffers from dyslexia, due to inbreeding with all the other European royal families. However, the crown prince has now found himself a nice little ex narcotic slash single mom to make cute little princes and princesses with and continue this wonderful tradition, keeping the monarchy fascinating and uniquely unpredictable! I just love traditions!

To all of you who share my giddy moods around Christmas time, I find gingerbread cookies, hot negus and clementines add to the giddiness! Oh, well maybe its just silly Norwegian traditions. Or just me..! Sorry, Im just giddy!! Hope you enjoy, Im falling a little in love with this old Hannah, as she reminds me of one of my patients! I think Im gonna have to share a gingerbread cookie with her on my next work day! Yes, Ill do so!

Thank you ever so much for reading and commenting!! Here goes nothing! g_nightswim@hotmail.com





Bette had waited until the hardest part of the rush hour traffic in down town Oslo was finished when she drove her Saab out of the garage and started the ten minute trip over to Midsummer Eve avenue just after six in the evening. She still felt like the couch was pouting at her when she left, besides Jack and Jill were reluctant to letting her leave, but this will make up for everything, she thought imagining Hannahs face when she would greet Bette with one of her indescribable warm embraces. Traffic was friendly as she expected, the atmosphere in the city wonderful, the many thousand lights lit up the winter sky, the radio was playing Christmas carols and Bette felt her heart burst. The soft sounds of the silent Swedish engine combined with a young boy wishing her a merry little Christmas in his soprano voice through the loud speakers made Bette at peace.

She drove past the royal palace. The square was filled with kids and parents watching the guards formations changing. The park surrounding the palace was filled with trees lit up with Christmas lights, the ponds were frozen to ice and Christmas sheafs of grain decorated the piles on the small passways leading over the ice. How come I’ve never noticed this before..? she sighed to herself as she drove past the huge 18th century building housing the National Museum. Now this building she knew well, yet shed never really seen it. She had never bothered to take a closer look at it, the ornaments, the perfect details, the memories and stories this building must be hiding. Porter, youve forgotten all about living.

She made it to Midsummer Eve Avenue and blinked hard a few times seeing the beautiful road dressed in trees heavy with pure white snow. She parked the car in the drive way, fetched the bag from the passenger seat and took a deep breath Now, remember whats important, Bette!


Oh sweety, this is beautiful! The old lady opened her arms for Bette to enter and showed her perfect false teeth in a big smile, lighting her whole face up. She had her silver grey hair tied up in a tight knot, her face was wrinkly, hiding lots and lots of memories, and her two ice blue eyes were beaming. She wore a discrete woollen dress with large sunflowers on, charmingly combined with a bluebell decorated apron. Even though she had a nasty fall a few weeks ago, she still wore high heels and swung herself impeccably around the little house she was still able to hold despite her age. Come here, Elizabeth, let me properly thank you! Bette walked into Hannahs open arms and could feel the tiny lady wrapping her in a warm embrace. Bette was flushed with emotions and tears started running down her cheeks. Hannah noticed Bette quiet sobs. She placed her hands on either side of Bettes face and wiped the tear stricken face with her thumbs. Her eyes were watering as well Oh, sweety. Hannah lifted Bettes head Sweety, whats wrong? You know I love you, right? Bette nodded in between sobs and had to rest her head on the older ladys shoulder. Sweety Hannah lifted Bettes head again and looked into Bettes eyes. I love you, grandma Bette could barely whisper.

Now come here and sit on the couch with me Hannah said taking Bette by the hand and leading her into the living room. Bette threw off her shoes and coat and followed right behind her grandmother. The room had high ceiling and stuccowork, and since Hannah was a retired gardener she had large flowery wallpaper on the walls and the sitting group had her favourite flower, the sunflower, printed on it. The old gramophone in the corner was playing 50s Christmas carols. She sat Bette down on the sofa and covered her with a blanket. She threw another chunk of wood in the fireplace, made two large cups of tea for them and sat down silently, giving Bette a nod, encouraging her to spill whatever was on her mind. The old lady always managed to give Bette a sense of peace, and now, sitting in her proximity, she felt at home, more so than in a long time.

I love you so much, grandma! Bette said steadier this time, smiling weakly. I feel so bad for not visiting you sooner, thats all She took a sip of the tea, letting the warm fluid linger in her mouth. I knitted for you, you know she laughed and pointed to the socks Hannah had placed next to the jewellery box. Now, I could tell by the uneven stitching Hannah laughed and gave Bette a swat on the shoulder. Youre so sweet, my dear child! Bette laughed and felt calmer. You know, buying me this necklace was far too much, Elizabeth! Bette had searched for the perfect gift for her grandmother and opted for this necklace which was discrete yet unique. It was in silver and had small coloured sunflowers hanging loosely in the bottom. Thats the one, Bette had thought the instant she saw it, and purchased it not noticing the price.

Its beautiful, youve always had such wonderful taste! the old lady said with a wink, letting more into the comment than Bette could realize at that moment. Hannah had always had a weak spot for her youngest grandchild and she had never questioned Bettes lifestyle even though she were a member of an older generation, and Lord knows, Norway during the middle of the 20th century wasnt the most liberal place to outlive a certain way of living, much less another sexuality. Hannah, though had always accepted Bette with open arms and never given her anything less than her uttermost love and support.


Tina studied the blue Saab in the drive way. Fancy she thought, noticing the leather seats and steering wheel, the mahogany dashboard and gear stick, the expensive Blaupunkt sound system. Between the seats, a pile of CDs were stacked. Nice taste she thought. There were some smooth jazz albums, a few rock albums and a couple of classics. Now, who might be visiting Hannah this time of hour..? Tina asked out loud as she walked over to the front entrance.


Hannah suspected there was more to Bettes sad face than she admitted, but waited patiently for her to open up. She always had a ring to getting Bette to share her feelings with her, one of few actually. Bette was regarded as extremely correct and professional and hardly ever showed anything of her true self other than the necessary bits. She knew Bette would give in sooner or later and Hannah was prepared to wait.

Sweetheart, Im gonna go fetch us some cookies, why dont you keep the fire going? Hannah said as she heard someone knocking and entering the front door. She giggled and tip toed over to the hall way.


Tina, is that you..?