Can't find an appropriate quote

So, Iceland delivered another volcanic eruption.... watching the news has become really really depressing.  It is just unbelievable what the farmers in the south have had to go through, last spring and now this spring; yet another volcano spewing it's guts and ash into the air..   They are quite stoical when seen on the tv, still I think that there must come a time when enough is enough.  Last week we were worrying about the fact that it looked like there would be snowfall in the North, well, we got that - especially to the east of us.  Thankfully, all we have had here in my fjord is a cold northerly winds throughout the last week and a little snow tonight, no ash and no major snow fall.

http://www.visir.is/section/MEDIA99&fileid=CLP4297

this is a clip of the eruption with some sigurrós background music, making it all pretty - but it ain't pretty for the folk living through this.

Every time I watch the news I just get upset, knowing that there is nothing to be done, but we also have to be very grateful in that so far there are no human casualties, unlike in USA with Missouri getting yet another tornado blasting through.  We have a lot to be grateful for here in the north.  Sometimes you just have to keep reminding yourself of how good life really is and how you I have never really had to face any really really major challenges.  

I live in a lovely little village, that sometimes has horribly cold northerly winds, and even snow at the beginning of summer... but that really is something to be thankful for.

Life is good, and all will be well in Iceland, the weather is changing as are the winds and the folk in the south will hopefully get rain to settle the ash.  Pollyanna will live in our hearts and minds.... this summer will be excellent!

Tonight at 9pm... not much snow - but enough.... but I am grateful that it is white and not grey ash... 

People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within. ~Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

 Am trying really hard at the moment to do something I should have done 40 years ago - learning to love myself for who I am.  This would have to be one of the toughest things that a person takes on.  It is so much easier to love others and do right by others.  Why is doing right for oneself and loving oneself so difficult - is it because we think that this is some form of narcissism, conceit or arrogance?  Why is self deprecation so much easier?  So much easier to make little of oneself, to answer a complement with - what this - it's something I´ve had for ages.  Why do we ask - "do I look fat in this?" before we ask "do I look great - or what!?"


So that is my state of mind at the moment - two inner selves fighting to take control - I am hoping that the self confident, self appreciative self wins out.


In other news the most beautiful Olga is looking more and more beautiful with every day.  She is amazing.  I am so impressed with her and with Ross - he is now becoming a home carpenter - making furniture from pallets - it's going to be sooo good!  

The weather here has taken a turn for the worse... North winds are blowing and we have had snow and sleet today.  We are looking forward to minus temps in the next couple of days - which is not good for farmers, as they are now putting the newly born lambs to pasture.  Lets hope all goes well and that this forecast is not as bad as it looks at the moment.


Those that haven't been following world events - that is to say - Eurovision....
Iceland landed in 20th place, not bad, not great, but ok.  we are all quite happy with this.  The friends of Sjonni did a good job.  if you want to listen then check out this link.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foI2HlqsWQk

I have refused to learn html and all that so you just have to take the raw link.


I love this song.  I can't wait till tomorrow! - is my new motto for life.

Pizza is always really good too.  This one is the one mum and I ate last night and had left overs of tonight.   (this is before it went into the oven)

We understand death for the first time when he puts his hand upon one whom we love. ~Madame de Stael

My dear uncle Bjössi passed away two weeks ago, we said our final farewells last Saturday.  (he is the one on the left, dad the dark haired one on the right).  

I have so many good memories of my most favourite uncle.  He was like a second dad, his family were my family, our family get togethers here in the hook were his family, me, ma and Maggi.  We were family, very close, very much a cohesive unit.  

I wanted to do a proper tribute - lots of photos and lots of memories... instead this will be a ramble -   


My first real memories of Bjössi were when I came here with mum when I was 12.  Bjössi looked and reminded me so much of my father that I was missing so much at the time.  No major memories come back from this time, I just know that I knew that he was there... solid as a rock.  Quiet, supportive and willing to drive mum wherever she needed to go.  When I came with Tracy, at the age of 17, it was the same, here was this guy, so much like my dad and yet different.... again, the guy to go to if you needed rock solid advice.  Then when I was older 25, mum and dad moved back to the rock.  I came north and had the privilege of helping them (or rather being the intermediary) install the new kitchen.  I saw my dad in a totally different light - he and his brother were having a great time, both of them making digs at the other - a typical sibbling situation, brothers arguing in jest with one another about which one is a better cabinet maker, electrician, handyman.  It was such a hoot.


Since moving back to the rock and after the loss of my father Bjössi had become an even more important part of my life.  When I moved into this house he came and had a look, saw that my windows were crap and came with tools and the necessary to ensure that they would at least last the winter.  I didn't ask, he didn't offer, he just did.  That was the type of man he was - he saw a need and he came and fixed it.  


He was also a dog person, his dog Bæsi passed away a few years ago, he had been a gift from the town to him on his retirement.  When I got Freyja, Bjössi took me aside to make sure that I knew what I was doing - you do realise she is going to die before you?  Are you aware of what you are doing to yourself by getting a dog and becoming attached?  He loved my Freyja, and she him.  Freyja recognised his car when he drove past, always wanting to go and have a chat with him, if he saw her he would stop and say hi... 


We will miss him so much, but we are also grateful that he didn't have to suffer and that he is now at rest.  I know that he and dad and their younger brother Kári are together with their parents and I am also sure that the dogs are there too.  Dad, Bjössi, Kári, Taffi, Bæsi, Snoddass and Misty...  I look forward to walking with you.