Maikken K. Volkenstaad here.  Sorry if I haven't written:  the grandnices and grandnephews keep me very busy, as does my job (work for a lawyer, in "small-claims").  I am about recovered from my recent cruise that Otto and I took about a month and a half ago:  we went to the Mediterranian.  It was wonderful, or was, until I got a bad case of sun poisoning.  I was so sick; it's a wonder I didn't end up in hospital!  It was horrible!

Now I have to be extremely careful when I go out in the sun:  I have to make sure I have my sunblock on at all times and I have to wear a hat and long sleeves, so I don't run the risk of getting skin cancer. 

My family is doing well:  the children are fine; no complaints.  I have three daughters, all grown:  Erica Michele, Gunilla Annike, and Janna Hildegarde.  I see them just about every week when they bring their kids over; sometimes I wish they'd keep them at home more; after watching kids all day, it sure does mess up my arthritis!  After all, a body can only take so much bending and lifting ... *Sigh*

Today is a bad pain day.  Rainy and nasty here, rather cool, too, with temps in the fifties, with a stiff wind howling in from the north; makes it seem even colder.  I'm just glad Erica, Janna, and Gunilla decided to keep their kids home today; I need some time by myself (or with Otto)!  Otto is at work; he won't be home until well after dark.

The other day, Maikken, one of my  youngest sisters, fell:  she hooked her foot on her crutch; down she went.  Bruised herself up pretty bad, gave herself a black eye.  It looks like somebody worked her over with a baseball bat; she really looks awful!  I'm just glad she didn't break any bones, but she's going to be hurting for a while!

Lunt also injured himself:  he fell down the stairs (he wasn't watching where he was going; he stepped on his Ragdoll cat, and he fell headlong down the stairs).  He sprained his neck and upper back, so right now he's bedbound.  He's always been something of a clutz!  The cat was fine, but I'm sure he yowled something fierce!

I wonder if the cat ever made up with Lunt.  Somehow I doubt it; that cat has a grudge problem.  LOL

Freja, Kelle, Kjell, Hjalmaar, and Maija are doing better than Maikken or Lunt, that's for certain!  LOL

I am going to have to say some special prayers of healing for Lunt and Maikken; seems those two have more difficulties with falls or accidents ...  *sigh*

Currently, I am sitting in the livingroom, wrapped up in a sweater, an afghan over my knees.  I'm sitting in front of the fireplace; there's a nice fire roaring in the fireplace; it feels nice.  My cat, "UffDa", is sitting on my lap, rolling and purring her face off.  I have a Norwegian Forest Cat; she is extremely spoiled.  LOL  I got her right after Otto and I got back from our cruise; she's been nothing but pure entertainment ever since.  We just love her!

I'm also trying to catch up on my e-mails; not doing very well in that regard.  I am a horrible letter writer; sometimes I don't get back to a letter until six months down the road!  LOL

Well, the phone is ringing, so I must tend to it, see who is calling.  Hopefully I won't have to kid sit again, especially today, since it is such a nasty day outside, plus my joints aren't worth anything today.  I will write in here again; until then, this is Maikken Volkenstaad saying so long!  God bless!  Pray for Lunt and Maikken; they can really use them!  I'd greatly appreciate it!  Thanks in advance!

~Love, your friend in Norway, Maikken.  :)