lunch, and a sewing machine
Over the weekend we were lucky enough to have a visit from Emily and her lovely family, who caught a 2-hour train from Oslo to bring us lunch. That's no mean feat with two small children, especially when, along with the cooked lunch, you're transporting a stack of kid's books, a basket of fabric, and...
a mint condition, beautiful (but quite heavy) Bernina sewing machine.
I can hardly believe it! I am still slightly shocked that someone I didn't know at all was willing to travel to our house and spend their Saturday with us. And cook us lunch (an amazing whole-baked salmon and vegetables). And share their books, fabric and spare sewing machine with us. I can't think of a warmer way to introduce a new family to Norway. Thank you, Emily.
A and K were very excited to play with their new Norwegian friends. And I loved chatting with Emily and her husband, and playing hide-and-seek with the small ones. An altogether perfect day.
I'm joining dots! Yesterday I read about Emily's visit to you on her blog and now here I am seeing it from your perspective!! What a lovely visit it sounds like too!! And I'm loving all that snow!
Posted by: Di | January 15, 2008 at 10:45 AM
wow! i loved reading this. i feel so uplifted by little occurrances such as this. there really are kind people out there.
enjoy your machine. i can't wait to see what you get up to.
Posted by: cyndi | January 15, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Hello Melissa, We have just come back from holidays and it is so neat to catch up. We went to Nelson and it was v humid and hot and then to Chch and it was hotter 40 degrees and we swam in sea lettuce.....gross. Lovely things happen to lovely people!!!!! take care, Trisha
Posted by: Trisha Findlay | January 15, 2008 at 11:24 AM
What a wonderful welcome :)
Posted by: Felicia | January 15, 2008 at 11:54 AM
I cannot wait to see your sewing creations!!!!
Posted by: Alicia | January 15, 2008 at 11:57 AM
How wonderful - a sewing machine! You'll be feeling a bit more complete now :)
Lunch sounds magic as well - what a brilliant day!
Posted by: charlotte | January 15, 2008 at 12:33 PM
How perfect, I can only imagine how I'd feel if I couldn't sew for any length of time. My Bernina is only slightly newer than yours and it still goes like a dream!
Posted by: Pauline | January 15, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Wow! Lucky you. Sounds like you had a marvelous day:)
Posted by: Bluebirdbaby | January 15, 2008 at 12:43 PM
What a kind gesture. That sewing machine looks very solid and ready to go to work..!
Posted by: Megan | January 15, 2008 at 12:46 PM
wow that is great, oh the kindness of people is overwhelming sometimes
kimberlee
Posted by: kimberlee | January 15, 2008 at 01:02 PM
Emily and her family sound too good to be true. What a blessing!
Posted by: Renna | January 15, 2008 at 01:18 PM
How fabulously generous and fun! Lovely to have a like minded person 'up the road'! Hope you have many more fun catch ups!
Posted by: Jo | January 15, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Oh what a wonderful sounding day! How sweet & kind of Emily to share her spare sewing machine! :)
Posted by: Chara Michele | January 15, 2008 at 02:15 PM
Now you are equipped to make your new home all homely! I can't believe how generous that was, amazing. It is a bit sad that Emily lives so far away. She sounds like she would make a wonderful next door neighbour.
Posted by: Amanda | January 15, 2008 at 05:09 PM
What a beautiful machine. The old sturdy ones are the best! How lovely to have a lunch time visitor :)
Posted by: Jessicah | January 15, 2008 at 05:28 PM
What a lovely gift, sounds like a wonderful day. I can't wait to see what you sew on your new machine!
Posted by: Kirsten | January 15, 2008 at 05:31 PM
Oh how lovely for you! You must have been missing your sewing so much.
Posted by: Sue | January 15, 2008 at 07:05 PM
the magic of having a blog! I really believe that crafting blog people are true gems!
Posted by: Tiel | January 15, 2008 at 08:46 PM
A whole baked salmon?! And a sewing machine?! And two whole children?! For two hours on a train?! That's commitment and generosity and a very welcoming gesture. I'm going to check out Emily's blog now! Sounds like you're really settling in over there and having a blast. Very envious of the salmon by the way ;)
Posted by: alisonmc | January 15, 2008 at 10:26 PM
If only the whole world were full of Emilies! I hope you will have many more wonderful lunches and playdates.
A sewing machine! I cannot believe it either. You must make something on it to show us bloglurkers it is really real. ;)
Posted by: Emma | January 15, 2008 at 10:59 PM
Oh Melissa,
It brought a tear to my eye, I think it is just wonderful and amazing that you and Emily have found each other.
Ever since I emailed you last year about the cardinal bowl I stumbled across on Etsy, I have had the funny little birds pop up all over the place, or perhaps I am just more aware of them.
Blessed be to you and your family.
Caroline
Posted by: Caroline Duncan | January 16, 2008 at 12:04 AM
Oh, how wonderful!It's so nice to hear how Emily takes real effort in order to make you feel welcome and at home in Norway. Having a friend even a couple of hours away makes the hardness of adjusting to a new place so much more bearable. I hope you happy sewing moments with the machine!
Posted by: Merruli | January 16, 2008 at 12:52 AM
So happy for you--such fun and treats! Glad you are making new friends here in Norway! I hope we will be able to meet before long too :o) Have fun with your new sewing machine...can't wait to see what you'll make! Happy week ((HUGS))
Posted by: Tracy | January 16, 2008 at 02:21 AM
What a wonderful welcome!!
Posted by: Barbara | January 16, 2008 at 04:17 AM
what a great story! as my brother in law jokes..it is nice to be nice to the nice...you deserve all the best! I'm sure you will pay it forward as we say...
Posted by: mims | January 16, 2008 at 05:50 AM