I am doing my regular reading for national geographic channel and am sometimes called in to do other voiceover work for radio and TV. It has generated enough income to justify a tiny home studio that will hopefully generate more work (if I can only find out how the blasted thing works, it’s been a while). Looking after the house with four males living in it is a full time job, and I refuse to fall into the Norwegian trap of juggling a full time carrier with child rearing and husband grooming on the side. I was an outcast in that respect when we returned, but it looks like I might be regarded as a trendsetter now. The others are starting to wake up!  Kids are tremendously important people.

Andrew is still commuting to Kongsberg, but he is trying hard to get a job which is based a bit closer to home. He’s actually been back to Angola after recovering from the cerebral malaria that hit him on his birthday in March this year. They say he is fully recovered, apart from a slight eyesight problem, but how shall I explain his forgetfulness and general confusion then? Old age?  Had some great boating this year but all too few camping trips.  2006 should put this right.  Who is on for another Easter skiing trip or maybe fishing and camping on the mountain in the summer?

James and Matthew changed school this autumn and they are both attending the local Norwegian school. Matthew was started in grade 1 and James jumped in at grade 3. James’ teacher instantly recognized that there was elements missing in his patchy education history, and she has been wonderful at filling in the gaps and he is rocketing forward. I am still amazed that the International school did not address this in the same manner.  He remains very individual and time demanding but is maturing into a competent young lad.  James is the collector and inventor in the family as his room clearly shows.  Snow boarding is this winter’s challenge.

The most fantastic change for Matthew is the fact that friends his own age are popping up everywhere. Last Christmas he lost most of his friends when they relocated, but now he is making new friends, hopefully for life. Matthew has taken to the water like a fish this year.  He is now jumping off the boat, has completed 50m in the swimming pool and can dive to the bottom.  Last week he started skating and was quickly leaving his Dad behind!