Farewell . . . Really.

This will be the last post I write as the TN. Redneck. I have made many attempts in returning to regular and even "once-in-awhile" posting, but I simply do not have the time to do so. I really do enjoy writing, but personal and family life take a front page - whereas blogging lies somewhere in the importance category of things that get put in the basement.

Hopefully I've made all of your lives a little more interesting - I know you have certainly enriched mine. But, don't worry, I'll leave the archives for nostalgia. ;)

Thanks to all my fellow bloggers, friends, family and visitors alike. You've made it fun.

Norwegian Cabin Culture

When the weather is cold, snowy, rainy and dark, I like to think about going to the cabin for the summer. Norway has a cabin / vacation culture that is so traditional that one is thought odd not to take part in it themselves, whether they own one themselves or rent. Norwegians even go during the winter.

Here's a few examples from Aftenposten:

It's that time of year in Norway, when the weather gets cold and the days short, and Norwegians flock to their cabins (hytter) in the hills. A kitchen with warm colors, lots of candles and maybe even a fireplace is often the most-used room in the place.

Many Norwegians favour traditional design, including stone chimneys, lots of woodwork and perhaps even a sod roof.

Modern "hyttes" are made to look old and traditional, but don't lack modern conveniences.

Most Norwegians place a heavy emphasis on "kos," or coziness, and that includes crackling fires and lots of candlelight.

Stone floors are often heated with electric cables under the tiles, an efficient source of warmth that rises throughout the room.

Its entrance used a woodwork pattern from the 14th century, as decoration.

This "hytte" at Hovden, in the mountains above the valley of Setesdal, is among many featuring heavy use of raw timber.

Modern Norwegian "hyttes" are sometimes bigger than their owners' homes, with bigger pricetags as well.

An extra exterior wall also is part of old building tradition, and offers the residents more privacy.

Other traditional touches include painted walls or furniture. This one features the initials of the lady of the house.

Interior decorators here recaptured the art of built-in beds and closets in a timber room.

This hytte is warm and inviting, with low windows that allow residents to see outside while sitting in an easy chair.

Sigh . . .

Ok, so perhaps my previous announcement of my awaited return was a bit premature. The holidays became rather busy including post-New Year's, not to mention other issues.

So, first of all, I'd like to wish everyone a wonderful New Year's - after all, the U.S. is getting a new prezzy this year!

Second of all, more big changes in your friendly neighborhood redneck's life - MAYBE. I'll be posting about it on the private blog soon. Those of you that have access, keep your eyes open.

And no, I don't have any New Year's resolutions. One thing I managed to learn in my life is to never make promises, especially one's self.

Lighter Humbugs

I hate Christmas. I don't dislike it; it isn't an annoyance nor do I find it inconvenient. I HATE CHRISTMAS.

I despise having to redecorate half the house and drag all the various accessories / tree from the attic. I abhor the crowds everywhere I go during the holidays that are "last-minute-shopping" because they couldn't be bothered to take 5 - 10 minutes throughout the rest of the year to buy gifs.

Added to this, folks pretend to care about all their fellow humans and neighbors that were conveniently forgotten about during the rest of the year. Goodwill to men?

However, Pooks is the exact opposite of my anti-yultide-joyness. So, for the past 7 years I have made attempts to "behave" during this period . . . though not with satisfactory success.

This year, I amazed myself. I bought a tree - not a cheap one, mind you, but on of a fairly heftomongous price; I didn't even twitch. I then, surprised myself even further by buying more Christmas decorations. Does this mean I'm getting into the Christmas spirit? Heh . . . no . . .

I does mean, though, I enjoy the look on Pooks' face when she'd giddy with holiday glee. So, I suppose my "bah's" and "humbug's" are a bit quieter and subdued this year.

Don't expect me to come around spreading Christmas cheer, though.

Bon Appétit

During a quiet moment today, I sympathized with the species of the world that devour their young . . .

Hip Not

Preach it, Reggie . . .

Eternity

Keera stole this from someone, and now I'm stealing it from her, simply because I had nothing else to do at the moment. Here's the rules:

1. Put your music player on Shuffle
2. For each question, press the Next button to get your answer
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER WHAT (this is in capital letters, so it is very serious - oooooooohhhhh).

BEGIN

1. IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
"Better Man" (Robbie Williams)

2. WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
"One" (Metallica)

3. WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
"Slave" (David Coverdale [Whitesnake])

4. HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
"I'll Always Be Right There" (Bryan Adams)

5. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?
"Motorbreath" (Metallica)

6. WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
"Message in a Bottle" (The Police)

7. WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
"Open Your Eyes" (Asia)

8. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?
"Pride & Joy" (Coverdale / Page)

9. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
"My Head Sounds Like That" (Peter Gabriel)

10. WHAT IS 2+2?
"Cradle Me Now" (Flotsam & Jetsam)

11. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
"Separate Ways" (Journey)

12. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
"Dead Man's Rope" (Sting)

13. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
"Between Raising Hell & Amazing Grace" (Big & Rich)

14. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
"Driven" (Rush)

15. WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
"Don't Lie to Me" (David Coverdale)

16. WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
"I Can't Dance" (Genesis)

17. WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
"You Shook Me All Night Long" (AC/DC)

18. WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
"Forget About Heaven" (Flotsam & Jetsam) [ I promise, I didn't cheat! :) ]

19. WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
"Shapes of Things" (Rush)

20. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
"Wildest Dreams" (Asia)

21. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
"Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy" (Big & Rich)

22. WHAT SHOULD YOU POST THIS AS?
"Eternity" (Robbie Williams)